Baby projects February 1, 2007

I’ve only got about a month to go before this little nippers born, so I’m packing in the baby projects before it arrives, partly to keep me busy and to stop me dwelling on the labour.

Here’s a few things I’ve got on the go, or plan to do in the next month.

I’m trying to keep up the crochet practice, although I have just realised I’d been learning american crochet (Stitch n Bitch Crochet – the happy hooker), so I went to the local library and borrowed a couple of books with English crochet (First Crochet, and Cute Crochet for Tiny Tots).  Not much difference, but the stitches have different names, I had a go at these ‘Baby Brogues’ from the First Crochet book, they’re so cute, one is bigger than the other but nevermind!!

I’ve also started knitting a little cardigan, it’s a pattern from this months Simply Knitting Magazine, the pattern is by Kokobino, I’ve modified it slightly, I haven’t tried stripy knitting yet, and I had a spare ball of self striping 4ply sock wool.  If it goes well, I think I’ll buy some nicer wool, and have a go at the striped version.

I’ve been buying some nappies in preparation too, I used reusables with L (prefolds), but not at nightime as they leaked, so I bought some lovely bamboo terry shaped nappies from Babeco, the terry is so silky and lush.  I noticed they sell the fabric so I’ve been having a go at making some baby towels (I’ve finally got to grips with the overlocker), what a breeze, I found the bias binding a bit tricky (if anyone’s got any tips, they’d be welcome), but I’m so pleased with it.  I’ve just got to wash it before I have a go at another one, and I’ve got enough terry to make a load of washable wipes!!.  Here’s the unwashed, overlocked version, with Sleepytoes baby modelling (she’s not very photogenic).  I’ll post a pick of the washed, finished one later.

I’d really like to have a go at Heather’s Bitty Booties, it looks like an easy pattern to follow, I’ve got loads of bits of fleece lying around, a prototype might be in order.

As I make baby slings for a living, I’t would be nice to make some custom made ones for this little one, but I can see I’ll end up grabbing one or two from stock.  I’d love to make a fancy ring sling, I’ve got some lush pistachio green stretchy cotton, that would be stunning with a bit of embroidery or something added to the tail.  Maybe that caould be a project to save if I become overdue!!

Happy New Year December 31, 2006

Now that chritmas is over, I can post what I’ve been upto in the last month or so. Sleepytoes is usually quiet this time of year, so I had lots of time to make christmas prezzies.

Here’s a few, still need to photograph a couple of things I made for my daughter.

I made this kit for my mum, including the shrinky dink pins, she was really pleased with it. I made a larger version of the origami bag below to put it all in.

Doll, inspired by russian dolls made for a friends daughter (I hope she liked it). I also made the origami bag for it to go in, (I can’t find the tutorial for it at the moment but when I do I’ll add it, it’s so easy)

Made for my friends son, he’s mad on cars and also likes soft toys.  I found the pattern in an Aranzi Aronzo book, and made him little drawstring bag to keep his cars in.

Ribbed hat and scarf knitted for my dad, fits just right too.  Also made a hat for my daughter, pink with a bear embroidered on though!!!

I’ve got a few more things to post, but they’ll have to wait for another day, it’s taken me 3 attempts to get this far, just getting the hang of using flickr to post pics!!!

 See you in 2007

Works in Progress November 30, 2006

This is the stuff I’ve got on the go at the moment.

I bought a sock kit from Web Of Wool, I’ve never tried sock before so it’s a bit of a challenge using 4 needles, but I love them and want to make more, I’ve finished one and half way through the other.

And I’ve become an Art Collaborator, hhhmmm, Stephanie at the Anti-Factory who makes fantastic clothes out of vintage fabrics, and is also an accomplished artist, has an ongoing project called The Counterfeit Crochet Project
The idea is for crafters around the world to knock off a designer hand bag in crochet, she’s really interested in peoples interpretations of the design elements. After a crash course in crochet from my mum, I took up the challenge (well I get an anti-factory top for all my hard work!). Here it is half done

And this is the original Louis Viutton version

Can you see the resemblance!!!
And I came across somethig called Redwork, it’s a style of embroidery using just red thread, I’ve had a go and it’s really quick and easy, not sure what I’m going to do with it yet though

Finished Objects November 30, 2006

I’ve only got into knitting recently, did a bit while pregnant with L, I bought the first Stitch n’ Bitch book and that inspired me to start again.

Here’s a couple of things I’ve actually finished this year,

The Rene bag from Rowan’s ‘Big Just Got Bigger’, you can see the original at the bottom of the page. This is my version

I also tackled a babe from the Knitted Babes book by Clare Garland, I’d still like to make a few more clothes and accessories for her, Lily loves it, must be the pink hair!!!