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.
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!
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!
So, for my first Magic Monday I thought I would introduce you to not one but two of my favorite Witches. The first being quite possibly the most famous. Elphaba Thropp as portrayed below by Idina Menzel in the Broadway musical Wicked.
Or more commonly known as The Wicked Witch of the West immortalized by the late Margaret Hamilton.
I came across the idea of dedicating this small handbag to Elphaba when I posted it to my facebook photostream and my BFF noted it looked like something she would wear. After doing a wee bit of research I discovered that Elphaba wore a hat with some similar stitching.
Even though her hat is blue I like that this purse is in her traditional Wicked Witch black and green.
I really like this color wise and though it looks good on film, it has small flaws in it that I find that bother me. It made me think of the first number Idina and Kristin do together in Wicked.
“What is this feeling fervid as a flame, does it have a name, yeeesss, loathing, unadulterated loathing”
Elphaba’s Bag Crochet Pattern
Supplies:
Lily Sugar n’ Cream yarn in Black
Lily Sugar n’ Cream in Hot Green
Size H crochet hook
yarn or tapestry needle
Abbreviations:
ch: chain
st: stitch
sk: skip
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
slst: slip stitch
Instructions:
Purse Bottom
With The Black Yarn ch 26
Row 1 in second ch from hook sc evenly across (25 st)
Row 2 ch1 turn sc evenly across (25 st)
Row 3 ch1 turn, sc evenly across (25 st)
Row 4 ch 1 turn, sc evenly across (25 st)
ok, now were going to start working in the round… Not hard I promise.
Round 1 sc into the last sc from Row 4, rotate, 4sc down the side, now your at the bottom side of Row 1, sc evenly across 4sc up side, you’re now at the top of Row 4, sc evenly across (51 st)
Continue to work in the round for four more rounds. Finish off by slst to the first sc on the last round, weave in ends with tapestry needle.
Purse Body:
Add on the Green yarn starting at the far right corner and sc evenly around once, slst to first sc to join the ends.
Row 1 {ch 5, sk next 3sc, sc in next sc}17 times, ch 5, sk 1 sc, sc
Row 2 {ch 5, sc in ch on previous row}18 times.
Row3-Row 11 repeat Row 2.
The purse should now measure around 7 inches. Bind off the green and weave in the ends.
Join the black on the far right corner sc, sc in same stitch you joined the yarn, in the ch 5 do 3 sc, sc in the next sc and repeat all around the top for three rounds. Bind off and weave in the ends…
Handle
Here is the only place where is can get a little tricky. Lay your on a flat surface and find the middle of the side and mark it with either a stitch markers or a piece of left over yarn. Like so,
Count four sc to the right of the stitch marker and join your black yarn. 8 sc across.
Row 1 ch 1 turn sc evenly across (8 st)
Row2-Row 75 ch1 turn sc evenly across (8 st)
Attaching the handle to the left side.
Now this is where it’s important that you had both sides evenly marked. (as I obviously did not. apparently my lap isn’t flat, as my handles came out lop sided) Line up the handle and slst evenly across the 8 sc. Bind off and weave in all ends. You’re Finished!
Next week, I’ll be putting the lining in with a possible pocket and zipper.
My second witch that I would like to honor is Galinda! Which is my personal favorite and preferably as played by Kristin Chenoweth.
But also, the Billie Burke version we all know and love.
Galinda’s little clutch is a fairly similar pattern as Elphaba’s bag, just shorter with a small wristlet handle. I <3 it!!!
Galinda’s Munchkin Clutch
Supplies:
Lily Sugar n’ Cream yarn in Hot Pink
Lily Sugar n’ Cream yarn in Hot Green
Size H hook and F hook
yarn or tapestry needle
Abbreviations:
ch: chain
st: stitch
sk: skip
sc: single crochet
dc: double crochet
slst: slip stitch
Instructions:
Clutch Bottom
With green yarn and H hook, ch 26
Row 1: starting in second ch from hook sc even across (25 st)
now working in the round as we did with Elphaba’s Bag rotate your work to the bottom of the row you just stitched. Sc evenly across (25 st)
Continue working in the round for 6 rounds your piece should measure around 1 1/2 inches on both sides. Slst to meet ends, bind off and weave in all ends.
Clutch Body
Using the F hook, join pink yarn in far right corner
Row 1 {sc, ch 5, sk 2 st, sc} repeat 24 times, sc
Row 2 {ch 5, sc in ch from previous row} repeat 24 times.
Row 3 – Row 8 repeat row 2. Bind off and weave in all ends.
Join green yarn at far right corner. This is similar to how we worked the top of Elphaba’s Bag with one exception, Alternate one sc with a dc. a Stitch in all the sc and three in the ch 5 all the way around the clutch. Do three rounds, bind off and weave in all ends. Your piece should measure around 5 inches on both sides.
Wrist Strap
First lay your bag on a flat surface and mark the middle of the right side, Generally this will be right where is folds. Using a stitch marker or left over yarn (as I do many times). count two stitches over.
Join your green yarn in this place. 4 sc. At the end of this row ch 44
Row 1 in second ch from hook sc evenly down chain bind off, leaving enough yarn to sew your strap to the beginning of your first 4sc row . (43 st) The strap should measure about 5 1/2 inches. You’re now finished.
Next week, I’ll be sewing the lining in and adding a zipper. All with snazzy pictures and some info on our actresses that play theses witches of harmony and wonderment.
To my readers wanting to see more geekdom, My Next Wizard is Willow Ufgood! Can’t wait to see what I do with that! Look for it week after next!
