Clothing

I love it when I get to craft for Bug. It seems like there are so many different things you can make for girls... headbands and barrettes, skirts and bracelets. Coming up with ideas for boys that actually excites them is a bit more challenging. I mentioned before I bought the awesome book Fairy Tale Knits. I made the Magic Carpet afghan for Meghan's baby shower. Beautiful. I then had Aidan go through the book and see if there was anything he'd like me to knit for him. He loved 4 of the sweaters for boys, with this Robin Hood Sweater being his favorite. He was so excited when I gave it to him on Thursday. It was 85 degrees outside. He put it on and refused to take it off! I used the the Cascade 220 yarns suggested in the book. Definitely the way to go! It's wooly wonderfulness is obvious. I've already started on the next sweater... a gray wool that resembles chain mail. He's requested I add a hood that looks like a helmet. I will have to give this some thought! And don't you think Robin Hood needs a quiver? 

 

I don't make everything I own. I buy stuff at stores... really I do. But you have to remember I began crafting early. I knitted my first cable knit cardigan sweater, including button holes, at the age of 8, thanks to Grandma Pearl and her faith and patience with me. Because of this background, and an overly zealous attitude of "I could do that", I have a tendency to approach all purchases by first asking... "Can I make that?" Seldom do I follow it up with the logical and possibly more appropriate question of "Should I make it?" 

But  I learned very early on, that not everyone shares my "Can do" attitude. Case in point... when I was in high school I went shopping with my mom for a formal dress she needed for a holiday party. Although my mom could sew, and did quite well making curtains, quilts and some clothing for me, I must admit she was a more gifted shopper than crafter... an equally impressive ability I might add... one that I'm lacking to this day! Anyway... on this particular outing, she found the perfect dress. It was a long sleeved, black bodice dress, embellished with wide ribbon. The attached skirt was a long, creamy satin, gathered at the waist, and cinched with a wide belt. She looked lovely in it.

However, I took a look at the price tag, and the simple lines of the dress, did a quick bit of mental math and said, "Oh, Mom. You could make that for a third of the price."

I don't know why she agreed with me that day. Perhaps she felt like I had thrown down a gauntlet, and that she had to protect her integrity by proving she was capable of replicating the gown. Or maybe she had spotted some expensive shoes that would be affordable if she saved money on the dress. Whatever the reason was, we left the clothing store and headed to the fabric shop. Sure enough, we found a pattern for a dress almost identical to one she had tried on. Within a half an hour, we had loaded our cart with fabric and ribbon that would create a knock off for the other dress, and I was right, it cost about a third of the finished gown.

When I went off to school the next day, Mom was already at the dining room table laying out the pattern. It appeared to be a straight forward pattern, and I was sure as I was walking home from the bus stop, that my Mom would be done with the dress, and she'd justly thank me for encouraging her to make her own dress. That's not exactly what I found. As I was walking up the driveway, I saw something fly out of a second story window. On closer inspection, I discovered her partially completed dress lying on a snowbank.

I won't share the ensuing "conversation"... let's just say it didn't include very many words of gratitude! After liberal usage of a seam ripper, we worked together to finish the dress. It did look every bit as lovely as the dress in the store, and it did cost substantially less, but my mother felt no joy when slipping into it for her party. Because, sewn on the dress, as surely as the ribbon, was frustration and tension. I can't say I remember my mom ever wearing that dress again. Perhaps she did. But I can tell you this, I NEVER again suggested she make something that she could buy!

But that hasn't stopped me. The other day I was at Target with Michelle and the wee ones. I was replenishing my stock of cloth covered ponytail holders. I'm convinced our whimsy of gnomes absconds with them, because they seem to disappear almost as quickly as I buy them. Anyway... while picking up several packs, I noticed these adorable headbands. Simple headbands, made with ribbon and elastic. I gathered up 3 or 4 of them, and was ready to toss them in my cart, when I looked at the price... $7.00 a piece!

"You have got to be kidding," I said. "I can make these for a fraction of the cost."

So, I put them back, made a mental note to add ribbon headbands to my "to do" list and continued on. I thought about them again today. I went upstairs and hit my ribbon stash. I then grabbed some 1/4" elastic, and in less time than it took you to read this blog, I had made 4 ribbon headbands. I jumped in the car and made it over to Michelle's (a 5 minute drive) right before the kids were going to bed. After the chaos died down, I was able to try the headbands on the girls. I realized that I needed to make them slightly larger for Fairy, but they fit Pixie perfectly. She picked out the Hello Kitty Headband to model for me. Totally adorable, right?

These truly are one of the fastest and easiest crafts you will ever make, and they literally cost pennies if you buy your ribbon in the dollar bin like I do. These would make great stocking stuffers or party favors. Put together 6 different ones for your child to give as a birthday gift. Or, if you are involved in any type of craft fair this holiday season, these will make wonderful, affordable items, that will surely be snatched up quickly!

Materials:
ribbon - (I used 3/4" ribbon)
elastic - (I used 1/4" elastic)

Note: You can use any width ribbon. If you use a wider ribbon, you will probably want to use a wider elastic.

Determining sizes for cutting:
Measure the size of the head where the headband will lie.

Cut the ribbon 4" smaller than the head measurement. 
Cut the elastic 4".

Lay one end of the elastic on the right side of the ribbon even with an end.

Fold one corner of the ribbon over the elastic on a slight angle.

Fold the other side of the ribbon over the elastic on a slight angle. Pin in place.

Sew in place 1/4" from end. Sew other side in the same manner.


Turn the seams right side out and wah-lah... 5 minutes, right?

This is a project we tried last summer and was originally post on July 3, 2009 at Nature's Way Learning. It was a good first attempt and is definitely something I want to re-visit again this summer. This time I will be limiting our colors to only primary colors so they blend nicer (our orange and blue last year turned brown and purple with the kids over zealous dipping). I will also be purchasing some squirt bottles to give us more control over the dyes. I will post again when we make our second attempt.

This is a project I have wanted to do with the kids for awhile now... a great summer project. My nephew's birthday was last week and we will be seeing his family for the first time in a long time at a wedding next week. The kids have already picked out a gift for their cousin but I wanted to give him something homemade too... something the kids could make for him. Sooo... Bug and I decide that the t-shirts would be cool.

This was our first attempt but the kids have already been asking to do it again. I'm sure we will get better at it... of course the big mistake was on my part. I had too many colors to pick from for the first try. The kids wanted to use all the colors and like an Easter egg that has been dipped in every color (if you have ever dyed Easter eggs with a two year old I'm sure you know what I'm talking about) the shirts started to take on that mucky brown/purple color.

We started with washed but damp 100% cotton shirts, Dylon brand permanent dyes, salt, rubber bands and containers. The Dylon brand dyes are reactive with salt and warm tap water (safer for the kids with no boiling water... of course don't eat it or get it in your eyes). You will probably want gloves... but I didn't have any. I think I need a manicure before the wedding ;). The kids were dressed in their swim suits and old t-shirts.

Then off course comes the tying part. Bug was able to do this part on his own but the girls needed help. They would pinch off the fabric they wanted tyed and I put the rubber band on for them.

After the shirts were tied I prepared the dyes. I followed the directions on the packet, which included I believe (I didn't save a packet to look at) 4 TB of salt, 4 cups warm water and the dye. A quick dip was enough to get light colors. Had we only used one color... thorough soaking would have led to much brighter colors. The dye colors mix like they should... red and blue will make purple.

Then we rinsed the shirts until the water ran clear (I actually did this part... the kids held the hose for me).

It was very exciting when we took the rubber bands off. Of course the kids didn't totally understand what was supposed to happen and they eagerly awaited each shirts unveiling. I rinsed them again and then hung them to dry in the shade.

Excerpt from The Never Ending Story by Michael Ende:

Everyone in Fantastica knew what the medallion meant. It was the badge of one acting on orders from the Childlike Empress, acting in her name as though she herself were present. It was said to give the bearer mysterious powers, though no one knew exactly what these powers were. Everyone knew its name: AURYN

When Atreyu, the little boy hero, accepts the Great Quest bestowed upon him by the Childlike Empresses, a quest to save Fantastica from the Nothing, the medallion is placed around his neck.

"AURYN!" Atreyu repeated with awe. "I will be worthy of the Glory."

A couple of days ago I watched The Never Ending Story with Bug, Fairy and Pixie. They were enthralled. I promised them that the next time they were over I would begin reading them the book. Bug said, "I need a thing to put around my neck like Atreyu.

Well, of course he does! I did an Internet search to see if there were any metal ones out-and-about to purchase. There were, but all of them were pricey. So, I set about making one for him out of felt. When I gave it to him today, I know he couldn't have been more pleased if it were made out of gold. He immediately changed into what he considered appropriate attire (his Pirate Shirt Michelle made for him, although I'm thinking of actually making him an Atreyu costume), and he was more than willing to participate in a photo shoot!  Although I did make this as a medallion, if enlarged slightly, it could be used as one of our 6" applique blocks. Hope you have a little boy hero to give AURYN to! Enjoy!

Materials:
wool felt
embroidery floss
lid of wide mouth Mason jar
1mm satin cording
pattern

Make a copy of the pattern and cut out the necessary pieces. (Directions for cutting out felt can be found HERE.)

Using the pattern as a guide, place pieces on top of pattern, weaving them together following the pattern. Note: It is easier if you make 2 copies of the pattern; one to lay the pieces on and one to refer to for weaving the pieces correctly. Pin the felt together so it will not shift when you move it.

Position the snakes in the center of one of the felt circles. Pin in place. Stitch the snakes to the felt circle following the stitching lines on the pattern. Embroider eyes. (BTW... the pattern calls for a "stain stitch"... this should read "satin stitch"). Note: When cutting out the 2 large sections of the snake, you cut through the snake's body. This is necessary so you can intertwine the snakes. When sewing the snakes to the felt DO NOT sew along this edge because it is suppose to look like one continuous piece of snake. Instead, from the back side, tack this edge to the felt, making sure you do not go all the way through the snake. You do not want to see the stitching from the front but you want to make sure it lays down flat. Instead of tacking it from behind, you can put a little tab of fabric glue under this edge to hold it in place.


Lay the embroidered felt circle on top of the other. Pin in place and blanket stitch half way around the 2 circles.

Slide the wide mouth Mason jar lid between the 2 circles. This will give it body. If you do not have a wide mouth Mason jar lid, cut a circle from a rigid piece of plastic (mayo or peanut butter jar lid will work). The circle needs to be smaller than the felt circles since you need to blanket stitch around the outer edge. Finish blanket stitching around the rest of the circles.

Cut out a piece of felt 1" x 2" the same color as the felt circles.

Fold the piece of felt in thirds creating a 2" long, skinny loop. Sew a running stitch down the middle to hold the folds together.

From the front, mark the top of the medallion with a pin so you can see it from the back side.

Fold your loop in half and pin it to the back of the medallion so the top of the loop is 1/2" from the top.

Sew the loop to the medallion across the loose bottom edges and a few tacking stitches on either side near the bottom of the loop.

Cut a length of cord the desire you want. Make sure it will be able to slide over your child's head. String the cord through the loop and tie off the edges.


You are now ready to send your little boy hero on his own Quests!
 

When we made plans to take a trip to visit my son and his wife, I wanted a project that I could work on in the car, and one that wouldn't be too complicated. I designed this pattern to be attractive but also easy enough that I could knit in the car, while talking to others or watching movies. No complex cables, just a very easy to follow, very repeatable pattern. I think I accomplished both goals. I love the way they turned out... I've been wearing them about town already :) and these patterns are suitable for beginners/advanced beginners.

The directions for the scarf can be found HERE or with our FREE Patterns.

The directions for the mitterns can be found HERE or with our FREE Patterns. Enjoy!

Believe it or not, there is still time to knit a scarf for a Christmas gift... or, be self indulgent like me  ;) and knit one for yourself to help keep you toasty warm over the winter months. This scarf is an easy pattern to knit, suitable for beginners that know how to knit and purl. It is a basic checkerboard pattern, with blocks made up of 4 stitches and rows. It matches our Checkerboard Mitten (coming soon) pattern. It would look lovely made up in soft wools. I, unfortunately, am allergic to wool, so I made mine out of an acrylic. This scarf is best knit with solid yard. Patterned and self striping yarn would camouflage the pattern. Whether you make the scarf and mittens or just the scarf, it's sure to keep you warm!

Checkerboard Scarf
(Finished length: approximately 74”)

2 skeins (5oz – 140g – 256yd – 234m) worsted weight (4) yard
(I used Red Heart – Soft Yarn – Color 9770 – Rose Blush)
#8 knitting needles
Tapestry needle

Size:
Finished scarf is 74 inches long and 7 ½” inches wide. Gauge is not critical. (NOTE: Make the scarf as long or as short as you want. 60” is often considered a good scarf length but I wanted the scarf to wrap around my neck and still offer chest warmth so I made mine longer than many.)

Instructions:
Cast on 38 stitches.

Rib (38 stitches)
Row 1: (K2, P2) repeat across row ending with K2.
Row 2: (P2, K2) repeat across row ending with P2.
Rows 3, 5, 7, and 9: repeat Row 1.
Rows 4, 6, and 8: repeat Row 2.
Row 10: repeat Row 2 adding 2 stitches evenly spaced across row. (40 stitches)

Scarf Body (40 stitches)
Rows 1 – 4: (K4, P4) 5 times across row.
Rows 5 – 8: (P4, K4) 5 times across row.
Repeat these 8 rows until scarf measures 72” or 2” less than desired length. (NOTE: End with a row 4 or Row 8, decreasing 2 stitches evenly spaced across row. (38 stitches)

Rib (38 stitches)
Row 1: (K2, P2) repeat across row ending with K2.
Row 2: (P2, K2) repeat across row ending with P2
Rows 3, 5, 7, and 9: repeat Row 1
Rows 4, 6, 8, and 10: repeat Row 2
Bind off.

These mittens are easy to knit, suitable for advanced beginners. It is a basic checkerboard pattern, with blocks made up of 4 stitches and rows. It matches our Checkerboard Scarf pattern. They would look lovely made up in soft wools. I, unfortunately, am allergic to wool, so I made mine out of an acrylic. These mittens are best knit with solid yard. Patterned and self striping yarn would camouflage the pattern. Whether you make the scarf and mittens or just the mittens, they are sure to keep you warm!

Supplies:
1 skein (5oz – 140g – 256yd – 234m) worsted weight (4) yard
(I used Red Heart – Soft Yarn – Color 9770 – Rose Blush)
#8 knitting needles
#6 knitting needles
Tapestry needle
1 stitch holder
2 stitch markers

Size:
Women’s Average/Large. (To customize, increase or decrease hand and thumb length as needed.)

NOTE: When I refer to a “stripe” I am talking about 4 rows of the pattern below that create a box; it does not refer to the entire 8 rows of pattern, which create 2 “stripes”.

INSTRUCTIONS - Make 2 mittens. Right and left hand are the same.
Ribbing: (36 stitches)
Cast on 36 stitches using #6 needles.
Row 1: (right side) (K2, P2) repeat across row.
Repeat Row 1 until cuff measures 4 ½”. End at the end of a right side row.
On wrong side: K2, Increase 1 in the next stitch. Continue pattern to last 3 stitches from the end of the row. Increase 1 in the next stitch. P2. (38 stitches)

Hand: (38 stitches)
Change to #8 needles.
Knit in the following pattern:
Row 1: (right side) P1, *K4, P4; repeat from* 4 times; K4, P1.
Row 2: K1, *P4, K4; repeat from * 4 times; P4, K1.
Row 3: repeat Row 1.
Row 4: repeat Row 2.
Row 5: K1, *P4, K4; repeat from * 4 times; P4, K1.
Row 6: P1, *K4, P4; repeat from * 4 times; K4, P1.
Row 7: repeat Row 5.
Row 8: repeat Row 6.
Continue working pattern until piece measures 2” from the end of ribbing. (For my mittens I completed 12 rows, completing 3 “stripes”.

Thumb Gusset:
NOTE: The thumb, or stitches between the markers, is worked in the stockinette stitch. (Knit 1 row, purl 1 row.)
Row 1: Work 18 stitches in pattern; place marker on needle; increase 1 stitch on the next 2 K stitches; place marker on needle. Work remaining 18 stitches in pattern. (40 stitches)
Row 2: Work pattern for 18 stitches; purl the stitches between the markers; work 18 stitches in pattern.
Row 3: Work pattern for 18 stitches; slide marker; increase in next stitch; K to stitch before next marker, increase in next stitch; slide marker; work remaining 18 stitches in pattern. (42 stitches)
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 until there are 14 stitches between the markers; end by working Row 2. (52 stitches)

Placing Thumb on Stitch Holder and Working Hand:
Work 18 stitches in pattern; remove marker; knit 14 stitches for thumb; place thumb stitches on holder; work remaining 18 stitches in pattern. (36 stitches)
Work remaining stitches in pattern (see note) until piece measures 7 ½” from start of hand; end by working a wrong side row. (For me that was 13 “stripes”)NOTE: The blocks in the mitten pattern were created by working 4 stitches by 4 rows. Now, stitches 18 and 19 will create a “half” block. (2 stitches by 4 rows) These will become the mitten fold when they are sewn together.

Top Shaping: (36 stitches)
NOTE: The top of the mitten is worked in the stockinette stitch.
Row 1: *K2, K2 together; repeat from * across row. (27 stitches)
Row 2: Purl.
Row 3: *K1, K2 together; repeat from * across row. (18 stitches)
Row 4: Purl.
Row 5: *K2 together; repeat from * across row. (9 stitches)
Cut yarn leaving a 20” tail. Thread into a tapestry needle and slide through remaining stitches, removing them from the needle. Pull yarn tightly and fasten securely. Leave yarn for sewing mitten together later.

Thumb: (14 stitches)
Slide stitches from holder to the needle. Attach yarn and purl row.
Work even in stockinette stitch until thumb measures 2 ¼”. NOTE: Measure from the “V” created where the thumb is attached to the hand on the inside.
Next row: *K2 together; repeat from * across row.
Cut yarn leaving a 12” tail. Thread into a tapestry needle and slide through remaining stitches, removing them from the needle. Pull yarn tightly and fasten securely. Leave yarn for sewing thumb together.

Finishing:
Sew thumb together.
Fold mitten and sew seam.
Turn up cuff. (Or for extra warmth… leave cuff unrolled if playing in the snow :)

Well, I got my pattern fixed for the Mushroom Business Card Holder. So, if you'd like to make your very own, TOTALLY cool, business card holder, the directions are good to go. Unfortunately, I spent the afternoon fixing the pattern and didn't get a chance to remake mine. But as soon as I finish this blog, I'm off to work on mine. Actually, Michelle put in a request for a red and white mushroom one, so I'll probably do that one first! The pattern for the Mushroom Business Card Holder can be found HERE or with the FREE Patterns. Enjoy! 

My children were little kiddos during the 80s. Michelle wore a jean jacket covered in pins, slouchy socks, and side ponytails. I also made her about a million sets of braided barrettes... colors to match every outfit! Funny, I made so many of these puppies I seriously think I could have braided them in my sleep. But today, when motivated to make a pair to go along with the new party dress I'm making for Fairy's up-and-coming birthday on Friday, I felt like I had 6 thumbs! (It wasn't soooo awkward that I felt like I was all thumbs!) Anyway, I had to play with it a while until I got the hang of it again. Trust me when I tell you that the second one practically made itself. It all came back... rather like riding a bike!

Perhaps braided barrettes are nostalgic for you or maybe you've never seen them before. One way or another, they are darn cute and worth making for yourself or some wee one in your life. They make super great birthday gifts and, of course, incredible stocking stuffers. The directions for our Braided Barrettes can be found HERE or in our FREE Patterns. Enjoy!

Nothing says "80"s or "cute" like braided barrettes. After you get a feel for making them, you'll have a set to match every outfit like... well, like in the 80s! Don't get frustrated if you feel like you're all thumbs when you first start. It may take a couple, but before long you'll be a pro, and turning them out in your sleep!

Materials:
1 yard 1/8" ribbon - color A (can be satin or grosgrain... but should be reversible)
1 yard 1/8" ribbon - color B
1 double bar barrette (2 - 2 1/2")
optional: buttons and beads for decorating

Directions:
1] Cut 1 piece each of colors A and B 36" long.

2] Lay color A over color B and slip through the bent, unopened end of the barrette. The ribbons should be centered. (NOTE: Treat the 2 different colored ribbons as if they were one. You should always be weaving 2 ribbons at a time. In all future directions when the word "ribbon" is used, it will refer to the 2 ribbons stacked on one another.) Always have the top of the barrette with the double bars showing facing up.

3] Beginning on the right side, weave the ribbon  over the first bar and under the second. Both ribbons will be on the left side. Be careful not to twist the ribbons.

4] Take the other ribbon and weave it over the first bar and under the second. You will now have ribbons on either side of the barrette. You will notice that the same color should be on top of both of these braids.

5] Continue in these manner alternately weaving the ribbons. You should see a stripe pattern emerge. Make sure to keep the ribbons pulled taut as you work and keep pushing the braids up to solidly fill in the barrette.

6] When the barrette is filled in enough, the braids cannot slide on the barrette. Finish braiding with all pieces of ribbon on one side.

7] You can leave the tails as is, tie knots in the ends, add buttons or beads, and leave all the same length or cut them to different lengths. If you prefer no ends, you can weave the ribbons through the backside, cutting them at different spots, and gluing the ends. Be creative!

8] If you want to make a pair, so you can wear them on either side of your head, make sure you stop your braiding on the opposite side. They should wind up being mirror images of one another.