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Hey, Howdy, Hi and Aloha yall!
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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.

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!

TGIF! The First Avenger

Welcome to the first Favorite Friday post! I will be posting a craft every Friday that I have handmade with the link and purchase information or pattern to said item. I know it sounds a little much to sell some of my crafts. But, really I make and make and make, I can only give away so much, AND yarn does cost money. Well that is until I convince Stephen that I need a small flock of sheep and spinning lessons XD!!
For my first Favorite Friday I thought that I would make something that would help showcase one of my favorite Christmas presents! My Captain America Shirt! I’m extremely blessed to have family (shout out to my Amazing in laws, Steve, Rita, and Danielle!) that accepts me for all my goofy little dorkiness, and still be treated as a responsible, growing adult.  Seriously, to my comic book fans, is the shirt not AWESOME in the realm of awesomeness!!!

Now, for my favorite part where I rant about how awesome Captain America is, and let you know how much I know about him. First lets get to what I didn’t have to research…

Captain America was first published in Febuary or March of 1941 by Timely Comics. He was originally going to be named Super American, because of the already famous Superman, artist Joe Simon decided that Captain America sounded better. 
  “After all there aren’t too many captains out there.” Is what I believe he was reported to say on the subject.
Captain America’s alter ego Steve Rogers was pretty much super enhanced to help with the war efforts and fought against the Axis Powers or more commonly known now as his nemesis Red Skull, during war time WWII. Even though he is basically super human altered, he carries an indestructible shield that he throws as a weapon. (Better than Xena’s weird Tron disc looking thing she throws[wow how many dorky things can I fit in this post?]) It’s well known, at least I think it is that Captain America was killed in 2007, and later discovered to still be living. But, his side kick Bucky has now taken up the role of Captain America.

There is a movie on way, Captain America: The First Avenger. The role of Steve Rogers is being played by Chris Evans of Fantastic Four fame.  I am so glad that the rumors of Mathew McConaughey playing Steve Rogers was only that a big fat ugly scary rumor! And WOW I just now found this  While putting the hyperlinks on here.

This is a photo from the movie, not sure if it’s being used as promo but, WOW! They are introducing Steve Roger’s love interest as Peggy Carter. Though I was under the assumption that was Sharon Carter’s (Agent 13) older sister. Sharon Carter being his original love interest.  It’s confusing, seeing as in the comics he’s dated both and I’m guessing they just meshed them together to forego confusion. That’s Hollywood for you. It was rumored that Joss Whedon was one of the screen writers and it appears that is so. And naturally, Samuel L. Jackson, will be reprising his role as Nick Fury! I’m thrilled that the movie starts off in 1941, and will do so through the entire film. So far the movie is set to open in July 2011. I’m psyched! Hope you are too!
So, let us get to the craft, I made this simple, adorably awesome (I’m really using that word a lot. But, let’s face it, Captain America is pretty close to Captain Awesome!) Captain America Shield headband. As soon as I get the proper color blue I will be making another identical headband and giving it away with some other Captain America themed goodies, keep following to find out when!

Captain America Shield headband
First you want to start with the star seeing as it can be a different size each time depending on how consistent your crocheting is.
Star
supplies:
size h hook
white yarn
tapestry or yarn needle
scissors
pattern key:
ch – chain
st - stitch
slst – slip stitch
sk - skip
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc- double crochet
() – crochet amount indicated in same stitch
[] – repeat pattern number of times indicated
pattern:
round 1 ch 3, in 3rd ch from hook do (10 hdc), slst in top of first hdc to join
first point. ch 5 slst in second ch from hook, sc in nect ch, hdc in next ch, dc in ch, sk hdc in rnd, slst to next hdc in rnd.
bind off and weave in all ends
points 2-5 do the exact same thing until you have five pointed star in your hand! It’s pretty simple and goes really fast once you get the hang of it.

Shield Base:
This is simple too. It’s just the basic flat circle, it will look a little wavy at times but all you need to do is shape it a little. Because, lets face it, there’s no such thing as a perfect circle.

Supplies:
red, white, and blue yarn preferably the same weight you used on your star.
size h hook
tapestry or yarn needle
scissors
pattern key:
ch – chain
st - stitch
slst – slip stitch
sk - skip
sc – single crochet
hdc – half double crochet
dc- double crochet
() – crochet amount indicated in same stitch
[] – repeat pattern number of times indicated
Shield Pattern:
With blue yarn ch2
Rnd 1 (6 sc) in second ch from hook, slst to first sc to join
Rnd 2 ch1 (2 sc) in every sc around  slst to first sc to join (12 sc)
Rnd 3 ch 1 [sc, (2sc)] repeat all around slst to first sc to join (18 sc)
Rnd 4 ch 1 [2 sc, (2sc)] repeat all around slst to first sc to join (24 sc)
Rnd 5 [3 sc, (2sc)] repeat all around slst to first sc to join (30 sc)
  OK, here is where you want to take your star and see if you need to continue with another round of blue or not by sizing it with your star.
Rnd 6 you can ch 1 or join the red yarn , [4sc, (2 sc)] repeat all around, slst to first sc to join (36 sc)
Rnd 7 join either your first row of red here or your white  [5sc, (2 sc)] repeat all around, slst to first sc to join (42 sc)
Rnd 8 join white or your last row of red, [6 sc, (2 sc)] repeat all around slst to first sc to join (48 sc)
Just in case you needed that extra row
Rnd 9 join red, [7 sc, (2 sc)] repeat all around, slst to first sc to join. Bind off and weave in all ends.
You can now sew your star onto the center of the shield base you have yourself a Captain America Shield*. *This shield is clearly not indestructible and should not be used as a weapon, as you are most defiantly not Captain America!
There are clearly a million and one options with which you can do with this. I will give you two simple handmade options and you just do what ever tickles your pickle!

You can make the three strand headband like I did. You can find the pattern over at Creativeyarn (she’s one of those that you have to keep going back to)
Or you can go with Chloe, my 7 year olds favorite which is the single crochet or double crochet headband.

Depending on your yarn, regular worsted weight yarn will run about 14 sc to 4 inches, I prefer to use lily yarn, it’s cheap and soft to work with it runs about 17 sc to 4 inches. My head is about 22 inches…
With the H hook (my favorite) ch 94 for sc and 95 for dc. Now just sc or dc evenly across, sew ends together and weave in all lose strands.That’s really all there is to it.
I hope this was either informative, inspirational, or board line clinical to someone out there!

Date Night Movie Review. Pan’s Labyrinth

Granted my date nights are later than most and normally consist of us staying at home renting a movie and watching it on the couch. I thought it only right to embark on reviewing our movie of the night. Tonight’s was Pan’s Labyrinth written and directed by Guillermo Del Toro.   The movie starts out with a fairy tale of the underworld where there is no pain or sorrow. About the princess who wished to see the human world to feel the wind on her face. It says  that when she finally got through the portal that the sunlight blinded her an erased her memory. She eventually died sad, cold, sick, and alone. The story says that the king knew her soul didn’t die and that she would be brought back to her home in the underground kingdom.
So the story follows Ofilia in 1944 Spain. She meets faun, and discovers  she is Princess Moanna, but before she can enter the portal to the underworld she must complete three tasks to prove her spirit isn’t lost to the human world. She’s given a book and told to open it when she is alone. In the book it describes the tasks she is to do. The story also covers her pregnant mother and her step father the captain in the fascist Spanish army.  Though the story seems dark it goes well with the occurring war of the time. I’m very much reminded of Grimm’s Fairy tales, its dark with a happy twist at the end.
Even though the entire film is in Spanish the visual allure of it made it well worth reading the subtitles. I enjoyed watching it this time and will watch it again. It’s appeal is more towards older teens and adults. Letting children under 13 watch it would be at a parents discretion. Much like Schedulers' List, its a good story/movie but the subtitles will be too complicated for smaller children. Watch it you will like it!