Shop vintage kitsch with JunkYardBlonde on etsy

If you're looking for mid century mod, with atomic flair, and just a touch of Mad Men... you'll find it at JunkYardBlonde! I was able to catch up with this kitschy shop owner to find out a little more about their HUGE collection (almost 1000 items in stock), and here's what I learned...

Antique extravaganza in Adamstown PA

Adamstown PA (or Atown for short) has been a hot spot for vintage goods for over 30 years; but I made my first trip this weekend for their "extravaganza". This means more vendors, great deals, and even bbq! Unlike many of the other large antique/flea markets I've been to over the years, Atown is literally a town full of markets! If you've never been, let me tell you it is worth the trip... 

Break from the fibers: Custom Cosette

It's easy for me to get lost in dying and spinning these days, so it's always a treat when someone comes to me with a really special request for one of my handmade dolls.  In this case it's Cosette!

Doing the math: increase and decrease evenly row over row

I've recently received a few questions about a technique used in many of my patterns:
"SC across, INCR 3sts evenly over each of the next rows, trying not to place increases in the same place row over row."
Firstly, the instructions are written this way to allow flexibility and ease of creation. Once you understand it, it's easier to complete using the "technique" versus tracking each row on a pattern sheet(especially if you happen to be travelling). And if you are creating more than one, it allows you to find the formula that you like the best (although I know I do it differently every time!)

OK, now for the math! The formula works thusly...

random number(Stitch count of row/Number of Inc)

Explanation:
OK, say you have 24 stitches in the row, and you need to increase 3.

1. 24/3=8


2. now choose a random number from 1 to 8, let's pick 5... meaning we'll increase in the 5th stitch of our repeat


3. so we'll work the row like this: SC next 4 sts, inc1 in next st (the 5th st), SC next 3


4. repeat 2 more times to complete the row, for a total of 27 sts.


5. do this as many times as the pattern calls, just choose a different random number every time (at least 2 higher or lower than the previous row).

Now how about decreases? Same thing...
OK, say you have 24 stitches in the row, and you need to decrease 3.

1. 24/3=8


2. now choose a random number from 1 to 8, let's pick 5... meaning we'll start our decrease on the 5th stitch


3. so we'll work the row like this: SC next 4 sts, dec1 in next 2 sts, SC next 2


4. repeat 2 more times to complete the row, for a total of 21 sts.


5. do this as many times as the pattern calls, just choose a different random number every time (at least 2 higher or lower than the previous row).

I hope this helps make the pattern instructions clearer ;D

Petra: my halloween mystery project

If you've joined our ravelry group, then you may have seen the beginnings of my latest project... you may have even tried to guess what she was going to be.
Well, I've finished her just in time to keep my jack-o-lanterns company this Halloween! And here she is: Petra the mummy! She's not the conventional mummy, but that's OK... She'll happily take her place along side my wolfboy, pumpkin witch, scarecrow bear, and kitty noir in the Halloween collection (pattern to be available in the near future). Find more pics on her ravelry project page ;D

Ami of the month: May

Bonjour Cosette!
She's this month's FO... featuring the most lovely handspun yarn I picked up at YarnParty2011 from Mid Valley Fibers. As a matter of fact it was the yarn that inspired the doll. I love this colorway called "Sunset over water", and I had a great time matching the fabrics in her apron skirt! To me she looks like blue skies and sunshine ;D
You can see more in my etsy shop!

May CAL: it's Neila the koala

Well it's that time again! Time to CAL with us on ravelry, and this CAL brings us Neila the little koala... suggested by one of our CAL members, and I couldn't resist! I've never seen a koala in person, but that's never stopped me before ;D
For mine, I decided to paint the hands and feet, and even a little bit of the ears for some added interest... but I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Grab up your free pattern today and join us on ravelry, group name: CALwithDawnToussaint

Valentine's CAL: Roman the lovebird

Meet Roman, my Valentine gift to you ;D

Whew, I feel like I just made it in under the wire! I would hate to disappoint, especially after all the words of encouragement here and on ravelry... but I wanted to get him just right. I was going for a more home made look with Roman, and I think I got there, but only after about 4 tries. Sometimes you have something in your head and it takes a little extra effort to bring it to life. I also wanted to offer something that gave each of us the opportunity to make it our own, and I think this pattern does that!

Thanks so much, and as always I can't wait to see your creations!
Remember to join us on ravelry: CAL with Dawn Toussaint

Download pattern: Roman the lovebird
*This pattern was updated on 2/19/2011 ;D

Aubrey: the pattern

Well I first want to thank everyone for all their kind comments on Aubrey, my latest creation. It was because of all your compliments that I have decided to offer the pattern in my ravelry and etsy shops!

If you haven't seen her yet, you're in for a surprise... not only does she have removable clothes, she has hair that buttons on! That's right, dress up time is taken to another level. Right now she is the only one of the prete a porte collection to have removable hair, but I have a feeling it won't be long before there are some more. And before you ask, yes I am working on an all crochet version as well!

So thanks again for your comments and questions... I love to hear your thoughts, so let me know what you'd like to see next in my shop!

Murray (the merry) reindeer

It's Christmas time, and I have an early gift for you...
As promised, our December CAL is a brand new reindeer pattern! You can download the pattern here, or on ravelry, and then join the ravelry group to share your progress.

Thanks for your support this year, and happy holidays to all!
Dawn.

Spooky cute Halloween projects

So I love Halloween! It's my favorite holiday to decorate for, and this year is no exception...
I have a few Halloween themed patterns available, but this one was made just for me. This little wolf boy has been on my mind for a while (I think I first sketched him out last year) and I'm so glad I finally took the time to create him! I did some experimenting to get his hair just the way I pictured it, using a latch hook technique to attach wool yarn in 5 different colors to the head. Then brushing the hair with a wire pet brush, and finally working the hair rubbing and twisting in my fingers until it was the shape I wanted. As an accent I also added quilting thread, felt, and fabric strips to the hair in strategic spots to get a slightly "wild" look. I used the same process on the tail... and yes it took a really long time, but he is just what I wanted!

What are you working on for Halloween? What are you thinking about making...
Are you like me, do you have one of those projects that just doesn't make the cut year after year? Let's hear about it!

Crochet-a-long: Manuel part 4

Last part, here we go!

When we attached the legs to the belly(part1) we left 9 leg stitches open per leg, and these are the stitches we are going to pick up and use to begin the main body. So choose a leg as the starting point (they're all the same so it's your choice), find the first stitch(right most stitch, closest to the belly)and attach yarn. The starting point you choose will be the center back of the monkey. Begin R1 here.




R1-3: SC across. (36 sts)
R4: SC next 10, begin attaching muzzle by lining up 15 stitches of the last row of the muzzle with next 15 stitches of body and work SC through both layers, SC last 11. (36 sts)
R5: SC next 4, join first ear by lining up next 6 sts with 6 sts of bind of edge of the ear(make sure the ear is facing the front!) SC through both layers, SC across 15 remaining muzzle sts, attach second ear over next 6 sts, SC last 5 sts. (36 sts)
R6: unravel last 3 sts made, begin attaching tail by lining up 9 sts of tail to next 9 sts of the body, SC next 30 sts.
R7: SC across working across 9 remaining tail sts.

Begin decreases.
R8: *SC 4, DCR1 over next 2 sts * repeat across. (30 sts)
R9: *SC 3, DCR1 over next 2 sts * repeat across. (24 sts)
R10: *SC 2, DCR1 over next 2 sts * repeat across. (18 sts)
R11: *SC 1, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (12 sts)
Time to stuff...
Stuff the legs first, stuffing pretty firmly. Then the body and tail. You can also add a wire to the tail at this point (if you want it to be posable). Otherwise you can pose it when your monkey is complete and stitch it in place. If you are using safety eyes you will want to attach them now as well.

R12: *DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (6 sts)
Bind off leaving a long tail. Weave tail through remaining stitches and pull to close. Secure and pull tail to inside to hide.


All that's left to do now are your finishing touches: eyes, expressions, accessories, anything you can think of!

Let's see your finished product! Post it on Ravelry: CAL with DawnToussaint

Crochet-a-long: Manuel part 2

Part 2 is a piece of cake, enjoy ;D

TAIL(make 1)
Start with (color B) a magic circle into which 6 SC are made.
R1: INCR1 in each stitch across (12 sts)
R2: *SC 1, INCR1* repeat across (18 sts)
R3 to end: SC until piece measures about 5-6 inches from beginning.
bind off and set aside.

MUZZLE(make 1)
Start with (color A) a magic circle into which 6 SC are made.
R1: INCR1 in each stitch across (12 sts)
R2: *SC 1, INCR1* repeat across (18 sts)
R3-4: SC across.
R5: *SC 2, INCR1* repeat across (24 sts)
R6: *SC 3, INCR1* repeat across (30 sts)
bind off and set aside.

Crochet-a-long: Manuel part 1

OMG it's CAL number 2... As requested, it's a monkey, crocheted together (no sewing required)! ENJOY ;D

This pattern will be in 4 installments, Wed & Sat (EST)!

As always, the rules remain the same, so here they are:
1. Ask any question or feedback that comes to mind while working on this project, that's why we're here!
2. Please share your pics, we want to see how it's going!
3. Even though this pattern is free, please don't copy and distribute it... but feel free to link to it here!


So here's the first installment of Manuel:
This pattern assumes that as you work, the "right side" is facing out.
color A is a natural cream colored wool(as seen in my pics)
color B is a brown colored wool(as seen in my pics)

LEGS(make 4)
Start with (color A) a magic circle into which 6 SC are made.
R1: INCR1 in each stitch across (12 sts)
R2: *SC 1, INCR1* repeat across (18 sts)
R3: Make bobble, SC next 17.
R4-5: SC across.
R6: change to color B, work a row of chain st across in front loops only.
R7: SC across in back loops skipped in previous row.
R8-15: SC across.
Bind off and set aside.




BELLY(make 1)
Start with (color B) a magic circle into which 6 SC are made.
R1: INCR1 in each stitch across (12 sts)
R2: *SC 1, INCR1* repeat across (18 sts)
R3: *SC 2, INCR1* repeat across (24 sts)
R4: *SC 3, INCR1* repeat across (30 sts)
R5: *SC 4, INCR1* repeat across (36 sts)
Next row joins legs to the belly (same technique we used for Padma)
R6: *With yarn attached to belly piece, pick up one of the legs and SC next 9sts through both belly and leg.* make sure your toes are pointing in toward the center of the belly! Repeat with each remaining leg, and bind off.

Crochet-a-long: Padma part 4

Last part, here we go!

When we attached the legs to the belly(part1) we left 12 leg stitches open, and these are the stitches we are going to pick up and use to begin the main body. But to minimize gaps between the legs we are also going to work in 2 of the stitches used to attached the leg and belly in our round (one on either side of the leg). That means we will work 14 stitches across each leg of this round. So choose a leg as the starting point (they're all the same so it's your choice), and identify the 12 open stitches, then go 1 stitch before and attach yarn. The starting point you choose will be the center back of the elephant. Begin R1 here.




R1-3: SC across. (56 sts)
R4: *SC 6, DCR1 over next 2 sts, SC 6* repeat across. (52 sts)
R5: SC across.
R6: SC 22, join trunk by aligning back 9 stitches of flattened trunk with next 9 stitches of body, SC through both layers of those 9 stitches, SC 21. (see image RIGHT)
R7: SC 22, SC front 9 stitches of flattened trunk, SC next 21 on body.

Make Padma's tail here by chaining 12, turn, skip 2 ch and work slip st in next 10 ch (working back toward body).
R8: *SC 5, DCR1 over next 2 sts, SC 4, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (44 sts)
R9: SC across
R10: *SC 4, DCR1 over next 2 sts, SC 3, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (36 sts)
R11: SC across
R12: *SC 6, join ear by aligning 7 stitches of flattened ear with next 7 sts of body, SC through both layers of those 7 stitches, SC 5* repeat.
R13: *SC 4, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (30 sts)
Time to stuff...
stuff the legs first, stuffing pretty firmly. Then the body and a small amount in the trunk to help shape the face. Don't over stuff the body, since you will have one last chance to add some stuffing before closing. If you are using safety eyes you will want to attach them now as well.
R14: *SC 3, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (24 sts)
R15: *SC 2, DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (18 sts)
Last chance to get in any stuffing before closing!
R16: *SC 1 ,DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (12 sts)
R17: *DCR1 over next 2 sts* repeat across. (6 sts)
Bind off leaving a long tail. Weave tail through remaining stitches and pull to close. Secure and pull tail to inside to hide.


All that's left to do now are your finishing touches: eyes, expressions, accessories, anything you can think of!

Let's see your finished product! Post it on Ravelry: CAL with DawnToussaint

Ask and receive...

So "a pattern a week" is still on, and I am having a blast, but now is your chance to get involved... Here's the deal: suggest a pattern, if I make it you get a copy for FREE! You can suggest it here, or on Twitter (@dawntoussaint).

Rules and stuff:
Since multiple people may suggest the same thing, the first suggestor will get the pattern. And since there will only be one winner per pattern, make sure to take a look through the blogs and tweets to make an original suggestion (giving you the best chance of winning a pattern!) I'll announce all suggestions and winners here and on Twitter, and I'll contact you for email address or ravelry username to gift pattern.

Deal ends on July 31, so get thinkin' ;D
Thanks, Dawn.

UPDATES:
first pattern winner: Panda entered by Seelenfein (7/2)! Tilly the panda pattern now available on etsy

second pattern winner: Lamb entered by Mary Heather (7/9)! "Not enough good lamb patterns out there!" Thanks so much for your awesome suggestion ;D

third pattern winner: Basset hound pup entered by Simone (7/16)! I may have to take a few liberties with this one but I'm up for the challenge... thanks again for all the great suggestions ;D

fourth pattern winner: Lion entered by oOoCarinaoOo from twitter (7/23)! A few people submitted a lion suggestion, but oOoCarinaoOo was the first ;D

fifth (and final) pattern winner: Turtle entered by Brandi(and daughters)(7/31)! I hope all your girls will enjoy their very own turtle ;D

Well, that brings us to the end of this adventure! And I don't know about you all, but I had a great time hearing all your thoughts and suggestions... Be sure to come back and check out all the patterns when they're complete, and as always feel free to join the conversation!
Thanks again all ;D

Ami wants a new pair of shoes...

So it's been on my mind for a while, if my ami's can have removable sweaters, dresses, shorts, etc. then why not shoes? Well now they can! It took a little longer than I had hoped, but I've finally worked out the best shoe pattern for my ready to wear line. The first try you see here is for a custom order you can check out on my custom order blog... a casual sneaker for a recent grad. After some trimming and finishing touches I think it'll be a perfect match for her swim shorts and college t-shirt. I used a denim, backed with fusible interfacing and medium whale cord for the soles. The tongue and inside sole is lined with blue cotton, and hides all seams! This little pattern is so versatile, look forward to lots of variations. Pattern should be available in my etsy shop as early as next week!

New pattern: Lacy knit sweater seperate!

Looking for a new item in you ami wardrobe? Look no further, cause this week's pattern is a lovely knit cardigan fitting all the pretty amis in my ready to wear collection! This cute little number features a surprisingly simple lace pattern and one button closure. The body is knit on straight needles... and while I recommend the arms are knit onto the body using DPNs, they could be knit on straights, seamed and attached. You won't believe how quickly this knits up (I timed about 2 hours) so great for a last minute project, or a small distraction from a bigger project! Give it a try and let me know what you think ;D

New week, new pattern

Douglas the raccoon is ready for spring! The latest in my spring dumpling collection, this adorable scavenger would make a great addition to your fiber family. BTW: anyone out there interested in submitting a pattern idea? follow me on twitter (@dawntoussaint), tweet your suggestion, and if I make it I'll send you a copy for free!

Looking forward to hearing from you! ;D