A Quilt for Elias

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My brother has two little boys, and when the first one was born, I knitted a blanket for him. He was born in late March, so I had plenty of time to knit this blanket. I am not the best knitter, so it took quite a while to finish. My second nephew was born in late June...right in the middle of crafty season (the picture above was taken when he was 5 days old...he was awake and ready to meet me!) I was busy making soap, lotions, etc., so knitting a blanket was not possible. Just not enough time to get it done, so I decided to make a quilt. This is not really a tutorial, but more of an inspiration for you to try something new. If I can do it...anyone can!

I have never made a quilt before, but I was determined to make a nice keepsake for my little nephew. I scoured the internet, and found some basic instructions. Traditionally, quilts are made with different squares of fabric pieced together. But, for my first try, I decided to keep things simple. I purchased 4 yards of a colorful fabric and another 1/2 yard for the trim, I also purchased some crib size quilt batting.

First I cut and measured the fabric and batting, then pinned them together (right sides facing each other.) I sewed them together and turned the fabric right side out. I passed a light iron over the whole thing to smooth out any wrinkles.

After I had everything assembled, and sewed up all edges, I used a fabric pencil and marked off 12" sections. I then ran the whole thing under the sewing machine to "create" the quilting. I must admit, the lines were very wonky, but not that noticeable.

Using a bias tape maker, I made a 2" trim for all 4 edges of the blanket. I pinned the trim in place, and sewed three of them in place.

Before sewing on the last piece of trim, I decided to embroider his name on it....just to personalize it a bit more.

Here it is....the finished quilt. I was able to give him the blanket when he was two weeks old. I was so proud of my efforts! Maybe with the next quilt, I will get a bit more fancy, and try to piece different squares together.

Until next time....happy crafting!

Nordea

nordeasoaperie

Easy Peasy Top Down Stocking Cap

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This cute cap is one of my favorites to make.  The red and white stripes create a sweet candy cane look but you can choose whatever colors you like.

Size: 
Newborn to 12 months 
Finished circumference 17 in. (43 cm)
Materials:
1 skein worsted weigh yarn in red
1 skein worsted weight yarn in white
US size 13 double pointed needles (set of 5)
US size 13 16” circular needle (optional)
Stitch marker
Note:
You’ll be using a double strand of yarn for this project. 
Stitch Pattern:
RIGHT LIFTED INCREASE (RLI): Lift first leg of stitch below the next stitch onto needle and knit this stitch.

Directions:
1)    Using 2 of the double pointed needles CAST ON 4 stitches in RED (remember to use 2 strands of yarn together)
2)    SLIDE stitches to opposite side of needle. The yarn should be coming out of the left stitch.   Pull the yarn from behind. *K4. Slide stitches across needle. Repeat from * 2 more times.


3)    DIVIDE stitches evenly on 4 double pointed needles (1 stitch on each needle)
4)    RLI, place marker, k1; RLI, K1; RLI, K1; RLI, K1 (8 st)
5)    WITH WHITE yarn; k 3 rounds even (no increase)
6)    RLI,  k2; RLI, K2; RLI, K2; RLI, K2 (12 st)
7)    WITH RED k 3 rounds even
8)    RLI,  k3; RLI, K3; RLI, K3; RLI, K3 (16 st)
9)    WITH WHITE yarn; k 3 rounds even
10) RLI,  k4; RLI, K4; RLI, K4; RLI, K24 (20 st)
11) WITH RED k 3 rounds even
12) RLI,  k5; RLI, K5; RLI, K5; RLI, K5 (24 st)
13) WITH WHITE yarn; k 3 rounds even
14) RLI,  k6; RLI, K6; RLI, K6; RLI, K6 (28 st)
15) WITH RED k 3 rounds even
16) RLI, k7; RLI, K7; RLI, K7; RLI, K7 (32 st)
17) WITH WHITE yarn; k 3 rounds even
18) RLI,  k9; RLI, K8; RLI, K8; RLI, K8 (36 st)
19) WITH RED k 4 rounds even
20) WITH WHITE k 4 rounds even
21) WITH RED k 4 rounds even
22) WITH WHITE k 4 rounds even
23) WITH RED k 1 round even
24) WITH RED work 4 rounds k1 p1 rib
25) Bind off loosely in pattern and weave in loose ends

(To make this hat to fit larger just simply repeat the increase rounds one or two more times. That's the great thing about top down knitting you can just increase and measure as you go! No swatching necessary)
www.EllisDesigns.etsy.com



{NewNew} Valentine's Gift Ideas for Infants/Toddlers That Don't Involve Sugar

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Valentine's gifts for infants and toddlers can't really be a box of chocolates or a bouquet of flowers. However, Valentine's Day gifts for the little ones don't have to just be worn or seen for one day of the year either. {NewNew} team members have created a wide variety of gifts that are appropriate for boys or girls, baby or toddler that are adorable, lovable, and will be cherished by child and parent. The above items from Smallest Friend, Lenny Mud, Burry Babies, Copa Bananas, Felt It, Panda with Cookie, Curious Urchin, Windows of Agate, NY Crochet, and Overall Baby are just some examples of the fabulous items to be found from the
{NewNew} team on etsy.com.



Anne
Felt It
www.muppetloon.etsy.com

Baby, It's Cold Outside :: A Baby Leg Warmer How-To!

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As a mom of a ten-month old, it's very tempting to keep my daughter in her pajamas all day during the winter. Pajamas are easy. They make diaper changes a snap. They keep her warm. But what about all those cute dresses and long-sleeved onesies lying dormant in her clothing baskets? Will I be forced to tell Aunt Edna that I never got around to putting my daughter in that awesome dress she gave us at our baby shower because it was too cold (or, ahem, that I was too lazy)?

Thankfully, there is a solution to this age old problem that I'm sure is plaguing all of us at night. Baby legwarmers are the solution to style, comfort, and ease in these cold winter months. They don't have to be removed while changing diapers, and they keep chubby baby legs toasty and protected. They look really cool with a dress. You will definitely be labeled as the cool mom.


The pattern for baby legwarmers is quite easy, and you can easily use leftover yarn (you will need about 40 grams total). Just a small caution: this project requires small knitting needles and fingerling yarn, so progress might be a little slow. But rest assured, the end product is well worth the work!

Baby Legwarmers (fits babies 0 - 18 months, maybe longer!)

Materials:
1 set of US #2 double-pointed needles
Fingerling yarn in two colors (I used Lanette Superwash in Peach and Mauve. You can make 2 sets of baby legwarmers if you alternate the colors.)

Directions:
1. Cast on 60 stitches in Mauve, making sure stitches are loose
2. Distribute the stitches evenly on three needles (20 stitches per needle) and join in a circle
3. Knit 2x2 rib for 1.5 inches
4. Switch to Peach yarn and do straight stockinette stitch until 5 inches long from cast on
6. *K5, K2tog and repeat from * to end of round
7. *K4, K2tog and repeat from * to end of round
8. Knit straight for another 2 inches
9. *K3, K2tog and repeat from * to end of round
10. Switch back to Mauve yarn
11. Knit 2x2 rib for another 1.5 inches
12. Bind off
13. Repeat for other side


Stay warm!

Karina
Windows of Agate