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."

FASHION ADVICE: RAPH

Burlington, Ontario

"Be inspired by everything and follow your heart when deciding what to wear. If people criticize what you are wearing, it's only because your fashion sense is brilliant and people have yet to understand it!"

FASHION ADVICE: NICOLE

Scottsdale, AZ

"Fashion is not something you buy at the mall. "Fashion" is what people use to describe themselves without words. It is what separates the creative people from the followers. It is easy to go to the store and buy clothes - but it takes someone with a creative mind to go to a thrift store and make something that no one else will have."

FASHION ADVICE: GENEVA

Austin, Texas

"For me thrift shopping is a great way to find stylish looks for very cheap. The best thing to do is be prepared to look; the greatest treasures are always hidden. Look for not only clothes/accessories that you like, but things you can reconstruct easily. I always buy large dresses and use the fabric to make other clothes. If you ever need any shopping ideas, pick up a recent fashion magazine and look through it before you hit up Value Village. Because fashion is a cycle, you will certainly find something that can easily be updated to reflect today's styles"

FASHION ADVICE: RACHEL

Las Vegas, NV

"Thrift shopping is this ideal that people can take their old things and completely reinvent the way these items are presented. Thrift shopping is for the open-minded, so never limit yourself when going into a thrift store. Also, when considering an item that you adore, think of ways that you can deconstruct an item to make it into something new and exciting. When hearing about fall trends don't follow the norm - make up your own and others will soon follow. Thrift fashion is making a comeback and the Redesigners have a truly compelling outlook for teens to consider. In our minds, "out with old and in with new", is something left open for interpretation."

FALL TRENDS: THE 80'S

The 80's:

With more color and style explosions than any decade to date, the eighties look still delivers playful styles - and where better to get the wild style than with authentic thrift pieces?

They didn't just have great music but also underwent more style explosions than any decade to date and Savers is your one stop shop to get the look. Authentic vintage dresses work perfect with modern accent pieces. Dress up ordinary flats with a retro vibe by adding jeweled accents. Give an old-school jumper a modern day edge with easy alterations. Shorten the hem line, pair with cropped tights and accent with playful costume jewelry. Add embellishments to a simple skirt – cut bows from another pattern and affix with fabric glue to glam up garb. Color block your look by pairing together a few bright vintage finds – or DIY with fabric dye to inexpensively transform any piece into an eighties homage.

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FALL TRENDS: COLOR ACCENT

Color Accent:

Basic black outfits get a style upgrade by adding a bright color pop.

Jazz up basic black and plain pieces.

Give a plain tee a facelift - add a contrasting panel.
Men, don't be afraid to go bright this fall! A crisp, bright shirt pairs perfectly with your favorite black slacks. Convert an inexpensive crocheted blanket into an oversized shawl by cutting off excess material. For instant glam: Play up basic pumps with clip-on vintage earrings.
Turn heads by sewing white tulle – borrowed from an old tutu and spray painted – to a plain black skirt.

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FALL TRENDS: VOLUME

Volume:

Clothing with big volume rocked the runway this year, and thrift stores provide endless opportunities to have fun creating this big billowy look!

Go big or go home. Rock this look like the runway superstars - Thrift stores are the perfect place to start!

"Trapeze" style dresses, skirts and tops are everywhere this season and vintage finds this look super authentic and ultra-stylish. Turn an outdated pantsuit into a playful top - check out the dress department for waist-cinching styles and just snip off the long skirt for instant flair! Mixing and matching makes for some of the most fabulous flair. Stitch gathers in an old formal dress - tone down with a basic black top and accent with killer boots and a bright belt worn backwards. Who says you can't be comfortable and chic all at the same time? Tip: Slap on a colorful sweater and a breezy skirt and decorate yourself with soft accessories and feminine shoes for a crisp, casual look.

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FALL TRENDS: NEUTRAL & SLEEK SILHOUETTE

Neutral & Sleek Silhouette:

Body slimming separates in neutral palettes are one of the season's top contenders. Separates in neutral palettes slim the body and pair well with just about anything. Overcoats are a stellar thrift store snag! Get it: For a sophisticated look, pair with vintage boots, tights and fitted dress. A patterned shirt and tailored jacket combo adds depth to the silhouette. Tip: hit up the boy's dept. for fitted button-ups in like new condition. Skinny belts remain popular and cinch the waist for a tailored look. Don't forget: the classic handbag - at bargain prices, you can afford accessories galore! Suit coats and skinny jeans make quite the pair. The skinny: Find affordable brand name suits in mint condition to be worn as separates or as a set and create your own tapered jeans with a few quick stitches to the ankle inseam.

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MEET THE REDESIGNERS: TRIXIE ENCOMIENDA, 17

Cerritos, California

A seasoned thrifter, Trixie has been around thrift stores since she was just ten years old, and enjoys every minute of it. Today, it's hard to find something in her closet that isn't from a thrift store, including her prom dress - a Value Village find which she slightly altered to make her own. Her career goal is to be a fashion designer and she's been making her own clothes since she was young - beginning with doll clothes or anything she could get her hands on! Trixie likes to surprise people with outfits that "pop," and look like a million bucks without spending it.

MEET THE REDESIGNERS: RACHEL JOHNSON, 17

Las Vegas, NV

From the buzzing city of Vegas, Rachel is a fashion-conscious Value Village regular. In what started as visits for costumes only, Rachel soon discovered the beauty of thrift shopping and became a frequent shopper for all her favorite vintage finds and more. She has a knack for mixing and matching colors and fabrics, and wearing everything with complete confidence. A true fashion leader, she has even influenced some friends to start shopping thrift. Rachel would like to one day blend her passion for fashion and travel into an international career.

MEET THE REDESIGNERS: NICOLE D'ARCANGELO, 17

Scottsdale, AZ

Nicole views thrift shopping as a creative expression, and loves that you can be classy and save money at the same time. Her favorite fashions are from the 70's and anything with bright colors, which she picks up on her almost weekly trips to the local Value Village store. She applies her fashion talent to add personal style to each of her outfits and make them her own with creative flair. Her favorite designer is Marc Jacobs because of his trendy down-to-earth looks that he transforms into high fashion. She hopes to soon be studying design in NYC, on her way to a fashion career.

MEET THE REDESIGNERS: EMILY STOPP, 14

Richmond, BC

Emily is a talented fashionista who enjoys regularly visiting her nearby Value Village store, often with many friends in tow. With a style that combines fresh, young, funky and colorful, Emily isn't afraid to take chances with her look. Her dream is to one day become a fashion designer, and she has been sketching designs for as long as she can remember! She is a talented seamstress, and when shopping thrift, always looks for ways to make pieces better by adding her own creative touch.

MEET THE REDESIGNERS: GENEVA HOPSON, 16

Austin, Texas

With a Value Village thrift store within walking distance of her school, Geneva shops often to find the latest treasures, particularly vintage pieces. She loves thrifting and redesigning her own clothing in order to get a hip individual look that's never boring or out of style. A Betsey Johnson fan, Geneva herself is a budding designer who has already compiled some of her own impressive collections. Someday she would like to own her own unique boutique, complete with thrift apparel and local independent designs.

MEET THE REDESIGNERS: RAPHAEL CASTELMEZZANO, 19

Burlington, Ontario

Raphael brings this year's male influence to the ReDesigner board all the way from Ontario. Introduced to thrift shopping by his mom, Raphael now visits his local Value Village 1-2 times per week. As a fan of simplicity, Raphael loves to interpret designer clothes in his own way by picking up similar styles at Value Village. Among his "favorite finds" Raphael has discovered a Burberry Trench, Dior sunglasses and a Dior jacket at his local Value Village. He finds his fashion inspiration in music, nature, pictures and his friends. Raphael believes color coordination and proportion are key when putting together the perfect outfit.