RIP Puppet

I LOVE unpacking Christmas decorations.  Every year I hit the after-Christmas 90% off decor sales at Target and Hobby Lobby, then I pack away my finds for the next year.  So getting into my new decorations, without having to spend the money, is fun!

However. This year, we unpacked and I remembered that I threw away our tree skirt at the end of last season.  It was a cheapie red felt number, on of the cheapest I could buy at Target.  It looked good for about five minutes until our dog, Puppet, managed to nose her way under the tree and leave her abundant, fine white hair all over that thing.  I think that I also managed to catch it in the vacuum cleaner more than once. I kept it around for more years than it deserved, but apparently last year I had finally had enough. I vaguely remember looking for a new one at the after-Christmas sales, but I don't think I could find one that I liked.  And we had to put Puppet to sleep earlier this year, so I haven't been battling the War of the White Hair.

So a few nights ago, I got onto Pinterest and searched for tree skirts.  And showed them to my husband.  This was our conversation...
"Do you like this one?"
"No."
"This one?"
"No."
"Do you like ruffles?"
"No."
"How about this one?"
"Eh."
"Polka dots?"
"Mmm."
"Fine."

Then, yesterday, I got my husband to come pick up the kids and take them with him to his second job.  I went to Target, to see if they had any skirts I liked.  The one that I sort-of liked was $40.  Nope.

Off to Hobby Lobby! (They've got some cute new fabrics, BTW. Lots of chevrons and clean, graphic prints) I was going to follow this Design Sponge pattern.  I chose to make it reversible, and  I also chose to use muslin as my middle rather than light batting.

Closeup of the fabrics I chose.  RJ liked the one on the right the best.

 That is a great tutorial. The only things that I did differently was that I used a seam allowance smaller than one inch, and I notched all of my edges to help it lay flat.  Also, I just realized that I forgot to stitch the opening for turning it rightside out closed. 

Finished product!

I've left it on the green/blue pattern side, for now.  It looks really good with my pear green walls and the dark green tree.  I like the polka dot pattern better in the pictures, though. I may be changing it soon.
AND, the best part... since both of my printed fabrics were on sale, I made this for less than $10.  

Slippers!

One of the things that I love that knitting/crocheting is that it's so practical! Hats! Scarves! sweaters! Toys!  BUT, I hate how long some projects take. I keep starting blanket projects, to use up my extra yarn, but I don't have the attention span to finish. I've tried complicated blanket patterns, quick squares or poofs or rounds that come together at the end, even plain old double or single crochet in stripes. Nothing holds my interest in blankets.

Luckily, these slippers are both practical and quick to make. 
I sort-of followed this pattern.  Adapting it to fit toddler feet, of course.  And I had to use DPNs (Double Pointed Needles)because my smallest circular needles were too long. DPNs are... challenging for me. And I left off the integrated I-cord because just reading the directions made me frustrated.  I think the bows look really cute, though!

And, for traction on slippery floors, I added her initials in hot glue!

On a tangent... I LOVE the Purl Bee and Purl soho. I keep looking at the cross-stitch phone case.  I desperately want it, but just haven't been able to justify buying it. Also, I really like this four seasons embroidery kit. 
I would ABSOLUTELY make the sacrifice and power through my blanket-making boredom for this blanket! I have no words for how happy this would make me! The price is depressing, though; I ABSOLUTELY can't and won't pay $780 for yarn for a blanket.  (not that the Koigu premium, hand-dyed, merino isn't worth what they charge for it, I just can't justify it for a blanket that will probably be used to make forts and floor-nests)

One last thing... I also want this book. It looks like fun!

What I'm working on... X has asked for a Jayne hat! I've already gotten and inch and a half done!

What a cunning hat!

Well, since August, my energies have been focused on keeping the family healthy (which did not happen, we've all been sick in turns), and home improvement projects.  Fun!

There have been a few craftsy projects happening, especially since it's been getting dark so early!  Also, on Monday nights, we've been watching Walking Dead AND Dexter- I knit or crochet during those and just watch out of the corner of my eyes.

On to the pictures!!

These wreaths were one of my major scores at the Target after-Christmas 90% off sale!  Love them, but they're getting a little beat up.  So I thought I'd try to hold them together for a few more seasons.

Here's the before.

Here's the after.

I think they turned out ok.  I think I might add some twine, if I get around to getting some. Also, I think they look better in person. I ripped strips of unbleached muslin and wrapped the strips around the wreaths.

Made this hat for M using the leftover yarn from her wedding shrug.  Made the Jayne Cobb hat for RJ.   Man walks down the street in that hat, people know he's not afraid of anything!

What joyful children I have!

 Halloween! We went with a Dr. Who theme this year, with our neighborhood friends.

M is Rose Tyler; she even had a TARDIS key. X is the Absorbaloff monster.

The whole Dr. Who crew.

And finally, a look at our home improvements! Because we've worked hard!

Ikea pendant lamp that I've had for two years!  My fantastic Father-in-law installed it for me!

New toilet and bathroom floor! Now I want to repaint!