quickie weekend crochet
Crafting, Knitting & Crochet May 25th, 2010
This is the quickest little crochet project! Friday night Drew and Jake were camping with the Cub Scouts, so I decided to whip up a little something for Laura to wear to her cousin’s Baptism. Her outfit was very summery, and just in case it was cool, I didn’t want her to be chilly. I had the pattern for Vickie Howell’s Clo Baby Poncho in my craft binder and thought it would be perfect. Instead of the suggested embellishment, I made a more traditional flower. I was really happy with the result. Here’s Lulu modeling it with her favorite guy:
(Don’t mind her expression. She had just woken up from a nap). I had to use yarn from my stash and the only thing that even vaguely fit the bill in terms of color (I really wanted it to be white, not cream but such is life) is some leftover Bernat Berella 4 I used for my ripple afghan. This resulted in a very heavy garment. Since it’s a little big on her (I made the size 12-24 months version), it should be perfect for the fall. I think it will look adorable with jean or cords and a turtleneck. I think the pattern would be very easy to modify to larger children’s sizes, or even adult sizes. And if you don’t join the chain it would be a very pretty shawl or capelet. I think I’ll make a variation at some point.
weekend sewing: coupon organizer
Crafting, Sewing April 19th, 2010
I’ve been on the lookout for a new coupon organizer. I hate using the plastic and paper ones because they never last and most of them are kind of ugly. For a while I used the binder system, but found it difficult to maintain. I just couldn’t be bothered slipping each coupon into its own individual slot. I do use coupons pretty much every time I shop, though, and pulling them out of a mailing envelope just wasn’t working for me.
I thought I could find a pattern for a coupon organizer that folds over the handle of the cart, but I didn’t have a lot of luck. I found this pattern, which I used as a starting point and I eventually came up with this design.
This is the front. As you can see I opted for a rounded flap. I used the curve of a dinner plate for my template. I sewed in a short length of elastic to use as a closure.
And here’s the back. I hand-sewed the button onto the organizer. To close it, bring the elastic around from the bottom. To attach it to the handle of your shopping cart, just bring it around from the top.
Another front view (image my dining room chair was a shopping cart): 
And from the back:
I had a chance to try it out over the weekend. I used it once at CVS and once at Stop & Shop and I have to say that not only did I feel quite frugal and organized, but I also felt pretty stylish because I really like this fabric. Oh, one other thing. Instead of using fusible interfacing, I sandwiched a piece of cotton flannel between the inner and outer fabric. Because my bag tends to contain things like sippy cups and snacks, I wanted the organizer to be washable in case when it gets stained. This was a very quick and easy project.
springing ahead
Crafting, This & That March 16th, 2010
Even though this is the second or third year since the “powers that be” decided to spring ahead earlier, it still seems odd to me. I’d been enjoying the daylight between 6 and 6:30 a.m. and while it’s nice to have the light after dinner… well, I’d just as soon have it in the morning. At any rate, it certainly has been feeling more spring-like. Today I cracked a window and the sliding glass door to let some fresh air into the house and it was soooo good!
Life has been busy lately. I barely remember much of last week, but we did go to the elementary school’s book fair and ice cream social. Jake picked out two books in the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series. Normally I’d just borrow them from the library, but he just loves them so much. The only downside to that (if there is one) is that he finishes a book in about three days! It makes me so happy that he enjoys reading, though.
Over the weekend I blew the dust off of my machine and did a little sewing. I just whipped up a simple pouch for my everyday makeup:
Nothing fancy, but it beats the overly-big makeup bag where I’d been storing my stuff. Of course, it took forever to do because of the many interruptions during the day, but at least I completed it!
Last night for dessert I made Sandra’s Hillbilly Teeth for the boys. They thought they were absolutely hysterical. (Or “ill-arious” as Noah says).
Last night we watched a movie Drew picked up cheap, called “Totally Awesome!” It’s a spoof on 80s movies, kind of in the same vein as “Scary Movie.” It was pretty dumb, but perfect for one of those night when you don’t want to think too hard about what you’re watching. Tracy Morgan cracked me up with jheri curls and hip hop clothing. Some of lines were the funniest of the entire movie!
I think tonight I’m going to try to make a little progress on this baby dress I’m crocheting. Yeah, I’m not so sure it’ll be done for Easter, LOL! I keep getting side-tracked. I’ve got too many things going on all at once!
how to make flubber
Crafting December 17th, 2009
It is bone-chilling cold out there this morning. I thought I was going to get frostbite on my ears while waiting for Jake’s bus! The weather report states that when you factor the wind chill into account, it feels about 9 degrees outside. I’d agree with that! With more cold days ahead, you might be looking for something different to do with your kids that will keep them occupied for a while. Have you ever tried making flubber? Some people call it “gak” or “goop” or even “slime.” But my boys prefer “flubber.” All it takes is a few things you probably already have around the house. Making it is simple and if your kids are anything like mine, they’ll play with it for at least 45 minutes afterwards! Here’s what you do.
Recipe for Flubber
Ingredients:
2 bottles of white glue (4 oz. each)
2 cups of warm water, divided
food coloring
1 1/2 teaspoon Borax
bowls for mixing (I suggest glass)Pour out the bottles of glue into a large glass bowl. Add one cup of warm water to the glue and stir until the glue has thinned out to an even consistency. If you want to add food coloring (and why wouldn’t you?) add a few drops now and stir, stir, stir until you achieve your desired color.
In a separate bowl add the Borax to the second cup of warm water and stir until the Borax has dissolved. Slowly pour this into the bowl of glue, stirring the glue constantly. (Enlist the help of a munchkin to pour while you stir — it makes it much easier.) Continue to stir until it forms a big slimy blob. You’ll see the chemical reaction taking place immediately.
At first the flubber might be a little bit watery, but be patient and give it a few minutes. It will all come together. Store the flubber in a tightly-sealed container. Also, be aware that it does not last forever and it can get moldy. Don’t ask me how I know, just trust me on that one.
The boys like to use cookie cutters with it, make big flubber balls and watch them flatten out, cover their hands, and just enjoy the squishy feeling. I have to admit that it does feel pretty neat! If you try it, let me know how it goes!
chilly hudson valley
Crafting, Entertainment, Knitting & Crochet, This & That December 16th, 2009
It’s another very cold, very late-autumn afternoon here in the Hudson Valley. Although it certainly looks like winter, we’re not there yet. I’ve finalized the shopping list for our party this weekend and we’re in good shape. I think we need a new filter for our refrigerator, though. I’m not sure if it’s a MWF filter or some other I kind (I need to check the manual, obviously), but that should get replaced soon (though doubtful before Saturday). The only thing left to do is a quick sweep and mop of the floors and boxing up some toys. Because I’m not sure when people will be arriving and there will be children of various ages, I’m not taking any chances with toys getting broken or eaten. (Or my Christmas tree getting taken down by a light saber!). So I’ve explained to the boys why some things will disappear for a day or two and they’re cool with it.
Drew’s set up an area in the basement where the kids can play. We’ll have Christmas movies, a selection of toys, and I’ll get some Christmas coloring sheets or some activity that’s easy to do. I’m realizing that it’s much easier to manage the little ones on the guest list when you can let them run around outside, LOL! It’ll be fine, though.
Otherwise things are just rolling along. Drew and I watched Angels & Demons the other night and I thought it was good. I read the book years ago and don’t remember much so I can’t really say how they compare. I’ve also made it through Chapter One of Julie & Julia. I tried to go at it with an open mind. Really, I did. But she doesn’t exactly come across as very likable so I’m having a hard time getting into the book. I mean, when someone writes (about supposedly being found curled up with a copy of the Atlantic Monthly at age five), “I think the point behind this was that I’d been singled out as an early entrant to the ranks of the intellectually superior,” it’s hard to take her seriously. I suppose she meant that tongue-in-cheek, but… really, I doubt it. I’ll force myself to read a bit more before I return it to the library. Just not really my cup of tea.
Speaking of tea (how’s that for a segue?)… I picked up some of Harney & Sons’ Hot Cinnamon Spice. Ooooh, it’s so good! I also have a small tin of their Christmas tea that I haven’t tried yet. Maybe tonight. I’m also on the lookout for a new knitting or crochet project. I really should make hats, you know, but… I think I also have to start a scarf or something that is a little more challenging. What’s on your needles at the moment?
i got picked!
Crafting November 11th, 2009
Have you ever heard of the site House Party? I’ve been aware of it for quite a while and I’ve applied to host several parties, but was never picked. Until now. And, oh did I get chosen to host a great party (that, ironically I forgot I applied for). On December 5th I’ll be hosting a Rowenta iron & steamer party. And yes, the most amazing part of the whole thing is that I am actually getting a Rowenta iron & steamer sent to me. Talk about a fantastic early Christmas gift! The party premise is a clothing swap, but I’m not sure if I’ll go with that or do something slightly different. I might just ask people to bring a piece of clothing that would be a challenge — corduroy pants, tuxedo shirts, pashmina shawls, etc.
Currently I use an iron that belonged to either me or Drew in college and cost all of $10. Don’t get me wrong, it works fine but it will be so nice to have a good iron, especially for my sewing projects. I must sound crazy, getting all excited over this. But the truth is I do love to iron. There is something very soothing about smoothing out wrinkles. Love. It. I guess if I had to iron my husband’s shirts every day for work it might be a different story, but since I don’t have to do that, I can just be happy with what I do need to iron 
Anyway, I just had to share my excitement!
feeling hooky
Crafting, Knitting & Crochet November 10th, 2009
Ah, yesterday I mailed out the last pumpkin hat I’d promised to a friend. While they were fun, I am so done with pumpkins for a while, LOL! I’m still on hats, though. Last winter I’d promised both my dad and my husband winter hats. I’m not fooled by this weekend’s warmer temperatures; I know winter is well on the way (in fact it should be in the 40s later this week — eek!). So my plan is to crank through hats and hand warmers and then hopefully, hopefully start on a new project. I still would like to knit Colonnade or some other shawl, or a scarf with an interesting pattern. I’ve not yet decided.
Last week I requested several crochet books from the library for inspiration and they all arrived on Saturday. Mom and I had lots of fun looking through them and getting ideas. Here are a few projects that I just love. The first two are from Special Techniques & Stiches in Crochet, edited by Judy Crow.
I am thinking that this might be the pattern for my next ripple blanket. I’m not sure about colors yet, but I just love how this looks:
And this sweater! It’s so simple, but so classic, I think. In college I had a silk sweater that was very similar so maybe that’s why I like this so much:
Then there’s this beautiful lacy scarf. This scarf and the following shawl are from the book Wrapped in Crochet: Scarves, Wraps & Shawls by Kristin Omdahl. I think that right now this gorgeous scarf is out of my skill set, but that’s OK. It’s still pretty to look at:
Last, there’s this shawl. It doesn’t seem very useful. I mean, how warm can it keep your shoulders? But I just think it looks so cool. It reminds me of spiderwebs. Maybe I can finish it in time for next Halloween?
Too many projects, and too little time! Isn’t that always the way?
