Baby Beanie and Booties

A dear friend of mine had her first child a few weeks ago and I knew her little girl would need some booties. All little girls do.

I decided to go ahead and purchase a pattern because all of the cutest patterns come at a cost and I knew I would use it over and over anyway. I love them. The first bootie I tried came out huge. But then I used a smaller hook and that seemed to do the trick.

I also made a hat to match which was very simple and will be warm for that sweet little head. I made the hat a little bigger by increasing an extra round because the pattern was meant for a preemie.

And of course the hat needed a cute flower which I made into a removable clip using hot glue and a clippie. It was easier than expected because I usually shy away from crocheted flowers that need to be sewn but it came out perfectly.

The yarn I used was so soft and it was fun to make little baby things again. Baby projects are fast and oh so rewarding (especially because it gives you an excuse to visit a tiny angel).

Slow Cooker Chicken n' Dumplings

It's that time of year again. The air conditioners are being moved out of the windows and I am pulling out our sweaters. Of course we still have been having some hot days, but some of the days are just perfect for something warm and yummy. This recipe is comfort-food good and so easy. Taken from allrecipes.com

4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

2 tablespoons butter

2 (10.75 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup

1 onion, finely diced

2 (10 ounce) packages refrigerated biscuit dough, torn into pieces

Place the chicken, butter, soup, and onion in a slow cooker, and fill with enough water to cover.

Cover, and cook for 5 to 6 hours on High. About 30 minutes before serving, place the torn biscuit dough in the slow cooker. Cook until the dough is no longer raw in the center. 

**I usually cut the ingredients in half to serve hubby and me, but other than that this is a keeper.

Candle Stick Holders

 I love candles. Every time I visit my local secondhand store I always check for some cool candlestick holders. They sell them for about 75 cents each. I finally decided to do something with my little stash.

 I started with a can of flat black spray paint and an old towel.

Sprayed a few layers and that was it! Some of the holders were wood and some were ceramic. Both did really well with the spray paint.

 Beauty for my table.

That same day I happened to go back to that secondhand store and I scored one more holder. So now I have an even six.

I think it would be cool to get a bunch more and do some of them in a shiny black. I am going to need a bigger dinner table if I get anymore though.

Sewing Machine Cozy

My mother-in-law bought this beautiful fabric for me last year so that I could make myself a sewing machine cover. I found several designs online and then decided to just make up my own. Well then the project sat around until I saw this cute idea.

I didn't actually follow the directions since it looked pretty straight forward and I was starting with pre-quilted fabric anyway. I think I started with about 1/2 yard of this fabric from JoAnns, cut out a rectangle, sewed exactly 3 yards of bias tape around the edges, and attached some green ribbon for ties. I meant to attach the ties underneath the bias tape, but got carried away with sewing and forgot. I ended up just sewing the ties directly to the bias tape afterwards with a zigzag stitch.

I love how it turned out. So easy. It is already brightening up my dark sewing room.

Feeling Renewed

There's something about fall. I get giddy every year just thinking about this special time of year. I feel renewed. I feel energetic and ready to just do more. I get the itch to craft, fill my freezer full of food, and make warm things for my family to wear. This year has been no different. I have already crocheted several hats and completed some projects I had been putting off.

One of my first projects was something to beautify my front door.

I started with a straw wreath from JoAnn's for less than $3. I left the plastic wrap on the wreath and then covered it with strips of muslin about 3 inches thick. I didn't tie or glue anything. Just kept wrapping and tucking the ends under itself. Then I ripped up some old t-shirts and hot glued together the rosettes in random sizes. I used one little pin inserted in the middle of each of them to secure to the wreath so that it would be easy to change up with the different seasons.

The only thing I bought was the wreath (I'm trying to use up my mountain of crafting supplies) and the whole project was so quick and easy to do even with the distraction of the little one.

I am so glad it is fall.