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| Knitted with Bernat's acrylic/alpaca wool blend in 'Aqua' |
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| The cowl gives good coverage (ignore my wet hair) |
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Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Uptown cowl
After a rush to get Christmas gifts taken care of before they had to be mailed out, I thought it would be nice to putter at a simple and useful project. Enter the Uptown Cowl. Initially, I was making it for myself, but now I'm thinking about giving it to my mom and making another for myself later.
The pattern for this little lovely was plucked from the February 2011 Canadian Living magazine. I couldn't find an online version, but it's on page 76 if anyone is interested in looking up a paper copy. It's a simple pattern to follow, and can be made with circular needles for maximum ease. DPNs are not my friend, so yay for circulars! I worked slowly and it came together over a couple of evenings of catching up on some online shows.
I'm quite fond of the colour (aqua) and texture/stitch definition of this yarn, which is kind of amusing since my three year old son picked it. He wants a pair of mittens made of same. I love that he gets excited about creating things, and that he still thinks I can do or make anything with my mommy superpowers, so I'll be working on mittens asap.
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Monday, December 27, 2010
Airplane growth charts
One of the things on my to-do list when I was pregnant with my youngest son was to make him a growth chart similar to the one hanging on my oldest son's bedroom wall. Fast forward to last week, when my little guy celebrated his 2nd birthday, and still no growth chart. Fast forward again to 1:30 am on Christmas morning, when I was down in my craft room finally finshing his growth chart. He's napping now, so no photo of his, but here is a snap of another I made as a gift for a friend's son.
The photo doesn't do it particular justice (not surprising since I took the pic in the basement, at night), but I'm really happy with how the growth chart turned out. Best yet, while I chose a boyish airplane theme/palette, these charts would be easy to personalize for both boys and girls young and old.
Here are the basics:
I needed to make three growth charts, so I purchased a 12-foot length of white MDF and had it cut into three equal pieces (4 feet each). Using a foam roller and a sample can of blue latex paint from Walmart, I painted the front and edges of each board -- three coats total, with drying time between coats.
Next, I used yellow craft paint to add colour to three sizes of wooden stars. I did up a bunch at once, and let them dry on a piece of paper, while I used a paint marker to colour the name letters (wooden cutouts from Michael's). One coat did for both letters and stars. Craft paint would have been fine for the letters, too, but I had the pen in mind for marking inches along the side of the board, so thought I'd use it on the letters, as well.
Once everything was dry, I placed the letters and stars on the painted board, along with some wallpaper airplane cutouts. I played around with the arrangement, and used E-6000 to glue down the wooden pieces when I was happy with how they looked.
The wallpaper cutouts were easy to use...just soak them in water for a minute to activate the adhesive on the back and then smooth onto the board. I blotted with a paper towel, and used a plastic straight edge tool to squeeze out extra water.
Next up was adding the measurements along one edge of the board. I used a light pencil crayon and a quilting ruler to mark one-inch increments.
For the first two growth charts, I just used the paint marker to go over the pencil crayon lines -- and that worked fine. For the third, I used a piece of painter's tape to help keep the edges even. Better! When the lines were dry, I went back and freehand continued them around the side of the board and added numbers at each foot mark. Since the boards are only 4 feet long, I started my numbers at two, three of four inches from the bottom. When the chart is wall mounted, the bottom will be just a little under two feet above the floor. Did that make sense?
And here's the finished version again. When my son wakes up, I'll get a photo of his now mounted growth chart so you can see how it looks on the wall.
(Cost breakdown for THREE growth charts: board -- $12, wallpaper cutouts -- $10.50 (including shipping), paint and paint marker -- $10, stars and letters -- $8. Total: $40.50 or approx $13.50 each.)
The photo doesn't do it particular justice (not surprising since I took the pic in the basement, at night), but I'm really happy with how the growth chart turned out. Best yet, while I chose a boyish airplane theme/palette, these charts would be easy to personalize for both boys and girls young and old.
Here are the basics:
I needed to make three growth charts, so I purchased a 12-foot length of white MDF and had it cut into three equal pieces (4 feet each). Using a foam roller and a sample can of blue latex paint from Walmart, I painted the front and edges of each board -- three coats total, with drying time between coats.
Next, I used yellow craft paint to add colour to three sizes of wooden stars. I did up a bunch at once, and let them dry on a piece of paper, while I used a paint marker to colour the name letters (wooden cutouts from Michael's). One coat did for both letters and stars. Craft paint would have been fine for the letters, too, but I had the pen in mind for marking inches along the side of the board, so thought I'd use it on the letters, as well.
Once everything was dry, I placed the letters and stars on the painted board, along with some wallpaper airplane cutouts. I played around with the arrangement, and used E-6000 to glue down the wooden pieces when I was happy with how they looked.
The wallpaper cutouts were easy to use...just soak them in water for a minute to activate the adhesive on the back and then smooth onto the board. I blotted with a paper towel, and used a plastic straight edge tool to squeeze out extra water.
Next up was adding the measurements along one edge of the board. I used a light pencil crayon and a quilting ruler to mark one-inch increments.
For the first two growth charts, I just used the paint marker to go over the pencil crayon lines -- and that worked fine. For the third, I used a piece of painter's tape to help keep the edges even. Better! When the lines were dry, I went back and freehand continued them around the side of the board and added numbers at each foot mark. Since the boards are only 4 feet long, I started my numbers at two, three of four inches from the bottom. When the chart is wall mounted, the bottom will be just a little under two feet above the floor. Did that make sense?
And here's the finished version again. When my son wakes up, I'll get a photo of his now mounted growth chart so you can see how it looks on the wall.
Edited to add new photo:
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| Finished and mounted at the proper height! |
Update!! This project is my entry to hopefully become a competitor at
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(Cost breakdown for THREE growth charts: board -- $12, wallpaper cutouts -- $10.50 (including shipping), paint and paint marker -- $10, stars and letters -- $8. Total: $40.50 or approx $13.50 each.)
Sunday, December 26, 2010
More Christmas gift goodies!
While Christmas is technically over for another year, I'm still relishing the peacefulness and good spirit that always comes with the season, and hoping the feeling lasts for at least a few days longer.
My family of four enjoyed a quiet day to ourselves and it was really great. This is the first year that my oldest son 'gets' the idea of Santa, so he was pretty excited this morning. I loved it! I'm also in love with the image of my little boys dressed in matching jammies. Too cute!
On the topic of gifts, this cute crocheted hat was another of the handmade goodies I made for gift giving to friends. It worked up fairly quickly and I liked how it turned out. The pattern was from Lion. Do read the reviews first if you try this one, since most of the reviewers found it a bit large if the directions are followed as presented.
My family of four enjoyed a quiet day to ourselves and it was really great. This is the first year that my oldest son 'gets' the idea of Santa, so he was pretty excited this morning. I loved it! I'm also in love with the image of my little boys dressed in matching jammies. Too cute!
On the topic of gifts, this cute crocheted hat was another of the handmade goodies I made for gift giving to friends. It worked up fairly quickly and I liked how it turned out. The pattern was from Lion. Do read the reviews first if you try this one, since most of the reviewers found it a bit large if the directions are followed as presented.
I also whipped up a version of Georgie Hallam's "Paula's Scarfette" for my FIL...no photo of mine, as I was still knitting literally ten minutes before the post office closed on the last pre-Christmas mailing day and I had to boogie to get there in time. Here is the sample photo from the pattern (another Ravelry freebie):
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| Georgie Hallam |
Super easy, super cute -- and, important in this case -- fast to complete! I made my version with some yarn I had leftover from another project, a sort of smoky blue/grey shade. I'm happy with how it turned out. I also made another pair of fingerless gloves...they were going in the same box as my FIL's scarf, so another photoless project.
I have a family dinner to attend tomorrow, but if I have time in the evening, I'll post about another Christmas gift I gave out this year -- cute little growth charts for boys.
A bit late, but Merry Christmas!
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Friday, December 17, 2010
Pre-school teacher gifts
A bad cold has really knocked me on my rear and put me behind on everything. Including making Christmas gifts for my son's pre-school teachers. I remembered close to midnight last night. As in 11 hours before the Christmas party where those gifts are delivered. Oops!
Thankfully these little tissue pack covers I saw at Let's Go Fly a Kite are the perfect small gift and quick to make. I finished three of them, including ironing the fabric from my scrap bin, in about 20 minutes. Add a pack of tissues and a small gift card and I was done. Thank goodness for my sewing machine!
The party went as well as can be expected given the number of children, tables full of food and sweets and a visit from Santa -- all near naptime for the younger ones -- but I find these events really tiring. My boys go crazy, and it's hard to keep them from running around at top speed (opposite directions, of course) because they're so excited. No pictures on Santa's lap again for us...although at least this year, we got a snap of them 'sitting near' Santa. My youngest climbed up on Santa for a split second before freaking out and the oldest got close enough to grab his gift and run. Maybe next year. Maybe.
Thankfully these little tissue pack covers I saw at Let's Go Fly a Kite are the perfect small gift and quick to make. I finished three of them, including ironing the fabric from my scrap bin, in about 20 minutes. Add a pack of tissues and a small gift card and I was done. Thank goodness for my sewing machine!
The party went as well as can be expected given the number of children, tables full of food and sweets and a visit from Santa -- all near naptime for the younger ones -- but I find these events really tiring. My boys go crazy, and it's hard to keep them from running around at top speed (opposite directions, of course) because they're so excited. No pictures on Santa's lap again for us...although at least this year, we got a snap of them 'sitting near' Santa. My youngest climbed up on Santa for a split second before freaking out and the oldest got close enough to grab his gift and run. Maybe next year. Maybe.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Super Fast Dolly Sling
I don't get to do a lot of girl crafts, but this little doll sling for an almost 3-year-old girl was fast and easy to make.
If the shape of this sling looks familiar, it's because it's a slightly larger version of my fabric headband.
The sling is made from three pieces of fabric. Cut two rectangles of fabric larger enough to hold the dolly needing comfort. I eyeballed everything, so no measurements, but I'd guess mine were approximately 16 inches x 10 inches, and I used two different prints. Put them right sides together and stitch up the long sides. Turn right sides out and press seams. Cut another rectangle of fabric, approximately 18 inches long (depending on size of doll and size of child) and 10 inches wide. Fold in thirds with rights sides out and stitch along the long edges. Tuck the ends of the strap inside, giving a finished edge. Then, gather the short sides of the first rectangle set and insert them into the tucked edge of the strap. Secure with stitching, and repeat on the other side, taking care not to twist the strap. When I got to this point, the pouch part of the sling looked a little flat, so I added a couple little side darts to give it a rounder appearance. That's it!
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| Turns out there's not a dolly model to be found in my house, so Teddy is subbing in! |
If the shape of this sling looks familiar, it's because it's a slightly larger version of my fabric headband.
The sling is made from three pieces of fabric. Cut two rectangles of fabric larger enough to hold the dolly needing comfort. I eyeballed everything, so no measurements, but I'd guess mine were approximately 16 inches x 10 inches, and I used two different prints. Put them right sides together and stitch up the long sides. Turn right sides out and press seams. Cut another rectangle of fabric, approximately 18 inches long (depending on size of doll and size of child) and 10 inches wide. Fold in thirds with rights sides out and stitch along the long edges. Tuck the ends of the strap inside, giving a finished edge. Then, gather the short sides of the first rectangle set and insert them into the tucked edge of the strap. Secure with stitching, and repeat on the other side, taking care not to twist the strap. When I got to this point, the pouch part of the sling looked a little flat, so I added a couple little side darts to give it a rounder appearance. That's it!
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Sunday, December 12, 2010
Getting ready for Christmas
With the calendar speeding toward Christmas, my family and I had to put aside our collective illness to get ready. There are still several gifts to make and mail (thank goodness for Express service!), but our semi-decorated tree is up, there are garlands hanging here and there, and the stockings are hung from a shelf -- they have to stay there, out of little boy reach, until they can be moved to the fireplace for Christmas morning. We've also been baking cookies, making ornaments and went out to the local Christmas Parade of Lights. In no particular order, here are some of the highlights:
I've been working to clear out my list of custom Christmas projects for others, so I haven't had much time for my own crafts. I did get another dino mat finished from the gift list, and also whipped up a couple of these pot holder-topped dishtowels. My kids are forever pulling the towels off the front of the stove, so this little design is perfect. I'm not sure of the original source of this idea, but a fellow mommy from my playgroup found it online somewhere, and it ended up becoming a group project for some of us trying to make homemade Christmas gifts. Seriously though, I'm keeping mine for myself!
Ingredients:
6 cups flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
2 cups butter (4 sticks)
2 eggs
Directions:
1. Cream sugar and butter until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs and flavoring. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl and add to butter mixture. Mix well.
2. Put a handful of the freshly made dough onto a floured work service. Roll to desired thickness and cut out cookies. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool and decorate
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| Decorating the tree with toy hamsters and Hot Wheels |
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| Snuggling in a pillow fort |
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| Yummy decorated sugar cookies to eat and share |
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| Pretty lights, blurry tree (= |
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| Not even 2 yrs old and master of the rolling pin! |
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| Hot hubby & my 'baby' boy at the parade |
I've been working to clear out my list of custom Christmas projects for others, so I haven't had much time for my own crafts. I did get another dino mat finished from the gift list, and also whipped up a couple of these pot holder-topped dishtowels. My kids are forever pulling the towels off the front of the stove, so this little design is perfect. I'm not sure of the original source of this idea, but a fellow mommy from my playgroup found it online somewhere, and it ended up becoming a group project for some of us trying to make homemade Christmas gifts. Seriously though, I'm keeping mine for myself!
I don't have work-in-progress photos (naptime is getting shorter and shorter), but these are so simple that I'm sure you can figure it out. Any questions, just ask!
1. Choose a cute kitchen towel and coordinating pot holder. I picked up these festive versions for $1 each at Walmart.
2. Fold towel in half the short way to find the middle.
3. Run a long, gathering stitch (5.0 stitch length on my machine) across the middle of the towel. Just leave the ends unsecured. No bartacking!
4. Pull on the bobbin thread (the lower one) to gather the towel until it is the width of your pot holder.
5. With towel face up, and pot holder face down and centred over the gathering stitches, pin the pot holder in place and stitch it down to the towel. I didn't bother pinning -- this is pretty much a no-fail kind of project. Stitch slowly, and use a longer stitch length, since the layers will be fairly thick. Depending on if your pot holder's hanging loop is centred or on a corner, you may have to orient the pot holder diagonally, instead of horizontally as I did with mine in the photo below.
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| Hmm, button doesn't look so off-centre in real life. You can do it better! |
6. If your gathering stitches are showing and that bothers you, use a seam ripper to pull them out.
7. Sew a cute matching button to the side of the pot holder opposite the loop. This is how you will attach the towel to your oven handle. You can do this by hand, but I was lazy and used the zig-zag function on my sewing machine for a super-quick result.
8. Hang your 5-minute masterpiece and enjoy. You're done!
Just for kicks, here's the most recent dino mat:
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| No cave on this one. |
I'll probably be making the few remaining ones like this. The cave on my earlier mats was fun (I thought), but my three-year-old informed me it's better to have more ground for the dinosaurs to walk on, and that the embroidered pterodactyl is much cooler overall. Guess I should have consulted the expert before I started! The zippered back passed the pre-schooler test, so it stays (=
I hope everyone is having a great time getting ready for Christmas. It's such a magical time of year, so enjoy!
P.S...For anyone interested, here is the recipe for the sugar cookies, from an amazing foodie blog called Moogie & Pap (I drool every time a new post hits my reader!):
No-Fail Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
6 cups flour
2 teaspoons vanilla
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups sugar
2 cups butter (4 sticks)
2 eggs
Directions:
1. Cream sugar and butter until fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs and flavoring. Mix dry ingredients in separate bowl and add to butter mixture. Mix well.
2. Put a handful of the freshly made dough onto a floured work service. Roll to desired thickness and cut out cookies. Repeat with the rest of the dough.
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes. Let cool and decorate
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