Monthly Archives: November 2012

Over a Cup. Shooting Manual

Beyond Snapshots

… Looks as my another dream will come true shortly ;o)

As you probably know, one of my dream is to be a boss of my own camera, but I never had enough time/motivation or probably just did not know where to start. Usually I set my camera on Aperture priority mode and shoot. It works not bad, but I know that photos taken by my Nikon D500 (especially with lens as AF_S DX Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR and Nikon 35mm f/1.8 DX) can be much better and with min editing in Ps.

I am one of those people who learn better by reading books/googling and going out and shooting rather than taking classes – probably because I never have enough time patience to take classes and end up reading or on the computer at midnight. Most photography books I saw so far are technically overwhelming, or as dry and dull as the camera manuals themselves…

Thanks to Rita of CoffeShop blog, I’ve ordered Beyond Snapshots: How to Take That Fancy DSLR Camera Off "Auto" and Photograph Your Life like a Pro and love it so far. Beyond Snapshots is actually a great intro/refresher for shooting manual and you will find some great inspiration in the photos in the book.  Perfect book even for beginners (as me!).

 

P.S.: If you have friends, who want to study photography or their own camera at least – keep in mind, that book is always great a gift idea! I’ve just ordered some ;o)

 

Have a nice and lovely day!

Alla Koval Designs

Cyber Monday. Mark Your Calendar

The button for purchases on the keyboard. Online shop.

I’ve received several emails that my RSS subscribers got Black Friday deal notification too late. To be honest, I was “surprised” about such delay and looks as only mailing list subscribers got it timely. Here is definitely something wrong, but we can easily fix it ;o)

So, I’ve decided to offer you same 85% off discount of your entire purchase on Cyber Monday. And I hope here is plenty of time for RSS service to deliver the message timely.

 

Don’t miss it! The coupon will run Monday November, 26th at 0:01 am PST and is applicable to my Shop and Etsy stores. The offer expires November 26th, 2012 at 11:59 pm PST.

 

P.S.: If you will have any questions or issues with applying coupons – please just let me know.

 

Have a Wonderful weekend and looking forward to see you on Monday!

Alla

Alla Koval Designs

It’s a time…

The button for purchases on the keyboard. Online shop.

* This coupon is applicable to myShop and Etsy stores. Offer expires November 23th, 2012 at Midnight PST time.

MyLCG Etsy 60x60

 

Have a fun! Cyber Monday Deals are coming ;o)

Alla Koval Designs

Warmest Thanksgiving wishes to all!

Happy Thanksgiving2012

When I count my blessings, I count you twice! You are Awesome!! Happy Thanksgiving and a sincere thanks from bottom of my heart to each and every one of you who has graced my life with beauty, love, endless support, inspiration, knowledge and sincere friendship. It wouldn’t be the same without You. May your Thanksgiving Day be filled to overflowing with love, peace, joy and good health!

My warmest Thanksgiving wishes to all!

 

P.S.: Not sure I’ll be that much around here today and I guess you are too ;o) But looking forward  to see you tomorrow – for some unbelievable Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals,  which are waiting for you.  Stay tuned…

 

With lots of love,
Alla

Over a Cup. Gift Boxes

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I always loved nice wraps and gift boxes and just was amazed with these neat ideas how to make your own in such easy way (see album below).

I found the pictures here, but unfortunately most of them have no source info. If you know where they come from, please let me know so I can give a credit.

 

Butterfly Secrets

Butterfly 03

Butterfly Secrets

If butterflies played hide and seek, the one camouflaged in this chic vest would win hands-down! The butterfly silhouette is stitched first, and then worked into a base mesh pattern to form the body of the vest. The back and front are crocheted as one piece up to the armholes for minimal joining. The front panels are highlighted with rows of wavy shell edging, and laced together with ribbon ties for a delightful bohemian effect. You can even highlight or disguise the butterfly depending on your choice of colors! This unique top can be worn over a swimsuit or shirt, and will look good anywhere from the beach to the mall!

 

Butterfly 04

Butterfly 02

Butterfly 01

This vest also has a story. I’ve started work on this project right after I’ve finished Ma Petite Kristin Top and it was planned as waist jacket or long coat for one secret project. But when Kristin saw the butterfly, she asked if we can turn it (even temporarily LOL) into something for her vacation. So I’ve did and it’s how we got this vest. My secret project is still on my schedule anyway as well as this vest ;o) I’ll keep you updated!

 

 

Funny, but I’ve just found (better late than never) that Windows Life Writer has such interesting feature -  if you are adding couple pictures to your post at the same time, you have an option to insert them as album (which can be also customized):

 

A Wonderful and lovely weekend to everyone!! This Saturday is Kristin’s sleepover Birthday party… 5 more girls to come – whish us luck ;o)

Alla Koval Designs

Ma Petite Kristin

MaPetite Kristin01

Kristin and I have a little tradition – I make her something fun and “airy” to wear for every our vacation. I wanted to make a white top using very simple filet/mesh pattern and then add some crochet embroidery – contrasting circles or flowers on the skirt of top. Kristin was excited about the whole idea and we already picked up pretty nice contrasting colors. But last minute Kristin has changed her mind and requested the top as you can see it – very simple and plain… At least, she allowed me to add lime ties with tassels to top and we turned it into sporty top finally ;o) And you know what? We SO loved how this top turned out! I would say it’s completely Kristin’s design and must to admit that she worn it EVERY single day during our 10 days of vacation – it was crazy, but she truly loved it – could I ask for more?! So, let me introduce…

 

MaPetite Kristin04

MaPetite Kristin06


Ma Petite Kristin

Dress up your favorite girl for a day at the beach with this dainty lace top! Kristin designed this tank top for our vacation, and loved it so much that she wore it every single day! Made with fingering weight yarn and worked in easy filet crochet, it is ideal for girls of any age. The racerback is a pleasing contrast to the simple front, making this piece both sporty and stylish. Arrow designs on the back panel and the lacy skirt give this top a light and girlish look. Tassel ties in refreshing lime are both decorative and functional, allowing the hem and sides to be adjusted. Let her wear it over a swimsuit, or paired with her favorite T-shirt! Ma Petit Kristin is a sure hit, both on and off the beach!

 

MaPetite Kristin02

MaPetite Kristin05  MaPetite Kristin03 

And BTW, it’s really cool idea to have such a plain top in your summer wardrobe. Not to mention that it can be turned in any themes and made in any colors you can think of, and adding flower pin or weaving ribbon(s) under bodice will add some great and interesting finished touch.

I do not think here is pattern really necessary, but if you would like this one – I’ll add it to my summer 2013 collection.

Sneak Peeks

Kristin Tank Top

Butterfly 03

Just realized that I forgot to share the tops I’ve made for Kristin for our vacation. They both have a funny story about how they were born. I still need to edit the pictures and I will share more details in a few.

Hmm, which one should I start with? ;o)

Alla Koval Designs

Over a Cup. Wallpaper

panda

A friend just shared this lovely wallpaper for iPad. Click here to get yours for free.
My all time favorite animal… well, I bet you know ;o)

Style Sheet for Patterns

Style Sheet

SS Pages03

Even if I have published my patterns since 2008, I am happy and proud owner of Style sheet for knitting and crochet patterns … finally :)

 

How To Say It

If you are looking for polishing your pattern-style or plan to start write patterns, I would highly recommend Edie Eckman’s How to Say It class. I learned what I was looking for I can’t be more happy with quite detailed and information filled lessons! Thank you so much Edie!!

 

Alla Koval Designs

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