little pumpkin

I just wanted to share this cute photo of my little boy at the pumpkin patch last year. I can't believe how much he has grown since then. I knitted the hat for him and I am working on one for this year too. I'll post that one when complete.

It's so easy to make this hat. I just followed a basic 4 needle pattern and then used black yarn to make the face. I love autumn.

ravelry

I just joined a fun site that is new to me - www.ravelry.com. Great for knitters. Check it out.

rainy afternoon

My little guy is learning all about colors and shapes at the moment. On a rainy afternoon last week I created a project for him to practice his new skills.

I used a large sponge to cut out stamps with various shapes. Star, circle, square, cross, and so on. He wasn't quite aware of using the correct side of the stamp but we had fun regardless.

I love the paper roll from IKEA, it makes set up so easy and there is less escaping paint!

quilting tip

Lately I have been working on some projects that require quilt stitching either on the diagonal or straight across and I came up with a way to ensure the lines are straight and equally spaced - painters tape! I have a stockpile of various different widths of painters tape from past painting projects so they can be switched out depending on the desired space between lines. The great thing about painters tape is that it doesn't leave any sticky residue on the material as something like duct tape might do.

I line up the tape with the straight edge of my material and then sew along the tape edge. When that line is finished I just move the tape down and sew again.

Easy peasy!

vintage bias tape

Last year I found a great supply of notions at a local flea market. Included in the batch was a few bundles of bias tape and I've been using it in my recent projects including this baby kimono.

The bias tape is over 40 years old and still has great color and quality. I just love the old label, especially the part about sending in 3 labels and receiving fabric remnants for your child to sew doll's clothes. Of course now this brand is made in China and no longer offers that service. Boo.

Check out the fashion news!

I went back to the flea market a few weeks ago and I didn't find anything but I'll be going back because I just love the thrill of finding great vintage materials.