Sweater Project and Original Squares

Instead of packing for our weekend, I am playing on the computer. Big surprise, since I find it hard to stay on task.... Anyway, I am working on a sweater inspired by a beautiful sweater at Odd Molly.
I spent a few hours trying to figure out the pattern on my own, driving myself crazy.

I went to the library and stumbled upon a pattern that is similar (Crochet Today Jan./Feb. '08).

I didn't want to make all of the squares the ordinary granny square style, so I ended up inventing 3 of my own squares. So, I'll keep making the squares... I need 82. Ahhhh

Cross Country Ski Weekend

We got a great deal on a room for 2 nights at Snow Mountain Ranch (YMCA of the Rockies) this past weekend (meals included). We almost didn't make it on Friday night, after Matt got home from work because there was an avalanche that covered the road up there. So, we ended up taking a long, back way in and finally got there after 10pm.

There's a Nordic center right on the ranch. Anyway, we rented a pulk to pull Clayton around in. It wasn't easy, but I enjoyed getting a good work out.

We went snowshoeing up a peak and it was getting dark, so we ended up turning around. Matt got a chance to pull the sled and then I took it back down. That was little difficult because Clayton would tip when I took the sharper turns. Matt had to help from the back.

It was a fun weekend and we are going back this weekend. I want to use the pool and do some snow tubing this time.

Comics

Clayton can already read! No, just kidding, but he sure enjoys looking at the comics.

Recycled t-shirt top/dress

I just love the blog Lil Blue Boo and I finally purchased a couple of patterns. I made my first toddler top for Olivia. I used 2 thrift store shirts and one of mine. I tried it on Clayton, but didn't manage to get a photo of him. Ha, ha.

My next project will be a hoodie for Clayton. Stay tuned.

Today, I went to the thrift shop...again. I ended up with at least 30lbs. of fabric for $3.75. I am planning a jacket with the lavender denim. Who knows what for the rest. There is so much! I got something like 6 big t-shirts for more Lil Blue Boo designs. 3 pairs of awesome shoes for $10.50. The last pair need some shining up, but the others are barely worn. Matt can't say I'm wearing "man" shoes when I where those. They're cute! A woman can never have too many shoes. Especially ones so cheap. Smart me.

Cute Cake Slices and Cupcake Pincushion

I forgot to post these creations I made for Alexandra, for her birthday. The cupcake pincushion is made from old felted sweaters and an old cotton sweater. The berry was made from wool roving. The cake slices are from a pattern I purchased from http://www.etsy.com/shop/buggabugs.
They took a long time to make, but I think they came out really cute. I hope Aly liked them.

Jumper to Dress Refashion

I had a Flax jumper that was rather unflattering on me. I decided to make a dress for my niece, Olivia. I used a thrift shop pattern that I have misplaced (big surprise). I have another thrift store pattern that is very similar: McCalls 5100. My son is the model here. I hope I'm not damaging him for life.

Snowman and Buttons

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Clayton and I went out to sled and play around in the remaining snow. Later we went for a run with the stroller and picked up the mail on the way back. I received an awesome gift in the mail. It was a big bag of buttons from Corey and Stu. It was so fun to go through them and look at the different types. Now I will have one more thing to add to my project list: use the buttons.

Snowy Weather Fun

The three of us went sledding yesterday. Clayton only agreed to go down the hill one time and then he wanted to play at the playground and take a walk. Oh, well.

Tip: Book Jackets That Stay Put

Clayton has a LOT of books and many are hardcovers with book jackets. He always seems to pull off the covers which leave them more vulnerable to wear and tear. So, I used acid free tape to make them stay on the books better.

I made 2 inch pieces of tape and 1/2 inch pieces. I put the small piece sticky side down on the 2 inch sticky side. This way the book will not be stuck with tape, just the dust jacket. I placed the strips evenly on the jacket edges on all four corners.

I Took the Pledge, Skirt to Dress Refashion

Notice the Clayton drool that hadn't dried, below.

....to Wardrobe Refashion! I made a little girl dress today in very little time. I bought this skirt probably more than 10 years ago and printed on it myself to imitate the BlueFish designs. I based the pattern on a thrifted pattern that I thought would be too small for my niece, but it's even big for my little guy, Clayton. (I just tried it on him.) Sarah will have to store it away for Olivia. It was fun to create something new out of something I wasn't wearing anymore.