Oct. 20, 2008 - My latest baby afghan
Here is my latest baby afghan. I made it this weekend between chores.
I used this pattern: Bubble Baby Blanket
I used Red Heart Super Saver in a light pink (about 8.5 oz), light raspberry (about 3.5 oz), and pink cammo (about 2 oz). I adjusted the pattern by using only 1 strand of yarn and a K hook instead of the N and two strands the pattern calls for. To start I chained 92 instead of the 62 called for.
It is the perfect size for the carseat and is a really warm stitch.
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Oct. 16, 2008 - Ruffle sweater to match hat and booties....0-3 months
Well, the pattern matches, but I didn't have enough of the color yarn, so it's color block, lol. But you will get the idea. I did make one mistake and I sewed it with it buttoning on the wrong side as for a boy. Oh well, it works. I had it right and flipped it the wrong way at the last minute, lol.
Here is my daughter's dolly modeling the whole set:
It really looks better on in person that the photo shows.....hmmmm, it's a lot like me, lol!
And now here are the instructions: (PDF instructionshere)
Basically this is made by crocheting 5 rectangles and then sewing them together and then adding the ruffles. Very simple especially for the beginner, which I am still.
Items needed:
-1 skein of baby yarn (I used Bernat baby coordinates)
-G crochet hook
-measuring tape
-darning needle
-stitch markers
-buttons and thread
Skills used:
Okay, here we go. And these are very basic instructions. You will need to figure out gauge for your yarn and make your rectangles the appropriate size according to that.
BACK: Measures 11" wide by 7.5" long
1. Ch 48. Sc in second chain from hook and in each stitch across.
2-?. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across. Repeat this row until piece is 7.5" long. Fasten off on last row.
Front Piece 1: Measures 6" wide by 7.5" long
1. Ch 27. Sc in second chain from hook and in each stitch across.
2-?. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across. Repeat this row until piece is 7.5" long. Fasten off on last row.
Front Piece 2: Measures 6" wide by 7.5" long
1. Ch 27. Sc in sedond chain from hook and in each stitch across.
2. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in next sc, ch 1-skip next stitch-hdc in next stitch. Hdc across in remaining stitches.
3-8. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across.
9. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in next 23 stitches, ch 1-skip next stitch-hdc in next 2 stitches.
10-15. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across.
16. Repeat row 2.
17-22. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across.
23. Repeat row 9.
24. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across. Fasten off.
Sleeves (make 2): 7" wide by 5" long
1. Ch 29. Sc in second stitch and in each stitch across.
2-?. Ch 2, turn. Hdc in each stitch across. Continue repeating this row until piece measures 5" long. Fasten off on last row.
Now, all the pieces have been made and layed out it should look something like this (I have the two front pieces overlapping and pinned together with stitch markers:
Next we will sew up on the two light pink pieces 3.5" from the outside edge at the shoulder seams. Making sure to leave the opening between the two seams for the neck:
Next we will find the center of your arm pieces and align it up with your shoulder seam. Stitch centered arm piece onto main body like this:
Your piece should now be sewn up to look like this:
Okay, now we will fold the piece in half and sew up the arm and side seams, like this:
After side/arm seams are sewn up. Weave in all loose ends and if this is for a boy, you are finished. If it's for a girl add ruffles around the neck, the bottom and each sleeve by single crocheting around the edge and then doing this, adjusting instructions if you are crocheting back and forth as for the bottom or in the round as for the sleeve::
IN BACK LOOP ONLY of each stitch: Ch 2. Hdc in joining stitch and in each stitch around. Join.
Ch 2. Front-post hdc first stitch, Back-post hdc next stitch around. Join.
Ch 2. Front-post hdc first stich, Back-post hdc next stitch around. Join and fasten off.
Join yarn in Front loop on back of bootie with slip stitch. Sc in each stitch around. Join.
IN BACK LOOPS ONLY: sc, ch 2, sc in first stitch; sc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join.
26. IN FRONT LOOPS ONLY: ch1. sc in first stitch, hdc, dc, hdc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join and fasten off
And you are finished! Enjoy wrapping your baby in this soft and warm sweater that you made just for him or her!
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Oct. 14, 2008 - How to make super cheap cloth pad (when you don't really sew)
Okay, here is today's idea. Cloth menstrual pads. I know many of you are getting sick right now, but for those of you that aren't getting sick and are interested here is my tip for getting a supply made inexpensively.
First, take you favorite disposable pad and lay it out flat onto a sheet of paper (you may need to extend the wings so they overlap, as some adhesive winged pads aren't long enough to overlap around panties). Trace around it and cut out your pattern. Then take some fleece fabric and cut out your pad shape. Next cut a horizontal strip on each end of the pad (the top and bottom), this will hold in you "pad". Next sew snaps on your wings. You can buy snaps to hand sew on at Walmart or any fabric store. Next, find yourself some washcloths, towels or flannel fabric and fold it to fit. Slip fabric under strips and you are good to go. When fabric is soiled just remove from holder and slip in fresh fabric.
Here is a pic of mine:
For my pad I have some ready made pads that slip right in. If you do sew you could make some of these really quickly by cutting out several layers and sewing around the edges.
Enjoy your fast and frugal new cloth pads!
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Oct. 11, 2008 - Super Easy Hat and Bootie Pattern
Being baby bootie challenged I was getting frustrated that I couldn't find a bootie pattern that worked for me. Either I couldn't interpret the pattern, or I didn't like how the bootie turned out. I wanted something soft, with a weave that didn't have too many holes. I also wanted a nice cuff so it didn't need ties. So, I designed my own bootie and I'm sharing the pattern. Hopefully I wrote the instructions down in a way that can be easily understood and won't cause frustration. After I made the booties, I wanted a hat to match so I designed this simple hat to go with them. Have fun! These instructions in PDF form.
BOOTIE
Stitches used:
Chain (1 or 2) -ch
front post hdc & back post hdc
crocheting in front loop only (FLO) or back loop only (BLO)
*Do not join rounds unless noted. Work in a continuous spiral. Use a stitch marker to mark your beginning stitch.
*Supplies used:
G/6-4.25 mm crochet hook
Small amount of Bernat Baby Coordinates yarn (I used Sweet Pink)
Toe Area:
1. Make 6 sc into a magic ring.
2. Work 2 sc in first stitch, sc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around ending with 9 stitches total.
3. Work 2 sc in first stitch, sc in each of next 2 stitches. Continue this pattern around ending with 12 stitches.
4. Work 2 sc in first stitch, sc in each of next 3 stitches. Continue this pattern around, ending with 15 stitches.
5. Work 2 sc in first stitch, sc in each of next 4 stitches. Continue this pattern around, ending with 18 stitches. (If you want a bootie to fit an older baby, then you would add one or more increase rows here following the same pattern of increase. So, the next increase row would be 2 sc first stitch, sc next 5 stitches etc. This would give more width to the bootie for a bigger baby)
6-13. Sc in each stitch around. (This works out to 8 rows) (If you want to make the bootie longer add extra rows here to increas toe area.)
Heel Area:
14. Chain 1, turn. Sc in each stitch around, leaving 3 stitches unworked.
15-19. Ch 1, turn. Sc in each stitch around. (This works out to 5 rows) (Again to increase the size add an extra row or two for an older baby.)
Cuff:-Double Ruffle Option:
Working in top edge of heel area now to make a cuff:
20. Ch 1. Sc around entire top area, including 3 stitches left unworked, joining two sides to make circle.
21. IN BACK LOOP ONLY of each stitch: Ch 2. Hdc in joining stitch and in each stitch around. Join.
22. Ch 2. Front-post hdc first stitch, Back-post hdc next stitch around. Join.
23. Ch 2. Front-post hdc first stich, Back-post hdc next stitch around. Join and fasten off.
24. Join yarn in Front loop on back of bootie with slip stitch. Sc in each stitch around. Join.
25. IN BACK LOOPS ONLY: sc, ch 2, sc in first stitch; sc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join.
26. IN FRONT LOOPS ONLY: ch1. sc in first stitch, hdc, dc, hdc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join and fasten off leaving a long tail to sew up back of heel.
27. Sew up back of heel, weave in ends and cut any loose yarn tails.
You are finished! Make the second bootie :)
Cuff-Single Ruffle Option:
Working in top edge of heel area now to make a cuff:
20. Ch 1. Sc around entire top area, including 3 stitches left unworked, joining two sides to make circle.
21. IN FRONT LOOPS ONLY: Ch1. sc, ch2, sc in first stich; sc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join.
22. IN BACK LOOPS ONLY: Ch 2., hdc around. Join with a slip stitch.
23. Ch 2. Front-post hdc first stitch, Back-post hdc next stitch around. Join.
24. Ch 2. Front-post hdc first stich, Back-post hdc next stitch around. Join and fasten off leaving a long tail to sew up heel opening.
25. Sew up heel opening. Now make the second bootie :)
To make the booties for a boy, just leave off the ruffle completely.
HAT:
* Join all rounds.
1. Make 6 sc into a magic loop. Join with a slip stitch in first sc.
2. Ch 3. 2 dc in each stitch around. Join. (12)
3. Ch 3. 2 dc in each stitch around. Join. (24)
4. Ch 3. 2 dc in each stitch around. Join. (If you need a larger hat for an older baby, continue to increase in this method) (48)
5-10. Ch 3. Dc in each stitch around. Join. (This works out to 6 rows.) (If making this hat larger for an older baby, add extra rows here for length as needed) (48)
11. IN FRONT LOOPS ONLY: Ch 1, sc, ch2, sc in next stitch; sc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join with a slip stitch.
12. IN BACK LOOPS ONLY: Ch 1. Sc next stitch; hdc, dc, hdc in next stitch. Continue this pattern around. Join with a slip stitch. Fasten off and weave in ends.
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Oct. 8, 2008 - I was super blessed this weekend!
A special friend, Christina sent me a package. The package contained an Edgery Doo set and I was so excited. I couldn't believe it when I opened it, I really wanted one, lol. It was such an unexpected surprise. Thank you SO much Christina.
Here is what I have made with it so far.
A crochet hook case:
And a hat, bootie and blanket set (the hat and bootie patterns will be coming soon):
I had so much fun this weekend creating these. I used this edge for the blanket. And this pattern for the hook case. Both were really fast to make, and they turned out really nice. The only change I would make for the hook case is to add a second chain to hold the hooks, so they are straight.
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Sep. 24, 2008 - Look what I want, lol!
Isn't this the neatest thing?
.jpg "Picture 6502 (600 x 450)")
It's a plastic template kit that allows you to punch holes into fleece to create beautiful blankets. You can also connect smaller pieces of fleece together making a pretty quilt. They have an EdgeryDoo for different needs. One for rounded edges using a worsted weight yarn, one with rounded edges to use with baby or fingering weight yarn, and the squares, which allow you to make different size squares to be connected into various things.
I want the basic starter kit, the original trianular template kit. It of course is too pricey for right now, but hopefully sometime next year I can afford it and then I can make each of my children a special blanket for next Christmas. How fun would that be? Something with a lacey edge for my girls in a print that is special to each of them. And something plainer and more "manly" for each of my boys also in a print that is special to each of them. And for making gifts for others it would be fantastic too. It wouldn't take as much time as crocheting or knitting an entire afghan, and they would be so warm and cozy.
I love finding new things to add freshness to my crafting, lol. Don't you?
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Sep. 10, 2008 - More play food I made
Here is the most recent crochet play food that I have made.
Pizza slices (my own pattern but I haven't had time to post the pattern yet):
Bowl of cherries (lousy picture sorry):
I'm working on some doughnuts and I have some ideas for like salad, spaghetti, nachos, tacos etc. But time is limited when my girls are asleep that I can work on this stuff. And if they are awake they want to know exactly what I'm making, lol. So no secrets can be kept. Hopefully by the time baby comes I'll have a good mix of play food for the play kitchen.
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Aug. 30, 2008 - Crochet Cheeseburger Pattern
I searched and searched for a crochet cheeseburger pattern to go with the play food set that I am crochet-ing. But I just wasn't happy with the free patterns that I found. I did find a cute one for sale, but being on a tight budget, I didn't want to buy it. So, I made my own up. And now I will do my best to share it with you. Here are the instructions in PDF form.
To make this set you need to know how to slip stitch, single crochet (sc), make a magic ring, double crochet (dc), sc2tog, crochet in back loops. Each piece is worked in a continous round without joining.
Inside of buns (make 2): Using an F -5 hook and an off-white worsted weight yarn
1. Make 8 sc into a magic ring. (8)
2. 2 sc in each stitch around. Pull magic ring closed tight. (16)
3. 1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)
4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (32)
5. 1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (40)
6. 1 sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (48).
7. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Bun Top: Using an F-5 hook and tan or light brown yarn.
1. Make 8 sc into a magic ring. (8)
2. 2 sc in each stitch around. Pull magic ring closed tight. (16)
3. 1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)
4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (32)
5. 1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (40)
6. Sc in each stitch around. (40)
7. Sc in each stitch around. (40)
8. Sc in each stitch around. (40)
9. Sc in each stitch around. (40)
10. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Bun Bottom: Using an F-5 hook and tan or light brown yarn.
1. Make 8 sc into a magic ring. (8)
2. 2 sc in each stitch around. Pull magic ring closed tight. (16)
3. 1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)
4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (32)
5. 1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (40)
6. 1 sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (48).
7. *1 sc in next 10 stitches, sc2tog IN BACK LOOPS ONLY. Repeat from * around. (44)
8. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Now assemble your bun by sewing a bun bottom with an inner and a bun top with an inner, stuff before closing. If you would like embroider some "seeds" on the bun top with white yarn before sewing and stuffing. Now you have a nice round bun!
Lettuce: With an F-5 hook and some green worsted weight yarn.
1. Make 8 sc into a magic ring. (8)
2. 2 sc in each stitch around. Pull magic ring closed tight. (16)
3. 1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)
4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (32)
5. 1 sc in next stitch, 4 sc in next stitch around. (80)
6. Fasten off, weave in ends.
Tomato: Using an F-5 hook and using red worsted weight yarn.
1. Make 8 sc into a magic ring. (8)
2. 2 sc in each stitch around. Pull magic ring closed tight. (16)
3. 1sc in next stitch, 2sc in next stitch around. (24)
4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (32)
5. 1 sc in next 3 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (40)
6. 1 sc in next 4 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (48).
7. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Cheese: Using F-5 hook and yellow or orange worsted weight yarn.
1. Make 8 sc into a magic ring. (8)
2. 1 sc, 3 sc in next stitch around. (16)
3. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (*1 sc in next 3 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch around) ending with 1 sc. (24)
4. 1 sc in next 3 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (*1 sc in next 5 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch around) ending with 2 sc. (32)
5. 1 sc in next 4 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (*1 sc in next 7 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch around) ending with 3 sc. (40)
6. 1 sc in next 5 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch (*1 sc in next 9 stitches, 3 sc in next stitch around) ending with 4 sc. (48)
7. Fasten off and weave in ends.
Patty: Using J-10 hook and 2 STRANDS TOGETHER of dark brown worsted weight yarn.
1. Make 6 sc into a magic ring. (6)
2. 2 sc in each stitch. Tighten magic ring.
3. 1 sc, 2 sc in next stitch around. (18)
4. 1 sc in next 2 stitches, 2 sc in next stitch around. (24)
5. 1 dc, 1 slip stitch around. (24)
6. Fasten off and weave in ends.
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Aug. 28, 2008 - What I've been crafting
Here are just some quick picks of the things that I have been crafting.
A stocking for the new baby:
A small gift bag (cinches at the top):
Oreo and chocolate chip cookies (I just made up the cookie jar to fit them):
Breakfast (eggs, bacon, toast):
I also made a newborn neck pillow, but I haven't taken a picture of it. It was super easy and fast.
I want to make this neck pillow for my daughter for Christmas.....we'll see how much I actually get done, lol. The play food will be a Christmas present for my girls.....all soon to be four of them.
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Aug. 19, 2008 - Crochet a toilet paper roll cover!
I made 4 of these to cover extra toilet paper to store in the bathroom. I just put them on the back of the toilet and they look cute. I chose to make smilie faces because I thought the children would have more fun with that and be encouraged to replace the toilet paper rolls. Here is a pic of one completed:
You could do different things like using a prettier color and instead of a smilie face you could put a pom-pom on it. Make them in seasonal colors etc. Even find cute flowers or leaves to crochet to sew on top.
Here is the pattern that I worked out. This fits our large rolls of Scott toilet paper.
PDF version of this post here.
Supplies:
Small amount of worsted weight yarn, yellow
Small amount of worsted weight yarn, black
H crochet hook
Abbreviations:
ch = chain
sl. st. = slip stitch
dc = double crochet
dc 2 tog = double crochet 2 together (decrease)
back loops only note
- Row 1: Using an H hook chain 5. Slip stitch together to form ring. Make 14 dc in ring. Join with sl. st. to first dc. (14 stitches)
- Row 2: Chain 2. 2 dc in each dc around. Join with sl. st. to first ch 2. (28 stitches)
- Row 3: Chain 2. dc in the next 2 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch, *dc in next 3 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch. Repeat from * around, ending with 2 dc in stitch. Join with sl. st. to first ch 2. (35 stitches)
- Row 4: Chain 2. dc in next 3 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch. *dc in next 4 stitches, 2 dc in next stitch. Repeat from * around. Join with sl. st. to first ch2. (42 stitches)
- Row 5: Chain 2. dc in back loops only of each stitch around. Join with sl. st. to first dc.
- Rows 6-13: Chain 2. dc in each stitch around. Join with sl. st. to first ch 2.
- Row 14: Chain 2. in back loops only, dc in each of next 2 stitches, dc 2 tog next stitch. *dc in next 3 stitches, dc 2 tog next stitch. Repeat from * around, dc 2 tog in last 2 stitches. Join with sl. st. to first ch 2. Finish off and weave in ends.
This is the first time that I have written out a crochet pattern that I have written. So please forgive any mistakes. I have made 4 and followed these instructions, but writing them is a whole different thing. I tried to make them understandable. I placed links of all the stitches required to make this so that even a beginner could make it.
Enjoy!
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Aug. 17, 2008 - I have been busy this weekend
I decided to pull out my sewing machine and get my sewing done before it was too hard because of my belly.
I made 5 nursing covers. I used two batik prints, one pretty paisley print, a Mary Engelbret print, and an adorable snowman print:
My tips for making these are to make sure you hold the boning flat while you sew it. That makes it much easier to get the boning in nicely. They sew up really quickly once they are all cut out.
Next I made 8 Katrina Soakers, 4 newborn and 4 small. I just used an old fleece blanket that we had.
The newborn only have one layer of fleece and the small each have two layers, both have the extra soaker sewn in. It is much easier and faster to sew just with the one layer of fleece, it's much easier to catch all the layers of fleece in the seams. Tip for sewing the tiny leg cuffs: follow the instructions for sewing them, but stitch them from the inside, not the outside. You don't get nearly as many pin pokes that way, lol.
Then I made two diaper/wipes cases. These are to carry one or two diapers with you for instance at the grocery store, or into the pediatrician or even at church when baby is older and doesn't require so many changes.
The first one is made with the dimensions of the pattern as given on the website. The second one is wider to accomodate cloth diapers. I had trouble getting the patterns to print true to size, so I used the measurements given and made my own patterns. I made them 3.75" wide and then cut them on the fold. The larger one I made the pattern 4.5" wide and cut it on the fold. I also made a couple changes. I cut two front pieces out of the outside fabric and hemmed the top edge of one. Then I sewed it together with the other pieces forming a pocket on the back. I did this for both of them. then with the larger one, I created a loop and sewed it into the outer fabric seam so that it could be looped onto a stroller or hooked onto my purse etc. For both of them I made a pul changing cloth that folds and slides into the back pocket (you can see the light blue one peeking out). And for the larger one, I made a wet wipes bag out of pul fabric. It will hold 3-4 cloth wipes that are pre-moistened. The larger version holds 1 BumGenius OS cloth dipe and the wet wipe bag. I'm sure I could tuck in a tube of ointment if I wanted to. Tip for sewing with pul: use tissue paper over the pul so the fabric will move through and feed, then tear off the tissue paper.
I can include dimensions for the wet wipe bag if anyone is interested in making one. One of the diaper/wipes cases are a gift, I hope the recipient likes it.
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Aug. 17, 2008 - I just finished making 8 Katrina Soakers!
They turned out really well and were super easy to make. You can locate the pattern here, it's free. Yesterday I made 4 in size small, which gives me a total of 12 diaper covers in that size. I prefer to have a lot because that way if they get soiled I don't have to stress about getting them washed in time. The smalls I made double layer and included the soaker panel because my fleece was thinner and I would rather err on the side of too much protection.
Then this morning I made 4 newborn size. I made them with just one layer of the fleece with the added soaker panel. It took me about an hour and a half the morning for the 4 newborn, so they are pretty quick to sew up.
I didn't have any money to buy any fleece, so I used one of our old fleece blankets. You know the kind that you can get really cheap? It's not a cute print or anything, but they are cute anyway because they are small.
I haven't taken pics yet, but I will be doing that at some point today or tomorrow and posting them.
I also made nursing covers and am working on a diaper/wipe case. After I finish my projects I'll post pics of everything at the same time.
So, if you need diaper covers but you can't afford them. I highly reccomend the Katrina pattern. You can use old fleece blankets that you have as long as they have a stretch (I had one that didn't stretch in any direction, couldn't use that one). And you can make up several from one blanket. Also, sometimes it's cheaper to buy the fleece blankets when they go on sale rather than buy the fleece at $8 a yard because the blankets can be purchased for around $7 usually and they are more than a yard.
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Aug. 5, 2008 - Desperation....brings good things
Today as I was dressing I couldn't find one scrunchie for my hair. No headbands. Nothing. After a couple hours of pushing my long hair behind my ears I was ready to pull it all out. So in desperation I looked in my handy crochet/knitting caddy. Inside it I found some elastic thread that I had bought last year. So I did a search at crochet pattern central and found lots of cute scrunchie patterns. I chose to make myself the chain scrunchie in a nice soft pink shade. I didn't have any ponytail elastics, so I cut my elastic thread 20", tied the ends together and then looped it until it was three strands thick. For my daughter I chose to make the spiral scrunchie but I made the spirals shorter. I made that one out of pink and white, also using the elastic thread.
They stay in the hair much better than the store-bought scrunchies that I have.....somewhere in this house. This one isn't slipping out of my fine thinnish hair at all.
Now, if only I could find the title for the van that I've been looking for.....
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Jul. 31, 2008 - Needle crafts with litte ones awake...
I have been working on some crochet projects recently and I just have to laugh when I realize how many times I have to pull something out because of interruptions. Usually only my girls will interrupt me when I am counting out something, but occassionally my boys will too. It's just funny how many times I have to restart something.
I'm sure you are thinking, "why don't you just work on them when the children are asleep"? Let me share with you my reasons. First, sleep is a precious commodity to me lately, so when the children are sleeping you can bet I am too. And second, when things get a little crazy or have been a little crazy some needle work keeps me calm. And during school time, the needle work can help prevent me from being frustrated if I have to explain over and over the same thing 10 different ways
So, that is why I don't do it when the children are sleeping.
I do find it amazing that anything gets completed at all. And sometimes I start things that after multiple restarts I just scrap and don't bother to actually finish, lol.
So, do you restart your needle craft projects over and over?
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Jul. 28, 2008 - What I made for the new baby...
I bought this pattern book and made these items from it:
Blanket and matching bear lovie
Bear lovie.
The blanket I followed the pattern exactly, but the lovie I combined the teddy bear pattern and took what I learned in making the blanket.
My girlies all love it and want one for their very own.
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Jul. 10, 2008 - Crochet Basket for wipes
I found this really neat pattern for a rectangular crochet basket. The dimensions shown will be perfect to store my dry cloth baby wipes (a.k.a. baby washcloths) in when baby comes. So, I am going to sort through my cotton crochet yarn and see if I have enough to make this. If I don't have enough cotton yarn I'm going to try with regular yarn and see how it turns out.
I love to make crochet baskets, because they are super durable, and they can thrown in the washer. Unlike traditional natural wood baskets, lol.
I'm using this pattern in case anyone else is game to make one.
For more crochet basket patterns look here.
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Okay, I made one. I didn't have enough cotton yarn for it. So I used some acrylic yarn for it. I think it came out really well and it holds my baby washcloths that are 9"x9" folded in half perfectly.
Here is the finished product:
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Jul. 4, 2008 - Pics of my baby blankets
Here are the finished pics of my baby blankets. I made 8 total and had lots of fun making them.
This one is narrower than I would like, but very soft. I used a basic garter knit stitch:
This one is a simple knit pattern in a mint green Glamour blankie:
Very easy crochet pattern Crochet Granny Square Afghan:
Super soft crochet blanket Sideways Shell Baby Afghan:
Another easy crochet blanket Crochet Granny Square Afghan:
I made two of these. They are really yellow Sideways Shell Afghan:
Star blanket :Beth's Little Star Afghan
Baby hats I made. I just improvised and guessed at the pattern and sizing:
Now that I have finished these I need to buy more yarn to start more as gifts because my fingers need to be busy.
I do still have some sewing to do for baby, but I haven't been in the sewing mood yet. Hopefully soon. Oh and I'm missing one of the fabric prints I bought for making my nursing covers. My sons cleaned up our misc room and it's since dissappeared, lol. So, I guess it's good I'm not in the mood yet, lol.
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May. 30, 2008 - Baby blankets
I am making blankets for the new baby. I have two finished using this pattern and this yarn in the powder yellow sparkle color. My blankets only have one row of edging around the outside edge though, not the three shown. It took 1-1/2 to 2 skeins of yarn to make each one. I'll post pictures of all my finished blankets once I finish all of them.
I am also working on this pattern right now, using this yarn in a baby print with pink, blue, yellow, green, white so it can be either gender. It is coming out so soft and warm. I think this one is my favorite right now.
Another blanket I'm working on is using this pattern and this yarn in a mint color. It's actually really soft yarn considering how it's not pricey yarn. I bought this yarn at Michaels using a 40% off coupon, so it was really a good price. I enlarged this pattern, because I wanted a bigger blanket for baby.
And lastly I'm making a basic garter stitch blanket using this yarn, in yellow white and pastel green. This one I'm using smaller knitting needles, so it is taking a really long time. But, I will have it finished by the time baby comes, lol.
Now, hopefully I will have enough scraps leftover of each yarn to make one more blanket for baby. And then baby should be set on blankets for a while anyway.
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Nov. 24, 2007 - How about making this for a little girl you know....
I have made three of these for my little darlings. They are doll beds/baskets. I made them by using this pattern . I adapted that pattern by using a size Q crochet hook, and by using 6 strands as one. It took 6 skeins of yarn. I just used basic Red Heart yarn. I followed the pattern, except that I did not include the hood. I decided I didn't want it for this, and I wouldn't have had enough yarn either. And for the ruffled part I only used 4 strands as one, not 6. When it was finished, I crocheted a chain using two strands of yarn as one. The chain was just shy of the circumference of the basket. I wove the chain in the top of the basket which stablized the edges. You can see my chain in the picture, it is the pink woven into the white. I will be removing that and replacing it with white, because I think it looks better. Then for the handles I crocheted a chain 21 chains long, using all 6 strands. I made yarn flowers using the Knifty Knitter flower loom using 4 strands as one to wrap the pegs once. I then attached the handles by placing each end 6 inches from the edge and placing a flower over the end before stitching the handle in place. I loom knit my blankets and pillows, but you could crochet or knit them. Whatever works well for you. This will fit a 15 inch dolly, so if you wanted it to fit a larger doll than you would have to adapt the pattern more.
I think back on when I was a little girl, I would have loved something this "girlie" and sweet. I hope my girls enjoy them as much as I would have.
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Oct. 28, 2007 - Look what the girls and I made
Yesterday we had lots of fun making soap and bath salts. For the soap I just bought a kit from Michael's. I also bought some extra colorings because I was planning to use them for my bath salts. But the package didn't include the red it said it did, so I used the colors for the soaps.
First we started the soaps, the kit I bought only included 2 rubber stamps to place in the molds although the mold we had could make 3 soaps. So we made two bars at a time. It was really simple. Just melt, scent, color pour and walla pretty soap bars. My oldest girl loved doing this. Here is a picture of our finished soaps:
Didn't they come out cute? The swirl and the blue colors were my dd's idea. She has good ideas :)
And here are our finished Candy Cane Bath Salts . We used vanilla scent, because we couldn't find any peppermint essential oil readily available in our area. But I love the scent of vanilla, so I think they came out great anyway.
I think these came out adorable. The pattern for the knitted jar covers came from this blog here.
Well, I need to scoot. Cookies are baking, laundry is going and I need to be busy and not playing on the computer. Even though it is one of my favorite toys, lol.
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