DIE FOR DIY - the culture of do it yourself

Going through the new issue of Elle, to my great surprise and joy I stumbled upon the article of Fotini Simos "DIE for DIY - The culture of Do It Yourself",

"The trend commands DIY in fashion, decoration, leisure, education and beauty. It is not just another lifestyle madness of hipsters, but a new social phenomenon that has its roots in the international economic crisis. A need therefore that is dressed with the mantle of beauty and style and steals the impressions, because behind everything there is an idea hidden. In other words, the DIY is the new "takethe  control in your own hands." A little fun revolution against consumerism. "

And more particullary for knitting: 

 "Knitting: The new yoga. The most hip girls in the city discovered embroidery, knitting and cross stitch and make themselves scarves, caps and sweaters. The trend started since psychotherapists spread that knitting is best stress buster. Researchof the Institute of Harvard Medical School, showed that knitting reduces the heart pulse to 11 in a minute, so the pressure drops. This is what the working girls of the city heard and pulled the needles from the grandmother's trunk! "

And because I'm working and hip girl ;) I knit with obsession: 

Two new bags in proccess:

An extravaganza cowl:

A surprise gift, trying for the first time the entrelac technique:

My new bag in the classic black and white fashion trend

If you are not sure about a colour combination, you can always rely on black and white, because it is easy for creating a fairly effortless wardrobe.

The crisp contrast of this classic combination is always in style, it’s classic, simple and very sexy and look good on every woman, no matter what is her hair colour or skin.

Monochrome is one of the simplest, most chic looks and never fails to gain attention when done well.

Marc Jacobs' collection was inspired by 40s silhouette and he combined this idea with futuristic elements, presenting a collection full of metallics, latex, hats, turtleneck sweaters, patent chunky boots, aggressive use of lace and lots and lots of polka dots.

One of the biggest trends of this season, if we talk exactly about bags - a combination of black and white. It is embodied in the form of cells that mimics the texture of the costume fabrics, prints “zebra”, abstract stripes and so on.

In the collection of  Salvatore Ferragamo were presented clutches from black and white tweed in the  classic style ”goose foot”.

Dolce and Gabbana have pleased there fans with bags- wallets with prints in the form of piano keyboard, musical notes, stars and animal prints in black and white.

My new bag is inspired by this trend: 

Crochet artwork by Vincent Nathan

Vincent Nathan is a young artist who creates unique pieces of art !

As the artist states: "His work explores gender permissions and the challenges that arise from straying from the prescribed norms. It questions the qualities of gender by considering what constitutes masculine and feminine. It critiques stereotypical gender mediums by creating "masculine objects" using "feminine processes" such as crochet, sewing, and applique".

Τake your dowry out of the trank! The new collection of Dolce & Gabanna for Summer 2011!

White is dominant in all summer collections. This year it is beautifully combined with gold!
The design duo at Dolce & Gabbana celebrated their quarter-century collection with a show done nearly all in white — and, according to Mr. Domenico and Mr. Stefano, they based it all on the items that would go in a bride's hope chest before she marries. 
Bedspreads, tablecloths, and curtains transformed into the duo's familiar hourglass sheaths, sexy skirtsuits, baby-doll dresses, rompers, and not a few va-va-voom corsets. Out they came in broderie anglaise, what looked like antique hand-tatting and crochet.

This is my new bag, inspired by their collection:

Μy new bags and a recipe

I don't know how, but this year I can't accomplish not even half of the things I want every day!And I have neglegted my blog terribly!
But I managed to finish some halfdone things and to make to new bags!
Bags have always been my favorites and I believe that a woman can never have enough bags!!!

For almost any woman, the handbag is the ultimate accessory - as it says in the introduction of the book "Bags Two" from Vogue Knitting- . It combines fashion and function and suggests couture in a beautifully useful package. A fabulous bag has a unique way of grabbing people's attention! 
You can find patterns for my bags in my shop and on Raverly :)

Last week my son had his birthday and I thought I would cook something special for dinner! I tried out a new recipe I found on "Marieclaire cuisine", sarlot of stuffed cabbage and chocolate soufle!

Here is the recipe for the stuffed cabbage:

Incredients (for 6 portions):

1 nappa caggabe (chinese)

400 gr. sausage

150 γρ. rice for risotto (arborio)

1 large onion

1 egg

60 gr. grated parmegiano

50 gr. butter

1 tbs oil

chopped parsley

salt-peper

Slice the head of Napa lengthwise in half and remove the core. Cook the cabbage leaves in salted water for 20 minutes and drain.

Boil the rice al dente in salted water, drain, and mix with half of the butter. Chop the onion and heat it in a pan with oil. Remove the casing of the sausage and the flesh of the sausage to the onions. Add salt and pepper and let it cook for 5 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180 grade and butter a baking pan. Cover the base and sides of the pan with the large leaves og the cabbage.Roughly chop the rest of the cabbage.  Mix in a bawl the sausage, the rice, teh egg, the parsley and the parmegiano. 
Fil the pan with a layer of the mixture, then a layer of chopped cabbage in turns, until the pan is filled.Top with leaves. Cover the pan with a baking paper, buttered and bake for 30 minutes. Leave to rest for 5 minutes before serving. serve hot.

The soufle was very yummie also:

Just finished!

Sales are very very slow lately in my shop and I decided to knit something for myself :)
I knit a sweater in lavender purple with a fabulous lace pattern:

 I finally took pictures and listed a shrug I finished some time ago:

Lace patterns are my favorites!You can find the instructions for the lace stitches here!

Athens knit & crochet group meeting

Last Tuesday I went to Bliss to the first meeting of the group “Athens knit and crochet” from Ravelry! For those who do not know Ravelry, is a big online world community of knitters! The group “Athens knit and crochet” was founded by Leanda who had the wonderful idea to organize a meeting, to get to know us better over a cup of coffee and to knit and share ideas about our favorite hobby! It was a splendid afternoon, I was very happy to meet known faces and also other members of the team! We had a great time and we decided make it a monthly meeting! You can read more on Leanda’s blog!

Last weekend I went to my hometown to vote and visit my family! I had the opportunity to search my mother’s piles of magazines and to confiscate 2-3 old issues of “Verena”! This is the jacket I found and want to knit: