A Classy cardigan for a classy baby

I finished this darling little shawl collared baby cardigan for our friends new baby Isaiah, and then put off weaving in loose ends and sewing on buttons since the final finishing stages are always my least favorite part of knitting.  Because of this poor planning, I made myself a bit carsick sewing these buttons on in the car on our way to visit him for the first time.

This pattern was simple and knit up really quickly.  I am going to start another for my dear friends who are having a little boy in March.  I am thinking I might try a hunter green or navy. Look how adorable this version from Never Not Knitting is in navy!

 I love something this adult and sophisticated for a baby.  Babies dressed like old men = super cute in my book. I think a little girl could really rock this look too.  Check out the Baby Sophisticate pattern  by Linden Down on Stockinette here!

  

Sweaters: a la boyfriends and Bill Cosby

I've got sweaters on my mind.  My dream is to wear slouchy cashmere sweaters all the time.  The sad thing is, I live in Austin, TX where there is a very, very tiny window of opportunity for wearing said sweaters.  Maybe this is why I don't own a slouchy sweater. Don't think I haven't tried.  Any time I have tried on a slouchy warm sweater, I have felt like I was being strangled by a wet blanket.  It is just too hot here to fall in love with them in person the way I do when I see them from afar.  My dream is to own a slouchy, casual cashmere sweater. The combination of laid back boyfriend sweater and the luxury of cashmere?!  Sweater perfection.    Until I live somewhere cold enough to justify a the purchase of this expensive dream sweater, I can look at these...

 J. Crew Cashmere boyfriend sweater $248

J. Crew Green Collection Cashmere boyfriend sweater $248

I work with Middle School students, and I have seen an alarming yet also awesome when done well trend this fall- Cosby sweaters.  True they have no idea that their giant pattern sweater is an homage to the one and only Bill Cosby since they were just babies when he was talking about pudding cups.  But I appreciate this flash back when done well.  

                                      

 Green Batwing Sweater  $45.76  

 Apricot Pullover Sweater $45.76  

 Blue Striped Loose Pullover  $33.44

Show em' how it's done B.C.

New craft=needle felting

Happy New Year!  I now realize that my holiday break from blogging became rather expansive. The holidays were all about family, friends, lots of cooking, baking, DIY projects, and a bit of travel.  Now that I am finally back, I see that sadly, what I wanted to share today could verge on being a bit "Christmas-y", but I am going to say that it is instead "Winter-y" which is totally appropriate for late January! 

                                   

 I have a new craft that I am loving - needle felting!  A big thanks to my amazing friend Chelle who started felting and brought all her supplies to the cabin we rent with our friends for New Year.  It was cold and rainy the whole time, so I spent some time playing with all her felting supplies by the fire.  (I definitely owe her some supplies in return for what I used!)  I just finished felting this deer and since my Christmas decorations were packed long ago, I am going to keep it out as a winter decoration for the time being.  I have so far been stuck on only making felted Christmas ornaments.  My Christmas tree is "Woodland" themed.  So they are right up my ally.    

I am now in the process of brainstorming some new projects that are not Christmas ornaments.  I love these felted hearts from lil fish studios.  They would make a great Valentines garland!

               Here is a great beginner's tutorial to make these cute little felted owls from     

              Instructables if you want to give it a try! 

                               

     Happy winter crafting!