My First Embroidery/Scandinavian Needlecraft Book Review

I just got a new book called Scandinavian Needlecraft by Clare Youngs, because recently it is a new hobby that I would like to pursue. The book has tons of projects I especially like it because I am new to embroidery and it has step by step instructions on how to do the stitches in the back. Embroidery from Scandinavian regions of Europe really intrigues me, so this book was perfect. The projects range from baby hats to egg cozies. There are also a lot of seasonal projects like these.

You will need a sewing machine for many of the projects, its not just embroidery patterns. For a couple of the projects you don't even have to know how to embroider by hand because they use a machine zigzag stitch.]
Like this one

There are so many cute gift ideas in here too! There are a pair of slippers in here that I really want to make, but I decided to do a little test on a scrap pieces of linen first because I have never done embroidery before. I wouldn't want the slippers to be messed up you know?

If you click on it it will come up big and you can gloat on all my mistakes! The bouillon knots were the most difficult, and some of mine are awful.
This is a picture from the book that shows what they look like finished:

When I look it the finished pair, I don't think I did to bad. In fact I think I did pretty good for my first try! The step by step diagrams are easy to follow. I wonder if there stitch lines are purposefully a little wobbly, to encourage beginners....

 The only thing I don't like about this book is that it doesn't have enough bright projects like these.

The book itself is not huge, and is a paper back of good quality. I would say that this book is a must have for those that love the beauty simplicity. On top of that it seems that the whole "alpine, Scandinavian look" is going to be quite popular this season.I bought it off Amazon , it is much cheaper there than at the bookstore. (but of course you don't get the instant gratification, or previewing that you would get at a bookstore). I will be sure to post the slippers when I finish them!

Bunny in a Cup!

OMG! Everyone needs a page of cuteness in their day, so here are some pictures and a video of bunnies in cups! :3.

yeah I know, technically drinking from a cup but still cute!

My Favorite!

Antique Photo Maker and Poladroid

In my last post I was looking through my photos and thought it would be cool if they had "vintage feel".  So I looked into some photomaker/enhancers. The first I used was Poladroid, at first I was a little afraid to use it(I never like to download free ware) but it is safe, albeit a little foreign but their misspellings can be funny.
The program is really cute. A little Polaroid camera pops up. Some may not like this, but you do have to wait
for the photos to "Develop". I thought this added to the fun of it, but to those who are impatient it may not like it.To add to the authenticity of the experience, you never know how each photo will come out, Just like a real Polaroid!Sometimes they are light, sometimes dark, green cast, blue cast, brown cast, ext. I like this, but I wish that perhaps you could control which one you would get(but I suppose that would take away from the "fun" of its spontaneity.)
Here's a picture of it on my desktop:

I like this its like a 70's model Polaroid

 Another I really like is the Bakumatsu Koshashin Generator. It makes your photos look "100 years old" Whats nice about this one is that you don't have to download anything.
http://labs.wanokoto.jp/olds

Why it make my lips so scary big?

I have the snooty look in this one lol

Ghostly...lol

The best thing about these 2 sites is that they are FREE!:D
I really wish I could get a polaroid camera, but since they stopped making the film it is riculously expensive for a pack of 10 photos...like 100$:( I guess Poladroid is a good alternative, I bet they would make alot of money if they allowed users the options to print them out.

Simplicity Pattern 3673 Review

This is probably one of my most favorite patterns of all time...It's so fabulous...

Review

Edit:
I forgot, I did not do the hem by machine because the fabric was heavy, I carefully hand stitched so it wouldn't be lumping, or have big lines. I also noticed that if I used the steam iron on to high a setting, the fabric would discolor a little and the seam would make an impression onto the outside of the garment. So I would use a lower heat if you use the same fabric as me.
Pattern Description:
1950's reproduction pattern, lots of darts, fitted, long, empire waisted
Pattern Sizing:
size 8
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
yes,exactly
Were the instructions easy to follow?
yes, but could be vague at times.Also I believe it did not say to under stitch the lining but it is very important you do so, especially if using a thick fabric like I did.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved this pattern! It was so awesome and fitted. Not to retro that its costume, I always get tons of compliments when I wear it.
Fabric Used:
Faux Suede, and I didn't have any problems with it what so ever.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
none
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I would sew it again, 100 times again! Its awesome! I don't recommend it for beginners because there is lining and lots of darts.
Conclusion:
Awesome pattern, but some construction details might be difficult for those just starting out.
Now for the fun part! Pictures!

Bow before my beautiful darts Muahaha! Joking aside this has probably been the best I've done with darts ever.

the back, different color because of flash

I look stupid faced in this one, but in case you wanted to see it from the side(or my shoes lol)

Bye! Until next time!