More iPhone/iPad Apps

So it's been a few more months since buying my iPad, and I'm still crazy about it. I use it just about every day. In fact, I'm hoping that if I can figure out how to create blog entries on my iPad, maybe I would post more often. So we'll see how that goes. This will be my first post created completely with my iPad.

Since we're speaking of the iPad, I thought I would highlight a few more apps that I've been using lately that I really like. I have included a variety of apps this time, and not just photography-related ones.

Magic Hour

Magic Hour is a photo editing app for iPhone that is similar it Instagram or Pixlromatic. Like these apps, Magic Hour uses filters to create retro-looking effects. What makes this app unique is the ability to tweak the settings to make your own custom filter. In addition, you can download filters that other users have created in the free filter market. I also like that you have the option to save higher resolution files.

TileDeck

I love patterns and prints, so I was super excited when I found this iPad app. It allows you to create your own pattern designs quickly and easily. First you choose a basic layout grid, and then you draw within a single tile of the grid. The app automatically repeats the tile to create the pattern, which you can then export as a wallpaper image or a repeatable tile.

ScrapPad

I've tried a few digital scrapbooking apps on my iPad, and this is the best one I've seen so far. It comes preloaded with a good selection of kits with themed backgrounds, borders, and embellishments. There are also additional kits available as in-app purchases. The interface is pretty intuitive and easy to figure out.

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New Etsy Shop and Free Pattern

I opened up a shop on etsy.com today. I've posted some sweaters for 11.5-inch dolls (I hope to post other types of items in the future). You can visit the shop here. These miniature sweaters were very fun to create. They are all designed and handknit by myself.

Most of the sweaters are knit using size 10 crochet thread and sock knitting needles. I like using the crochet thread because it is relatively inexpensive, comes in a wide array of colors, and is readily available from any store that sells craft supplies.

Here is a free pattern for a basic sweater, for those who would like to try making one yourself!

**UPDATE - 2015** The miniature sweater knitting pattern has been revised. View/Download the new pattern here:
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DOWNLOAD
A gift tag template for creating a Christmas ornament from this sweater can be found on my Templates and Patterns page. Additional sweater patterns are available for sale in my Etsy shop.

Niki Knits: Baby Vests (with free pattern)

As I revealed previously, I am currently pregnant with my first child, a girl. I am due in December, and my husband and I are so excited.

In my return to crafting, I've once again been bitten by the knitting bug. This is in large part due to the fact that now I have a new area to explore: baby clothes. And not just for my own little angel... There has been a small baby boom recently in my circle of friends, so there are a few other little ones on the way that I have been busy making gifts for as well.

Much of the appeal of making baby clothes (besides the obvious adorableness) is similar to why I like making doll clothes. They are fun to design and execute, and the small scale keeps projects relatively quick and easy, which suits my short attention span. (Case in point: my adult-size fisherman cable sweater that I've been working on for probably 5+ years...not to mention all the other projects I've abandoned altogether because I got bored with them.)

I started out my baby…

DIY Birchbox Nail Polish Rack

I have become a bit of a beauty product junkie lately. I have a growing stash of foundations, lip balms, lotions, face creams, and everything in between. It's getting quite ridiculous, especially considering that I'm not a particularly heavy makeup wearer. And really, there's only so many products you can use at one time. But everything's just so pretty. :)

Birchbox and similar services, such as My Glam, are great for people like me. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Birchbox, it is a subscription service that sends you four or five samples, many from high-end brands, every month. It's a fun way to try out new products and brands without investing in all sorts of full-size items that end up going to waste. And once in a while, you find something you really like. Some of my favorite things that I've discovered through Birchbox are Nars illuminator and Zoya nail polish.

Birchbox's packaging is very well done. The samples come wrapped in bright pink tis…

Niki Jin Crafts

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