Amazingly luxurious hat ... in orange

I still keep making hats, and some days I'm especially glad I do because this hat for a little girl is fabulous - if I do say so myself.  This is just another variation of one of my favourite - very simple - hat patterns, but this time I've done the rib with double worsted, and the 'body' of the hat with three strands; worsted, eyelash yarn, and faux fur yarn.  I just wish the photos could demonstrate how thick and soft it has turned out.  This combination of yarns is luxurious indeed.

Look - it even stands up all on it's own.  I'm also wishing that I wasn't quite so effective at using up all this faux fur wool that I had, as I'd really like to make LOTS more colours of these.  Such is life though, and I am certain that something else will capture my imagination with all the supplies to get crafting in 2012.


For inspiration, I'm going to head over to Tami's Amis finished object Fridays to see what creative things others are up to. 

Green/Teal dots baby blanket

It was my friend Amy's baby shower today, so now I can show you my most recent baby blanket. Another version of the shell blanket that I liked so much in pink.

Tension

I used to think that I had no issues with tension when knitting or crocheting, but I was wrong. Depending on how cold my hands are - or not - can make a really big difference when making something so small as a baby bootie. In one of the first pairs I tried there was quite a bit of differece in the sizing. Not good enough at all, really.

But I'm with the program now as I am knitting then both at once - with two balls of wool.  While you can't whip one up quite so quickly this does answer nicely to my enormous issues of making two things exactly the same.  This green pair in Vanna's choice wool worked up very nicely and I just love the kitty face buttons - which are on there very securely.

And this is another pair for a slightly older child.  I am no expert but I'm guessing about 12-18 months.  The mottled wool is actually quite a lot nicer than I think it shows in the photograph, and I think they're sweet with the matching polka dot buttons.

I've washed and dried the green ones to test and they wash up lovely.  I always wash in cold water and use a delicate setting for wool in the drier.  No fuss - just what a mum needs.

Note to self:  From now on buy two balls of each colour.

Valentine Card Kits

Valentine's Day Cards

I've been making up a few more Valentine cards- this time with a view to "kitting them up".   This way I get to assemble the supplies and see what comes together.  I have always loved making things - but if I break it down  - one of my favourite aspects is gathering all the "bits" that I know I'll use some day.  The fun for me is when it all comes together.

WIP Wednesday - Burgundy Christmas Tree Skirt

 Woohoo, I've made it ... for my first "Work in Progress Wednesday" posting.  It's never a problem to find a project that is "in progress" as there are altogether too many of those, but it has proven quite the challenge to remember that it is Wednesday - and then get organized enough to photograph and post about something.