One more year

I'm really not sure where this year went. I think each successive year of my life goes by faster than the last. We celebrated two birthdays last weekend and I dove right in again with invites and decorations and all that fun stuff. I'm working on getting some printables available, but still deciding the best way to do it. In the meantime, here are some pictures from the weekend.

Lately

What I wish I was up to...

What I'm actually up to...

I'm sneaking in some tiny little crafting moments here and there, but don't have much to share yet. We'll be celebrating some pudgy birthdays in a couple weeks. I've been focusing much attention on that, but I'm getting ready to cut out a new dress in the next day or so. I also have a top secret knitting project underway. Lots of busy-ness around here. Speaking of which...

Hats Off!!

Although this post is a bit late - we have put away the hats here in Minnesota - but winter will be back soon enough.  I love Susan Anderson's "Itty Bitty" Books.  She is such a talented designer and so full of creative ideas for making something special for all of your itty bitty friends.  She has taken simple, classic childrens toys and turned them into knitting fun in her Itty Bitty Toys book.  Itty Bitty Nursery has fun ideas for accessories for a new baby's rooms.  Itty Bitty Hats contains fun hat variations including this one.  I didn't follow the stripe pattern exactly (always having to put a little of my own design in everything) but the tassle top is what adds a bit of personality to this hat.  I used Spud and Chloe Sweater for the hat and it is so soft and warm with its blend of wool and cotton. 

Mustache + Lips

A friend of mine recently had twins (her second set!) and I had a fun idea for onesies. I think they turned out pretty darn cute if I do say so myself. I used knit for the applique and just stitched along the edge and stitched through the middle of the lips. This was really quick and easy and fun.
Please forgive the bad photos. I was in a bit of a rush. You can get the artwork for these cuties here.

Lace Hand Towel

This towel and wash cloth set was a fun project for practicing lace knitting. I choose a lace pattern from my pattern stitch collection and added a seed stitch border. This would be a great project to practice a lace pattern for your next sweater project. I could really see the stitches (and the mistakes) by the time I finished this simple project. This small project would also be useful for practicing reading charts. Choose your lace pattern and multiply the stitch count by the number of repeats you will make then add 4 to 8 stitches for the border and each side. Cast on your stitches and start with a 4 to 8 row seed stitch border. Keeping 4 to 8 stitches in your seed stitch pattern at each side continue with the lace pattern until you reach your desired length. Finish the towel with your seed stitch border. This is an easy way to sharpen your lace making skills. This project was made with a cotton and bamboo blend yarn that is very soft with great drape. I had enough yarn to make a matching wash cloth.

Baby Bibs Galore

A good friend recently had her second set of twins!  To celebrate the arrival I used the pattern Sylvia used last year from  Chick Pea Studio and made a boy and girl bib from fat quarters I had in my stash.  The backing is simply a soft and absorbent flannel. The construction is very easy.  Simply place the bib and lining right sides together and stitch around the edge using a 1/4 inch seam allowance leaving about a 2 inch opening for turning.  Be sure to trim the seam allowance and notch around the curves to make turning easier.  The notching will help you keep the curves smooth and keep your finished bib looking great. 

 A little secret in turning your bib is to roll the front very slightly to the back as you press so that when you top stitch none of the lining peeks out.  Press well when you have it all turned and top stitch very close to the edge.  I used snaps for the closure but you could use Velcro if you like. 

 I made up a couple extra while I was in the mood so I have a gift stash started when I want something hand made to add to a gift the next time a baby arrives.

Snowed In

Snow day!  Schools were called off and with a foot of snow since last night today was a good day to just stay home and enjoy some craft time.  Since it was unexpected I decided to do something a bit unexpected too.  The pillows on in the living room had seen better days and the colors needing updating so I took off the old covers and made new covers using 3 fat quarters from my stash.  The third pillow was made using a stock design embroidery pattern that came with my embroidery machine.  In a moment of insanity I bought a wonderful Viking Husqvarna Ruby that needs to get more use so I have started to look for some simple projects to try my skills.  I am really looking forward to learning more and becoming proficient.