Knit Baby Booties

I came across some adorable knit booties the other day but there was no pattern attached to the project listed in Ravelry. So I asked the maker if there was a pattern some where. She responded with the pattern and told me to have fun! I've completed two pairs in just a couple days. Last night she gave me permission to share the pattern. Now, I have altered it just a smidge. I changed the first K2tog and P2tog on the decrease rows to SSK and SSP. This allowed both side of the decrease to be more uniform.

FamilyDiva's Knit Booties

Materials:
US5 Knitting Needles
Worsted Weight Yarn
Tapestry Needle

Cast on 41 stitches. (I used the long tail cast on)
Rows 1-12: Knit (41 per row)
Row 13: Knit 18, SSK, Knit 1, K2TOG, Knit 18 (39)
Row 14: Purl 17, SSP, Purl 1, P2TOG, Purl 17 (37)
Row 15: Knit 16, SSK, Knit 1, K2TOG, Knit 16 (35)
Row 16: Purl 15, SSP, Purl 1, P2TOG, Purl 15 (33)
Row 17: Knit 14, SSK, Knit 1, K2TOG, Knit 14 (31)
Row 18: Purl 13, SSP, Purl 1, P2TOG, Purl 13 (29)
Row 19: Knit 12, SSK, Knit 1, K2TOG, Knit 12 (27)
Row 20: Knit 1, Purl 1 across
Row 21: Purl 1, Knit 1 across
Repeat Rows 20 and 21 as desired (I completed 7 rows)
Bind off and leave a long tail to sew up the back and bottom of the booties.

I will probably make a lot of these since they work so quick and use such a small amount of yarn. They are also quite stretchy! All the booties I make will be donated to the Promise House at the end of the year with the blankets I am working on!

I'm here... with projects to share!

I know its been a while since I have been on here. I have been trying to adjust to life as a working wife and mommy. I've been a working wife since 2007 but throwing in the mommy part adds an extra challenge for me. So I am here to give you some updates on my little boy (I'm quickly learning that he is no longer a baby *sad face*) and show you some of the many projects I have been working on this year.

Jonathan is growing so fast! He will be 14 months old on Monday 7/1/2013 and he is so much fun! He is over 32 inches tall and weighs around 25 pounds. He walks and climbs stairs easily (not without supervision of course!). He says Momma, Dada, Mom, Dad, Gramma (Mmma), Grampa (Mmmpa), UhOh, Ball, Boom and Hey! We swear we heard him say "Ready, set, GO!" one day too but he hasn't said it since! He is down to 1 bottle a day and we are working to get him off that bed time bottle now. He sleeps through the night and has been most of the time since he was about 6 months old. He loves Veggie Tales and his toys. He blows kisses and gives giant hugs. We love him so much and can't imagine life without him now.

As for projects I've been working on...

Several months ago I found out that a friend of Jeff's cousin is going to be adopting a child from Ghana. She is doing rummage sales, auctions, bake sales, and so many other things to help raise the money they will need to complete the adoption. I felt compelled to crochet her a blanket... which of course turned into booties and a hat too!

I also joined a small KAL with the group of ladies I joined while I was pregnant for women due in April 2012 and I started this sweater vest for Jonathan... Its not finished because I had to put it down for a while. The pattern was written in the round and I didn't have short enough cables for it so I wrote it out as a flat pattern and am now stuck where I have to divide the back and front to make arm holes... Its a beautiful vest though and is made in a larger size so I still have time to finish it because I wanted him to be able to wear it in the winter...

I knit him an Easter vest too...

I knit a blanket using a varigated green and brown Homespun from Lion Brand and a Solid brown too. The blanket was for a reveal gift for the secret pal/sister thing we have going at church. My secret pal at the time is wheel chair bound and I thought she might enjoy a lapghan!

I have several other charity baby blankets in the works for a big (at least 4 blankets) donation to the Promise House here in Little Rock. I will be donating some baby booties too and at least one lovie I crocheted. I will make another post with those later.

I hope this post finds you all well. We are enjoying life so much right now!

Today is a big day (photos)

Today we are having a baby dedication service for Jonathan at church. We do not believe in infant baptism but we do believe in dedicating the child to God and promising to raise the child in a Godly home and in a way that would glorify Him. So in preparation for this big day I spent the last 3-ish weeks knitting Jonathan a sweater vest... this was my first ever knitted garment and I have to say I am quite amazed it turned out so well dispite its flaws!

I love the color... its Knit Picks Brava worsted in Peapod.

I "winged" the pocket because I felt the vest needed a little extra something once it was finished. And of course, to make it fun I added the little yellow fishie to match the button (which is on the back of the left shoulder).

The coloring is horrible because it was night time and my lighting stunk! But, I made him a matching pacifier clip to go with the vest!

Something I've learned

Today Jonathan turns 15 weeks old... yes... 15! I can't believe how much he has gown, changed and learned in the last 15 weeks. Already he can smile and laugh, he knows how to get attention when he wants it, he jabbers with us all the time in that special baby language. But Sunday I had a realization... I am so thankful that God gave me a boy!

I remember when Jeff and I first found out we were having a boy. We had wanted a girl so bad; I was so anxious for a girl so I could crochet all sorts of cute, frilly stuff for her. A few hours after we got home from the doctor I broke down crying. I couldn't understand it. I wanted to be so happy I was having a boy but I was so totally disappointed! I felt horrible because I had no desire to make anything for my boy and I felt like it meant that I didn't love him. It took me a day or two but I finally accepted the fact that we were having a boy and I found some equally adorable patterns for things I could make him. Eventually I was so excited for this little boy!

Now, 15 weeks later, I am so thankful for him. God knew exactly what he was doing for us. This boy is wonderful and quite honestly, the best thing we have ever been blessed with. The giggles he gives me when I look at him and see him trying to get the pacifier back in his mouth with just his tongue, the snuggles I get when he awakens at 5am scared of storms, even the little conversations we have while he just jabbers away. I find myself praying over him at night as I feed him his bedtime bottle. I thank God for him, for this blessing, and I pray that he grows to love and glorify God.

There is a giveaway...

Over here! Win some nice yarn, beautiful hooks and cute buttons! I hope I win!

He's 1 month old today!

It's been a while since I have written a post on here. I started to write one the other day but couldn't find the right words... so I'll try again... with some purpose this time!

My little boy was born one month ago today. His 7lbs 12oz and 21 inch long body was not quite as big as the doctor had estimated (8lbs+ if I went full term) and I was induced 1 week past my due date. Labor was quick and other than bad tearing it was good! He has all 10 toes and 10 fingers. He looks just like me... in fact, I marveled about this several times as I would look down at his face and see myself. I found it very strange at first.

We have grown attached to each other in the almost 5 weeks we have had to spend with each other. Jeff went back to work when he was 2 weeks old and its been all me during the day while Jeff is at work. I can't honestly say it has been easy. I had days where all I did was cry and think I will never make it through this. We have had to switch formula to a brand that has added rice starch to help with his projectile vomiting (this is not an exaggeration) and he has been a wonderful eater since changing. I even told Jeff that I would have been better off just getting a puppy; this was when Jeff stepped in and took control of the night time feedings. This has made my days so much better and I have been able to bond better with the baby.

I dread going back to work soon. I am going to miss my little boy. However, I do believe that this will give Jeff more time to bond with the baby since he will now be the sole care giver in the afternoons when he picks him up from daycare.

As for the crocheting and knitting... I get a little time here and there... mostly in the evenings when Jeff is home and I can sneak in an hour or so. I am working on a blanket for a manager at work who was expecting a grandson to be born in May and I am knitting a blanket for Jeff's cousin and his wife as they are expecting their first little girl in Sept. I need to get these done and will have ample time during breaks and lunches at work... I have to make more gifts as I have a friend due with twins in Nov and another friend due with her fourth baby in Nov.

Anyhow. I hope everyone is doing well! Happy Summer!

Dear Susanne!

Just a quick update. I had Susanne from Sweden ask for the pattern for the heart I crocheted for Debi back in February. I had participated in Debi's granny swap and made a heart as an extra gift for her (see photo here). So I wanted to share a link to the pattern with everyone! The pattern is called Heart Motif and it is located here for free! I hope everyone enjoys it... I found it super easy and it looks much nicer than other hearts I have made in the past!

Not Much Longer...

We are getting more and more anxious for the birth of our little boy as he is due in the next 3.5 weeks or so. The nursery is almost finished; all that is still needed are new blinds, touch up paint, finishing the changing table and installing shelves in the closet... I also need to wash his clothes and bedding. We got my wonderful father in law to get some vinyl artwork done for the wall to match the bedding set and I love how it turned out!

I finally started projects for him after knitting two blankets for friends who are or were expecting baby girls. One is a blanket that I really love... its very simple but very beautiful! I have one more section of green to add and then a darker blue border and it will be finished!

He will be wearing a grey and white onsie home that says "The Best Part of Mom and Dad" so I decided to make a green hat (and a pair of booties if I can get them finished). I started to knit this but I'm still not the best at knitting in the round with DPNs and figured it would take me forever so I then attempted to do a crochet version of the knit pattern I was using and didn't like it... 2 additional attempts later I decided to just stick with DC stitches because they would be faster! I love it.... hope you do too!

Anyhow... I hope all of you are doing well. Its getting hot already down here in Arkansas but I hope to get out and about more once the little one is born so I can take some pictures to share of the area! I also am excited to get back on track with my weight loss. I didn't lose what I wanted to before I got pregnant and its made this pregnancy a little rougher than it could have been (energy wise) but I plan to be healthy and active so I can enjoy playing in the park and yard with my son!

If I don't post another message before next Sunday, I hope you all have a blessed Easter. This is one of my favorite holidays because its the day that Jesus conquered death for our sins when he died on the cross and rose from the grave as promised in Isaiah! God bless all of you!

Excited About Our Nursery!

We were finally able to pick out our paint last weekend and today Jeff started painting. We borrowed one of those cool paint rollers that sucks the paint out of the bucket into the handle so you don't have to keep dipping the roller in the paint pan (less mess too!). It only took him about an hour to get the first coat done and I have to say... I am quite happy with the color. So glad I went with this green instead of blue!

Sharing a picture... please note the color of green on the wall to the right of the photo is truer to the actual color.

Quick Update

Well I am now 32 weeks pregnant with my little boy and I can't believe how soon it is that I will finally be holding my sweet blessing in my arms! This pregnancy has been easy and relatively enjoyable. My first trimester was heavy with sickness but I really enjoyed my second trimester and other than feeling large and slow now I am also enjoying my third trimester. I wish sleep was easier... or rather being able to remain comfortable enough to sleep!

Here I am at a small photo shoot for maternity/family photos this weekend. Love my baby!

Yay! Delivery!

I had a hard time accepting the fact that I won't get to make cute frilly dresses and diaper covers for my baby boy... Oh yes... We found out a week ago that this little baby is a boy!  Anywho,  I decided to order "Crochet Softies" from Knit Picks while their books are 40% off... And I got some much needed hooks so I have spares and ones I actually like... I also got some stitch markers. So in love!

New Year Celebration Giveaway @ Calleigh's Clips & Crochet Creations

Calleigh's Clips & Crochet Creations: New Year Celebration Giveaway: First of all I just wanted to thank all my fabulous fans and customers for making this a beyond successful year! I never would have imagined...

Goodbye 2011... Hello 2012

This has been a really great year for me filled with travel and fun. Jeff and I were able to spend more time together, I was able to see family I hadn't seen in years (twice!), Jeff became an ordained minister and we are expecting our first child in April. So for giggles, I would like to briefly remember some of these fun events from 2011!

March 20, 2011, Jeff was ordained as a minister in our Southern Baptist Church. He has grown so much these last 9 months as a husband and man of God. I love him and I am proud of who he has become. While I was unsettled about taking on the position of "preacher's wife", I have also grown into this place and I feel that this has helped me grow as a person and a Christian.

In May we took a trip to Washington state. This is where I grew up and where all of my family is located. It had been 6.5 years since I had seen my family; with the exception of my dad, step mom, mom and little brother who have been down here to see me. We left Arkansas during a rain and thunderstorm filled Sunday after noon and found the beautiful sun above the clouds as we made our way to Dallas. I couldn't have been more excited for this trip.

We had a great three days filled with family, friends, food and fun! The first day was the busiest as we flew into Seattle to spend time with my sister and oldest nephew before driving three hours south to my Dad's home. We ate at IHOP.

Being there was surreal... I didn't feel out of place... I felt home. Once we got to my dad's house we had a big pot luck with most of my siblings, my parents and a few other family members. I got to see my little sister 7-8 months pregnant... the only time I have ever seen one of my sisters pregnant! I spent time with a very special cousin of mine... and I watched as my husband (who had never met any of these people with the exception of the ones who have been here) was accepted and loved as part of the family. This brought tears to my eyes... I was so thankful!

 I spent time on day 2 with my best friend! We hadn't seen each other in 12 years.

 We visited tulip farms... these amazed me! They grow thousands and thousands of colorful tulips every year!

 On day 3... our last day. We had a pizza party.. so yummy! This turned out to be a surprise party for my sister and I who would be having a birthday in 1 month... we haven't celebrated our birthday together in 7 years.

Before the pizza, we had a fun family photo session thanks to my brother's awesome girlfriend.

And then we went home... we were so exhausted and spent almost an entire day sleeping once we were home!

I went back in August for my sister's wedding.

I found out I am pregnant the Monday before the wedding. We are thrilled. At this point our Little One is being stubborn and after two attempts to determine the little boogers gender we still do not know if we will be expecting to hold a little boy or girl come April. I had several (6-8) weeks of morning sickness and have felt really good since all that went away.

We spent time on little mini vacations in Hot Springs, Mountain View, Petit Jean Mountain and at home. Its been a very enjoyable year!

I did not make gifts for my family this year... crafting was slowed by my travel and pregnancy. I am starting to pick up and have plans to donate baby blankets to a local home for teenage mothers at Christmas time next year; this will be in place of my blankets for seniors that I have done for 3 years now. I hope to make some clothes, a blanket and a Christmas stocking for our Little One... we will see how that goes!

I am thankful for my 47 followers who have stuck around and even began following my little blog during this very slow posting time for me. I hope to have more time for blogging when I start my new position at work in three weeks because I will have an earlier shift. I hope I can share more than just my crochet and knitting adventures as we move from a couple to a family this spring.

Happy New Year!

Giveaway at tangled happy: Yarn Blossom Boutique Giveaway

tangled happy: Yarn Blossom Boutique Giveaway. Visit Tangled Happy for a crochet pattern giveaway. Such adorable patterns available!

Charity Blankets Finished

I finished my charity blankets about a week ago and dropped them off at Walgreens for the "Be a Santa for a Senior" donation box earlier today. This was my third year participating and I didn't finish the 4 blankets I wanted to finish but I did get two done and I think they are quite beautiful. However, I did forget to take a picture of them before taking to Walgreens to Hubby was a dear and held them up for a quick photo shoot. Hope you like them as much as I do!

Happy Thanksgiving... and updates

I want to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. I can't wait to sit down with family tomorrow for dinner.... and to be honest... I have been dreaming about Thanksgiving for at least a week now!


We had our Operation Christmas Child packing party at church this last Saturday. We had a goal of 100 shoe boxes to fill and somehow we filled 107 boxes!! God is GOOD and that means 7 more children will be blessed this season!

I crocheted three bunnies and knitted one bunny for the boxes and there is a picture below

I am 18 weeks along and most of the morning sickness is gone... not even sure what I am having is morning sickness... I just cant get too hungry in the mornings and I cannot gag for any reason... if I do... its all over! I've been feeling the baby move more and more lately... and I really enjoy it... I just hope Jeff can start feeling it soon too. We got to hear the heart beat for the first time on Monday and I recorded it on my phone... I have to say... I listen to it a lot! Next Monday (5 days from now) we go in for our level 2 ultra sound and hopefully we can get a looksie at the gender! Thats about all for now... Happy Thanksgiving!

tangled happy: Crochet Dreamz Giveaway

tangled happy: Crochet Dreamz Giveaway: Awesome give away for baby patterns on this blog here. Such cute items!!!

Update: Towel Toppers

My manager at work asked me to make some towel's for her step daughter so she bought some towels, I bought some yarn and got to work! She loved them! The green buttons were my favorite part.

Also, on the baby front, We are excited to say we have reached the second trimester! We saw our Little One on the ultra sound yesterday and saw his or her face. In about 5-6 weeks we hope to determine the gender! I'm already a proud mama!

I'm still alive

I'm still alive... Just busy!  I've spent the last 4-5 weeks battling morning sickness... Yes, I said morning sickness!  Jeff and i found out i am pregnant on 8/22 and i am now 10 weeks and 2 days along.  We are very excited about our little one and hope it's a girl.
So I have not been crafting as much as I would like but I was able to make this cute hat. For a guy at work who just had a little girl on 9/23! I hope to begin making somethings for our little one to share with you soon!

Sharp Crochet Hooks

Came across this website while entering a giveaway for one here... check out the website!

Sharp Crochet Hooks