Pretty Pixie Hat

When I first saw pixie hats, I hated them!  I thought regular rounded bonnets were so much prettier and I was amazed that anyone would even make a boyish colored one.  Who would ever put their boy in a pixie hat?  Well I'm not entirely sure how it happened or even when it happened but they have kind of grown on me.  I even decided that I needed to make my own pattern.

So one evening, I sat down and put one together.  It required a few tweaks as I tried out different sizes but all in all, I was amazed how fast the hat design came together.

My first design was very boxy.  The end result looked fine but when I tried it on my daughter, I quickly realized that the fit was all wrong.

I needed to change the bottom so that it fit tighter around the back of the neck.  The second version worked much better.

Doesn't my little pixie just look adorable in her mommy made hat?  I'm really happy with the end result and was very lucky that it came together so easily.  If only all patterns worked so well.  I'm still not all on board for putting a boy in a pixie hat though but then again, you never know...I could always change my mind...

Click here to purchase the pattern at my etsy shop

Happy Birthday My Boy!

Today my son turns 4!  I can't believe how fast it has flown by!  He is everything that a mother could want in a little boy.  From day 1, he was a mommy's boy.  He loves to cuddle, is super affectionate, super smart, and he never ceases to amaze us!  He has this smile that just makes you melt and his little mischievous eyes just sparkle.  He showed his creative side at a really early age by showing a love for music and books.  He even beat boxed as I sang him "Happy Birthday" this morning.

It wasn't until he was 2 years old that I opened my etsy shop but I did get to make him a few great items...

Here he is in the first article of clothing that I made for him.  This was my first attempt to knit a sweater without a pattern.  It was challenging but very rewarding!

His hat for his first fall and first time at the pumpkin patch...

Helping mommy organize her yarn...

My little guy has grown into quite an amazing child!

I love you so much my boy!  It's impossible to look at your little face and not smile.  I feel so blessed that I get to be your mommy!

Free Pattern - Knit Layette (Part One)

While searching for some new inspiration, I came across this absolutely stunning knit layette and was awestruck when I found that it was free!  I just had to try it out!

Photo from pattern - not a Little Frills product

http://www.eileencaseycreations.com/free-patterns/baby-aran-body-suit-hat-booties/

What baby would not look absolutely adorable in this???  It even comes in 24 month size and while I would be so tempted to make this for my tiny soon to be 2 year old, I know that it would take me forever to complete...if ever!

Instead of jumping right in with the outfit, I decided to try the hat first.  I had a better chance of actually finishing a hat than completing a whole outfit.  I don't have access to the yarn suggested but I have a wide assortment of baby yarns to choose from...and I definitely had to have to check the gauge on this one (something I hate doing).

I was also going to have to read a chart for the first time...but I still wasn't scared off of this pattern.  It was just way too pretty and I would forever regret not attempting it..  I could do this!

After checking the gauge, I had to really go down to size 1 needles, most likely due to using a different type of yarn.  Even though I chose a baby yarn, I think it was still a little too thick.  I probably should have used a very light weight (fingering) yarn.

I dove right it.  So far so good...

After the ribbing, I took a few deep breaths and began the chart work.  I read it all several times, checked it again and again as I went along and eventually I got to the point that I could go a whole row without glancing at the chart at all.

15 hours later, I had this...

It's definitely not perfect but this is the most time I have ever spent on a hat and it was so rewarding to finish that last row!

And DONE!!!

This is such a great pattern that I will definitely be doing again but after I make a trip to the local supply store.  I plan on getting new double pointed needles.  My current ones are a set of 4 but I think having a set of 5 would be very helpful.  I think I am also going to go up a needle size.  Even though I checked my gauge, once I started going I'm pretty such my tension changed.  The sizing is great though for a newborn and the end result is beautiful!

I'm not sure which piece I will try next but I am definitely not done with this pattern...and it was FREE!!!

Lamb Hat vs. Lamb Bonnet - Which is better?

While trying out a great baby boot pattern, I came across an awesome new stitch that I haven't tried before.  So naturally I thought, I should make a matching hat.  Looking at the stitch, my first thought was "lamb."  I love the way it turned out and it looks great with the boots.

Boot pattern by Two Girls Patterns
Lamb hat by Little Frills

Now here is my problem.  The curious side of me wanted to try a lamb hat in a pixie hat style...

I love how that one turned out too!  What to do, what to do!  Should I offer both? Hmmmm...

Free House Slipper Pattern

Every once in a while, I will try out new patterns but like most people (I'm sure) I usually check into free patterns first.  I came across this one recently and just had to try it out.

Picture from good knits - not made by Little Frills

http://goodknits.com/blog/mary-jane-slippers/

It calls for wool yarn which I just happened to have an awesome variegated skein that I had no idea what to do with yet.  Since the pattern was written for a larger size, I first had to scale it down by using a smaller hook so the toe wouldn't be too big and then using less rows for the length.  I'm really happy with how they turned out.  The instructions are fairly easy to follow and alter.  I definitely encourage everyone to try it out!

My version

Work in Process - Cocoon Pattern

I decided that I wanted to try my hand at a cocoon pattern.  A friend of mine needed something for an upcoming baby shower so I thought this might be the perfect thing for her.  The couple wasn't finding out the gender and the nursery is yellow and gray with elephants so I chose a nice pale gray colored yarn.

I knew I wanted it to have a little texture and one of my favorite stitches is the basket weave stitch so that was the obvious choice.  I included a button and flap at the top to make it easier to get the baby in and out.  It also makes it a little more difficult for the baby to wriggle out of it.

     

This pattern came together fairly easily and I love the end result!  I wrote down the instructions for a coordinating hat as well and after trying it out yesterday, I think I will be able to call the pattern done soon.  I'll probably make one more set before I make this pattern available at my etsy shop...maybe I'll choose an oatmeal color next.

                                 

Here is the link to my pattern shop to see my other available patterns -
Little Frills Patterns

Welcome!!!

I have been entertaining the idea of creating a blog for some time now and finally decided to just jump in and stop procrastinating.  So here it is!  Let me first start by introducing myself...

My name is Jennifer.  I am a 31 year old wife and mother of two toddlers.  I work a full-time job in the budget office for a state agency and am a business owner on the side.  I first began crocheting at the age of 5 but began seriously crocheting since the age of 14.  I took up knitting in college (self taught) and love it just as much as crochet.   I opened my etsy shop in July 2011 just a month after having my daughter and a week after coming back to work from maternity leave...crazy I know!  Since that time, it's been go, go, go!  I opened my pattern shop in August of 2012 selling patterns I have written.  I seem to have a new project every day and constantly come across new inspiration so I figured I could share what I find with everyone else and hopefully encourage others to take up needle art.

Below are the links to my shops:

My Etsy Shop

My Pattern Shop