I'm in the swing of knitting tiny jackets and tiny hats for tiny wooden dolls.

They are already being involved in all sorts of story lines. 

Roman is having fun choosing which colours from my scrap basket are to be used next. He even asked if I could show him how to knit one, so we've been patiently working on that too.

Yarn Along...

For some time now, I've been dreaming about a really simple half granny crochet scarf. I knew I wanted it to be green or brown, and so I began to search for just the right colour. 

I found this brilliant earthy green at Quince & Co and fell in love. It helped that it's called "PARSLEY"....

It took me one movie and a bit of an evening to do the whole thing, including two icords, which I attached to the top corners for ease of securing.

I've already worn it on many occasions, and always get a compliment, particularly on the colour!

2 nights ago, I started reading:

So far, so good. I'm quite obsessed with Viking women, so I'm hoping this will prove to be a good read....

x Shara

Joining in with Ginny!

www.gsheller.com

Motif a Day in May (idea from Kate at Foxslane). 1 crochet motif/block each day. 

Me Made May - a pledge to wear a homemade item of clothing or accessory every day in May!

2 daily challenges in the one month... I'm sure I'll bomb out - I usually do! 

Roman is still obsessed with penguins and he's getting quite the collection going. He adopted this giant penguin (+ one other) from the op shop this afternoon. His name is "Numbat". I'm not quite sure how they'll fit into bed together, as you can see Numbat is much larger than Roman!

x Shara

Open-Centre Star {tutorial}

1. Lay a square flat and turn diagonally.

2. Fold in half.

3. Fold the right side into the centre line.

4. Fold the left side into the centre line.

5. Fold the bottom point up to the centre line. Glue all folds with a glu-stick. Repeat  steps 1-5 until you have 8 points.

6. Assemble each point on top of the previous point, bottom side edge along the centre line, gluing as you go.

7. Tuck and glue the last point under the first.

8. Using a small dab of glu-stick on the underside of each point, stick you window star on a window.

I use kite paper, however any decorative paper would work well (you might need to use stronger glue though). Scrap booking paper would be great, especially if you intend to use your star on a wall instead of a window. I've also seen small stars used to decorate a wrapped gift! The possibilities are endless and since they are so quick to make, it's a good last minute activity.

The internet is full of tutorials for different shapes, colours and sizes. Your only limit is your imagination!

x Shara

Autumn Lanterns

Yesterday, I set up a craft activity for the boys. Something really easy, that they could do without direct supervision.

I've had this idea pinned over on Pinterest for ages and finally remembered to buy some autumny coloured tissue paper. Along with some PVA glue, a paint brush each and 2 old jars, I left them with the instructions: rip up the paper, glue it on and Have Fun!! 

I think it all worked out great. They enjoyed doing it together, without Mama hovering and they both loved the final product. Especially once we put the candles in.

A beautiful, seasonal, handmade addition to our home.

x Shara

Caspian's Hat

In truth, the hat was intended for Leo. An adult pattern I adjusted, a little too much it seems! But thankfully it fits Caspian perfectly.

I've cast on quite a few projects in the last 2 weeks. 

I've got 4 long term, take your time types: a granny square blanket for Leo's room, a Two Lights knit blanket,  a handbag and a boneyard shawl for myself.

I'm also working on some milo vests for Caspian, ready for the cooler weather. A birthday vest and pair of socks for Roman, both green of course, who'll turn 6 in March.

I really do love vests for kids, you know. In our climate it is the most appropriate type of layering. A singlet, long sleeved tshirt and a vest, gives plenty of core warmth while still allowing for easy playing. 

Wishing you a happy weekend!

x Shara

Sewing Pants

4 new pairs of pants for Roman. All thrifted fabric, apart from the blue stripy pair and the patterned pocket pieces, which were all in my stash. I lined them all in flannel (sheets that I thrifted) so they'll be warm and comfy during winter.

4 new pairs of pants for Leo. All thrifted fabric except for the blue birds, which I bought on sale a couple of years back. (I bought many many metres of it because at $2 p/m how could I not!). These are all lined too.

Amazingly, even though there are 3 years between these boys, I used the same size pattern. Just took a bit of length off for Leo and added a bit of length for Roman.

These pants are part of my quest this year to buy no new clothes. Of course Leo and baby Caspian have got stacks of hand me downs. Roman definitely needs some extras, size wise he isn't getting bigger, but his arms and legs are getting longer! So I'm going to try my hand at sewing long sleeve t-shirts for him. It's a bit daunting, but I know if I put my mind to it, I can do it.

x Shara

PS: I had to bribe the boys with a chocolate frog each, to model winter clothes in summer ;)

8 Bandana bibs for a very drooly Caspian! These were such a fun, quick project and now he has one for every occasion ;)

How handsome does Roman look in this vest? Pity I forgot to add the seam allowance and it's way to small for him or Leo! Back to square one! 

In other news, Leo pulled a wrought iron bed frame on himself last Thursday afternoon, which saw us taking a trip into the medical centre. Thankfully nothing serious, no stitches, just a huge bruise! 

He's so full of rough and tumble energy, this almost 3yr old boy. I'm so exhausted by days end and have been reading up on parenting the strong willed child. Any tips or book suggestions?

x Shara

Selfish Crochet

So, my 'no crafting in January' resolution didn't work out! I lasted 4.5 days. 

Then, a lady on Instagram let me in on a delicious idea - January is #selfishknitting month! Isn't that great? 

Now I've been spending my days working on projects just for me. I'll share my knitting project another day, because I finished this hat today and wanted to show it off!

Another lady on Instagram suggested it needed a Pom Pom.

(Roman modeling for me!)

I'm so very happy with how it turned out. I found a basic tutorial on Pinterest, but added 2 more increase rounds to fit my noggin.

2 rows of single crochet to finish it off and of course a big, fluffy Pom Pom.

How about you? Any selfish projects happening at your place?

x Shara

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