College Blanket

Being the crazy Aunt with too much to do, I tackled a knitting project for my two nieces and sister (and now a nephew) in college.  I thought it would be fantastic and really fast to knit them college blankets.  Since all three girls were the same year in college, I decided to make Jessica's first. She is after all the furthest north and could really use a blanket. Jessica is a senior now at University of Montana. I shipped her blanket out the fall of 2009 (she was Sophomore).  The colors were really pretty: Maroon and Silver.

 Grey Heather

Country Wine

Kelsey was the second blanket I made, given she was in the next northern niece. Kelsey goes to Central Michigan University.....Go Chips (yes, I am an alumni). She got her blanket the spring of 2010. The colors were maroon and gold, and were spot on for CMU colors.

Sunshine

Country Rose

Onto Amanda's blanket. She is the most southern one at University of North Carolina. My plan was to give it to her at Thanksgiving 2010. I spent all sorts of late nights working on it. The problem was, I decided to try a new pattern and the blanket turned out just awful. I ended up scraping it (still tucked in a drawer) and started over.  Fifteen months later....the blanket is done.  I don't know why it took so long to get the blanket done. It is really a super easy blanket to make. The colors for UNC are "Carolina Blue" and white. I didn't want to use white (it would be filthy before I ever finished it), so I used "Carolina Blue" and navy.

 Dark Country Blue

Light Country Blue

The stitches are knit, purl, yarn over and knit 2 together.  It is that simple. The blanket has a "pocket" on the underside (see photo at top) so you can put your feet in it and they stay covered and snug.

I used size 13 (US) knitting needles and 3 skeins (Caron Simply Soft) of each color (holding the colors together and knitting them as if a single yarn).

You can purchase the pattern at Fiber Space. The pattern is P-42 and is called the Icicle Toes LapWrap #1 (I call it the College Blanket).

Currently, I have one more I have to make....during the time it took to make the girls their blankets; my nephew started Central Michigan University this fall.  The way I see it, I have 3 and half years to get it done and I know the colors to use!

Now, I have a question for you all. I need to knit a baby blanket. Do you have a pattern you really liked making? Please leave me a comment if you do. I have one to make and just don't know what I want to do.

I am off to mail my sister, Amanda, at UNC her blanket! Thanks and have a great weekend.

I originally posted on Outnumbered 3 to 1.

Ruffled Knits

I am sure you all have seen those fun ruffled scarfs by now.  I had the hardest time finding the yarn  last year.  Now it seems I can find it everywhere!  Here are a few that I have started and one I have finished.

This is really, really easy to knit.

Step 1. Pick out the yarn that you like (so many to chose from now!).

Step 2. Use the size needles on the label.

Step 3. Loop on 5 - 10 stitches.  This will all depend on how wide you want the scarf.  I stuck with 5 stitches.  See photos for "loop on stitches."  I made that term up....not sure what you really call it!

 First "loop"

Bring the up and over the first loop and push through hole about an inch or so down. 

 Repeat until you have 5 - 10  "stitches/loops on your needed.

Here I have 5 "looped on" stitches.  Ready to knit!

Step 4. Knit every row until at the end of the yarn (leave enough to cast off).

 

 

Step 5. Cast off and weave ends into scarf.

Step 6. Wear it out and about!

These make great gifts and are very easy to make.  They also are not very time consuming, since it is a few stitches and all knit!  Happy crafting!

I posted this originally on Outnumbered 3 to 1.

U Rock - Rocks!

Are you looking for a quick Teacher's Appreciate gift,  a cute and clever way to say "thanks" to a co-worker, or a little something quirky for a graduate (yes graduations are right around the corner)!  I have been making paperweight rocks for a while now.  They are quick and easy.

I made these for my team at work.  We have been working extremely hard for several reasons and I thought I would let them know how much I appreciate their efforts.  The company I work for starts with the letter U - so I thought I would play off that in my message - as well as tie in the "rock" theme.

Supplies list:

• Rocks (In the middle of winter I found some at Michaels but any will do)
• Glitter Glue - any brand, any color

Directions:

1. Determine how you want your rock to sit.

2. Write your message with glitter glue.

3.  Let dry for at least 24 hours. You will be so surprised how long it takes to completely dry.

 Done!

I posted this originally at Outnumbered 3 to 1.

Stampin' UP! Everyday Occasion Cardmaking Kit

I have been a Stampin' UP! fan since 2002!  I absolutely love their products and dedication to quality.  They also keep up with the times.  I used to spend hours making cards, scrapbook pages and miscellaneous paper crafts. It seems these days I barely have time to brush my teeth.  I miss my paper crafting time so much.  Imagine how excited I was to try out Stampin' UP! Everyday Occasion Cardmaking  Kit.

"Why go to the store when a birthday, graduation, wedding, or even a time for expressing gratitude comes up? The Everyday Occasions Cardmaking Kit puts cards for all of those events right at your fingertips.  And best of all, they'll be handmade!"

When I opened the cute (and organized) box look at what I found just waiting for me to start creating!

The Everyday Occasion Cardmaking Kit has everything you need to whip up a card in no time!  Stampin' UP! has given me card making in a flash!  I created 20 cards in 1 hour and I had a blast.

Beautiful pre-cut and scored cards of different sizes and envelopes! The colors just "pop" out at you.

All the little extras needed to make your card stand out, plus Stampin' Spots!

Pre cut stamps, accent paper, and embellishments!

The Everyday Occasion Cardmaking Kit includes:

• Cardstock and envelopes for 20 cards (very high quality too)
• Twine, buttons and clips
• Mini ink pads
• Seven-piece Occasions Stamp Set and clear stamp block
• Full color Tips & Tricks brochure for making the cards
• A cool, storable, giftable box

You know I can't wait to show you the cards, right!  Keep in mind, I whipped these up in 1 hour!

Four thank you cards that can be used for anyone!

Adorable Happy Birthday Cards!

Assortment of cards, Happy Birthday, Love, and For You.  The Love and For You cards can be used for so many occasions! 

Congratulation and For You cards!

Thinking of You and Congratulations

All of the 20 Everyday Occasion cards were made by using the Tips and Tricks pamphlet that was included in the kit.  I am not joking, it really is extremely easy to make Everyday Occasion cards using this kit and the Tips and Tricks is icing on the cake (or embellishments on the card????).

Another bonus....I still have the stamp set, Stampin' Spots and additional embellishments to make other cards! I am thrilled to be able create additional cards.  You are going to have to wait for another post to see those!  You know I will share them with you though!  I am just itching to get back in to my craft room.

Again, I can't say enough about Stampin' UP! and their top notch products.  They have NEVER disappointed me.  It is Stampin' UP!'s 25th Anniversary and they have all sorts of amazing specials going on right now you might what to check out.  Their catalog offers so many great products and ideas.  I LOVE  IT!

Connect: You can connect with Stampin' UP! online,  Blog (get inspired!), Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and/or @Stampinup! on Twitter!

Buy It! You can buy the Stampin' UP! Everyday Occasion Cardmaking Kit for $33.28 ($29.95 by selecting a Demonstrator).

I posted this original at Outnumbered 3 to 1.

Gingerbread Houses Digital Layout

I am so sorry this is a day late, again, this week.  Maybe the craft post should become a Friday post! Just kidding.  I have to share with you why I haven't been very "craftastic" for awhile. As you might know, my daughter was hospitalized for weeks in September and out of school through October. During that time my other two made lots of cards for the kids in the hospital and my scrapbook room got a little messy (understatement). I just haven't been in the mood or have had the energy to tackle the mess. It has become to easy to just shut the door. Check out the pics below!

Thank goodness I have found My Memories Software. See review and giveaway here (only 2 days left). I quickly created this scrapbook page (and chipped away at my 2010 photos!!) This was so easy.  Also the paper, template, embellishments that I used are free on My Memories Software.

This really is so amazingly easy and I didn't have to "tackle my scrapbook room!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for all your support!

I originally posted on Outnumbered 3 to 1.