Category: Girly

Knitting and Crocheting for Good

knitted-knockers

So today’s entry is a little different and comes to us because of a letter in a recent Dear Abby column: The Knitted Knockers Support Foundation. How many of us know someone who’s had, or continues to have, breast cancer?

Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prosthesis for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. Traditional breast prosthetics are usually expensive, heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers on the other hand are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. Their special volunteer knitters provide these free to those requesting them. Knitted knockers can be adjusted to fill the gap for breasts that are uneven and easily adapted for those going through reconstruction by simply removing some of the stuffing.

Their website provides patterns to knit or crochet knockers. Women can also come and request a knocker in the size and color they want. In addition, they provide a how to guide on how to choose approved yarns, how to start your own Knitted Knocker group in your area, or how to find existing groups.

Jake the Dog Plastic Bag Holder

175179_09oct16_img_20160809_172433

Teaandcraft of Perth, Australia, has a practical side that I appreciate. She decided recently she really needed a plastic bag holder, and that it should totally look like Jake the Dog from “Adventure Time” on Cartoon Network.

Her Jake has a 65cm long torso and, including his arms and legs, is about 118cm long in total. He is only 14cm wide though; but she can’t decide if she likes the skinny look best (because it kind of looks like he really has stretched) or if she should have made him wider.

Personally, I like the long and skinny Jake, because it looks like he’s changing size to me.

For more details on how Teaandcraft made her Jake, check out her posting here.

It’s Dangerous To Go Alone

164265_28sep16_image

Whew, it’s nice having electricity again, now that Hurricane Matthew is gone! My entirely dark neighborhood made me think of this quote: “It’s dangerous to go alone. Take this!” Unfortunately, we didn’t have Link to guide us.

Meleriffic, of Texas, recently made this Link cross stitched project for her husband for his birthday. The pattern is from StitchLine on Etsy. When she saw it, she knew it was perfect. Her husband loves The Legend of Zelda video game series and often quotes, “It’s dangerous to go alone. Take this.”

Meleriffic been working on it off and on since May, and just finished this a week ago.

Floral Cross-Stitch Street Installations

wlw6plo

Raquel Rodrigo has created some amazing large scale floral cross stitch street artworks. This needs to become as popular as yarn bombing was.

lqivdef

Set designer and artist Raquel Rodrigo brings the macro details of cross-stitch embroidery to building facades around Madrid. Her colorful installations are prepared beforehand with enlarged cross-stitch techniques utilizing thick string wrapped on wire mesh before each is unrolled and affixed to a surface. The decorative pieces create a fun, pixelated texture that looks completely different close up versus at a distance.

Jaws Necklace

vjuxbod

I came across this Jaws necklace on Imgur the other day. There wasn’t any information about it. It couldn’t be too terribly difficult to make. Start with come clay, paints and get some chains. And as a fan of “Bruce the Shark,” I may end up giving this a try.

But I decided to take a peek on Etsy to see if I could find it. While I couldn’t find it on Etsy, I did find a very cool alternative.

il_570xn-997856360_25ua

The design on this slice of birch tree is a combination of colored pencils and ink. It’s been sealed with a high-gloss epoxy and coated with a matte varnish. Despite being sealed, Kahahuna doesn’t recommend getting this piece excessively wet because it may cause the wood to swell and damage the design. All buttons and pendants are made one at a time and none are exactly the same. Necklace is fitted on a 14″ link chain or hemp cord. The birch bark may unravel over time, but this does not harm the design and adds to the character. It’s available on brass chain or shimmery wire-wrapped hemp, both with lobster clasps.

Kahahuna also sells this necklace for only $20.00.

1966 Batgirl Costume Inspired Purse

1966-batgirl-purse-01

BenaeQuee of Brooklyn recently made this Batgirl-inspired purse for a friend to go with her Batgirl costume, for DragonCon. They went back and forth and BenaeQuee was given creative freedom to create this. Her friend already owns two more of BenaeQuee’s bag and several accessories, the friend knew something awesome was bound to happen.

This is the Swoon Rosie pattern and it was BenaeQuee’s first time making it. She had to create the bat from Pellon 808 backed yellow cotton fabric with HTV heat pressed on in gold and yellow. That was then appliqued onto the front flap by hand cranking her sewing machine. Rosie is a comfortable crossbody bag with a casual style. It features a long adjustable strap, two zippered pockets and a roomy main compartment.