makin' it in the mommyhood - baby cardigans and granny squares galore

it's finished! the first project for the new little bean! i knitted up this adorable, little garter stitch cardigan last week. i chose it due to it’s being knit all in one piece and only needing one skein of yarn to whip up. i enjoyed making it and found the pattern easy to follow.

the only spot i had a hard time with was the seaming. i wanted the side seams and underarms to look seamless and just couldn't seem to figure out how to get those dang underarms to work due to the binding off in separate rows a few stitches at a time. that darn ladder look won’t go away no matter what seaming process i use.

the writer of the pattern suggested using the mattress stitch and i will go back and give that a try. not sure if it will help me though, i seem to just be stuck. i’ve tried about 20 times to get it to look right, so cross your fingers number 21 is going to work…haha.

the pattern is called "inca-dincadoo" and you can find it here on ravelry as a free download.

i've also been busy at working on my new granny square addiction. eeek! they sure are quick to just grab you and suck you in. it took me a bit of time on the weekend to get my crochet terminology back up to speed and practice a few different squares until i found the right one, but i'm happy with what i've made so far.

somewhere along the last week or so i came across the pattern called "summer garden granny square" by lucy of attic 24. i love this pattern. it's super easy to follow and you can use a ton of colors. also her tutorial is very well written and has lots and lots of pics so beginners like me can easily see what she is referring to no matter how small a step it is. kudos for her for making such a great pattern! you can find it here on ravelry or on her blog, attic 24.

i’m not too sure at this point if all the squares will have blue for the outer edge, i’m not too practiced at picking colorways right now for the blanket, but i’m trying to go with what i have the most of in my stash at the moment. i may mix it up with pink edges and blue edges. i originally wanted white, but don't have enough wool in my stash to do them all white.

what do you guys think? should i change it up a bit? do i need more color? my daughters room will be shared with the new baby and the colors in there are light blue, pinks and brown. any tips would be awesome! i could use the help :)

etsy monday in the mommyhood

"Knitting is a boon for those of us who are easily bored. I take my knitting everywhere to take the edge off of moments that would otherwise drive me stark raving mad." ~Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much

1) crochet hook organizer by sprout
2) large knitting needle clutch by the bag studio
3) knitting needle case organizer by atelier de soyun
4) tuck and roll crochet hook/knitting needle/dpn organizer by coyote craft

in the quest for doing some early spring cleaning and attempting to get my wool stash and supplies in order i have been on the lookout for some new needle organizers. mine are a disaster!!! a mess, total chaos. i have an old handmade one from someone, not sure who, that is a pain in the ass to use and literally makes more of a mess every time i open it. i would love to have the time/pattern to make my own, but in the meantime with baby #2 on the way soon the above cases would fit the bill perfectly!

what do you use to organize your needles? what about circulars? do you have a tutorial you recommend for making your own organizer? i'd love to hear about it!

ps. we made it to the top 5!! yippee! this is the last week for voting and i need your guys help. please click on the box below and comment/tweet your vote if you love "luvinthemommyhood"! thanks for all your support you guys - you rock!

etsy monday in the mommyhood

"The only place where housework comes before needlework is in the dictionary." ~Mary Kurtz

1) my grandmother's blanket by turtle murtle
2) colorful afghan pillow by atelier afra
3) florida everglades by popsicle stick
4) crocheted dot bag green & turqoise by artistik1979

i've been hooked by the granny square. she came and caught me this week. i've been going through my huge wool stash and trying to get some projects on the go for the baby when swoosh, i was sucked in by the granny square. how? by watching tv at 4:00am that's how. damn those late night/early morning craft shows. have any of you seen these? they lure me in every darn time.

heading into the third trimester has me up quite a bit at night, which usually ends with me being sucked into a knitting or quilting show on some learning channel. it's not a good thing. it usually takes me eons to go back to sleep because my mind starts spinning and filling with possible projects and i start to feel that familiar tingle in my fingers to work with my hands.

the other night i was up watching tv in bed and remembered this gorgeous pattern i had seen on sarah london's site. i sat straight up and said "i have to make this". it's now near the top of my list and will hopefully be a great big stash buster. in the meantime though, i thought it would be fun to help aide my new longing to make granny squares by seeing what all the ladies have been up to on etsy. i love all the above items! aren't they cheerful and perfect for spring?

if you're looking to learn how to do some serious granny square making, check out "meet me at mike's", scroll down the page and check out the left side bar for the links to her crochet school with the latest series of how-to's on granny squares.

what's your favorite crochet project? are you hooked on granny squares?

link luv roundup

i figured a nice, bright jolt of color would help to shake up our wednesday and this pic definitely caught my eye - you all know my obsession with buttons!

1) i love the simplicity of this tutorial for a travel changing pad - so easy! this is a must make for any busy mom on the go. (via one pretty thing)
2) head on over to calico to find out how to revamp some of your headbands this season! a fun tute!
3) i thought the idea to use old valentine cards to make a sweet bunting was clever and resourceful! click here to find out how to make your own. (via whip up)

grace over on whimsy loft shows you how to make this adorable sock owl for the little ones in your life. (via whip up)

why not make a valentine's robot this holiday? sew green shows you how.

another fab tutorial in the "celebrate the boy" series this month. check out the tute for this trinket keepers tutorial (great for girls too) over on amazing mae!

0hhhh, i'm loving it! another anthrocopy from over on made by lex (previously my mama made it). i adore this top! great job alexis!

1) i can't get enough of these hooded scarfs from pretty ditty. this is my fave!
2) whip up some patchwork pillow covers with this tute from things we make.
3) the ever so talented ashley from lil blue boo shows us how to recover and revamp a nursery rocker to add some spice to your room!
4) isn't this just so lovely? i love how fresh and simple this is for valentine's day. (via craftzine)

i need to get my hands on a pair of these! love them! the etsy shop "wooly baby" makes all their wool slippers from recycled sweaters for sizes newborn to 4 years old!!!! so precious!! i want a pair for myself!

1) freshly picked has a tutorial for an easy elastic waist skirt for all us mom's and non-mom's out there!
2) here's a fun refashion from "sew much ado" for a toddler ruffle skirt.
3) ruffles and stuff shows how to make this gorgeous scrunch belt.
4) the lovely ladies over at kojo designs have a tutorial up for this cute plaid and lace schoolgirl skirt for your little one!

1) a former "moms in the mommyhood" shaelynn benner shows us how to make ruffle neck scarf!
2) there's a lovely little diy for these pretty fabric flowers over on 100 layer cake. (via creature comforts)
3) got a cardigan kicking around that needs some vamping up? check out this tute for making that cardi look like something that wasn't your grandmother's.

i wish i had enough quilting skills built up that i could tackle this blocks and stripes quilt from "film in the fridge", it's gorgeous!

alicia paulson from posie gets cozy (also the author of one of my fave sewing books) has a beautiful, pattern up for sale in her shop for this sunshine day baby afgahn - i just might have to make this, it keeps calling to me. darn you alicia!

things i'm luving this week:

- the precious birth stories and memories being shared over on design mom.

- mags from one of my fave blogs "smashed peas and carrots" shares two great tutorials for a repurposed girls shirt to toddler dress and little girls shirt sleeves to leg warmers. so adorable! these are on my "must sew" list!

- free mini kit from melissa of "isly" over on design house digital just in time for valentine's day or some free twitter page backgrounds from "ollibird".

- the new to me blog "mrs lilien styling house" - love the the little tales and characters she whips up to go with her posts each day, so fun!

- new etsy shop from the blog "whatever".

- make sure you head over to the rik rak studio to vote for the 2010 handmade olympics!!!

- the new album making me swoon from the oh, so talented corinne bailey rae.

- the creative maven has a fun little craft to make a valentine for the tea lover after your heart with a play on the word sweetie (sweetea) in the shape of a tea bag. go check it out!

what are you luving this week? do you have a tutorial you would like to see up here next week? send me an email!

p.s. if any of you featured in the roundup would like a "featured on luvinthemommyhood" button for your blog just send a quick email my way to luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca and i'll send you one right over - thanks for your support :)

link luv roundup - it's baaaack!

link luv is back! yep, it's taken me a while and lots of pondering. i wasn't sure if i was going to continue to do this post weekly as it takes me tons and tons of time. no really, my reader is so huge it takes me hours to go through it to find all this fun stuff. after pondering it though and getting back to regular blogging i realized i missed it and it was my fave part of the week to put together for all of you.

i see so many things i luv during my blog adventures that i just can't help but share. if you have a tutorial you would like to see on here or info you would like to share please email me at luvinthemommyhood@yahoo.ca i love hearing from you. also top tutorials is coming up again this year and if you would like to be nominated you must have had your tute posted on luvinthemommyhood.

1) nursery from kenziepoo.com - ohhhhh, love it so much, love the site so much too!
2) playpen storage bag from pickles.com.
3) nursery from kenziepoo.com
4) i've been dying to give my hand at these for a while now - it is seriously time to dress up my paper lamp from ikea. check out this tute from craftynest to make yours too!

i'm crying that i have to give this book back to the library. cal patch's "design-it-yourself clothes: patternmaking simplified" is sure to be on my must have sewing book list. too bad mother's day is so far away, i wish i had put this on my xmas list! check it out if you haven't already, it's a great book for anyone looking to make and sew their own clothes.

ohhhhhhh....the new anthropologie pics have me swooning...and swooning...and swooning....the shoes, the dresses, the tops....oh my.

i don't know about you but i'm sure not sick of the lovely ruffles yet. tea rose home has a sweet tute on how to make this pretty ruffle top. (via 30 days)

oh wow, i am a sucker for throw pillows and over on censational girl you can find out how to make some soft, fluffy, textured ones using the most unusual source.....bathmats! great idea!

wishing i looked like this preggers in a bikini....oh you lucky lady you! her blog is fab too! (via a cup of jo)

i've been seriously behind in my blog reading and fell in love with these three tutorials from make it and love it - 1. pillow 2. green scarf 3. beige scarf

i can't wait to get my hands on the new fabric line nicey jane from heather bailey - gorgeous and so fresh!

i thought this little tute from sew4home to spruce up a plain glass vase was perfect to bring some cheer to all the rainy weather we have been having around here.

1) homemade by jill's got a great printable burp cloth template.
2) adorable gooey hearts day shirt makeover from jessica at happy together.
3) transform your t-shirt into a tunic over on craftstylish.
4) learn how to make an easy elastic waistband for a little girl's skirt over at the mother huddle.

are you a fan of the blog the sartorialist? why not get your giggles on by checking out the new blog the catorialist or a similar idea using toddlers/babies over on planet awesome kid.

things i'm luving this week:

- this comforter set from target...oh target...why won't you ship to canada?
- this post on "how to survive the first seven weeks" (of life with a newborn) from domestic reflections.
- the newest issue of vivalamoda is out! go for a looksie...hurry!
- meet me at mikes has a great line up of crochet school lessons going on right now - crocheting is fun and i love seeing it pop up everywhere nowadays.
- want to show off your personal style? are you a blogger? go post some super stylish pics over your style in the newly created flickr group "bloganistas". love this idea, only wish i thought i was stylish enough to add a pic of myself to the group.
- my hubby, it's his bday today....i love you baby. thank you for being you and making everyday better than the last and for giving me our precious and wonderful babies (as well as that piece of ice cream cake to eat while i type this ) - you're the best xoxoxo

link luv roundup

don't you wish fall looked and felt like this moment everyday?

awww, i'm gushing for alexis...so bear with me. i'm so proud of her for finally starting her very own etsy shop! we featured alexis's blog "my mama made it" a while ago and have been following her everyday since! i can't wait to see what she comes up with next and still can't figure out how she does it all with 3 little ones! congrats alexis!!!

i'm luving these prints from dilka bear - so dreamy and so perfect for my girl's room.

oh my gosh! i am so in love with the coffee table that chez larsson has up this week! her hubby & son made it for her! could you imagine! insert my drool here please....wow! i'll take one! she easily has one of the most organized homes i have ever seen - needless to say, i am an avid reader of her blog for her how to's and great tips for keeping things clutter free.

vanessa over on v&co shows how to refashion a skirt into a dress for the little girl in your life.

learn how to make one cute little manicure kit cover! what a great gift this would make! {via craftgossip}

how cute are this skirt and dress combo from one of our top tutorials winners "cakies"?

take a peek over at the celebration shoppe to make up some of these owl softies for that special little someone in your life! these look like fun! {via craftgossip}

check out the great school lunchbag roundup that whip up's got going on! some great ideas there as well as this post with some helpful links for machine quilting how to's!

learn how to make a cute fabric poppy boutonniere over on grosgrain.

tired of sewing or knitting your grocery totes? why not try crocheting one instead? purl bee has a great little pattern to whip up a few of these lovelies.

here's some promos/contests going on this week that i couldn't miss out on telling you all about:

is your child a budding artist? interested in taking the family on a free cruise? go check out the virtual book of dreams contest held by carnival cruise lines to celebrate their newest ship "carnival dream". kids of ages 7-12 get to draw out their dream to get a chance to win lots of fun prizes for them and the family! click here for more info on rules/regulations and to enter! i love the creativity involved in this giveaway!

i wish i had heard about the site www.babysafetravel.com a long time ago - i think it's fabulous! what a great idea! i could have used this site many a time when we have travelled with mackenzie. bonus is they also have an online boutique with some sweet gear to make travelling with your wee ones a bit easier. enter the promo code 'summertravel' for 10% off baby travel products in the baby boutique.

i've written about chalkboard tees before so i figured i couldn't get away without mentioning the special promo they have going on right now just in time for xmas. get your pre-orders in before december 1st 2009 (they get shipped out 12/12/09) and you receive 20% off! just use the promo code chalkyhood - how sweet is that?!

things i'm luving this week:

-satch & sol is having 15% off everything in their online store this week for back to school till sunday, september 13th. use the promo code "school15". i LOVE this store!
- learn how to make a pediment from a picture frame over on the shabby chic cottage.
- i enjoyed the interview over on gathering sprigs with leslie shewring of "a creative mint".
- i'll take one of everything over on bliss's annual boots roundup - *warning* shoeaholics beware, this is a dangerous, dangerous post! i had to hide my credit cards!
- craftypod's got a new e-book out called "creating a blog audience". you may remember her first one making the rounds entitled "making a great blog: a guide for creative people".
- you a fan of the blog darling dexter? make sure to check out her newly launched etsy shop "whitney deal".
- check out the catalogue from tine k home and be prepared to drool and want to print out everything for your inspiration board - lovely, lovely things. {via decor8}
- great roundup of tea cosies over on "meet me at mike's".
- digging the site poladroid after reading about it over on the lil blue boo. it's fun and easy to use! so dig up some pics and polaroid the heck outta them!
- katie from the blog katie did is back with the cutest sprinkler suit i have ever seen.
- we've all been pondering making our own undies so why not our bras too? here's a tute over on instructables if you wanna give it a shot!
- i'm all over this sweater refashion for the fall/winter season! find out how to refashion one of your own over on smashed peas and carrots! too cute!
- i'm going to making up some of these adorable diaper straps from calico to help keep all those stray diapers from flying around in your bag - great idea!
what are you luving from this post? what projects are you linking this week?

link luv roundup

oh man are these pics from sarah london textiles making me want to get my hooks out start crocheting! i love the flower blanket! anyone have a pattern like that? you can find her work on here or on flickr.

rebecca danger is one of my fave knitters and i can never resist posting about one of her adorable creations. here's the link to her newest - "monster chunks". happy knitting.

craftynest always has wonderful projects to flex your crafting muscles with but this wine cork trivet caught my eye and i couldn't resist posting it. what a great idea to use up all those wine corks leftover from all the lovely summer drinking you may or may not be doing :)

i adore this necklace tute from resurrection fern and i admit i am mildly obsessed with her crocheted stones.....so lovely. check out her etsy shop for more eye candy.

these cute little boys knit capris from pickles caught my eye today.

gina at the shabby chic cottage has a great tutorial for this gorgeous honey bee pillow.

here's a lovely little roundup of girl's skirts that i can't wait to try:

1. baby, toddler or adult skirt tutorial from blue eyed freckle.
2. border fabric sundress from lil blue boo.
3. simple, sweet skirt tute from debra's creative ramblings.
4. a double ruffle, twirl skirt from treasures for tots.

swing by handmade by alissa for a free baby quilt pattern.

learn how to make your own fabric covered cork board over on sew spoiled. i was excited to see this as it's been on my to do list to make one of these for ages.

things i'm luving this week:

- check out this site if you are a bag lover who loves to make their own bags.

- who doesn't have loads of old tank tops laying around just begging to be made into fresh little girl's dresses? obsessively stitching has a tutorial showing you how to refashion yours.

- learn how to use to hem your own jeans.

- refashion that peasant blouse with "my mama made it".

- a great new skirt pattern that works for almost all shapes - even maternity, from "make it and love it" available in her etsy shop.

link luv roundup

how cute are these key cosies from bettysonics? (via skinny laminx)

the daintyness of this stunning crocheted necklace by wren handmade has me hooked! (via modish)

don't lose your little ones water bottle the next time you're out and about, you can get yours to stand out from the pack with this friggin adorable water bottle cozy!!! luv it!!! (via ohdeedoh)

i can't get enough of the peacefulness of this photo.....

jessica's got another great tute up for a gorgeous headband on happy together.

i wish i could romp through the grass in a tutu and look this stunning. i'm so hooked on tumblr. have you joined yet? come take a peek at my tumblr page for more pretty pics.

i'm wanting to deck my house out with this how to from zakka life for these pretty tissue paper flowers.

things i'm luving this week:

- pleated pocket tutorial from made by rae.

- cucumbersome has a great post linking 11 inspiring ideas for your home - it's a great list!

- i don't know how she does it but alexis from "my mama made it" has another tutorial up for a elastic smocked dress. i just made the bubble dress and loved it! i really don't know how she has time to do all this sewing with two little ones running around, i can't keep up..haha!

link luv roundup

1) my absolute favorite new crochet pattern - how adorable and refreshing is this hat!!!!!
2) spud and chloe's got a great new free cupcake pincushion pattern up along with their new line of luxe yarns in mod colors - so fresh!

luv this flickr roundup of afghans over on "desire to inspire".

i'd like to have breakfast in this kitchen.

i'm making these margarita cupcakes for the next bbq i go to - yum yum!!! cupcakes and booze, sounds like my kind of combination.

learn how to make these fabulous recycled magazine coasters on "how about orange".

i've been in quite the pillow making groove lately and swooned when i spotted this tutorial from "mermag" over on "kelly + olive"

nifty little clock transformation from censational girl.

don't you just love this dress? flutter, flutter......

things i'm luving this week:

- antler magazine and modern seamster both have new issues out.

- anything from madison belle

- super handy sewing tips part over on make it and love it.

- indie fixx's new summertime galleria up!

link luv

1. om shanti yoga mat bag - crochet tutorial

2. gomukasan by kellyloveswhales (flikr)
3. kukkutasana by gosia janik (flikr)

4. AT diy mail holders roundup
5. quick and easy toddler purse tutorial from getting crafty
6. i am definitely adding this toddler halter top tutorial to my "must make" list

how to crochet that perfect spring scarf

the snow has melted for most us, but that doesn't mean we have to put all of our lovely scarfs away! this crocheted one made me look twice this morning. i love the ladder look and it's just airy enough to be perfect for that spring chill. this pattern, called masculin, will be part of an upcoming book called crochet revolution! by chelsea norquay and camille labarre. the pattern is only available on ravelry and you can find it here.

the interesting part of the upcoming book is that it will be written and self-published by two teenagers, feature teen illustrators/photographers and include innovative crochet patterns that can be made on a budget with an eco-friendly focus. they mention the book will be available this fall. i give these two talented young ladies a big thumbs up for having the guts to get their own book going and for featuring talents from their age group. if this scarf has anything to say about the book - i am definitely looking forward to see what else these two ladies have in store for us. my crochet needles have been sorely neglected the last 6 months.

crocheted glass bottle cozy

design sponge posted this handy little cozy pattern from a merry mishap today. this would be a great little insert into your next baby shower gift for a new mom. you can find the pattern here.

gorgeous giant granny square

check out this gorgeous giant granny square from the purl bee. the usage of colors in this granny square is so soothing and just draws in the eye. if you would like to learn how to make granny squares click here for their tutorial.

(images from the purl bee)

hot pads! and potholders - the swap

in the mood for some crochet? click here to check out the hot pad and potholder swap from hello yarn & soto softies.

deadline to sign up is march 21st, so get those hooks a moving and sign up!

march is national crochet month

march is national crochet month and i thought i would start celebrating by posting a pattern for a cute baby headband from my ravelry projects.

i used to be a hairdresser and was finding myself itching for the moment when my little baby girl’s hair would grow in. in the meantime, i found myself searching for cute hair accessories to bide the time. when i couldn't find any i decided to whip something up myself.

i remembered learning how to make these flowers when i first started to learn crochet. i simply crocheted a chain of stitches to fit the size of her head and then attached the following crocheted flower pattern:

FLOWER PATTERN:

Chain 7.

Join with a sl st to the first stitch in your chain to form a ring.

Chain 2, dc, tc, dc, sl st repeat 5 times around.

(Sl st: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, draw through loop on hook)

Finishing - Weave in one end and use the other to create a bar across the centre of the flower to loop the chain through.

My daughter now has hair, but it’s still fun to slip this on now and then.

if you are looking to pick up crocheting it's a fun and addicting hobby. my favorite thing to crochet is blankets. after a bad breakup i crocheted myself a blanket super long to tuck up and under my legs but only wide enough for one person. i called it my single lady blankie and it reminded me whenever i used it that i was worth more and deserved to be treated better. i didn't need a man to cuddle with when i had my super cozy blanket.

here are some links to help you learn crochet:

canadian living lion brand yarn

learn to knit assortment of you tube tutorials

and just to make crocheting that much more fun take a look at these yummy crochet hook rolls by hi-howareyou you can find her etsy shop here.

knit alongs

we love our knit alongs here on luvinthemommyhood!  click on the boxes above & they will take you to a post with all the kal posts for that series! happy reading & knitting!

- choosing yarn stress free (summer sweater knit along)
- got gauge and what the heck it is (summer sweater knit along)
- picking up stitches tutorial with guest jane richmond (summer sweater knit along '12)
- how to knit pockets roundup (summer sweater knit along '12)
- seaming tutorial videos with guest celtic cast on (summer sweater knit along ‘12)
- knitting with hand dyed yarns with guest tanis fiber arts (summer sweater knit along '12)
- where my stitches at? (rundown on basic knit stitches)(summer sweater knit along)
- yarn shop hop roundup (summer sweater knit along)
- knitting is better with friends (tips on finding other knitters)(summer sweater knit along)
- picking up the stitches (summer sweater knit along)
- blocking party (summer sweater knit along)
- time management (xmas knitting 911)
- understanding fit with guest jane richmond (tops, tanks & tees knit along)
- la la la loving the lace (tops, tanks & tees knit along)
- binding off (tops, tanks & tees knit along)

- the magic loop (video tutorial by jane richmond).
- the magic knot (video tutorial by jane richmond).
- www.knittinghelp.com for other how to videos.
- knitpicks.com for awesome needles and affordable yarns/supplies
- www.ravelry.com where we spend most of our time hangin' with knitter folk
- seaming techniques great illustrations on vogue knitting

you can keep up to date on our knit alongs and other knitty adventures in our luvinthemommyhood ravelry group where we post our FO’s and WIP’s, show off our yummy yarn stashes and join in our super fun themed knit alongs! feel free to ask questions, get help with your projects and just plain revel in chatting with other knitters/crocheters who love stitching as much as you do! welcome :)

luvinthemommyhood ravelry group

and you can also find me on ravelry under the name luvinthemommyhood.

but don't worry if you aren't on ravelry when a new kal is announced it will be posted about regularly on the blog and on ravlery.  you simply join in using a simple google doc entry form and you are automatically entered into the kal's giveaway and fun!  follow along with the knit along on ravelry and on the blog - it's easy & super addicting!

we also love to see your handiwork!  so feel free to show off your knitted and crocheted goodies in our ravelry group and also in our flickr group!

luvinthemommyhood flickr group

i love me a knit along!  it's been such a blast doing these and i can't wait to see what you all will be crafting.  i promise we've got some fun ones coming your way soon!

thanks so much for knitting along with me!