tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41310139316209764882024-03-14T04:33:04.418-04:00 Always Creating SomethingA creative space for sharing quilting, sewing, knitting and organizing my home.SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.comBlogger125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-62837313769150767462011-10-02T06:46:00.000-04:002011-10-02T06:46:00.578-04:00Diaper bag for a friendOne of my very best friends is having a baby girl (after three boys!) and she chose pink, taupe and brown for the nursery with an elephant theme. I was thrilled to find a fabric line in those colors that's available right now so I could make her some special things for baby Hannah's debut, sometime in December. I made her this sturdy diaper bag. I hope it matches her decor (I haven't seen any pictures yet) and that it will get used for play dates or diapers or something.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The dimensions are approximately 18" wide, 15" tall and 5" deep.</td></tr>
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The elephants make two spacious front pockets on the front, lined with the pink, white, taupe striped fabric.<br />
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On the interior, there are four pockets, two large, two small on one side and a zippered pocket on the opposite side. You can also see the magnetic button closure here - my first time using this closing technique but it was surprisingly simple so I may use it again. This interior pocket is 9" by 10".<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The back of the bag has the same elephant print from the front pocket and pink contrasting</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> edging. I used the 70 weight Pellon interfacing for this bag so it's very sturdy and stands up all by itself. I also added it to the handles because I prefer substantial handles. I used the tutorial from <a href="http://sewlikemymom.com/game-day-gym-bag-tutorial/">Sew Like My Mom</a> as a general guideline for the bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_cOnIjgPbI/Tn6CoY8HfqI/AAAAAAAACL0/oKqBC5cuSFo/s1600/IMG_5893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_cOnIjgPbI/Tn6CoY8HfqI/AAAAAAAACL0/oKqBC5cuSFo/s320/IMG_5893.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I made a bunch of matching goodies for little Hannah to fill it up with. My favorite is the minky blanket in Amy Butler's Lotus flower. I've been saving this fabric for something special.<br />
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I made it larger than average so it could be used in the stroller or car and as a safe play mat for baby. I used to use these all the time when I needed a safe, soft place to lay my little one for some tummy time, especially at someone else's house. I also used one for William to designate his safe play area, ie no big kid toys allowed on the blanket. Minky is supersoft and the texture appealing. I made a border out of the Amy Butler fabric on one side to give it a more finished look.<br />
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I had more leftover fabric than I intended to have so I also made a diaper clutch bag in coordinating fabrics.<br />
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It fits the travel size wipes and two diapers but can be used for all kinds of other purposes. It has a velcro closure and a grosgrain ribbon pull tab. I like the pink elephants on the inside.<br />
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I also made a soft changing pad with one thick layer of fleece and an interior layer of cotton quilt batting. I never liked how thin my changing pads were and even though this one doesn't have a waterproof layer, the whole thing can be tossed in the washing machine.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--k_B3fh4Z_o/ToCNeK87LFI/AAAAAAAACMI/EJhRAAkyBKg/s1600/maggie+baby+gift+sept+2011+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--k_B3fh4Z_o/ToCNeK87LFI/AAAAAAAACMI/EJhRAAkyBKg/s320/maggie+baby+gift+sept+2011+032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>It folds up in quarters and has a velcro closure.<br />
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I also knit a baby cardigan for Hannah in Madeline Tosh superwash. I think it's really cute but I think the size is too large for a new baby. I followed the pattern for a 0-3 month size but I'm pretty sure what I've ended up with is more like a 6-12 month size. The <a href="http://www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/babysweragcard.htm">pattern</a> I followed is available for free (thanks Carole!) and is a top-down construction, my favorite.<br />
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I think the bag and home made goodies are finally ready to go to the baby shower with me. I hope she likes it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-wCel2SCWg/ToCOHhw5h3I/AAAAAAAACMQ/AcpfTbKaOfc/s1600/maggie+baby+gift+sept+2011+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-wCel2SCWg/ToCOHhw5h3I/AAAAAAAACMQ/AcpfTbKaOfc/s320/maggie+baby+gift+sept+2011+019.JPG" width="278" /></a></div>SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-34121296639306524992011-09-26T11:01:00.000-04:002011-09-26T11:01:17.582-04:00Forest owl hat for WilliamSavannah loves <a href="http://alwayscreatingsomething.blogspot.com/2011/03/owl-lovers-hat.html">her owl hat</a> so much that little brother caught on and tries to steal hers whenever we need to wear hats outside. I tried to modify <a href="http://www.knitculture.com/our-blog/wise-old-owl-hats/">the pattern</a> to knit him one in his size by decreasing to 76 cast on stitches, but it turned out to be baby sized - oops!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PBg03MnAYw/ToCQcr1bHWI/AAAAAAAACMY/OpGH2h5j11s/s1600/hat+mittens+Sept+2011+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3PBg03MnAYw/ToCQcr1bHWI/AAAAAAAACMY/OpGH2h5j11s/s320/hat+mittens+Sept+2011+006.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I used some of my leftover Malabrigo merino in Bobby blue for this one and sewed on owl eyes on only one owl. It is sitting in my stash of baby hats that I've knit, waiting for a new home. For take two, I used a skein of Malabrigo merino in Forest and cast on 88 stitches. This one turned out to be the perfect size!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w_fIFmEYkEs/ToCRrKA3cvI/AAAAAAAACMc/OF67ICWMLEc/s1600/IMG_5873cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w_fIFmEYkEs/ToCRrKA3cvI/AAAAAAAACMc/OF67ICWMLEc/s320/IMG_5873cr.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I love the variegated greens in forest. William likes it so much that he hasn't taken it off. He says, "Look, Mom-mom, Willem owl hat," and points to his head. As I type this, he is sitting beside me with his owl hat on... I suppose I can call that a successful knit.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little vampire with his new forest green owl hat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'd like to sew on some button eyes eventually but I think I'll have to wait until he's sleeping so I can get him to part with his new hat. Now the kids want me to knit an owl hat for myself!SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-18397977107603607202011-09-02T06:17:00.000-04:002011-09-02T06:17:00.606-04:00Oatmeal raglan for William<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flniijngAZ4/Tl7SFcGkySI/AAAAAAAACK8/azoqonAvcW8/s1600/William%2527s+sweater+Aug+2011+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-flniijngAZ4/Tl7SFcGkySI/AAAAAAAACK8/azoqonAvcW8/s320/William%2527s+sweater+Aug+2011+013.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
It seems I don't knit enough for my little guy. This is especially apparent when he reaches into his sister's hat bin and pulls on a hat I've made for her as his first choice hat. I was glad to finally have the chance to knit him his own sweater, in a natural oatmeal color that he can wear with just about anything.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m4MLCYUWiCg/Tl7Pp9-b4-I/AAAAAAAACK4/AsfUFYOW9Xw/s1600/William%2527s+sweater+Aug+2011+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m4MLCYUWiCg/Tl7Pp9-b4-I/AAAAAAAACK4/AsfUFYOW9Xw/s320/William%2527s+sweater+Aug+2011+003.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53307287/pattern-classic-raglan-pullover">pattern</a> is from <a href="http://janerichmond.blogspot.com/">Jane Richmond</a>. I used four skeins of Debbie Bliss Rialto to make it. When William tries it on, he likes the softness of it, and shows me by rubbing his hands over his tummy and saying "soft". I like the fact that it's machine washable, a must for little boys' clothing. I'm looking forward to watching him wear it in September when we go apple picking and for those walks when the autumn air is crisp. <br />
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SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-28214946298588524692011-08-31T20:17:00.000-04:002011-08-31T20:17:13.966-04:00Beret for tea leaves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DoQ17zNX5aQ/Tl7NYgiU-ZI/AAAAAAAACK0/fuUz27wlz0Y/s1600/binky+face+and+beret+Aug+2011+006sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DoQ17zNX5aQ/Tl7NYgiU-ZI/AAAAAAAACK0/fuUz27wlz0Y/s320/binky+face+and+beret+Aug+2011+006sm.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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After knitting Savannah's<a href="http://alwayscreatingsomething.blogspot.com/2011/07/tea-leaves-sweater-in-ocean-palette.html"> tea leaves sweater</a>, I had enough yarn leftover to make something else. Since Savannah already has a <a href="http://alwayscreatingsomething.blogspot.com/2011/03/owl-lovers-hat.html">favorite winter hat</a>, I wanted to make her a beret. She's young enough to get away with wearing a beret and I think the colors look great against her shiny blonde hair.<br />
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This simple pattern is available for free on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">www.ravelry.com</a> by Amy Rose, called the Adah beret. I knit it in the same yarn as her sweater, my favorite Malabrigo merino. I hope she'll wear it this winter on occasion with when her favorite owl hat, but it's pretty hard to get her to wear anything else on her head.<br />
SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-8453760723332194122011-07-30T17:50:00.000-04:002011-07-30T17:50:14.876-04:00Tea leaves sweater in ocean palette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtVrCZfX0PY/TjR1RCZTn2I/AAAAAAAACKU/3kqokg-gezc/s1600/July+2011+089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vtVrCZfX0PY/TjR1RCZTn2I/AAAAAAAACKU/3kqokg-gezc/s320/July+2011+089.JPG" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I forget exactly how I began knitting this sweater. It wasn't planned. I had five minutes to grab a pattern and some yarn before taking the kids to an indoor bounce house to play during our terrible heat wave (upper 90s for a week) so I would have something to do for two hours while they got their energy out (parents aren't allowed to jump).<br />
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So using some leftover Malabrigo merino (my favorite for its soft, squooshy, warmth) I knitted this up in size 8 for my daughter. The colors are marine colors for her love of all things oceanic and piratical - emerald green trim and bobby blue for the main color. She chose the buttons herself from our button collection. None of the buttons match exactly but they are all the same size and same dark navy color.<br />
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Most importantly, she loves it. It is soft and in her favorite color - she loves all things blue. And, I finished the pattern from start to finish without wasting anything or procrastinating. (This is something I'm always working on!)<br />
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I'm glad that she likes it. I can't wait to see her wear it under a long-sleeved shirt or turtle neck this fall.<br />
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The Tiny Tea Leaves pattern is available on <a href="http://www.madelinetosh.com/store/proddetail.php?prod=tinytealeavescardi">Madelinetosh</a> by Melissa LaBarre or on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">ravelry</a>. There's also an adult version of this sweater, which is the original version.SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-42633515746539778702011-05-22T00:25:00.000-04:002011-05-22T00:25:21.307-04:00Aviatrix hatsSuddenly everyone I know seems to be pregnant. We know of seven babies that we expect to meet sometime in October, November and December of this year. One of the hats I wished I had had when my babes were small, is the <a href="http://www.justjussi.com/hats.htm">Aviatrix</a>. It is soft and stretchy, warm and has a chin strap to keep it on baby's lolling head.<br />
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The button can also be adjusted (I'm supposed to add a second button one inch higher than the first, but haven't yet). Here's the first hat I knit in Malabrigo Merino Worsted Indigo. It is so soft and the picture doesn't do justice to how cute these look wrapped around a pair of chubby cherub cheeks.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RIkB9W9XUXo/TdiPBoVF_SI/AAAAAAAACH8/WutavyzRz3g/s1600/TKD+purple+test+and+aviatrix+2+May+2011+013sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RIkB9W9XUXo/TdiPBoVF_SI/AAAAAAAACH8/WutavyzRz3g/s320/TKD+purple+test+and+aviatrix+2+May+2011+013sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
One wasn't enough with so many winter babies on the way, so I knit a second one too, in the same yarn but with Emerald colorway. This pattern is easy but not boring and perfect using up scrap yarn since it needs less than a skein and probably less than half a skein of yarn. I plan to make a few more in girly colors and as the new babies join us, I'll bring my stash of baby hats and let the mama pick one.SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-6172829956921211152011-05-09T16:06:00.001-04:002011-05-09T16:10:55.155-04:00Big boy bedroomBig boys need big boy beds. So, I built one for my big boy using the plans for a <a href="http://ana-white.com/2010/02/plans-toddler-farmhouse-bed.html">toddler farmhouse bed from Ana White</a>. I built this bed back in October of 2010, but had so much going on then (as I do now!) that it took me a whole month to sand and stain it. Then, in December when my mom came to visit, she put three clear coats on top of the stain to give it a bit of shine and to smooth out the lumber. Because I wasn't ready to move my big boy to his own bedroom, which would be two flights of stairs away from mine, I decided to renovate our walk-in closet to serve as William's first space of his own. It's close to my bed if he needs me but far enough away that he may as well be in his own bedroom. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YmkQAb6LxiE/TcL87x6658I/AAAAAAAACHU/bVHkPdHqeMs/s1600/IMG_4769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YmkQAb6LxiE/TcL87x6658I/AAAAAAAACHU/bVHkPdHqeMs/s320/IMG_4769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
William likes to snuggle into his big boy bed with the duvet cover I made for him from <a href="http://alwayscreatingsomething.blogspot.com/2010/01/upcycled-airplane-duvet.html">recycled materials</a>. It's empowering to think that I made everything for him (bed, sheets, pillows, decorations) except for the mattress.<br />
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The paint color in his room is a soft neutral tone, called Sand dollar from Sherwin-Williams in Duration, a low-VOC paint that is easily washable.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7PG95H6Rsg/TchHCNUNmUI/AAAAAAAACHg/bfrJnoxvc2I/s1600/Big+boy+bed+5+May+2011+023sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b7PG95H6Rsg/TchHCNUNmUI/AAAAAAAACHg/bfrJnoxvc2I/s320/Big+boy+bed+5+May+2011+023sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The pair of round pillows I made following <a href="http://www.michaelmillerfabrics.com/Blog/Bot_Camp_Cushion.pdf">the tutorial</a> from <a href="http://stardustshoes.blogspot.com/">StarDustShoes</a>. They don't match exactly because I'm trying my hardest to not purchase any new fabric and to sew only from my stash to put a serious dent in it. The only fabric I purchased for William's bedroom was the cotton checkered print I used to make his fitted sheet and pillow case (and I only have a 4" x 6" scrap leftover!) and the airplane fabric for his round floor pillows. He loves airplanes and I wanted him to have an airplane-themed space to call his own. I intended the pillows to be a simple place to sit while we read bedtime stories as well as for decoration.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0LVsBgd28w/TchHbSnw1vI/AAAAAAAACHk/kxH8jcl5Pas/s1600/Big+boy+bed+5+May+2011+024sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u0LVsBgd28w/TchHbSnw1vI/AAAAAAAACHk/kxH8jcl5Pas/s320/Big+boy+bed+5+May+2011+024sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
And of course, there are two airplanes on the wall. William seems to be pretty proud of these because he likes to show people his airplanes, which goes something like this, "Dad-ee, Dad-eee, See! See! Airpla-ane! Two, airpla-ane!" with lots of excited gesturing. I've cleared out two of the walls of the shelves that were there, holding clothing but have a little more to go until the space is truly William's. I'm hoping to build a simple drawer with handles to slide beneath his bed to hold some of his favorite bedtime stories. It would be wide and shallow, but perfect for holding an extra blanket and some books. Use of space is priceless in this house, which is much smaller than out last house. <br />
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My hope is that William will see this as his own special safe space and will enjoy napping and sleeping at night in his big boy bed very soon...SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-34102891971633824842011-05-05T20:31:00.000-04:002011-05-05T20:31:45.711-04:00Another quilted bagI hadn't quilted in such a long while that I joined the <a href="http://quiltinggallery.com/">Spring Quilted Bag Swap</a> through the Quilting Gallery. I had some reservations about<a href="http://alwayscreatingsomething.blogspot.com/2011/04/quilted-spring-bag.html"> the first bag</a> I made (although it did receive positive feedback on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/quilting-gallery/">flickr</a>) so I decided to make a second one. The tutorial for the quilted bag is free from <a href="http://cadouri-din-inima.blogspot.com/2009/02/tutorial-quilted-basket.html">Geta's Quilting Studio</a> (thanks Geta!).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwX6SqnuHvs/TcM-_c3o3GI/AAAAAAAACHc/YHWfrKOzggY/s1600/New+quilted+bag+May+2011+005sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwX6SqnuHvs/TcM-_c3o3GI/AAAAAAAACHc/YHWfrKOzggY/s320/New+quilted+bag+May+2011+005sm.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br />
This time I reinforced the handles with interfacing and instead of using cotton for hidden inner layer, I used canvas, which makes the bag stand up easily on its own. The print is one of my old favorites from Kaffe Fassett and I think it is reminiscent of spring, which is appropriate for a spring themed swap. I quilted it differently, loose circles in a kind of freestyle pattern that I think I like. I am looking forward to writing a letter to my swap partner, who is overseas, and sending this bag along with a handful of other sewing goodies.SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-13526447457321380682011-05-05T15:24:00.001-04:002011-05-05T15:26:08.909-04:00Owl skirtMy daughter is currently in love with Kathryn Lasky's series, the Owls of Ga'Hoole, so owls are frequently on her mind. For Easter I made her an owl skirt. Every year we set out our Easter baskets the night before Easter and after the children go to bed, I tell them I place one or two small mommy-made gifts inside then go to bed so the Easter bunny can fill them up the rest of the way. I like that long after their baskets have been reduced to piles of candy wrappers, the mommy-made things remain.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kei0HuidzLE/TcL4bOjm8fI/AAAAAAAACHM/SW3H6XwFEvA/s1600/Savannah%2527s+owl+skirt+2011+006sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kei0HuidzLE/TcL4bOjm8fI/AAAAAAAACHM/SW3H6XwFEvA/s320/Savannah%2527s+owl+skirt+2011+006sm.jpg" width="168" /></a></div><br />
The fabric is Robert Kaufman's Urban Zoologie, Owls. It's a fun print and in her favorite color of blue. Nearly everywhere she's worn her skirt, she's received compliments on it. There's a spacious side pocket that she's already filled up with pine cones, leaves, and acorns. It's always an adventure sticking my hands in the pockets of her clothes before tossing them into the washing machine; never know what I might find there!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-INsK-o-JUK0/TcL2-JYxwHI/AAAAAAAACHI/7pwFlg0DBZo/s1600/April+2011+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-INsK-o-JUK0/TcL2-JYxwHI/AAAAAAAACHI/7pwFlg0DBZo/s320/April+2011+030.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br />
I embroidered an owl on a shirt that matches the skirt, but she has two other coordinating shirts with this print and two coordinating sweaters, which is convenient. It also matches her <a href="http://alwayscreatingsomething.blogspot.com/2011/03/owl-lovers-hat.html">owl hat</a>. This skirt should fit her for at least two years with the elastic waist band, but if we tire of it, we can always find another use for the fabric and recreate it as something else. For now, we think the owls are super cute!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNXXjeLFkdM/TcL25HfiqlI/AAAAAAAACHE/Dh6OnkD7DgY/s1600/April+2011+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nNXXjeLFkdM/TcL25HfiqlI/AAAAAAAACHE/Dh6OnkD7DgY/s320/April+2011+029.JPG" width="125" /></a></div>SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-31716782280604015252011-04-13T19:42:00.000-04:002011-04-13T19:42:47.581-04:00Quilted spring bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8VEAgTxYtk/TaYy1DaXt8I/AAAAAAAACEw/FOHJRZNVN5k/s1600/April+2011+068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l8VEAgTxYtk/TaYy1DaXt8I/AAAAAAAACEw/FOHJRZNVN5k/s320/April+2011+068.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's been too long since I've quilted and my fabric stash isn't getting any smaller, so I joined a <a href="http://quiltinggallery.com/">quilt-a-long</a> for a quilted bag exchange and promised myself I'd use only scraps.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUbvEpsPJsY/TaYy00i1pZI/AAAAAAAACEs/RilDhZBh0Gk/s1600/April+2011+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bUbvEpsPJsY/TaYy00i1pZI/AAAAAAAACEs/RilDhZBh0Gk/s320/April+2011+066.JPG" width="303" /></a></div>Here is my first quilted bag made from <a href="http://cadouri-din-inima.blogspot.com/2009/02/tutorial-quilted-basket.html">this tutorial</a>. I do like the bag but I'm thinking it looks more like a diaper bag with these whimsical colors and less "serious" and adult like so I'm not sure if my swap partner will like it or use it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-83UKnPhw4/TaYyw7efioI/AAAAAAAACEc/sNLd7Pm0EEE/s1600/April+2011+058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e-83UKnPhw4/TaYyw7efioI/AAAAAAAACEc/sNLd7Pm0EEE/s320/April+2011+058.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I'll be sending this bag to another country, so I want it to be special. I think I'll sit on it for a week and see if I want to send this one. The good news is that it sews up in no time at all so if I change my mind, I can prepare another one quickly.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_vsjUfIDtn8/TaYyxRWIJ4I/AAAAAAAACEg/bjYQZoRugrA/s1600/April+2011+059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_vsjUfIDtn8/TaYyxRWIJ4I/AAAAAAAACEg/bjYQZoRugrA/s320/April+2011+059.JPG" width="316" /></a></div>I also decided to send my swap partner one of my big, fat <a href="http://alwayscreatingsomething.blogspot.com/2011/02/heart-potholders.html">potholder heart</a>s. I still use mine all the time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRdLEqpi91c/TaYy1s7fh_I/AAAAAAAACE0/Ln7B6Tn1Cgg/s1600/April+2011+070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HRdLEqpi91c/TaYy1s7fh_I/AAAAAAAACE0/Ln7B6Tn1Cgg/s320/April+2011+070.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-67325556047827566782011-04-07T23:41:00.000-04:002011-04-07T23:41:21.888-04:00A toast<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tDNW1hCgQU/TZ6CEnmPADI/AAAAAAAACDs/lxmX-EE8DNE/s1600/Blueberry+faces+and+Toast+arm+mitts+7+Apr+2011+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8tDNW1hCgQU/TZ6CEnmPADI/AAAAAAAACDs/lxmX-EE8DNE/s320/Blueberry+faces+and+Toast+arm+mitts+7+Apr+2011+009.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Knitting relaxes me; the repetition of the process, the simple twists and knots that undo the twists and knots in my mind and shoulders, and I get to create something in the process, something that's tangible and useful and maybe even pretty, something to show at the end of the day after spending most of my day doing the toughest job for which there are no tangible results or feedback (parenting in case you hadn't guessed).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gQsr8Z8tf8/TZ6CH19IlvI/AAAAAAAACD0/tusywWGfqV4/s1600/Blueberry+faces+and+Toast+arm+mitts+7+Apr+2011+012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2gQsr8Z8tf8/TZ6CH19IlvI/AAAAAAAACD0/tusywWGfqV4/s320/Blueberry+faces+and+Toast+arm+mitts+7+Apr+2011+012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I was thrilled to finally make some <a href="http://a-friend-to-knit-with.blogspot.com/2008/09/toasttoasty.html">Toast</a> arm warmers for myself. The pattern is ridiculously simple yet elegant and practical. I can pull on a pair of toast beneath my shirt or over my sleeves or to take the chill off a damp, rainy spring day when working on my laptop.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-dd8oKcfJQ/TZ6CK7KFegI/AAAAAAAACD8/XI7QxmyH_Ow/s1600/Blueberry+faces+and+Toast+arm+mitts+7+Apr+2011+019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f-dd8oKcfJQ/TZ6CK7KFegI/AAAAAAAACD8/XI7QxmyH_Ow/s320/Blueberry+faces+and+Toast+arm+mitts+7+Apr+2011+019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Heck, my daughter can even pull them on as leg warmers when she's dancing to the Nutcracker after dinner. After moving into a smaller house, I totally dig multifunctional! I knit them in a heathered purple Cascade 220 yarn, which I like more than I anticipated. Purple was never exactly one of my colors but heathered anything is.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ony0lhHPYLc/TZ6CLYOeTmI/AAAAAAAACEA/FcTpy2_wSbU/s1600/Blueberry+faces+and+Toast+arm+mitts+7+Apr+2011+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ony0lhHPYLc/TZ6CLYOeTmI/AAAAAAAACEA/FcTpy2_wSbU/s320/Blueberry+faces+and+Toast+arm+mitts+7+Apr+2011+020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Here's Leslie's original post with the <a href="http://a-friend-to-knit-with.blogspot.com/2008/09/toasttoasty.html">Toast pattern</a> (inspired by the British company of the same name). Thanks for the great pattern Leslie!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_aikbiiwvUI/TZ6CKcSyuyI/AAAAAAAACD4/fbGOu2Z5blA/s1600/Blueberry+faces+and+Toast+arm+mitts+7+Apr+2011+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_aikbiiwvUI/TZ6CKcSyuyI/AAAAAAAACD4/fbGOu2Z5blA/s320/Blueberry+faces+and+Toast+arm+mitts+7+Apr+2011+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-44283843001701887022011-04-03T21:58:00.000-04:002011-04-03T21:58:10.291-04:00Silly hatsI have yarn in my stash that needs to get used up (call it spring cleaning). I started knitting hats to get rid of the extra bits of yarn. I'm not in love with them but they're soft and they'll do.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mbhlgUyj8E8/TZj0lzqACkI/AAAAAAAACDY/ToPTJUZ5Slw/s1600/marley+hat+April+2+2011+008sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mbhlgUyj8E8/TZj0lzqACkI/AAAAAAAACDY/ToPTJUZ5Slw/s320/marley+hat+April+2+2011+008sm.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>William models his new silly hat. This Marley pattern is from <a href="http://susanbanderson.blogspot.com/">Susan Anderson'</a>s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Itty-Bitty-Hats-cuddly-babies-toddlers/dp/1579652956"><i>Itty-Bitty Hats</i></a> book. I'm not crazy about the colors, but so be it, it's a stash hat. The important thing is that it fits him well and is soft and warm.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8uvw6iMleI/TZkigZh_xLI/AAAAAAAACDc/66rOv30Pksw/s1600/marley+hat+April+2+2011+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q8uvw6iMleI/TZkigZh_xLI/AAAAAAAACDc/66rOv30Pksw/s320/marley+hat+April+2+2011+001.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>Here's the side view with the silly topper, which I kind of like. There's only so much time in childhood to get away with things like this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkG8TZDSXQs/TZkjBriuORI/AAAAAAAACDg/0I71-GATXCw/s1600/Stash+busting+hat+and+box+fun+Mar+2011+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pkG8TZDSXQs/TZkjBriuORI/AAAAAAAACDg/0I71-GATXCw/s320/Stash+busting+hat+and+box+fun+Mar+2011+030.JPG" width="234" /></a></div>Here's the second stash busting hat, which actually fits me too. I used up three small balls of yarn with this one including sock yarn, which makes the variegated pattern.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IufEjIio-0s/TZkjCegFivI/AAAAAAAACDk/T82fN9LU6Ns/s1600/Stash+busting+hat+and+box+fun+Mar+2011+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IufEjIio-0s/TZkjCegFivI/AAAAAAAACDk/T82fN9LU6Ns/s320/Stash+busting+hat+and+box+fun+Mar+2011+032.JPG" width="295" /></a></div><br />
I didn't follow a pattern, I just started knitting, then seaming, then added the ear flaps and made the I-cord and tassels. My exact pattern is on ravelry, although there are better examples of thorpes and jester hats to follow.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CFTYYXNr7R0/TZkjCrt6hRI/AAAAAAAACDo/nuGGkl03of4/s1600/Stash+busting+hat+and+box+fun+Mar+2011+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CFTYYXNr7R0/TZkjCrt6hRI/AAAAAAAACDo/nuGGkl03of4/s320/Stash+busting+hat+and+box+fun+Mar+2011+035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I'm trying to be a better knitter - that is not in skill but in habit. I'm trying to diminish my stash to one basket worth of yarn (currently I have four) because I can't use four baskets worth all at once anyway and I'd rather have an excuse to visit my local yarn shop with an organized mind and yarn supply. Happy spring cleaning to you too!SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-39363392112817583552011-04-01T16:29:00.001-04:002011-04-01T16:31:37.364-04:00Reusable produce bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jPRDNIRy4g/TZYt19snrmI/AAAAAAAACDI/SCaBbU-4D_M/s1600/Owl+mittens+Produce+bags+Apr+2011+023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jPRDNIRy4g/TZYt19snrmI/AAAAAAAACDI/SCaBbU-4D_M/s320/Owl+mittens+Produce+bags+Apr+2011+023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We try to use our reusable grocery bags when we buy groceries (admittedly, sometimes I forget and leave them in the trunk) but I end up using so many plastic bags in the produce department, it seems that I'm hardly making a dent in the amount of plastic we use. I finally took an old curtain made of 100% polyester and turned it into a set of six produce bags that I can reuse.<br />
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The material is translucent so the attendant at checkout can still read labels or count items through the fabric, but it's strong and washable so I can use them over and over. It took me less than an hour to make six and I used ribbon that I had on hand for the closure.<br />
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Room enough for at least a dozen pears, or potatoes, apples, etc. but small enough to be brought along without taking up room. Although I made my own in various sizes (longer ones for carrots, wider ones for apples) there are some tutorials I found on the web. Here's <a href="http://www.craftstylish.com/item/43902/how-to-sew-your-own-produce-bags">one that uses mesh</a>. And some that are made from <a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/Do-It-Yourself/Make-Reusable-Produce-Bags.aspx">sheer curtain fabric</a> like mine. You can also purchase them such as this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61012976/corded-mint-full-set-reusable-produce">nice set made</a> by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoveForEarth?ref=pr_shop_more">LoveForEarth</a> on Etsy.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2d31ypmvYoQ/TZYt2sjJhrI/AAAAAAAACDQ/joO8EdwybjU/s1600/Owl+mittens+Produce+bags+Apr+2011+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2d31ypmvYoQ/TZYt2sjJhrI/AAAAAAAACDQ/joO8EdwybjU/s320/Owl+mittens+Produce+bags+Apr+2011+027.JPG" width="229" /></a></div>SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-1615212860947386652011-03-29T11:49:00.000-04:002011-03-29T11:49:46.705-04:00Owl lover's hat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GroSy93kq44/TZH-DLZUvgI/AAAAAAAACC0/ZdowPB_P8_g/s1600/Owl+hat+etc+March+2011+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GroSy93kq44/TZH-DLZUvgI/AAAAAAAACC0/ZdowPB_P8_g/s320/Owl+hat+etc+March+2011+031.JPG" width="286" /></a></div><br />
My daughter is currently enamored with Kathryn Lasky's Ga'Hoole series, the one about the owls with the new movie out. So I couldn't resist making her an owl hat with my leftover Malabrigo merino yarn. Since blue is her favorite color, it worked out well.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6N9evGVNxA/TZH-EL7pEfI/AAAAAAAACC8/pW6O96z7wCw/s1600/Owl+hat+etc+March+2011+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B6N9evGVNxA/TZH-EL7pEfI/AAAAAAAACC8/pW6O96z7wCw/s320/Owl+hat+etc+March+2011+035.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>The moment I completed weaving in the loose threads, she donned her hat while reading book eight in the series. I think it's really cute on her.<br />
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The free pattern for this hat is available by <a href="http://www.knitculture.com/downloads/WiseOldOwlChildVersion.pdf">knitculture here</a>. There's also an <a href="http://www.knitculture.com/downloads/WiseOldOwlChildVersion.pdf">adult version</a>. I highly recommend the pattern - it was well written and a fast knit that lent itself well to the Malabrigo yarn. Not to mention, it's just perfect for a kid enamored by the Ga'Hoole series.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VE84RP4vasM/TZH-Dp0Fl4I/AAAAAAAACC4/v_S3YUeQqe8/s1600/Owl+hat+etc+March+2011+034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VE84RP4vasM/TZH-Dp0Fl4I/AAAAAAAACC4/v_S3YUeQqe8/s320/Owl+hat+etc+March+2011+034.JPG" width="203" /></a></div>Savannah picked out the buttons we sewed on for eyes. I'm still debating whether or not to sew a tiny orange beak and feet on one of the owls....<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-54263693279404201132011-03-11T18:24:00.000-05:002011-03-11T18:24:41.512-05:00Weave mittens for me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KDX8kaol2ks/TXqqQXOI-7I/AAAAAAAAB_o/HUqbca_upig/s1600/IMG_3834sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-KDX8kaol2ks/TXqqQXOI-7I/AAAAAAAAB_o/HUqbca_upig/s320/IMG_3834sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This mitten pattern has been in my queue for quite some time. I'm so glad I finally knit a pair. The pattern is available for free on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">ravelry</a> and is quite simple with a nice thumb gusset.<br />
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I did make quite a few modifications. I knit 16 rows of double ribbing for the cuff and after the cuff, knit 2 rows of st-st before dividing for the thumb (I should have knit 4-5 rows before following the pattern again). Instead of running the thread through the remaining live stitches to bind off at the end, I decided to use Kitchener stitch because I like the rounded, finished look better than the pucker of stitches pulled tightly together.<br />
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I also picked up 3 extra stitches (instead of 1, for a total of 14 for size small) for the thumb because my experience is that if you don’t pick up enough stitches, you’ll have holes where the thumb meets the hand and wet hands every time it snows.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8AKDdl3fvrE/TXqqP5HqDWI/AAAAAAAAB_k/DcA1ukYMKIs/s1600/IMG_3832sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-8AKDdl3fvrE/TXqqP5HqDWI/AAAAAAAAB_k/DcA1ukYMKIs/s320/IMG_3832sm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I also experimented on the second mitten with increasing the thumb stitches by knitting into the stitch below, rather than making one. This avoided the little holes that are characteristic of m1. I will definitely use this method of increasing in the future when knitting the thumb increases for mittens.<br />
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The yarn is Malabrigo merino worsted and I'm<i> in love</i> with it. It is a lightly variegated indigo with hints of purple in it and is so soft and warm and strong and knits up well on size 6 or 7 needles. Since the pattern only used a portion of my skein, I'm looking forward to knitting something special with the remaining yarn.SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-32808909927919323632011-02-25T12:37:00.000-05:002011-02-25T12:37:58.753-05:00A spring sweaterThere's a pattern I've been drooling over for a long time on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/">ravelry</a>, a spring sweater called the Liesl by <a href="http://ysolda.com/patterns/sweaters/">Ysola Teague</a>. I finally started it this month with leftover yarn from my stash for Savannah.<br />
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It was such a quick knit, I can't believe how long I put it off thinking it would be more difficult or time consuming. I'm very happy with the yarn as well, which is Moda Dea bamboo wool, a discontinued yarn with excellent drape, stitch definition, and color. Even though it's impossible to see from these pictures, the blue velvet yarn actually has two thin strands of purple woven through it, giving it a beautiful sheen close up.<br />
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I've ordered a special clasp button for the top of the sweater. I like the idea of something you can just throw over your shoulders when a spring breeze picks up or to dress up a summer outfit.<br />
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Apparently, so does my little model, who is eager to wear this at the beach. I have banned her from climbing trees with this sweater on though, because of the lacework, which shows best in the photo below.<br />
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Next on my list, is a Liesl for me in much nicer yarn of course, but in a color not quite as pretty as my daughter's.SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-41450921756856584472011-02-14T11:47:00.000-05:002011-02-14T11:47:46.397-05:00Heart PotholdersFor Valentine's Day this year we had a "crafternoon", where we got together with some friends and made Valentine's. For the moms, who never get enough appreciation for the hard work they do, I made a batch of heart potholders in pinks and reds. Here is the one I made for my kitchen, in my signature blue colors.<br />
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I have found that if I use double or triple batting quilted together, my potholders last for a long time and don't result in burnt hands. When we get sick of them, our kids can use them in their play kitchens.<br />
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This is a great project to use up leftover fabric scraps as each potholder requires less than a fat quarter of fabric to make. I made a heart template that I liked out of newspaper, and cut it out of my fabric on the fold (the same way you'd cut a heart from folded paper). I liked this heart shape for its wide design. (I didn't want a pointy heart for a potholder.)<br />
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Then I layered two or three layers of warm and natural cotton batting behind it, pinned the layers and quilted them together. After quilting, I trimmed the batting neatly to match the edges of my fabric heart, then pinned the backing to it and sewed on my trim. Voilà! A little love and country charm for my kitchen.SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-36968842270895370772011-02-08T19:52:00.000-05:002011-02-08T19:52:53.564-05:00What's old is newTwo years ago, someone sent Savannah this cute dress that has been well loved.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TVHj2FdzXbI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ZBsGdu6XNqA/s1600/June+2009+138sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TVHj2FdzXbI/AAAAAAAAB-0/ZBsGdu6XNqA/s320/June+2009+138sm.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
She's outgrown it but instead of passing it on, we decided to recreate the dress as a skirt so she can enjoy it even longer. I've been meaning to spend more time creating clothes for the kids from things that I have outgrown, stained, or worn through, so why not recreate from her own wardrobe?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TVHiVIZ9cuI/AAAAAAAAB-s/_A7ACR5Illw/s1600/dress+to+skirt+feb+6+2011+006smcr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TVHiVIZ9cuI/AAAAAAAAB-s/_A7ACR5Illw/s320/dress+to+skirt+feb+6+2011+006smcr.jpg" width="181" /></a></div><br />
By cutting off the straps and the top seam, and adding a 3/4" non-roll elastic waist band, voila, the dress is now a skirt. Something new from something old and all we had to do was sew in a few straight lines. With all the snow we have on the ground right now, it probably seems silly to be sewing a cotton skirt like this but soon we'll take our winter escape vacation to Florida where she can prance around the sandy beaches with her new skirt.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can hardly wait! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-74643720569415895222011-02-05T21:50:00.000-05:002011-02-05T21:50:39.005-05:00Mending<i>To mend (verb used with object): <span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">make</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">(something</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">broken,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">worn,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">torn,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">otherwise</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">damaged)</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">whole,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">sound,</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">usable</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">by</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="background-color: transparent; cursor: default;">repairing</span></span></i><br />
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Even though I'm often sewing new things out of new fabric, which can be fun and exciting, I think it's important to spend time mending the things we already own. It may not feel glamorous to have a pile of clothing in want of a button or needing a seam restitched or a pocket hole repaired, but it saves so much. It saves the item of clothing from the trash heap, it saves money, not having to replace something that has use left, and it saves us the time we spend shopping for the right thing to replace what we lose. I also find it humbling to repair the old instead of running out to grab the next new thing off the shelf without much thought to the life cycle of these items and how their life cycles affect future generations.<br />
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Today I mended clothing, most of them needing small repairs, one by hand, four on my machine. It took little time really. One was my husband's favorite pair of sweatpants from college (they've seen repairs in prior years!). Another was a good work shirt that cost a surprising amount of money. Then there were the leather gloves, sweater, buttons and a patch for my daughter's clothes. Each one a simple fix that I was glad to do, even though I'd put it off for a few weeks.<br />
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I hope you use your sewing talents for mending too when the occasion presents. What a worthy use of time to take something broken and make it whole and usable again.SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-8260010981784920892011-01-25T22:24:00.000-05:002011-01-25T22:24:26.675-05:00Dresses (and shorts) for AfricaIn my<a href="http://alwayscreatingsomething.blogspot.com/2011/01/little-dresses-for-africa.html"> last post</a>, I invited you to join me in sewing for this great charity, <a href="http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/">Little Dresses for Africa</a>. When I read through the charity's website, I found they need shorts for boys just as much as dresses for girls. At my local library, where a sewing group is collecting the dresses to be shipped at the end of this month, I counted 21 dresses, but no shorts. So I had to get to work making a bit of both, shorts with fabrics that I had a small amount of, and dresses when I had a larger quantity needing a purpose.<br />
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Here are some of the works I'll be contributing this year.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT2QlAkby9I/AAAAAAAAB8E/Shg-LDMdZAM/s1600/Clothes+for+Africa+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT2QlAkby9I/AAAAAAAAB8E/Shg-LDMdZAM/s320/Clothes+for+Africa+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I went through my fabric stash, which needs some TLC, and pulled out all the fabrics I hadn't used in over a year and didn't think I would find a good use for. This was about a dozen fabrics! I quickly cut out shorts in various sizes, using a template I made up. I surged the crotch and the inner seams between the legs, where the fabric is the most likely to come undone from use and play, then used straight seams on the rest.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT2QjrYTm-I/AAAAAAAAB74/HI-qFUnIaFk/s1600/Clothes+for+Africa+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT2QjrYTm-I/AAAAAAAAB74/HI-qFUnIaFk/s320/Clothes+for+Africa+008.JPG" width="281" /></a></div>Here's a size medium (ages 5-7) being modeled by my daughter. I like them so much on her I think I'll use some more of my fabrics in February to make her some quick cotton shorts for the summer or a much needed trip to Florida (it was -10F this morning!). The shorts have either 3/4" or 1/2" non-roll elastic in the waist bands. Even though they say they're non-roll, my experience is that will roll, a constant annoyance for the wearer (or her mother!). I sew over the elastic in the front and the back of the shorts where there is a natural seam, stitching in the ditch, as the technique is called to prevent this.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT2Qlcs8U9I/AAAAAAAAB8I/SNFSGYCKzMM/s1600/Clothes+for+Africa+025cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT2Qlcs8U9I/AAAAAAAAB8I/SNFSGYCKzMM/s320/Clothes+for+Africa+025cr.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>This was my first "pillowcase dress" and I used all the fabric I had left in this print to make it. It's a size small (age 2-4). I made a pocket on the front from the extra fabric from the arm shaping. In case you haven't seen <a href="http://www.garnethill.com/personalized-me-dress---toddler-girls-26-little-girls/199994">Garnett Hill's catalog</a> this year, these are "in" at $78 each. Yikes!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT2QkL3ksMI/AAAAAAAAB78/D-OY68Bs_as/s1600/Clothes+for+Africa+010sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT2QkL3ksMI/AAAAAAAAB78/D-OY68Bs_as/s320/Clothes+for+Africa+010sm.jpg" width="172" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's the same dress on my little model who would have preferred to spend the time writing on my walls with marker!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>At home, these sew up quickly in half an hour - including using my serger for some of the seams, so no way could I pay $78 for one, even lining it wouldn't take that much more time.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT-TJsiirKI/AAAAAAAAB8w/HVwjrK9RAno/s1600/IMG_3377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT-TJsiirKI/AAAAAAAAB8w/HVwjrK9RAno/s320/IMG_3377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My design wall filled up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT5VZxYaQHI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/7EllNBNsEf0/s1600/Dresses+and+shorts+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT5VZxYaQHI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/7EllNBNsEf0/s320/Dresses+and+shorts+038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this pair! I could never think of how to use this fabric in one of my quilts, but I think this is perfect.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT5VaV_2kuI/AAAAAAAAB8U/NkKENbcEJws/s1600/Dresses+and+shorts+039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT5VaV_2kuI/AAAAAAAAB8U/NkKENbcEJws/s320/Dresses+and+shorts+039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some have pockets.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT5VbE4PDtI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/Y7L9nnVEFZ0/s1600/Dresses+and+shorts+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="229" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT5VbE4PDtI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/Y7L9nnVEFZ0/s320/Dresses+and+shorts+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katie jump rope fabric - loved it but had too much of it on hand.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT5VbnosePI/AAAAAAAAB8c/Nk-PAceQSbY/s1600/Dresses+and+shorts+041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT5VbnosePI/AAAAAAAAB8c/Nk-PAceQSbY/s320/Dresses+and+shorts+041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fourth of July shorts in size small and mellow yellow in medium.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT5VeXyYSwI/AAAAAAAAB8k/NggvY8lMjUM/s1600/Dresses+and+shorts+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT5VeXyYSwI/AAAAAAAAB8k/NggvY8lMjUM/s320/Dresses+and+shorts+043.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Katie Jump fabric to use up. Hope someone appreciates the bright colors!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT5Vc4cXMCI/AAAAAAAAB8g/b4RsgM3nec4/s1600/Dresses+and+shorts+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT5Vc4cXMCI/AAAAAAAAB8g/b4RsgM3nec4/s320/Dresses+and+shorts+042.JPG" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaffe Fasset fabric.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">This dress in size medium is one of my favorites. I used non-roll elastic to make the ruffle at the neckline and double-fold bias tape for the top of the pleated pocket and straps. This one is really cute!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT-SmsmTL7I/AAAAAAAAB8s/AYX0C_zW234/s1600/IMG_3378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TT-SmsmTL7I/AAAAAAAAB8s/AYX0C_zW234/s320/IMG_3378.JPG" width="218" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The last dress! All in all three dresses, and seven pairs of shorts, a lighter fabric stash for me and now I <i>really</i> know how to sew shorts. I wish I could see them on their recipients but I'll just have to imagine these bright prints given life by the beautiful brown bodies who will receive them. I hope the children enjoy them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-90563618192508547232011-01-03T13:49:00.000-05:002011-01-03T13:49:25.969-05:00Little Dresses for AfricaSo last year I made some lofty quilting resolutions. Lofty because I had no idea how much time and energy one little toddler boy could consume. I hardly had the chance to work on any of them but now I know! If I can complete all of my work this month, there's <a href="http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/">a charity</a> that I <i>really</i> want to sew for. The dresses can be made at any time but my local sewing group is collecting them by the end of the month to deliver in person and a little deadline to heat the underside of your pants never hurt.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TSIYy09Pp_I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/_biWL5GtPTM/s1600/Copy-of-Malawi-2008-158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TSIYy09Pp_I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/_biWL5GtPTM/s320/Copy-of-Malawi-2008-158.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's one of the cute dresses from the Little Dresses for Africa website of a girl who received a re-purposed pillow case dress and the girl who made it for her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So, I'm spreading the word for anyone else who may have extra fabric lying around that needs a new home - say on a little girl or boy in Africa, who would be much obliged to have something new and clean and colorful to wear. There is <a href="http://www.littledressesforafrica.org/blog/?page_id=477">a pattern supplied</a> for your convenience but any dress pattern is welcomed (or shorts for boys!) because this project is really about love, not sewing perfection. I hope to minimize some of my fabric stash with a few of these, and if I don't meet the end of January deadline, I can always make them year round to donate. I hope you make one too!SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-48817204553949944752010-12-17T23:06:00.001-05:002010-12-17T23:42:01.580-05:00Sara's WorkshopI don't know how the elves at the North Pole are doing, but my workshop is in full swing! Thanks to <a href="http://ana-white.com/">Ana White from Knock-off Wood</a>, I've created this for the special little girl in my life (who will be receiving a special doll this Christmas from her Nana).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQwwmEzRKVI/AAAAAAAAB6U/09aKFILTVbw/s1600/December+2010+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQwwmEzRKVI/AAAAAAAAB6U/09aKFILTVbw/s320/December+2010+028.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Savannah's doll bed for her special Christmas gift, Julie (an American Girl doll).</td></tr>
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I modified the plans a bit: I made the bed longer to accommodate an American Girl doll and instead of using 5 1x3s for the head and foot boards, I used 6 1x2s, so mine is more narrow like a regular full size bed, only doll sized. We worked on the quilt together and I sewed the pillow and pillowcase while my daughter's sweet little head was brimming with sugar plums. The quilt is her design and she approved the prototype. The fabric is leftover from a log cabin style quilt that I made for her. I couldn't resist sewing a mini European-style pillow sham for the bed.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQwxnDMjIaI/AAAAAAAAB6c/CM0rGP6HKns/s1600/December+2010+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQwxnDMjIaI/AAAAAAAAB6c/CM0rGP6HKns/s320/December+2010+029.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The bed is a farmhouse style bed, the second one I've built. I painted it this afternoon in Divine White, a Sherwin-Williams Duration paint (ie, low-VOC). I wish I had a picture for you of her doll in the bed for size. For now, this is the best I can do. Since Julie has a rabbit in her stories, she will have a rabbit doll of her own to snuggle with in her new bed. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQwyR4ymOnI/AAAAAAAAB6g/S0zv5QtEmQk/s1600/December+2010+032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQwyR4ymOnI/AAAAAAAAB6g/S0zv5QtEmQk/s320/December+2010+032.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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I can't wait to give this to my daughter on Christmas morning. She's going to be the happiest little girl in the house! Plus, I built the entire bed out of scrap lumber that I had lying around in my scrap bin in the garage, painted it with leftover paint, and used fabric scraps from my bin, so it cost me close to zero.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQwxUomFksI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/00ayKC2ff-4/s1600/December+2010+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQwxUomFksI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/00ayKC2ff-4/s320/December+2010+014.JPG" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Real" pillow and pillowcase. My daughter is in charge of all stuffing so she stuffed the pillow herself with her nimble little fingers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What's going on in your workshop?SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-38875747029980022792010-12-15T22:16:00.000-05:002010-12-15T22:16:24.732-05:00Winter jumperJust because it's 18 degrees outside, doesn't mean that your daughter wants to stop wearing dresses. Using the tutorial for the <a href="http://fromanigloo.blogspot.com/2010/04/bubblegum-jumper-tutorial.html">Bubblegum Jumper</a> at <a href="http://fromanigloo.blogspot.com/">From An Igloo</a> (if you haven't scooted over to this blog for great tutorials and ideas, click on it now!), I decided to make my daughter a winter dress. I purchased fabric from Fabric.com where I was already buying fabric to make something for William's Christmas present, to be revealed soon enough. I used a rich purple corduroy fabric.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQmBywvyKRI/AAAAAAAAB6I/KfU_UQIP6wA/s1600/IMG_2841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQmBywvyKRI/AAAAAAAAB6I/KfU_UQIP6wA/s320/IMG_2841.JPG" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hope you can see the rich colors and textures of this fabric.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Because I had to sew the dress in time for her piano recital, I didn't use the button hole design from the tutorial. Rather, I sewed the back straight up to the chest piece, which I lengthened to 4.5 inches, and used hook and loop closures, which are not permanent, unlike button holes, and can be adjusted as she grows. The dress is also double-hemmed, meaning that when she grows another few inches, I can let out the current hemline to reveal another hemline beneath it that is 2.5 inches longer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQmDBZH4tBI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/pe1kNTDfViQ/s1600/IMG_2855cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TQmDBZH4tBI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/pe1kNTDfViQ/s320/IMG_2855cr.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
The dress isn't perfect, I have to re-position one of the straps, but she looks really cute in it and it has great texture and warmth. She can wear it with a turtle neck and it will fit her again next year. Overall, a very simple dress pattern for any little girl needing a dress in a jiffy and adaptable to many different types of fabric. I might even make a doll-size one with the leftover fabric for Savannah's favorite new doll for Christmas.SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-36651441776708520002010-10-28T16:48:00.000-04:002010-10-28T16:48:52.865-04:00Fingerless mitts and pattern for toddlers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TMnfeWfdZWI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/YTJGbjMWjCA/s1600/IMG_2587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TMnfeWfdZWI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/YTJGbjMWjCA/s320/IMG_2587.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We girls aren't the only ones in need of fingerless mittens. Even toddler-sized boys deserve a pair so they can get into mischief with those agile fingers without totally freezing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TMnf7dSKUjI/AAAAAAAAB4U/LioPyUJkEaI/s1600/IMG_2595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TMnf7dSKUjI/AAAAAAAAB4U/LioPyUJkEaI/s320/IMG_2595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I decided to create a pair for my 18 month old toddler. They are knit with double-ribbing so they are stretchy and have a long enough cuff to help them stay on.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TMnhZ63dhhI/AAAAAAAAB4k/lImBBvAZOTo/s1600/IMG_2598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TMnhZ63dhhI/AAAAAAAAB4k/lImBBvAZOTo/s320/IMG_2598.JPG" width="212" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
He actually <i>likes</i> to wear them so I must've done something right.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TMnhG7HNWmI/AAAAAAAAB4c/nxTa-zauLJE/s1600/IMG_2586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TMnhG7HNWmI/AAAAAAAAB4c/nxTa-zauLJE/s320/IMG_2586.JPG" width="273" /></a></div><br />
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Here's the easy pattern:<br />
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Use a medium weight yarn, such as one that calls for size 7 or 8 needles, and a set of double-pointed size 5 or 6 needles.<br />
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<div class="notes markdown"> Cast on 24 stitches.<br />
Arrange 8 stitches on each needle and join in the round working in double ribbing.<br />
Continue double ribbing pattern for 14 rows (or desired cuff length).<br />
Begin knitting back and forth to leave an opening for the thumb continuing the double ribbing pattern. Knit 4 rows back and forth before rejoining and knitting in the round for 4 to 6 more rows.<br />
Bind off and weave in loose ends.<br />
</div>SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4131013931620976488.post-9380537381668618132010-10-16T16:32:00.000-04:002010-10-16T16:32:44.095-04:00More socks for WilliamDuring the fall I like to spend as much time as possible outdoors; picking apples, walking down the road, and jumping in leaf piles. Well, I rake the leaves while the kids spend time flattening the leaf piles back out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TLoG2L7oW7I/AAAAAAAAB2w/NFzksw_HRWA/s320/Oct+2010+031sm.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="212" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">William in leaf pile bliss.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is why <a href="http://alwayscreatingsomething.blogspot.com/2010/10/warm-socks-for-william.html">one pair of cool weather socks</a> is never enough. So using my <a href="http://www.valleycafe.com/knitting/sock-pattern.html">favorite easy sock pattern</a>, I knitted a second pair of socks for William, this time in Debbie Bliss cashmerino chocolate. If you've never tried sock knitting before, I highly recommend using<a href="http://www.valleycafe.com/knitting/sock-pattern.html"> this pattern</a> as your introduction. It is simple and clear and produces excellent results each time (and did I mention free?!@#*). It's also very quick because it uses a thicker yarn than most sock patterns call for. I can often knit one child size sock while watching a Netflix movie after the kids are in bed and the second sock the following evening.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Country Baby Socks in chocolate for my little guy to enjoy the cool weather. The yarn is a blend of merino wool, microfiber and cashmere.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TLoHJ1CrhYI/AAAAAAAAB20/NKARcM4pWm0/s1600/Oct+2010+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
Now there's more time for this:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TLoJgztJA0I/AAAAAAAAB24/zcFFlSOqZM4/s1600/Oct+2010+036sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_WulIkezVIOw/TLoJgztJA0I/AAAAAAAAB24/zcFFlSOqZM4/s320/Oct+2010+036sm.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
in between changing out wet socks to dry and shaking the leaf particles and twiggy bits off.SLEastlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09656064035138968091noreply@blogger.com0