I was going to share some knits I had finished for me as well as the baby things I’ve been working on, but realized that the post would be enormous if condensed altogether! So this one will be just the adorable baby stuff, and the “grown up knits” will follow in a couple weeks. Needless to say, since discovering the baby’s gender and starting to knit miniature things for her, it’s gotten addictive. While I haven’t had time to devote to large scale sewing projects because of various things, I’ve needed something to keep my fingers occupied and that is transportable. It’s kept me happily employed and feeling useful in those odd, otherwise blank moments that one finds at times (mostly at doctor’s appointments, these days!).
So what have my knitting needles been occupied with? A cute little baby turban that I found a pattern for–she needs some retro style in her wardrobe from an early age! I want to knit another out of some thicker yarn too (probably in red…), as this particular fiber (a silk blend, I believe–it was leftover from an older project) is a bit loose. But it’ll be good for warmer weather. [
pattern |
similar crochet version ]
How about some darling booties? I knit these literally days after we found out we were having a girl–using some lovely yarn odds and ends I had in the stash. The buttons are vintage mother of pearl. So cute! [
Ravelry project page |
pattern ]
A delightfully pink confection from a 1950s pattern booklet I thrifted years ago. The pom poms got me (can I have a grown up version, please?)! It’s the kind of thing I’m hoping that she’ll be big enough to wear as her “coming home” outfit as I adjusted the original sizing a bit to newborn sizing. As with sewing patterns, vintage knitting patterns sizing can be wildly off–thankfully I feel like I’ve got enough experience knitting (and sewing!) to adjust things as needed. [
Ravelry project page ]
Another “so sweet it makes my teeth hurt” cardigan! This one (the “Ladylike Cardigan” from Stephanie Japel’s
Mommy & Me Knits) I knit in a 6-month size, and used a yarn appropriate for summer or fall wear. I wanted something she could grow into, and had stuck in my mind that she
needed a yellow cardigan with duck buttons! [
Ravelry project page |
pattern ]
Finally, I have a green baby kimono I’ve been working on for weeks–it’s just a simple, sideways knit. There is not much to show right now, hence the lack of photos. Hopefully I’ll have it finished soon!
I do love how quickly baby knits come together: almost like instant gratification knitting! I’m just almost out of projects, once the green kimono is finished. Lucky for me, I found a fabulous local yarn store recently–so I guess I’ll have to make a stop there sometime to pick up yarn for another baby project! Just to decide what is appealing to me? I think this bunny hat may be a contender!
December 7, 2012 ·
50 lovely thoughts
posted in knitting
· tags: baby diary, knitting
I have a little treat for you today! I was digging through some of my vintage patterns recently (we’re reorganizing all of my sewing stuff to make way for Miss Blueberry’s nursery!), and discovered a pattern design sheet tucked inside an early 1930s Pictorial Review apron pattern. I’ve had this pattern for at least ten years; I’m not sure how I missed it until now! But the designs were so darling, so I scanned them to share with you!
I really love the draped and tied neckline of #6001! Such an interesting feature and I’m sure wouldn’t be hard to do… The funny little sleeves on #5887 are another favorite.
Do I even need to say I’m quite smitten with the little girl’s dress patterns?! I’ve been hunting around for suitable 1920s and 30s children’s patterns lately in the hopes I can make something suitably vintage for Miss Blueberry next year!
I hope you enjoyed these! I shall be back Thursday with some knitting to show off–including a few things I finished months ago and have neglected photographing… Oops!
December 4, 2012 ·
18 lovely thoughts
posted in vintage inspiration
· tags: 1930s, vintage inspiration
cardigan: thrifted,
refashioned | shirt: Target | jeans: Motherhood Maternity | shoes: Blowfish | scarf & belt: thrifted | anchor pin: made by me
Where to begin? Frankly, there is too much in the past three weeks to condense succinctly into a blog post, nor do I want to rehash everything that has gone on. Suffice to say there have been some lovely moments (Miss Blueberry’s kicks growing more energetic and even visible at times; SH coming home after weeks away, hosting Thanksgiving for a handful of sailors), and some moments that made me want to scream and cry all at once (pregnancy hormones seem to exacerbate stressful things…). I’ve been busy with a few creative things in the background, and I want to share all the baby knitting I’ve done over the course of the month with you! Let’s not forget Christmas either; my favorite time of year! I have a post in the works on some decorating things I’ve done around here, as well as my annual cookie baking. But first I wanted to show y’all how big this bump is getting! hehe!
Some days I’m a bit sad I can’t wear my favorite vintage dresses and skirts right now, but on the whole I’m fairly satisfied with the maternity wardrobe I’ve been piecing together and how I’m crafting outfits around my new figure. Accessories have become a big part of my daily dressing, and scarves have been in heavy rotation! I was so excited when I saw Tasha’s tutorial on how to create a backroll ‘do using a scarf (if you haven’t checked it out yet, you must!), because it just gives me another excuse to wear one of my colorful squares. It’s so easy and works well with my long, thick hair–a style I hope to keep in my hip pocket for those post-birth days I need to just get my locks out of the way!
I hope y’all have each had a lovely November! (And my American readers had a great Thanksgiving last week!) I shall be back shortly with some knitting updates!
Hello in there! Anybody home?
November 28, 2012 ·
65 lovely thoughts
posted in outfits + wardrobe
· tags: 2012 outfit, baby diary, maternity style, outfit
dress: Target | shoes: Forever 21 | bow: self made | tights: Motherhood Maternity | earrings: unknown
Twenty weeks pregnant means I’m definitely moving from making regular clothes work into roomier garments (and yes, maternity clothes–I got desperate and acquired a few things recently!). This dress (which is not maternity–I bought it years ago) I knew would be perfect once the weather cooled down–and it has been so comfortable to wear! I know some people hate shift dresses on pregnant women (and I thought I’d shy away from this style), but let me tell you: this is perhaps the most comfortable I’ve been in a long while! lol. I think it really boils down to proportions though: since this is a shift shape, the shorter hemline works to counter balance the fullness.
Not much else to say about this outfit–so let’s talk about something exciting! A couple weeks ago I had the anatomical ultrasound, where we found out the baby’s gender! I was pretty convinced I was having a boy–but was I right?
Nope!!! To say we’re excited to welcome a little girl into our lives next year doesn’t quiet sum it up! Either would have been delightful and welcomed with open hearts, but I have to admit the idea of a “mini Casey” (as everyone keeps referring to her!) is more than a bit fun! There has been a lot of knitting of little girl things (including the
sweater above; I plan on doing a knitting post in a couple weeks) and perhaps a few stops at thrift stores for cute girl clothes since we found out. I can’t help it: suddenly teeny tiny clothes are irresistible to me! Poor SH–he keeps coming home to the top drawer in the nursery dresser getting more and more full. At least we’re doing it on the cheap (thrift stores and hand-me-downs from kind friends–something we’re really thankful for!). hehe!
Now just 19 more weeks until we meet her! It can’t come soon enough…
November 5, 2012 ·
88 lovely thoughts
posted in outfits + wardrobe
· tags: baby diary, maternity style, outfits
Allow me to share one of perhaps my best thrift finds ever: a 1942 booklet of Hedy Lamarr paper dolls! I ran across this gem recently, and was floored that it was even in the thrift store (how many people donate these rather than throw them away, sadly?)–and better yet it was discount day! I love vintage paper dolls from the 1940s, and have a tiny collection going. There is something so darling about all their little technicolor, idealized paper fashions! I thought I’d share some snapshots of the inside pages because there is lots of beautiful, early 1940s eye candy! (Be sure to click for larger versions.)
Yummy fashions, no? I think I am particular in love with the casual outfits–and the colors! I’ll take one of each in my closet, please (though maybe after I get through this pregnancy… lol.)!
My thoughts and prayers go out to those who are in the coastal areas of New England, battling the after-effects of the hurricane! It skirted by us as it went up the coast, with comparatively little disruption, but still dumped a load of rain (the roads flooded here, as they always do!) on us along with strong winds. Seeing the pictures and video coming out of the New England area is heart breaking, and my hope is that everyone stay safe and authorities continue to work to get aid and clean up to the affected areas soon. Stay safe, everyone!
November 2, 2012 ·
33 lovely thoughts
posted in vintage inspiration
· tags: 1940s, vintage inspiration
