Roller Derby Dreams [Part 2] – Wacky & Wonderful Wednesdays

So all you Roller Derby wanna-be babes, like me, we have covered a lot of Fabulous finds in Part 1 of this post. We started with “The Jammin Jewelry” and moved on to “The Blockin Bags“, and amazing array of hand-made, unique, and one of a kind items from all over Etsy, and all with a nod to Roller Derby Divas. We now roll on to “The Whipin Wearable“, “The Pivoting Prints and Painted Things“, and last but certainly not least “The Derby Decor“

The Whipin Wearables

Va-Va-VOOM Ruffle Butt Hot Pants in Pink – Made to Order by Anna Wilkerson, xANNABOTx on Etsy.

Pretty Girls Turn Heads Roller Girls Break Necks Roller Derby shirt on Alstyle Apparel by Derby Love, blacksheepsk8 on Etsy.

Hand crocheted newborn baby roller derby rollerskates with flower by Charlie Farley, Lottie’s Creations on Etsy.

Skate Scarf and Arm Warmer Set in black and white by Erica, Caustic Threads on Etsy.

Roller derby shorts, The Maple leaf – Canadian flag by Nichola, knickerockeroller on Etsy.

i heart derby girls roller derby shirt by Lyn Hooley, Replica Chicago Inc. on Etsy.

Pair of lime green roller skate patches (more and custom colors available) by Clare, Dolly Cool on Etsy.

Big Girl Panties Magnet or Button – You Choose by Tamara Kraft, Pithitude on Etsy.

The Pivoting Prints and Painted Things

Jammer: 8.5 x 11 magenta on textured white by Heather Webster, Donutdisco Prints on Etsy.

Movie poster Whip It 12×18 inches print by Claudia, Claudia Varosio on Etsy.

11X14 Tattoo Inspired Roller Derby Tribute by Whim Factory on Etsy.

Pop Skates by Lauren Kurtz, ElPonyP on Etsy.

Derby Doll – 8×10 giclee pinup print by Jen Oaks, Jen Oaks Illustration on Etsy.

Retro Roller Skates Photography – TTV Fine Art, roller derby photography , green, red, white on rustic chair – 5×5 by Megan, Jade Eye Photographer on Etsy.

Roller Derby Girl Print by Matt Mulford, Mulford Arts on Etsy.

Bonnie N. Collide, Nine to Five Roller Derby Comic by Monica Gallagher, Lipstick Kiss Press on Etsy.

The Derby Decor

Roller Derby girl theme cushion by Gail, ANTEMACCASSA on Etsy.

Roller Derby Mug or Planter – Vintage Disco Skate Ceramic Cup by Tiffa, Hippopo Vintage on Etsy.

Derby Love gift card set. by Infrared Studio on Etsy.

roller derby legs window/car decal by Neil, beepart! on Etsy.

Don’t you just love living vicariously through a little shopping therapy? In this case window shopping as it were. Next time you need a little reminder of how truly tough and cool girls can be, just think about the women of Roller Derby.

NOTE: Official Whip It Theatrical Release Poster above. Directed by Drew Barrymore. Staring Ellen Page, Kristen Whig, Juliette Lewis. Released in 2009.

Roller Derby Dreams [Part 1] – Wacky & Wonderful Wednesdays

OK girls, it’s time to fess up, how many of you have harbored dreams of Roller Derby stardom? I know I have. There is something so bad-ass about the women who Whip It. There seem fearless, fierce, and wild. At one time or another we have all wished we had a place to go, a secret life, where we were strong and powerful, where we had the camaraderie of kindred spirits, where we could let off some steam. We may never actually have the guts to do it, but we can all dream of a night of Roller Derby action. If you haven’t seen it, you need to have a girl’s night where you order up Drew Barrymore’s Whip It (2009) on your Netflix, and live vicariously. I promise you will love it, Ellen Page is brilliant and it is a girl-power fest.

Redhead Rollergirl by Rhoda Perdition on Etsy.

Now that you have a little Roller Derby love-in going on, you will naturally want to have some wonderful trinkets and reminders of the romance. And that’s where Etsy comes in to this little story. There is a whole set of fabulous creators that celebrate Roller Derby babes, culture, and fans. Whether you are a Blocker, Jammer, or Pivot, you’ve got to appreciate some home spun fandom. Here is a Fab sampling of some of my favorite Derby delights.

The Jammin Jewelry

Derby Chicks Rule Brooch in Rainbow by Amanda Whitelaw, Hungry Designs on Etsy.

Silver Roller Derby Winged Skate Necklace by Lauren Grace, Lauren Grace Jewelry on Etsy.

Blue Locket Necklace Roller Derby Queen Vintage Locket by Birds of Oregon on Etsy.

ROLLER DERBY Ring Solid Sterling Silver. Best Derby Accessory, Apart From Your Skates and Protective Gear by Glam Rock Emporium on Etsy.

Rainbow Socks Roller Girl – Roller Skating Scrabble Tile Pendant – Silver Plated Ball Chain Included by Michelle, Creations by M on Etsy.

AWESOME KITSCH ROCKABILLY ROLLER DERBY SKATE NECKLACE by LuliCool on Etsy.

White Resin Roller Derby Love Pendant by Jaime Johnson, Hard Candy Tattoos on Etsy.

Roller Derby Jammer Star BOTTLE OPENER with Keychain 2-1/4 2.25 Green and Black by Amanda Maria Edmonds, amepix on Etsy.

Custom Personalized Pendant – Your Name surrounded by glitter by High Strung Bead on Etsy.

The Blockin Bags

Fuchsia Bird and the Hand Power Skate Tote by Flat Track Revolution on Etsy.

Roller Derby Skates Reusable Natural Cotton Canvas Grocery Tote Bag (Choose Your Ink Color) by Linthound on Etsy.

roller skate clutch – “roller derby disco queen” : hot pink skates on black & white stripes by Kirsten Rangel, Snap Dragon Style on Etsy.

Roller Derby Girl on Girl Action Heads Are Gonna Roll Skating Pinups Cigarette Case or Wallet by SweetHeartSinner Creations on Etsy.

I heart roller derby – Zach Trover for Tinymeat, Wallet by Michael Wood, tinymeat on Etsy.

Roller derby mini messenger bag, mini messenger with pockets, hurt in a skirt, The Falcon by Karen, Zoe’s Bag Boutique on Etsy.

Flask – 8oz. – Hell on Wheels – Stainless Steel by Trixie and Milo on Etsy.

Want More? Of course you do! Check out “The Whipin Wearable“, “The Pivoting Prints and Painted Things“, and last but certainly not least “The Derby Decor” in Part 2 of this post!

Motley Mode Mondays – Wrap and Roll

This Monday’s fashion spotlight falls upon the one accessory that needs no sizing, no dressing rooms to squeeze into, and is stylish on any member of your family from the little monkeys to mom and dad. While Mother Nature is making up her mind about whether or not to “Let it Snow”, you can always get cozy in a great scarf. Scarves are versatile and stylish these days, a scarf can jazz up a simple and functional on-the-go look, or be the wow factor in your practical winter wardrobe. Here are an arms load of great custom handmade scarves for everyone you can think of, and with Valentine’s Day less than a month away, this is one accessory that can you can give to everyone on your “I Love You” list. Think of it as a walking hug that your loved ones can take everywhere they go.

If you are looking for a simple but stylish scarf, try a Hand Knit Button Up/Button Down Cowl Scarf from Windy City Knits on Etsy. This one is in a lovely soft Heather Gray, but other colours and styles are available, as is a PDF Pattern document if you want to knit it yourself. This item cuts down on the bulk of traditional scarves, and keeps the style factor intact.

This Chunky Hooded Scarf, shown in a luscious Lemongrass hues wool, is a one piece scarf that can be wrapped up around the head once to form an instant hood. Made with a wool blend chunky yarn, Shanionie on Etsy also offers her items in a chunky acrylic yarn for those allergic to wool.

If you love to do-it-for-yourself, you will have to take a quick trip to Fairbanks, Alaska Native Tara Murray’s shop on Etsy. Mammachee offers the most delicious crochet patterns for warm wooly wear, like this Crochet Cowl Pattern – Loopy/Hoody Cowl Scarf, which makes not only toddler and child versions, but also adult sized versions of this scarf for just $4.00 USD.

This stunning Chunky Braided Infinity Cowl Scarf was snapped up from Kay Lim’s Kay Lim Designs Shop on Etsy within 24 hours of my spotting it, and you can easily see why. Made to order, Kay offers unique pieces, all with slight differences, as they are all handmade. This item is a multi-fabric circle scarfin a cotton french terry and cotton jersey elements, raw finishes and the ability to style it in a variety of different creative ways. These scarves are unisex items, and add a really hip stylish touch to any ensemble. No doubt Kay Lim will be offering more soon, but in the meanwhile, you can take a look at her other brilliant work in her Etsy Shop.

For the men on your shopping list, you might consider this classic Dark Brown & Cream Handmade Crochet Scarf. A large two colour plaid design, you can request a version with or without a tassel fringed edge. Handmade in Turkey by Asu Crochet, a visit to this Etsy Shop now offers a limited time free shipping Valentine’s Day offer, and there is a large selection of other beautiful items available for purchase.

If colour is your preference, you can’t get more colourful than this one-of-a-kind [OOAK] Every Day is a Pleasant Day Unisex Cozy Scarf by Fluur of Vancouver, British Columbia. Check the photo-gallery below for a quickfire look at a spattering of more amazing scarf offerings on Etsy, and the shops that you can nab them at.

Wrap them for sub-zero temps in style withThe Alaskan Infinity Scarf by Ozetta on Etsy.

For the lovable geeks, The Super Long Doctor Who Scarf by Lassarina will do the trick.

Narrow Avenue, purveyors of simply lovely custom knits on Etsy, will show you what a difference a button, or two, can make with this Custom Knit Cowl Neck Scarf

Another great knitting pattern for you crafty and elegant types comes from Sadie & Oliver on Etsy. This stunning Drifting Pearls Scarf Knitting Pattern comes in PDF format so you can select the colour(s) for yourself. Jennifer Lang of Calgary, Alberta has this and many other lovely patterns and fully knit items available in her Etsy Shop. Too many great scarves abound on Etsy, this is a highly edited list of my personal favorites, but just run a basic search and you will find the scarf of your dreams. If you can find the date of your dreams for Valentine’s Day, at least you can have the scarf. Aren’t you glad it’s Monday?

Link: Get Started On Etsy

Sweetness Sundays – Crochet Babes

I am not someone to gush over babies, mostly because in my work as an Obstetrical Nurse [yes I have a real job] I have seen so many precious and lovely babies it would be a little ridiculous. I have seen truly angelic looking babes, the babies that look so much like little old people that you can’t help but adore them on sight, and the most teeny tiny of miracles [thanks to my work in the NICU]. Any Baby Nurse worth her salt will tell you that newborns, particularly preemies, are not so great at controlling their body temperatures. That is the reason we cover their little melons with a stockinette cap after delivery, and why we bundle them up. When it comes to babies and hats, they are definitely a functional item, but no one says functional can’t also be beautiful, whimsical, and even a little ridiculous.

The skill involved in doing good crochet work is beyond me. I have tried, since as far back as age 15, to learn the craft, but it didn’t take. I admire good work, and great patterns are as important as skilled crocheting. When I stumbled upon a picture of a fabulously adorable Crochet Baby Cap on Etsy recently, I was instantly reminded of this fact. Of course, seeing one of these images made me want to look at more, and so the birth of this blog post. Here are some lovely, colourful, whimsical, and sublime examples of fabulous Baby Millinery, and links to the Etsy artists responsible. Both patterns and handmade items are featured here, so follow the links below the images to get to the Etsy Shop in question. Not in the market for a Baby Bonnet? It never hurts to see some Sweetness on a Sunday.

Pom Pom Beanie Hat by Chloe’s Crochet Closet on Etsy.

Set Of Two Baby Hats with Ears by Karenisa’s LillyLu Shoppe on Etsy.

Crochet Sock Monkey Hat by The Baby Crow on Etsy.

Crochet Baby Boy Aviator by InHs Tyme on Etsy.

Bunny Hat Baby Beanie by BabaMoon Baby Hats on Etsy.

Fedora Little Man Hat by Adornments by Design on Etsy.

Swirling Flower Earflap Hat by imomzi on Etsy.

Baby Bear Hat by Belle Baby Boutique on Etsy.

Mommy’s Little Monster by Cuddle Me Crochet on Etsy.

Knotty Babe Crochet Baby Hat Pattern by Whimsy Woolies on Etsy.

Crochet Baby Hat Patterns by Cute Kid Couture on Etsy.

Pixie Gnome Bonnet by Oops I Knit It Again on Etsy.

Orange Gerber Daisy Hay by Sweet Princess Bowtique on Etsy.

English Lavender Garden Tutu & Crochet Baby Hat by Sweetheart Tutus on Etsy.

Crochet Baby Hat Beanie by Pink Poodle Baby Boutique on Etsy

Have you overdosed on the Sweetness yet? I hope so! On a side note, that last image of the twins from ‘behind’ is particularly funny to me because somewhere in my parent’s home is a very similar image of a set of identical twins sitting on a towel upon a large boulder lakeside to a family cottage. I may just be the one with the cuter ‘tushie’, but then from the back, who could tell. Wait, my mother could probably tell in a snap, mom’s have that skill. Have a lovely Sunday everyone.