Wednesday 30 April 2008

Godamn I'm Crafty!

There's an awful lot brewing here! Prepare for photos!!

First off, I finished Sprout's diaper bag -- and I think I can safely say I've never been more pleased with something I created.

It has spiffy bowling bag styling, with an external cell phone pocket, and key clip. My favourite feature is the Mommy pocket -- a full wallet/purse combo so I won't have to carry a zillion bags with me!
The inside jumbo pocket features bottle locations, if needed, a reinforced pocket, 2 medium pockets, and a pacifier pocket with emergency info spot. And all in cheery coordinating fabrics. I loved them so much, I'm using the polka dots in the Nursery as my inspiration fabric.
There's another large pocket down the other side of the bag, but it's not much to look at. Meh.

Anyway, it's done and I'm thrilled! And all without a pattern! I did a fair bit of reading on what makes a great diaper bag, and I'm pretty convinced this one will rock my socks.

Moving on:
On the knitting front, I'm currently working on Mom's Birthday Sweater, which is actually Tailored Scallops from Lace Style. I've finished the whole back, and I'm working on the fronts now. Because the yarn and needles are so big, I'm pretty sure if really set my mind to it, I could finish this sweater in 2 weeks. I hope she loves it.

Next up, my at work knitting up until today has been the Eyelet Chemise. Now, this IS linen, so it will need some washing and blocking in order for me to be happy with it, but here it is:
It's only supposed to be 6 inches of this lacy rib, but I think I'll make it longer. I'm planning on having it for immediately post-birth visitors. I think I'll want to have my belly covered.

And finally in knitting, I have started a pretty cute little sweater. Green Zebra was found on Ravelry, and when I fell in love with it, it hadn't been written yet. Well, I harassed the designer until she finally gave in and made it available ;)
Well, I told her I was so excited I would cast on right away -- but then tragedy!! As you know if you read the blog, my LYS is now closed and gone. The closest other LYS is an hour's drive away. I intended to go purchase yarn on Saturday at this distant location. Alas, the store was closed for the Knitter's Frolic in Toronto. No yarn immediately for me. On Tuesday I went to Michaels. Being a complete yarn snob, I felt dirty just standing in their yarn section, but I did find an acceptable yarn - Cotton Ease. I was totally put off by the acrylic content (50%), but my need to knit this sweater was so great that I swallowed hard, bought the yarn, and cast on this morning! Here's my progress at this point:Cute, isn't it? I like the colours together, and it's a super enjoyable knit thus far. Of course, I'm not to the sleeves or yoke yet . . . but I anticipate complete delight the whole way.
And the yarn? I'm slightly embarrassed to say the yarn has won me over. I'm planning Zebra 2 for the remnant yarn already.

So now we've seen sewing, and knitting, how's THIS for a change in pace --
Tried my hand at a little crochet. Cute flower, eh? It's not the whole pattern, because my crochet skillz are certainly lacking, but I'm sure it will be cute on SOMETHING!

And while we're marveling at my craftiness, let me show you these adorable newborn kimonos I made:

4 comments:

Lynne said...

That diaper bag is stunning! You have another career ahead of you (bagz, not babies - heh).

And dude? Lighten up - you don't want to knit for mum or anyone and stick that much bad ju-ju in it!

Peace, sistah.

Aitara said...

can't...stand...teh cuteness! No, seriously. that diaper bag is ah-mazing, and i love the baby kimonos.
<3

Dove Knits said...

Thanks for giving me a swift kick in the butt to write that thing up :)

Those little kimonos? Are soooo cute!

Batty said...

Wow, you're not kidding, you are incredibly crafty! And that diaper bag... when Sprout grows up, it'll be a kickass knitting bag.