Happy new year! I’m so excited to share my plans for 2017, but first my holiday makes because my goodness I’m late in sharing these. Here’s a quick look at some of the goodies I made for those important people in my life. I told myself I wasn’t going to make everyone’s gift, but I did want to make some of them because I really enjoy it. Plus, it’s a way to play around with new patterns and not drown in my makes.
Men’s Fingerless Mitts/Gloves (free pattern) – Loved making these! This is a simple knit pattern and actually the first adult pair of gloves I’ve actually finished knitting. I’m always thwarted by that second glove! Anyway, they fit my brother well, and he likes wearing them. I used Cascade 220 in Oyster (8407) from my stash.
Kitty Pouf Pillow (I was able to get it free as part of Knitpicks’ 12 Weeks of Gifting) – These were beyond easy and fun to knit. Probably the only part that took awhile was getting the eyes and nose to my liking. I used leftover bulky yarn from other projects, but these cats do take more yarn than you’d think. I stuffed them with scrap fabric too, so bonus use of scraps! A great last minute gift for cat lovers any time of year.
Thumbs Up Pot Holders (free Designs by Call Ajaire pattern on Craftsy) – This was a last minute gift and a scrapbuster too. Not only did I use scrap fabric, but I also was able to use up scrap pieces of Insul-Bright and batting. I’m going to make some of these for my girls’ play kitchen too!
Adult and Child Infinity Scarf (free Mummykins and Me pattern) – Sometimes there’s someone really difficult to make something for, and for that person I make infinity scarves! Who doesn’t like a scarf when it’s cold?! I used a lovely and soft french terry from Imagine Gnats, and I paired it with a thin sweater knit from my stash (I think it’s from Fabric.com). Very simple and fashionable for a last minute gift. I completely forgot to snap a picture of it, but definitely check out the free pattern as it’s great for leftover knits.
Holiday Night Pajamas (new pattern from Sew a Little Seam) – I just couldn’t help myself with this one. It was a last minute decision, and the pattern is exactly what I’ve been looking for, so I bought it along with several of her other patterns (my goodness her kids are freaking adorable too!). I used some Cotton + Steel fabric from my stash (Hatbox Tiger Stripes) that I was saving for something special for my cat loving girl. She opened them Christmas Eve and was so pleased with them (there might have been happy tears…). The pattern is awesome, fit is perfect (I left just a bit of room for seasonal growth), and I’m loving everything about them!
I also made a couple of holiday tops for my girl and myself with Girl Charlee’s Jolly Holiday Fair Isle Deer Heart Cotton Spandex knit. I made myself the Sweetheart Top from Gertie Sews Vintage Casual and my daughter a Bimaa sweater with the shawl collar in fleece.
The fleece cuffs and waistband had to be cut larger than the size 5 top pattern because of its lack of stretch, but the shawl collar is still size 5 and her head fits easily.
Lastly, I began a holiday tumbler quilt with Cotton + Steel’s Garland collection, but I didn’t finish in time. I had originally planned on it being a smallish quilt, but I had enough fabric for a throw quilt so I just kept cutting and sewing. Then I realized I didn’t have batting big enough, and there was NO WAY I was stepping into a craft shop that late in the season. I plan on finishing it early this year and not putting it off though. The quilt top is done, I just need quilt backing now, and I have the perfect binding fabric in my stash. I was going to share a sneak peak, but I think I’ll just wait ’til I finish it.
Enough with last year’s projects! I have big plans for this year which I plan to be realistic about, but they do include way more clothes for myself (using some of those vintage patterns I’ve hoarded), quiet book patterns (my most popular posts are actually my quiet book posts), planned capsule wardrobes for my girls, and free doll clothing patterns. I’m finally getting serious about my digital pattern drafting and photography (haha, I say that now, but we’ll see right?!), so let’s see what this year has to bring. I’ll tell you right now, more focus on me!!! I might even wash my face and drag a brush through my hair…
penny sew vintage 