Wednesday, November 17, 2010

WIP Wed & Yarn Along

I've been in holiday crafting overdrive for the last couple of weeks and expect it to last right up until the end of the year. So many ideas, so little time! I did finish a few things over the last week to add to the holiday stash.

Elizabeth's doll bed is coming along. My mom worked on sanding the bed, and I bought a pretty shade of pink watercolor to stain the bed. And the quilt is now finished! It really went quite quickly once I determined exactly which pieces I wanted to use. I really like how the gradient front turned out.


I chose to use double fold bias tape to edge the quilt so that I wouldn't have to match the back of the quilt so closely.


Which turned out to be a good idea since I found this remnant of slightly more than 3/4 of a yard for $2. I really like how the quilt is kind of reversible, something I didn't really plan.


The flannel remnant is very soft. I think Elizabeth's doll will be pleased. ;)


Finn, our resident pig lover, will be receiving this knitted pig as part of his Christmas. I just love this little pink pig. The yarn is a corriedale/mohair blend from our local sheep farm.


The legs were a bit awkward to attach. I've not done much in the way of toy knitting, but it seems like they never quite go together the way they're pictured.


Except the tail. It's as cute as can be.


I'm joining Ginny's yarn along again this week. I've been working on a pair of socks for the hubby and reading to get inspired in my crafting as well as our holiday celebrating.


The Gentle Art of Domesticity, by Jane Brocket of Yarnstorm fame, is always one of my go-tos for crafting inspiration. The pictures are just so lovely and I always want to hole up and quilt or knit for days after flipping through this book for just a few minutes. The Christmas Almanac is loaded with Christmas stories, history of Christmas traditions, gift ideas, recipes, Christmas traditions around the world and many other fascinating things. I've recently been looking to add another country's traditional Christmas dish to our dinner table thinking it would be a fun discussion point for the kids. The vintage pictures in this book are so sweet and inspiring as well.


Finn was so thrilled to bring home a project from school yesterday that I couldn't resist sharing. He, almost all by himself, made a pumpkin and nuts centerpiece. You should have seen the proud look on his face when I lit his candle at dinnertime last night. I hope he always feels such pride in his creativity brought to fruition.



21 comments:

  1. Boy your have been busy!
    I love the yarn color in the bottom picture!
    The specs in the blue.....**sigh** gorgious!

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  2. I'm in love with that pig!! So cute!!!! And what a lucky doll, indeed. Goose is taking a knitting class this January. She cannot wait! I might even join her!
    Your header photo is so festive!
    have a great week
    lisa

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  3. I've been wanting to read the Jane Brocket book. And that piggie... too darling! I've yet to try knitting toys as well.

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  4. That's crazy. Someone gave me "The Gentle Art of Domesticity" for Xmas last year and I never use it (as beautiful as it is.). I was going to pass it onto you next time I saw Paul because it was too beautiful a book to not be used. I guess I'll have to pass it on elsewhere. :)

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  5. Does your friend Kerry above want my book? It's brand new.

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  6. Amazing projects- I love the pig, and that is the prettiest doll quilt I've ever seen. The Christmas Almanac looks amazing, and so does the lovely centerpiece- thanks for sharing.(visiting you from small things)

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  7. I have both these books and LOVE both these books too! Your pig is adorable, I've a crocodile WIP that I can't find the pattern to, but it plans to hang out in my 4 year olds stocking this year!

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  8. Oh that little piggy is divine - you are such a hard worker!! Must be nice to start to feel organised this close to xmas! xxx

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  9. Love the doll quilt. I plan to make one for my littlest for Christmas. The pig is wonderful, and I have to agree they are difficult to put together. Your books look lovely. I also joined in the fun at Ginny's Yarn Along.

    Blessings, Elizabeth

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  10. LOVE that pig!!! and thank you as always for the great book ideas!

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  11. You have been very, very busy and everything turned out so pretty.

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  12. OH man...I want that Christmas book. Love all your projects. The quilts are adorable and I'm all about knitted animals.
    About the fairy tale books: Check out this parent's guide because they tackle touchy subjects: http://fairytalenovels.com/page.cfm/cat/116// (Watch out though, some have spoilers!)

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  13. Awww! What a cute piggy. He has so much character. I love the socks too, such beautiful work!

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  14. So wonderful and comforting this post Joy. I have been wondering about the book - the Gentle Art of Domesticity - thank you for sharing. Adorable pig and beautiful quilt!

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  15. I always have a hard time with the legs too. :) I think your piggy turned out great though!

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  16. buisy buisy! I love the doll quilt

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  17. Everything you create is amazing. I just got Emily an American Girl Doll sleeping bag for Hanukkah. Your quilt is SO MUCH cooler!! I love that pig too!

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  18. Hi :) Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving a lovely comment on my yarn along post :) I just love the little piggy!! I can't wait until I can knit well enough to make little animals for my children :) Your doll quilt is very lovely to, what a great gift :) Have a wonderful week!

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  19. I am heading over to put those books on my wishlist! All of your projects are looking so good! I especially love that piggie!

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