Jamila Henna /Finger Coils

For my 2nd henna treatment I used Jamila BAQ 2009. It was on sale on www.hennaforhair.com and I am one of those ladies that cannot pass up on a good deal...but I digress. So I used the same henna recipe (leaving out the lemon juice - see henna post) and added honey instead...thank you Curly Nikki http://www.curlynikki.com/2008/12/henna-pictorial.html. It worked out well.

I love the Jamila henna. It washed off easily and left no henna residue in my hair. I also like the color of my hair although this may be due to the fact it's my 2nd henna treatment. I must say since using henna my hair is breaking less, is so soft and has a wonderful shine to it.

Henna

My first henna experience was both great and not so great. The mixing application process was easy (without any spills....yeahhhh!!) but the removal was torturous. I think I spent a total of 3 hours in the shower trying to wash it off and get rid of the henna plant pieces stuck in my hair.

Henna for African Hair

1st henna application

 Henna Recipe
100g Henna for African Hair
Lemon Juice
2 Green Tea Tea Bags

Despite looking like a withered raisin, I like the way my hair turned out. There is extra shine and a faint auburn tint in the sunlight. I love it. I must say though that my scalp is itchy in some spots. I think it's the lemon juice. I'll leave it out next time.

My Crown

You may argue that hair has nothing to do with arts and crafts but I believe maintaining curly hair is an art and craft in and of itself. Once I took down my lovely mini-twist braids 1 month ago, I decided to grow out my natural kinky hair.

Mini-twist braids

As I embark on this journey, the memories of breaking combs, hot hair dryers, a burning scalp, tight hairdos, and dreaded salon visits weigh heavy on my mind. But it must be possible to grow kinky curly hair since many ladies on sites like CurlyNikki and NaturallyCurly show off their curls and share their journeys with fellow curlies.

Grandma Cardigan

Started 5/31/11; Work in progress

You can't imagine my horror when I showed my friend the picture of this cardigan and he was quick to say it was grandma-ish!! I was quite insulted to say the least.

Anyway I still love the color and pattern (designed by Kimberly McAlindin) and I hope to find a way to bring it to the 21st century...(hheeee...heee).

6/5/11 - I am right about to frog this project and use the yarn for something else. The instructions are so difficult to follow. Maybe I am being too adventurous crocheting an intermediate pattern with my beginner skills.

6/9/11 - I am glad I didn't give up. I asked for help on one of the crochet forums on Ravelry and now everything makes sense. I am well on my way to completing this project.

6/24/11 Finished the back and front, now working on the sleeves. This is coming along a lot slower than I would like it but I haven't worked on it in over a week. That's because I attended an intense gym class and was too exhausted and sore to do anything afterwards. You would think I should have known better from the name of the class - body attack!!!! 

Back and Front flaps

Sleeve

Pattern up close

JJ Bolero

Started 5/27/11; Completed 6/21/11.

My sister loves my black bolero and tried unsuccessfully to take it from me. Don't take her side!!!! I was lucky enough to get away with some clothes. Besides she took all my summer sandals so I am left with the odd colored and rugged ones :( ...sigh!!

Anyway I found a great bolero knitting pattern (designed by Kelly Maher) and decided to knit one for her in her favorite color - purple.

6/4/11 - This is an easy knit and definitely a great project for a beginner knitter to advance their skills a little more if they want to. I love the lace pattern and the fact that minimal seaming is needed. Here is a great video on how to seam using the mattress stitch http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NvAS-HCWk9I

6/12/11 - C'est fini!!! I think it turned out pretty well. The pictures below show the bolero before blocking.