In the works. . .

I am creating a pattern for the knitted headbands with flowers that everyone around seems to be wearing. At least I see them on lots of people as I've been out Christmas shopping. A neighbor brought one over for me to look at and I finally worked out the pattern. I will post pictures soon.

Also in the works is my pattern for mitten animals. My favorite are the sharks that I am giving my son for Christmas. The shark teeth are the best. Thanks to friends who know how to crochet better than I do!

Christmas Stockings

These stockings have been years in the making, but they are finally all complete. I started making the kids' stockings for each of their first Christmases. After the third kid, I decided I really should make Mom and Dad ones. AND, since we're expecting a new baby just after Christmas, I should make hers as well. I got busy and decided this was the year to hang all the stockings. And they are probably my favorite decoration.

Strawberry Shortcake dolls

I am a terrible blogger! But I have been busy creating. Here is a picture of the dolls I made for my girls for Christmas. Here is the link to the pattern. I changed it up a little and did the hair a little differently. I love how they turned out and am excited to give them to the girls!

Summer Sandals

I love these little sandals! I followed a pattern (well, sort of) for the most part. It called for a button on the side but I kept thinking that the shoes would never stay on. So I decided to try putting elastic inside the band that goes around the ankle. It stretches to get them on and then stays snug against the foot.

I made these for a friend who wanted a pair for the fourth of July. I am so excited about them!

Beaded Hat

I'm glad (ok, only a little glad) for the cold weather that gave my niece a few more chances to wear the beaded hat!  It was too big for her when she was born.  Now that it finally fits, we're heading into summer.  I'll just have to make another one for next winter.

Knitting with beads is surprisingly easy and fun.  Of course, I had to rewrite this pattern to my liking.  It's a pattern found on Ravelry if anyone is interested.  Thanks Jessie for finding super great patterns for me to try out!

Here's the pink shirt and the back of the dress shown below.

Another dress shirt cut down to size

This one was another dress shirt. I love the little belts. And the detail of the buttons without having to making button holes!

Summer Dresses

Here's the first of my dress shirt tranformations. Okay, not my very first. That one went in the garbage.
The idea came from this blog: MADE. Transforming a man's dress shirt into a little summer dress. There is an awesome tutorial here for making the dresses.
However, I found that making my own pattern was a little difficult since I'm a not great with creating patterns that use fabric rather than yarn. I had much better luck using my favorite dress pattern.
Also, the pink and green shirts were found at the thrift store for $2.00!

"Pillowcase" Dress

 This dress idea came from Heather.  Again, I steal ideas from everyone.  SOOOOOO easy and fast to make.  

A break from knitting. . .

 I wanted to try freezer paper stenciling.  (Something I found from this blog:  MADE  --which by the way has some really neat ideas).  However, during my search for permanent fabric paint, I found the perfect stencil all ready cut out for me:  a single birthday candle on a cupcake.  

My expert-seamstress-neighbor had the silky fabric and helped me make a ruffle.  We decided the headband would finish off the outfit for my niece's first birthday party.

Spring Sweater

This sweater started out as a baby dress. My sister wanted me to design a dress pattern for her baby for Easter. Mine turned out bigger than anticipated, but I think it turned into a darling "peasant style" sweater.
I also didn't start out with enough green yarn but only realized it as the sweater grew. I added the pink stripes and the flowers to tie them in. What do you think?

Many of you have seen these finger puppets. But I still had to add it to the "blog". Of all the things I knit, my kids love these the most. They make the little nursery rhyme even more lively.

Crochet hats and flowers

This little hat pattern started out as a newborn infant size. I made one for my neighbor's daughter and my daughter insisted she had to have a "sparkly hat with a flower" also. I adjusted the pattern to make a bigger size and I think it turned out pretty well. Sad that it's been so cold she can still wear it and it's April. I would love to put the hat away until next winter.

More Knitted Earrings

Here's another pair of earrings that I am trying to decide if I would actually wear them or not. I think I need to find better beads. Knitting with wire is a little tricky. Fun though!

My friend Heather sent me a pattern for knitting earrings. Craziness. I never would have thought of it. I instantly had to try it out. Of course, I can't quite get them to look like I want them to look. Hopefully with more practice, I will get the hang of knitting with wire. The possibilities seem endless! Here's my first attempts. I'm still working on creating a pair that I will actually attach the earring hook to and wear them.

Vests

For a long time, I made vests from the top-down. It was a little complicated with all the different pieces to have to put together to start knitting in the round. This new pattern is knit from the bottom-up but is still knit in one piece! Thanks to my knitting friends who are in the process of test-knitting this for me.

More Shoes

Those who know me, know I love shoes. Who knew that making shoes would also be so much fun? I can't decide which style is my favorite. It's a close tie between the converse tennis shoes and the Mary Janes with the sock attached. Wait, I like the boots, too!! Which are your favorite? And I can't write out the patterns since they are a mix from a bunch of different patterns, but let me know if you'd like a pair.

A blog, do I have to?

Everyone blogs, so I hear.

Now "everyone" finally includes myself. I took a web design class because I wanted to promote my knitting and share my yarn ideas. During the class, one of the instructors asked why I was trying to design a website when I could just have a blog. (They are easier to create and maintain). After 6 days of webdesign and only 20 minutes of blogging instruction, I am convinced. So here goes the knitting blog o'mine.

Knitting friends rejoice, no more waiting for me to get around to emailing you pictures and patterns of what I'm working on. Bookmark me and send me to your fellow knitting friends.