This Christmas was very tight (financially) for me.

So, being the crafty girl I am, I decided to make all of my gifts this year.


I first decided to create some fun accessories for my teenage cousins.
I used this pattern as a starting off point to create these.

This first one was made for my fifteen year old cousin, Heather.

I used Duck Brand duct tape in black and chrome.

This purse was specially made for my 17 (almost 18) year old cousin, Felicia.

Once again, I used Duck Brand duct tape in green and white.

Both bags were made almost completely with duct tape,
they do include a cardboard bottom base and
rectangular metal rings to attach the strap to the purses.


My next gift idea came from Jo-Ann.
I found this project sheet at work and thought, "Hey! I can do this."
I cleverly used my employee discount and coupons so I could afford the materials.

The checkerboard was created using scrapbook paper and sealed with Mod Podge.

The checkers are painted wood circles decorated with scrapbook paper.

Here's the back and...

It includes storage for the checkers!

I hope my 13 year old cousin Alex enjoys it.



I used skills I learned from my first swap to create these next three presents.

These were made with IKEA's MALMA mirrors,
scrapbook paper, embellishments, and sealed with Mod Podge.

Maria and Crystal loved them!

I also made these adorable Cupcake Ornaments for each of my aunts,
but I forgot to photograph them.

I enjoyed making presents for everyone,
but I definitely should have started earlier.

At least I've learned something for next year.

Well, not really, but I'm still super excited.

My last post caught the attention of
Connie G. Barwick at About.com: Cross Stitch.
She liked my Giraffe so much that she decided to feature it on her blog today.
She also offered me a trade. I sent her my Giraffe and Monkey.
In return she sent me three great kits.

This is Scenic Lighthouse (65057) from Dimensions' Gold Collection.

This one is from The New Berlin Company.

This cute little Santa (4150) is from NeedleMagic Inc.

She even threw in something a little extra.

John James Gold Plated Tapestry Petites.
I've never used "fancy" needles before.
I always use the needles that come free with my kits.


I am so glad that others enjoy my work.
I think I'll be stuck on Cross Stitch at least through the spring.
Be sure to watch for new posts and new projects.

Well, for right now, I am storing my knitting.
I go through phases in my crafting and after almost a year of knitting,
I am on to cross stitch.

In the past month I have finished four mini cross stitch kits.
Here they are...

Raccoon
Item 4645 from NeedleMagic Inc.
It was stitched on 18 count aida fabric.


It's A Zoo
Item 4129 from NeedleMagic Inc.
It was stitched on 14 count aida.



Monkey
Item 4105 from NeedleMagic Inc.
It was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.


Say Cheese
Item 3856 from NeedleMagic Inc.
It was stitched on 18 count aida.

I purchased all of these kits from JoAnn Fabric & Craft.

I love to work on small projects.
It gives me the instant gratification that I need.
They are also nice to carry along with you,
they fit nicely in a small sandwich bag in my purse.

I haven't abandoned knitting forever.
I will be participating with the MN Rollergirls during
their Knitting for Charity events.

I haven't posted in a while, but I am still knitting away.
I just can't seem to focus on one project right now.
I actually have 4 projects on needles right now.
So at least I can tell you about those.

Project 1: Felted Messenger Bag



This pattern can be found in Awesome Knits for guys and chicks by Lion Brand Yarn.
I choose Patons Classic Wool in Peacock for the main color and Plum Heather for the trim.


Project 2: Flour Sack hat



This pattern can be found in
Baby Beanies: Happy Hats to Knit for Little Heads
by Amanda Keeys.
I am using Mission Falls 1824 Cotton in 102 Ivory and 103 Pebble.
I've been having a had time knitting with this yarn,
the texture is way different than any another yarns I've used.


Project 3: Coco Mitts

(I hope my whiteness doesn't blind anyone)

I was given this pattern by my good friend and knit 'n' bitch partner, Caroline.
She found it in Hat, Mittens, and Scarves Deck: 25 Cool and Cozy Projects by Andrea Tung.
I am using Punta Yarns Merisoft Spaced Dyed in 389 (Purple and Black).
I have finished one, but I just can't force myself to get the second done.


Project 4: Snowdrop Lace Dishcloth




I found this pattern on Ravelry it's by Tera Johnson and is available for free.
I am using Lily's Sugar'n Cream in Patio Pinks.



I do promise that once I finish something I will take pretty picture
and post a brand new blog, just for you!

I have been knitting these baby hats for fun,
but this weekend my Pom Pom Bear hat
came in handy as a 1st birthday present for my cousin, Annabelle.


Doesn't she look adorable?


The hat even complimented her crazy "Brady Bunch" dress.


I am so pleased to see my work in action.

I have been just going straight through my
Baby Beanies: Happy Hats to Knit for Little Heads by Amanda Keeys.
This pattern is called pompom bear and can be found on page 51.

This hat required a three-needle bind off.
I have never attempted that type of bind off,
but the instructions included in the book were easy to follow and understand.

I used Punta's Merisoft Hand Painted yarn in HP66.
I love the bright colors!

I used Clover Takumi Bamboo needles in 16" size 9 circular and 7" size 9 DPNs.
I also used a Clover large Pom Pom Maker in 2 1/2".


I really enjoyed this pattern and I am already making a new and larger sized version right now.
I have been told this hat is similar to the one worn by the cartoon character, Chowder.

I had to take a break from my baby hats to make a very special hat for a very special person.
Someone very close to me has been diagnosed with cancer for a second time.
She recently started chemotherapy, so I knew she could use a nice hat.



I have been knitting for charity with the Minnesota Rollergirls since the beginning of this year.
I'm glad that MNRG and Crafty Planet gave me this great opportunity to learn about the need for chemo caps.



Please let me take this chance to ask all of you to donate at least one crafty project this month to your favorite charity.
If you are not sure where to start, check out this list.



This pattern can be found at HeadHuggers.org.
The yarn is Caron Simply Soft Brites in Blue Mint.
I used Clover Takumi Bamboo needles in 16" size 9 circular and 7" size 9 DPNs.

I have finished my second baby beanie from
Baby Beanies: Happy Hats to Knit for Little Heads by Amanda Keeys.
This one is called 'special day silk hat'.


First, let's meet my new model.
Her name is Natasha.
I found her on clearance at my local Toy R Us store.


I used Cascade Sierra yarn in 15 pink and Offray Simply Sheer 7/8" ribbon in light pink.
The pattern called for Cascase Pima Silk yarn,
but I wasn't able to locate that particular kind at any of my LYS.


I used Skacel's addi Turbo Circular 12" US 7 and Clover's Takumi Bamboo 7" size US 7 DPNs.
I really enjoyed using the addi Turbo needles.
They were very smooth and fast.


Natasha's head is a bit small for this hat,
but I appreciated her patience while I photographed her.

I finished a new hat!

I found the pattern for this 'simple roll-brimmed hat' in
Baby Beanies: Happy Hats to Knit for Little Heads by Amanda Keeys.




This is my first project using circular and double pointed needles (DPNs).

I used Clover Takumi Bamboo needles in 16" size 9 circular and 7" size 9 DPNs.
I also used a Clover small Pom Pom Maker in 1 3/8".



I used Caron Simply Soft in Sage for the hat and
Caron Simply Soft Paints in Spring Brook for the pom-poms and braids.




I am so happy how it turned out.

I hope I can find a little head to enjoy my new hat!