Fair Isle Hats for the Hoot Kids

I love love love Fair Isle knitting.  I enjoy the process and the end result.  I love watching the pattern develop as I knit.  I started with this pattern but then had to shorten it a great deal.  My gauge was apparently too long.  Lil' Hoot already loves hers.  I'm hopeful this one will fit My Boy well from the start.  I hope to make it a tradition to knit them both hats each year, or at least each year until they get "too cool" for it.

Ear Flap Hat for My Boy

I made this same Ear Flap Hat for Lil' Hoot.  It fit her very well and was perfect for the whole winter.  I fear that this one will be too large for My Boy but only time will tell.  I started a crochet edge for it several times but it seemed to make the hat stretch even larger so I gave up (for now at least).

Stranded Cowl

Part of the Making for Me week I did back in August.  I know that with the new baby coming I will be wearing him in front of me much of the time and I remember my neck always being chilly when I did so with Grace.  Scarves never worked well so I thought a cowl would be the perfect solution.  This great yarn (a wonderful gift) was calling to me from my stash.  I started off with this pattern but then changed it to knit in the round. I just like the look better for this yarn.

Step Stool

We have a fair amount of scrap wood hanging out in our garage from a past project that didn't quite make it to completion so I decided to start making progress on my Learn To Make List. This step stool was the first project, made from the plans found on Ana White's website. I altered it slightly to fit the scraps I had on hand. I also did a simple arc at the bottom rather than the cut out in the plans. When it came to screwing the boards together though, I needed some help. My dear husband came to my rescue and we finished it up together.

It works perfectly in the bathroom and gives Lil' Hoot the extra little boost she needs in order to wash her hands all by herself. It also works well in the kitchen but is too heavy for Lil' Hoot to move on her own (which is a good thing).

Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuit Muffins

I found this recipe on my newest internet love - Pinterest. They're fun, they're tasty and they're so easy! Check 'em out - Bacon Egg & Cheese Biscuit Muffins

. Oh, one small point, I had to turn down the oven to 375 rather than 400. At 400 the biscuits burned slightly on the bottom by the time the eggs set. I had to then lengthen the cooking time, checking them every few minutes until the eggs set.

Mariposa Tunic

Back in August I decided to focus a bit on sewing for me. First up - the Mariposa Tunic from Handmade Beginnings by Anna Maria Horner. (I'm in love with this book by the way. I just wish I had more time to make every thing in it!)  I was a more than a little intimidated and certain I would make a few mistakes so I made this first effort from some clearance Wal-mart fabric (so the whole thing cost me about $2 to make). 

I read every comment and blog post that I could find then jumped right in.  I found the pattern really easy to follow.  There are lots of varying comments about the modesty panel and it's true - it will totally depend on your bust how it fits you.  I had to take it up several inches but should have cut it higher.  The chest fit well but the arm holes were huge, which is very typical fit for my body shape.  I ended up having a friend help me put in some darts.  In the end - I love this pattern and I love the fit.  I plan to make another for post-partum wear (as a dress rather than a tunic).  Oh, I used a standard (cheap) cotton and it was way too stiff.  Next time around I will look for a much softer fabric.

Blanket for my Boy

I started a knitted blanket for Grace but no matter what I didn't like it. I thought I'd never actually knit a blanket, but this one really spoke to me. It's the Shawl pattern from Special Knits by Debbie Bliss.  I read a lot of comments that it was too boring but I found it perfect.  During the first trimester I was too tired at night to do much other than knit and watch TV so the easy repetition was about all I could handle.  It took me forever to figure out the edging but I absolutely love it.