Where's the Doctor?

This post has been a long time coming.  Hell, any post has been a long time coming.  I know I've taken quite an absence from blogging lately.  I am very sorry for the dead air.  The last few months have not been the best for me.  After spending an, unexpected, 11 days in Seattle to see a specialist for my back (a trip that was just supposed to be 2 days) in December and not getting the news I had expected I returned home and sunk in to a depression.  That depression kept me in bed, unable to focus, unable to knit, unable to sew, and unable to blog.  Never mind that I had no desire to share all that (all this) with the world. 

After I worked hard to get through the depression, it seemed that the time between blog posts was too great.  How do I come back?  Has it been too long?  Do I share why I've been gone?  Well, screw it, I'm going for it!  So, I made the decision to come back, now what?  I have a dozen projects I'd love to share but not a decent picture of anything.  The few pictures I do have I cant seem to edit well at all.  There, I said it.  I can't edit pictures for shit!  Sure, someday I'll learn but that's about the last thing I have time for right now.  I'm tired of not blogging because I am insecure about the quality of my pictures.  I never started blogging to show off my picture taking or photo editing skills.  I started blogging because I liked sharing the things I do and the things I make with people.  I started blogging to give me a voice and empower me.  Not to make me insecure about whether I'm a great photographer or not.  So there you have it.  I'm coming back.  I may not be able to blog too often as my school schedule is KILLING me.  My pictures may not be the best either, but here's what I got and I'm willing to share it with you.

So, like I was saying (before I verbally puked on you), this outfit post has been a long time coming.  I have had this knit top and this skirt done for months.  I've worn it many times.  In fact, these pictures were taken on my third time of wearing this top and skirt together.  I had meant to get pictures the first two times but it just didn't happen.  Not that I have minded wearing it on many occasions.  This has come to be one of my favorite outfits that I have ever made.

This is the first knit top I've made in years.  If you've been around for a while, you know that I've been completely obsessed with knitting cardigans over the past few years.  However, in the summer (which is when I had cast this on) it's hard to want to knit a bulky sweater.  Especially last summer, which was one of the hottest we've had in years and years.  I was in search of a pattern that I could knit that wasn't hot and bulky but would still add to my wardrobe.  I also wanted to try my had at a true original vintage pattern, not a remake or vintage-inspired. 

One of my favorite places to look for vintage knitting patterns is over at Subversive Femme.  Bex has compiled an extensive list of FREE Vintage Patterns that she kindly shares with her readers and visitors.  Not only is she super generous with her collection of patterns but she's also an insanely talented knitter and seamstress.  I highly recommend you go check her out! This pattern is the Spring Song Blouse from the 1950's. 

I really enjoyed making this top.  I was a bit timid to work with a vintage pattern but I shouldn't have been.  It was strait forward and worked up rather quickly.  I know I'll be making this top again (I may even already have the yarn)!  I thought I wouldn't like the lacy, see through aspect of it but with a little camisole or a full slip it's no big deal at all.

I had been drooling over this Exploding Tardis fabric for some time.  It had been showing up here and there on my Instagram feed and I had even pointed out a dress, made from it, to Ian.  If only we could afford to spend $200 on a dress.  Unfortunately, that just isn't in my budget.  So, I about squealed for joy when I discovered that it was available at Joann's.  Armed with my most recent 50% coupon I immediately went out and bought some.  I was even able to buy enough to make my dear friend Terri a skirt too.  We're both geeks at heart and love us some Dr. Who (David Tennant, all the way).  The skirt is made from my generic, elastic-waist, circle skirt pattern so there isn't much to talk about.  The fabric is what makes the magic. 

I can see this top pattern and skirt pattern becoming my go-to outfit.  I can't wait to make this top in many more colors to go with my ever growing me-made skirt collection.  Although, I don't see that happening to quickly.  I mentioned earlier that my school schedule is absolutely crazy right now.  I have hardly had time to knit a few rows, much less dust off the sewing machine.  I'm completely surprised that I finished my work today and had time to write this post.  My goal will be to write 1 blog post a week.  I'm going to work hard to make that happen.  But if I don't, I'm not going to beat myself up about it.  This is the toughest semester I've done so far and I have to make that my priority right now.  That being said, I love blogging and I have missed it, so I will be here when I can and that's good enough for me.

Do you have a free source for patterns that you love?  Ever used a vintage pattern?  Any tips for not letting your insecurities stop you from doing the things you love, even if you won't be the best at it?  I'm all ears and would love to hear your thoughts.

July's 5 Favorites

It seems as though it has been forever since I have done one of these posts.  Actually, it's only been 4 months since the last one in March. In blogging (and internet) time that is a life time.  My summer has been quite busy with Summer classes, crafting, and doing my best to enjoy each moment possible before the weather quickly turns back into the frozen ice and snow of winter.  I've also had a pretty hefty set back with my back injury.  The  injections I was getting, every 3 months, have stopped working and we are now contemplating another surgery or finding another therapy to help.  Needless to say, that has really taken it's toll on my activities.  Anyways, I have done a bit of retail therapy to help with the effects it has had on me, and I'm happy to be able to share some of my findings with you. 

1.  Younique 3D Fiberlash Mascara

 Ok, I have to that I didn't actually buy this product.  It was gifted to me by a friend who sells it.  I met her during the Memorial day weekend and at the end of the weekend she says to me "You are a diva, you need to have this"  Well, how could I say no to that.  I think I immediately fell in love with her. 

This is that mascara that has a tube of gel and a tube of fibers.  I had seen this stuff at the state fair last year but I have a VERY hard time trying new products that promise this or that for 3 times what I usually pay for a product.  This stuff isn't cheap at $29 a pop.  I would have never bought it on my own.  But now that I've tried it, I'm singing a completely different tune.

 

Have you ever actually tried to get a good picture of your eyelashes?  It's a lot harder that it seems!!  Well, I've never really focused my attention on my lashes.  They are really sparse and I usually just focus on a little wing in my eyeliner and a good red lip.  My eyes are always covered by glasses so It just wasn't something I put much thought into.  Now, I totally love my lashes.  I give them a little curl, put on my regular cover girl mascara then do the gel, fibers, and gel again.  You can't really tell from the pic but in person, it looks like I'm wearing falsies.  I'm totally hooked.  Now I'm willing to shell out $29 when this set runs out.  Oh, and I've been wearing it almost everyday since memorial day weekend and I'm no where near the bottom of the tubes.  I highly recommend this stuff.

 

2.  Tiny Tasty Treats from Kitchen Vixen

 

 

Aren't these just the cutest???  I found Kitchen Vixen at a local street fair selling the most amazing cookies and other treats.  As I had already had my fill of decadent street fair food, I almost walked right by the most adorable little ear rings and necklaces I've ever seen.  First I spotted the little cupcake necklace.  You all know I love anything cupcake related (Hell, my dog's name is Cupcake).  Then I found the little cups of Hot Coco and the Tiny Cake Pieces.  I absolutely had to scoop them all up and take them home with me.  Unfortunately, they didn't have the little red Kitchen Aide at the fair and I only discovered that on their website.  It was just to cute not to share it with you.  You can be that I will be looking for it the next time I stumble across them in person.  For now, my budget is too tight to order it online. 

 

3.  Floral Purse from The Bag Ladies of Fairbanks.

Something about summer time makes me gaga over floral prints.  That, coupled with a pretty serious purse addiction and need for retail therapy and there was no way that I couldn't buy this wonderful bag.  It's an added bonus that this purse and the many others made by The Bag Ladies of Fairbanks were made right here in my home town by some wonderful ladies. 

 

If anyone one wants to buy me the polka dot's and poppies one, I sure would appreciate it.  Unfortunately, I've already gone way over my budget as it is.  Damn, I can't wait till I can be working again!!!

 

4.  Vintage (80's does 50's) shirt dress.

 

Not only have I been swooning over floral's these days, but I have also been drawn to pink lately.  This is an unusual one for me.  I have always been more of a red girl and always felt that pink was just too dainty for me.  I guess things are always changing and so am I.  Not only does this lovely dress have pink in it but I don't think I've worn a white dress since I was a VERY little girl.  I will have to check with my mother on that one as I don't remember ever wearing one.  How could I pass up this adorable frock?  At 50% off of $12.99 I just couldn't, even if I was already in the red for the month......oops!

 

5.  Brooches made by yours truly

 

It all started with this little lady, a cute little polka dot dress made from a scrap of fabric left over from a skirt I made.  A few people had shown some interest in it so I decided to make a few more and try to sell them.  Here are some of the others I've made....

 

I've been asking $10 each with shipping included (U.S. only) and I take PayPal.  If you'd like to help a girl out head on over to My Instagram  and leave me a comment.  Or leave me a comment here.  After last months over spending and an unexpected trip to Reno next month, every penny is a big help.  I am not in a position to work extra hours or pick up shifts in order to make extra money as I no longer have a job and am unable to work at the moment.  So, this is what I can do.  I'm also thinking about setting up an etsy shop.  What do you guys think??  I've got to find some way to bring in extra moneys.

 

XOXO,

Cherry





Sisterhood of the Traveling Hat

I recently had the extreme honor of participating in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Hat.  What is that, you ask?  This is a project created by the creative and talented Tanith Rowan who hails from the opposite end of the world, Australia.  She is an extremely gifted maker of hats.  From vintage inspired, to costume, to modern styles and everything in between, her hats are fun, whimsical and charming.  Recently, she came up with the idea to make a hat and have it travel around the world and document all the adventures it partakes in.

When I read about the project on Tanith's Blog I excitedly emailed her immediately telling her how happy I would be to participate.  Allowing her hat to make it all the way to Alaska. 

I received the hat in the mail a little over a week ago and have finally had the chance to wear her and take some pictures.  I was really hoping to get some good pictures sooner.  However, I live in Alaska and we are experiencing an extremely smokey summer.  Our state is on fire!!!  Leaving the clear and beautiful days more rare than we all would like.  

  I took this picture the day after I took all the pictures of me wearing this darling hat.  That's not fog or smog, that is thick smoke making it very hard to breathe outside.

 

So, on our first sunny and clear day I jumped at the chance to take the hat for a spin.  I paired her with my black vintage, sateen, shirt-waist dress a navy blue belt and vintage pearl brooch and earrings.  Although this outfit came together beautifully, it proved to be very uncomfortable.  Anything made of thick black fabric worn in the blistering 90 degree evening sun would be though. Thankfully, I found a few shaded places on the boat to pose.  Us Alaskans just aren't used to these tropical temperatures.

The stairs leading to the upper deck of the ship was one of the shaded, and therefor cooler places.  As soon as I sat down to pose Cupcake jumped on my lap to cuddle (and pose).

This little girl sure knows how to steal the show.  I'm sorry Tanith.  I wanted to focus solely on your lovely hat but Cupcake clearly had other plans.

 Although Cupcake would have preferred me to be holding her, I didn't allow her to be in EVERY shot.  It was a heck of a lot of fun to run around on the boat finding good spots for pictures.  Even if I was a bit embarrassed to be doing so with a few of the crew downstairs wondering what the heck I was doing and why. 

If you are a hat person (who isn't?) I highly suggest you check out all of the amazing creations Tanith has made in her Etsy Shop.  If you aren't a hat person (shame on you) I'll happily accept anything in her shop as a gift.  She even does custom orders!!! If you have an idea, she can create it.

Thank you again, Tanith, for allowing me to participate in the adventures of the traveling hat and accepting me in to the sisterhood.  It has been an honor and a wonderful experience I will carry with me for many, many years.  And now the journey continues for this hat.  It was a bit painful to pack her back into her box to send her on to the next lucky sister.  I would have happily kept her with me.

XOXO,
Cherry

The Middy - My New Do

Last week I did something a little drastic.  Yep, that's me with all my hair chopped off.  Ok, obviously not all my hair is gone, but after getting 10ish inches cut off in the last 2 months and my hair being shorter than it's been in 15ish years, it sure feels like it's all gone.  Gone with it are the days of ponytails when I'm in a hurry and can't be bothered to style or curl it.  Gone also, is the security of a long mane to hide behind.  I never though I hid behind my hair, until it was gone.  Don't get me wrong, I am LOVING it!!!!  But I must admit the first few days I was feeling rather insecure and exposed.  A HUGE thank you to all of the people who boosted my confidence on Facebook and Instagram when I posted this pic and helped me love it even more.  You have no idea how much it has helped me embrace and love this massive change.

I'd love to say that I had been contemplating this change for some time or that there was some big metamorphosis that I am going through that need to be shown on the outside as well as in.  The honest truth, though, is that I was having a bad hair day and happened to be driving by a salon.  Really, that's it.  While I was waiting my turn I googled 1940's vintage hairstyles and of course the Middy style was filling the screen on my phone.  Most of the photos were of longer versions or modified styles.  I guess if I'd have been in a safe mood, I would have gone for one of these longer versions.  If I had been thinking about my love of victory rolls, I would have gone for a longer version as well, oops.  Instead, I went full on authentic.  Which happens to be this short, 4 inch do that I am now completely in love with.

 Thankfully, the stylist wasn't insulted at all that I was giving her a diagram to follow and she did a wonderful job!  That side profile is really misleading though as you can see, my hair is no where near that long.  But hey, I'm not complaining.  I'm still experimenting with styling this new do.  It is definitely not a wash and wear style.  When I said this to my beau, he reminded me that in all the years he has known me, I have never washed and went anywhere.  Very true!!  Although I now must style it, the process is much easier and faster than I had expected.  I used to spend 15 minutes just blow drying it all, now it only takes about 3 minutes.  Plus, it only takes about half the time to curl now and the curl lasts 3 times as long.  So far, I have been using my 1 inch curling iron to style it but I am going to experiment with other methods as well. 

While I'm typing this, my head is covered in sponge rollers and a new-to-me vintage head scarf.  As you can tell, I could definitely use some practice putting in the rollers.  For your viewing pleasure, I've included a photo of it still damp and unstyled, fresh from the shower (I can't believe I'm sharing a photo of me sans make-up).  Now to just wait and see what happens when they are dry......

Now, what the hell do I do with all of my snoods as I now don't have enough hair to fill them?  What about all of my fills for bumper bangs and gibson rolls?  And the million ponytail holders that are strewn all over the house?  I'm sure I will save them all because you just never know. As much as I love the new do, I'm sure my love of victory and barrel rolls will push me to grow it out a little bit.  We'll see.  Stay tuned to see how it all turns out.

XOXO,
Cherry

Marion Cardigan - Finally Finished

 

Well, after almost 4 month, this outfit is finally finished.  It was actually finished about 2 weeks ago, but with school and the current plague that is going around, I haven't been able to blog about it till now (not that I haven't blogged about it before here and here).  After 2 weeks of feeling like I was knocking on deaths door, all the while trying to keep up on school work, I am starting to feel a bit better.  And after spending 12+ hours yesterday doing nothing but school work, I feel it's ok to devote a tiny bit of my time here.  There have been a few days that I have been fully intending on blogging "just as soon as I get this chapter done".  Only to realize that it was some how 11pm and I was too exhausted to do anything other than crawl into bed and zone out to Netflix. 

 

 

After an unusually warm winter, here in Alaska, we have finally hit our normal winter temperatures of -30* to -40*.  Which leaves it all but impossible to take nice outdoor pictures.  Especially in a thin cotton skirt like this one.  So you'll just have to deal with horribly lite, indoor photos from my phone.  Hey, it's better than nothing.



 

 

Since I've already blogged so much about this outfit, I won't go into too much detail here.  The sweater is the Marion Cardigan by Andi Satterlund of Untangling Knots.  I usually try to stick to free patterns, but when it comes to Andi's patterns, they are always worth it and I am never disappointed.  So many other patterns I need to alter the hell out of, but hers I can follow strait through and not have any problems (as long as I remember to pay attention to ease).  I used Malabrigo worsted, a lovely 1 ply merino wool.  This is a VERY poor choice for sweater knitting as the 1 ply makes it less durable and is likely to wear out quickly.  It is also 100% wool and will felt if you look at it the wrong way.  That being said, oh it is so cozy, like wearing a hug from a cloud.  I will have to be extremely careful with it when laundering, but this will not deter me from wearing it.   I am completely in love with it.  Which is seriously surprising, I have never been drawn to anything in the yellow range.  Maybe it's the lack of color in the dead of winter that is making this sweater the ray of sunshine that makes me smile so much.  Whatever it is, I am pleasantly surprised.  It also helps that I had the vintage buttons already in my stash to finish it off.

 

The skirt is made from a vintage (WWII era) fabric that I acquired from a friend of mine who was moving to Hawaii.  She believes it was in her grandma's stash.  It was made completely without a pattern but I managed to do decent box pleats, a side zipper (vintage) and a button closure (also vintage).  Now I just have to wait for the temperatures to get up above zero for me to wear the whole ensemble out of the house.

Well, it's back to the homework.  After over a year of being unemployed and not attending school, it has been a real challenge to get back into the swing of things.  It's hard to believe that 2 years ago I was working 2 jobs and going to school and now I'm struggling with just school. Even as my back has been feeling a lot better, I am still surprised at how much a chronic injury takes a toll on my daily life. I'm working to get the new schedule under control so that I can still keep my head above water with my school, home, crafting and blogging. 

XOXO,
Cherry

Happy Holidays



I don't do many outfit posts, but I just love this one so much, I just had to share it.  Not only is it holiday appropriate, but it is entirely thrifted and handmade, with maybe the exception of the faux pearl necklace (I don't remember where/when/how I acquired that).  I made this cherry and polka-dot circle skirt last summer with only 2 1/2 yards of fabric.  Thanks to their not being an obvious directionality of the fabric, I was able to cut out 8 panels of fabric in all different directions and construct them into this beautiful skirt.  It took a lot more work (and imagination) than your usual full skirt, so I'm really proud of it.  Although you don't normally think of cherries as being festive, the overall red and green in the print makes it fit in nicely. 

 

I paired the skirt with an amazingly luxurious, cream colored, angora sweater that I bought at Bishops Attic on my last trip to Anchorage.  It was an absolute steal for only $3, how can you beat that?  The fitted waist and puffy shoulders gives in a wonderful vintage vibe.  I will admit that it does shed quite a bit though and by the end of the evening, I had little white fuzz all over my skirt (next time, I'll pack a little lint brush in my purse). 

 

I accessorized it with some sparkly bangle bracelets and a faux leather woven belt that have all been thrifted from one place or another throughout the years. 

 

 

I topped it all off with a faux pearl necklace and earrings and some antique crystal earrings given to my by my Aunt Marilyn.  With some victory rolls and my favorite red lipstick, I was ready to go.

 

I spend a wonderful evening with some lovely gals how also happen to be vintage addicts.  We ate amazing food, including a Yule log cake, cream cheese stuffed dates wrapped in bacon, and a warm mulled wine.  After we stuffed our faces and reapplied our lipstick we opened our hand made gifts.  I received a linen embroidered with an adorable Chihuahua and some delicious hand made candies.  I have some gifted friends for sure.

 

 

After presents we watched the 1942 classic "Holiday Inn" with Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby. Then took some impromptu photos, with Deanna's son as our photographer.

 

I'm thankful to have a great group of gals to spend some of this holiday season with.  Speaking of spending time with our loved ones, I am so happy to announce that I will be spending some time with my mother here soon.  On Christmas night I will be flying down to Nevada to spend almost 2 weeks with her and my step dad.  I'm so excited to go thrifting and yarn shopping with Mom followed by evenings spent knitting and Netflix marathons.  I will also be spending some time at the shooting range with my step dad.  He's an amazing shot and a great teacher so I am looking forward to improving my skills while spending some time with him.  My Christmas wish, right now, is that my back will cooperate with all of my plans.  It's been acting up since last night and making it difficult to walk.  I'll be bringing my cane, just in case and try to take it easy as much as I can.  Thankfully, my mom and I are perfectly happy to spend as much time as possible in our recliners knitting or drinking wine (or both if were feeling daring). 

 

In knitting news, I'm so happy to report that as of last night I am officially done with all my holiday knitting.  This evening will be spent thawing out my Marion Cardigan that has been tucked away in my freezer since the dreaded bug infestation and subsequent move back in October.  I hate having hibernating projects or ignored WIP's so I'm absolutely giddy to continue working on this and hope to finished it on my trip.

 

Happy holidays to you all.  I envision being able to blog during my trip, but if I don't, Happy New year.  I don't know about you but I'm happy to put this one behind me and start a new one with new and exciting things.

 

XOXO,

Cherry



Vintage Pajama Party - Part 2

 

Well, I may not have completed the whole pajama set, but I did finish the pants (and that was no small feat).  I mentioned previously how much of a royal pain in the arse this fabric was to work with and from that last post, things didn't get much easier.  Not only did I have to use 110 pins on each little seam or the fabric would slip and slide all over the damn place, but I must not have had the right needle for the job in my machine because every 6-8 inches it would snag the fabric causing an ugly run. 

 

This waist band was an interesting detail and a total surprise.  The top of the pants wasn't visible on the pattern envelope so I had no idea what I was in for.  I love the way the finish product looks but I did alter the way it all went together quite a bit.  First off, they were going to be WAY too tight.  Oh, they would have fit, but not comfortable at all.  What's the point of P.J.s being too tight.  Considering there is no stretch to this fabric, I knew I'd never wear them if I didn't try to fix that issue.  I ended up taking 2 out of the 4 pleats on the back out.  This would have messed with the waist bands original construction so I knew I'd have to improvise.  Considering the original construction called for 2 button holes on each side, with one flap being drawn through 1 button hole before being buttoned, I was A-OK with changing that.  I ended up sewing up one side completely and using snaps on the other side for closure.  It's a little bit strange, but snaps are a whole lot easier than that crazy button closure.  There's no way in hell I could get in and out of those during the mid-night trip to the bathroom!

 

 

These are perfect for Cupcake and I lounging by the tree while I work on my Christmas knitting.  Although Cupcake was a bit nervous at first.  This fabric is a bit too slippery for her liking as well.  All in all I'm happy with the final result, but currently, I have absolutely NO desire to make up the top!  I can tell you I do not have the skills to work up such an intense pattern in THIS fabric.  Maybe after the holiday season I'll feel differently.

 

Thanks again to Carla from Tiny Angry Crafters for hosting The Vintage Pajama Party.  I had a lot of fun and stepped out of my sewing comfort zone to work from my first vintage pattern.

 

 

XOXO,

Cherry



Top 10 Christmas Kitsch on Etsy

On my last post, I talked about my love of hand made Christmas stuff and shared a few of the ornaments I've made.  I also mentioned what an absolute time suck that Pinterest can be.  I'm not complaining, mind you, it's just a fact.  I spent hours scouring that addictive site looking for inspiration but that's not the only site that can completely eat an entire day.  Etsy is just as addictive, if not worse.  I say worse because everything on Etsy has a price tag, you aren't just shopping for ideas and information, you can actually shop, buy and spend.  I could easily spend a years salary in an afternoon if I'm not careful.  Plus, this is the season of giving, right?  I'm not supposed to be shopping for me, right?  Maybe just one or 2 things?  That wouldn't be so bad now would it? Well, I didn't actually buy anything (from this list, yet), I'm trying like hell to be a good little girl and hoping that Santa will treat me right. 

If I could spend like there was no tomorrow, I would be buying all the kitsch.  I absolute love the gaudy Christmas décor of the past and spent many hours trying to decide what was my favorite.  Santa's, reindeer, elves, I love them all.  But there were some that stood out amongst the masses and I thought I'd share my top 10 favorites with my lovely readers.  And if you'd like to know my mailing address so you can send any of them to my home, I'd be more than happy to share it with you (in private). 

Lets start of with some reindeer.  I think the reindeer on my list are really my favorite.  I envision some day having a collection of hundreds of reindeer that I can scatter around my house all winter long, not just for the month of December. 

Image source and etsy listing
 

1) This adorable, angry looking fellow is just too damn cute.  That look on his face is the same one I have when ever I go to the mail box and don't find anything good.  I can just see the caption bubble reading, "Where's my presents?"  This ornament is courtesy of VintagebyJade and is $15.99.  WANT!

Image and Etsy listing

2) Here's another one from Vintagebyjade.  Although this is seriously out of my price range at $95 it would be so worth it to have 3 deer to adorn a windowsill or fireplace mantel.  I must admit the main reason I love this so much is the way in which they are arranged in this picture.  The one on the right is sniffing the middle ones butt and has been totally busted by the one in front.  Yes, I know I'm immature and I've made peace with that.  I would love invite people over and see if anybody else thinks it is as funny as I do.  I can't be the only one, right?



Image source and Etsy listing

3) Who doesn't love a Rudolf creamer? I know this gal does!  I can't imagine that I'd actually use it but, as sure as our Alaskan Christmases are white, it would bring a smile to my face every time I saw it.  This little vintage treasure comes from Fannypippin for a reasonable $19.95.

Image source and Etsy listing

4) This velvet plush daring comes from SweetPeaVignettes for $21.00.  This makes me wish I were that little girl I once was who slept with her favorite stuffed animal every night.  Although, given it's vintage standing, I would no longer cuddle up with him.  I would, instead, prop him up on the pillows every morning when making the bed so he could bring holiday joy and innocent wonderment into the one room in our place that is lacking in festive decorations.



Image source and Etsy listing

5) Ok, this is the last of the deer, I promise.  Look at this grumpy little dude.  How can you not love that face? Like this guy is just totally pissed that Rudolf is getting all the attention.  I want him guarding the freshly baked cookies warning that there will be hell to pay if you touch them before it's time. This feisty little guy comes from SkyWayVintage for $14.00.

Photo source and Etsy Listing

6) There is something magical about the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Clause.  In my head they are forever together and forever in love.  If the beaded suits and hats weren't enough for me, Mrs. Clauses creepy little face makes this pair a win.  This awesome pair comes from JulieandJadeVintage for a mere $24.00.

Photo source and Etsy Listing

7) I'm more of a silver girl for 11 months out of the year, but during this holiday season, the more gold and glimmer the better.  Again, this pair of ornaments celebrates the one marriage that is sure to never end.  The home made feel of the glitter and pipe cleaners mixed with the mass production little faces is wonderful and brought to us from AtomicDog67 for $18.99.

Photo Source and Etsy Listing

8) I'm glad that the old tradition of Elves on Shelves has been brought back into our generation, however the mass production of these elves leaves me a bit sad.  Hand made elves, particularly vintage ones on the other hand, make my heard sing.  This crocheted girl elf is the true embodiment of what I think they should be.  I may be a knitters by trade, but if I can find some elf faces, I'd love to make some of these.  For now, I'm glad to find this lovely little lady at JERummages for only $11.25.  Seriously, this one just might find her forever home with me.

Photo Source and Etsy Listing

9) What's Christmas without an angel and who doesn't want one with a little piggy nose, angry eyebrows and beady little eyes?  Maybe a better question is, why do I love all the angry and creep figurines?  What ever the reason, this heavenly, disgruntled darling is available from PinkPickerParty for only $3.95.



Photo Source and Etsy Listing

10) No Christmas Kitsch roundup would be complete with out a few kewpie doll figurines.  Although not the traditional dolls, these adorable ceramic candle holders fill the bill quite nicely.  Angelic faces complete with bows on their heads and a message of NOEL, this small pair are sure to bring joy and cheer to a holiday feast.  These little cuties are from BlueJeanJulie for $32.00.

I could fill 10 posts with all of the charming, cheerful and down right silly holiday goodness that I fell in love with over on Etsy but I'll leave the list at an even ten.  I must note that I am in no way being compensated for writing this list and sharing it with you.  In fact, these sellers have no idea I've written it.  I merely wanted to share with you some of the things that make me smile.  I hope these bring you as much joy as they do me.  If you are a fan of Christmas Kitsch, Etsy is the place for you this season.

Do you have any favorites?  Would any of these or others find their way into your virtual shopping cart?  If they do, please let me know, so I can be properly jealous of you.  Just one more question, if you accidentally buy yourself a Christmas present (hypothetically, of course) do you have to wait till Christmas to wear/use it?  Do you wrap it up and slip it into your stocking?  Just curious?

XOXO,
Cherry

Oops, I Got Distracted

I've been busy working feverishly on all my holiday knitting lately.  Which stinks for my blog as I cannot share it with you until after the holidays.  I thought I wouldn't have a darn thing to write about but as it seems, I get distracted easily.  Yesterday is a perfect example.  I woke up with all great intentions.  I had a goal.  That goal was to finish the gusset increases and turn the heels of a particular pair of socks that are to be a gift.  Oops, that didn't happen, not even close.  Maybe it was because the night before I cast off my biggest Christmas knit and needed to take a break for a day.  Maybe it was because Pinterest is an amazingly inspiring time suck.  Maybe it was all my talk of hand made Christmas ornaments in my last post.  What ever the reason (mainly Pinterest), I spent a large part of my day making these cute little felt ornaments.

This one is by far my most favorite, and the one that got me so inspired.  I came across similar ones on both Pinterest and Etsy.  I love the vintage feel to the little deer head, it reminds me of a paper deer I made as a child that hung above the fireplace at my grandparents house every Christmas.  I spent a good while free-handing the design and am so happy with the outcome.  I wish I had more time to make a dozen of them for all my 'deer' friends.  Maybe, if I get all my knitting done......

I also free-handed this little bird.  My daughter and I were exploring a local gift shop the other day and found a bunch of little fake birds.  I thought how lovely it would be to have a tree covered in them.  Then again, with the tiny little tree I have, that wouldn't leave much room for all my hand made and sentimental ornaments (which is the best part of the tree).  So, here is my little tribute to those birds.  She's missing a hanger.  Oops, darn Hallmark channel Holiday movies distracting my attention.  That's ok, she's small enough to tuck into a branch with out a hanger.  Added bonus, her eye is another recycled button from my grandmothers button tin.

I had already made 2 ornaments, I just had to squeeze out one more.  So at about midnight, I drew up these ones.  Quick and simple, with such a classic Christmas feel.  I absolutely adore the little embroidered design on them, even if my embroidery skills are a bit lacking.  Plus, they are the fastest mittens I've ever made.

Are you making any ornaments this year?  Or other decorations?  Do you sometimes need to take a break from your main hobby, maybe for a crafting quick fix?  Are you like me and get easily distracted, especially by Pinterest and Etsy?  I spent hours the other day on Etsy looking at Christmas kitsch, I'll be sharing some of that on my next post.  All in the Holiday spirit.

XOXO,
Cherry