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Back in April, I put this cute little elephant project on my to-do list.  I thought it would be a good way to get back into crafting now that Jr. is on a regular schedule.  Even though it worked up really fast, I had all the completed parts just sitting around waiting to be sewn together.  So, over the 4th of July holiday weekend I sat down with my yarn needle and got to work.  Here is the final result.

I added some Amy Bulter fabric to the eyes for a pop of color.  But overall, the pattern could use a little work.  I think both the body and the legs could be a bit longer.  The way it is right now it looks like a giant elephant head on four little stumps.  Even so, he still looks kinda cute.  Not sure what I should name him but I’m open to suggestions.

What are your favorite summer craft projects so far?

Last month, or rather a week ago I completed a white baby bonnet for my cousin’s little girl who will be christened in England later this month.  After taking some shots of the bonnet laying flat I knew it would look much better on a baby model.  Jr. made some bird noises that, once translated, equaled to: “Sure, I’ll do it!”  So, here it is.

Water Polo Anyone?

I haven’t knitted anything in a while and this seemed pretty quick and painless.  I’m really happy with the results. The instuctions were very easy to follow and it worked up really fast.  My only hope is that it fits baby Macie. 

I used a light-weight cotton since its the middle of summer and added a vintage pink button to the neck strap.  You can find the pattern in Vintage Knits for a Modern Baby.  You can also download free patterns from the authors blog, She’s Crafty Handknits.  To view other examples of the bonnet head over to Ravelry.com.

Since Jr. is at daycare that also has a gym, I’ve been heading to the fitness center twice a week before picking him up.  I’m not a huge fan of the treadmill so I’ve been loading up my iPod in hopes that it will magically distract me from feeling like a hampster on a wheel. It’s not work-ing but it’s better than no music at all. I can’t be the only person that has to stare at my feet to prevent a disasterous fall.  Or am I?

Anyway, here’s what I’ve been listening to while running and if you have any other suggestions, I’m all ears…get it….oh hush!

Top left:  Broken Social Scene; Top right: The XX;  Bottom left: Broken Bells;  bottom right:  Vampire Weekend

Well, I’m running out of time to make clothing for Jr. but I was able to finish this little sweater today.  It was a pretty quick and easy project that over 1300 others have made over on Ravelry.com. It’s a free pattern and I will definitely be making more in the future.

The yarn is something I’ve had in my stash for a while.  Mom brought it back from England on one of her six trips this year.  Holy cow can you say frequent flier miles!  Anyway, I like how this turned out and can’t wait to put it on the little guy with a pair of cords.  How cute would that look?

• download Joe Dirt

Here’s an interesting vantage point. Most of the time I can’t see my feet.

Wow…Fall is here already?  Summer came and went in a flash.  So with only 10 weeks left to go I’m trying not to stress out over baby preparation.  That’s why I’ve dedicated the whole month of October to turn our office into a nursery for Jr.

Furniture has been ordered and delivered, paint samples have been selected and the crib quilt is well on its way to being completed. I can see how it’s going to look in my head and with the help of my idea book I know it will come together in no time.

Images & projects from my idea book.  Not to worry, the ugly flowered chair is getting reupholstered download Invasion, The Lonely Street movie download

We don’t have ton of storage space but what we do have is being underutilized.  I hope to have some before and after pics to show at the end of this month.

Until then things maybe quiet around here but I will have a couple of small projects to share once they get to their intended owners.

Bye for now!

Did anyone see this tutorial posted on ohdeedoh today?  What a fantastic idea!  Not sure how I would use it but it could be a fun way to do a gift exchange or school raffle. 

Tutorial can be found over at Artmind 

I recently purchased a manicure kit from my local drugstore and even though it came with an ugly plastic case I decided to make my own.  It turned out to be a really easy project and a great way to use up fabric scraps.  Although it’s a little early to be working on holiday gifts these would make for some super handy stocking stuffers!

Supplies:

Small amount of fabric for front, inside and pocket
Medium to heavy fusible interfacing
Snap kit or velcro for closure

Step 1: Download the manicure kit cover template I created.

Step 2: Cut out fabric using template. Cut 1 front cover, 1 inside cover, 1 interfacing & 1 pocket (on fold)

Step 3: Press interfacing to front fabric piece

Step 4: Fold, press & top stitch pocket piece

Step 5: Pin pocket piece to inside cover piece.

Step 6: Using template pocket guidelines stitch on dotted lines to create dividers and attaching pocket to inside cover.  I used blue water-soluble marker to create guidelines.

Step 8: Pin front to inside cover (right sides together)

Step 9: Sew 1/4 inch seam all way around leaving 1-2 inch gap for which to turn cover inside out

Step 10: Cut around curved edges of fabric to create a smoother corner when pressed

Step 11: Turn work inside out and press

Step 12: Topstitch around outside

Step 11: Add snap closure to front and you’re done.

If you give this a try and find that you have any problems or questions please don’t hesitate to contact me.

The weather this weekend was perfect!  Although they were calling for rain it never came our way.  On Saturday, after meeting a friend for tea we headed down to Soulard Market.  I haven’t been there in over a year.  I forgot how much fun it is and how cheap the prices are!

Otis psp

Soulard Market, St. Louis

With our current flailing economy I’m all for supporting local farmers while saving a few bucks.  Along with all our produce finds we couldn’t pass up the mini donut maker.  The chocolate glazed variety was my top pick while Julie chose the powdered version as her #1.  All in all, a fun morning out.

I was able to craft this weekend.  I made a project for Mum which I will share soon and I’m halfway through a knitted sweater project.  I realize its not sweater weather but the yarn is called Summer Tweed so it’s nice and light.  I just hope I can finish it soon so I can move onto something less time consuming.

How do you spend your weekend?

Buttercups are popping up everywhere and I don’t mean the flower.  I’m referring to the super cute FREE purse pattern over at Made By Rae that has been all over the blogoshere.  It’s the perfect size purse for spring and it don’t required a lot of fabric or tools.

Amy Butler Nigella Twill Wood Fern Silver fabric

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof movie

I decided to use some Amy Butler decorator fabric that I’ve had in my stash for some time. It’s been ages since I sat down in front of the sewing machine and it was worth it.  I really like the pleated detail and the easy of which this works up.  I added this pretty gray Mother of Pearl button to the top for a decorative touch.

Neverland download

I plan on making two more.  One with some satin from a previous botched project for a fun evening purse. That fabric is also gray…hum…I think I have a new favorite color other than blue!

Sunday afternoon drama: While hopping from room to room to sew and iron I witnessed a bizarre incident.  A young kid (at least 16 years of age) driving a massive Ford Excersion backed into our neighbors mailbox completely knocking it out of the ground. I threw down the half made purse and ran out the door but he had peeled away before I could get his license plate number.  Rat farts!  My husband even jumped in his car to track him down but he was long gone.  Since it was the middle of a Sunday afternoon I’m sure it was an accident. I know, now that I’m in my 30’s, I would have stopped and left a note because it’s the right thing to do but thinking back to the age of 16 I doubt that I would have left a note.  I probably would have peed my pants, and hit the gas too.  As a teenager what would you have done?

I’ve been a fan of Lush products for years!  I can’t even remember how I first got introduced to them.  It could have been a recommendation from a good friend or a trip to the UK where the company originated.  Either way, the company slowly made its way across the pond several years ago.

Special edition bath bomb!  Nothing says Happy St. Patrick’s Day like a nice green bath!   

As they advertise, Lush is a line of fresh handmade cosmetics.  Their bath bombs are the best but when it comes to facial mosturier I don’t use anything else.  They even make one for boys skin too!  Sure, its a little pricey but it last for 6 months. I’ve been using Imperialis

for a couple of years now and with changes in my skin and the weather I was ready to try something else.  This is my new favorite. 

Lush Vanishing Cream

It’s currently out of stock online

but can be purchased at your local store.  Many of their products are vegan and made with natural ingredients.  They often smell good enough to eat but I don’t reccomend you try it. 

The initial smells coming from the store can knock you out like a one-two punch but it’s worth stepping in and giving it a try.  So, treat yourself to a five dollar Butterball

bath bomb.  Your skin will thank you!