BABY BIRTHDAY PRESENTS

My niece's twins are turning 1 in a few weeks.  A girl and a boy.  I wanted to give them something special that I have made so I knit a sweater (Camilla Babe) for the little girl and a hat (the Hudson Hat) for the little boy.  I was trying to think of a special way to wrap their presents so I decided to make a little fabric bag and stamp their names on the front, along with "happy birthday".  I also included a tag that I made out of heavy cardboard.  One side says Happy Birthday and the other side give the name of the pattern, type of yarn and washing instructions.  I'm pleased with the way they have turned out.

KNITTED BABY HAT

Since the first time I saw this pattern, The Hudson Hat, on Ravelry, I have wanted to make one.  It is one of the fastest, cutest hats to make and you get to use your imagination and use up some of your favorite scraps.  I started this little hat yesterday and finished it this afternoon.  You start with the I-cord and knit the ear flaps and cast on for the brim.  Then working on circular needles it is a breeze to knit through this project.  I used two different weights, worsted and DK.  The next time I make this pattern, I will used just one weight.  I will need to block this to stretch out the DK yarn a little.  Otherwise, I LOVE it!!!

NEW PILLOWS

I just finished making these pillows for a friend.  I found this beautiful teal fabric at Joann's.  It is an acrylic/wool blend that is labeled "faux wool".  It is washable and absolutely scrumptious!  I had the Anna Maria Horner "Drawing Room" fabric in my stash.  I ended up using the teal on the back of the print pillows as well.  I put zippers in each pillow for easy access and washability.  All in all, not bad for $16!

BABY BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

Cool graphic for the baby's nursery!

My son designed and printed this graphic for his baby's room with his name, birthweight, birthday and length all within the state of Georgia.  I keep telling him he needs to start selling these.  Let me know if you want one!

Here's a UGA Bulldawg bib that I made for my roommate in college who is a new grandma!  Just what every Bulldawg grandma needs!

I made this little bear cub hat for Silas. Should make for some cute photos!

MEET SILAS LIAM - OUR FIRST GRANDCHILD

Born Monday September 17, 2012, 6 lbs 4 oz and 21 inches long!

He was born one month early and spent 9 days in the hospital.  He is home now with his Mommy and Daddy.  Here are a few photos from his first week.

HE IS PERFECT!

BABY BIB AND QUILT

A new little bib I made for the coming grand child.  He should be born in about a month.  I found this cute fabric at SEW MAIN STREET in Woodstock along with the super soft backing.  I used a large plastic snap at the back and lined it with thin batting for an extra layer of cuddliness. 

This quilt pattern is called ROCKY ROAD TO KANSAS.  It is a Marti Michell pattern and was featured in American Quiltmaking magazine in 1997 I think.  I originally made this pattern for a quilt challenge and had saved the magazine because I really liked the pattern.  Now, 15 years later I'm making it again for my first grandson who is to be born in October.  

Here are the 9 finished blocks on my design board.  BTW, this cork board was made by my father for me when I went off to college in 1972!  Now, it's second life is in my art/sewing room.  I'm sure it feels at home since I was an art major in college!

I like the scrappy nature of the quilt.  I can use up a lot of scraps that I have in my stash plus it is fun to look at all of the different patterns.  You cut strips between 1/2" - 2" and sew them together.  Then you cut out a "kite" pattern and stitch those together like I have done below.

There is one background piece that you reverse and the 8" block is done.  Just sew 4 blocks together for one square.  I made 9 squares for this quilt.

The pattern pieces are very nicely drawn so you will be able to get those perfect tips!

Here is the quilt just waiting to be put together with batting and backing.  I will use the soft squishy backing like I used in the bib above.  The total size should be 32" - just the right size for a little boy to hug on to and drag around!

LIGHT IT UP

Check out my son's business OCTO LIGHTS.  You can find him on the web, Facebook and Pinterest.  They specialize in printing high quality photos onto specially formatted light lens covers that fit into 2' x 4' fluorescent lights.

Below are a few of my favorites from his collection:

Here is an actual installation from the Astronomy Collection in a Dallas, Texas classroom sent in by the teacher who purchased the lenses.

SEWING FOR BABY

Well, our first grand baby is supposed to be here in about 6 weeks.  I've been knitting a few things but baby's mommie has asked me to make a baby sling.  I remember my old Snugli that I had and loved.  I found a Butterick pattern (5798) that looked sturdy and comfortable.  It's a quick and easy pattern, reversible and included a baby neck roll pattern.  

Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, Georgia

Treat yourself to a lovely day at Gibbs Gardens.  It is filled with trails weaving through carefully planned gardens with plenty of shade and benches.  My favorite was the Monet's garden complete with a replica of the bridge and waterlillies.  If you are visiting Atlanta, take time to drive up to Ball Ground (about 45 minutes from Atlanta) and visit Gibbs Gardens.  This was 20 years in the making and just a lovely setting.

I took my mom for Mother's Day this year.

The hydrangeas were in bloom.

Another view of Monet's bridge.

Covered walkway leading up to the manor house.

This is the Gibbs' home with pool in the side yard.  You are welcome to wander around, sit and make yourself at home!

This little bench is located just behind the house in a small secret garden.