RACHEL'S DECEMBER BLOG

In the true spirit of the Holidays... I want to show some of the favorite December trends to possibly inspire some potential gift giving. Diy is something Redesigners know about, so why not show some of the fun projects for this fall. I love crocheting so I decided to show some really cute ideas to possibly make for your friends.

For the Crocheting fan (craftster.org).....Abbreviations used:ch= chainsc = single crochetst = stitchss = slip stitchinc = increase (do 2 single crochets in one stitch)dec = decrease ( insert hook into first stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, insert hook into the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through the two loops on your hook)

Crochet Cherry Pie Slice

Pie Crust

Row 1: ch 2

Row 2: Make 2 sc into 1st ch (2 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 3: Make 2 sc into each sc (4 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 4: sc across (4 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 5: Make 2 sc into 1st sc, sc into each of next 2 sc, make 2 sc into last sc (6 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 6: sc across (6 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 7: Make 2 sc into 1st sc, sc across until last sc, make 2 sc into last sc (8 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 8: sc across (8 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 9: Make 2 sc into 1st sc, sc across until last sc, make 2 sc into last sc (10 sc total). Ch 1

Row 10: sc across (10 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 11: Make 2 sc into 1st sc, sc across until last sc, make 2 sc into last sc (12 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 12: sc across (12 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 13: Make 2 sc into 1st sc, sc across until last sc, make 2 sc into last sc (14 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 14: sc across (14 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 15: Make 2 sc into 1st sc, sc across until last sc, make 2 sc into last sc (16 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 16: sc across (16 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 17: Make 2 sc into 1st sc, sc across until last sc, make 2 sc into last sc (18 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 18: sc across (18 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 19: Make 2 sc into 1st sc, sc across until last sc, make 2 sc into last sc (20 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 20: sc across (20 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 21: Make 2 sc into 1st sc, sc across until last sc, make 2 sc into last sc (22 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 22: sc across (22 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 23: Make 2 sc into 1st sc, sc across until last sc, make 2 sc into last sc (24 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 24: sc across (24 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 25: sc across, but into back loop only (24 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 26-29: sc across (in both loops again) (24 sc total). Ch 1.

Row 30: *Make 3 dc into 1 sc, then sc into next 2 sc*. Repeat * across. Cut yarn.

Repeat Row 1-25 to make top crust. Cut yarn.

Pie Filling Make 2.

Row 1: Chain 25.Row 2-5: sc across (24 sc total). However, every so often, instead of making a sc, make a bobble by making 5 dc in one stitch, but leaving the last loop of each dc on the hook and then drawing through all remaining loops at the end. Make bobbles random, make sure to make little clumps of them to look like the cherries are bursting out. Pop the ones on the "wrong side" out to the correct side.

Assemble the pie together and stuff firmly. Make sure you stuff the bobbles! I whipstiched the filling to the crust, then finished the piece by sc around the crust (make sc through both the crust yarn and filling yarn). This hides the whipstiching and also makes a slight overhanging lip of crust so that the filling doesn't bulge past it.

EnJOY YOUR PIE!

Crochet Apples

You will need:

red or green yarn for the apple

brown yarn for the stem

a green yarn for the leaf

size G crochet hook

stuffing

yarn needle

APPLE:

Rnd 1: Ch 2. Sc 6 into the second st from the hook.

Rnd 2: sc twice into each st (12 sts)

Rnd 3: *sc one st, sc twice in next st, repeat from * (18 sts)

Rnd 4-7: sc around

Rnd 8: *sc one st, sc2tog (dec), repeat from * (12 sts)

Rnd 9: *sc2tog (dec), repeat from * (6 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing. Weave the tail through the remaining stiches and pull tight. Pull the yarn through the center of the apple and secure at the bottom to make the dimple. This will give it a nice, appley shape.

LEAF:

Rnd 1: Ch 2, sc twice into the second st from the hook, turn

Rnd 2: Sc twice into both sts (4 sts), turn

Rnd 3: Sc2tog across (2 sts), turn

Rnd 4: Sc2tog, cut a long tail, and pull the yarn through the remaining stitch

STEM:

Starting with a long tail, ch 8, then join the ends with a slip stitch. Cut a long tail, and pull it through the remaining stitch. This makes a nice little loop that can be threaded onto a cord as a charm.

ASSEMBLY:

Sew the leaf onto the apple. Position the stem, then pull both tails through to the bottom of the apple. Pull tight, and tie a nice, strong knot. Weave in the ends.

How do you like them apples! LOL I never get to say that

Now with some of the my favorite designs for this Fall as shown by Betsey Johnson's new 2008 "Prom" Collection.

RAPH’S NOVEMBER SAVERS BLOG

Okay! Here it is..

Raph's 3 picks for November

(1)

High Fashion: Yves Saint Laurent

let me know thankks dude.

Forget dressing down, dress up!

YSL's Sefano Pilati does it perfectly in his latest collection for the houseTailored suits, black black

black, and volume

Perfectly excecuted!

You can find these looks at your local Savers / Value Village as well..

Find an amazing black blazer ($9.99)

.. and pair it with a high waisted skirt ($7.99)

Get inspired!

When wearing black, go for quality!

Look at the fabrics - Choose 100% pure virgin wool

Pick up a pair of stilettos ($4.99)

or a big black bag ($2.99)

Put on your ray-ban's ($1.99)and you're good to go!

(2)

Dress You Up in Love: Balenciaga

By far my favorite collection out of Paris!

Colour! I love it all.

I live in black but its good to see colour and if i ever want to wear it I know how to do it!..

Think skinny black jeans paired with a bright blazer ($9.99)

with a patterned scarf ($1.99)

or a thin black sweater ($4.99) with a couple of more layers

Keep the look thin and put together

You don't want to look like ronald mcdonald!

(3)

Power 1989: LanvinYes!Thank you, Alber Elbaz!

His lastest collection for Lanvin ate right into me

Perfect 80s lines.

Think shoulders, think power, think colour!

Pull out your colourful shoes and bags

Pair them with a big shapeless dress ($7.99)

Chain mail Chanelesqe bags ($2.99) go perfect with this look!

I really do love the 80s!

Whatever, its my generation!

Well those are my picks!

All in all, enjoy it

Take it all in

Get inspired by everything around you

Have a blast

Go shopping!

The best part it is that it is still very inexpensive at savers / value village!

RACHEL RECOMMENDS:

Here are some great weblinks to check out for great thrift finds...

http://www.seamsewswell.com/

Adorable handmade jumpers at low prices. Also find many vintage accessories, every week it is updated so keep checking back for the newest merchandise.

http://www.threadless.com/

Find amazing one of kind t-shirts, made by some really creative people. You can even submit your own ideas, and if enough people vote, your shirt could be printed.

Love,

Rachel

GENEVA'S FINDS

November DIY Blog:

Hoodie Dress:

(red cowboy boots $7.99)

Supplies:

1. Larger or Extra Large Hoodie

sewing machine

scissors.

1. Cut off the sleeves

2. Take in the hoodie on the sides (so that it fits, but not too tightly). As you take in the sides, make the armholes smaller too

3. Cut off the tops of the sleeves (which you previously detached), until the bottom of the sleeve will fall on your arm in the desired spot.

4. Baste stitch and gather the tops of the sleeves so that the armholes and sleeves are the same size.

5. Sew the armhole back onto the sleeves

6. Wear it! I wear mine with leggings, but you can wear it with pants or if it's long enough just as a dress! Also, I spray painted lightening bolts on mine over the logo.

jacket: 6.99

keds: 4.99

ankle boots: 5.99

Halloween Costumes from the Eco-Friendly Savers Halloween show in Austin, TX

dark angel, ballerina, madonna, 50s housewife, zombie

velma (scooby doo), hippie, crazy cat lady, 80's boy

Code Rainbow! played a great show.

Thanks guys for checking out our blog and be sure to check back every month for more great finds.

RAPH’S GREAT ITEMS - ALL FOUND AT SAVERS

Hey guys! This is Raph speaking...

So I am here to tell you of the things I picked up at savers / value village in the last month.

I work there now so I get to scope out the new stuff everyday. I have picked up some pretty dope stuff!

1. Ray-Ban Wayfarers

I couldn't believe it when I saw them - I was so happy! I already have 3 pairs but I didn't have the 2's (larger size) in the tortoise shell colour, 99 cents! Yes, 99 cents!

2. Watch Ring

I picked up this watch ring thing a couple of weeks ago

I never wear rings but this is my new favorite thing

I love it.

Doesn't work yet but whatever

It looks amazing and that's all that matters!

3. Christian Dior Cardigan

thank you value village!

you are my one true love.

I picked this up for $7.99

Perfect condition Vintage Dior logo that kris van assche is bringing back at Dior home

Gold CD buttons

I love it!

GET OFF THE COMPUTER AND GO TO SAVERS / VALUE VILLAGE!

FASHION ADVICE: EMILY

Richmond, BC

"Thrift shopping is great because there are awesome designer finds at affordable prices. I love the thrill of going into Value Village and discovering a designer label that I absolutely adore! When shopping thrift, you should go with an open mind because you never know what you might find. Sometimes I just look for a belt or a purse to accessorize an outfit I already have. Try looking for one good piece, such as a cool top or a dress, and try layering it with other items."

FASHION ADVICE: TRIXIE

Cerritos, California

"Look like a million bucks without spending it! Thrift shopping is the best because you can find unique one-of-a-kind pieces without breaking the bank. Take classic vintage trends and make them modern. When shopping thrift, always be on the lookout for that one piece that will surely make people stop and stare."