Snowy Owl Cardigan

I had some beautiful DK Rowan yarn by Amy Butler and I was trying to decide what to knit with it. I was surfing Ravelry one night and came across the Testing Pool Group. This cute sweater was one of the test patterns by myknittedheart and it used DK yarn! So, I signed up and here it is less than 2 weeks later! I needle felted the eyes on the owl with dark green wool from my spinning roving stash. This pattern is available on Ravelry. If you would like to visit my project page on Ravelry for this sweater, click HERE.

I just bought baby Julia an owl jumper with some owl leggings at Gymboree outlet in Tilton, NH that should look super cute with the sweater. I'll have to post a picture when I dress her up! This was my first knit sweater - I can't wait to knit another one!

Knit Lace Baby Hat

So, I didn't quite finish my project last night. I am at least in the part of knitting where I am decreasing the amount of stitches per round to finish up the hat. I am knitting this lovely little bamboo/silk lace hat for my niece, who is 3 months old. I've already made one for my baby girl. She seems quite happy with it!

Hike! Felted Football

Felted Football by Klymshyn Design

My son is a boy after his father's heart. My husband loves sports of almost any kind. He has never liked watching figure skating. Maybe that is because there isn't a ball or puck involved. My little guy loves balls and he likes to throw them too. We let him play with my husband's leather football, but he wanted to teethe on the end. So, unfortunately, we had to put that one away in the closet for another year or two. Then I found this adorable felted football made by Kelly of KlymshynDesign. This is the perfect little football for our little guy who isn't quite ready for a leather football yet. I let him help me open the package and he grabbed the football and ran off shouting, "ootball, ootball!!" He loves his new football. He and his "da da" love playing catch.
Klymshyn Design has more for sale if your would like to get your little one a felted football too! She also has a gorgeous selection of knit handmade clothing and accessories available in her Etsy Shop. Click HERE to visit her shop and HERE to visit her blog.

No Sew Fabric Crib Rail Guard Tutorial - Now Availble!

One of my friends on Etsy, BareBottomsBoutique, used my quilted crib rail guard tutorial to make a crib rail guard for her son’s nursery. She modified the pattern to fit with the supplies she had on hand. She used fleece instead of quilting batting between two layers of cotton or flannel. She also used snaps, since she did not have buttons on hand. After chatting with her about using fleece, I was inspired to write another tutorial that did not involve sewing. This is an easy project that anyone could complete, even if you have no sewing experience. You only need fleece, basting safety pins, scissors, a measuring tape and about an hour of time. If you make more than one, it will take a bit longer. Pick out your own fabric to match the bedding in your nursery, or a fabric that your babe would love – ducks, bears, frogs, trucks, pink polka dots, etc. This pattern is available in My Etsy Shop.

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Thank you!

Math and Sewing

I am a high school math teacher and I love all of the mathematics that is woven into sewing and designing your own patterns. One of my latest sewing creations is a set of fabric blocks. The pattern for a block is simply a mathematical "net" for a 3-dimensional figure. A net is a 2-dimensional representation of a 3-dimensional figure that can be assembled to create the 3-dimensional figure. For a block, which is a cube, there are six sides, so six squares make up the block as shown below.

When sewing, I start by sewing all adjacent sides together. Then, I sew the two sides, and the front and back to the bottom. Finally, I sew the top to each side. For the last edge, I sew only a little ways in from each corner and stop. Next, I turn the block right sides out. At this point, it is time to stuff the block. Finally, sew the opening on the last edge.

Here is a picture of a Jumbo Block that I made for the nursery. Since it is larger, I top stitched each edge to help keep its shape. It is great to double as a pillow for mom or dad after a long night! If you are interested in purchasing this block or one like it, visit my Etsy Shop.

Fabric Blocks for my Etsy Shop

My little guy is going through a phase where he throws everything. So, I made him some fabric blocks to play with. Now when I get hit in the head, it won't hurt quite so much! I also made a set for my Etsy Shop. These fabric blocks are made with stimulating patterned cotton fabrics. Machine wash on gentle and air dry. Each block measures approximately 3 inches square.

Baby Beach Ball

My babe loves his inflatable beach ball. However, I know that the long term fate of an inflatable ball is not good. So, this mama decided to sew him a fabric beach ball. He loves to throw anything that he can get his little hands on. So, the more plushie toys the better. I hadn’t even finished stuffing it when he grabbed the ball and walked off. He really loves it! I also made one for sale in my Etsy Shop as well.