Fun with Felting

Felting is something I'd never tried. It is really popular here - both plain old felt (German felt is GORGEOUS!) and knitted felt. I've used some felt to make baby toys, but I'd never felted a knit piece until this one. I bought 7 skeins of felting yarn at a flea market, so I had a cheap way to experiment. My first one was this felted doggy dumbbell. It turned out great, though a little lopsided. I stuffed it with stuffing from ripped up toys, including a squeaker from one. The dogs love it and it is so sturdy - and it will get sturdier every time I wash it!

The pattern is here: http://taras-knits.blogspot.com/2008/02/puppys-dumbell-toy.html

Knit Rabbit

This project came from a book called Creative Play for Your Toddler. It has many fun and simple toys to make for your kiddo. It is on borrow from a friend, but I may have to get a copy one day. The bunny turned out a little mutant-y, so it's out of the gift pile. But Edie loves it anyways, so it's hers, of course. It was very simple. No shaping in the knitting pattern. Just make a square for the body and two ears and stitch together. I needed to use slightly tougher yarn and way tighter stitches for a nicer look, though. Next time!

simple t-shirt baby hat

This is a great way to use old t-shirts! Even those in imperfect condition are likely to work. The original directions had the seams on the inside, but I kept them out for baby's comfort. And it also called for cutting the decoration out with pinking shears, which I don't have so I had to sew up my edges. I used a bit of cross stitch from a hand embroidered napkin I bought for 1 euro at a flea market. It has about 6 of these flowers on it, so I'll get my money's worth! For Edie, who is now 15 months, I enlarged the pattern. The original pattern seems to fit 6-12 mo, approximately. The result was a cute, very comfortable, Spring/Summer weight hat that Edie kept on quite well - and that took literally 5 minutes to make. It was hard to get a good pic of her in it because I needed sun light for the shot but she doesn't like her baby eyes in such brightness!

I just cleaned out the ol' closet, and I'll be making many more of these as gifts.




Original pattern here: http://happinesscomesinlittlebits.blogspot.com/2011/03/sewing-bee-simple-baby-hat-sewing.html

Dale of Norway Sweater for Lily

The yarn was Dale of Norway. She washed it and there was no color bleeding. The hat was made out of left over yarn and for the first time -- no yarn left over.  What is different about Dale of Norway patterns is that you start each patten at the sleeve, takes getting used to. Not like Icelandic sweaters where you continue the pattern around the whole sweater.

Summer tank

This was a simple and fun pattern (free online from Lion Yarns). I noticed a small hole in the body when I was already almost done with the yoke, so instead of undoing half of it, I added a crocheted flower afterward. I need to be more careful with measuring; though I'm getting a lot better at finishing, it looks a little sloppy here because the pieces did not line up properly. The yarn is beautiful, soft and stretchy. Overall, full of learner's mistakes, but wearable, I think. It will be good over long-sleeves for a little warmth or with just a diaper or undies this Summer as E runs around in the heat.

Raglan Cardigan - At Last!

Well, it took me a loooong time, but Edie's 12-18 mo. sized sweater is finally finished. The yarn was 100% organic cotton. Pretty, breathable, but a bit bumpy and not stretchy so it was not the most satisfying yarn to work with. I am very happy with the cute animal buttons that I found for it. I am currently making a knit summer tank top and have finished a purple hat. The hat looks okay; I made some mistakes. It has been a great one for Edie's dress up pile because she is very interested in learning how to take hats on and off right now. It was fun and easy to make; I will certainly use that pattern again.

Andrea Rae's Blanket

Andrea's blanket didn't get done by the baby shower, but in plenty of time for her birthday.  It was made of Debbie Bliss cashmere and is incredibly soft.  I'm very happy with it.