Yesterday I decided I needed a purse and while waiting for a phone call I made one. I used a “pattern” I call it a “pattern” because its more of an idea and I REALLY had to mess around with it, the numbers were all wrong and it was translated from another language. So I pretty much just used the tiiiiiny picture she had. This is what I came up with. It didn’t take long at all once I figured out the numbers, how to put it together and all the frogging I had to do in the process. Its just big enough for my keys, wallet and phone. AND its machine washable (that’s an important point when you have kids!).

I also designed a large photo prop for my friend Heather of Vanity Photography in Hutto, TX. Her website is here: http://www.vanityphotography.net . Once she gets me some pictures of it in use I’ll put them up!

First, the hat that needs some TLC.  Its so so soft and stretchy, something that other brimmed caps that I’ve made didn’t have.  This was intended for a boy.  My son will not keep it on for a picture, 11 month olds these days… I tell ya! This was also made for a toddler, not a 4 year old with a ginormous noggin!

The second hat is one that I made up as I went along. I wanted something open and light for summer but with a slight sunhat feel, but not losing the flapper feel.

My best friend, Anne, had her first baby in March this year. Anne has crocheted each of my kids a blanket before they were born. I knew that she would have a blanket waiting for Ela so I had to come up with something different. Isn’t she a doll?!

I had never made a dress and what little baby girl doesn’t need a crocheted dress with matching diaper cover?! I believe the pattern was made by Abigail Goss, you can visit her page here: http://www.geocities.com/crotiques/ .

The diaper cover was the adirondack baby soaker by Rebecca Krolikowski, you can find her website here: http://www.crazyhatlady.com/

I had never made this particular soaker pattern before, its a bit different than your usual crochet technique, one that would make a wool soaker for diaper covers pretty bullet proof, I think! I added my own ruffles to the legs.

I love this! I was so excited to make this that I couldn’t decide on a color. I made it with the same cotton yarn that I make the sunhats out of. Lana didn’t mind wearing it for the pictures, either. She did complain about the sun in her eyes though. I modified the pattern a bit to fit a child better, but my head circumference is 22.5″ and it fits me fine as well. I could even make it a little smaller for babies and toddlers.

Have I mentioned I love this? Because I do.

More pictures of it on my flickr!

-Larissa

sillystring.etsy.com

-Larissa

I found this pattern on Etsy and it was just perfect. I was looking for a cotton sunhat for summer and this was perfect. The pattern was designed by Etsy seller TipTopApplesauce. I can make it in any size newborn through large adult size. I have one for sale right now in a adult large, or if you like your sunhats a little floppy I’d say any head circumference over 22″. I seal the ends of the ribbon so they won’t frey but I do not sew the ribbon together incase you need to handwash the hat, or want to change it out!

Ah yes, business, that’s what brings me here.  I have accumulated several (million) crochet projects that I’ve finished and no one to use them.  Do I really need 25 scarves? Can Noah really get away with wearing that cute girly sunhat and ruffled legwarmers? Probably not.  Could our one income family use extra cash? Always.

This whole idea of getting a blog, a facebook group, and an etsy store was all suggested for real this time by my good friend Heather (insert links to her various photography websites here).  I’d always kicked around the idea but when times are tough, you take all suggestions seriously.  Heather is a very accomplished photographer who started up her business herself and  my theme of 2009 is, “if they can do it so can I!”

In conclusion, I hope to be posting pictures and a few words about each of the projects I finish, so check back often!

-Larissa