Anyway, this little aside here is another consequence of my childhood in Sweden but now, without any further ado, here’s how you make them (you literally only need pine cones, felt, needle and thread and a few drops of glue):

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The post Pine-Cone Santa Ornaments – Cute Christmas-Craft Idea first appeared on Around the Year.

Um uns in eine gemütliche Herbststimmung zu bringen, habe ich heute ein paar schöne (und einfache!) Bastelideen für Euch zusammengestellt – und nicht nur Bastelideen, sondern auch ein herbstliches Keksrezept zum Ausprobieren (siehe weiter unten im Post)!

• Apfel-Zimt-Haferkekse
• Herbstlaubkerzen verzieren
• Reisig-Windlicht
• Wollkürbisse

Apfel-Zimt-Haferkekse

• 100g Butter
• 120g Zucker
• 1 Ei
• 100g Weizenmehl
• 1/2 TL Zimt
• 125g Haferflocken
• 1/2 TL Backpulver
• 1/2 TL Salz
• 75g Rosinen
• 2-3 mittlere Äpfel

Die Äpfel schälen und fein würfeln.

Dann die Butter mit dem Zucker verrühren, das Ei untermischen, und dann die restlichen Zutaten hinzufügen. Zu einem gleichmäßigen Teig vermischen, und den Teig dann mit Hilfe von zwei Teelöffeln zu kleinen Häufchen pressen und auf ein mit Backpapier belegten Backblech setzen.

Die Kekse bei 200 Grad C etwa 8-10 Minuten backen, oder bis sie goldbraun sind.

Herbstlaubkerzen verzieren

• Dicke Kerzen
• Buntes Laub (oder Serviettenauschnitte)
• sauberen Stahlteelöffel
• 2. Kerze zum Erhitzen

Eine Kerze anzünden, und den Löffel mit der Innenseite über die Flamme halten, um das Metall zu erhitzen. Da ein bisschen Ruß kaum zu vermeiden ist, sammelt der sich dann nämlich nicht dort, wo Ihr mit dem Löffel das Blatt berühren werdet. Die Blätter wie gewünscht auf die Kerze auflegen und mit der Außenseite des heißen Löffels über das Blatt fahren. Dadurch schmilzt das Wachs darunter an und klebt beim Erkalten das Blatt an der Kerze fest.

Statt des Herbstlaubes kann man auch Motive aus Papierservietten ausschneiden, die unteren Lagen des Serviettenpapiers entfernen und dann die Motive auf die gleiche Weise an der Kerze befestigen.

Reisig-Windlicht

• Leeres Glas, z. B. ein altes Marmeladenschraubglas
• Reisig oder kleine Stöcke
• Gummiband
• Schleife, Wolle oder Paketband

Das Reisig auf die Höhe des Glases brechen oder schneiden. Ein Gummiband um das Glas legen und das Reisig so durchstecken, daß es vorläufig am Glas festgehalten wird. Ihr braucht genug Reisig, um das ganze Glas damit umstecken zu können.

Dann Eure Schleife, Wolle oder Paketband mehrmals um die Mitte des Glases wickeln und die Enden gut verknoten oder zu einer Schleife binden. Dadurch werden nun Eure Stöcke am Glas festgehalten, und das Gummiband kann entfernt werden.

Ein Teelicht in das Windlicht stellen — und fertig!

Wollkürbisse

• Klopapierrolle
• Strickwolle, gerne auch etwas dickere Wolle
• Kleines Stöckchen

Die Klopapierrolle auf die gewünschte Höhe zuschneiden: ich empfehle zwischen 4 und 7 cm. Die Wolle längs um die Klorolle wickeln, also jeweils durch das Innere der Rolle ziehen, so daß sich die Wolle vertikal um die Rolle legt. Auf diese Art die gesamte Rolle mit Garn bedecken und die Enden im Inneren gut verknoten. Die Ränder der mit Wolle bedeckten Pappe nach innen biegen, um den Kürbis zu formen. Am Ende ein kleines Stöckchen in die Mitte stecken, um den Stiel darzustellen.

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The post Herbst DIYs gegen Langeweile 🍂🍁 Herbstliche Bastelideen first appeared on Around the Year.

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The post How Fashion Changed in the 19th Century first appeared on Around the Year.

Download your free BuJo theme idea list here.

My Supplies:

• Mildliner markers
• Brush pens
• Black Fineliners

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The post Bullet Journal Rose-Theme Setup for June: PWM + Free PDF! first appeared on Around the Year.

But as we get more serious about recreating historical dress, we need a little more background information, specifically where historical sewing techniques and are involved. So here are some of the ways I research and fins inspiration for my (mainly Victorian-era inspired) costumes.

• Finding Inspiration
• Historical Research, Know-How & Sewing Techniques
• Favorite YouTube Channels to learn about Historical Dressmaking and Fashions
• The Design Process
• In Conclusion:

Finding Inspiration

Nothing is more valuable to recreating historical fashions than first-hand sources from the time itself, be that artwork, fashion plates or extant garments. Through the internet we have all of this information at our fingertips. Have a look at museum exhibits, either in person or online. Even watching well-made historical dramas can be great sources of inspiration. But in order to be able and replicate what you see you will need to understand what goes underneath, and how the shape of the fabric was cut. This is where books and video tutorials come in:

Historical Research, Know-How & Sewing Techniques

• The Victorian Lady’s Guide to Fashion and Beauty
• The Victorian Dressmaker (by Izabela Pitcher from Priorattire)
• Authentic Victorian Dressmaking Techniques
• Keystone Jacket and Dress Cutter: An 1895 Guide to Women’s Tailoring (Dover Fashion and Costumes)
• Victorian Fashions: A Complete Lady’s Wardrobe (A collection of sewing patterns for late 19th century fashions)
• 59 Authentic Turn-of-the-century Fashion Patterns
• Historic Costumes and How to Make Them (Dover Fashion and Costumes)
• Historical ladies magazines such as the “Godey’s Lady’s Book”, “Journal de Demoiselles” etc. copies of which you can view on Archive.org

Favorite YouTube Channels to learn about Historical Dressmaking and Fashions

• Priorattire (Dressing-up videos for a wide range of eras, from medieval to Edwardian, showing the undergarments as well)
• Bernadette Banner (documents her historical dressmaking process and techniques, often with very interesting tidbits of information about the era)
• Crowseye productions (more dressing-up videos, lovely production quality)
• Karolina Zebrowska
• English Heritage
• Vasi Birchwood

The Design Process

After picking out a few inspiration pieces, be they fashion plates or existing garments, it’s time to decide if you want to actually recreate a dress 1-to-1 or put your own twist to it. Whatever way you decide, you will probably need to make a rough sketch – don’t worry if you’re not good at drawing, this is for your eyes only! This is where you bring your vision to life. What colors, fabrics, trims do you want to use? It’s one of my favorite parts of costume-making.

A big thing to consider is the budget – so if you’re a beginner you might want to keep fabric choices simple especially if you’re a (relative) beginner.

Additionally, don’t let yourself be constrained by what you see on fashion plates. Often when I’m in the process of making a dress, I get an idea, like a specific shape of sleeves or neckline, I want to incorporate, but I’m not willing to compromise on historical accuracy. So I do reverse-research – I start looking at sources to find evidence of that specific detail existing in fashion during that time period! And most of the time it does not take long to find historical evidence to support a design choice.

In Conclusion:

Having an approach of historical plausibility instead of ironclad historical accuracy can be incredibly freeing. Even if you can’t find evidence it’s still not impossible to incorporate it – fashion design comes down to the dressmaker after all, and dressmakers have always been people with ideas just like yourself. So don’t be afraid to go ahead, and design the dress of your dreams!

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The post How to Research Historical Fashion for Accurate Costume Recreation first appeared on Around the Year.

My Supplies:

• Mildliner markers
• Brush pens
• Black Fineliners

Some more BuJo theme ideas for April:

• Spring blooms
• Rainbows
• Unicorns
• Earth Day: Celebrated on April 22
• Cherry blossoms
• Travel
• Bees
• Insects
• Fairies

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The post 2024 April Bullet Journal Setup + Best BuJo Themes for Spring! first appeared on Around the Year.

• But Why Veil? It's the 21st Century Isn't It?
• How to Start Veiling and How I Started
• Veil Colors
• Transforming the Dress into a Veil

But Why Veil? It’s the 21st Century Isn’t It?

Women of many religions still veil today, but in Christianity the practice has largely fallen by the wayside. In my Catholic parish, I am one of only two veiled ladies, and when I started about a year ago, I was the only one. Just to be clear, when I say to veil, I mean when inside a church or chapel and not in everyday life. I’m happy to say that this beautiful tradition is actually making a comeback among the younger generation (including myself). Would it be something for you too? Keep reading!

Veiling is a personal devotion, not a requirement. In the Catholic church, women were supposed to veil at mass from St Paul’s time (1 Cor. 11) till the Code of Canon Law of 1917. After the second Vatican Council in the 1960s, fewer and fewer women veiled, and according to the current Code of Canon Law (1983) the church neither condemns nor requires women to veil. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful practice steeped in tradition, and it can be a wonderful way to practice devotion. So much for the rules and regulations regarding this issue.

For me, veiling is a way to embrace my femininity, by showing respect to the Blessed Sacrament by covering, instead of, like a man, uncovering my head for worship. This in no way diminishes my dignity, or places me “below men” as some think, but rather accentuates our dignity as women, in no way inferior to that of men but equal and complementary. It also helps to get me into a more prayerful mindset, the veil edges framing my face giving extra privacy, and help keep my gaze from wandering.

Other valid reasons to veil include to imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary, the model of a perfect woman, and for modesty and humility (let’s face it, most of us will be a little vain about our hair, especially if it’s long) so covering it in a beautiful way can be a little sacrifice to make. It’s certainly true for me. In fact, when I see women sitting in front of me, some veiled some unveiled, the veiled heads seem to blend into the church more, thus not side-tracking my attention as much.

How to Start Veiling and How I Started

If you’re going to a Novus Ordo parish, you’re likely not going to find many, if any veiled women there, so you might say to yourself “if I veil I’m going to attract attention or distract others”. If that’s the case, I would suggest to start with a plain veil that blends into your hair color. Most importantly, it’s irrelevant what other people think. Don’t talk about it unless people ask, and don’t look around you to see if other people react. Your choice to veil is between you and God, and other people have no say in the matter. You will see that no one is really going to care anyway.

I actually started my head-covering journey in winter by just “forgetting” to take my beanie off in church. Some women did that anyway, and for me it was a good test of intention, because I didn’t like the way I looked in it, as opposed to a beautiful veil. Then I started just wearing my winter scarf as a sort of hood, and then progressed to a thin dark chiffon scarf I happened to have, until finally now I’m confidently wearing lace, and even experimenting with colors. For more tips on veiling for beginners, read this post.

The most important thing is not to look for other peoples opinion. You’re doing this for God, so don your veil and walk into church, like it’s the most normal thing on earth, without looking for reactions. The less you think about the fact you’re wearing one.

I was a little nervous at first, afraid that our priests would not approve, since I had heard some horror stories about that, but no one paid any attention at all, until our priest during a conversation simply said to me one day that he “approved of the mantilla”. I was very happy, because I no longer had to be afraid of a confrontation. Since the I received some comments here or there, all very sweet, often saying how this reminded them of their home countries etc, and one lady was even inspired to start veiling herself. But for the most part, no one pays any attention whatsoever.

The mantilla is normal for me now, and I forget mine, which did happen, I feel naked and exposed during mass. Even (or especially) when I go to a chapel alone, I make sure to veil in the presence of Christ, because then it is 100% between me and Him, no spectators.

Veil Colors

As far as color goes, the Spanish tradition is white for unmarried, black for married women. As an unmarried girl I personally wear white as my “default color” and sometimes switch it up with colors to match the occasion, such as blue for Marian feasts. Sometimes I simply match the veil to my outfit, it’s really up to you. The only color I would not normally wear is black, except for funerals, on the Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, in the month of November, which is dedicated to remembering the dead, and on Good Friday.

Transforming the Dress into a Veil

I actually happened to be in need of a black veil, so when I found a cute embroidered lace dress, I knew it was just the thing. First I removed the built-in slip from the dress, which I’ll probably end up wearing on its own. Then I cut off the skirt, which was cut open at the center back. This was the only way to get enough material out of this tiny dress.

There were some more applique flowers on the top, which I carefully cut out and reattached to the veil by hand. There was no need to hem the fabric, since it doesn’t fray, so I left the edge unfinished. I really love the way it turned out, and will be wearing it a lot next November. For funerals the flowers are a little bright, but you can actually wear it inside out for a more toned-down look.

A little later I came across a red lace top, that met the same fate as the dress – it was made into a Christmas infinity veil (see pictures). It cost me £3, very decent price for a mantilla!

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The post Thriftflip: Transforming a Lace Dress into a Mantilla/Chapel Veil (& WHY do we veil anyway?) first appeared on Around the Year.

https://youtu.be/8-2uLBDOsQQ

By the way, this Peter Rabbit Hardcover collection is a must-have for Beatrix Potter fans – all of her 23 orginal tales and gorgeous illustrations in one place!

Supplies:

• Brush pens
• Gel pens (my favourite type of black pen to use because of the smooth writing feel)
• Journal
• Fineliners
• White gel pens

Top Bullet Journal Themes for March

1. St. Patrick’s Day
2. Spring”
3. Easter
4. March Madness
5. International Women’s Day
6. National Nutrition Month (lots of Avocado theme’s out there)
7. National Reading Month
8. National Craft Month
9. National Frozen Food Month
10. National Peanut Month
11. Shamrock / Clover
12. Tulips – maybe Netherlands-theme?
13. Violets
14. Snowdrops
15. Cherry blossoms
16. Daffodils (flower of the month)
17. Crocus
18. St Joseph’s month

Want more ideas? Check out my BuJo pinterest board!

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The post March Bullet Journal Setup (15+ Theme Ideas) first appeared on Around the Year.

After moving away to England 7 years ago, we kept the tradition of singing a few songs at home, and baking our version of the customary Lussebullar: since we prefer the taste, we simply make Cinnamon rolls, but roll them into the traditional s-shape required.

This year I found out that there are actually one or two Lucia events in London, but unfortunately it was too far away for me to attend weekly rehearsals.

Then last week, on an impulse, I sewed myself a white Lucialinne, the simple white shift dress worn for the festivities, which really resembles and Edwardian nightgown. Since it’s impossible to buy them here, and the dress is a really simple one, I decided to just make one, even though I wouldn’t be wearing it anywhere. Unfortunaltey I couldnt find a Luciakrona, the candle crown anywhere, and it was impossible to build one. They need to be quite sturdy and are usually made of metal, with either 5 or 7 candles. Often the bare metal is then wrapped in evergreens and secured with red ribbon. I did however make a normal wreath like the one worn by Lucia’s followers to complete the look.

I ended up shooting this short video, to capture the mood of the season:

Lucia: Symbolism and Backstory

The name Lucia or Lucy can mean light, and that together with her feast day on December 13th in the dark of winter helped her gain popularity in Scandinavia, especially in Sweden, where her feast day is celebrated as the Night of Light. Lucia is dressed in a long white gown (feel free to be creative with white skirts and long-sleeve blouses) with a red ribbon or sash tied around the waist, the ends falling down the front of the dress. Naturally the real St Lucy of Syracuse would not have dressed like that, the Lucia costume could be symbolical of her attributes (white=virginity, red=martyrdom), as well as being a crossover with a Christmas angel.

The first evidence of a a white-clad Lucia dates back to the 18th century, where she was depicted with angels wings, and carrying candles in both hands. However Lucia as a public holiday only came into fashion in the 1950s, in connection with the crowning of the towns Lucia, similar to a beauty pageant.

Men also participate in the Lucia procession and choir, usually as Stärngossar (star boys) inspired by the three wise men.

Ideas to Celebrate Lucia from Home In Style

• Watch a Lucia procession online (see a few of my favourites below)
• Bake Lussebullar and serve with mulled wine or cardamon coffee
• Light up your backyard (or a part of the forest) with candles – extra points for snow!
• Dress as Sankta Lucia or a Stärngosse and serve your family and friends cakes or pastries
• Sing “Sankta Lucia”

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Luciamorgon i Kungsholms kyrka

Sankta Lucia – Celebrating Light in the Dark of Winter December 13th St Lucy's Day 2023

Lucia 2019 – Lucia morning from Gränna Sweden

Light in the darkness | Swedish Lucia Tradition

Lucia 2022 – Lucia morning from Gräfsnäs Sweden

LUCIA – The night of light

Lucia 2018 i Kungsholms Kyrka med Kungsholmens gymnasium/Stockholms musikgymnasium

A Salutation to Light in the Darkest of Nights

Jonna Jinton Lucia 2014 "Ljus i mörkret"

Helen Sjöholm & Benny Andersson Nu tändas tusen juleljus

Lucia – Ljus i mörkret HD jonnajinton.se

Lucia 2015 Sweden (Updated subtitles)

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The post Celebrating Lucia from Home: Easy Traditions you can Start Right Now! first appeared on Around the Year.

Obviously you can use any knit fabric, and add your own details like ruffles, necklines etc, or keep it 100% plain. As I said before, I am using a deep red velvet for mine, which looks stunning.

A Quick Note on Sewing with Velvet

Since velvet is a nap fabric I implore you to double, triple and quadrouple-check, that you lay out all your pattern pieces in the same direction, as the fabric has a VERY different appearance depending on the direction it hangs. If the pile is going down, the surface will feel smooth, and the fabric will reflect light in a glittery manner. If the nap goes up however, the fabric absorbs the light, and appears darker, more saturated in color, and, in my opinion, more expensive and luxurious. So the latter is what I’m going for. But PLEASE check before you cut! As far as the full-circle ruffles are concerned, we are actually forced to cut them as two semi-circles facing the same way to accommodate the nap, or one side of your ruffle will look different.

Pressing velvet must also be done with extreme care and low heat, as the pile is easily crushed. Always use a pressing cloth, towel or velvet board, and lift and set your iron instead of running it over the fabric. See full velvet pressing instructions.

Drafting the Peplum Ruffles for the Sleeves

The ruffles are made from a full circle of fabric, pieced together from two semi-circles. I had to create them from 4 quarters, since I was running out of fabric. If you’re using velvet, make sure all semi-circles face the same direction. If you were to cut out a seamless full circle, one side would have it’s pile in the opposite direction.

https://youtu.be/uK-YCwRCN4c

Making the Velvet Top

For detailed instructions please check the video below, but long story short, after cutting my pattern pieces out, I assembled everything using a 1.5cm / 5/8″ seam allowance. The sleeve ruffles had to be pieced together by 4 quarter-circles, as I was running out of fabric fast. They were hemmed with a 0.5 cm/ 3/8″ seam allowance, and attached to the cuffs right sides facing. Across the top of the sleeves I ease-stitched about 1cm/ 1/2″ away from the edge, using a long stitch and loose tension similar to a gathering stitch. This ensures that when fitting the sleeve to the armhole, you can ever so slightly tighten the stitches gather the sleeve at the shoulder. To avoid getting a puffed-sleeve look don’t pull too much, and make sure to spread the fullness evenly, so the sleeve will fit smoothly into the armhole. Pin and sew, twice, the second time stitching about 3mm/ 1/8″ inside the previous seam. This helps to even out any wrinkles that may still show.

The neckline was hemmed with a 1cm / 1/2″ seam allowance and a very short top stitch, that virtually disappears into the pile of the velvet. Same for the hem, except I used a more generous seam allowance of 3cm / 3/4″. Follow the suggestions of your pattern!

And that’s the top all done!

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The post Sewing a Fancy Velvet Top Using a Basic Tshirt Pattern – a Christmas Party Must-Have first appeared on Around the Year.