New curtains for a new home. These only took me thirty minutes per panel and they really made a difference in our bedroom decor.

 Our old furniture is a bit dark for the house we live in right now. A quick distressed look to this end table really brightened the place up a bit.

Watercolors are not often my craft of choice but this fun kit turned out pretty well.

Found some BEAUTIFUL yarn while on a trip. This was a special colorway for the shop I was in. I don't really like how it turned out, but the yarn was a joy to work with.

Yarn: https://threeirishgirls.com/
Shop: https://harpsandthistles.com/
Pattern: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kindness-kal-shawl

Our sweet 12 yr old daughter has been super crafty this summer and decided to make her sister a dress! This one has been a favorite around here because it is easy to make and easy to wear for summer. Pattern only comes in size 4. We are so proud of our kiddos when they find something that interests them!


Pattern:
http://www.itsalwaysautumn.com/

A cardigan that fits! I don't know if you saw the last one I made, but it was massive. Larger than a size 3x, so I didn't know anyone to model it. I LOVE it so much! It is a pattern called the Campside Cardi. Made with yarn that I found on super sale for $3 per ball and as you can see, I used three balls- one of each color. I've already started knitting another sweater for myself with a different pattern, but I plan on making this again.

Pattern:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/campside-cardi

The house rules have been on a plain white sheet of paper put up with tape. Years and years, the same paper moved and re-taped. When I saw these little chalkboards at the dollar tree, I had an idea for a fancy new update!

Gratitiude

One of my favorite embroidery designers made this some time ago. I edited out the many lazy daisy stitches and just stuck to the heart of the message. It is a reminder I still haven't had enough of.


Pattern:
http://www.elefantz.com/

Even with no baby around to knit for I couldn't pass up this cutie. I used 2 strands of yarn together but I'd like to make it again with just one. This turned out a bit heavy.

Pattern:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/watermelon-baby-cardigan

I'm working toward a knitting goal this year so this quick hat seemed like a good way to move forward and use up some stashed yarn.

Pattern:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/watermelon-baby-cardigan

Picked up this yarn on vacation in Ohio. Was so fun and easy to work with. I've wanted to try making something from this designer for a while and I'm glad I did finally. Great pattern, easy, fast.

Pattern:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/zilver

A few more bracelets. I love matching to my outfits.

I used the pattern without using the pocket piece.
The buttons are decorative only. I just love having a new bag when I start a new knitting project. Making them seems to be the more affordable option than buying all the ones I see and love.
Pattern:
http://www.sewmamasew.com/2015/02/crochet-on-the-go-bag/

I enjoy using the smaller tote for on the go knitting. I wasn't happy with how the last one looked with my fabric choices. This fabric was all stash busting. Yay for using up what I have. I am much happier with the result of these fabric choices.

Pattern:
http://noodle-head.com/product/makerstote

I decided that as I've gotten older, putting on bracelets with clasps is too difficult by myself. My solution was to buy stretchy beading string and make a bunch of new bracelets. I love how they all turned out. I have a set I've been wearing every day for months, but now I'll be able to change that up a bit.

Attempted the Noodlehead Maker's Tote in the smaller version. This bag tempted me to buy one readymade from someone else but they retail for around $60-$80. So, I had to put the work in myself. I'm not quite as happy with mine but I do like the smaller size. Some of the others I've seen have a longer handle. Maybe I'll try one more and modify the handle length. This one doesn't have a zipper because the only separating zip I have on hand is a tan color and won't work with these colors. Since the move, it is an hour round trip to the nearest craft store.

Pattern:
http://noodle-head.com/product/makerstote

I've made this one before. I am such a fan of how easy to knit and lovely this shawl turns out. This special yarn is from a family trip to Lake Tahoe. The local dyer perfectly captured all of the beautiful greens from all of the trees surrounding the lake. We did a lot of hiking through woods and up mountains on that trip so this was the PERFECT souvenir.


Pattern:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/reyna

I really enjoyed this cowl. I might make it again with smaller needles and a different color.
 Thanks to my auntie for being my willing model!

Pattern:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/storm-clouds-cowl

The kids made moon sand. Recipe was one cup of flour per ounce of baby oil. Next time, we will put the food coloring into the oil before adding it to the flour. It didn't mix well with the already added oil and flour mixture.

After drooling over these bags for a year, I finally convinced myself to make one. I started with the large size. I really like it and may also make a small one.

Notes for next time:
A yard and half was not enough fabric
Pick out some premade bias tape that matches your fabric
Wide webbing will save the trouble of making handles
Extra stabilizer in the base might be a nice addition
Zip pocket zipper only needs to be 9" for large
Zip pocket lining might be a bit long
Interface both exterior and lining with 809
Fusible fleece on exterior

 


This was a quick hat to make, but I fell in love with the photography with the rainbow yarn on the original pattern.


Pattern:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/baby-amanda-hat

Vivian. I love most of the bags from this designer, I've made literally dozens. This Vivian Traveler bag is very difficult to get along with. We wrestled our way to completion. I won't be making any more of this pattern.

Pattern:
https://swoonpatterns.com/shop/vivian-handbag-traveler/

This pattern is titled, The Sanibel Cowl. Since we live nearby, and I wanted to try out this new speckled yarn, it seemed appropriate.

Yarn:
https://www.craftsy.com/knitting/supplies/cloudborn-superwash-merino-worsted-yarn-dyed-by-lorna-s-laces/464882

Pattern:
http://www.classiceliteyarns.com/WebLetter/294/Issue294.php

This is made from one single ball of yarn. The color changes are part of the charm of the dying process. I didn't use much of a pattern. Cast on 3 then increase regularly after the first three stitches, once before the center stitch, once after the center stitch and once before the last three stitches. This yarn is incredibly soft and beautiful! I LOVE it! Thank you to my dear cousin and knitting buddy, Dana for gifting me this ball for Christmas!

Yarn:
https://gaugedyeworks.com/

A knitter's request for a knitting bag from the fabric of her choice.

 

Pattern:

http://www.veryshannon.com/patterns/reversibleboxtote

 

 

This was such a fun set to make! I collaborated with one of my special crafty daughters. I LOVE the colors in this print.

 

 

Fabric panel:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/286835681/in-stock-lil-red-doll-fabric-panel-by?ref=related-5

Another. I cut out three, so far two are done.

My first try at making fingerless mitts. I don't know if it was the super pattern or the beautiful yarn, but I LOVE them! It only took me 4 days to knit these and even weave in my tails because I was having so much fun!

Pattern:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/autumnal-mitts

This new yarn swift is going to make winding skeins into balls amazingly easier! I actually had all the things to make this laying around. Although, it took me three days. Each time I screwed up I had to fight the urge to buy one instead.

A new house can be a great start for new inspiration. So far, this house has required oodles of paint, hanging curtain rods, and endless unpacking. I love our new back patio, I thought it would be fun to keep a plant out here. This is my failed attempt at a macrame plant hanger.

As much as I love knitting, I love project bags. I made this one for a particularly large ball of wool that wanted to constantly roll away while I was knitting.
I only used the one piece of the pattern and omitted the pocket.

Pattern
http://www.sewmamasew.com/2015/02/crochet-on-the-go-bag/

Peer Pressure:
This was not a planned project. My favorite knitting buddy nearly forced me to buy this yarn. Although, it is not something I'd usually use, I enjoyed it. It is worsted weight and pretty so this was a quick project.


Yarn: https://www.michaels.com/caron-cakes-yarn/M10481921.html
Pattern: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cascade-shawl-23

After knitting almost 2 whole sweaters this year, I decided to try a few quicker projects. This cowl was fun to make out of cotton yarn. I don't know if I'll ever use it, but it is lovely.

Pattern:http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/waverly-weekend-cowl

I'm always trying to find ways to count stitches. These beaded counters allow the beads to slide when you move them, but don't slip unless you want them to. I made them onto the same size jump rings I use for stitch markers.

I watched a youtube video for making a beaded golf counter. It was super easy and fun. For golf, it seems the big beads are best, but for knitting, I like the smaller ones.

Last year I made the super fun Bounce baby blanket. This is the smaller modified version I made with the scraps.

The Spiral Cowl. I LOVED working with this Malabrigo worsted yarn.