Love is Kind :: A Valentine's Pillow How-To

in , , , , ,
Beat the February Blues by doing a quick project to get in the love spirit. This Valentine pillow can be finished in one evening, which leaves you the rest of the month to fill the heart pocket with fun things to Be Your Own Valentine.

Materials:
Pillow fabric - 2 pieces of 15x9 inch fabric
Heart pocket fabric: 2 small pieces of fabric, enough for the size of your pocket (can be different patterns)
Fabric scissors
Fabric pencil
Thread for embroidery
Pillow Stuffing
** I used a sewing machine for this project, but you can just as easily sew by hand.**

Directions:
1. Layer the heart fabric together with right sides facing out and fold in half. Draw half a heart against the folded edge with your fabric pencil and cut out.


2. Using your sewing machine, finish the ends (I used a blanket stitch).

3. Take the finished heart pocket and embroider or embellish as you desire.

4. Pin the heart pocket to the right side of front pillow fabric and sew the heart on. You want to make the heart a pocket, so sew from a quarter along the curve down to the point and back up to a quarter up the curve. This way the top of the heart doesn't flop down yet the top forms a pocket.
5. Take the two pieces of pillow fabric and with right sides facing together, sew a quarter inch from the edge all around the pillow, leaving 3 inches open at the end.

6. Turn the pillow inside out so the right sides face out. Press the seams down with an iron, and sew one eighth of an inch along the edges, making sure to leave those three inches open at the end.
7. Fill the pillow with the stuffing and sew closed.

8. And now is the fun part! Fill the pocket with things to brighten your day and to remind yourself to Be Your Own Valentine. I chose an organic chocolate bar and an adorable charm necklace from {NewNew} member p*Charming.


Have a fantastic day!

Staying Warm Outside the Norm

in , , , , ,
When most people think of this city they picture an eclectic melting pot of unique style and wondrous swagger. Many choose to express themselves through the things they wear so I'm going to try and suggest some outerwear that strays away from the traditional scarf and hat.

As an avid knitter, you can gauge the trends for the season by blog hopping and checking out what everyone's knitting. This winter has to be the year of the cowl. They work because they're short, sweet and simple. You don't have to worry about it accidentally getting caught in a subway door and strangling you half to death (sheesh). They can be chic and casual or wacky and whimsicle. They're my favorite line of defense for covering the nose to the neck region.
Leaves of Grass Cowl by Knitting Guru


For those of us that don't mind items close on our necks, the scarflet works just as well as the cowl at staying warm and toastie. Sometimes a vintage button can be the perfect touch to complete any outfit. Cappuccino Cozy by Knitting Guru
Speaking of tight fitting, lets say that you hate hats that constrict your head but you still want to cover those ears. I found these retro hoods in Better Than Jam's shop and I think they add that extra kick to any wardrobe Red Hood by Better Than Jam
For some odd reason, only parts of my body seem to get cold most often. My head is always hot and my nose is always cold but when I'm at my day job plugging away on my keyboard, I notice my wrist do get kinda drafty. If you're like me, then you'll love these cute little cuffs found in Shutterkate's shop. They're like jewelry that does double duty giving you that nice and cozy feeling Upcycled Wrist Cuff by ShutterKate/Knitstorm

Say you're looking for something really off the wall, you want to shock and surprise, why not try a scarf of sausage links or an old school ascot? New Yorkers ususally don't point and stare but you never know, wearing these items may lead to some very interesting conversations.I hope you all found something that may have you rethinking the New Yorkers uniform of a plain black hat and scarf. Think about spicing it up for the new year with something bright and fun! Who says everything has to be all matchy matchy? Why not stay warm and live outside the norm!

-Chante
Preview of my new hats that I will be offering in my shop next week to help brave the cold.