My Projects: Finished and Listed!

I have listed quite a few new handmade items in my Etsy store, The Sparkling Cocktail! They make great gifts for the holidays or holiday weddings, and all are under $50! To top it off, 20% of all my Etsy store sales will be donated to the Red Cross Sandy Relief for November and December!

Here are a few: 

Hand crocheted fingerless gloves in ivory with a red bow and tipping. 

Red mink fur pom pon cocktail ring! Perfect for holiday parties! 

Winter wedding? Emerald velvet ivory lace bridal garter.  From my Je T'aime series. 

Sweet Nothings garter set in Ruby Velvet. 

My View: Craftsy Knit Lab

I started taking a basic knitting course online at Craftsy! It's called Knit Lab and it covers all of the basics like casting on, knitting and purling, knitting lace, increases and decreases etc. I taught myself to knit about 4 years ago from books, took a long break to recover from a hand injury and started back up about 2 years ago. You know when you teach yourself, you always feel like you are doing something wrong? Well I have and so I've been wanting to take a class at a local yarn stores but my full time job leaves me no time to match those schedules. 

As an alternative, an online course is just the perfect thing as I can take it any time I want. Craftsy has all kinds of classes from basic knitting like Knit Lab to more advanced techniques. There are also other categories like crochet, jewelry, sewing, paper crafts, and even cake decorating! So much fun and endless possibilities! 

I took some screen shots of my class. I hope you can see them. You can start and stop the class as often as you like, and you will always have the class in your profile to go back to and reference. If you're busy like me, you will love this feature! You can also ask questions on the top right and see other questions and answers posted buy others! 

Stefanie Japel, the instructor of my class is very knowledgable! A class materials guide is also provided that includes patterns for the projects you get to make in the class. I'm going to make a lacy scarf that I will share with you. Once I get to the next step I can continue the class and knit along! 

Isn't this cute? 

One thing I've learned so far is that I knit in the English method and not Continental. I had no idea! 

Have you taken a Craftsy class? If you're on Craftsy, my profile is BobbinBombshell. I've got some projects up there and I love to see what others make. Stop by and share! 

Oh! All classes are $19.99 or less today for the Craftsy Cyber Monday sale! Buy now, learn later! 

Mid-Week Inspiration: Ann Sheridan's Thanksgiving

The lovely Ann Sheridan carving the turkey for Thanksgiving. 

I love the blouse! 

Have a glam Thanksgiving!! 

For inspiration any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest. 

Style Icon: Angelica Huston

Angelica Huston is a beautiful actress. In her modeling days in the 1970's she became a favorite of photographers such as Bob Richardson (whom she had a relationship with) and Richard Avedon. She was also a muse to designer Halston. Her 70's style has long been an inspiration. Here are some shots from her modeling career. 

 On the right. Love that outfit! 

My View: New Moo Business Cards!

Yippee! I got my new business cards for Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail from Moo! I am not a graphic designer but their website makes it really easy to design your own. You can create MOO Business Cards using your own photos or designs.  For instance, I have on one side my info and on the other a photo of one of my items from my store! 

Each card is different with an easy upload! 

I also got circular stickers to use on my packaging! So cute! 

Full disclosure: Bobbins And Bombshells is an affiliate of Moo. I am also a satisfied paying customer. 

On My Wish List: Seychelles on Sale!

DNA Footwear is having a 30% off sale on Seychelles!

Click the banner above to enter the sale. Here are my picks below that I am seriously pondering! I better hurry up and decide, this promo ends 11/21!

 The Ampersand in black...so retro and so perfect for my work outfits! Was $129.99, now $77.99.

 Harmony Lace Peep Toe Wedge in Black. LOVE! 

  

Oh wait..here is the Harmony in natural. So romantic. I can't decide...eeek! 

Was $99.99, now $59.99!

I've had my eye on these forever..I will regret it next Summer if I don't have these.

Sands of Time- was $99.99 now $40.00. That's more than 50% off! 

Help me decide! Which would you get? Which should I get? 

Have fun shopping!

Full disclosure: Bobbins And Bombshells is an affiliate with DNA Footwear. However I only accept sponsors from places I really shop. I've been a customer of DNA in Brooklyn for years. I also really love Seychelles Shoes! 

My Projects: Knit and Crochet Project Update

You may remember my excitement a short while back with all of the new knitting projects I had on my list. Here is an update on my progress!

Here is the Roar Hat(s) I am knitting for my for my nephews. The one above is nearly finished. I just have to attach the spikes. Liam is going to love this! 

I was highly ambitious this year in deciding to make two of these, the second for Liam's brother Ryan. Here is Ryan's. It looks like I will get these finished in time for Christmas!! I was really worried about that. The pattern was fully knitting but I decided to crochet the spikes. It was easier and they have more structure. I can't wait to show you what these hats look like finished. I can't wait to see that myself! 

To keep my hand in crochet mode as well, I have hooked these little fingerless gloves. Almost done, I just need to make one more bow, attach them on and weave in the ends! These will soon be for sale in my Cocktails at the Cabin section of my Etsy shop; The Sparkling Cocktail. 

And here is the Morning Glory scarf. Inching along! It's a simple 2x2 knit/purl in the prettiest purple tweed! It's a great project for when I'm too tired to think or want to knit on the subway. Do you knit on the train or while waiting for an appointment?

The baby blanket you ask? I haven't started that one yet. Although I am learning to balance more than one project at a time. I used to not start a new project until one was finished. Now as you can see, I am juggling and it feels a lot more productive! Are you a one project at a timer? Or do you juggle? 

Stay tuned for finished projects! 

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Mid-Week Inspiration: Peacock Feathers

Oooh the Peacock Feather! It has always been revered as one of the most beautiful birds in the world.  The bird and his feathers have been a popular motif in the arts for centuries. Symbolizing rebirth, renewal, and all knowing, it is no surprise that they have become popular in modern weddings. 

I've been using peacock feathers on my handmade La Boheme wedding garters for awhile now. They are my best seller and I especially love the blonde feathers shown above.  My inspiration for them has stemmed from Art Nouveau, the 1920's, and the style and grace of the Flappers who wore garters everyday to keep their stockings up. I sell them in sets, so why wait for a wedding! 

See below for inspiration using peacock feathers, both from the 20's and in modern times. 

Gloria Swanson- 1920's- This is one of my favorite photos of all time and probably the key to my La Boheme line. 

Gorgeous peacock detail on this 1920's dress. Just stunning! 

Modern peacock wedding cake!

This dress is amazing! Sorry- I don't know the designer. 

Jennifer Lawrence by Tim Walker for W magazine. Albino peacocks are so elegant!

For more inspiration any day of the week follow me on Pinterest. 

Style Icon: Linda Darnell

Welcome to my new series; Style Icon! I will be featuring those whose style is a great inspiration to me both current and from the past. First up is 1940's screen star, Linda Darnell. She encompasses classic 1940's style and was so beautiful, I am surprised she is not more well known.

Born in Texas in 1923 she started modeling when she was 11. It wasn't long until she made her way to Hollywood. The movie Star Dust (1940) put her on the map. Two of my favorites are;  A Letter to Three Wives (1949) and Fallen Angel (1945). 

I love this whole look! Turban, crochet cardigan and those nails! 

Gorgeous!

Can I please look like this when I ride my bike?

Stunning

Chic! 

My View: Green-Wood Cemetery

Yesterday my husband and I took a lovely Autumn stroll through the nearby Green-Wood Cemetery here in Brooklyn. Founded in 1838, Green-Wood quickly became the place to be buried and to visit in Victorian era New York City. As the New York Times wrote in 1866, "It is the ambitions of the New Yorker to live upon Fifth Avenue, to take his airings in the (Central) Park, and to sleep with his fathers in Green-Wood."

It really is a beautiful place to visit with ornate monuments, peaceful hills, and views of Manhattan. Enjoy my shots below. 

Images property of  Bobbins And Bombshells.

Mid-Week Inspiration: Crochet Bike!

I need to look at sunny and fun images! I was so excited when I found this on Pinterest. I think I might seriously add some crochet roses and flags to my bike basket for the Spring. Think ahead! 

For inspiration, any day of the week, follow me on Pinterest. 

Retro Looks In The Modern World: Rising Sun

As much as the modern fashion world looks forward it also continually looks back in time. Here we explore Retro Looks in the Modern World.

XOXO the Mag's November issue features a beehived 60's style Chanel Iman. She looks wonderful and I love the look!!

Photographer: Mike Rosenthal

via: fashiongonerogue.com

My View: Post Hurricane Sandy

You've seen the news, you've seen the images of flooding on a repeating loop. You're aware of what Hurricane Sandy brought to the East Coast. Instead of bombarding you with more images of the destruction caused by Hurricane Sandy here in NYC, I want to share with you some images of a few of my favorite places.

The cherry blossoms at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens.

View of the Brooklyn Bridge from DUMBO

View of the Statue of Liberty from Governor's Island.

On top of the Empire State in one of my favorite vintage 1940's dress. 

Summers in Coney Island! Here I am in my 1960's swim suit set! 

I have lived in New York City for 18 years now and it can both be an amazing place to live and a difficult place to live. I've seen a lot and I know that this is a truly resilient place. We will get back on our feet and carry on but it will take help. In the wake of the storm, I am donating 20% of my November and December sales in my Etsy store; The Sparkling Cocktail to the American Red Cross. Each buyer will be notified of the donation given in their name. Every penny counts, I wish I could give more. If you want to donate or give in your own way, please check out the many ways you can help here.

All images belong to Bobbins And Bombshells.