Trip to NY Project

In one week I will be flying with the kids to NY by myself! I did this same trip last year but my daughter was less mobile and smaller; should be an interesting time. I am looking for an easy project to work on while I am out there and need your help deciding.

The first two are blankets that I was thinking I could make large enough for a twin or full sized bed for my daughter and the last two could be photo props for upcoming newborn shoots.

Summer Garden Granny Square by Lucy of Attic24 

Source: ravelry.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Neapolitan Ripple by Michelle Tang

 

Source: greetingarts.typepad.com via Sarah on Pinterest

The Baby Cozy by Jennifer Pedersen-Giles

Source: windrosefiberstudio.blogspot.com via Sarah on Pinterest

And last but not least - a knitting project.

Baby Envelope by Joanna Johnson

Source: ravelry.com via Sarah on Pinterest

I love the granny square blanket but worry it might not be mindless enough for vacation since I have never attempted one!

Puff Daddy's Baby

I finished up a sweet little photo prop last night - Puff Daddy's Baby by Anna and Heidi Pickles.

I think I will make another that is fatter and shorter so I can make sure all newborns will fit on the cushion. The pattern calls for it to be knitted flat and then seamed but I wasn't up for that so I cast-on with smaller needles and more stitches (US 17 - 12.75 mm and somewhere around 40 stitches). 

To make this size took three skeins of Jiffy held together. I could even gotten away with using two since I created a gray pillow case to hold the polyfil - I hate seeing the white polyfil peak through. I also seamed one end using elastic so I could pull the pillowcase out for easy cleaning, newborns can be unpredictable like that.

 My son loves it and I think a whole set in rainbow colors would look great.

You can grab the pattern here: http://www.pickles.no/puff-daddys-baby-eng/
or
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/puff-daddys-baby

Mousey the Mouse

I found this cute little pattern on Ravelry for free and thought it would be a great toy for the kid's Easter baskets. Unfortunately, my little man saw me working on it and the cat was out of the bag... sorry little mouse. I don't really mind because he loves Mousey.

I changed the pattern slightly, creating i-cords for the arms and legs using 5 stitches. I wish I had made it with a couple more stitches.  The bow tie was made using the following:

Cast on about 15 stitches
Knit 2 rows
Cast off

Cast on about 8 stitches
Knit 8 rows
Cast off
Wrap extra yarn around the middle to create the bow and attach to first section.

I am a slow knitter and I created this guy in about one hour start to finish. I need more practice seaming pieces together but all in all it turned out great. I think Baby Girl will be getting a white one in near future.

Cocktails and Craft Challenge and Giveaway

Are you ready for some crafty challenge awesomeness? Join me for the Dollar Store Craft Challenge and have a chance to win an adorable crochet or knitting pattern from HandMadeAwards. Look at these cute rabbit pattern they offer - perfect for Easter!

 

 

Details:
Create something you love using items purchased at your local Dollar Store. Your total purchase should be under $10. You can use items you already have at your house (scrap fabric, yarn, scissors, sewing machine, drill, glue) but the main items for your project have to be purchased at the Dollar Store. 

Link up your project below and a panel of guest judges will pick a winner. Be sure to mention how much you spent and tutorials are encouraged. 

We will also have one winner picked at random from our followers. So if you don't feel like being crafty but want a chance to win one of the patterns, become a follower and/or join me on Facebook.  Leave a comment letting me know you would like to participate in the drawing. 

Looking for some inspiration? Check out the site Dollar Store Crafts. They have projects and tutorials that show how incredibly talented and resourceful people are. 

Winners will be selected on Friday, April 22nd. Go get your Dollar Store Craft on! 
 

Clementine Birthday Doll

I really wanted to get G a Waldorf doll for her birthday but after finding out how much they cost I thought it was a better idea to make one. I purchased this pattern by LovelyWorld on Ravelry and thought it was so easy to make. I didn't want to make a knitted outfit too and after one failed attempt at a Simplicity doll dress pattern I decided to wing it.

Clementine - My first knitted doll

I bought a navy t-shirt at the thrift store because I know jersey doesn't fray and I could get away without finishing the edges. After two attempts I got a pattern that worked. After sewing the edges and the shoulders I realized that it was a bit too baggy. I attached a button the back shoulder and cut a small button hole on the other shoulder and voila - problem solved.

Close up of ruffle.

To make the ruffle I cut squares out of the small t-shirt and rounded the corners. By pinching the center and adding a couple stitches you end up with a small flower. I strung them all together with thread and then sewed them to the front of the dress. This totally made the dress! I love it.

I hope G loves Clementine as much as I do. Only one more month before her first birthday - can you believe it!

Phoebe's Sweater

Last night at knitting my friend Joanna gave us signed copies of her book Phoebe's Sweater! It is so beautiful and comes with patterns to make Phoebe and her sweater.

I was surprised at how emotional I felt to actually see the finished book - so much joy for Joanna and her family. I am continually amazed at all the inspirational people I have in my life. Now I can add published author to my list.

I can't wait to make Phoebe for Gianna!

Buy the book from Amazon or better yet come to a book signing and meet Joanna and Phoebe.

You can also follow Phoebe on her blog - great site for kids.

Little Red Riding Hood

I made this Little Red Riding Hood Cape for my little friend's third birthday. I think I was more excited to give it to her than she was to open it but she looks adorable in it.

I think next time I make it I will use a seed stitch for the edging rather than the garter stitch.

I couldn't resist putting it on Gigi! Just a tad to big... I am in no hurry for it to fit her.