Mittens, mittens, mittens...

So it is only right that I showcase some winter wear today with all the crazy winter weather we have in Georgia! For Christmas, my 13 yr old nephew begged and begged me for some gloves.  I was totally flattered and totally elated that he was interested in Auntie's creative projects.  I can do some knitting but my skills are not as fly as my crocheting skills or sewing skills.  Also, I have crocheted finger-less gloves for women (promise to showcase them later for you all on this blog) before but not gloves for men.  Immediately I thought..."well, it has to be more of mittens rather than gloves because I don't have time to search for the thinnest of yarns in a masculine color"

I also did not have time to design my own pair since I was in the middle of an overdue order for one of my customers as well.  I came across a pattern on Red Heart's website for Crochet Mittens for All.

The pattern was super easy to follow and I got these done in maybe in maybe an hour or so.

Unfortunately asking a 13 yr old boy to pose correctly for pictures is like an act of congress but you pretty much can see the fit here.  I could not believe how much he loved something so simple as a pair of gloves I made.  I notice that he has them with him everywhere he goes!

Lata fashionistas!

The Diva Set

Today I want to share one of my custom made items.  A lot of my customers like to purchase sets from me.  This one is a hat and scarf set that I created.    I call it the Diva Set.

The hat is double stranded crocheted and wide brimmed.  The scarf is extra long and skinny.  Perfect for the Diva in you!  If anyone is interested in a set like this, it could be purchases from my etsy shop online at SMH Studios & Designs.  You can also order it custom made from me directly. 

Ta-Ta for now my lovelies!

My Hottest Sellers....Crowns

Hello my fellow fashionistas!

I just wanted to share with you all today my most popular accessory...my soul crowns.  Anything I put on my head is called a crown and everything I do - I put my heart and soul into and this is where the name is derived. 

The most popular crown: basic ball cap in Camouflage (my very own custom design)

The Cadet Crown - The flipped bill is sick, right?!

 

The Righteous Rasta is most popular with those who have long hair...and of course, Rastas!

The Tam - an enclosed version of the Righteous Rasta

 

By far, my soul crowns were the most ordered item from my shop and still is.  They are my number one request.  I have to say that I am more than elated about this as I am often called the queen of accessories!

Feel free to ask me about my favorite patterns for head gear or about my own custom designed crowns.  As always, I usually have some crowns for sale in my shop on etsy!  Visit SMH Studios & Designs Shop here.

Until next time my fashionable friends...

Dawta Halter Top Pattern Review

I love to crochet halter tops for the summer.  If you live in the South, then you can appreciate funky summer wear as much I do!  Amongst the vast collection of patterns and pattern books I own is Fly Tops & Funky Flavas (Get Your Crochet On!) by Afya Ibomu.  I love this pattern book.  I bought this one a long time ago when I was just getting the hang of crocheting more than just the granny square.  Someone would always compliment me on the items I wore out of this book and soon people were asking me to sell them items I make out of this book!

Today I am reviewing the Dawta Halter pattern included in this book. 

Pattern: Dawta (Fly Tops & Funky Flavas (Get Your Crochet On!) by Afya Ibomu)

Description: Backless Halter

Yarn Used: Red Heart Super Saver in Coffee and forgive me but I cannot think of the other color! This is a worsted weight yarn that is 100% super soft acrylic. The pattern simply calls for worsted weight yarn in two different colors.

Sizing: I made this in a small. This pattern is available in in sizes S-1X

Instructions: Very easy to follow

Changes: No changes at all

Level of Difficulty: Afya rates this as "Some Skills" which means Intermediate skill level.

Timing: I can crochet this one in a few hours while watching TV but of course...I have been crocheting for a while now!

Overall I love this halter...it is casual yet sexy at the same time.  I love to rock this on warm summer night with cut offs or even with jeans closer to fall here in the South.  I usually have a few halter tops that I made with me along on a trip to the beach!

If you are not a "hooker" like me...no worries! People still commission me to make items they see on my blog or facebook page.  This halter is listed on my Etsy page if you are interested in purchasing some items there.  Buy this top here!

Until we meet again my fellow fashionistas....

Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips Review

Typically, I do not keep my nails polished because I do so much with my hands.  The nail polish never lasts and usually chips within a day or two.  I discovered gel polish and shellac which I loved at first until I had to get the polish off.  Yikes!!! Talk about harsh for your nails! I have always wondered about the Sally Hansen nail polish strips that I see in the stores.  After asking a few random women about them, I decided to try them out. 

I have to say that I am totally impressed! 

Kitty, Kitty

Sweet Marble Floret

 

French Mani in Silver Lining

As you can see, I love this product.  I love the colors and designs!  It lasts up to ten days as the packaging says.  I was able to keep Kitty, Kitty on my nails for about 14 days but I do not recommend that.  I had to really clean my nails after removal when I did that.  My favorite design is love letter.

I have a collection of these next to my conventional bottles of nail polish in my arsenal and I highly recommend this product!

Until next time...

Vogue Pattern 2091 Review

Hello again my fellow fashionistas!

I want to review this awesome Donna Karan pattern.  I actually made this dress back maybe about 8 years ago.  Unfortunately that means it is out of print.  So sorry!  Back then I was just making clothes for myself and exploring the possibilities of selling my creations.  I needed a comfortable black dress that could be either dressed up or down preferably in a knit fabric.  I came across this pattern at JoAnn's.

Sorry I do not have a back view of this dress!

I wore the dress to a party along with a shrug that I also crocheted. 

Pattern: v2091 Donna Karan for Vogue (view B)

Description: Pullover tapered dress; mid-knee with right side pleats and close fitting cap sleeves.

Fabric Used: Light weight black knit fabric

Sizing: I cut a size 12 here.  I found Donna Karan patterns to run way small! I wore a size 4 in these pictures but I cut a size 12 in this pattern. 

Instructions: Easy to follow

Changes: I made no changes at all.

Level of Difficulty: I would say that this was a pretty easy pattern to follow. You may need intermediate skills for the pleating.

Timing: This can totally be completed in a couple of hours.

I think this is a great pattern.  The dress was super sexy and well as comfortable.  I got lots of compliments on this one.  I paired it with a black Nine West purse and black Via Spiga Boots (purchased at TJ Maxx).  I also paired this with a crocheted multi-way shrug that I made as well.  I will provide a post on that creation as well!