So today, I thought we could talk about vaccination! No? How about the heated political climate in Maine right now? Alright, alright, I suppose we've covered enough controversial topics for one blog week. (Thank you, for the overwhelming respect and kindness with which most of the words in the comments were written yesterday. I wrote that post knowing the weight it carried, but wanting to speak our family truth as plainly and sincerely as I could, even though I find this written forum limited and limiting in the way we can talk about such sensitive subjects and deeply personal choices.)
Moving right along, let's talk about crafting today. Crafting for babies. Oh, yes.
I am so very thrilled to have so many nieces and nephews on my holiday to-make list. So exciting! A few book titles have come across my studio table (so to speak, of course, since I can't even SEE my studio table as of yet), that I've been pouring over with great hope, excitement and intention for these favorite little people.
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First up is More Last-Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson (of Purl fame). I was a little twitchy to get my hands on this one, given that the first book Last-Minute Knitted Gifts is such a favorite of mine (the hourglass sweater, the placket neck sweater, the purl scarf, kim's hats, and surely a few more I've forgotten I made). The second book does not disappoint. Filled with projects of varying skill and time commitment, and always-impeccable design and style. Love, love, love.
Surely I can squeeze in one of these Easy Baby Cardigans before December, right?
Or a monnogrammed vest or two?
And good gracious, every little one on my list might need a pointy elf hat. Seriously.
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Next up is Make Your Own Toys by Sue Havens (her website). This is such a beautiful book, and the instructions seem so clear and simple. It's been sitting on my coffee table for a while now, with Adelaide frequently found with her nose in it declaring 'aw, cute!". That's pretty much what I do too when I peek inside the pages. (Check out this video the author made!)
Look at this deer. Oh gosh. My nephew (just one!) needs this.
This elephant must be made. It just must. (and check out the brilliantly detailed instructions!)
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And last, but not least, is Wee Wonderfuls: 24 Dolls to Sew and Love by Hillary Lang (of Wee Wonderfuls). Making toys and stuffed creatures has never been something I'm exceptionally good at, but the most success I've had has been with Hillary's patterns (Olive is still in one piece AND happily played with four years later!). Hillary knows what she's talking about, and she says it clearly and simply with a whole lot of description illustrations by her husband Tim to boot (gotta love a husband-wife team!).
Love these clever sleepover dolls!
And this Betsy pillow might be really doable for a few nieces. So, so cute.
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Alright, so this list of mine might be a little ambitious. And not based in any kind of reality - certainly not mine (based on the number of boxes I keep tripping over). But I have no doubt that I can get those knitting needles moving, and I think with the super power help from both Sue and Hillary's books, I can certainly stuff a few lovelies in time for the holidays.
The holidays! What are you making?
