I have a hard time knitting or crocheting in the summer. I know, there are folks out there who can knit and crochet at the beach in 110 degree weather but I am not one of them. I have no desire to work with yarn until the weather cools off so I know when fall starts I'll be pulling out the yarn and start hooking...so to speak. So, for the folks out there who, like me, are getting ready to knit and crochet, I bring awesome patterns. Some of these patterns will be awesome for the new baby in your world, others perfect Christmas or Hanukkah gifts, and then, maybe something for yourself. Who knows where the needles and hooks may take you?
This Leisure Arts booklet is filled with bootie patterns...baby booties, that is. Sweet little Mary Janes, boots, elf shoes (!), even saddle shoes bootie style. The patterns use sport yarn and US number 7 knitting needles. Hey, you can change the yarn and needles and make ornaments....just saying.
There is always someone who needs slippers during the winter and here's some great patterns to keep those toes warm. There are patterns for moccasins, espadrilles, sandals, and even fur-around-the-ankle-keep-the-toes-warm slippers. Even slippers from granny squares for those granny square addicts. The patterns use worsted weight yarn and hook size E to I.
The holidays are upon us and even if a person doesn't celebrate everything it's still fun to get in the spirit and make something. I work every Christmas (or most of them) and like to bring gifts to the other folks who work, too. Kind of takes the sting out of being away from the family. I usually make things to give, foot scrubs one year (easy, fragrant, and very appreciated), quilted ornaments last year, hand-painted ornaments goofy snowmen ornaments another year (each one was painted on galvanized metal...had to file edges for burrs. The hardest part was finding different jokes for each one).
Anyway, here's a few ideas for last minute decorations that would are gift and OOOH Ahhh worthy.
Clothespin Stars These stars are lovely to look at and easy to make. Clothespin are fairly inexpensive, too. Great gift idea.
Gingerbread men Bunting (or ornaments)This is from Craftsy. Cute little gingerbread men to make as a bunting or make individual ones for gifts or ornaments. Use a cookie cutter for the pattern. Alternatively, a star-shaped cookie cutter could be used. Make the stars out of felt (no frayed edges) and individualize each one.
ON THE GO READING PILLOW TUTORIAL by Melissa Mortenson....This one is so cool. A great way to inspire kids to read. Click HERE for the tutorial.
OK, this is gorgeous. The tutorial is well written and easy to follow....easy enough for me. Great gift idea from the folks at Homemade Gifts Made Easy.
I made some of these (or something like them) a couple of years ago for friends we had over for Christmas. They were such a big hit that I have none to take pictures of. Glad these folks do. Anyway, I used pictures I drew (childlike, yes) and Modge Podged them on to ceramic tiles I bought at Home Depot. Can't draw? Use a map, music paper, or scrap book paper. Give some paper to the kids and ask for artwork. Grandma and Grandpa would love it. Check out the tutorial HERE.
Recently I stopped at an estate sale. Luckily there was a few patterns available. Among the patterns was this treasure, Vogue 8769. 12 days of Christmas ornaments....it's never too early to start getting ready for the holidays. This pattern is amazing.
Vogue 8769 Complete and UNCUT Excellent condition $15
Instead of buying several patterns to complete the 12 days of Christmas song all that's needed is this one pattern.
From a Partridge in a Pear Tree
Turtle Dove
French Hens
Colly Birds
Golden Rings
Geese a Laying
Swimming Swan
Dancing Lady
Piping Piper
Drummer drumming
Maids a Milking
to Leaping Lord, they're all here. What a gift they would make!
