Reminder

5 Orange Potatoes

On My Needles

I know you're dying to know, right?!
LOL.

Well, I'm almost finished with the first leg of a set of legwarmers for my sweetie-pie.
Aren't they cute?  She picked out the yarn.  It's her gift for the holidays this year.

Handmade Holiday

This isn't a new idea.  A few years back I took the Handmade Pledge and when I shared it with my husband we made it our family tradition to give handmade gifts.  This year I've decided to make another 'official' declaration of more of the same! :D

I've been working on gifts already.  The children already know about them.  They've gone with me to pick out yarn and such.  But this year we're hoping to extend our tradition outside of our family.  We may end up giving some New Year gifts, but they will be handmade, nonetheless!

If you're interested in taking a public stand and/or want to see some of the others who are participating this year (and get some ideas from them), please hop on over to Plain and Joyful Living.  I'm sure you'll find something that catches your eye. :D

Here's to another handmade holiday season!

Wrist Warmers

So I've completed (all but the weaving in of ends) my first pair of fingerless gloves.  This is the first pattern that I've done with a slot for the thumb (found pattern on Ravelry).  In the previous pairs I've only left a hole for my thumb to slide out of.  I an tickled with them.  They don't remember match though.  I tweeked the pattern as I made the second one.  So it fits my hand a bit better and it longer.  Also did the thumb portion a bit neater.  You know how the second one is usually better than the first? lol.  Well, I my frog the first one...I may knot.  Now that I know what I'm doing I will definitely be making more.  My girls have already put in their requests.

What do you think?

My 5 for 5 Challenge Gift!!!

It's here! It's here!!
(Well, it's been here since Monday--but just finding some time to share online!)

 Felted Nesting Bowls

Aren't they lovely???
I'm tickled pink!!
I love,
Love,
LOVE them!!!

They're perfect in every way:
-they were made just for me
-made by a dear friend
-they are some of my favorite colors (Autumn colors)!
-they made my bedroom colors perfectly!!
(did you notice the little bonus gift? Strawberry Jam Syrup!! Oh My!)

I'm looking forward to doing something like this again and hopefully some more of you will be open to participating with me! (hint, hint...no pressure though!) :D

Thank you so much, Debbie.  I couldn't have asked for anything better!!! :D

Yarn!

Since I'm visiting family in NC presently, I couldn't remain here and NOT visit that lovely yarn store.  I lucked out as I went on the day they were celebrating their 2nd anniversary/birthday and were holding an AWESOME sale.  I was only planning to get ONE skein--the one I should have gotten that last time I was there.  It's 100% Baby Alpaca in orange--I got the white one last time.  I also got another skein of the Jarbo Duo in a bright red mix and then a Berroco Sundaw skein which was on sale--it reminds me of someone's locs.

I have plans for each of them.  Going back to get them wound and to get a second skein of the bright red mix.  My Winter Solstice Gifts will be underway soon!

Here's a peek at what's on my needles currently.  I found a free pattern on Ralvery.com called a Stitch Sampler Shawl.  I've had this yarn for a few years now, was initially going to make a poncho for myself.  Well, I'm know a third of the way finished.  This shot only shows about half the width of it.  It's on circular needles.

What wonderful things are your creating?  Do share!

Status

I've taken a good bit of time away from my blogs....but although I've been away, I've been creating.  It's amazing just how many things I was able to crank out in the midst of packing and mothering.  I guess my computer time takes a lot of my free time.

Here's a look at some of what I've made (started & completed)!

I have three others that I see I haven't yet photographed (a silvery black & white one that's spiral and two others like the green one in other colors), but you get the idea! :D   I've found a lot of patterns online, worked a couple of them and then did a couple 'freestyle' (ie my way).  Gave me time to practice my crochet stitches.  Still learning!

I am currently working on  a Stitch Sampler Shawl.  It's being knitted.  I'm about half-way finished with this one.  Will share some pictures when it's complete!

How are things in your crafting world?

Another Scarf

I've completed my FIRST crochet pattern scarf.  As I've shared before, I'm more of a 'freestyle' crafter.  I learn the basics and then go with the flow.  I try new things out, collect and consult patterns.....then create from there.

I decided that I should try to follow a pattern so I can learn how to read a crochet pattern, being that I'm still new to this and all.  I found this pattern on Ravelry.  I now understand why my girlfriend says she's a "pattern-ho".  It's easy to collect patterns, so many choices and styles.

Anyway, this pattern is called Cascade Scarf (it's a free pattern by Lion Brand Yarn)....not bad for my first one, eh?  I've already gone through my stash and will be making another one tonight.  Gotta love crochet--it's quick!

What are you up do these days???

Fresh Off the Hooks!

Earlier this year I purchased some chunky baby alpaca yarn (IT'S SUPER SOFT & WARM) at a lovely yarn store (aren't they all?).  Since that time I've been deciding exactly what to make with it.  I settled on a scarf--simple and easy.  Instead of knitting it, I chose to crochet it.  I think the pattern I 'freestyled' as nice and was able to complete it in just under 2 hours!! (yeah, that the main reason why I chose crochet over knitting)

As I was making it, my son asked me to make him one, which is a big deal (to me at least) as he's never asked for something handmade from me (although I've made him several things)!  I looked through my stash and found the baby alpaca yarn that I purchased on Ebay months before his birth.  I was able to make him some booties of out that yarn, but that was it.  I'm must completed his scarf and will be starting on a matching hat.

It's rather hot still....but Winter is coming! My plan is to have everyone 'hatted' and 'scarfed' up before the cold winds blow!

What's NOT on my Needles?

I usually see posts about "What's ON your Needles?"  When I browse crafting/knitting/crocheting sites, this is a frequent question.

Well, I've been taking time [in this blazing heat] to knit.  Yep. Knitting.  I'm determined to complete my started projects BEFORE starting new ones (and boy do I have some new ones I want to start on)!

So here's the completion to a winter set for me:

(I made the scarf previously--it was crocheted.)

So, what's NOT on your needles?? (or in your sewing machine?)

New Pattern

 (This photo was taken directly from TheTrainToCrazy.com)

Just found out about this lovely pattern on Whipup.net.  TheTrainToCrazy.com is offering this cute pattern and tutorial for FREE!  If you're interested in trying it out for yourself, click the link above to download it.

Hope each of you have been enjoying your summer and finding time to craft!

5 for 5 Challenge :: 1 Completed!

I've been waiting to post a photo of the handmade item I made until my first and only (so far) participant received it--so she'd be surprised.  Today, Rana @ Free to Learn an Lovin It, got the package.  I am so happy to know she likes it!  There's something about seeing my work on her blog--I'm rather proud of it.  You can check out her post about it here.  Here's a photo I took right after making it.  It's a nice and fun reusable bag.

Rana has asked me to put a tutorial together.  So, I'll plan do that when I start on my next one.

If you're interested in joining my 5 for 5 Challenge, I'd love the opportunity to share some other handmade creations with four others.  Click here to read about the requirements and leave a comment letting me know you wanna play along!

Happy Hand-making! :D

Thrift Store Finds

Yes, I did it again today.  It's been awhile and I've been itching to create/make/upcycle something!!!

Well, I found some lovely vintage pillow cases, several random good-sized pieces of fabric, and a curtain with a very cute pattern.  I'm seeing some reusable bags and a cute tote or two for the girls (out of the curtain).  We'll see.  I'm going to spread things out on my create table and see what comes to me.

Hope you're finding time to create, too, this summer!

5 for 5 Challenge :: UPDATE

Well, I've finally completed the item I've been wanting to my for my participant--Rana!  I'm so very excited about how it turned out.  I will be putting it into the mail today so won't share a photo just yet.  I've been finding time amidst all the packing to create and make.  My plan is to pack up my sewing items last--I girl has to be able to create on a moment's notice, right?

Hope that each of you are doing well and finding time to create.  Happy Tuesday!

Is This Not the Coolest Thing?

I found the link on Whipup.net.  In my quest to find more eco-friendly storage, I'm excited to have found this.  Yes, I'll be adding this to my growing list of projects! :D

You can click here to go directly to Allyson's blog and find out all the details. (The photo is Allyson's.)

New Book

My favorite cousin & best friend sent us a new knitting book. It was sent with my eldest in mind.  I've been teaching her to knit and this book will give us another project to take on.  It's for knitting dolls with all their clothes & accessories.  My girls can't wait to get started on one, or two or three!

Thanks Emilie!!

The List Lengthens

My roll is slowing down a bit.  It's the end of the month...packing is looming ahead of me for next month.  I've found some really cute projects that I'd like to try my hand at.  Not sure if they were happen before the move or after we get settled again.  I've decided to post them here so that I can easily find them again.  Perhaps you'll find them interesting as well and have a go for yourself.

I found both these links on Whipup.net.  They're good for sharing all kinds of crafting, handmade things.

The first is a reversible bag (I love a good bag!). VeryPurplePerson shares many more projects on this blog.

The next one is a pattern for hand smocking a sun dress (something I have been looking to do for awhile). Over at ikat bag there other patterns and projects shared on the blog regularly.

Then, there's the pillowcase tutorial from FilmintheFridge, yet another sewing/quilting/fabric blog.  It's beautifully inspiring over there!!!  I have looked through books that repurpose pillowcases for other things but hadn't thought about making my own.  Hmmm....yes, ideas! :D

 The post of the Strawberry Fold-away Bag grabbed my attention. Had to add it the my list!  Isn't it just adorable???  It's another project from ikatbag.  The entire bag fold up into this little strawberry.

Here's the re-purposing pillowcase post: pillowcases to shopping bags.  This is great to do with old cases around the house (if you have them) or you can find them at thrift stores and tag sales. SpiderWomanKnits shares a few more photos and the tutorial.

So, I've added each of this to my lists of crafting/sewing/re-purposing list for this year.  I'm hopeful that I'll get to at least one before the year is out!  With any luck all of them! :D

Happy Crafting!!!

Photo credits: ALL photos shared here are taken from the Whipup.net posts and were [more than likely] taken by the original crafter/designer of these patterns and tutorials.

MORE Fabric!!!

Look what I found at a local thrift store????

I found these over the past few days of thrifting!!!  I hadn't even thought about looking for fabric.  I mean, I've gotten a set of sheets that I've re-purposed but this is the first time I've found fabric in pieces large enough to make something out of!  Two pieces are canvas (making some reusable bags with them), two pieces are a stretchy polyester-type (a see a halter top/dress or two), one large piece is seersucker (sun dresses or top & shorts sets for the girls), another large piece is flannel (plan to make some heating pads and give as gifts), one piece is corduroy (not sure what it will be but I LOVE corduroy!!), and the last piece is a light-weight cotton, it's actually a curtain, which I plan to make several reusable produce bags from.

Well, there's my new list of projects, which I'll mix between the list I already have going.  I'm excited about these possibilities!!

Seersucker Sun Dresses

I love seersucker!!  It just says, "SPRING!"  I got this fabric on sale and whipped up another set of dresses for the girls.  I'll have to put the final touches on them in the morning, as the girls have long been asleep.  Here's a peek at them...will share more when they're completely done.

I also love this pattern--very easy!  Only two pieces for this particular dress. (Notice, they're sleeveless)  I did get some more patterns that I'm planning to try over the next week or so.  I found some really nice material at the thrift store.  I'll wash it up and then cut out some more play clothes for the girls!  I'm ahead of the game (so far that is!) LOL!

Some Sewing

I made time today to whip up these two cute sun dresses for my girls.  I went to the fabric store and found a wonderful sale!! YAY!  I got several new pieces of fabric (I know) but will be using them over the next two weeks to update the girls' summer wardrobe.

I'm on a roll! :D

A Simple Sun Dress

In the midst of all my decluttering, I woke up with the desire to sew.  And so, I did!  Here's what I made:

It's for my pretty girl.  I need to run to the fabric store to pick up two buttons or other artsy decoration to add to the front.  But other than that it's finished!

It felt good to make something.  I haven't done it in awhile--sewing that is.  We'll see what tomorrow will bring!

Books, Books, Books!

For the past week or so I've been so busy with life (cleaning, reading, getting outside, running errand, etc) I haven't taken the time to craft. Now, I've definitely been meaning to.  I guess my reading has sort of taken over my evenings.

Well, I've come across several great crafting books that I thought I'd share here today. Over on Home-Grown Love I participate in Book Sharing Monday.  I normally share some of the books my children are enjoying as we read through our library.

If you're anything like me and enjoy books and crafting I think you'll enjoy these:

I've been wanting to make one of those felted bags like on the front of this book.  There are also a few other easy looking projects to do (scarves and hats).

This is the sequel to the book One Skein by the same author: Leigh Radford.  I'm eyeing a few projects in here as well: a Cravat, a pair of fingerless gloves (love them!) and some placemats (think they'll be a cool addition to my table).

A friend of mine shared this book with me as she knows I like to do a bit of sewing.  This is perfect for using up all those little bits of fabric I haven't quite used yet.  I also like that this is a hidden spiral bound book so I don't have to totally destroy it to use it! :D

I have a few things I'd like to do/make.  Right now I'm about to sit down and knit while my kids watch a video (they've been good most of the day).  I am sticking to my "complete a project before starting another" mantra I've started for this year.  So far, so good! :D

Are there any crafting books you've come across recently that you're enjoying? Do share!

On My Needles

So I'm working on a matching hat for the scarf I just crocheted.  Yep, I'm knitting it... :D
Making pretty good progress!

Another Finished.....

I can't say "project" as I'd like to, simply because it was just a random thing i decided to do last night as I watched a movie with my hubby.  On my little break, my mother taught me to crochet a bit, I say a bit because I'm sure there are more things I have to learn.  That being said, I've been wanting to keep up what I've learned so far and because things whip up sooooo quickly, I've already completed another scarf.

When I say this yarn it immediately jumped at me--so I had to get it!  LOL!  It's varigated and is light blue, medium blue, dark blue, gray, med. gray, charcoal, tan mix.  Works perfectly well with everything I wear--blue, black, brown (khaki).

I'm loving it!  I still have a good bit of yarn left and am thinking about making a hat to go along with it.  Yeah, I know it's Spring...but Winter will come again! (smile)  Unfortunately this is where my limited skills of crocheting come into play as I don't know that much to crochet myself a hat.  I plan to take a look on Raverly for a pattern--but may fall back on my knitting skills and knit one instead.  We'll see.

Here's a photo of it...ok, two! :)

It's a Wrap!!

...and just like that...I'm finished with my third and final preemie hat!

After making the first one I decided that I'd make one for each of my (near) full-term babies God blessed me with.  It was a lot of fun and once I got the hang of all those needles in my hand, it was a breeze!

With every stitch I prayed for the preemie and family who would receive it.  Prayed for health, contentment, happiness, hope, strength, peace--no matter what.

It's it just the cutest little thing??  I hope to do this again...soon!

Preemie Hat #2--DONE!

UPDATE: PHOTOS BELOW

Last night I knitted a second preemie hat following my own pattern (smile) and finished it within 2 hours! YAY!  (must get photos of it to share...will do that later today!)  I used size 8 needles and a chunkier yarn to speed up the process.  Planning to do one more by the weekend.

Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!!

Yarn!!

Today I got a chance to visit a local yarn shop.  Can I tell you I just LOVE being in yarn stores?  Looking at the yarn, touching the yarn, feeling the yarn.  Each one I've visited has its own personality, but each share the same inviting spirit: the come sit down and create something special feeling.  I think I spent at least and hour and a half just looking and feeling and thinking and deciding.  I finally settled on some yarn: 100% Organic Baby Alpaca and a varigated wool blend.  I also treated myself to some bamboo needles.

I asked the attendant if I could take some photos of her place.  She happily agreed.  Here's just a bit of the store and the lovely yarn I finally settled on!