Newsies!

Who doesn't like a kid in a cute newsboy cap? This is my favorite picture of Carter, my oldest son, wearing his when he was 3. Lately, I have seen so many fabulous patterns for newsboy caps, not just for kids but for adults too. Today, I'm going to focus on those little men in our lives. You know who I'm talking about. The ones that run around your house in their underwear with no modesty. They can't seem to hit the toilet, pick up their toys or talk in a quiet voice, but they sure do know how to melt this mamas heart!

It seems that everyone around me that is pregnant is expecting a little boy. I'll be honest crochet gifts for little boys are difficult. In the past, I have made blankets and newborn beanies, which are great gifts, but I think adding a trendy newsboy cap would be fun. I found a couple patterns at http://www.etsy.com/shop/adrienneengar?ref=seller_info that I'm going to try. I can't wait to see these on my friends' little guys!

A Teacher's Gift

My oldest son, Carter, has the best teacher this year. Her name is Mrs. Thomas. I have never met a teacher with more enthusiasm and love for the kids in her class. Carter wakes up on Saturday mornings and is disappointed because he doesn't get to go to school. When I visit the classroom, I don't want to leave either! There is something magnetic about her teaching style. The way she talks to the kids puts a smile on my face and makes me feel happy inside. Because Mrs. Thomas has a special place in Carter's heart, I wanted to make her something memorable for Christmas. I found this pattern in the October issue of Crochet Today. You can also find it at http://www.crochettoday.com/crochet-patterns/book-bag-apple-cozy.

I lined the inside of the bag and handles with a coordinating fabric. Then Carter and I went shopping for teaching supplies. He had a ball picking out stickers, pens, post-its and fancy paper clips. He would have bought Mrs. Thomas the entire store if he could have. He is my gift giver!

This project is very similar to the owl hats only upside down. I'm thinking the owl hats would make super cute bags also. They would be a lot smaller and fun for younger ones to carry library books or coloring supplies in. I think I'm on to something!

Dresses On The Brain!

It's hard for me to admit, but after having two boys, I had my heart set on a baby girl. Third time's a charm, right!? In my head I was thinking, "hopfully there won't have to be a 4th." Yes, I was willing to go that far for a girl. Don't get me wrong, I would have been excited and happy even if it was a boy. But that moment, when the ultrasound tech told us she was 100% sure we were going to have a girl, my heart skipped a beat. The thoughts of a mother-daughter relationship started taking over my brain. Not to mention all the dresses, bows and baby dolls. After finding out Lillian was on the way, my obsession with crochet took another turn. I could not stop crocheting baby dresses, hats, shoes........ you name it, I was making it! Even a mobile with crocheted birds to hang from her canopy!

I found the pattern for these 3 dresses at http://www.crochetgarden.com/. This website is a great source if you're looking for a little girl dress pattern. The middle one was Lillian's Easter dress last year. The great thing about this pattern is that the straps extend and she can still wear it today! I'm working on another purple one right now for my niece's 1st birthday. These baby dresses are my all time favorite gift to give! Okay, so who's having a girl?!

Goodbye Winter, Hello Spring!

UNCLE!!!!!! I don't know about you but I have had enough of this brutal Indiana winter. I'm looking forward to next weeks weather forecast! I know just like all the other winters past that we will have a brief warm-up and melt-down and then just when you think spring has arrived another cold spell with 8 inches of snow will arrive. YUCK! The closer March gets the more giddy I become about spring flowers, green grass and Easter. With that being said here's a picture of a few hats I have had my eye on for projects in the near future.

Once again I found these on Etsy. These patterns were written by Adrienne Engar. I absolutely love the bright, springy colors in these hats. And the flowers and bows bring it all together. I can't wait to get started!!!

Crochet Obsession!

Let me start by introducing myself. My name is Stacy. I am a 32 year mother of 3 and the wife of a fabulous man for almost 10 years. Before there were kids in our lives my husband and I lived in Bloomington, Indiana. He was starting his first 2 years of medical school there. Without kids and without family nearby, I had lots of time on my hands. I always wanted to learn to crochet. My grandmother was an expert knitter and crocheter. I decided to surprise her by taking lessons in a little yarn store downtown. 9 years later, I am still passionate about crocheting. In fact, if you ask my husband, he would say that I am obsessed!

I have written a few of my own patterns, but mostly I find my patterns online. My favorite spots to look are http://www.ravelry.com/, http://www.etsy.com/, http://www.crochettoday.com/ and http://www.interweavecrochet.com/. Here's a picture of my latest project.

Love these owl hats, inspired by Miriah Gilbert's "What-A-Hoot Owl pattern, that I bought on etsy. Of course, I had to change the pattern a little. I don't think I've ever followed a pattern exactly. I love to change them so they fit just perfect. Here's a couple pictures of my youngest son and baby girl wearing theirs. I'll take one of those in an adult size please!