Crochet: Belle Scarf Embellished Sweater

I had such great plans for these colorful sweaters from Target. But I just have not cranked through the projects as I hoped. I think I didn't start early enough with my Fall stuff. I was having too much fun sewing this summer. Not that I regret it.

Well I did finally get a second of these sweaters embellished: the great avocado colored one.


I thought it would be cute to do with this curly scarf, the Belle Scarf, from LionBrand. Even better, I suddenly had a blank hour in my morning with one girl asleep and the other entertained and I found the perfect shade of green yarn, a full skein, in my stash. (Was for a granny square afghan but I can replace it.) The pattern is designed for Homespun yarn but mine was a worsted weight and it turned out just fine. I didn't change a thing.

I'm not a big scarf person, really. I admire those who can wear them well. My six-foot sister always has something fun wrapped around her neck. But I can do this. I love the tone-on-tone colors--I tend to gravitate towards monotones.

This was such a fast fun project. Would be perfect to give as Christmas gifts next year...

Crochet: Flower Corsage Cardi

I have wanted to make this sweater since I learned I was lucky enough to be the mother of two girls. I wanted it to go with the little brown dress I crocheted for Audrey. I love these felted crochet flowers.


The brown yarn is TLC Amore, which I bought a few years ago to be sure I had the match. The felted flower corsages are made with Moda Dea Cartwheel, which isn't available anymore so I am so happy I stashed some.

So here they are, my two girls wearing bouquets on brown.

I developed the pattern for Audrey's cardigan. Not too difficult to do with crochet. I don't know when I'll be confident enough to attempt it with knitting. Here it is: Flower Corsage Cardi Pattern

My pattern for the felted flowers is here.

Knitting: Christmas Sweaters for the Girls

I knew I would run out of time if I tried knitting sweaters for both Audrey and Scarlett this Christmas. Not to mention my original idea of a gorgeous Debbie Bliss coat knit on size 5 needles. I should have started that in June! I wanted to use some skirts we received as a gift a couple years ago (one for Audrey and and a couple for her cousins, including older cousin Grace, which now fit Audrey and Scarlett!). There are darling dark red with brown polka dots and tulle underslips from Gap Kids. I wanted to do brown sweaters and use this great plaid ribbon I found in brown, dark red and off white.


So I found this quick and easy (that's my speed!) cardigan pattern from one of my favorite sources, LionBrand, and cranked out a sweater for Audrey on size 13 needles! Thank you very much! This pattern actually calls for knitting two worsted weight yarns together.

For Scarlett, I pulled out a sweater I had knit for Audrey her first Christmas. This cute green asymetrical cardigan. Looks great with the skirt.

I found the blouses at Janie and Jack during last year's sale. They are beautiful with silk collars

and embroidery.

I love Audrey's boots with this ensemble. All in all the outfits turned out great, and not too fussy, which is more fun for the girls, without a crazy amount of effort.

Merry Christmas!

Knitting: The First Sweater

I dressed Scarlett today in the first sweater I ever knitted (completely--I'm not counting the one I started in highschool and never finished). I made this little pink cardigan for Audrey using a pattern my mother had been using to make baby gifts (she made so many cute ones for her friends grandbabies!). I love the seed stitch. A pretty ambitious stitch actually for one's first sweater. It's so nice to have a second little girl to wear it!

Gifts: Kitchen Tools for my Girlfriends

One of my favorite Christmas events is a lunch with my girlfriends to celebrate two of their birthdays (on the same day in December) and exchange small Christmas gifts. It's always fun to try and come up with something high on style but low on budget. Lately I have been leaning toward the utilitarian.

A couple years ago I gave Method handsoap dispensers in a great bright green color tied with red ribbon. Last year it was a Crate&Barrel white with snowflake diecut napkin holder with red napkins. This year it's more Crate&Barrel: Red silicone and stainless steel spatula and snowflake diecut pancake turner wrapped in an IKEA dishtowel. I was happy to find this snowflake ribbon at Target to match.

I feel like Santa with my bag full of gifts! And how great is this vinyl Santa bag! Got it at the grocery store and I love it. Not only do I have Christmas gifts and birthday gifts but a baby gift too. Very fun.