Winter has arrived....time for neck warmers

Winter has arrived here in NYC. Today has been a blistery, cold day and all I wanted to do was lay under a blanket, watch the Closer that I dvr'd and crochet. As I was walking home from the subway, wishing I had my neck warmer on I also thought that this is a great project to share.
I started crocheting last year and really enjoy it over knitting. However I am finding this year I do like the look of knitting. But in this post I wanted to share with you this quick neck warmer that takes me about an hour.
I found it in the Crochet Essentials Book from Lion Brand

The size needle is a speed hook 35.
I find that monochromatic yarns do look best. And this neck warmer is made with acrylic (to keep the shape), cotton and wool for warmth, and rayon (that's the added softness).
I have included a few colors I have done to show you the difference in between one color and 2 to 3 color. Some of these are available in my etsy shop if you did want to purchase one.

The Holiday Wreath - Under $30

Living in NYC, like most things, Christmas Trees and wreathes are over priced.  Last year I purchased a wreath, coughing up $30. It was painful knowing that I can easily make one if I had access to the key ingredient, the branches.  This year I used the ole' noggin and decided to make one. Also just to point out, last year after we gave our building staff their bonuses, we were told that the wreath on the door is a fire hazard.  This year I decided I will refuse to take it down. 

On to the creation. I picked up this grape vine wreath at Michael's for about $6. I was going to make a Thanksgiving Autumnal wreath for my sister but that never happened.

Here is my handy assistant Homer observing the process.  When we purchased our tree I saved the branches they cut off on the bottom. I also saved the branches we had to trim to get the tree into the stand. I used my floral garden cutters for this.  I then used basic twine to tie the branches onto the wreath. I wanted to use green floral wire but I couldn't find it in my stash. 

The twine actually worked quite well. Here is a photo of it where it barely can be seen. Good job blending in with the branches.

 I had a decorative red berry branch garland I purchased last year post- Christmas sales. I used this to wrap around the wreath. I was going to add pine cones that were purchased at Michaels for $4.00 a bag but I felt the berry wreath was enough. If you decided to add pine cones you can hot glue or attach them with the twine. I purchased purple ribbon ($2.00) at Michael's pre Thanksgiving to use for gift and wine bags. I used this to hang from the door. It has a nice gold trim so adds a bit of shimmer to the wreath. All in all I spent about $10.00!
Wreath is still hanging and no notices from my building staff.

Soiree Floral: Style Me Pretty Feature - Tracey and Andrew

I am so happy to announce that my wedding has been featured on Style Me Pretty Blog. Dawn Kelly, from Soiree Floral, submitted our info and they chose us! Here is a link to Dawn's blog linking to Style Me Pretty.

Soiree Floral: Style Me Pretty Feature - Tracey and Andrew: Good morning everyone, Happy Friday! We are smitten with our feature on Style Me Pretty today. Our fun couple Tracey and Andrew really put lot of thought and attention to detail in their big day. Read more.

5 Under $25 Gift Guide

A little under 2 weeks before Christmas, can you believe it? How time flies. End of another year and the economy still isn't that great. So in this post I decided to do an Under $25 Gift ideas all thru etsy. Buy local. Not only do you support our US local economy, but also you are not supporting sweat shops over seas. And a bonus, most likely you are getting one of a kind and handmade item by talented artisans and crafters.  

I typed in Under 25 on etsy and one of the first thing I found is this cute french clip pouch. 

change purse by AnOrangeBlossomBag

Little Necessities artwork by TamaraGarvey 

 

 

 

 

City Kitty Tee by BigBridgeStudios 

 

Hippo playing a violin note cards by HansMyHedgehog 

 

 

abbyhorowitzdesigns 

Holiday Markets starting up

This Saturday will be my first holiday market this season. The Astoria Market which is held at the Bohemian Beer Hall and Garden in Astoria is doing a pop-up in Manhattan! I have worked in the Astoria Market and it is a great group of crafters. I was super excited to find out about the pop up only 8 blocks from my apartment! Yay!
Here is the 411.
December 10th Saturday
St. Paul the Apostle 60th and Columbus
11 to 5:30
Over 45 vendors.
http://www.facebook.com/ColumbusAvenueMarket

December 17th and 18th you can find me in Brooklyn!
Both days from 11 to 7 I will be at the Brooklyn Lyceum
227 4th  AveBrooklyn, NY  11215
Corner of President Street
R train to Union Street

Find some great gifts from creative artists and designers. Buy local and something unique for the people in your life.

Hope to see you!