Sweet Lolita and a Free Pattern

I am a closet admirer of Lolita fashions.  They aren't something I could ever get away with wearing, but I would love a world where you could see fabulous dresses like that as a matter of course.  Fortunately, my BJDs *can* get away with it, and I'm having fun making sweet little things for them.  I just put some new hair clips and a scarf in my shop.  Here's what the clips look like:

There are a few more shown in my shop, but you get the idea.


And here's the scarf: 

 

 I'd never tried the "cross stitch" before, but I adore how it looks, and I'm in love with this yarn, too.  Here's how you can make your own:

Needles: #2 (2.75mm)
Yarn: Bernat Softee Baby Little Bo Peep (or any #3 / DK yarn)

CO 7 stitches
Row 1: Slip the first stitch Kwise, *Knit into the BACK of the 2nd stitch on L needle.  Without dropping the stitch from the needle, Knit into the BACK of the 1st stitch on L needle and let both drop from L needle.*  Repeat steps between *s to end.
Row 2: Slip the 1st stitch Pwise.  *Wyif Purl into the 2nd stitch on L needle on the side NEAREST you.  Without transferring stitch, Purl into the 1st stitch on L needle on side NEAREST you, then let both drop from L needle.* Repeat steps between *s to end.

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until your scarf reaches the desired length.  Add fringe to both ends! :)

In case my description is tricky to understand, here's a good video.

Shave Club Update, and KonMari

First of all, let me assure you that I was not contacted by Shave Club in any way, and that this is a completely independent review. :)

Mollusc (20) says "It was a spiritual experience.  Plus, they look freakin' sick!" :D, Slug (18) says "I'm going to have to adjust to the handle, but I didn't get any cuts or razor burn." (w00t!)   Fish (16) hasn't tried them yet, but after trying them, I'm getting him one as well, now.  And Prawn (13) says "They're amazing!  They're the nicest razors I've used."

I concur.  The handle is weighty and feels solid, but retains maneuverability.  The little rubbery ridges on its sides and "tummy" ensure that it never feels slippery in your hand.  As Sluggie noted, every differently shaped handle requires some familiarisation, but I feel that I'm already used to this one after 3 uses.  There was a free sample of Shave Butter in the box, so I tried it on one leg and soap on the other.  The Shave Butter leg felt smoother, but I'm a little wary of using it more than a few times, because it contains Golden Barley, and I have a gluten sensitivity (enough so that using conditioner with Wheat Germ Oil gave me summer allergy symptoms.)  Today I just used shaving cream from the dollar store, and will probably stick with that since it's cheap and effective.  I will say, though, that the Shave Butter feels luxurious, and if you know someone who would enjoy receiving luxury toiletries, it would make an awesome gift. 

So over-all, Shave Club gets a Double Thumbs Up from our household.  Huzzah!  I'm actually going to set our delivery to monthly rather than bi-monthly now until we have everyone covered.

And now onto KonMari.  You may have heard of this book:

I read it and loved it!  It's really changed the way I declutter.  I feel like her method gives me permission (or, more accurately, the ability to GIVE MYSELF permission) to get rid of things that cause guilt or angst ("I spent $ on that - I should wear it/use it. . .") as well as things that just don't "spark joy."  I've already had the Easter Seals come truck out once since I started, and it's coming by for another pickup on Friday.  Additionally, I've taken a box of books to the library, and have a few more to donate.  One of the kids' friends is doing her student teaching semester and said she'd love to have some for her school library, too.  Sweet!

After my first couple of sessions, I rearranged the living room and it changed the whole feel of the room.  It's a lot more relaxing now, and I'm not even done yet!  Today I'm all fired up for another session! :D  Happy Sunday, everyone!  All the happier because no one has school or work tomorrow.