Saturday, February 25, 2012

Since we're on the subject of hats...

The crazy weather here has gone from 8 inches of snow to 60 something and sunny.

Which reminds me that summer is coming and Joy needs something to keep the sun out of her little eyes.   These simple bonnets ought to do just the trick!



This week I pulled these little sunbonnets out of my project pile.  I had cut the material for several last summer, in a fit of "reducing my fabric stash" fever, and somehow never got around to finishing them before the weather turned cold.  I don't know why, it only took me about an hour to make 2.

 Fortunately for me, Joy is still so small that they fit just fine!

 


 

 


I used a pattern for this - Simplicity 3840, view F.  The pattern was extremely easy, and I love the simple, clean lines.  I also love the little "ventillation holes" at the corners.  This way I can keep the sun off her delicate skin and she can still get a little air through to help keep her cool!

I see these becoming a favorite baby gift in the future...

I think the part that took the longest was just deciding what color ribbon to use!


Tuesday, February 21, 2012

more hats

Ailidh's hat





and James's

 

and another for Joy




Wish I could crochet like that!



hat weather

We had the first real snow of the season this weekend!  Take a look at the hat my sister made for Joy.

 isn't she adorable?




Playing in the snow...









 Want to look at that adorable hat a little closer?


Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Good-bye, winter blues,


hello spring-time blue!

     It seems like we're just on the verge of spring here.  One day it's cold and grey, the next we're tantalized by a blue sky and soft breezes.  I am tired of the same old sweaters all the time, and I think the kids are too!  So I decided to make something a little bit more "spring-ey" for Ailidh. 

 

       

            I started with an old sweater of mine.  This sweater has always made me feel a bit dumpy.  Which, after 3 children, I need no help with.  So, instead of leaving it in the back of my closet forever, I decided it would be the perfect new spring item for my daughter.

(Actually, it doesn't look so bad on Cordelia, but that is because 
she's about 3 sizes smaller than my post-three-babies body!) There is also a real belt, 
but at the time of this photo it was being used as a leash for somebody's teddy bear...



    A couple cuts and a half an hour later (when I really should have been starting dinner for my family...), and I had a cute little sweater vest.



 How I did it:

I folded the vest in half and cut off about 4" from the side.

      Next I pinned up the new sides, leaving about 5" for a new arm hole, and about 6" at the bottom for the slits.  A quick seam, and then I overcasted the armholes, and made a tiny rolled hem along the slits at the bottom, and it was pretty much finished. 

         I still had the belt, so I cut it in 4 equal pieces and attached them about 3" back from the side seams, directly under the arms, and tied little bows.  That also helped give it a little more shape.
Then, because it kept slipping off her shoulders, I also added a little hook and eye in the front.

All finished!