A Crafty Yarn

2017 was a strange year for me in oh so many ways.  Because of this, I didn't do very many large projects but I did manage to keep busy.  Everything from ornaments and baby onesies to boozy cupcakes and wooden tables.    

People with Alzheimer's or dementia fidget as a way of dealing with anxiety.  Being able to pull at things or repetitively touch something with a unique texture can help to calm them.  One of my friends has a mother with Alzheimer's and I wanted to try my hand at making a fidget apron for her. I really enjoyed the process.  It was quilting and mixed media wrapped into one.  I also really enjoyed the feeling of being very intentional with each aspect of it.  I wanted it to be beautiful and interesting to play with.  I wanted there to be touches that could potentially spark a memory.  The absolute best part of all was hearing that my friend's mom immediately put it to use and seemed to enjoy it.  This picture of that makes my heart happy. 

I feel as though I haven't been able to hit the publish button on this blog in quite a while...I've been making Christmas gifts for what seems like forever and have had to keep all of that under wraps.   It's been a good time creatively because I've tried a few new things this year.    I'm not sure how it's possible that I have never stained wood before!  Now that I have, I'm hooked!  So few things give you instant gratification when you're a crafter but stain is absolutely one of them. Some Rustic Christmas Tree Goodness     This is the first multi-piece wooden sign that I've made so far.  I stained the wood before I dry brushed it with an oatmeal colored paint.  I used the Silhouette to cut out the "Gather" stencil.     A Christmas Cat :-)                           ...

My friend Katie has two amazing kids and I love them like crazy!  I wanted to make them some softies and knew right away that I would do a pink bear for her little girl.  I wanted to do either a lizard or a dragon for her little guy but he couldn't choose between them so we went with both :-) All patterns are available on Ravelry   Her son did the honors of naming each animal.  The bear is Girl Bear, the dragon is Spikes, and the Chameleon is Corndog LOL! Girl bear looks different now than pictured because I chickened out about using the plastic eyes for a baby... She's not as cute with the crocheted eyes but definitely safer!

These little guys are quick to make and absolutely adorable!!!!     The pattern is really forgiving and can be found HERE              

I've been on a pot holder kick lately...Or pot cloths as Dan calls them :-)  When making hotpads you can go from crafty girl to crazy cat lady with a quickness.  I often fine myself walking that fine line...  I try to combat this by using edgier designs or non traditional colors. I recently succumbed to the vintage charm of these hot pads.  They were quick to make and even though they're a little kitschy I really like them   Pattern found HERE   Pattern found HERE