Covering The Fluffy Patoot.

I, as many other cloth diapering mothers, have faced the terrible fact that from time to time we have to cover those cute little fluffy bums. Putting reasons behind us, that's not the issue at hand at the moment, we've come to discover that all those adorable baby sized garments are not exactly fit for our fluffy patoots. This is where the maxaloones have come to play. I myself have found several WAHM creations that I've coveted, drooled over, and bid for. Well, today I decided I can make a pattern like that, even though I've been refereed to a free japanese  pattern online, I want to have my own design, that way I can say it's my creation, change what works and doesn't, possibly sell the pattern or finished product or both. With all that said, I've taken my mad skillz yo, and in an hour or so, However long Frozen is. I made a pair. Once the pattern is at perfection, I will digitize and perhaps offer it for download over a weekend. In the meantime, here they are, in progress. When I decided to sell, I would like to note, they will have a surged finish on the inside, will not be refashioned as this pair is, and I'm hoping be made of  organic cotton knit (I'm currently looking at fabric distributors.) 
First Draft Pattern 

Shirt That Lost It's Way. (It made me look fat) 

Ya'll don't know how much it pained me to cut right through Wolverine. 

The Finished Pants.

And on the Bum, whatcha think? 

 
I’ll have more updated and in action photos tomorrow on my facebook  page and twitter feed. Look me up!

Back, and With a Little Addition.

It’s been awhile, too long actually. I must admit, I’ve been wary of returning, I fear all my reader have vanished. In the last few days I was struggling with how to begin a new post, well here it is. I’ve been gone, mostly because , well I was gone and the usual day to day routine.

I had one of those daily jobs for awhile, public assistance type. I mainly worked with elderly and underprivileged who were very thankful for help. Then there were the “I don’t have to work because I know you’ll pay for this” type. I was eventually let go because of budget reasons, sad day, but I rebounded over the summer with a little job at the Public Pool. It wasn’t the highest paying job, I got crappy hours, but my two eldest girls got all summer pool fun and hot dogs they could handle.

Then came October, we welcomed our newest little addition, Parker.

 

To help in welcoming him, I created his entire layette. I know I’m known mostly for my crocheting, but before all that, I was best sitting behind a sewing machine.

Gowns, these were made form some of my old t-shirts, most of which I couldn’t or wouldn’t wear anymore. To recreate these for your selves the pattern can be found at This Mama Makes stuff. Super simple, extra super cute!

The Boppy Covers, I’ve had four kids already, so reusing some of the things I had in storage wasn’t new to me, This time, however, I did feel a little guilty reusing the girls’ bobby cover. I headed to the store in hopes for finding a simple blue cover for a reasonable price. Two problems occurred, one- I hated the covers offered at the stores, two- I wasn’t paying THAT much for something I knew I would have to repair after the first five or six washes. (I’m a little anal about baby things being clean, I’m sure you don’t blame me though)  With that in mind I set out to create my own adorable covers, here is what I came up with.

For the cameo cover I followed the tips and suggestions from this tutorial. Like it said it was quick and dirty. 

The sheepish one I decided to trace the cover I had previously used with my girls. It worked much better for me that way and if you decided to go that route don’t forget seam allowances, it will make or break you. 

I only made two because, believe it or not, they take a lot of fabric to create and don’t get me started on the zippers.

To go with the bobby, I of course needed bibs, show me a baby that doesn’t drool and I’ll forget the bibs. As if I’m not dorky enough I had to pass it on to my son, so these are made from remnants of my Everquest fabric and Transformers. There are tons of bib patterns out there goggle it, trust me you’ll find one, or you can mash them all up and get what I made. Here are a few links to get you started.

http://www.thimblythings.com/2009/06/01/in-praise-of-denim-bibs/

http://www.alittletipsy.com/2010/11/baby-week-shirt-bib.html

http://www.purlbee.com/liberty-bibs/

http://lotsofpinkhere.blogspot.com/2011/02/boutique-style-bib-tutorial.html

http://sewshesews.wordpress.com/2010/04/08/quilted-patchwork-bib-pattern-and-tutorial/

Finally, the coming home outfit. I wanted something that would share a little bit of everyone in the home. This is what I came up with.

The shirt and suspenders with a “Gatsby” Hat.

Shirt: http://www.mesewcrazy.com/2011/10/pr-tutorials-week-3-baby-boy-button-up.html

Suspenders: I created them on my own, they’re fake and just attach with a little velcro. Nothing too complicated just a little flashy.

The hat:I I had previously made the hat for my oldest son, and I decided his new little brother needed one as well, In fact I created two. The pattern I referenced from was made for an older boy so there was a lot of snipping and guessing for the proper fit, which I never achived, it was still too big. Never the less, this pattern is great! http://mellysews.com/2012/09/gatsby-hat-with-free-pattern.html

Baby Handmade Toms My baby sister is obsessed with Toms and when I first saw these little booties I couldn’t resist making them to resemble the ones she so desperately wanted. The pattern I found as super simple to follow and for girls you can add an adorable little bow or flower to the top. http://michelequigley.com/blog/soft-baby-shoes-pattern-and-tutorial/

A swaddle blankie. I feel in love with this idea, I had several swaddle me blankets and, although, I liked using them to travel with I wanted something to cuddle him in at home. This was the answer. http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2012/mar/06/how-to-make-a-swaddle-blanket

 

I guess the only thing left to do or say is to reveal the arrival home. I refused my own photo opt. (recovering from a c-section do you blame me?)

 

 

Everything I’ve linked to today can also be found on my Pinterest board.

A little Berry for Your Cup!

Ok, so it’s getting close to that ever wonderful hot cocoa time of year. To bring that full force I‘m going to share the pattern for my Berry Cheesecake cup cozy. I have one in Cherry and made my baby sister one in Blueberry. I know I have tons of early morning football games with my kids and I’m not the only one sitting on the sidelines with a hot cup. I like to distinguish myself from everyone else. I also have a reusable hot cup that the cozy will fit perfectly onto as well.

If you’re a beginner, don’t worry, this is simple and consists of mainly single crochet.

Berry Cheesecake Cup Cozy

Supplies

1 Skein Light Brown yarn (A) 1 Skein Cream yarn (B) 1 Skein Purple (Blueberry) or Red (Cherry) Yarn (C)
Size H Crochet hook
Tapestry or Yarn Needle
Scissors

Abreviations

Ch: chain
St: stitch
Sl: slip stitch
Sc: single crochet
Sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together
Rnd: Round

Cheesecake

With A ch 31, sc in 2^nd ch from hook, 29 sc. (30)
Row 2-3: ch 1, turn, 30 sc, cut yarn leaving 3 in tail. (30)
Row 4: join B, turn 30 sc. (30)
Row 5-9: ch 1, turn, 30 sc. (30)
Row 10: ch 1, turn, 30 sc, cut yarn leaving 3in tail. (30)
Row 11: join C, 4 sc, ch 4, 3 sc up ch, 5 sc, ch 6, 5 sc up ch, 3 sc, ch 4, 3 sc up ch, 4 sc, ch 4, 3 sc up ch, 6 sc, ch 6, 5 sc up ch, 2 sc, ch 4, 3 sc up ch, 6 sc, ch 6, 5 sc up ch, sl same st.
Lay sc strands down flat on cheesecake and sew down to resemble sauce oozing down sides. DO NOT SEW ENDS TOGETHER YET!

Berries

Make 3-4

Ch 3, 5 sc in 2^nd ch from hook. This will be first round. (5)
Rnd 2: sl to first sc, ch 1, sc in same stitch, *(2 sc) in next st. Repeat from *to end. (10)
Rnd 3-4: sl to first sc, 10 sc. (10)
Rnd 5: *sc2tog. Repeat from * to end of rnd. (5)
Stuff with yarn of matching color. Weave in ends to close and attach to matching color on cozy.
NOW! Sew ends of cheesecake together, making sure to match up stitches and color. Put on your next cup to give a bit of cozy flair!

Few and Far in Between.

I just wanted to share a few of the projects I’ve made in between drafts and pattern writing.

I made this adorable Whale Newborn Set a couple weeks back.

I had been asked several times to make a sock monkey hat. I’m not one to do a knock off, if and when I do  I like to do it my way. Here I finally made a few little Sock Monkey-ish hats which you can see in my shop.

I, also, have an adorable orange dreamcicle colored one that needs to be pieced together.

Then my favorites, so far, have been my twashii’s and scrubbies! I began making these because my wash clothes were looking really ragged.

I may appear to be busy with my yarn and crafting 24/7. Truth be told I wouldn’t bother with it if I didn’t enjoy putting my imagination on display. If you’re following along to learn to crochet during your lessons we will be making a cup cozy, a simple tawashii, and a the swiffer sock! All are best if using cheap acrylic yarn. Be ready!

T.V. Tuesday! Dexter Donut Guy

Today or T.V. Tuesday I thought I would honor my favorite serial killer, Dexter Morgan, as played by Michael C. Hall.

Dexter is an anti-hero of sorts. Much like vengeful hero’s on the past only instead of bringing the criminals to justice he ends the lives of murders. He lives by the “Code of Harry”. A simple list of rules set by his, adoptive policeman father. He works as a blood analyst at the Miami Metro Police. Part of the code is for Dexter to fit in, as he is not like everyone else. He doesn’t feel emotions,so as part of this cover Dexter is the donut guy.

To honor that small title I’ve made a few hand crafted donuts.

The chocolate one is a pattern that can be found on the Lion’s Brand website. The oozy one ,is of my own creation it was supposed to look like someone had taken a bit out of it. But you know how that goes, flu season and all. I call it Raspberry Scream! I know I’m a total dork. But, here’s the pattern.

 

Raspberry Scream “Dexter” Donut.

Supplies:

H hook

tapestry or yarn needle

Red Hart Super Saver Tan yarn

Lily Sugar n Cream Country Red yarn

poly fill stuffing.

Abbreviations:

ch- chain

st- stitch

slst- slip stitch

sc- single crochet

hdc- half double crochet

dc- double crochet

tr- triple crochet

scdec- single crochet decrease

() – crochet amount shown in same st

[] – pattern is to be repeated as patterns specifies

Pattern:

With H hook and tan yarn ch 2 in second ch from hook do 6 sc.

Round 1: (2sc) in each sc. slst to first sc to join (12 st)

Rnd2: [sc, (2sc)] repeat to beginning sc slst to join. (24 st)

Rnd3: [2 sc, (2sc)] repeat to beginning sc, slst to join (30 st)

Rnd4: [3 sc, (2sc)] repeat to beginning sc, slst to join (36 st)

Row 4:Use a stitch marker and mark the start of this row. You are no longer working in the round.  8sc, 1hdc, 1dc, [(2 dc), 4 dc] repeat until last three sc. 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1sc.

Row 5: ch 1 turn, sc, 1 hdc, 1 dc, [(2 dc), 5dc] repeat until last three st. 1 dc, 1 hdc, 1 sc.

Row 6-7: ch 1 turn, sc evenly across. At the end of Row 7  join the two opposite ends with a slst to form a round.

Round 9: [4sc, scdec] repeat pattern to the joining slst. slst to first sc to join.

Rnd 10: [3 sc, scdec] repeat pattern to first sc, slst to first sc to join

Rnd 11: [2 sc, scdec] repeat pattern to first sc slst to first sc to join

Rnd 12: [sc, scdec] repeat pattern to first sc, slst to first sc to join.

Rnd 13: scdec in every st. Bind off

Stuff with poly fill at the “Bitten” opening

Raspberry Scream Filling:

With the H hook join the Red yarn to the right corner of the “Bitten” opening. Sc in both ends of opening. evenly across.

Row 2: sc evenly across

here is where you can get creative. Just sc and scdec to the desired width and length. Adding (4dc) and (5dc)  to make rouns of jelly filling here and there.

Topping: (glaze/drizzle)

You can make a glaze or the jelly drizzle like I did.

 

Ch 30, slst evenly across and st to the top of the donut. and there you have it.

I’ll admit it does seem a bit more complicated than what it looks, and let me know if the pattern is off any at all. I’m siting it by memory. I know, I know… If I’m gonna be making things and sharing the patterns with ya’ll I need to start writing them down as I go… I’ll get better I promise!