Handmade; at the last minute...

For my Dad: A Neck Sock to use while motorbike riding in Winter. Pattern is Cowl'd and Frosty Morning, available for free on Ravelry. I used Bendigo Woollen Mills Luxury 10ply 'Slate'.

For my Mother-in-Law: Felted Nesting Bowls. Totally improvised crochet project, but it turned out really well! I used Bendigo Woollen Mills Murano.

I've been doing a bit of felting lately, can't wait to show off something I've been working on for the kids!

I've been reminded once again, that I need to get started on handmade gifts much earlier in the year, else Christmas Eve feels a little stressed!!

X Shara

Gratitude Gifts

... For Roman's wonderful Prep teachers. 

A hand rolled beeswax candle (made by Roman), and a Dentelle Scarf from me. 

3 of the loveliest ladies we could have ever hoped for, guiding Roman (and indeed, us) through his first year of school.

Mr E is currently away on long service leave, so we'll have to wait til we see him back at school in February, to give him his gift.

X Shara

Crochet a Woolly Soaker

In order to start saving a bit more money, we've pulled out our old stash of cloth nappies. I've got a couple of waterproof covers and a couple of woolly ones. But to be fully operational, I needed a couple more.

So here's a little recipe to crochet your own cover! It's easily adjustable, less foundation chains for a smaller babe, and more for an older babe. Same goes when you get to width.

I used: 4mm hook and DK 100% wool.

To start: CH 80.

1: HDC in the 3rd CH from the hook, and in every CH to the end. CH 2. Turn.

2: HDC in the BACK LOOPS only, to the end. CH 2. Turn. 

Repeat Row 2, until desired width is reached, approx 23 rows. Break wool, sew in ends.

To make up: Fold in half so the ribbing is vertical. Using your hook and wool you can SC or slip stitch down the side about halfway. Depending on the roundness of the babies legs, you might need a smaller or larger leg opening. I tend to leave a larger leg opening than you think you'd need, so it doesn't cut into baby. You could also just sew the sides up if you wanted to. Repeat on other side. Sew in ends. 

Crochet a chain or make an I-cord twice the length of the waist circumference and weave through the soaker, using your hook, about 1.5 inches from the top.

Lanolinise your soaker and your good to go!

x Shara

Made by Hand

Now you might be wondering why a picture of a baby fits into the Made by Hand theme....well it doesn't. But a picture of my new homemade pillow cases does!

Pillow cases are so easy and were such a quick project to ease me back into a bit of sewing. It's also a super way to jazz up the bedroom without costing the earth!

x Shara

Joining in at alittlebirdtoldme-craft.com

Made by Hand

For the first time since Caspian was born, I sat down yesterday at my sewing machine.

 I sewed three 4.5cm squares together before he woke up. So it might be awhile before I get to show you the finished cushion cover!

X Shara

Joining in today with Christina and Friends

 

Made by Hand

'Made By Hand' is a weekly creative show and tell, with an aim to foster community, conversation and inspiration.

I made this little outfit while pregnant with   Leonardo in 2011, after seeing a similar one online. I don't think I ever put it on him though! I'm glad I found it this week, it looks so adorable on Caspian.

X Shara

Joining in with Christina for 'Made By Hand'. 

 

Made by Hand

~ Made by Hand is a weekly show and tell with an aim to foster community, conversation and inspiration among those who are crafting a life of homemade, homegrown happiness ~

As a Mama of 3 little boys, I often feel discouraged when shopping for clothes. Every shop seems to carry the same styles, which means we often see other boys at the park or out and about wearing the exact same shirts/outfits. I much prefer a bit of individuality!! 

So I was pretty excited yesterday when my new sewing/pattern book arrived, 'Sewing for Boys'. There looks to be some great patterns, (from swimming shorts to winter coats and pyjamas) and how wonderful to find a sewing book devoted solely to the little men in your life.

Next year my goal is to not buy any new clothes for my boys because:

A) we have lots in our cupboards already that can be re-used or refashioned.

B) I have shelves upon shelves of fabric and the sewing skills to go with it.

C) A growing disillusionment with how, where and under what conditions chain store clothing is produced.

D) A slew of great local charity shops that I don't utilise nearly enough.

And 

E) It would be great to save some money!

While checking out a local charity shop this week, I happened upon this top condition vintage green suitcase!! Isn't it lovely? I'm not sure how I'll use it yet, but it made a great prop this morning for showing off my new Malabrigo yarn. 

These skeins will be used to knit my boys vests for next Winter. I was thinking of trying the Griffin pattern from Tikki Knits...

X Shara

PS. I'm sure you are all aware that our wonderful Made by Hand host, Christina, makes beautiful jewellery. Well I am pleased as punch to now own my very own pair of Cloud earrings!! 

(Just wanted to quickly note that our laptop is not co-operating at the moment, so I am blogging from the Blogger App on my iPhone. It's very handy and easy to use, but I can't link back to blogs etc. So for the time being I'll just have to use the whole URL)

See how others are creating their handmade life at:

 http://www.alittlebirdtoldme-craft.com/2013/08/made-by-hand-link-up_22.html?m=1

Made By Hand

~ 'Made By Hand' is a weekly creative show and tell, with an aim to foster community, conversation and inspiration.

With an aim to craft a life of homemade, home grown happiness. ~

:: thinking some homemade touches are in order to 'spruce' up the bedroom for Spring/Summer. A crochet blanket and some fabrics for new pillowcases.

:: looking forward to being creative in the kitchen more, now I no longer have the hindrance of pregnancy induced nausea. Of course, a few new cookbooks were in order! 

What are you creating right now?

Join in over at Christina Lowry Designs, for a weekly 'show and share'!

X Shara