My new favorite crocheting project:

I am loving these cute little headbands! They only take about 2 hours to churn out which means on my lazy nights I can put in a movie and most likely be complete by the end. I started this one last year with the intention of giving it to my niece for her birthday, but being hugely pregnant and therefore somewhat unmotivated, I didn't finish. The original plan was to have a full head band but when I was finishing this project the other day I decided to make it adjustable with a tie. This not only shortened my crocheting time but made this more versatile to different head sizes. I think I would like to try adding some cute ribbon instead of the yarn for a nicer touch. Since finishing this one I have made 2 more for other cute little girls in my life. I am thinking about making some smaller versions for my second niece who is still cooking so she can match her big sister.

Here is how I did it:
* Crocheted the headband to desired length (about 24 rows) and then added some yarn at the end to tie with:

This was a pretty basic, repetitive pattern. I will add it to this post if anyone is interested in making their own.

* I then sewed a button about a third of the way onto the headband:

* I had some leftover flowers from a diaper cake someone made for one of my showers so I just cut the stem off and hot glued it to the button:

* Seeing as I only have boys, they are coerced lucky to be my models:

These quick little projects are right up my alley as I love something that I can start and finish in one night. I like the idea of a big project but often lose interest midway through, so I usually stick to something simple.  If you have a little girl and I know where you live don't be surprised if one of these show up on your doorstop or in your mailbox!

Getting Crafty

I have always enjoyed doing crafty stuff and find that I usually go through spurts of time where I like to do lots of projects and then do nothing for awhile. Right now I can't get enough of Michael's and Joann's and I have been reading dozens of blogs full of great craft ideas that I want to copy. One of the things I finally picked up this month was crocheting. I tried a year or so ago when my mother-in-law gave me some of her stuff but couldn't seem to get it and tucked it back away. I recently decided that I was not going to be defeated by those tiny needles and gave it another whirl. What do you know...it wasn't hard at all! So I have been crocheting sweet little baby hats for Isaiah. Although I know he will be born very close to summer, babies always need hats:)

I also have been teaching myself to sew (my first sewing project) and finally did something with a pattern. I have been using this great book called S.E.W. Sew Everything Workshop. This book not only walks you through everything you need to know about getting started with sewing, but includes 25 projects, 10 of which have patterns included. The project I chose was a purse that I am planning to give my sister-in-law for her birthday. This project gave you the dimensions of the pattern but you had to trace and cut the paper out yourself. The first one I did (on the right) turned out small so I actually re sized the pattern to fit what I was wanting. The one on the left is the final product. I am happy with how it turned out!

So this is what I have been up to lately. I have more projects in the works. Plan on finishing a diaper clutch later today that is for a friend's baby shower. I will post pictures and a link to the site where I got my instructions from. I am also halfway done with a tutu for my niece's 2nd birthday. Fun stuff!!  I can't wait to share when they are done:)