Many Crafts

2012-01-14T11:16:00.003-05:00

Here are those pink socks I knit- on the model. It seems they are slightly large, but still stay on better than anything store-bought. I'm sure by the time she's a month old, they will fit fine.

2012-01-03T12:37:00.002-05:00

For Christmas, Katherine wanted to make a gift for her cousin. Not just a cute popsicle stick ornament, but a real gift. We have these little wooden tables that our kids use all the time for small projects and eating on while watching football, and playing 'school', etc. She built this, really. She did drilling, sanding, some cutting. I'm very impressed. She also wanted to paint it, but the flu left us with no time.

2012-01-01T09:10:00.001-05:00

Another Dumpling Pouch. I'll post several pictures of these as I come across the ones I have left. Remember, there are 30. The scissors show size comparison.

2011-12-22T09:13:00.000-05:00

Not such a great shot, but at least she's wearing it! This is a raglan, long sleeved shirt- for winter. Which is funny since I used the a/c in the car today because it was so warm in the afternoon. Yes, it is December 21st.

2011-12-21T17:11:00.002-05:00

So, you can't see the shape very well. Mostly because it was made for a much smaller head. This has a triangular peak at the front and tapers at the sides. I love the silk/wool yarn- so soft!

2011-12-19T08:19:00.001-05:00

This messenger bag was supposed to look different. I never did find a pattern I liked. Turns out, someone else in the house actually likes it. I would like to put something in the bottom for a bit more stability. Fun Michael Miller cat print on the outside and the blue is a lovely teal-ish suedecloth. The colors are so fun! Embellished with ribbon along the front and several pockets inside, plastic snap closure- so no worries about popping a laptop into it someday. (although, so very unlikely in our home).

2011-12-18T08:17:00.000-05:00

This is another pair of blue baby socks. I love this elastic cotton yarn. This is the last bit of it, and I figured no matter boy or girl, anyone can wear blue socks. Just 2 pre-baby projects left to knit and I'll start on something new.

2011-12-17T10:09:00.002-05:00

I've literally made 30 of these. I know I said "never let me think 30 of anything is a good idea." These, however, were not 30 bibs. These are small zippy pouches called dumplings. I love the pattern, ordered a bunch of zippers, and finished them in no time! They are great for gifts! This is one of the smaller ones. I scaled the pattern up to 120% and made the most of every zipper. I hope to get pics of some more- at least the ones I have left.

Pattern:

http://keyka.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/08/lets-make-dumplings-free-zip-pouch-tutorial.html

Zippers:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/zipit?ref=ss_profile

2011-12-11T07:14:00.000-05:00

A sweet baby set of hat and socks. This will work for a boy or girl baby and hopefully make for cute pictures.

2011-12-10T07:10:00.000-05:00

Cookies for the holiday. They called for the red and white striped hugs, but our grocer didn't have those. The recipe also stated to add the kisses after baking- which I didn't do, my helpers were much too impatient. Overall, I think they are great! I'll definitely make them again.

Recipe:

http://www.bakedperfection.com/2010/12/candy-cane-blossoms.html

2011-12-09T08:47:00.000-05:00

This soaker is made from some very soft roving-type wool. The pinks are great in person.

2011-12-08T19:44:00.003-05:00

Diaper bag. This thing is quite large. I'll be carrying extra stuff and since it is 'winter' I thought I could also throw a couple of sweaters for other people in here too if needed. I used some leftovers from that Hailey Bag kit and added some other fabrics I had on hand. It is not quite the look I was wanting. I wanted the zipper to curve around the sides more. There are also 3 interior pockets for phone and small things that might get lost in the bottom.

2011-12-05T07:10:00.004-05:00

She actually wore this dress without a huge struggle. Who knows if she will again. Check out that twirl! I pleated this one differently. There is a wide panel in front almost like an apron, which is reversed in the back.

2011-12-04T09:06:00.000-05:00

I haven't done many stuffed toys lately. This was a tester pattern.Handsewing the face was fun, I'm a bit out of practice.

Pattern:

http://www.museofthemorning.com/shop/pantaln.php

2011-12-03T07:34:00.002-05:00

This is the medium size project bag. I decided to make this a matching set. I also added a little dumpling to keep my scissors and stitch markers in. Love them all!

Patterns:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86714323/vinduaga-wip-bag-and-pattern-saver-two

http://keyka.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/08/lets-make-dumplings-free-zip-pouch-tutorial.html

2011-12-02T07:31:00.001-05:00

This little knitting project holder is so fun to use! The snap on handle hangs onto other bags I carry, or my wrist so I can knit on the go. I love the clear window so I can see my projects and make sure I've got all I need before heading out.

Pattern:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86714323/vinduaga-wip-bag-and-pattern-saver-two

2011-12-01T07:29:00.000-05:00

These pattern directions were a bit difficult to understand, but the final product is well worth it! I love using this pattern holder!

Pattern:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/86714323/vinduaga-wip-bag-and-pattern-saver-two

2011-11-30T07:25:00.001-05:00

Yay! The smalls are done. 2 dozen. These are all in velcro, the mediums will use snaps instead.

2011-11-29T07:23:00.000-05:00

Those last four outfits were made from cotton knit, which is usually great for Florida winters. I was concerned about an actual cold day, so I made this set of fleece. Same pattern used, but no pockets on the pants. I also had only a scrap of this baseball fleece, so had to use the black for the sleeves and green for the back of the shirt.

2011-11-28T07:21:00.000-05:00

The fourth outfit. These are all somewhat interchangeable with the colors. All of the pants have pockets, which tend to harbor some odd items.

2011-11-27T07:20:00.000-05:00

The third outfit.

2011-11-26T09:18:00.001-05:00

The second set of pants/shirt.

2011-11-25T19:16:00.001-05:00

With a cool front moving through, I decided to make 4 long sleeved shirts and 4 pairs of pants with pockets for the little guy. It was so rewarding, he was thrilled! What a change from the last dozen dresses.

2011-11-06T09:42:00.000-05:00

With perfect bias tape, this bag was fun and fast to make. So fun, that I made 2!

Pattern:
http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/2011/01/free-pdf-pattern-from-the-bag-making-bible-bag-giveaway/

2011-11-05T09:36:00.000-04:00

Tiny pouches are my scrap specialty. Add a snap and kids love to put anything in them. I mean anything literally.

2011-11-04T09:33:00.000-04:00

Large diaper. These little hedgehogs are so cute!

2011-11-03T09:31:00.000-04:00

Tin whistle case. This black fabric has musical notes printed on it, but my photography is not up to the challenge. One kid needed this for class.

2011-11-02T09:28:00.000-04:00

These are the latest tiniest quilting projects I've found. They are called mug rugs or snack mats. They would be handy for just a small snack instead of a paper towel, but I doubt I'd ever use them properly. They are fun and tiny and I was able to try some fun quilting stuff I just haven't tackled on a big project.

2011-11-01T09:44:00.000-04:00

Can you see the sweet pink sheep? Who doesn't love sheep? This is a changing mat. We use these by the bunches in the begining. I used a prequilted fabric for the back, very fast and easy.

2011-10-31T09:42:00.001-04:00

So, you saw the blue ones, now here are the pink. Who knows which ones we'll use?

2011-10-30T09:41:00.001-04:00

Can you believe there are still just a couple of bibs waiting for snaps?

2011-10-29T09:36:00.002-04:00

This bag was a super-duper generous gift from dear Dana. The picture in the catalog was so cute! Unfortunately, the kit did not come with the button or the wide ric-rack. Which was disappointing because the local Joann's had only the purple and brown, not the cool matching teal for the bag. The fabric is still great and I enjoy the bag. The best part? There are some strips left! I may be able to squeeze out a diaper bag with this stuff if I can find the perfect pattern.

Pattern:

http://www.connectingthreads.com/Kits/Hailee_Bag_Kit__D4282.HTML

2011-10-28T09:32:00.002-04:00

These quick bags are great for so many things! I've used them for knitting projects, snacks, gifts. The kids use them for their art supplies, those last minute things they need in the car, etc. I've made them in several sizes, depending on the size of the fabric scraps I'm using. If you are on my Christmas list, you may be getting one (if I can get motivated before this baby comes).

Pattern:
http://daisyjanie.typepad.com/daisyjanie/2010/12/how-to-fabric-produce-bag-free-pdf-pattern.html

2011-10-27T09:30:00.002-04:00

This sandwich wrap is a great project this time of year. Park weather is great! We pack many, many sandwiches because we are there for so many hours.

2011-10-26T09:27:00.000-04:00

A very small baby sweater. It was a fun knit and the buttons were a great addition.

Pattern: From Ravelry called
"Puerperium Cardigan"

2011-10-25T09:23:00.000-04:00

This pattern was posted just in time for Halloween! Although, we didn't need them, they were kind of fun to make.

Pattern:http://makelaughlove.com/blog/

2011-10-24T10:20:00.000-04:00

A sweet baby hat of cotton. Very fast and easy knit, even for someone who doesn't like I-cord.

Pattern:
http://www.pickles.no/small-and-clever/

2011-10-23T17:18:00.002-04:00

As I was building momentum on the tiny diapers, we suddenly needed a few large ones. Here are four of six larges. Hopefully, these will bring us right to potty training soon.

Pattern:
Very Baby AIO

2011-10-09T09:23:00.000-04:00

Another outfit that won't be worn. A shirt and skirt.

Pattern for top:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/69196245/sweet-little-dress-pattern-pdf

Pattern for skirt:

http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2008/08/lazy-days-skirt-free-pattern.html

2011-10-07T09:29:00.000-04:00

Newborn stash. These are all pocket diapers from the Very Baby pattern. There are 25 which I'm happy with, except for the fact that I put the velcro on backwards. Lucky I just give them away when I'm done with them. These will be used with premie sized prefolds of which I have just a dozen.

Pattern Here: http://verybaby.com/ecom-prodshow/very-basic-all-in-one-diaper-pattern.html

2011-10-06T07:19:00.000-04:00

In quilting ventures, this one is called a 'whole cloth' quilt. Which means to me, there are only 3 parts. The top, bottom and binding. A good place to start if someone has gifted you with this fabric. And, you are learning to quilt. It is backed with chenille and bound with some more handmade binding. This was not as easy as it looked. That is a lot of fabric to shift around and stuff under the arm of a standard sewing machine. This one is larger than the purple/orange one- it almost fits nicely on a single bed.

2011-10-05T09:56:00.000-04:00

WooHoo! Rainbow cake! Kathy has a little toy caterpillar with rainbow stripes. When she announced it was having a birthday, there was only one kind of cake that would work! I am quite impressed with how very easy this was.

2011-10-04T09:53:00.000-04:00

Tiny baby socks. In blue. We are patiently waiting for a new addition around here. Since we don't know what color socks we will need, I've already cast on the pink ones. This is some great yarn. Stretchy cotton with elastic. I'm hoping they will stay on wiggly feet.

2011-10-03T09:45:00.000-04:00

The quilt I thought was never going to happen. You can refer back to the original post from May 29, 2008. I am usually proud of my ability to complete projects in a timely manner- except for quilt projects. My dear quilting friend has inspired me to take out all of my unfinished quilting projects and complete them. While she holds my hand, because I'm a complete quilting idiot. Really. We sit once a week for 2 hours and peck away. Amazingly, we are making great progress. My new mantra: "Do not cut out anything new, quilt related."

2011-10-02T09:42:00.000-04:00

I used a pattern from Little Girls, Big Style again. Cute book, few patterns, fun colors. No one here will wear this dress, which is why it is so wrinkled from sitting in a box unwanted.

2011-10-01T09:39:00.000-04:00

As a baby, she had a diaper made from this fabric. For St. Patrick's Day, there was a lined dress. Now, a nightgown. The bottom hem was done with orange bias tape handmade by my dear bias-tape-making friend Victoria! I love this stuff!

2011-09-30T11:36:00.002-04:00

She really wanted a picture of her first lost tooth. She happens to be wearing a fun and funky shirt that has fun and funky pants matching. There is a red ruffle along the hem of the shirt and a 2 layer ruffle along the hem of the pants. This outfit was left from Abigail. She had about a dozen of these outfits in various vibrant colors. This child was wearing it for only a moment and is not interested in any of these hand-me-downs. Goodwill is so lucky.

2011-09-28T10:12:00.000-04:00

Did I post these already? If so, enjoy them again. They have regained popularity in our house. Ours are made like puppets but have many other uses.

Pattern here:

http://vintagericrac.blogspot.com/2009/09/one-hour-softie.html

2011-09-27T10:08:00.000-04:00

A tiny bit of bunny origami. Abigail can be so creative, so long as it isn't something I suggest.

2011-09-26T10:03:00.000-04:00

This one is from the book Little Girls, Big Style. The book has just a few, but very useful patterns. We are very lucky that our library has this one! We are also lucky to have this palm tree in our back yard. When a palm starts to fall, she grabs on and swings in mid air around the whole tree and back.

http://www.amazon.com/Little-Girls-Big-Style-Boutique/dp/1607051885/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1316959522&sr=8-1

2011-09-25T09:59:00.002-04:00

This is a new dress pattern made from soft cotton knit. The neckline is fine in real life- I'm just a terrible photographer. There was also a ruffle option for the bottom, which would have looked great if I was brave enough to add it.

Pattern available here:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82496751/the-capricious-dress-sewing-pattern?ref=sc_2

2011-08-23T12:12:00.000-04:00

I made these to kind of match. Turns out, no one here likes either outfit. Even the model shot is using a loaner kid.

2011-08-22T12:11:00.000-04:00

A simple raglan shirt pattern made with some great 'fabric' I found at the second hand shop- it was disguised as an XXL shirt for women at the time.

2011-08-21T12:05:00.000-04:00

Before felting:

(Sarah is used for size comparison)

After felting:

I love this bag pattern, it whips up so fast and I was able to use up a bunch of leftover wool.

Pattern here: http://www.blacksheepbags.com/booga_bag.html

2011-08-20T14:01:00.003-04:00

This bowling set was the perfect gift for a small friend who had his birthday party at the bowling alley.

Pattern here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/73591760/i-heart-bowling-pdf-sewing-pattern?ref=sc_1

2011-03-30T09:38:00.000-04:00

Summer hat. I used a bit of interfacing in the brim, but it could have used a slightly heavier weight all around.
This pattern: Mamu Elin http://fairytalefrocksandlollipops.com/catalog.htm?item=2027
By the way, this is a really cool shop, check out all the cool products they carry!

2011-03-29T09:16:00.000-04:00

Picking, eating, canning.

2011-03-28T09:11:00.000-04:00

Sprouting really is that easy! Wheat sprouts day 3. I just popped the solid center circle piece out of the canning jar, used it to trace around on plastic canvas and viola! Special sprouting jar.

2011-03-27T09:32:00.000-04:00

Valentines-ish bag. Scraps left from a dress. Could have used more interfacing in the flap. I used velcro instead of the magnet snap.

Pattern: http://fishsticksandfries.com/blog/?p=1086

2011-03-26T09:15:00.000-04:00

Medium diaper.

2011-03-25T21:05:00.001-04:00

8 more bibs from my own pattern. For some reason cutting out 30 or so seemed like such a good idea at the time...

2011-03-25T21:04:00.000-04:00

2011-03-19T23:15:00.001-04:00

We made these chairs for a friend as a birthday gift. It looks like he likes them! They do stack and were easy to make, and I spent less than I expected. Yahoo!

Thanks Ana! www.ana-white.com Plans: http://ana-white.com/2010/11/four-dollar-stackabe-childrens-chairs.html

2011-03-19T23:11:00.002-04:00

For some reason, I felt she needed a green dress for St. Patty's day. At 11:00 the night before. And, it should be fully lined. With homemade bias binding. I am so pleased it worked out and beyond excited that she actually wore it!!
Pattern: Oliver + S Popover Sundress http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2009/08/popover-sundress-free-downloadable-pattern.html

2011-03-07T09:44:00.000-05:00

Someone once asked what I do with the kids while I craft. My answer: Put them to work! Here, she is using the sander on a birthday gift for a little friend. We have to wait for a complete pic until we've actually given the gift. You should see her with paint! She actually has some great ideas but she's terribly picky about her custom wardrobe.

(Thanks to Deb's Woodshop)

2011-03-06T09:42:00.000-05:00

I really am improving at the neck ribbing. He seems to like his new "balloon" outfit. This one has the red sleeves and the same fabric for the red shorts.

2011-03-05T21:38:00.002-05:00

Laundry Dresser
Did I ever mention how in love I am with Ana at http://ana-white.com/? Our latest adventure was this laundry dresser. I'll post an action shot when the camera cooperates. Thanks also to Deb, of Deb's Woodshop!

2011-02-28T09:46:00.000-05:00

Slightly mini backpack has been 'unfinished' for more than a year. I made up my own pattern. At the time, one that had been in use at our house ripped beyond repair. I thought I could avoid buying another by making it. Turns out, she found one she liked second hand long before this was finished. Sadly, this one will likely never be used.

2011-02-27T09:43:00.002-05:00

Finding boy one piece boy outfits with shorts is proving a challenge. This pattern was quite snug. This one is off to the thrift shop, but I'll try again with the larger size next week.

Pattern: http://pickupsomecreativity.blogspot.com/2010/06/summertime-romper-tutorial.html

2011-02-24T09:36:00.000-05:00

A very sturdy doll cradle. I am thankful to my friend Deb, who helped me finally complete it. I cut it out 2 years ago and had a neat stack of wood forever waiting. As a birthday gift it was perfect. It also can turn on its side for easier storage and it holds the weight of a six year old easily. Or a 1.5 year old as pictured.

2011-02-23T09:33:00.000-05:00

Another jammie. This one is 3/4 sleeves and pants. Ribbing again for the neck, but still foldover for the waistband. The boy loves the monkeys!

2011-02-22T09:29:00.001-05:00

This picture is just horsing around, but includes a pair of shorts, one nightgown and one shirt and pants jammie; all made by me. It is a good feeling to notice that at any given moment, people are actually using the stuff I'm making.

2011-02-21T09:27:00.000-05:00

This onesie has a lapped neck. I sewed it slightly crooked, but it still fits fine. This knit is a nice quality and thin for summer.

2011-02-20T09:25:00.001-05:00

Some cold-process soap. This is scented with grapefruit, lemon, and oatmeal. I really enjoy making soap!

2011-02-19T09:22:00.001-05:00

A long sleeved shirt and shorts for jammies. The neck is ribbing instead of foldover. I am getting better at the ribbing and like it better.

2011-01-31T08:34:00.000-05:00

This is a reversible skirt and t-shirt. I modified a pattern for the shirt from Liberty Jane. Plain front, velcro back.

Pattern: http://www.libertyjaneclothing.com/

2011-01-30T20:05:00.001-05:00

The doll on the left is wearing a peasant top and flare jeans with ric-rack trim.

2011-01-26T12:29:00.000-05:00

Another medium diaper. There were 3 in this batch. I like the orange sherbert colored insides.

2011-01-25T12:32:00.000-05:00

A few more wipes. Some have dyed sherpa.

2011-01-24T12:14:00.000-05:00

Oliver+S is a pricey pattern company for children's clothing. I was pleased to find this doll-sized version of the "popover dress".
http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2010/08/popover-doll-dress-free-downloadable-pattern.html

2011-01-23T12:10:00.000-05:00

A buttercup bag that was started last Christmas.

2011-01-22T12:25:00.000-05:00

Loving the serger right now, here are some of the 2 dozen cloth wipes, 2 layers flannel with wooly nylon purple variegated thread.

2011-01-21T12:20:00.001-05:00

These cards are embroidered from a punch design. Such a super fun and rewarding small project! Thanks to Joan who taught me how!

2010-12-24T10:08:00.000-05:00

Small bunches of daisies, wrapped with wire and floral tape with a pin back. These small creations were a treat for our Daisy troope.

2010-12-23T10:05:00.002-05:00

Some air dry clay creations. An ornament, snowman, turtle, heart ornament, ring bowl, snowman, snowman, bowl, bowl. We ran out of time to paint them, but will get to it after the holiday.
I only had the camera phone this day- actual camera was off skiing.

2010-12-23T10:03:00.001-05:00

I saw an idea for a stitch marker/ row counter. This is not a very bright picture, but you can see the idea. So far, it works but it is a bit long for my liking.

2010-12-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Here's another one that sat in the drawer for a couple of months. She wore it a few times, and now its been back in the drawer again. Precious Dress Pattern.

2010-12-06T18:47:00.000-05:00

I'm glad she's finally wearing this one. Sweet Dress pattern from Leila and Ben, with gathered skirt and foldover elastic at the neck and sleeves- makes a bit of puffed sleeves.

2010-12-05T08:25:00.000-05:00

This little zippered pouch will hopefully make a great gift. But, not this one. The zipper is funky. I need some practice perfecting this pattern, but I really like how it looks.
Pattern:
http://noodleheads.blogspot.com/2010/04/gathered-clutch-tutorial.html

2010-12-04T08:23:00.000-05:00

Dress, this time with elastic binding for the sleeves. Gives them a puffy-ish look, and finished the sleeves in one step.

2010-12-03T08:20:00.001-05:00

Tried out a favorite dress pattern in smaller scale. Printed at 50%.
Here's the pattern:

https://www.youcanmakethis.com/info/featured-products/the-sweet-dress-.htm

2010-12-02T08:18:00.000-05:00

I was so pleased to find out an old friend is using cloth! I whipped these up, and they are already on their way.

2010-12-01T08:16:00.000-05:00

A mini quilt. Just throwing together some coordinating stuff from a recent swap. Don't mind the missing button. A small person ripped it off and I'm still looking for it.

2010-11-30T08:14:00.001-05:00

At the baby shower I recently went to, the hostess gave out these adorable boo-boo bunnies!

2010-11-29T08:12:00.000-05:00

Sometimes chocolate cake is a good breakfast.

2010-11-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

These leggings match Mr. Baby's jammies and were quick, easy, and a great fit.

2010-11-27T07:56:00.001-05:00

Not the best angle, but these pants were pretty easy to put together and a great fit.
Pattern:
http://hyenacart.com/FishsticksDesigns/index.php?c=0&p=49666

2010-10-28T16:10:00.002-04:00

Someone is growing. These jammies are made from cotton with foldover elastic binding on the waist, neck, and ankles. I serged everything but the binding. The fabric has ships printed on it. There will be something for everyone- I picked up 4 yards of it!

2010-10-08T15:36:00.000-04:00

Instead of fondant, I mixed half marshmallow fluff with half powdered sugar. It rolls and shapes like playdough or fondant and colors easily. I rolled it out and cut out a guitar shape. I would have looked better if my cake was level. Next time, I will allow more than 2 hours for the whole project including baking. Overall, I was happy with it. I could use some more practice. I still have a lot of fluff and powdered sugar left.

2010-10-07T15:31:00.002-04:00

I used a Clover bias tape maker. Much easier than I thought. Altgough, I did cheat a bit on the 'bias' part. I also burned the board with the iron- that little thing heats up fast. Maybe after the holidays I'll add an ironing board cover to my 'to make' list.