How did your 2015 look like? Let me know in the comments!

Love,
Dominique

This one is by far the perfect layering piece! I mean get yourself a blouse, this spencer, a jacket, a coat... Maybe some trousers or somethin'... Who knows?! Get wild, go crazy!

For this project I've used three balls of wool in W&W Papatya Batik from Pera & Pasha (they unfortunately don't have the colour I've used anymore, but Chocolate or Yellow Autumn might be your guy). As the name might suggest, it comes all the way from Turkey! Getting international here at Fashioned by Pluche, I know...

The colour of this yarn makes me think about caramelized apples (hence the name: Turkish yarn + caramalized apples = I've created a creative wonder for the world to see. Magical, really, these powers of creativeness I entail. 'How can one person be so creative?', I hear you ponder. I know, I must be alien). I've never had a caramelized apple, but I think the thought of it is better than actually taking a bite out of one (same principle goes for the title of this post WHICH IS GENIUS and something I've put much much effort in (but it does, right! Looking like caramalized apples and it does come from Turkey. Whatever...)). Here's how YOU can get an apple too...




You first have to cast on 100 stitches for the hem. The hem is 17 cm long and is in 2x2 ribbing.
When you get to the hight of 17 cm, you'll need to decrease to 88 stitches. This you can do by knitting every 7th and 8th stitch together (12 x). However this will be done in the 'pattern' we'll be going to use every alternate row. So:

Right side
15 stitches in garter stitch
2 stitches purlwise
10 stitches in garter stitch
2 stitches purlwise
30 stitches in garter stitch
2 stitches purlwise
10 stitches in garter stitch
2 stitches purlwise
15 stitches in garter stitch

Now we'll follow that up with the reverse side:

Reverse side
17 stitches in garter stitch
10 stitches purlwise
34 stitches in garter stitch
10 stitches purlwise
17 stitches in garter stitch

Repeat this 2x (so in total you've knitted 4 rows from the hem -including the one where you've decreased to 88 stitches). Now it's going to get funky! aka: Make a small forward cable every 6th right side needle.


So first of all knit your 15 + 2 stitches of the right side needle. Now slip 5 stitches knitwise onto the cable needle to the front of your work (so facing you).
Knit 5 stitches on the 'regular' needle.
Slip the 5 stitches on your cable needle back onto your 'regular' needle, and knit them. And that, my darling, is your first cable. Repeat this on the other side (so the 10 stitches is the place where it's at).

As said, repeat this every 6th row until you've made your 20th cable. Now as we did at the hem, instead of 6 rows, you'll knit 4. After those 4 you can start 2x2 ribbing for 5 cm long. Cast off and jobs a goodun!

The front of the spencer is exactly the same as the back. So make yourself two of these, sew the sides together (45 cm) and give some attention to those armholes...

To make everything look super duperly swish, you should grab yourself a crochet hook of 4.5 mm and stick this bad boy (with some leftover yarn) through the lower part of the armpit (at the seam).
Make first a row of double crochet (or single crochet in American terms).
Make a second row, still in double crochet, but now decrease 2x2 (so after every 2 double crochet, you take 2 stitches together and make it one, twice).
Make a third and final row, again in double crochet, and decrease 2x1 (so after every 2 double crochet, you take 2 stitches together and make it one. Nothing more, nothing less).


And ta-da, just manoeuvre away all those loose hanging threads and... well... go eat a caramelized apple. You deserve it!

Love,
Dominique

Love,
Dominique

Guess who just came knocking on my door? That's right! My Vintage Secret Santa knows how to play the game... dangerously.

As I've typed somewhere at the start of these holly jolly 12 days, this year I decided to join Jessica from Chronically Vintage in her annual Vintage Secret Santa presents swap (that's a mouthful indeed).* One of the best things I've done this year! Who'd thought that searching gifts for a complete stranger (you do get an impression of the person, but still, stranger danger) would be so much fun! (let alone receiving a gift from another stranger in return).


For my Secret Santa victim (the lovely Esther, on Instagram: @polyestherkes_circus) I went for the colour pink as base (because she herself has pink hair) and worked my way around it. As the 'Vintage' in 'Vintage Secret Santa' make already believe, the pain of the game is the element of vintage or vintage inspired. I went for the latter and made her a pink faux fur collar/cape and -after a little snoop around the interwebs- I found this metal postcard (who knew they excisted) with a pin up on a motorcycle (besides being a pink-head, Esther also enjoys classic motorcycles and loves midcentury clothing DING-DING! I know I'm good...). To complete the job I wrapped it all up -according to theme- and send it on its way. AND I WAS SO NERVOUS! What if she didn't like it or ya know, it got lost in the post or worse BOTH! But luckily all was fine... I mean, three photos on Instagram is a sign of genuine excitement AND 'the gift wrapping queen of the lowlands <3' is definitely going on my CV. Without a doubt.


As my mother rightfully stated: "This gal (she didn't say 'gal', but lets pretend she did) really has done her homework!". And I can hardly argue with her. That bag, that brooch and that hat/turban are just the cutest (and very very me... I already know how to wear them, so more (*ahum* better) pictures coming soon!). Thank you a million times to my Secret Santa, Hilde (on Instagram: @demuze), for these absolutely perfect gifts! You've done an outstandingly good job... (something to put on your CV). ;)

Oh, I'm already looking forward to next year! It's rather addicting, really...

Love,
Dominique


* "The premise of this wintertime gift exchange is very simple: One signs up, is partnered with a randomly assigned partner, your name is likewise teamed with a random match, you send out a gift (or gifts) using the details that your VSS match provided when they signed up, and you in turn receive a gift from your own "Secret Santa." That's it, easy-peasy and fun as all get out!!!" By Jessica from Chronically Vintage [here]

Who are we kidding? Just put on some Bublé and you'll be fine...

Love,
Dominique

An essential would be, in this time of year, to keep yourself warm and fuzzy. However, why not warm, fuzzy and stylish? I know, groundbraking stuff here. But I'm serious! You've got your basics, said like a true Fashionista, and now it's time to rumble! It's time for the musthaves that makes you YOU. This naturally depends on who YOU are, but this might be... inspirational, I guess (although I hate that word when it's pointed right at me. Inspirational my ass). Consider this as a little exercise. So without further ado: Here's a round up of 5 staple pieces that jingle all the way. In a good kind of way. Naturally.


Or in my case it'll most probably be the coats. Coats, to me, are most probably what bags or shoes are for another (although, don't get me wrong, I love myself some bags and shoes...). I absolutely A-D-O-R-E coats. Can't have enough of them! Not only are they practical but they are also the first thing most people will see of you. Although, side note: you don't dress for people, you dress for yourself. And this self is very pleased with a nice coat hanging around her shoulders.


May the fur be with you! (sorry). Some Faux fur to underline the fact that NO it isn't 30 degrees outside and YES it's more likely minus 30 degrees outside and you're not ashamed to admit it. Maybe even embrace it (although I wouldn't take it that far when battling minus 30 degrees weather... Although, fun fact, this December -where I live- is probably the warmest December since EVAH, so maybe tone the fluff down a bit).


Gesundheit! We all know that heat rises, especially when I walk into the room (I'm sorry, that's very inappropriate. But true. jk. I'm as cold as ice). Our heads are one of the main victims of heat escaping. A quivering lip in combination with goosebumbs is -on my list of essentials- something we need the flee from instead of embrace (lots of hugging today, apparently. The underlying story to take away from this post: give a good cuddle to the weather and say hi to goosebumbs. Take notes, take notes...). A hat, is the simple answer to all of your problems. ALL OF YOUR PROBLEMS. And now you're at it, to take this to the next level, why not combine number three and two?! Anything fluffy goes, remember...


Can I get any more cheesy? Yes, yes I can. However we're not here to discuss cheese... *ba dum tss* You basically can't go wrong with a jumper. Any jumper, really, even the 'ugly sweater' holds a special place in our hearts. I mean, there are even ugly sweater competitions AND people are very proud of their sweater if they win the title. What's ugy anyway? On that same thought train: what's beauty? A discussion you can hassle your family with while drinking hot chocolate. CHRISTMAS.


We've been very much concentrating on the upper part of the body, but how about downstairs? Don't you worry, any essentail list is worthless and utter crap when it doesn't mention a good pair of socks. In these colder temperatures (*ahum*) I like to grab a thicker pair to keep my tip toes toasted all day long!

And that's it! That wasn't so bad, was it... Any essentials I've missed, neglected or simply ignored?

Love,
Dominique


All pictures shown in this post can be found on my Pinterest page/profile/whatever it's called [here].

 

This one is very easy and certainly gets its socalled 'oomph' because of the yarn I've used. This yarn -Angelina Lurex by Lammy Yarns Holland (which you can purchase yourself here)- is, in my eyes, just the leftovers of a mermaid's tail that's been through a rough time at a spinning wheel. Although I'm not one to complain, because it's just totally ABSOLUTELY amazing. Let's just say that it doesn't need much to impress... JUST LOOK AT IT!! (I know, I know, these pictures aren't a perfect example of the amazingness it entails, but just imagine... You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one). ;)

For someone who normally uses thicker yarn, this thinner version was first an obstacle to be overwon. But now, well, now I don't want anything less than manufactured mermaid's tail! Maybe a little bit of rainbow or unicorn that can persuaede me otherwise, but I'm definately hooked on mermaid's tail from now on...

"How can I go under the sea?", I hear you ask. Well, my dearest land creature, nothing to worry! Seaweed is always greener in somebody else's lake, but not for long. I've written down this pearl hidden away in a mussel -in 4 easy steps- so you too can go deep under!

1. You first have to cast on 142 stitches for the hem. The hem is 25 cm long and is in 2x2 ribbing.
2. After those 25 cm, you'll start on the right side of your work in stocking stitch.
3. When you've got up to 35 cm of stocking stitch, you can cast off.
4. Repeat and jobs a goodun! (I said it was very easy, didn't I?!)

Just sew the sides up to where you've stopped ribbing (so 25 cm, for those who haven't paid attention) and don't forget the shoulders (15 cm each, leaving you with 20 cm headspace, if needed more you can naturally obviously sew a little less. Logic, presented to you on a plate. Full of fish. Aha.).

You'll be the absolute starfish this Christmas dinner when wearing this little number!

Love,
Dominique

Love,
Dominique

Today is the first day of my vacation (or rather: yesterday was the first day of my vacation, but one of my teachers thought it to be a good idea to just not do that. Stupid teacher). At the end of the year I always get 'fed up' about everything. Enough is enough, really. 2015 has had its moments and now I'm just ready to move on (well, move on in the sense of being free as a bird and fly away to... my bed and a good book. Oh! And a big cup of tea. And while you're at it, a biscuit would be nice too! Not in the sense of being 'done' with 2015 because I've still got an awful lot of things to do and I just don't seem to have the time for it all. *sigh* Is there a possibility where we can stretch 2015 just a little longer, add a new month or something, so I can have some breathing-space to get the things done I need to get done?).

Anyway, today I've been busy busy busy with my #vintagesecretsanta gift. I think it turned out very nice (wouldn't mind gifting it to myself, so we're good at that front) and I'm actually quite nervous as to wether my secret Santa receiver will appreciate it... Oh well, all will be revealed shortly (when I've received my packaging I'll share the gifts I've got and naturally will also show you the gifts I've given. And that's indeed yet another 12 Days of Christmas post sealed).

As I was so busy busy busy with my #vintagesecretsanta (ahum -busy singing and dancing along to mr Bublé with a cup of tea in my hand while Jack was looking at me with his head slightly tilted), I -as you might've noticed from this so far AMAZING blogpost- hadn't had the time to make something a bit better than this. Just a bit better, really, who are we kidding? Again: Oh well, all will be revealed shortly. Or not. (thats the kind of cliffhanger you'll naturally will return for to this blog! Keeping it real and spicy here. Very spicy. Ooh la la! (sorry)).

Love,
Dominique

Yes, yes, I know, I know, this must be the billionth gift guide that's passed your eyes these last couple of days. Has the world gone mad? (or at least the blogging-world). Maybe. However, ya know, it's part of the build up to the most wonderful time of the year! This doesn't just include you indulging into too much food and watching too much television. No! The true meaning of Christmas is spending too much money on gifts. For your loved ones, naturally. Alright, who are we kidding? This 'gift guide' is naturally meant for the one and only person that matters most: YOU. Or rather: ME. Who cares anyway?






Did you see something you'd fancy yourself? Let me know in the comments!

Love,
Dominique

To my dearest,

During this time of the year we get -almost literally- abused with the loving and caring we should, or apparently ought, to portray. Love all and all will be loved! However it's a hard time trying to think of writing your loved ones sincere Christmas greetings when the EXACT words you were going to use are already printed on the card itself. And you can't just put your name on it because that may seem very 'not caring' and 'not loving'. What we want is something thoughtful. Something sweet, nice and thoughtful.

Right.

So in all despair you turn yourself to the one and only thing you can trust in this world: Google. And Google will produce you some very bad -but thoughtful- rhymes. But you're just not feeling it (because they are really really bad. We can't all be poets and some shouldn't even try being one). What to write, what to do. At this point it's almost crazy to think that showing affection or love in general can be so exciting and inspirational. To quote: Love is a many splendored thing, love lifts us up where we belong, all you need is love! Sure McGregor, tell that to your dearest Kidman who [spoiler] died during all of the loving she could get. PASSION! It's passion we're lacking! We (I) need some passion to get me going. So where else to look (besides Google obviously) than history itself. They slaughtered and murdered their way through passion!

So I got myself a copy of Love Letters of Great Men and Woman, which includes -among other things- the private papers from Jane Austen (have you ever read a Jane novel??) and some words scribbled by ol' Henry VIII (divorced, beheaded and died, divorced, beheaded, survived! Passion doesn't even cover it). And naturally it wouldn't be complete without some lovely muttering from Mozart or the beheated love put to paper by none other then Napoleon and 'his' Josephine? Passion, passion, passion. Love, love, love.

If there's one thing you can take from this book: the word 'love' doesn't always mean what it means and its meaning can vary from the point of view it's been -in this case- written. Love, basically, is less than love and more than love ever can be. Love? It's a many splendored thing, it lifts you up where you belong, it's all you need. Accept if you're a woman. Than it's love and reputation. Than it's love and household. Than it's love and I can go on like this for a very long time. To love, to actually love, was (or is) a greater deed with much more to it than just love. And passion. Passion ain't gonna make it on its own either. *sigh*

So you want some nice words scribbled onto your Christmas greetings card in glitter pencil? (it's indeed a missed upportunity to not write a Christmas greetings card in glitter pencil. One might even wonder if you're human or not)? DO YA?! Love is a lie! Nothing is unconditional! Passion is dead! So, here ya go in pre-printed wishes and all:

Merry f*cking Christmas

Love,
Dominique

Who's standing there?
Where?
There, infront of the door.
I can't see anybody...
Sure you can! There's somebody there, at the door.
Have they jingled the bells?
No.
Well, then there's nobody at the door.
But there is!
Well, if they haven't jingled the bells they sure don't want to come in.
*mumbles something to herself*
Don't be such a spoil, com join us and grab yourself a warm coco.


She's still there.
Who?
The person at the door.
Well, why won't you ask what she wants.
But she hasn't jingled the bells. Maybe she's just standing there.
Well let it rest then.
 *sighs*


I'm going to the door!
Why?
To ask that girl what she's doing there!
Has she jingled the bells?
No she hasn't jingled the bells, but she's been standing there for a good 10 minutes or so.


And?
What?
What did she want?
Who?
The girl at the door? What did the girl at the door want?
Oh. Nothing, really.
What was she doing then, there, in front of the door?
Taking pictures apparently.
What for?
Her blog or something.
What's a blog?
Nothing to worry about, my dear.
Alright then. Glad that's been sorted out... Warm coco anyone?

Love,
Dominique