Phew! Over a month without updating my blog. I am ashamed. But I have been busy over at Fabric.com's blog with new pattern and projects. Plus I am getting ready for christmas. I made Devon a new dress (blogged later this week) and I have been trying to fit in a handmade gift for everyone. But I am finally updating my Free Patterns and Tutorial page with all kinds of new goodies, some just for the holidays! Check out some of the new projects!
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My latest pattern, September Shawl, launched for Fabric.com last week and I am so happy with how it turned out. I didn't realize till we started to shoot pictures that it was the perfect size for wee ones as well as me size. Coupled with the tutu and the cuteness was at a critical level.
Oh and I finally cut into my Sunbloom. Check in with the fabric.com blog tomorrow to see the results. I will post more pictures here after.
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In a previous post I mentioned working with Stitch Jones Yarn to come up with some new knitting designs and the results are amazing. I am really pleased with how well my ideas turned into knitted pieces. It is still weird for me to go from a picture in my head, figure out which stitch patterns to use to duplicate it (not to mention converting each stitch count) and figuring out how to combine them all for a finished product.
Sharon sent me 2 balls of Dyepot Worsted in Bollywood and right away the colorway had thoughts bouncing all over my head. How can you not be inspired by Bollywood? Sharon mentioned that she had wanted to send me some solid color yarn but the variegated Bollywood was what was to hand. I can't imagine what design would have come from a solid colorway but I am so glad she sent the Bollywood. It was a challenge but the name itself lent some many great ideas. The body of the Bollywood Shawl represents all the ornate lattice work that can be seen in and around windows in India. It lends a dreamy, romantic view on any landscape. The border of the shawl is a feather stitch that pays homage to all the exotic birds from India, namely the Peacock (which is the national bird).
The Speak Easy Hat came from the yarn as well but in a different way. With this solid colorway, Cinnamon Twist Kensington BFL Aran, I felt I could do a stitch that was busier than the Bollywood because the stitch did not have to compete with the colorway. I wanted a scalloping effect around the bottom of the hat and then some graceful, but simpler design toward the top with, of course, a beautiful decrease. I hate sloppy hat decreases, as though the decrease is an afterthought and not really part of the hat. What I ended up with was somewhat farther from my original vision than the Bollywood but not so far that I didn't recognize it. I love the result and thought of a 1920's cloche right away. If only my hair were properly bobbed to finish the look.
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I found out about a month ago that one of my patterns submitted to the Knit Picks IDP was accepted and today my Cambridge Toboggan pattern posted. I am so excited. I was able to work with two of the new colors of WotA before they launched, Papaya Heather and Blossom Heather. I have more patterns in the works for Knit Picks, Fabric.com (I design some great free knitting pattern downloads and write for their blog in knitting and sewing) and an independent yarn maker, StitchJones. StitchJones hand dyes her own yarn and it is delicious and amazing.
Stay tuned...my brain has been on design overdrive!
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Hi all,
I am working on revamping the ol' blog but I wanted to point out that up top (on the navigation bar) I have created a page with all my free patterns and tutorials. Check them out and share them with your friends!! There might be something new you haven't seen before.
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Devon's lastest invite is to a combo party for one girl and twin boys turning 2! Overwhelming to say the least. But, inspiration hit in my Bend the Rules book but when Amy explained how much sewing was involved I vowed to create a faster pattern. Voila. It was super fast, mostly because I used an existing curtain panel to save hemming. I used less than 1/2 yard for the valances. The difference between my pattern and Amy's is that mine is height adjustable. This was a must because little Hailey is only 2 and a bitty thing who can occasional dress in 6-9 mo size clothing. I hope she likes it. We'll find out Sat! Next week I hope to show off what I made for the boys.
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A friend has a 4 year old son who is in the throws of a super superhero crush with Spiderman. Said child just had a birthday and of course yours truely and Devon were invited. I had to make his present since I always do (well except for his 2nd birthday which we just gave the parents a gift card to a restaurant and some free babysitting). He told me in secrecy a few weeks before the big day that he did not have a spiderman shirt. I didn't know whether to trust his whispers but decided even if he did own one or 5, he would not have another like this.
I drew up the pattern on my computer and using some red, black and white felt I made this really cool applique. I free handed the blue web detail on the red face before adding the eyes. Looking back, I would have used a glue stick to keep the face in place when I was finally attaching it to the shirt.
The shirt was purchased at Target. It happened to be the perfect shade of superhero blue!
Download your pattern here and get started!
Download Spiderman
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What have I been doing with my time...oh yes! learning to make my own patterns! Wow- so much information, emails and googling and I think I have it. It might not be as pretty as I had imagined but I know (especially after being told by many sources) that my pattern knowledge will develop with time.
May I present: Baby Reversible Hooded Carrier. A Mei Tai style carrier with influence of Scandi Carriers and added details that I needed to make my baby happy. I love it and have used it for months. Even now that Devon can walk I still whip it out often. Just the other day I wanted to vacuum, Devon took one look at that monstrosity and made the "I am gonna cry" face. I quickly put it away, got out my Baby Carrier, strapped her to my back and vacuumed my heart out. We go to the zoo, on walks, to friends houses, everywhere!
Let me tell you about the details that make this something special. First up, this carrier comes naked! But you can dress it up any way you like. The removable slipcover makes this the most fashionable carrier on the market. You can coordinate your carrier to your outfit, your baby's outfit, season or holiday. Is your baby spit-up prone, no problem. Whip off the cover when dirty, slip on another and go. No need to go without your carrier while it is washed for the 8th time that week.
Second, the hoody is also removable and fits in your pocket. Take it off when baby wants the grand view, slip it in your pocket. Put it on when baby is overstimulated, tired or the weather is taking a turn. Easy to make, so you can match your hoody to all your slipcovers!
Even better, the whole carrier is reversible. Each slipcover can feature two different patterns or colors and the carrier and hoody are also designed to flip-flop to either side you want to show the world. The possibilities are endless!
You can see more pictures and purchase the pattern here!
Download your pattern for only $10!
Also you can send me email at taradangermiller at yahoo dot com if you are interested in carrying my patterns. My affliate rate is awesome!
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I created this little gem for a 3 yr old's birthday and it was a big hit with him and his little 18 mo old sister too. I used Chateau Rococo by Free Spirit and it created the perfect reptile pattern. This pattern is perfect for birthday parties, potty presents or halloween. The bonus: It is fast to make so you can stock up.
Looks good with dogs tails too.
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I have finally cleared some time to create a PDF of the birthday crown pattern. Please let me know if there are any mistakes in the instructions. I literally just finished them and not only are my eyes aching but I am in desperate need of lunch and coffee (not sure which will come first). Hope you enjoy it and I can't wait to see some finished projects!
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