A whole family of baby toys

I've already said that I've been on a baby toy kick. I've been working on a family-wide gift for this family that I love but rarely see. They just had a new little one around the same time my new niece came along, so I've made some duplicate things. I've been working on these things for a few months now, so my proud level is much higher than your average project. 

The first thing I started (and almost the last thing I finished) was a crocheted baby blanket. 

I started with a gray Bernat baby yarn. I did a row of half double, and then a row where I did two doubles in one stitch, and then skipped a stitch. I alternated that throughout the blanket. The color change progression goes as follows:

12 rows 1st color

1 row 2nd color

3 rows 1st color

3 rows 2nd color

2 rows 1st color

5 rows 2nd color

1 row 1st color

12 rows 2nd color

Then bring in the third color and repeat that pattern. I brought the first color back after the third color.

The. I decided o try something new.  Sure, I had crocheted baby blankets before, but sewing something to the back? Noooo. Why not.

I got some gray minky fabric (I doubt I will ever spell that right), and I washed both the crochet fabric and backing together on delicate. I stretched the crochet out on a towel and let it dry. 

I went over to mom's to use her handy-dandy quilting table and clips and pins. I stretched the backing and clipped it to the table and placed the crochet over it. I pinned all around the edges very closely and a little throughout the middle. I took a needle and thread and hand-tied about every 2-3 inches in the middle. Then I used a walking foot and bound the edges by machine. I actually really like the way it turned out, the weight and sturdiness and everything. 

I'll be finishing a pink version for my niece before Christmas.

Baby toys

With the new niece on the way [I always spell niece wrong. The i before e rule isn't enough to convince me], I've been on a baby-toy-making kick. I got a pattern for this from Etsy, and I've since made three of them:

 The rings are different sizes, fabric, stuffed with fluffs. The cone is, too, so it's not hard like the plastic version of this. Plus, I can make it out of whatever cute fabric I want.

Of course, I've made an all-pink option for the future niece, and I have a less girly one for an all-boy family. 

New niece on the way!

I have been an aunt since I was 13 years old, and in that time I have gained 5 nephews. Now, 14 years later, I am expecting my first niece! Everything crafty in my family has magically turned from blue to pink, and my sewing/craft room is no exception. I have about 9 projects that are all unfinished, but the first thing I completed was a request of my mother:

It is a standard granny square crocheted blanket. I used Bernat baby yarn with a pearlized sheen, so it looks very fancy. 
For the ribbon space, I used a treble stitch with chain 3/skip 3 in between. 
For the scalloped edging, I crocheted single, half double, double-treble-double (all in one stitch opening), then the reverse, and a slip stitch in between each scallop. 

Mom wanted this for baby Ivey's dedication. I am supposed to make booties and a hat to match. It's on my project to-do list. Currently I'm crocheting Ivey an afghan of my own choosing, and a little boy one to match for my best friend's upcoming nephew.

Winter weather means lots of crafting

I came home from buying more craft supplies today...

and I realized that I probably have bought/started/planned approximately 20 projects.

So here's a few that are actually in the process:

1) Woven fabric rug.

Big Lots has jelly rolls for $7. I'm almost finished with it (finished picture to come later), and it looks like it will take around 2.5 jelly rolls.

Crafting for a cause

A very good friend of mine and her husband are adopting a little girl from Bulgaria! It's so exciting to be part of their lives and the new life that is coming soon. They are raising funds for this adoption by making homemade, personalized items for the home--to help bring their little girl home. 
Check out From Bham with Love on Etsy or Facebook
And I am so blessed that I get to add whatever talents I have to this project.

So here's some things I've been doing: