Miss Aine

Funny Bunny

2012-01-28T10:29:00.000Z

A little sewing project now - Funny Bunny.

I used some Cath Kidston fabric (the stars) and cut up a blanket that I got in Aldi. I did change the legs from the pattern as I didn't like how they looked sew together in their photo tutorial. So I just drew my own legs instead.

He's lovely and cute and cuddly, if a little mental looking.

Lush Lovely Lacey Mitts

2012-01-27T10:24:00.000Z

I got the pattern for this lovely mittens from the email webletter (?) that I get from Classic Elite Yarns.Lush Lovely Lacey Mitts

This was a very fast knit and looks really nice. I was only using a dk weight yarn so mine is a little lighter than the one in the actual pattern.

This are a little gift for my mam. She got me to knit a pair of gloves for a friend's birthday prior to Christmas, and then actually paid me from them even though I told her not to.

So the left-over yarn is now made in to lovely mittens!

Sam's Giraffe

2012-01-26T10:20:00.000Z

Another little foray into the world of crochet. I am starting the gain in confidence slightly with it. Definitely think I'm better going round and round in circles, not so much over and back!

This little guy is for baby Sam who was born a few weeks ago. We still have to visit him and welcome him to the world but there's a threat of maybe chicken pox from Emily's playschool at the moment so no visiting newborns for us!

The pattern is a free pattern from Lion Brand Yarn - Georgina the Giraffe. I'm definitely going to download a few more of their crochet patterns. They are easy to follow, and this little guy is just so darn cute.

Sorting out the house

2012-01-25T10:16:00.002Z

Not much blogging of late as I've been trying to just sort out a routine for myself around the house. This whole 'two kids' lark is hard work!

First up was to set out what cleaning tasks need to be done on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. This makes sure that everything is getting done, and nothing gets forgotten. And it has made a bit of a difference to how our house looks. It does mean I'm knackered though as I've loads to do every day, as well as minding the sproglets. I have nice little lists written out in a diary so that I can cross off each task as its done. Makes it so much more satisfying - I love crossing things off lists!

Next up was some organising of my craft stuff. As I mentioned before, Oliver has agreed to share his little box room with me for the time being (!) I got a few shelf units and packed as much stuff in as possible. I also got a tool-storage unit for the wall with lots of little boxes so that will take buttons, ribbons, threads, etc once it goes up. And a few extra shelves for the walls.

The little wardrobe is then just full of boxes of wool and material.

Its not exactly pretty..

but its getting there.

And now I also have a list of all the things I need to make. A new hat for Oliver, presents for up-coming kids birthdays....

And I need to start thinking about the market I signed up for in April.

Its all go here!

Cake Time!

2012-01-17T20:35:00.000Z

It's DH's birthday today so myself and Emily made a cake.Emily was chief decorator!

(Isn't she getting big. So grown up)

Stripey Mittens

2012-01-15T08:51:00.001Z

When I finished Emily's hat I realised that her old tatty pink mittens wouldn't cut in beside the new bright hat, so a little pair of mittens just had to be knit. One project always seems to lead onto another doesn't it!

I found this pattern on Ravelry that used DK yarn and had a multitude of sizes. To make it easy and quick, and not too tight, I decided to just do stripes instead of matching fairisle.

I think she likes them!

Now on to knitting something for me!! I saw a cool pattern for a cabled cape just before Christmas and I think its time I made something for me. Plus its done with super bulky wool and 10mm needles so it shouldn't take too long.

Emily's Fairisle Hat

2012-01-13T11:13:00.002Z

Disregard the face, she does like the hat!

I love it! The pattern is from the supplement that came with Issue 89 of Simply Knitting. I wasn't totally happy with how the pattern was written and found a few errors and confusing points but I muddled through and got there in the end. I also found the crown of the hat a bit short so I added an extra few rows to lengthen it, and made it the 8-10 years old size (my poor daughter and her giant head!). The picture doesn't show too well but there are heart buttons on the top of the hat, and knitted hearts at the end of the ties.

The two kids in their sort-of-matching hats!

Fairisle Hat

2012-01-11T11:38:00.001Z

This is supposedly a 4-6 year old hat which I had started to knit for Emily. Once I had finished the main body of the hat though I just knew the crown was too small. She does have a particularly large head!
So I just crocheted a little border around the hat and donated it to Oliver (he doesn't mind that it has a few hearts on it!)

So now I've started on another version for Emily, but in different colours so they're not too matchy-matchy!

And for those wondering, I have found a temporary solution for my craft supplies, and am starting to sort of get my head in order, as well as all my stuff!! Pics to follow when I have it all organised. Poor little Oliver just has to share his bedroom with me for the time being!

Do What You Love

2012-01-10T06:33:00.001Z

I think this needs to be my motto for 2012 - see Johanna's post on OneRedRobin.

It will definitely be hard. I've been finding it particularly tough at the moment to try and retain some piece of me. Two kids is a lot of work, and the time for crafting is severely reduced. Jesus, the time to just shower and get dressed is reduced so knitting and sewing can't be the priority anymore.

It has also been made harder by the fact that I now have no space for my crafting supplies. We had to separate the kids at night so all the bedrooms are now in use. So now I have to find little spots all over the house to hide my stuff - and there is a lot of stuff.

Maybe I should just spend the next few months making toys from what I have and trying to sell them to clear some space, rather than making new patterns. It would help clear some space, and maybe clear my head too!

Another Little Blanket Bear

2012-01-09T10:01:00.003Z

This time for my friend's baby, who was born just before New Year's.

Welcome to the world Baby Matthew!

Bunnies!!

2012-01-02T11:57:00.001Z

A customer on Dwanda recently bought two bunny patterns in error, thinking they were buying the toys. After some communication (in french - thank goodness for Google translate!) it was settled that I'd knit the toys.

Two little bunnies, one with a red coat, one with a blue coat.

I think they're pretty cute!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T10:36:00.000Z

The joy of Christmas. Peace to you and yours!

Santa at playschool

2011-12-24T07:08:00.000Z

Our Christmas Tree

2011-12-22T20:17:00.001Z

Blanket Bear

2011-12-20T22:35:00.001Z

A custom order for one of DH's friends. Her little girl has a pink blanket with white spots so ted has a matching one.

Download the pattern via Ravelry for $4

Oh Me Oh My!!

2011-12-20T10:40:00.003Z

Its been a tough week and a half in our house. The kidlets have not being sleeping well at night. One or two nights of that is okay, but its starting to get to me now. Plus my knitting time and energy has been cut big time so I think there will be some emergency Christmas shopping at the end of this week to cover the stuff I just can't get done.

When did Christmas suddenly become so stressful?

To lighten the mood, here's a few pics of what we've been up to.

Oliver learned how to use his bouncer - he absolutely loves it!!

Emily made a few little angels for our Christmas tree. We got the template of the cBeebies website (love it!)

And Emily was a bit under the weather last week with an earache, so we had a princess party (i.e. a picnic in front of the telly) while watching the cBeebies panto.

We made pink princess buns and cucumber sandwiches with the crusts cut off, and there was a bit of fruit as well.

Yum, yum!

And the Winner is .......

2011-12-17T22:25:00.001Z

Have to take a break from knitting a custom white teddy bear as I stuck my darning needle into my finger and am bleeding - not good when knitting with white!!So on to the winner of the SewMamaSew Giveaway. I consulted the random number generator,

and the winner is - Jennie. She said 'How cute. Looks like something my Nanna would make - she's good at knitting too. Thanks for the giveaway!'

An email will be on the way to you tonight Jennie to get your address.

Thank you so very much to everyone who entered my little giveaway. Its always nice to get such lovely feedback - I really appreciate it.

And for those of you who have just discovered my blog, check out the free patterns to the right. Any questions just pop me an email.

SMS Giveaway Day!

2011-12-12T21:30:00.000Z

Just in time for Christmas - the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day.

Up for grabs is the beautiful Aliona, a vision in pink.

This little gal is handknit by me, in acrylic yarn so she's easily washed. Her hair is sewn on rather than knitted so she would not be suitable for kids under 3 years of age. Her clothes cannot be removed.

To win this lovely dolly just leave a comment with some form of contact detail. A winner will be chosen at random on Dec 16th and I'll pop her in the post as soon as I can so you hopefully have her for Christmas (international entries are welcome).

Click on the button below for a link back to the SMS website so you can check out all the other brilliant giveaways - and there are some lovely ones.

Some Irish Craftiness

2011-12-12T21:20:00.001Z

As well as selling some stuff yesterday, I also did a bit of Christmas shopping. Doing my bit to shop local and support Irish artisans.

First up is a lovely table mat by Louise Hillary of Stone Weavers (no website yet, but you can email stoneweavers@gmail.com for enquires). They're basically just flat stones on a carpet base but they look so good. They'd probably be a bit heavy for posting overseas but if you're in Ireland do look her up.

Next up is a little pram toy by Sarah, of Sweensie. I actually know her from knitting in Celbridge. She has an Etsy shop with some box bags, snack bags and mug cozies. Perfect for Christmas pressies!

Last up is a gorgeous little glass ornament by Ruth Galvin (no dedicated website but you can see her profile on the Craft Council of Ireland's website) Her pieces are beautiful and this little angel will be hanging up all year round, not just for Christmas.

My Market Stall

2011-12-11T21:06:00.001Z

From the market today. The turnout wasn't as good as expected, but I still did okay.

Should have taken a picture of the stall at the end of the day.

Any left over toys will appear in my Etsy shop over the next few days.

Another Rosie

2011-12-10T11:17:00.000Z

Another dolly made with the Rosie the Ragdoll pattern.

I really like the colours of this one, she's a bit more traditional. Maybe she won't sell and I'll get to keep her!

Aliona

2011-12-09T19:33:00.001Z

Meet Aliona - a version of my free pattern Lily. I knit her in the round on dpns, did her legs 10 rows shorter and her arms just 36 rows in total. Her dress is also shorter.

She's called Aliona as she reminds of the dancer of the same name from 'Strictly Come Dancing' on the BBC - think its the hair colour!

Rosie the Rag Doll

2011-12-07T19:40:00.001Z

I was sent a pattern by one of my regular customers a few months ago, and just got around to making up the doll - Rosie the Rag Doll. Its a free pattern on the web so give it a go. A really simple design and its really quick to put together. A few hours and you have a complete doll - i'd say only 2-3 hours if you had no distractions.

This one I think will be destined for the market on Sunday. Might try make another 1 or 2 before then.

More ornaments - Teddies

2011-12-04T19:20:00.000Z

These are from Little Cotton Rabbits. A really fun and quick knit - each bear only took me about 1 hour to make. They're also really easy to customise, and you could have great fun trying out new patterns for each bear (or rabbit). These guys just need little hanging loops now to complete them.

I may be making lots of these for all the last minute presents that I don't have organised yet!

Christmas Crafting - Trees

2011-12-03T19:15:00.001Z

The poor blog has suffered over the past week. We've all been sick (boo!), and I'm using every free bit of time I have to get stuff made for the Christmas market I'm doing next weekend (11th at the Glenroyal in Maynooth, for any Irish readers).

One of the ornaments I'm making this year are these felt trees. Just two different colours of green, with silver seed beads and some glittery fabric stars I had in my stash, with a ribbon loop.

I think they look pretty cool - will have to wait and see if they sell!

Christmas Fawn

2011-11-24T19:59:00.001Z

From 'Palm Sized Softies'.

Kokeshi Doll

2011-11-21T14:12:00.001Z

Finally the pattern is typed up - done in a hurry though so apologies if there are any mistakes.

download now

Moo Cards!

2011-11-18T19:39:00.001Z

At the last craft fair I realised I was nearly out business cards. So I got on the 'puter and ordered myself some new Moo cards. However this time I got them printed with photos of some of my knitted items on the back.

I love them!

Chrisenting Garb

2011-11-17T09:38:00.000Z

We're having Oliver baptised this coming Sunday and rather than make a whole new outfit he's just going to wear the gown that I made for Emily - back in the day!

It is rather girly though so I knitted a simple cropped jacket to go over it and a matching bonnet, as it is November and it will be cold.

The cardigan is the Baby Bunting Sweater, just done in one colour, and cropped. I also made the 12-24 month size and made it larger again to ensure it would fit him. This pattern does seem to knit very very small.

The bonnet is from an old Patons book I have. It's supposed to have a lace border but I just went for plain garter stitch instead.

Pretty Gloves

2011-11-16T09:36:00.002Z

I made these gloves last Christmas for my sister and my mother loved them. So she asked me to knit a pair for her friend who's turning 50.

I used Sublime extrafine merino so they're lovely and soft.

La Princesse et le lapin

Red Hot Irish Gifts

2011-11-08T21:33:00.001Z

Click on the pic to be taken to see Mary's fantastic treasury on Etsy - Red Hot Irish Gifts

Images from the Market

2011-11-08T10:15:00.002Z

A little late, but here are some images from the local business market I did in our village last Sunday. Not a fantastically attended market, but I made enough to cover the cost of the stall and a little bit more so it wasn't a waste.

I also got to talk to some lovely people.

mmmcrafts Monkey

2011-10-30T16:44:00.001Z

The original pattern is Molly Monkey. I omitted the skirt and made a boy monkey instead.

He kinda looks like he's wearing stripey pjs!

Preparations for the Christmas markets

2011-10-29T19:57:00.000+01:00

Lots of Santas, snowmen and stockings from my Mini Christmas Tree Trims pattern.

Zed Word

2011-10-28T19:48:00.002+01:00

A little zombie made using my Little Red pattern by a very inventive Ravelry user. Thought it was so cool I just had to share it.

Custom Wedding Cake Toppers

2011-10-27T22:52:00.001+01:00

For a lovely lady in Canada. Hopefully she likes them, and I can pop them off in the post to her.

Gaudi Mosiacs

2011-10-26T10:18:00.000+01:00

Barcelona Architecture

2011-10-25T10:14:00.000+01:00

It felt like I was back in college on a field-trip, looking at the city. I definitely had my 'landscape architecture' hat on.

There's just something about European cities!

Mies Van De Roh pavillion:

Images from Barcelona

2011-10-24T10:09:00.002+01:00

DH was in Barcelona this past week for work, so as my parents kindly offered to look after the kids I flew over on Thursday evening and spent a few days there too.

A few tourist-y images:

And the winner is....

2011-10-17T10:33:00.002+01:00

Hatsuka with her suggestion of:

Kiiro the Lion
A copy of the pattern is on its way to you Hatsuka.

For anyone else interested in the pattern, follow the link to buy through Ravelry.

buy now

Competition Time!

2011-10-11T19:44:00.002+01:00

A new pattern for the shop.

All he needs now is a name.
A free pattern will go to whoever comes up with the best name. Just leave your suggestion in the comments section (plus some contact info) and a winner will be picked on 16th October 2011

Free Pattern - Mini Monkey

2011-10-08T19:35:00.005+01:00

I've had this pattern typed up for months now, but just haven't gotten around to publishing it.

The final animal for the time being in the Mini Jungle Animals series -

Mini Monkey

Have fun knitting!

Moderne Baby Blanket

2011-10-06T10:27:00.000+01:00

Finished!
I didn't have the book, just the free printout from the internet, so didn't know how to do the mitered border. Was planning on doing an i-cord border but got too tired and just crocheted a little white border around the edge instead.

Now someone just needs to have a boy!

Dolly Time!

2011-10-04T10:24:00.002+01:00

Emily has a 4-year-old party to attend this afternoon, so there was a flurry of sewing over the last 2 days.

I used the Little Miss Storybook doll from 'Wee Wonderfuls-24 Toys to Sew and Love' as a base for the doll, stole the dress from Katie Kitty to make her a removable dress, and added my only little pair of shorts/knickers.

Hopefully the birthday girl likes her!

WIP - Moderne Baby Blanket

2011-10-01T19:51:00.002+01:00

I've been knitting this blanket on-and-off for the last 3 weeks or so, the Moderne Baby Blanket.

It started off really quickly because of the small sections but has really slowed down now. That may also be because I keep having to take breaks to make other things.

And I need to get it finished quick as I need to make christmas ornaments and toys for the upcoming markets!

Christmas Knittie

2011-09-26T20:03:00.000+01:00

Bought the Christmas Knitties pattern last week and got a bit of time today to make one of the ornaments.

Meet the mini snowman.

The pattern calls for 3mm needles. I made mine with 2.75 needles as that's what I knit all my toys with. Think next time though that I may make them with 3.5's as they don't need to be stuffed much so the knitting doesn't have to be so tight.

A nice easy to follow pattern.

Linda, the designer, also has an Etsy shop with knitting kits for sale.

Sock Toys

2011-09-24T19:59:00.002+01:00

Took a break from the knitting for a day or two to make some sock toys for the market.

Firstly a monkey,
Then I started to make another one, but forgot to cut the tail (!) so it ended up being a dog.

Puerperium Cardigan

2011-09-21T22:09:00.002+01:00

Another pattern I found on Ravelry - Puerperium Cardigan

A really quick knit and a very easy pattern to follow. I knit it in the same cotton I used to make the Loopy Soother a few weeks ago. Its a bit of a boring colour so I jazzed it up with colourful buttons and a fabric pocket.

Dancing!

2011-09-19T20:17:00.000+01:00

This little girl can't wait til she's old enough for ballet lessons.

Sock Robot

2011-09-18T20:14:00.002+01:00

I've signed up to do a local market at the start of November, so need to start making some toys to sell (and still have baby gifts to knit for all the babies that are due in October!)

An few hours sewing at home, while Emily was in hospital to have her tongue-tie cut, and the result was this little guy -

Might need to refine it but think I'll be making more like this guy

Pic from handmAid

2011-09-13T10:14:00.003+01:00

Checked the handmAid website today and they had updated that they raised 5000 euro for the Somalia fund! How great is that. Sounds like it was a really fun day too - so bummed I missed it.

And in amongst the photos was one of some of my toys.

Click on the picture to be taken to the handmAid website.

Koala!

2011-09-11T21:27:00.000+01:00

From Jean Greenhowe's Knitted Animals, for a one-year old boy's birthday.

Wool Shopping

2011-09-02T10:11:00.002+01:00

Dropped my toys for the handmAid day into This is Knit in Dublin yesterday. And of course, couldn't get out without purchasing some lovely yarns.

Baby Cashmerino for a hat,

and some lovely hand-dyed lace weight merino by Laura Hogan.

Little Baby Sweater

2011-09-01T20:03:00.000+01:00

Little Baby Sweater by the Purl Bee

I fell in love with this little cardie when I saw it on Rav so I just had to knit. Thankfully there are 5 babies expected in the coming months so it will get a new home very soon!

Its supposed to fit 0-6 months. Just about fits Oliver, whose only 15 weeks, but then he is a monster baby and is about the size of a 6 month old already!

handmAid

2011-08-31T19:58:00.002+01:00

‘handmAid‘ is a craft day in aid of relief for the famine currently happening in the Horn of Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, and neighbouring countries).

Be there! Saturday 3rd September 2011, in Damer Hall on Stephen’s Green, from 10.30am to 4.30pm; it costs just €5 entry & under 12s are free. All proceeds are going to the Oxfam appeal. If you can’t be there in person, but would like to support Oxfam through the event, you can use this handy ‘My Charity’ link here.

Text taken from the handmAid website. Click on red writing to be brought to their site.

Unfortunately I can't make it to the actual day as we're to be down in Wexford visiting the folks, so I'm donating some toys for the market stall.

Hennies Nimbleneedles

2011-08-23T20:17:00.002+01:00

A while ago I had a message through Ravelry from a lady in the UK raising funds for epilepsy. She wanted to know if my free patterns could be used to make toys to sell for the charity (which I am happy for anyone to do with any of my patterns for any charity, period).

Her story had me in tears that night, not least as my own sister had epilepsy as a teenager. To think that something similar could have happened to her was quite distressing (thankfully she kind of out-grew her version, it was just due to sleep deprivation mainly).

Deb has toys for sale through her website, and also takes custom orders.

Click on the picture above to get through to her site.

Quick Dress

2011-08-18T20:30:00.000+01:00

Stole stitch amount from this pattern. Knit with lovely cotton from Lidl which feels so nice when knit!

Finished with some fabric from her granny.

Loopy Soother

2011-08-17T21:22:00.000+01:00

The Loopy Soother pattern from The Knitted Nursery.

A quick and easy baby gift.

Leila Shrug

2011-08-15T20:38:00.002+01:00

Another quick knitted gift to tick of my Christmas list - I'm so going to be more prepared this year as last year I was a mess.

The Leila Shrug. This pattern was really quick and quite easy. Really just a rectangle that you sew together at the sides for a little bit. It would be a good pattern for someone just getting into lace knitting as the pattern is very repetitve and easy to follow.

Funky Ski Hat

2011-08-13T20:34:00.002+01:00

The erratic blogging continues. To be honest I have so many things I want to make at the moment that I try not to be on the computer for long in the evenings or else I have no time for knitting!
And other nights I'm in bed soon after the kids I'm so knackered. The joys of parenthood!

This pattern, The Funky Ski Hat by Suss Cousins, was a great knit as it was really quick so its one thing ticked off my list. You have to knit a front and a back, which I didn't realise when I first read the pattern. If I knit it again I'd probably knit it in the round or at least both parts together.
Modelled by Emily but its meant for an adult.

Our Little Holiday

2011-08-07T17:09:00.002+01:00

Myself and the kidlets headed down to my folks in Wexford for a few days this week. Thankfully we had some fairly decent weather so we got to the beach two of the days.

Knit Night Cupcakes

2011-08-03T11:16:00.000+01:00

One of our regular knitters at the Celbridge group is relocating to the UK so we planned a little party for her send-off.

I offered to make a cake, but ended up making cupcakes as they'd be less messy and wouldn't need plates and forks.

So much time was spent 'googling' knitting-themed cakes. And good old google came up trumps with the VeganYumYum blog and her beautiful 'knit night cupcakes'.

I made fudgey-brownie type cupcakes topped with white chocolate icing. Then I used Lolo's tutorial to make the marzipan balls of yarn and added little cocktail stick knitting needles.

Very happy with how they turned out!

Nappy Wraps

2011-08-01T11:56:00.000+01:00

I've been giving washable nappies a go this time round (while also using disposables when we're out or when the washables are in the wash). I just use some prefolds that I got off another knitter (!) and some wraps. However, at the moment when Oliver does a poo it goes everywhere so I have to change the wrap as well as the prefold.

So, onto Ravelry I went to get patterns for nappy wraps and soakers. The WHW Plain Wrap is the one I found that looked most like the traditional nappy wrap. I wouldn't fancy trying to take a soaker off him if he'd pooed. Now that would be messy!

This pattern is really quick and easy to follow. I did have to order online for the aplix for the fastenings, but the general consensus seems to be that it is better than Velcro.

Now I just need to lanolise them and get them to work.

Texture Bite

2011-07-31T19:53:00.000+01:00

My favourite pattern from the recent toy issue of Petite Purls - Texture Bite, by Nancy Anderson.

The pattern is well written and easy to follow. While stuffing it I thought the head looked smaller than in the photos but it looks okay once I added the ribbon around the neck.

This little ted is heading to our next door neighbours who just had their first baby - a little boy called Nathan.

Cakes for Somalia

2011-07-30T19:49:00.002+01:00

Lucy, from Si and Lu, is doing a little bric-a-brac stall at one of the parks in Dublin this Sunday so her sister in law, Tammy, who runs the Sallins knitting group asked if anyone could add some baked goods.

Everyone came up trumps and Tammy met her today with a car-bootful of treats.

My contribution: chocolate fudge cakes

Of course I tasted one, just to be sure they were okay. Yum yum!

Emily's Tea

2011-07-28T20:14:00.000+01:00

Thought these were too cute not to take a picture of!

Pretty Stripey Blouse

2011-07-26T19:57:00.003+01:00

Some sewing for me, from a dress that I bought in the charity shop last year but just never really liked how it sat on me.

The Pretty Blouse, from the SewMamaSew blog. It was a really simple pattern to follow, and there aren't many pieces so you can make it up quick enough.

Its nice on too. Although, I'm a little tried of floaty tops now as I don't want to look pregnant anymore! But it will be good for breastfeeding if I wear a little tank top underneath.

Speedy Squirrel

2011-07-24T20:44:00.000+01:00

'Squirrel on Wheels' from the Knitting Mochimochi book

Made for a two-year-old's birthday. Hopefully he likes it!

My two babies!

2011-07-22T20:43:00.000+01:00

Same Smile Panda

2011-07-17T22:04:00.000+01:00

While playing on the CBeebies website one day I noticed that they had a pattern for how to make 'Same Smile' Panda. Emily loves the programme 'Same Smile' so it was a no brainer of a project.

The shape of the pattern is a little simplistic, but she likes it all the same.

Dreamcatcher Links

2011-07-16T08:54:00.002+01:00

Forgot to add links to how to make dreamcatchers. There are loads on the web:

Simple and intricate versions (the one on the right is like what we made, only I used a wooden hoop as I didn't have a yoghurt lid)

Simple version

Web-like version

Dreamcatcher

2011-07-15T21:59:00.000+01:00

Poor little Emily tends to have quite bad dreams, and will wake up screaming in the middle of the night. So when DH heard people talking about the same problem on the radio he took interest.

One suggestion was to put up a dreamcatcher to catch the bad dreams and take them away.

So myself and Emily had a crafty afternoon and made a little dreamcatcher.

Its not maybe quite right as I just did a star in the middle of the circle, not a web. But I do like the notion that the one bead in the middle is the spider who catches the bad dreams.

And so far it seems to have worked pretty well. The night-wakenings have lessened. Now she just tends to be woken up by Oliver when he cries for his night feed!

Pinky

2011-07-13T21:29:00.000+01:00

I bought 'Palm Sized Softies' at the Knitting and Stitching Show last year, but hadn't made anything from it. I was intimidated by the sheer tiny size of all the toys - the largest are only about 5-6 inches tall.

But Emily was looking through the book recently and a doll with pink hair and pink clothes caught her eye - surprise, surprise!

And so I tackled my first mini doll:

Her face isn't the best - she looks a little bit evil. However she wasn't as hard to make as I feared and I got her body and hair done in one evening. I'll definitely be making more toys from that book.

Here's the doll beside a coaster, just to show how small she is.

Kokeshi Doll

2011-07-11T21:20:00.000+01:00

A knitter on Ravelry adapted my Little Red pattern from Petite Purls to make a kokeshi doll. Having spent 5 months in Japan when I was in college this little doll appealed to me and so I have finally found some time to make one for me.

Had to take out my book on kimono to make sure I sewed her neckline right - didn't want to have the cross over on the wrong side, indicating she was dead!

Will have to see if I can get the mods written up into a PDF as I think this doll should stand alone as her own pattern - congrats to Amberfyre (Rav name) on a brilliant set of mods, that were very easy to follow

Free Pattern - Mini Elephant

2011-07-09T21:15:00.002+01:00

Another little free pattern to keep all my followers going. This little guy is from the same basic shape as the hippo and lion.

He's only about 2 inches long, and could easily be knit in an evening.

download now from Ravelry

Rainbow Scarf

2011-06-30T19:49:00.002+01:00

Apologies for the lack of posting recently, but its not going to get any better for a while. Having the two kids now definitely eats into my crafting time and some days I'm not even getting to pick the needles.
The last two evenings though I've managed to get both of them to sleep at the same time for a few hours so hopefully in a month or two I'll get back to writing patterns, etc.

For now, here is my second crochet project. I saw this on Ravelry and immediately thought of my sister. Its just so her!

Rainbow scarf with clouds

Free Pattern - Mini Lion

2011-06-22T20:05:00.003+01:00

Another free pattern from my Mini Jungle Animals series (see link to Mini Hippo in the sidebar):

Mini Lion

I love this little guy, and at only 2.5 inches long he doesn't take long to knit up.

download now through Ravelry

Texas DIY Wedding

2011-06-18T08:43:00.003+01:00

One of my lovely Etsy customer had her wedding featured on The Wedding Chicks website. (click on the pic above to get through to the article)

And my little cake toppers made it into the article. Woo hoo!

Looks like the kind of wedding I wished I could have created for my own wedding.

Fuit Bunnies

2011-06-12T08:47:00.002+01:00

The summer issue of Petite Purls is online and yours truly has a pattern included:

Juicy Fruit
It's a completely toy issue so check it out if you any little kiddies to knit for!

My first crochet toy!

2011-06-11T08:55:00.002+01:00

A beginner pattern from 'The Needlecraft Book' which I made even simpler by omitting the stripey body and just doing it one colour.

I don't think he turned out too bad. Turns out I can crochet a bit, as long as I take my time.

Nursing Dress

2011-06-06T16:08:00.002+01:00

Oh my gosh, life is tougher with two kids! Not sure how I'm going to get much knitting in anymore. But I suppose it'll all work itself out when Oliver gets a routine and we all get settled.

The last two days were particularly busy as DH was very busy during the days and was out both evenings so it was pretty much just me and the kids the two days. So today he has taken Emily(Smem) out for a few hours to the park and McDonalds so I've had a bit of time at home just with Oliver.

And he's slept since they went so I got some sewing done. Viola, a nursing dress. Its loosely based on this pattern. I took apart an old maternity dress that I made while pregnant with Emily. I didn't have quite the right amount of fabric to make the top into a dress as per the pattern but I just fudged the top and skirt to make it into a dress.

It looks better on!

Pebble Vest

2011-06-03T16:45:00.000+01:00

Another quick knit for Oliver - The Pebble Vest.

Another easy to follow pattern, that uses very little yarn. It only just fits him though, so if I make more I'll have to go up a needle size or two, or cast on some more stitches.

Alain - What a Pretty Vest!

2011-06-02T16:41:00.000+01:00

A little bit of knitting for myself. My mother had bought me some wool for my birthday back in February and when I saw this pattern I thought it would suit it perfectly.

I messed up by knitting one of the fronts too long, even though I was measuring the whole time that I was knitting it. So that involved a bit of cutting and additional sewing, which I'm hoping will stay in place!

It was a quick and easy pattern to knit and the little crochet edging really finishes it off well.

Cabled Flying Helmet

2011-06-01T16:39:00.000+01:00

None of the hats I had for Oliver seemed to stay on his head so this hat :

The Cabled Flying Helmet by Sublime, was a quick knit to get his head covered for outdoor excursions.

SMS - The Winners!

2011-05-30T12:59:00.003+01:00

Wow, what a response to my giveaways. I've only done the SMS Giveaway day once before and didn't have half as much interest.

Thank you so much to everyone for all the lovely words of encouragement. Its nice to know that other people, besides me!, like my work.

And so to the winners.

In the pattern competition the random number generator picked no.49 which is

Alyssa

In the toy competition the random number generator picked no.21 and no.28

Strawberry Patch (fairy doll) - (no contact details so please contact me!)
and
Chantal (melvin)

Emails will be winging their way to get addresses for posting.

Thanks again to everyone else who took part.

SMS May Day Giveaway - Supplies

2011-05-22T18:44:00.002+01:00

For the Handmade Toy Giveaway please visit this post

The Supplies Giveaway

Up for grabs is a chance to win any two patterns from my Etsy store.

Just leave a comment and a winner will be picked at random on 30th May (please leave some sort of contact details, e.g. blogger link, etc., so that I can contact you if you win).

Good Luck one and all!

SMS May Day Giveaway - Handmade Toys

2011-05-22T18:41:00.005+01:00

For the Supplies Giveaway please visit this post.

It's back!

I missed the last giveaway, but have managed to get myself organised this time.

Up for grabs are two toys:

Melvin (made from the pattern for Melvin from the Wee Wonderfuls book)

And a Spring Fairy (from a knitting pattern of my own design)

Just leave a comment saying which toy you'd like to win. A winner for each toy will be picked at random on 30th May.

Good Luck all!

Wedding Toppers

2011-05-20T22:38:00.001+01:00

A picture received from one of my Etsy customers.

Ollie the Octopus

2011-05-19T19:47:00.002+01:00

Found this link to Ollie the Octopus from Creative Knitting on Knitting Patterns Central.com

Handy for those of you who don't get the magazine in regions outside of the USA

Baby!

2011-05-19T09:08:00.001+01:00

Baby Oliver, born yesterday morning, 10lbs 9ozs.

41 wks + 2

2011-05-15T15:27:00.002+01:00

Still pregnant and have an horrendous snotty cold.

Found some solace in reading this blog post by another pregnant lady from earlier in the year - link

Its nice to know that I'm not the only pregnant woman to feel like she's loosing her mind while drowning in snot!

Free Pattern - Mini Hippo

2011-05-14T20:00:00.000+01:00

Someone recently asked me if I could crochet some Vanna’s Choice animals they had the pattern for. ‘No can do’, said I, ‘but I can make my own knit versions’.

So I designed a few little mini jungle animals.

First up - the Hippo.

I think I love this little guy. He’s so squidgy and cute, and the perfect size for little hands to hold.

And so small that you can easily knit one in an evening.

download now

Princess Cardigan

2011-05-13T20:14:00.002+01:00

Every new project I've started recently, Smem has asked if its for her. And I felt bad that I was knitting lots of baby stuff so we picked a pattern out on Ravelry - Fairy Princess Cardigan.

Her chest measurement isn't very wide so I knit the 2T size, but I probably should have knit it the 4T length. (And its not designed to go over the outfit she was wearing today!)

In baby news - no movement yet. Had a bath with some clarysage this evening, and massaged some of the clarysage into my tummy afterwards. Probably won't make any difference ;)
Also ate half a pineapple, but I think any old wives tales regarding that one talk about eating 2-3 pineapples. I like them, but not that much!

The Queen's Visit

2011-05-12T15:54:00.000+01:00

The Queen's visit to Ireland is happening next week. Just found out there will be road closures throughout Dublin city at various stages next week, from 17th-20th. And of course the hospital I'm attending for the pregnancy is right in the middle of the city centre.

May try my best to get this baby out this weekend!

Alice

2011-05-11T21:53:00.000+01:00

Made for a 16 year old girl who is having a Mad Hatter's themed party. She's been in hospital on-and-off for the last 2 years with leukemia and I hear about her all the time as her aunt is in the choir with me, and her daughter is one of Smem's friends.

I used the basic pattern for the Storybook Doll in the Wee Wonderfuls book, and just changed the hair and gave her a dress and apron.

She turned out pretty cute, if I may say so myself!

Creative Knitting Summer 2011

2011-05-10T21:48:00.003+01:00

I was planning on posting something totally different, but when checking the new patterns on Ravelry I noticed that the two (yes 2!) patterns that I have in the current issue of Creative Knitting had been added.

Woo hoo!

These aren't the images from the actual magazine, as I haven't received a copy yet (or any moola, but when it has to come from the States I have to give it time to get here)

So exciting!

Fixed It - New Pattern for Sale!

2011-05-06T10:18:00.000+01:00

Hansel + Gretel

Both dolls are knit using the same basic pattern and stand just 9"/23cm tall.

The pattern is available for download through Ravlery.com for $4 - just click on the link below

buy now

(p.s. google docs is just mental sometimes - stupid computers!)

Apologies

2011-05-05T22:13:00.002+01:00

I'm having a battle with Google docs this evening, trying to get some patterns typed up.

For those of you waiting for the patterns I gave a preview of recently, they will be up soon - if I don't smash the computer up!

In baby news - tomorrow is d-day. Will anything happen?????????

Baby Bunting Cardigan

2011-05-04T21:58:00.002+01:00

Made from a pattern I found on Ravelry - Baby Bunting Cardigan

It seems kinda small, seems to fit Smem's baby doll quite well. Its a really cute pattern though, love the pockets (which took me ages to figure out how to do, and lots of researching on the internet). I will definitely knit this again, just on bigger needles!

Circus Mobile

2011-05-02T22:20:00.001+01:00

Made for the imminent little man using a vintage Simplicity pattern that my mother had. It has a giraffe, a lion, an elephant and 2 zebras.

I have a vague recollection of having one of these mobiles around the house when I was a kid.