Make it Snappy - Mini Challenge Week 4

What I've discovered this week is; I love knitting cables! I purchased the Fluff and Fuzz pattern Miles the Crocodile so that I could give cables a try. The verdict is, I love them! I also love my (not so little) Croc!

Smiles for Miles

I made him in a bigger ply, on larger needles, so he is a good size and super dooper cuddly. I think I may enter him into the Melbourne Show's Cuddly Toy competition, mainly because he will go to a child in the Children's Hospital who may just be in need of a cuddly croc.

Friendly Fellow

So once again, in the name of my Mini Challenge, I have spent half of my Sunday, sewing bits of wool together to try and get my toy to resemble the one in the pattern. At least I only have two more to go.
In other news, I am falling woefully behind in my much larger and looming Handmade Challenge. We are now halfway through the halfway month of the year and I am not halfway through my list. I am pulling my socks up, and will make something this week and post an update as well. Wow, big words.

This week I will also be working on Mini Challenge Item #5. A knitted Camper Van. Fingers firmly crossed that this will be a nice quick one!

Fill Her Up

 

What have you been making?

Twit Twoo, Halfway Through! - Mini Challenge Week 3

'What am I doing?' I asked my husband last night. He doesn't know, I don't know. Why did I sign myself up for a crazy challenge entirely of my own making when there is so much I need to and want to be doing?

One very surprised looking owl!

I managed to make Wise Mr Owl (just) in time, for my Fluff and Fuzz Mini Challange. So many bits to sew up and sew on... By very bad light, I was madly trying to sew the black hat together last night, not entirely ideal. Looking at the original photos, I've ended up with quite a tall and slim looking owl!

In other news, Sophie is doing amazingly. She has finally shaken this virus and to look at her, you would not believe she had open heart surgery 2 weeks ago. This is a huge relief for us. We will see her cardiologist this week, find out where she is at, and start getting on with our lives.

I have also thrown myself into overdrive with making things, and I am about to do something I swore I would never do again, open an online store. It is a very difficult thing to put yourself out there and try and sell things that you make. They are a little piece of you, and if no one buys them, it can be heart breaking. Glutton for punishment?? I'll give it a go.

Instead of announcing tomorrow, (to save time) I will let you know now that this week, as well as everything else, I am going to attempt to make Miles the Crocodile.

Never smile at a crocodile, except this one

Have you ever attempted, or do you sell your own things? Have an tips or hints?

Handmade Biggest Kids Christmas

Here are the last of my handmade Christmas gift suggestions for this year.

FOR HER

1. Knitted Necklace - These are my take on a Mollie Makes tutorial. Quick, easy and a little bit different
2. Personalised Bracelet - From Debby at 2Roads Designs. These are lovely and you can have your own message stamped onto the bracelet, so thoughtful
3. Crochet Rug - Add a bit of cute and cosy to her life with a hand crochet rug from Castle Handmade**
4. Cookies - Yum, I love to give and receive baked goods! Bake some or buy some (preferably that someone has handmade not from the supermarket). I made some of these up for gifts a few Christmases ago. The little owl I made from a kids' sock, following this free tutorial

FOR HIM

1. Tie Bar Clip Set - Debby at 2Roads Designs will customise these for your man, very suave
2. Ugly Jumper Card - Write him a lovely festive message in one of these awesome Christmas Cards from Mum and me Handmade Designs
3. Knit Something! - There are so many good things out there to knit for the man in your life. If, like me, you have a bit of a nerd, head to ravelry and look up Doctor Who, very cool gift ideas for Whovians
4. Personalised Luggage Tags - Again from Debby at 2Roads, personal and practical, that says man gift to me

**please note, I have not actually purchased anything from Castle Handmade at this stage, I just think her stuff is so darn cute!

Handmade Big Kids Christmas

Here we are, my handmade suggestions for the bigger kids, the biggest kids to follow tomorrow.

BIG BOY GIFT IDEAS

1. Ninja Doll - Little Sew & Sews have this cute pattern to make your own ninja For the little man in your life of course!
2. Pirate Hat - Ahoy! I am currently in the midst of knitting up a couple of these scurvy hats for my land lubbers. Free knitting pattern
3. Pirate Sword & Map - I bought this from Kerry at What-nots for Tiny Tots last year for my eldest. Seriously awesome handmade toy
4. Pool Noodle Sock Horse - Need I say more? Seriously, make one, free tutorial

BIG GIRL GIFT IDEAS

1. Felt Food - These yummy pancakes are another amazing creation by Kerry at What-nots for Tiny Tots. If you are feeling you have more time up your sleeve, there are heaps of tutorials online for felt food
2. Floss Dress - This stunning dress is by Tam at Dandelion and Boo. I bought one of her beautiful dresses and bonnets earlier in the year for our princess, really well made and one of a kind
3. Super Doll - Another super pattern and tutorial from Little Sew & Sews
4. Ladybug Sun Hat - Yes Pleats and Treats, if you have little ones, they need one of these adorable hats!

Handmade Little Kids Christmas

I have been excited about writing these posts for a while. It's just been a matter of finding the time to put it all together.

Below I have made lists for handmade items you can make yourself, or purchase from a talented crafts person, for the little people on your Christmas list. I have personally selected these items as I have either purchased something from the maker myself, or made it myself so I know that it works.

I hope to get to everyone on the Christmas list, however it seems Christmas crafting and looking after my brood takes up quite a bit of time!

Baby Gift Ideas

 

1. Baby Block - Make your own baby block with this tutorial
2. Santa Sack - You can buy one of these gorgeous ones that my own mum has made, or make one of your own by searching tutorials online
3. Taggie Toy - Ever notice how kids just play with the tags on toys? Pleats and Treats make the cutest taggies 
4. Mobile - It doesn't take long to put together a few bits and pieces to make a really effective mobile. I made this one for my little girl

Toddler Gift Ideas

1. Sun Hat - My son loves his handmade Pleats and Treats sun hat
2. Plush Tool Set - I made these for my boys last year (not pictured) using a pattern and tutorial I bought from Little Sew & Sews. The boys still love them and Bel has other super cute patterns to choose from too
3. Crocodile Scarf - Download the pattern instantly from Morehouse Farm and get knitting!
4. Fox Neck Warmer - This free pattern knits up really quickly

Next time, things for the big kids!

A Knitted Necklace

Some more knitted gifts from me. I am now trying my hand at jewelry! I spotted a nifty tutorial in the Mollie Makes Magazine and decided to give it a go. You can find the free tutorial online here.

Mollie Makes Knitted Necklace

I wanted to use up a few of my bits and bobs of wool and of course I had nothing as pretty as the variegated yarn that they used, nor did my craft store have all the pieces required to make one like the above. So I did what I do, I improvised!

Ombre Tones, So Hot Right Now!

I think I could do better, overall though, I'm pretty proud of them as a first attempt. A couple more birthday presents ticked off the list.