I was determined to make my kids some super warm hats and mittens before the weather turned cold. I managed to do all the knitting over a couple of nights in September. I didn’t manage to sew on the button until after the first snow. Small victories.

The hat is from this pattern.  I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick. I chose that yarn because it is machine washable but still has the warmth and water repelling qualities of wool.

For the mittens, I didn’t want to go out and buy some larger double-pointed needles. So, I used what I had and made up my own pattern. These are knit flat and then seamed up the sides. It really isn’t my first choice but, I was too cheap. Below you’ll find the pattern for the mittens. They are easily adapted to accommodate larger sizes of hands if you’d like to make some for yourself!

Thick and Quick Mittens Pattern

1 skein Lion Brand Thick and Quick yarn (you’ll use approx. 1/2 the skein) or other bulky weight yarn

Size 11 needles

Stitch markers, stitch holder or spare yarn

Plastic needle for seaming

Size small (my daughter is 5) as written. Larger sizes (M, L) written in parentheses.

k= knit

p=purl

pm= place marker

m1= make 1 stitch

k2tog= knit 2 together

Cast on 21 (23, 23) stitches.

Starting with a knit stitch, work k1 p1 rib for 7 (9, 11) rows.

Work in stockinette stitch (k 1 row, p 1 row) for 5 (7, 9) rows.

Next row: Knit 10  (11, 11) stitches, pm, m1,  k1, m1, pm, knit to end (3 sts between markers)

Next row: purl all stitches

Next row: Knit to marker, m1, k3, m1, knit to end (5 sts between markers)

Next row: purl all stitches

Next row: Knit to marker, m1, k5, m1, knit to end (7 sts between markers)

Next row: purl

MEDIUM AND LARGE SIZES ONLY:

Next row: Knit to marker, m1, k7, m1, knit to end (9 sts between markers)

Next row: purl

Next row: Knit to marker, m1, k9, m1, knit to end (11 sts between markers)

Next row: purl

ALL SIZES:

Next row: Knit to marker, place sts between markers on a stitch holder or a spare piece of yarn, knit remaining stitches.

The stitches on the the holder are your thumb stitches. Just leave them be for now.

Next row: purl

Continue in stockinette stitch for 2 (4, 6) more rows.

Next row (right side): *K2tog, knit 6 (7, 7), k2tog* repeat to end

Next row: purl

Next row: Knit all stitches

Next row: purl

Next row: *k2tog, k 4 (5, 5) k2tog* repeat to end

Next 3 rows: stockinette stitch

Next row: *k2tog, k2 (3, 3) k2tog* repeat to end

Next row: purl

MEDIUM and LARGE SIZES:

Next two rows: stockinette stitch

ALL SIZES:

Next row: *k2 tog, (k 1, k 1) k2 tog* repeat to end

Cut yarn leaving a tail of approximately 12 inches. Place on seaming needle and thread the yarn through each of the remaining stitches on the knitting needle. Pull taught and leave until you’re ready to seam up the mitten.

THUMB:

Place all stitches from stitch holder onto knitting needles.

Knit in stockinette stitch for 7 (9, 11) rows.

Next row: k2tog across all sts

Cut yarn leaving a tail of approximately 10 inches. Place on seaming needle and thread the yarn through each of the remaining stitches on the knitting needle. Pull taught. Using the mattress stitch, seam the thumb to the edge of the mitten.

Using the tail from the main mitten, finish seaming the side of the mitten using the mattress stitch.  Hide all yarn ends.

Repeat for second mitten.

This project was made for the Elmer’s Can You Top This contest #CanYouTopThis. A couple of weeks ago I was prepared to go in a whole different direction and even had many of the elements completed (nativity puppet show). However, a few days ago I realized that this could solve a major problem in my household.

I have two school-aged children (one with autism) and when they sit at the kitchen table to do their work, they are easily distracted–by each other. I decided to come up with this system to give them their own space at the kitchen table that can allow them to focus on their own work.

SUPPLIES:

Elmer’s Tri-Fold Board

Chalkboard paint

Tempera paint

Elmer’s Multi-Purpose Spray adhesive

scrap cardboard

Clothespins

Velcro

Small boxes (I use these)

Paintbrushes

Box cutter

Bone folder

Step 1: Cut your tri-fold board in half. You’ll be using the 35.5″ side so measure in 17.75″ and cut with your box cutter. This is probably the most difficult step in the whole process–which should assure you that this project is easy peasy.

Step 2: Measure in 2.5″ from the fold. Score (using a bone folder) the board parallel to the existing fold. Repeat this step for the other fold. The following picture shows you what you are trying to achieve. You want some space when you fold up the board.

Step 3: Mark off a space in the middle of the board for the chalkboard paint. I used a box I had lying around that measured around 10″ X 12″.

Step 4: Apply chalkboard paint. Use instructions on bottle. Mine said to paint one coat in one direction and the second coat the opposite. It also needed to cure for 24 hours. You can complete the rest of the steps while that is happening.

Step 5: Paint the front of the board. I used tempera paint (pink on the sides and black surrounding the chalkboard paint) but you can really decorate the front however you want (decoupage, anyone?). You can also see the second homework station I have in the background. This is a 2 for 1 project!

Step 6: These directions will be intentionally vague. You can put whatever you want on your homework station. Customize it for your child and their age. I’m showing you how to make a box using spare cardboard. This one is for an eraser. Wrap your cardboard around to make sure it fits. Fold up a small piece at the bottom.

Cut slits in the bottom so you can fold it around to form your open-topped box. Using the Elmer’s Spray Adhesive (or other strong adhesive), glue the box together.

Once the glue is dry, paint the box. When it is completely dry, attach it to your board using the Elmer’s Spray Adhesive.

Step 7: This step involves the rest of the little things you can attach to your station. I used velcro strips to attach boxes of chalk.

I always have a few of these boxes on hand. I save them because they are great sizes and fun colors. I attached these to the board using Elmer’s Spray Adhesive.

I also attached 4 white clothespins across the top of the board (2 on each side) using the spray adhesive.

My daughter loves her finished board! She is going to decorate it more in the coming days. Really, the sky’s the limit! For my son’s board I will probably add a magnetic strip along one side to hold some magnets, scissors, etc… and a pouch for papers (instead of the clothespins).

This was a fun project to make and I’m glad I had the contest to motivate me to get it done!

Speaking of contests… November challenge entries are due tonight! There will not be a challenge in December so you have a few more weeks to purchase your packet for January! Happy crafting!

I had to get some cysts removed from my head over the past couple of weeks and my hair has seen some better days. I’ve had to get some chunks of hair cut out and this latest round has my head looking not so hot. Don’t you think it’s time to bring kerchiefs back?

I whipped up this little guy yesterday morning. Here’s how you can make one for yourself.

SUPPLIES:

Fabric 14″ X 14″

Bias tape approximately 28″

Sewing machine

Thread

1. Cut fabric to 14″ X 14″ square. I have a big head, so this was a good size for me. 12″ X 12″ would probably be good, too.

2. Hem each side of the square. It doesn’t really matter what size hem you do, as long as you are consistent all the way around.

3. Fold the square into a triangle and sew along the open edges.

4. Find the middle of the long side of the triangle. Fold your bias tape in half to find the middle, as well. That way you have an equal amount of bias tape for the ties on each edge.

5. Open up the bias tape and pin it along the edge. Sew  just along the side of the fold. Stop at the end of the fabric.

6. Fold over the bias tape to the other side of the fabric and stitch close to the edge to catch both sides. Sew along the length of the bias tape past the fabric to form your ties.

Trim your bias tape to the length you want for your ties. Enjoy your kerchief!

I know you probably can’t contain your oohs and aahs.  What cute babies, huh?  These are some of my happy customers from a recent event our local etsy team put together called “Craft. Shop. Local.”

My knit hats were a big hit that day and this pattern in particular is really fun to make.  It is quick and it has a special feature.  You can hang them on a hook!

I used to get so frustrated when I would hang up the baby coat on a hanger and the hat would keep falling off.  No more!  This hat has a fun loop at the top so you don’t have to worry about them ending up on the floor any longer.

YARN and SUPPLIES

approximately 60 yards of bulky weight yarn.  The yarn I used (Yarn Bee Mosaic Twist) has been discontinued.

stitch marker

Size 11 (8mm) circular needle (12″) and/or double pointed needles

tapestry needle

GAUGE

2.25 stitches per inch

PATTERN

Cast on 36 stitches (sts), place marker, and join to knit in the round.

Knit (k) around until the hat measures 5 inches from cast on edge.  The bottom will roll out.  Just hold it down lightly as you measure.  TIP: If you have normal”ish” sized hands, you can use your hand as a measurement.  I knit until the hat will fit between my extended thumb and the top of my fingers.

Begin decreases at the marker.  *k 4 sts, k 2 together (k2tog)* repeat from * to * to the marker.

Next row k all sts.

Next row *k 3 sts, k2tog* repeat from *to* to the marker.

{it is possible  you’ll need to switch to your double pointed needles at this time if you’re knitting is too tight on the circular}

Next row *k 2 sts, k2tog* repeat from *to* to the marker.

Next row *k 1 st, k2tog* repeat from *to* to the marker.

Next row  *k2tog* repeat from *to* to the marker.

Repeat previous row.

Transfer all stitches to one double pointed needle.

Begin i-cord.  Knit across all stitches.  DO NOT TURN.  Slide the stitches to the other end of the needle.  Repeat from *to* until your i-cord measures approximately 5 inches.

Cut yarn leaving a 6 inch tail.  Slide yarn through all stitches and pull tight.  Use your tapestry needle to sew the end of the i-cord to the top of the hat.  Weave in all loose yarn.

Find a sweet baby to wear your newest creation!

If you have any questions regarding this pattern, please email me using the contact button on this site.

I’m using up all the leftover fabric from the dresses to make drawstring pouches for all the girl cousins.   This is just a simple bag pattern but I use a buttonhole for the drawstring opening.   This is totally customizable.  In fact, I haven’t measured for a single one.  I’ve just been cutting out what I can from the scraps.  This would actually be a great project to use up some fat quarters and it takes all of about 15 minutes to make.

Here are the step by step instructions.

Supplies:  two coordinating fabrics (approximately two fat quarters)

Ribbon or cord for the drawstring

Cut out four pieces of fabric.  The ones shown here are approximately 6″ x 9″ each.  You’ll want two of each type of fabric.  Two of the pieces will be for the outside and the other will be for the lining.

Place right sides together of matching fabrics.  Sew along three sides of the outside fabric (leaving the side you want to be the top unsewn).  Do the same for the lining but leave an opening about 2 inches wide on the bottom.   On this picture you can see I left he opening and then I used the pinking shears to trim around the seams.  This is optional.  You could also just press the seams open (or not–it is just a little easier to sew it together later if you do a little ironing).

Using the buttonhole feature on your sewing machine, place a buttonhole approximate 1 1/4″ from the top of the outer fabric.

Now you will place your outer piece inside the lining.  Make sure the right sides of the fabric are together.   See image below.

Sew around the top of the bag.  I use a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Once the bag is sewn all the way around, you will want to pull the bag through the hole you left in the bottom of the lining.

Fold the lining inside the bag and press along the top.  You are now ready to top stitch and make the casing for the ribbon.

As you can see in this picture, I stitched 1/4″ above and below the buttonhole.   You will stitch all the way around the bag.

Now all that is left is the drawstring.  Cut a length of ribbon.  Make sure it is long enough to tie.

Use a safety pin to help guide the ribbon through the casing.  Once it is all the way around and through the other side, trim your ribbon to the size you like and tie a knot at the end.

Your little girl will love to put all of her treasures in this simple pouch!

This pattern was made up out of necessity.  I really wanted to use that green chicken/egg fabric for a skirt but I only had one yard.  It is a directional print so that made it even  more limiting.  I came up with a plan for a panel skirt.  In the end, I found this to be a great way to combine fun fabrics and by choosing a solid dark color for the side panels it made the skirt slimming!

To make this skirt fit your size and fabric requirements, you’ll need to do a little math.  As such, fabric requirements will vary.  I made mine using a total of 1 3/8 yards.

Measure your waist.  Take that number + 1.

Divide that number by the number of panels you would like in your skirt.  The brown panels in the photo above are 1/2 panels and count as 1.

If you have a 35″ waist and want 6 panels, you will divide 36 by 6.  This is your waist number.

The next number you’ll need is your flare.  Take your waist number and multiply it by 2.  Our flare number would be 12.

Now you need to decide how long you want your skirt.  I cut mine out to be 22 inches long but this is personal preference.  I’d rather cut it too long than too short!

You now have your panel measurements.  They will be 6 inches at the top, 12 inches at the bottom, and 22 inches long.

In this picture you can see the general shape of the panel.

To cut your panel pieces to these measurements, you’ll want to cut your strips using the flare number and the length.  In this case, you’ll make 6 strips measuring 12 X 22.

Fold the strips in half lengthwise.  Use your ruler to make a diagonal cut to the 3 inch mark (or HALF of your waist panel number).  When you unfold the panel, it will be 6 X 12 X 22 (or waist panel number X flare number X length).

Sew your panels, right sides together, along the long edge.  I used a 5/8″ seam.  Continue around all of your panels and join them when you reach the last panel.  I used pinking shears to trim all of my seams.

For the waistband, fold your skirt in half and measure around the waist.  Multiply that by 2 to get the measurement all the way around.  Cut a 5 inch wide strip to measure the same length as your waist (plus 1 inch).  For the example skirt the measurement would be 5″ X 36″.  You can also piece this together if you don’t have a 36″ length of fabric.

Sew the short ends of the waistband, right sides together.

Iron the fabric in half lengthwise.  Then open it up and fold and iron in 1/4″ along each length.

With the waistband folded in half, pin it to the top of the skirt with right sides together.  Stitch it to the skirt but leave a 1 1/2″ opening so you can thread your elastic.

Cut your elastic 2″ less than your waist measurement.  Using a safety pin, thread it through the casing.  Sew the two elastic ends together being careful not to twist it.

Now you can stitch up the opening.  I used 1/2″ elastic and wanted it to stay near the top of the waistband so I did a top stitch around the waistband making sure not to catch the elastic.

All that is left now is the hem!  I did a simple hem on this skirt and just folded up the bottom a couple of times and stitched around.  You could easily add another fabric around the bottom or a ruffle to make the skirt a little more unique.  It’s up to you!

I’d love to see your finished product.  Don’t forget to share your photos with the flickr group.

Here is my skirt (and shirt)  “in action” backstage after the Yanni Voices concert in Omaha.

This morning I was doing some finishing touches on my craft closet.  I have this baggie full of knitting odds and ends and I realized that my circular knitting needles are always a mess.  Apparently there was nothing as important to me in that moment than to make a circular knitting needle holder.  So, I did.

I’d seen some store bought holders, as well as some homemade, and had a good idea of how to make one.  However, I hadn’t seen any with pockets.  I wanted mine to have a few pockets on front to hold some crochet hooks, double pointed needles, and some other knitting odds and ends.

Once I had the vision in my mind, I went to my closet and picked out some fabric.  The white fabric with yarn balls was a given.  I also lucked out in the fabric stash giveaway to find a coordinating print with all of the matching colors.  The pom-pom fringe was an afterthought and a leftover from one of the craft challenges.

I made this up as I went along but I’m really pleased with the way it turned out.  If you try out the pattern, I’d love to see your pictures at my flickr group!

Circular Knitting Needle Holder Pattern

Supplies:  one 9″ X 21″ piece of fabric

two 5″ X 6″ pieces of coordinating fabric for the pockets

Clothes hanger

Pom pom trim (optional)

thread

sewing machine

1. Iron over each side of the pocket sized pieces of fabric approximately 1/3″.

2. Top stitch the top of the pockets.

3.  Secure to the bottom half of your long piece of fabric using pins.  Stitch into place along the sides and bottom.

4.  Iron over each raw edge of the long fabric approximately 1/3″.  Stitch around all edges as close to the edge as possible.

5.  Secure pom pom trim to the bottom edges of the long fabric.  Stitch across and do this for both of the bottom edges of the fabric.

6. Fold the long fabric through the plastic hanger.  Making sure it is folded over evenly, stitch as closely as possible to the hanger.

7.   Now you’ll want to mark out where you want your knitting needle channels to be.  Mine are approximately 1 1/2″ apart.  Mark them with pins.

8.  Stitch across the width.  Take care not to stitch over the pockets.  When you get to a pocket, raise your pressure foot, slide your work to the other side, and continue on. 

9.  Trim all the little bits of thread and it is ready to use!

10.  Divide your circular knitting needles by size and thread them through the channels.  Hang up the holder in your closet or on your wall!

This tutorial was made possible by Craft Sassy. I had a chance to try out Crafty Sassy for myself and make my own darn scrapbook paper. I thought I was going to be all fancy and take my own high resolution pictures but I was too lazy and found some online here. I used two different images and made two 12 X 12 single-sided pages and two 6 X 6 single-sided pages.

The process was easy and while a little spendy compared to your typical scrapbook paper, I can see how this service could really appeal to those with those extra special projects. You can use your kid’s artwork, family pictures, or design your own scrapbook page layout and have it professionally printed by Craft Sassy. Have you ever thought of designing your own line of scrapbook paper? They have information for wholesale opportunities as well.

The most difficult part of the whole process was deciding on my images. Once I did, I knew exactly what I was going to make with them. My sister-in-law sent me a magnet board earlier this month. Her sister, of mythreelittleladies, made it using a 12 X 12 piece of tin covered with scrapbook paper. I loved it and thought it would be the perfect way to showcase this special scrapbook paper.

The most difficult part of this project for me was to find the metal. I bought a 12 X 18 sheet of plated steel from a home improvement store. I brought it home to my handy husband to cut with his tin snips. He also broke out some tool to buff the edges. This is all optional, of course. I’m sure the home improvement store would help with the cutting if you ask the right person. My husband also drilled the holes in the metal. They are about 3/4″ from the top and 1 1/4″ from each side.

The only other things you’ll need for this project are: Mod Podge, a paintbrush, scrapbook paper to fit your cut metal, and matching ribbon.

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1. Apply a layer of Mod Podge glue to one side of the metal. Don’t be afraid to let your kids help you with this. At this point, it is really hard to mess this up.

2. Lay down your scrapbook paper. Use a bone folder to get out any creases or bubbles.

3. Use something to poke out the holes to match the ones on the metal. I just used the back of my paint brush.

4. Go get a drink of water or check your email. Give it a chance to dry a bit.

5. Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the top of the scrapbook paper. If you’ve never decoupaged before, that’s really all there is to it.

6. Wait for it to dry. Maybe you can pick out your ribbon while you wait. Or, eat some chips and salsa. Your choice.

7. Cut two identical lengths of ribbon. Length will vary depending on how you want to hang your magnet board. Just make sure to leave plenty at the ends to tie. You can always cut it shorter but it is impossible to cut it longer.

8. Tie a knot. Trim the edges of the ribbon.

9. Enjoy.

I’ll be posting a few of these in my etsy shop if anyone is interested.

Leg warmers for kids and babies make sense. Do you really enjoy struggling with pulling up tights or pants every time you have to change a diaper or help a little one go to the bathroom? Plus, who can resist all the cute patterns and colors you can choose from?

This is one of the quickest projects I’ve ever done. I went over to Kelly’s house so I could try out her serger. Kelly, of refibered, is an amazing seamstress that just happens to be doing some giveaways this week. Go over and take a look. She also has an Etsy Shop full of cute kid clothes, hats, etc…mostly made from reclaimed fabric. Thanks for all your help!

On to the tutorial.

Gather your supplies:

Knee high socks (I bought mine at Target in a pack of 3 for around $6)
scissors
sewing machine or serger

You’ll be making three cuts. The first one is right above the heel. Make sure to cut both socks.

The next two cuts take place on the foot. One right about the toe and the other right before the heel. You won’t need the toe or heel pieces. Save them to use in another project or toss them.

Next you’ll want to take the foot piece and fold it in on itself in half. The picture is a little blurry but I hope you can get the idea.

Place the knee high (right side out) inside the cuff you just made. You’ll want all three cut edges to line up.

Next you’ll sew it all together. I made one pair with a serger and the other pair with a sewing machine. It was just as easy to sew on either one. The serger makes them look a little more professionally finished.

It was my first time to use a serger and I messed up a little bit and didn’t catch all the layers. Oops! No big deal. I just put it back in there and stitched it up again making sure to get through all the layers.

The next set I made using the sewing machine. Make sure you choose a stitch that is stretchy. We used a 3 stitch zig zag and that worked just fine. When sewing knits, you’ll just want to make sure to hold the fabric in the front and the back while you’re sewing. It really wasn’t as difficult as I thought it would be.

We also thought that it would be even easier if you eliminated the cuff altogether and just cut above the heel and stitched a little hem at the bottom.

As soon as I came home and showed my daughter what I made, she wanted to put them on immediately–no matter that she was wearing pants.

Share your finished projects at my flickr group!

This tutorial is a two for one! We’ll be making a felt barrette holder and also the button barrettes that you can put inside.

Supplies:

felt cut to 5″ X 9″, and a couple of pieces cut in shapes for embellishment
buttons, an assortment
embroidery floss
needle (small enough to fit through buttonholes)
mini barrettes (with the pre cut holes for stitching)
sewing machine (optional–small enough project that this could easily be handstitched)

The first thing you’ll want to do is cut your felt. I buy my felt in sheets from Hobby Lobby for 5/$1 or less when there is a sale. You can easily make two of these in coordinating colors from 2 sheets of felt.

I chose a flower embellishment. You can really do whatever you want to embellish the front of your barrette holder. You can embroider a name or initial. You could also leave it blank. I cut out two sizes of flower to layer and a button to put on top.

I separated the 6 ply embroidery floss and just used 2 strands for this project. I cut an 18 inch length and it was enough to stitch the embellishment and 4 barrettes.

Secure the embroidery floss to the back of the pink flower and stitch through all three layers. Once it is somewhat secure, you can attach it to your 5″ X 9″ piece of felt.

Lay your felt out with the 5″ side facing you. You will want to place your embellishment between 2″ and 4″. I centered mine 3 inches up.

Next you will want to fold up the edges. I folded them up 2 inches on each side. This gives enough space if you’d rather accommodate a larger size barrette as well.

Stitch around all edges being careful not to catch your embellishment. This would also be really cute with contrasting thread and a decorative stitch. The barrette holder is finished! This took me about 10 minutes to make.

You’ll notice that this barrette has three little holes on the end. For this type of barrette, you’ll need those holes. There are a lot of other barrette tutorials out there that show you how to make fabric covered button barrettes and those with ribbons and flowers, etc… This type of barrette is best used for stitching.

I secured my embroidery floss to the barrette using the holes and stitching a knot. I then stitched through the button and the holes tightly with the floss. I went through the holes several times and then secured the floss on the back and trimmed it closely.

This is a great project to do with a group of girls. I can imagine girls age 5-10 would love this project. Grab a big pile of buttons, a stack of felt, and let them get crafty!

Share pictures of your finished project at my flickr group.