Molly's Mukluks

When I saw this pattern, I simply could not RESIST giving it a go.
And a go it has been :).
It's probably the most challenging piece I've done, considering it was a pattern from part of a series and I had to figure out some of the stitches without all the pattern information at hand. PLUS, I fell in love with a gorgeous chunky wool that was JUST PERFECT, but not the easiest to crochet with ;).

So, even though there are only two in a set, each boot has been reworked several times, so I feel like I've actually made a couple of pairs!

BUT, it was so worth it.
Aren't they adorable :)?

I got the pattern from CrochetMe - a site offering free and sellable patterns. This particular pattern was from their Baby Series. If you're into stitching, check it out because there are some adorable little patterns there!!!

Now, I am in the process of FINISHING projects before starting up anything new. Because I have a few big projects on the horizon and I'll need time and energy for those. That includes crochet projects. However, I might put together a pattern and just-perfect wool tote for the van, just in case ;).....

And they're OFF!

Well. It's just a humble little donation, but every stitch was sewn with love :). I really enjoyed putting together these little hats for Caps For Good.

I did manage to create ten little hats - 5 for girls, 5 for boys - and get them sent off before we left Florida. I thought the shipping might be more reasonable AND they'd actually arrive on time.

For once in my lifetime, I might actually be EARLY!!

Anyway, I hunted high and lo for the perfect little embellishments, but nothing specific caught my eye. Due to fatigue and time constraints, only one little beanie got a flower :). But HEY, it was fun and I can't wait to do it again! I am hoping to find a few more patterns (though I've already "created" one of my own and maybe I can do a few like that) and start building a stock. Since they can be finished up in one evening, they are a delightful project to have in the van or beside the TV chair (except that I seldom watch tv!).

Thanks to those who've responded. Your contributions are delightful! So excited to hear about others who are on board with this!

Confessions of a Stitch-a-holic :)

I LOVE to crochet!!
And did you know that you can crochet while feeding a baby!?
Yup, you can.
:)


But, really, a person can only crochet so many doilies or scarves before hunting for another project :).


While surfing the blog world one day, I came across Caps For Good. Just having had a baby myself, this jumped out at me. Hey, this is something I could do! I thought.


And so the search for the perfect wool (I've already lost one #4 needle in the process ;P) began.

Did You Know .....

Nearly 4 million babies die each year in their first month of life - half within their first 24 hours - mostly from preventable or treatable causes. But by giving mothers and caregivers a package of simple tools, including guidance on healthy newborn care practices, the majority of these deaths could be prevented. Items crucial to saving more babies’ lives include: 

•   antibiotics to treat infection 

•   immunizations against tetanus 

•   skilled birth attendants at every birth 

•   counseling on breastfeeding 

•   information on basic newborn care such 

     AS keeping  the cord clean and keeping 

     the baby warm 

This is where you can help by making a cap! Your caps will be sent to Save the Children’s newborn health programs in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Visit GoodGoes.org/caps to see stories about how caps like yours are making a difference in the lives of mothers and children around the world. Baby caps are a simple and effective tool that can keep babies warm and ultimately contribute to reducing newborn deaths in the developing world. 

 - taken from the Caps For Good info site

The stitching has begun! My goal is to make 10 caps before adding fun little do-dads. I have all sorts of ideas and am quite excited :P!  Four down, six to go! AND I've promised myself I'll use up all the wool I've bought for this already BEFORE I buy more (I'm a sucker for more soft wool!!).

If you're interested in joining me, if you can get basic patterns and more information at Caps For Good.  Please note, all caps need to be in NY by February 28, 2011. AND GET THIS - there is even a little tag that you can attach to your cap and write a little note to the mother who will receive this for her baby!

If you send a cap (or two or ten ;)...) let me know!


I'll post pictures of the final cap stash! Until then, happy stitching!!!

Giftings :)....

Likely because of the legacy of my parents, some of my favorite gifts to give are hand made items. Growing up, we almost always had some home-crafted presents under wrappings. From doll clothes (that just so happened to match our christmas dress that year) to gorgeous pieces carved from wood, my house is still full of items that bear my parents "signature" in some way (my girls are still playing with doll clothes I used to cherish!) Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy getting and giving bought items too (the creativity is endless!!), but there's something about saying, "I made this just for YOU!" This year, between the fatigues of pregnancy, Sweet K's nighttime upheaval, and all around craziness of life, I wasn't able to do as many homespun gifts as I'd like. HOWEVER, I was able to squeeze in a few crochet moments :).....

This lovely scarf was a gift for my fashionista sister :).

She's always donning a new scarf or great accessories she's acquired somewhere.

Pattern: Mesh Posy Scarf

My second sister loves HATS! When I saw this funky pattern,

I simply could not resist.

Pattern: Peek-A-Boo Flower Hat

Even Little Bro did not escape the crochet frenzy this year :).

Him & I have a long-standing love of classic Nintendo :)

and when he opened his gift this year, he laughed and laughed...

Pattern: Mario Magic Mushrooms

I had a lot of fun putting them together, and have already started more hats :).

Aint's she a beauty!?

By this, I mean the shawl pattern, not the actual model, though the model is a lovely gal .

This is the project du jour. A funky little project to busy my antsy fingers while I indulge in some Law & Order quiet time in the evenings (okay, L&O is not exactly inspirational bedtime material, but I've loved loved the show ever since I was a KID and Matlock was no longer aired!!). 

I have beautiful red wool for the project, have reached Line 14 already, and will let you know how it goes!