Fit for a Princess! - Crochet Edged Receiving Blanket

 When my brother got married (a few years ago now) my Aunt gave a shower gift wrapped in tea towels, I LOVED the idea!  I have to admit I've used the idea a few times myself for wedding gifts, as well as used receiving blankets as wrapping for baby gifts.

I think its a great idea to save a little paper (or when you forget to pick up paper!) and still give a beautifully wrapped gift.

 Last week I went a baby shower for a soon to be arriving little girl, and I not only used my Aunt's idea again, but I one-uped myself!  I decided to add a little crocheted trim to the edge of a store bought receiving blanket :)

It's a small little detail that gives the basic blanket so much more!  I hope it adds a little smile to her Momma's face when she sees her little princess wrapped up in the blanket that was made just for her (even if it started out as a blanket for commoners! HA!)

So now I'm sure you're thinking that you need to fancy up a blanket or two ;) Right?!?!  Well you're in luck because I'm going to share with you how I did it step-by-step! Yay!!!!

First, you need a steel crochet hook (I did my first blanket with an aluminum hook and I found it bent a little and was hard to work with, the steel was much stronger and easier to poke through), some fine yarn (I used Red Heart Luster Sheen in Lime because it was a perfect match to the green in the blanket) but any fine yarn should work, as well as the blanket you'd like to embellish (mine was in a 'Garanimals' four pack from Wal-Mart).

To start, pick anywhere along the edge of your blanket under the finished edge to poke your hook through.  

Next, pull your yarn through as a slip stitch (slst)

Using the crochet hook, poke another hole next to your first and pull the yarn through and single crochet (sc) being careful to keep the stitch along the outer edge of the blanket.

Continue sc along the edge of the blanket making sure to keep your stitches as even and uniform as possible (you could measure out your holes first using a ruler and a washable fabric maker, but I like to live on the edge!)  until you reach the beginning, join with a slst

Your next row (which I managed to miss photographing, sorry!) is a row of sc around, joined with a slst.

Then, ch 4, skip first 3 sc, join with a sc in 4th st, repeat around, join with a slst.

 

Final row: sc, hdc, 3dc, hdc, sc, in each ch 4 space around, join with a slst.

There you have it!  A beautifully edged blanket to give to a new mother as either wrapping for a gift, or as the gift itself because, let's face it, this blanket is a beautiful gift in itself!

Go ahead and give it a try, as always please let me know if you have any questions, I will try my best to help out!  

If you do try it out, please let me know!  I'd love to hear form you!

I've linked-up with Make It and Love It

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Thanks for stopping by!

- Jenn

A Showering of gifts

What's that you ask?  Oh just a tiny glimpse of a gift for a beautiful baby joining us soon :)

I was able to attend a baby shower today for a wonderful couple who are expecting a little girl in June and I just couldn't resist making a few things.

Isn't it a sweet little set?  A soft cuddly toy to chew on and cuddle, a dress to look adorable in, and a sun hat to lounge around in :)

                                                                                 

                                                                                  

                                                                                                                       

This little dress I think will fit to about 3 months, I'm sorry I didn't take the time to write down the pattern but I know I used Bernat Handicrafter Cotton so it would stay cool in the warm months, or if I completely misjudged the sizing, it would be nice over a long sleeved shirt in the fall (see, dual-purpose!!!!!)

I'm pretty pleased with how the little hat turned out!  I used a pattern from my favorite crocheter Sarah I used the 0-3 month size but with a 4.00mm hook.  After I completed the hat according to the pattern I added three increasing rows (row 1: 5 dc, 2 dc in next st. around.  row 2:  6 dc, 2 dc in next st. around.  row 3:  7 dc, 2 dc in next st. around) and then added a sc row to finish the edge.  

It has just a little brim to keep the sun off those new little ears and beautiful eyes.

This little bunny is even cuter in person.  I got the pattern from Bernat and I have a feeling I'll be making a few more as go to baby gifts!  It was quick to come together and I love the simplicity of this little "bun" as Claire-bear calls it :)

 So what did you think?  I'm still a little nervous little missy won't ever get to wear the dress because I didn't follow a pattern, but at least it looks good on display!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

- Jenn

Welcome Spring (free) Dress Pattern!!!

How has your Spring been treating you?  I know other parts of the world are still in a frozen state, but we have been having amazing weather!  It has been wonderful to be out enjoying that warm sunshine and getting a few things done around the yard while my kiddos ran around playing their games and riding bikes :)

I took a little longer than hoped to write up a pattern for my "Welcome Spring" dress, sorry for all those who were checking back :)  I've said before that I am new to sharing patterns, I usually make them up for the one or two things I need to make and then move on.  Or if I do write everything down, it only makes sense to me!  I've done my best to make the pattern understandable but please let me know if I've left something out or if it just doesn't make sense!

Welcome Spring Dress (Fits a Size 3)

Materials:
Bernat Handicrafter Cotton Yarn                             18"x42" Fabric (pre-shrunk)
5.00 mm hook                                                         Thread
4 buttons                                                                 Trim and Embellishments (if desired)
Tapestry Needle

Begin with 64 FHDC (This makes for a stretchy neckline), ch 1, turn
row 1:   64 sc across, ch 2, turn
row 2:   9 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 17 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 17 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 17 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 8 dc, ch 2, turn
row 3:   10 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 19 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 19 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 19 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 9 dc, ch 2, turn
row 4:   11 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 21 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 21 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 21 dc, ch 2,   dc in last stitch, 10 dc, ch 2 turn
row 5:   12 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 23 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 23 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 23 dc, ch 2,   dc in last stitch, 11 dc, ch 2, turn
row 6:   13 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 25 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 25 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 25 dc, ch 2,   dc in last stitch, 12 dc, ch 2, turn
row 7:   14 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 27 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 27 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 27 dc, ch 2,   dc in last stitch, 13 dc, ch 2, turn
row 8:   15 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 29 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 29 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 29 dc, ch 2,   dc in last stitch, 14 dc, ch 2, turn
row 9:   16 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 31 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 31 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 31 dc, ch 2,   dc in last stitch, 15 dc, ch 2, turn
row 10:  17 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 33 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 33 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 33 dc, ch 2, dc in last stitch, 16 dc, ch 1, turn
row 11:  (worked on end of bodice) 20 sc across, ch 1, turn
row 12:  20 sc across, ch 1, turn
row 13:  2 sc, ch 2, skip 2 sc, 4 sc, ch 2, skip 2 sc, 4 sc, ch 2, skip 2 sc, 4 sc, ch 2, skip 2 sc, 1 sc, ch 1,     turn
row 14:  20 sc across, ch1, turn
row 15:  (worked on bottom of bodice)  18 sc, skip next 34 dc, sc in ch 2 space, 35 sc, skip next 34 dc, sc in ch 2 space, 17 sc, ch 1
row 16:  (worked on end of bodice)  20 sc across, ch 1, turn
row 17:  20 sc across, ch 1, turn
row 18:  20 sc across, ch 1, turn
row 19:  20 sc across
row 20:  join bodice with slst to 5th sc on opposite side (you need to skip the button hole strip so the dress will close) ch 1, sc around, join to ch with slst
row 21:  ch 1, sc around, join to ch with slst
row 22: ch 1, sc around, join with slst, fasten off

Weave in ends
Attach buttons to bodice using button holes as your guide

To make skirt:
*note* I use a 1/2" seam allowance
Add embellishments (rick-rack/ruffle) to skirt if desired
Sew short ends of fabric together
Fold over top 1/2", press, fold over 1/2" again, press and sew near top edge (If your seam is to low it will show   when the dress is finished)
Fold over bottom 1/2", press, fold over 1" again, press and sew hem
Sew a running stitch under top seam, pull threads to gather skirt to fit inside bodice
Pin skirt to inside of bodice, sew to attach

There you have it!  I hope you try it out for the little princess in your life.  If you have any questions or problems with the pattern please let me know and I'll try my best to sort them out for you!

Did you make a dress?  Let me know how it turned out with a comment!

Thanks for stopping by!
- Jenn

Pocket Full of Posies - Free Flower Crochet Pattern

Have you been checking in looking for those free patterns I promised a few nights ago?  Well I finally had time to take a few pictures and write down how those sweet little flowers are made!

They really are simple and very quick to whip up as embellishments for a little headband or shirt or skirt or card or whatever you think needs a little flower :) 

I used my latest favorite, Bernat Handicrafter Cotton yarn and a 4.00mm hook to make a flower just bigger than an inch, but you can really use any yarn and hook you'd like.   

Begin with a magic ring, 5 sc in ring

Join with a slst and pull to close ring

working in next st, 1hdc, 1 dc, 1hdc (first petal made)

slst into next st and repeat (1hdc, 1dc, 1hdc) 4 times to make 5 petals

fasten off and weave in ends.

There you have it!  A completed flower in just a few minutes!  Wasn't that easy?  Now go make a whole bunch and brighten up your springtime projects like I did with the headband little Missy wore!

Did you try my pattern?  Let me know what you embellished with a comment!

Thanks for stopping by!

-Jenn

Spring Has Sprung!

I have a bit of a confession ... I LOVE Spring!  Something about the longer days, the promise of warmer weather, and soft pastel clothing makes me smile.  Yes, I said pastel clothing ... I'm sure I'm not the only one who gets excited when the jeweled tones of winter move over for those softer colours :) 

I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the first full day of Spring than with a mini-photo shoot with my littlest Princess!

She was more than happy to dance...

and giggle...

and twirl on a beautiful Spring morning.

Oh, and did you notice her beautiful dress and headband?  I couldn't let little missy dance in a new season in a wintry jewel-tone could I??????  That would be against everything Spring stands for... at least for me :)

I'm working up the pattern for that darling headband and adorable dress, along with several other great projects I've got kicking around in my scatterbrained head that I hope to share with you all very soon!

Until then, what's your favourite part of Spring?

Thanks for stopping by my little neck of the woods!

~Jenn

Winter "One"derland Party

As I said in my previous post, my littlest princess turned one in November and we celebrated with a Winter "One"derland Party.  I really thought I took TONS of photos to share with you all, out it turns out, I did not ... sorry!  I do have some which is better than none I guess! 

First up, the table centrepiece...

I found a little metal tray in my Mother-in-laws collection of things, I have no idea where it came from but it was a nice size and fit my colours so I grabbed it!  I placed five mason jars filled with bunches of baby's breath on top and filled the rest of the tray with silver jingle bells and clear snowflakes (both from Dollar Giant).  SUPER simple to make!

I decorated the Christmas Tree with silver garland, purple snowflake ornaments (from WalMart) and snowflake ornaments crocheted for the party by my amazing Mom!  Each one is beautiful and truly are beautiful, this picture does NOT do any justice at all!

I crocheted a little Bunting to decorate the fire place (again bad picture), I wanted to decorate for the party and Christmas in one shot, hence "Let it Snow" versus "Happy Birthday".  I followed the instructions from Attic 24 (she seriously has some great projects!) for the triangles, from Moogly for the letters and I'm not sure where the snowflakes came from ... I made soooooo many different ones for the party from so many different places (however I only blocked these ones so I have a bag full of limp snowflakes for next Christmas!!!!), I'm sure you can find some patterns you love with a quick google search!  

I'm actually quite happy with this little bunting and look forward to using it again and again!

Here are the little Cornstarch dough ornaments made by me decorated by the kiddos and adorned with the tags from my last post!

If you haven't tried Cornstarch Dough, you really should!  It does need to be cooked, but it really is simple and is nice to work with!  Want to make some?  Check out The Imagination Tree for instructions.  I gave the kiddies silver and purple sparkle paint and let them go to it!  It was fun to see the differences between the ornaments and they were sooooo excited to help our guests pick out one to take home.

The "Goodie Bags" were very simple, I used to Cornstarch Dough recipe from the Imagination Tree and added about a Tablespoon of Cream of Tarter (it acts as a preservative), a bit of peppermint oil (I just dumped it in, sorry!) and a bunch of glitter.  After kneading it out I popped a little "snow" ball into a small container (Dollar Tree), topped with an ornament (Dollar Tree)

Somehow I missed taking pictures of the Hot Chocolate bar, but did get one of the delicious concoctions whipped up!

Doesn't it look scrumptious!  I made Crock Pot Hot Chocolate topped with Whipped Cream and your choice of toppings including: Crushed Candy Canes, Chopped Score Bars, Gingerbread Oreo crumbs, M&M's, Chocolate Sauce, Butterscotch Sauce, and of course Marshmallows!

All around we had a fun day and enjoyed celebrating the amazing, beautiful, cuddly, happy, precious little Missy we are blessed to call ours!

Thanks for joining me!

~ jenn

Gift Tags

My littlest princess has recently turned one!  We are celebrating this coming Saturday at her "Winter Onederland" party (I know its not actually winter yet, just go with me) and I am planning on sending everyone home with their own little snowflake that I have made out of cornstarch dough (seriously great stuff!) and the kiddies will be painting them in the next few days to make them extra special.  I know they will be beautiful little favors on their own, but I decided to make up some quick little tags to make the gifts more, gift like.

Aren't they cute!?!?!?  These little ditties are very quick to make and would make a wonderful handmade touch to your Christmas (or with a little tweaking birthday) gifts this year!  Want to make some simple tags yourself?  Comm'on you KNOW you want to!  I promise, you'll be so proud delivering your gifts with your own handmade tags!

First you'll need a few things: Heavy Cardstock, Ribbon or String, a Hole Punch or Crop-A-Dile, a Snowflake punch (mine is an old one from Martha Stewart), a Scallop Edge punch (mine is from Stampin' Up!) and a pair of Scissors or a Paper Trimmer.

First, you need to trim down your paper, I cut mine into 2" by 3" rectangles.

Next, trim off the top corners, I didn't actually measure, I just eyeballed the top 1/3 of the rectangle and cut toward the middle on an angle.

Now use your hole punch or Crop-A-Dile to punch a hole in the top

Then, I trimmed the bottom edge with my scallop punch.

Next, punch out a little snowflake (I liked it a little further from the edge then this one shows, but you get the picture)

Finally, thread your ribbon or string through the hole!

That's it!  Six simple steps to wonderful, handmade, tags that will knock the socks off of everyone!  Seriously!  No one expects handmade things anymore so spread some extra cheer this year (enjoy a few complements too!) by adding that special touch!

Thanks for reading!  

~ Jenn