February 2011

Riding horses

by kath_red on February 5, 2011

in Features, Toys+Plush

I am loving some of the softie stick horses (stick pony / hobby horse) I am seeing around – you might like to make one for your special little ones too.
I love this one by light blue grey [pictured above]- great instructions too – its made from socks and yarn and string.

Ikat bag has made the cutest stick horse using an old pair of jean, and some colourful yarn and ribbon.

Little birdie secrets made a cute stick horse using felt and a colourful bandanna.

Create everyday also has a plush stick pony.

{ 3 comments }

T-shirt sweater time

by kath_red on February 4, 2011

in Fashion, Features, knitting+crochet+yarn

Maybe its a little early to be thinking of the knitted t-shirt otherwise known at the t-shirt sweater. But if you are deep in winter, then you might want to start thinking about spring, or if like me you are experiencing a strangely cool summer, then a t-shirt sweater is really a practical solution. So here goes a few of my faves – I am dreaming of which one to make. What do you think?

  1. I quite like Wren by Helen G – more of a recipe than a line by line what to knit [Image pictured no.1].
  2. Emmaline by Jennifer Wood is in the Knitty, Spring+Summer 2010. It has really pretty shape and neckline [Image pictured no2.].
  3. Plain and Simple Pullover by Veera Välimäki is a free Ravelry download. I love the neck on this – and the layering options are enormous. [Image pictured no.3]
  4. Silverlode by Kristen Orme has a lovely long line – $5.50 at ravelry. [Image pictured no.4]
  5. Raindance by Heidi Kirrmaier – love the sleeves on this one – $6 at Ravelry. [Image pictured no.5]
  6. Global Warming by Suvi Simola. So cute – love the front pockets. Ravelry download. [Image pictured no.6]
  7. Buttercup by Heidi Kirrmaier is lovely and drapey – could be an overdress. Ravelry download.
  8. Lazy Weekend Sweater by Nikol Lohr was published on craftzine. It has half length sleeves and a hood. Perfect for that seasonal change. Nikol Lohr’s That Girl! Summer Jacket is also on my list.
  9. This 1930s vintage pattern is called 3-Hour Sweater, There are some great updated pics on ravelry from those that have made this sweater – its totally cute.
  10. Classic Silk Short-Sleeve Top by Cecily Glowik MacDonald is a button up cardi – but what I love about this – apart from the cute shape – is that you can wear it with the buttons down the front or the back. Published in CEY.
  11. Mud Season by Elizabeth F. Smith – is my kind of earthy weekend wardrobe.

{ 10 comments }

Whip Up Newsletter no.5 2011

by kath_red on February 4, 2011

in Features, Newsletter, Reviews

Its been a busy week of crochet love for me this week – the last week of the school holidays. The weather has alternated between too hot then too rainy and so we have been pretty lazy. Just hanging out really. You know? I love this hat and these coasters – and I am in the middle of crocheting a granny stripe blanket. – and maybe this sweet flower blanket might be next eh? A bit of explorative crochet is always good. I have also been loving these crochet robots and crochet amigurumi monster babies – the ami angry birds – love that game – my little boy is the house expert! Oh and I love this Amigurumi garden. Not crochet – but I love this knit fish hat – how adorable!

New Whip Up Tutorial / Pattern: Playful Puppet Pals – Isn’t he just the cutest? and the puppets are good too!

Do you have your 2011 calendar yet?

Consider the whipup calendar – full of excellent contributors and great crafty images, find out more here (only $5).

Reading this week:

This week I getting some crafty inspiration from a pair of Lark books by Rebecca Ittner: Soapmaking and Candlemaking . Lots of great tips for ingredients and methods – it all looks very achievable. My daughter is fascinated with soap and candle making – I remember the same thing when I was her age (10yrs), sort of kitchen/laundry chemistry, lots of fun.

Things I am loving:

  • Cara has created some tutorials using her husbands sew fabric range Calipso Swing.
  • Check out whoopdwhoop a free marketplace where individuals can both list their creative endeavors and ‘shop’ for other’s creative endeavors- all without the use of money.
  • Am liking this woven patchwork rug
  • And this sheepic sleep mask – so cute!

    • ——————
    Now make some stuff!
    Kathreen
    xx

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    { 1 comment }

    Baby hat and mittens set

    by kath_red on February 3, 2011

    in knitting+crochet+yarn

    I love pickle’s patterns, here is a super adorable knitted baby hat and mitten set pattern.

    { 2 comments }

    Simple crochet coaster

    by kath_red on February 2, 2011

    in knitting+crochet+yarn

    These Little Petal Coasters by Amanda Tipton are just adorable – don’t you want a few? Pattern here.

    { 3 comments }

    Whip up pattern: playful puppet pals

    by kath_red on February 1, 2011

    in Features, Whip Up Tutorials

    Playful Hand puppets (Puppet Pals)

    These playful hand puppets are sure to keep everyone amused – make a few with different outfits, and you could even let your kids design the facial expressions.

    You will need:
    20x40cm / 7.5x15inches piece of fun fabric (for body)
    20x40cm 7.5x15inches piece of plain fabric (for face and hands)
    Wools scraps (for hair)
    Lace, buttons, bows, ribbon and ric-rac (for decoration)
    Pillow stuffing

    Tools:
    Sewing machine
    Scissors
    Hand sewing needle + pins
    Permanent fabric markers
    Iron

    [Note: Seam allowances are included in the pattern.]

    Step 1.
    Print the pattern pieces below on your printer, you might need to enlarge the pieces slightly when printing. Cut out the pattern pieces, then use the pattern to cut your fabric: (print and enlarge the pieces to fit your printer paper)
    Cut 2x body from fun fabric
    Cut 4x hands from plain fabric
    Cut 2x head from plain fabric

    Step 2.
    Decorate the front of the body: Attach lace, buttons or bows, sew these to your body front by hand or by machine.
    Draw your face onto face piece. Copy the design here or make up your own. Use permanent fabric markers, crayons or paints.

    Step 3.
    Sew the hands and head to the body section: Place your hand and head pieces with the straight edges aligned with the straight edges of the body piece as per the photos, and with right sides facing down, pin and then sew. Do this for the front and the back, ensuring the thumbs on the hands are always facing upwards. Press these seams

    Step 3.
    Pin then sew the front and the back of the body together, right sides facing. Leave the bottom of the body open and hem this bottom opening with a zigzag stitch.
    Turn the puppet right side out, making sure to push out the thumbs on the hands.

    Step 4.
    Use a little stuffing to push into the hands and head, giving some definition to these bits.
    Make the hair with your wool scraps. Plait long sections or tie some short bits together – experiment with different hair styles. Then sew onto the top of the head by hand, attaching in a couple of places.

    Your puppets are now ready to test drive.

    Kathreen Ricketson Whipup.net

    { 14 comments }

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