Crochet Gaiter

It has been so cold the past couple days here in North Carolina. Our average temperature in the Winter is in the 40's. This week however, It's been in the teens! That's just too cold for me. I want to crawl under blankets and hibernate!

My Husband walks every morning around the neighborhood. This is what he does for daily exercise. If its raining, he will stay in and take a break. No matter how cold it is he will just bundle himself up and go.
He likes to wear a beanie on his head and something around his neck but hates long scarfs, they get in the way. He wanted something he could wear around his neck in a manly fashion and be able to pull it up over his face to protect it from wind when needed.

So, I made him a Gaiter. AKA neck warmer.

The first one I made him, I crocheted using a half double rib stitch. After wearing it and washing it a few times, it became big. It just kept growing. I even took out some inches but it continued to grow.

I wanted to make him another one but using a more durable stitch that want stretch out too much. I found this pattern for a cable stitch. It was the easiest one I found so far. I even made the hat for my friend.

I used gray because black over the face would make him look like a robber. ha ha.
OK, and it matches his gray coat. He wore it today and said it did great keeping his face, neck and ears warm. I actually thought it looked really good around his neck like a snug cowl to wear out somewhere.


Ive shared this at:
oombawkadesigncrochet
cityofcreativedreams
pamspartyandpracticaltips
create-with-joy
dwellings-theheartofyourhome
thestitchinmommy
katherinescorner
craftsalamode

Baby Shower Show Off

I'm excited to say I get to be an Aunt again to a baby boy. I can not wait for him to get here in July. I think the older I get, the more excited I get when a baby comes into the family.

The last baby born in the family was about 3 years ago, and since then, Ive been enjoying crochet more, so this poor child is gonna be covered in crochet....Literally because as soon as I heard the news, I began to crochet him a blanket. Its a rather small blanket, perfect for a cradle, lap or stroller.

She is doing his nursery in "Elephant on Parade" so I tried to match the colors accordingly. I then ordered a darling little wooden teether to match.

I ordered if from littlethingsboutique on Etsy. You should definitely check out some of her creations. They are so darn cute!

I didn't stop there. Since most of the family are Tarheel fans, I decided to make him a hat and booties for game days.

And since his father takes interest in reptiles, I made this adorable little set for fun.

Maybe it will be good for a daddy and son day out.


Last but not least, I made him this elegant looking little newsboy hat set.

 

 

The shower went well and everything she got was so cute. However, the cake is always my favorite part of a shower. She did cake pops instead. They were so sweet! My favorite was the grape salad and pecan pie bites. Here is the recipe to the same grape salad I made over a year ago.

Everything was done up so nicely by a few terrific host.

Now Ill rest my wrist from crochet while I await for the little one to arrive. He is due around the 11th of July. I may have to be on stand by for something red, white, and blue in case he decides to come on or before Independence day!

We are all excited as we wait on his debut!


Ive shared this at:
judyscardmakingandpapercrafts monday-handmade-linkup
made-by-me-129-linky-party-and-features at jaqsstudio
what-are-you-doing-wednesday at contentemeant. 

Princess Shoes

This could possibly be my first fashion post.

My Husband recently found me a pair of shoes online he thought I would like. I thought they were cute so he bought them for me. They are Sebago brand loafers. Perfect for the beach.
 

I have been looking for some loafer / moccasin type slip-ons that can be worn with shorts or jeans.
I have worn these a lot and I'm loving my "Bala" shoes by Sebago.

While looking online, I found the Sebago site and decided to see what other shoes they have......Ok, honestly, I was just trying to find the ones like mine and see what they really cost. ha!
I noticed they had a picture of a lady wearing a pair. Who was this lady? It was Kate Middleton- Duchess of Cambridge. {score!}

 

These must be her favorite shoes!

(source)

I have always admired Kate's simple elegant styles.

After I saw this I immediately told my husband "you bought me princess shoes!"

 

Mine are slightly different in color but still the same. Now if I could just find some of those outfits.

 

Ok enough with blogging about shoes. I need to go bake something!

Sweater Mittens

I had this sweater hanging in my closet for months now that I was tired of and, well, truthfully, I had outgrown just a little. I thought about ways I could get some use out of it without giving it to the goodwill.

I thought about making some boot cuffs with the arms of it like the money saving queen did shown HERE , but I thought the sweater would be too thick and my boots are too tight on my legs as it is.

While blog hopping yesterday I came across a really neat Idea at organized31.

I tried making Mittens from the sleeves. I even made a hat from cutting off and sewing up the sweater's hood.

First I cut the sleeves off the sweater making sure the already finished cuff would be my mitten cuffs.

 

Then I slid them on my hands, stretched my thumbs out and cut around my fingers leaving enough room for a seam.

 

Then I sewed them, trimmed them, and sewed them again until they fit. Needless to say, I am in no way a seamstress. I'm lucky to have threaded my machine correctly. Still not sure, but it sewed so I guess it was right and didn't even have to call Mom.

They turned out funny looking but you get the idea. Maybe the next time I do this, I can make them better. I would love to have a chunky pair of mittens.

I've shared this at:

under-100-linky-party at beyondthepicketfence

friday-link-party at craftionary

twiggstudios sunday-show-off-linky-party

Crocheted Boot Cuffs

Summer is getting behind us and Fall is moving in. Winter will be here before you know it. Winter is my least favorite time of the year but this year I'm gonna try and make the best of it and try not to whine to much about it. Too me, the less I have to wear, the more comfortable I am. I do not like bulk.

But speaking of bulk, I made these cute little boot cuffs to wear with my boots this winter. Who wants bulky thick socks under their pant legs that are already squished in the boots? Not me.

 

They fit down into my boots about 4 inches and extend over the top about 4 inches, I can wear them up or roll them down over the top of my boots.

For the skinny minis out there, some of these would be great to fill the gaps between your boot tops and legs to add warmth.

I know in some states, socks are needed but from where I live, we will rarely get lower that 35 degrees. So all that thick winter wear is not worth buying.