My First Roll Knit Hat.

Here it is! I knitted 6-7 inches per the instructions, instead of 4.5 inches I did for the last one and also decreased the diameter from 80 stitches to 72, so it fits on my head better. My friend gave me the crochet flower (thanks Idit!) and I attached it to the hat and added a button. Now I am trying to decide if I want to sew something next or make another hat. Hmmm.

On a completely different topic, one of my favorite blogs to visit, allsorts, has a fun thing to try for kicks. In Google, type "Unfortunately , __________" and fill your name in the blank. Make sure you use the quotations. You will find some hilarious things - here were a few of mine:

“Unfortunately, Jill’s environment is one of fear and illusion.”

“Unfortunately Jill and I roleplay on Tuesday nights, so that doesn't work well for us.”

“Unfortunately, Jill has one glaring flaw. Jill is not a bimbo.”

First bag, first hat, split result.

I made this bag a few months ago, and it was the first bag with handles that I ever made. Now that I think about it, it is the only bag with handles I ever made. It too is from Amy Karol’s book (see previous post). The outside is corduroy and the lining on the inside is cotton with a butterfly print. I’ve started to post my photos on Flickr, where there is a Bend the Rules Sewing group with thousands of photos from people who made projects from the book. So anyway, just thought I’d post a project that turned out well versus...



Acorn Hat! The model: cute. The hat: a flop. (And her expression is perfect. We worked on it for hours.) But in my defense, it was my first try with circular needles and decreasing, and the only (major) mistake was not making the hat tall enough. It is the correct circumference for an adult, but is way too shallow, thereby resembling the top of an acorn. The funny thing is that although it was my first hat ever, for some reason I decided to veer away from the directions and do my own thing. Not the brightest move. But if you are looking for an entertaining site with a great basic roll-knit hat tutorial, check out Crazy Aunt Purl. Even if you don’t knit, this lady is very funny.

No Cash Wallet... take 3.

I was working on this wallet from Amy Karol's book Bend the Rules Sewing, and I have made three, this one is my third, and I think I'll make a fourth tonight. For some reason I am driven to get this thing to work. The first version was too tight for my credit cards, etc. so I did a second one that still was a bit off with the topstitching, and this last one was almost there. I love Amy Karol's book - as a beginning sewer (is that a word?) it is super easy to follow and the projects are relatively small and quick. I have renewed it 4 times from the library. Maybe it is time to buy? I love that I am writing this blog to everyone and no one at the same time ; )

Hearts and glitter and magnets...oh my!

Ok, I guess magnets are not a good idea with the little ones, as I was correctly informed by a few people. So Plan B: they are little wood hearts with jewels and glitter, created with love and enthusiasm by a 4 year old. As I like to say, it is what it is. And on the back, a cut-out heart reads “Friends are like jewels, precious and rare. Happy Valentine’s Day from Christine”. She did a great job. (And this photo is so dark because a.) I work on my projects at night and so, like a vampire, it is when my work must be done. I have no idea what that means, but what I’m saying is I don’t have daylight to make the photos turn out well, and b.) I’m no professional photographer, but I try.) {note: I reshot and changed out the photo}

Jeweled Valentine’s Day Magnets.

I’m in the process of creating these with my daughters, 2 and 4 years old. We all have colds right now so our energy comes and goes, but we are slowly getting there. I bought a 1 lb bag of wooden hearts (various sizes in bag) and we painted them with red poster paint. Then after they dried we painted red glitter paint on top. Next we glued our jewels onto the front of the hearts and soon we will glue magnets onto the back. Will post when they are finished: 15 hearts, one for each classmate. Wish us luck!