Mason Jar

Mason Jar
Originally uploaded by Ankou

Green living is constantly on the mind. . . with little ones, we're worried about our carbon footprint. The mason jar is one way I'm making an effort in the kitchen. I find that I'm using more jars and fewer ziploc bags, less plastic wrap. . . you get the picture. I'm compiling a list of green crafting ideas--so many out there. When I get it together, I'll share it. Until then, I'll keep sharing the ways we are living green at our house. I'd love to hear what you do at your home.

Home Sweet Home

House HSH
Originally uploaded by hmsohly

The sketch for this little embroidery was inspired by my husband's childhood home. His parents live in a three story brick home with a huge side yard. Our kiddos love to visit because of the trips down the laundry chute, the stairs that go up one side of the house and down the other and all the fun photos of Daddy. Hope you're stitching up something fun. I'm working on block 8 of Gail Pan's Christmas Bom

Favorite Embroidery Piece

While visiting my parents, I finally took a photo of my favorite hand-work my mother did while I was tiny. This hangs in their hallway, right outside my bedroom and links my memory to the lake house where mom stitched it and I was a wee one. I love the colors, the perfection of her stitches and that it is 35 years old. I hope you enjoy this piece, too. The good folks at Sew Mama Sew are featuring hand sewing this month. Maybe we should all share some of our favorites. Let's see what we can find.

A Variation on a Cocoon

Oh, how I wish I had a friend with a baby to cozy into this little bowl. So here is my version of the Baby Bowl. My photographer friend, Christine, was so sweet when she received these little knit goodies. This one works up super fast!

Materials:

1 skein of something soft and yummy

Size 11 16" circular needles

Yarn needle

Cast on 60 stitches loosely with your prefered method

Place stitch marker and join

Row 1: Knit all stitches

Row 2 - 6: Knit all stitches twisted drop stitch (tds)

Row 7: Knit 8, k2tog to end of round using tds

Row 8 - 12 Knit all stitches twisted drop stitch

Row 13: Knit 7, k2tog to end of round using tds

Row 14: Knit all stitches twisted drop stitch

Row 15: Knit 6, k2tog to end of round using tds

Row 16: Knit all stitches tds

Row 17: Knit 5, k2tog to end of round using tds

Row 18: Knit all stitches tds

Row 19: Knit 4, k2tog to end of round using tds

Row 20: Knit 3, k2tog to end of round using tds

Row 21: Knit 2, k2tog to end of round using tds

Row 22: Knit 1, k2tog to end of round using tds

Row 23: K2tog to end leaving you with six stitches remaining

Cut an 8" tail and thread it through the final six stitches.

Weave in ends and trim.

Have fun--this knits up super fast!

Baby Cocoon

Ah, summer. . . and I'm knitting. That may seem strange, but it is portable and lets me be outside keeping an eye on the kiddos. My friend, Christine, is an amazing photographer who showed me some of the props she had purchased for infant sessions. She told me she was coveting some of the cocoons she had seen, but not enjoying the prices. I thought I'd try to work one up for her and share the pattern with you all--just in case you have a newborn who might need to be extra cozy. I wish I had a baby to show you how sweet they can look in these little cozy, cocoons, but my babies are too big and I haven't yet talked my sister-in-law into having another.

Materials:

Size 11 16" circular needles

1 skein of yummy, soft yard you adore

A little time.

Cast on 35 stitches using the long-tail method

Place space marker and join.

Rows 1 - 5, knit in stockinette

Row 6, knit all with twisted drop stitch

Row 7, knit all rows

Repeat rows 6 and 7 until your cocoon measures 15"

Begin decrease on a knit row:

Row 1 Dec: k2 tog, k5 to end

Row 2 Dec: knit all with twisted drop stitch

Row 3 Dec: k2 tog, k4 to end

Row 4 Dec: knit all with twisted drop stitch

Row 5 Dec: k2 tog, k3 to end

Row 6 Dec: knit all with twisted drop stitch

Row 7 Dec: k2 tog, k2 to end

Row 8 Dec: knit all with twisted drop stitch

Row 9 Dec: knit 2 tog, k 1 to end

Cut a 10 " tail, and thread through remaining stitches.

Weave in ends and you have your baby cocoon.

Pie Beret

My Aunt Arleen is a pie baker. As a child, she would deliver any of her wonderful pies for our birthday gifts (my favorite was peach). The yumminess and the fact that it was all ours made those pies extra special. Of course, we shared. She saw me knitting up a cupcake for my niece's 1st birthday. She love it.

I thought her latest granddaughter should have a little cream pie hat. So this little beret is simple and fun. The ribbing is the crust and keeps it on the baby head while the top, fringe and flowers are the filling. I love it and hope she does, too. Now, will baby Grace keep it on her pretty little head?

Cottage Embroidery

Cottage Embroidery
Originally uploaded by hmsohly

Just had to sketch up a little summer something. If you're off to the park, the lake, the cabin in the woods, a little stitching while sitting quietly on the deck or swinging in the hammock is so soothing. I find I like to sketch teh big parts and freehand the details. Hope you're enjoying some relaxing with your favorite people and hobbies. Happy Summer!