Cupcake Baby Blanket

I saw this pattern on pinterest awhile ago and wanted to make a cute blanket for spawn #2. Since we don't know what we're having yet I wanted it to be gender neutral, although I confess, even after adding green to the border it's still pretty girly.

I made the blanket a lot smaller than it was originally supposed to be, but oh well, it's for an infant.  My daughter never really used the blankets I made her before she was born and who am I kidding, I wanted to try a new crochet pattern.

The way the pattern is written is very confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it it's not so bad. Because I would always fall asleep around 9pm it did take me a while to finish but, it's done!

 

It's hard to see because of how I took the photo but every 2 rows makes up some cupcakes. I really enjoyed it and am trying to think of other ways to use the cupcake motif in a pattern.

Updated: Here's a better picture!

Calling all yarnworkers! You are needed!

That means you! If you love to knit or crochet and have any extra yarn and extra time, please take a minute to read this post. I have mentioned before how I would like to get some donations together to send to my area's local hospitals. The nurseries and NICUs are in need of hats and blankets for the little ones and their parents.
When I had my daughter I was thrilled to have a keepsake besides her hospital bracelet. Now that I am getting ready to have my second child this summer it has gotten me thinking about getting a serious donation together.

I'm looking for all sizes, (from small preemie to a larger full term baby) all colors, all patterns, (although keep in mind, these are small infants, they don't really need fancy earflap hats) plus the goal here is to be able to send off as many as you can, so keeping the pattern simple will help.
You can also feel free to make very small "angel" hats for the parents of babies who are born too soon or born still and do not get to go home. In addition to the hats, small granny square memory blankets are also needed, they can be a great source of comfort for grieving parents.

Here are some links with patterns/sizing help:

http://www.themakeyourownzone.com/2011/03/knitting-newborn-hats-for-hospitals.html

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/hats-hats-hats.html

http://www.oodles-4-noodles.com/2011/08/crocheting-hats-for-preemies-tutorial.html

http://www.miracleshappen.us/patterns/

http://www.knittingforcharity.org/

If you have hats/blankets to donate please contact me at crafttacular@hotmail.com  and I will tell you where to send them. Any help you can offer is greatly appreciated.

*This will be an ongoing donation, so there is no set deadline, I will post updates on when I will be sending a shipment out*

Auto Wallet Makeover

I just got a new car and while I was going through all of my stuff, I pulled out my old plain auto wallet. You know, that thing that you only pull out when you're asked to show your licence and registration? well mine was the standard black bi fold wallet with Velcro, so I decided to spruce it up. It literally took less than 5 minutes. and it's not perfect but it looks a hell of a lot better!

All you need is your boring-old auto wallet (journal, anything else that needs a face lift)
washi tape - I got mine on sale at Michael's so it was only a few $ and it's a pretty big roll so I'll have it for awhile!

the only other step you might want to do is clean off the wallet with a little Windex to make sure that the tape sticks well. other than that, get to it!

 Roll on your tape, line up the other rows, done.

Cookie Jar Re-do

For this project I already had all of my materials

A blank cookie jar (or if you want to cover over and old one with an outdated picture/design, go for it!)
Scrapbook paper (picture, comic strip, or anything really)
Mod Podge (still using the martha brand but i'm not that crazy about it)
Letter Stickers (optional)

I only chose to do a section of my jar because I liked having most of it still plain since I chose such a busy piece of scrapbook paper.
Make sure your cookie jar is clean and you can begin!

Step one: Cut out your paper/artwork
Step 2: Put Mod Podge on the back of your paper and on your cookie jar, stick it on!
Let it dry for a few hours
Step 3: do at least 2 coats of Mod Podge, let dry for a few hours between coats
Step 4 (optional): Add stickers and Mod Podge over it to secure


In hindsight I probably should've left the stickers off but I like them anyway!

Have fun!