The Summer is Hot

Hi Friends,

One of the things I truly enjoy about living in the tropics is the incredible fact that it's like Summer all year round, creating a beautiful, warm atmosphere that allows for outdoor activities and beach outings at any time. The vibrant sun, gentle breezes, and the rhythmic sound of the waves make every day feel like a vacation, and it’s such a blessing to have the ocean just a short drive away. 

With this endless Summer vibe, I have taken up a new creative endeavour—swimsuit making! It has been an exciting journey filled with plenty of experimentation and learning. I’ve been able to craft a few swimsuits for customers, and although the process has been immensely fulfilling, I find myself facing a little hiccup. Despite creating some unique designs, I haven’t yet managed to capture photographs of the swimsuits being worn. 

The challenge lies in the fact that when I do receive images from my customers, they often don’t fully showcase the garment itself, limiting my ability to share them. I really want to highlight the beautiful details and fits of the swimsuits so that potential customers can see what’s possible. I need to present each piece in its best light, showcasing not just the design but also the joy they bring to those who wear them. 

I’m determined to find a way around this issue—maybe organising a photoshoot in collaboration with some models or inviting customers to send in clearer photos that highlight the swimwear. I believe that every swimsuit tells a story, and I’d love to make sure those stories are seen! For now, I'll keep honing my craft and seeking out creative solutions. 

Story time......

Guys, about three years ago, I made two swimsuits for my neighbour and her sister. One was a thong and bralette paired with a shawl cover-up. For the second suit, I received a picture of a one-piece suit and was asked to replicate it. I dedicated countless hours to perfecting that one-piece, even frogging (undoing my work) a couple of times because I wanted it to be just right. My client was quite confident, so a cheeky design was perfectly acceptable. The night before their trip, I finally finished the one-piece and delivered it next door. 🏖️

The next morning, I watched them pile into their waiting vehicles, excited to head off to their beach vacation. 🚗🌊 I eagerly anticipated the beautiful beach pictures I had been promised. Unfortunately, those pictures never materialised, as they didn’t make it to their destination.

You might be wondering why. Here’s what happened: they were traveling on nice, clean, pothole-free roads when a stranger decided to challenge them to a race. 🏎️💨 They enjoyed the thrill until the stranger sped ahead and left them behind. Continuing on their journey, they encountered the police down the road. 🚓 The officers pulled them over and instructed them to visit the police station, claiming they had evidence of speeding — apparently, the stranger, who had left them in the dust, told the police that they were all travelling together. This was, of course, a blatant lie.

To make an already unfortunate situation worse, it started to rain, and it rained heavily. ☔ There went my hopes for those perfect pictures. 📷💔

Let's gather all the facts. I have pictures of the swimsuits on a mannequin 🧵, but I want to capture images of live models 👗 to show how the garments fit on actual bodies. Now that we've provided some context and explanation 📖, let's showcase some of the recent pieces I've created. ✨

Disclaimer... I made the light coloured bikini... My daughter made her own.

She wanted her "Barbie Hair" for the pictures

Until next time, let's be friends! 

And hey, if you're looking for more fun and inspiration, you can find Khenzuri on all the major social media platforms like Instagram 📷, Facebook 👍, Ravelry 🧶, Twitter 🐦, YouTube 🎥, and TikTok 🎵. I also have an Etsy page you can check out 🛍️. Please feel free to like 👍, share 🤝, and comment 💬 on my posts across all social media platforms.

 Thanks for taking the time to read this. Live, love ❤️, and laugh 😂 until next time! 

- Khenzuri

Custom

Hi Loves. 

I was commissioned to reproduce a 3 piece swimsuit from a picture.  I was a bit nervous as this was the first time I would be making something for this customer.  She sent me the picture and I studied it and did a little more research to ensure I was confident about taking on this job.

You may be wondering what's the big deal, right?  Well being a perfectionist and a believer that my work speaks volumes and is a representation of myself.  I tend to worry a lot about doing a great job.  With my confidence boosted, I began to ask the pertinent questions and request the measurements required to ensure I would get a good fit.  

My customer was not good at taking measurements so she decided it was best to drop by and allow me to take what I needed.  With measurements done and colours decided on. 

I started with the easiest of the three pieces the Bralette. I then went to the bikini (if I am being honest this is the piece I was most worried about).  Then finally the skirt and I am all done.

Can you tell she was satisfied with her order?

What she sent vs what I did... Did I do a good job?

Until next time, let's be friends! 

You can find me on Instagram 📷, Facebook 👍, Ravelry 🧶, Twitter 🐦, YouTube 🎥, and TikTok 🎵. I also have an Etsy page you can check out 🛍️. Please feel free to like 👍, share 🤝, and comment 💬 on my posts across all social media platforms.

 Thanks for taking the time to read this. Live, love ❤️, and laugh 😂 until next time! - Khenzuri

Herringbone Stitch (crochet)

 Hi loves,

Today, I want to introduce you to the beautiful and unique crochet Herringbone stitch, which has a knitted version as well. Let's learn and create something beautiful together!

I recalled the name of the stitch I used a few years ago when making a doll top. As I was writing about different stitches for my blog, 🤔 I thought of it. However, I couldn't quite remember how to do it, so I decided to refresh my memory on YouTube. 🤔 I clicked on the first video that appeared.

Armed with yarn and needle in hand, started practicing, but something wasn't right... This was not the way I remembered it.  YouTube here I come again...

That's when I realized there was the half double crochet herringbone stitch and the double crochet herringbone stitch. Phew!! got to say I was a bit worried I'd bitten off more than I could chew.  I was worried, I'd only be able to talk about the basic easy everyday stitches.

Here we go, for the half double crochet (hdc)  herringbone we start as we would the hdc, by yarning over, inserting the hook, and pulling up a loop. We now have 3 loops on our hook... Here is where the fun begins. Pull the last loop through the second loop only... Yarn over and pull through both loops on the hook... There you have it. The hdc herringbone stitch is completed.  For the tutorial this week I would like to thank Tiffany Hansen.

Double crochet (dc) herringbone stitch. 

To do the dc herringbone stitch, yarn over as you would when doing the dc, insert your hook and pull up a loop, you now have three loops on your hook. Pull the last loop through the second loop on the hook. Yarn over pull through two loops. Yarn over and pull through both loops on your hook and there you have it. You have just done the dc herringbone stitch.   
For this tutorial I would like to thank Hopeful Honey

Until next time, let's be friends! 

You can find me on Instagram 📷, Facebook 👍, Ravelry 🧶, Twitter 🐦, YouTube 🎥, and TikTok 🎵. I also have an Etsy page you can check out 🛍️. Please feel free to like 👍, share 🤝, and comment 💬 on my posts across all social media platforms.

 Thanks for taking the time to read this. Live, love ❤️, and laugh 😂 until next time! - Khenzuri

Double Trouble.

 Hi Loves, 

Timing is everything.  After posting the monokini in the previous post I got an order request.  Can I say how excited and nervous I was all at once?  Why you asked?

Well! Let's see...

This was made 5 years ago back in 2018.  It was posted and a blog post was written and nothing happened then.  Secondly, though I had the bag pattern, I don't remember what the hell I did back then.  Luckily the actual item was still within my household.  I retrieved the piece of clothing and studied it the best I could.  With the colours decided by the customer, the ball was set to roll.

A little back story;

I don't know the person as this was a gift from her mother and she wanted it to be a surprise so couldn't get any measurements.  She sent me a picture and said "This is who you are making it for" when I asked for the cup size.  I prayed and asked for guidance, and just like that I made a well-fitted monokini. 

How do I know this? I was sent pictures along with praises for the work I did (see the last photo of the post).  The highlight of my day.

Excitement overload. This colour combo is spot on and made this piece pop. It was made with Premier Cotton Fair in the colour way Lemon Drops, the accent black is from a local yarn seller.

So without further ado...

Hey there! Let's be friends! 

You can find me on Instagram 📷, Facebook 👍, Ravelry 🧶, Twitter 🐦, YouTube 🎥, and TikTok 🎵. I also have an Etsy page you can check out 🛍️. Please feel free to like 👍, share 🤝, and comment 💬 on my posts across all social media platforms.

 Thanks for taking the time to read this. Live, love ❤️, and laugh 😂 until next time! - Khenzuri

Monokini

Hi Loves, 

Back in 2018, I decided I was going to start making swimsuits, as previously I was told not to as many persons were already doing so. I listened but with any other calling one has to follow their hearts. I knew there were many video tutorials on how to make them but I wanted to make one of my own designs.  Being the creative I am a normal design was not going to work.  

The design I used was a granny square pattern for the Wildflower Shoulder Bag. Now here's where the fun started.  I knew I wanted to use the square pattern, but had no clue how it would translate into a monokini.  My blog post Square... No Diamond outlines what happened while creating this beauty.

It does fit a small bum.

I gave the finished item to my daughter who back in 2018 didn't have much boob, and the butt fits... Fast forward to 2023... I had to make adjustments to the monokini.  We decided to highlight using white (shh don't tell but I had no more of the yarn left so we improvised).  I also had to make alterations to ensure there was support for her now busty chest.  There were also modifications made to the bottom to give a more slick design as well as a more comfy fit.

Drumroll, please... Now after 5 years, this masterpiece has seen the sand, sun, and sea.  Yeah, it was finally worn and, how marvelous it looks.  Don't you agree?

Hey there! Let's be friends! You can find me on Instagram 📷, Facebook 👍, Ravelry 🧶, Twitter 🐦, YouTube 🎥, and TikTok 🎵. I also have an Etsy page you can check out 🛍️. Please feel free to like 👍, share 🤝, and comment 💬 on my posts across all social media platforms.

 Thanks for taking the time to read this. Live, love ❤️, and laugh 😂 until next time! - Khenzuri

Butterfly Prom Dress (Finale)

 Hi Loves

It's the finale..... And a grand one at that.  Can I just say how proud I am of this dress,  and how proud I am of the young lady wearing this dress?

I am elated that she trusted and had so much faith in my abilities to entrust her Prom dress to me... Little old me. 

As promised this post is a showcase of the final product and the model wearing it.  

Until the next post...

Let us be friends, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Ravelry, Twitter, and TikTok   Check out my Etsy page as well.  

Thanks love for taking a read.  Live, Love, Laugh... Until next time. Khenzuri

Butterfly Prom Dress (Part 1)

 Hi Loves, 

If you have been reading my post you may have noticed that I have done a lot of Shyler Crochets designs.  I honestly love her work and identify with a lot of what she does being from the Caribbean.  It's like summer all year round here and her designs are suitable for the climate.  Her designs are also most times easy to modify which is perfect for me.  I love putting my own touch on what I am making.

Today we are going to get a preview of my version of her Butterfly Dress.  

One wing is completed.

When I started this dress back in January I thought of making it for myself.  I watched the video and went along verbatim.  

The wings were completed and joined to start working in the rounds for the bottom of the dress. After reaching this far I decided the top would not fit me properly.  I was still resolved to continue making it just the same as I know it would have been good for someone else. My eldest daughter asked if I would make it her prom dress.  This request had me jumping up and down, singing, and laughing. I was over the moon.  I have never made anything this intricate in terms of length (she wants it long and though she is 16 years old, she is already 5"6 or 5"7).  

I used Lion Brand's Summer's Night yarn in the color way Cast Away I hold 2 strands together as this was a superfine/fingering weight yarn.  When I started I had only 2 skeins of this color way so I worked until they were finished and I ordered 6 more skeins (hoping that was enough to complete it to the desired length).  Work was paused while I awaited my yarn order.  The 2 skeins got me just a little above the but cheeks.

Work has restarted, and the length was confirmed.  Now to start the slit.

Stay tuned loves, the other post will have progress pictures and the finale will be of her wearing it in this 3 part series post.

Until the next post...

Let us be friends, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Ravelry, Twitter, and TikTok   Check out my Etsy page as well.  

Thanks love for taking a read.  Live, Love, Laugh... Until next time. Khenzuri

And Blazing

 Hi Loves, 

No bikini would be completed with just the bottom, right?  Therefore naturally, a top was needed, having this knowledge I ensure it got its mate.  This was an original design and suited my bikini bottom quite well.  Don't you think?

The final design.   

Working out the details as I go.

Until the next post...

Let us be friends, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Ravelry, Twitter, and TikTok   Check out my Etsy page as well.  

Thanks love for taking a read.  Live, Love, Laugh... Until next time. Khenzuri