Baby blanket

I posted about it before when I was just a little less than half way done with it but I finally finished the baby blanket for my nephew! 

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See ya later!

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New Hat :)

This is the first hat that I've knit that I can honestly call a success!  I've knit other hats following different patterns all of which claiming to be super easy and yet none of them worked out right for me.  This pattern really was super easy and fast!  I used Lion Brand Homespun yarn, so it's nice and soft, and so comfy. :)

I'm so happy with how this piece turned out, it fits great and I love how it looks.  The pattern is from Bohoknits:  "Mountain Nights Toque."  She has a list of free patterns on her blog and also some for sale on Etsy.  Her "Wilted Warlock Hat" also looks like something I must try. :)

Coffee approves. 

See ya later!

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Recycled Denim Pouch

As I mentioned in the previous post I have a tutorial for the pockets of the jeans I turned into denim yarn!

1. You will need the bottom hem of your jeans (the cuff). The back pockets. A zipper, I used the one from the jeans. 

2 & 3.  Optional, cut out the small pocket inside one of the front pockets.

4. Sew the smaller pocket onto one of the back pockets.

5. Add the zipper, make sure it is facing up.

6.  Place the cuff of your pants before sewing up the sides, this will be your wrist strap.  (I put the strap ends side by side rather than on top of each other to make it easier to sew.)

7.  Sew up all the sides.

8.  Finished!

Happy crafting!

And, Happy Earth Day! :)

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Alternative Yarn (#3): Denim yarn

The last post for Alternative yarns I wrote about t-shirt yarn and that inspired me to look else where in my old clothes for yarn.  I decided to try making yarn out of an old pair of jeans.  Another great recycling project and a way to give new life to something old! :)

1. Cut off the legs of the jeans at the thigh so they're even at the top.

2. 3. & 4. Cut all around the leg creating one continuous piece however thick or thin you want, I did about half an inch wide. 

When you get to the bottom hem of the leg (the folded part) cut that off, but save it for later along with the back pockets.  I have another project I use them for and will post a tutorial for it later this week. :)

Wind up your "yarn" into balls...

... and create!  I'm knitting a rug with mine.  I bet denim yarn would make a cool tote bag too! :)

Happy Crafting!

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Alternative Yarn (#2): T-shirt yarn

T-shirt yarn is an awesome alternative yarn!  You get to use up those old t-shirts and create something new.  It's also a great way to recycle!

I knit this pouch with t-shirt yarn also using fabric from the t-shirt for the lining.  I added a zipper and a removable wrist strap.  The strap is a simple crochet chain. :)

There is a great tutorial on CraftPassion.com for making t-shirt yarn.

I definitely recommend giving this "yarn" a try, it's fun, it's something different, and it will make a great project for the upcoming Earth Day!

See ya later!

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Oops

I apologize for having a plant post so close the last one, but there's been an accident. :(

The heavy blinds in the window fell down and landed on my plants!  The jade plant, the African violet and the hawthoria succulent (pic above).  The succulent got the worst of it.  The African violet only lost a leaf and the jade plant got a little bent but I fixed it with some string and it's already better.  I'm realy hoping the succulent pulls through.  It's feeling a little soft right now.

I also bought a new plant yesterday!  It's a Pink Polka Dot Plant.  It's so cute, I love it.

So far I read it needs a moderate amount of light, damp soil, and an occasional misting, but I'm still doing research on it.  Anyone have this plant?  Any tips? :)

See ya!

♥



Stylish Blogger Award

Lookie what I got! :)

(rule: first give thanks and link back)

Jennifer from jennizart.blogspot.com has presented me with the stylish blogger award!  Thank you so much Jennifer! 

Be sure to visit her blog and check out her beautiful paintings!

(rule: 7 facts)

Here are my 7 facts:

1. All the dogs I've ever had had names that started with a C, and it was a complete coincidence.  My dad pointed this out to me a little while after we named Coffee. :)

2. I learned to play guitar and piano.

3. I looove toe socks, they're super comfy!

4.  I like to ice skate.

5. I'm on a never ending search for honey almond scented products.  I can't seem to find them any where and if I do find it, it's never right.  I don't want honey almond and goats milk, or honey almond and lemon.  I just want Honey Almond! :p

6.  I have cat allergies.  I can be around them without reacting but if I hold or pet them I start sneazing and my eyes get itchy.

7. My favorite season is Autumn.

(rule: pass it on)

I am passing on the award to these terrific bloggers!

Mindianna

Sadie Designs

Deer Elora

Briskmamma

Hope and Joy Home

I will message these bloggers just as soon as I post this. :)

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African Violet & Hyacinths

I got a new plant on monday, it's an African violet!  I had to get rid of the dieing cactus, it was finished.  I found a helpful website for taking care of it, theplantexpert.com.



The hyacinths are starting to grow back!  I love them and I can't wait for them to bloom, they smell sooo good!

There are a few of them.  I know for sure some are purple but I think I also had some pink, they were from last spring.

See ya!

♥

Knit Shamrock Pin

For St. Patrick's day I made this cute shamrock pin and tutorial. :)

I used Red Heart green yarn, U.S. size 8 knitting needles, a pin, glue, and a tapestry needle.

1.  Knit two 3 stitch i-cords.  One 6 inches long, the other 8 inches long.

2 & 3. Coil the 8 inch i-cord at both ends and sew in place using a tapestry needle.

4. Coil the 6 inch i-cord at one end leaving a "stem" at the other end.

5.  Sew the pieces together.

6. Thread your needle through the center of each coil to the outer edge and back to the center, pull the yarn tight to create the indentation in each leaf then tie off the yarn.

7. Glue a pin to the back (The side all your little knots are on from tying off)

8. Wear and enjoy!

Happy Knitting!

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Plant Update

In the last plant update all the plants were doing fine and the cactus was at a stand still.  But now the cactus isn't doing so well.  Part of the top is turning brown and all the pricklies are soft.  I haven't done anything different so I'm not sure why it's doing this.

The other two plants are doing fine and I will be adding a few more plants to my little window garden soon! :)

See ya!

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Bows and Coffee Cozies

Just a quick shop update! :)

♥ Bows ♥

♥ Coffee Cozies ♥

I've added two new things to Nuckin' Futs Knitter on Etsy!  Bows and Coffee Cozies!  I just started knitting these and I love it.  They are so quick and easy, I can't wait to make more!  I have some up now and will be posting more later this week. :)

See ya later!

♥

Alternative Yarn: Plarn

I love to find new and different ways to spice up my knitting, one of those ways is to use alternative yarns.  Today's alternative yarn is Plarn: plastic yarn.  Using plarn is a great way to use up all those plastic shopping bags you get.

How to make Plarn:

1. Start with one bag, make sure there aren't any tears.

2. Fold the bag in half, then fold it in half again.

3. Cute off the top part with the handles and cut off the bottom part.

4. Cut the bag into strips.  I cut one inch strips when I'm knitting on U.S. size 8 needles and I cut three inch strips when I'm knitting on U.S. size 13 needles.

To link the strips together follow the pictorial above.

Tips: 

*Be sure not to cut your strips too thin so they don't break when you tighten the knot (pic #8).

*Don't knit with aluminum knitting needles if you want to preserve their color.  I tried knitting with aluminum knitting needles and the plarn rubbed off some of the color.

*I found that knitting plarn on wooden needles is much easier.  Be sure to wax your needles it makes the whole project much smoother.  I just use a piece of Reynolds wrap wax paper.

Different plarns:

1. Rose scented plastic bags.  I found these bags at a dollar store and I love them, they smell like roses!  I knit them into a coin pouch.

2. Garbage bags.  The garbage bags create a slight vinyl look, I made some into wristlets.

3. And of course, shopping bags.  I knit some into a wristlet.

4. In this pic you can see the difference between the one inch strips and the three inch strips.  The purse was done with three inch strips on U.S. size 13 needles.  The coin purse was done with one inch strips on U.S. size 8 needles. 

Happy knitting!

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Yarn Vase

I save my yarn scraps, pieces of yarn too small to knit with but so long I don't like to throw them away.  I've been saving them for a while not knowing what I would make with them, now I have the perfect thing.  Yarn Vase! 

What I used: yarn, glue, buttons, and one tall can.

I painted on a thin layer of glue as I wrapped the yarn around the can stringing on buttons here and there.  I read double stick tape or a spray adhesive both work well too.

Need a full tutorial?  There's a nice one on DesignSpongeOnline.com or try using a drinking glass for your vase like at AllYou.com 

Happy Crafting!

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Hearts ♥ Garland

I enjoyed knitting the pumpkin garland so much I decided I wanted to make another garland and since Valentine's day is coming up I chose to make one with hearts.

I used raspberry pink yarn (Red Heart Super Saver) with a red and metallic mixed yarn (Red Heart Holiday yarn). 

If you want to make a Valentine's day garland for yourself or someone else, there is a great pattern at katydidandkid.com.  Also check out Love Rocks pattern and Valentine Heart Rings pattern for cute heart accessories!

Happy knitting!

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Snow Day!

We got lots of snow and Coffee had a great time playing in it and eating it :)

I have lots of knitting to do today.  This is a scarf I'm knitting with tan acrylic yarn and a mohair yarn.  It's in seed stitch and I will add fringe at the ends when I'm done.

This is a shawl I've been working on for a while and still have a long way to go.  It's also in seed stitch with soft pink acrylic yarn.  I'm going to add tassels to the ends when I'm done.

That's all for now, see ya!

♥

Plant Update

(Before)

Just a quick update on how my plants are doing.  I got these plants back in August and they have grown a bit. 

The Jade plant has been giving me the most trouble, its leaves get soft if I don't water it correctly but I think I'm getting it on track now.



This one, I'm not sure what it's called, has grown much taller and is my favorite.  It's very easy to take care of.

I don't think the cactus grew at all, but it isn't dieing either soooo, yay? :p

I was thinking of decorating the pots, I'm not sure yet what I want to do but here is a cute idea!  Chalkboard Flower Pot from http://sewhipmama.wordpress.com/

See ya later!

♥♥♥