Kindle Carrier, Ravelry, and 1000 Books

So the last time I wanted to do a blog update my internet crapped out and for whatever reason blogger didn't save my progress. Here's a quick update about what's going on:

- I signed up for college. I graduated high school in 2007 and haven't been back to school since. It's about time, don't you think? Hehe. I'm excited and a little worried because of the little time I have now for anything.

- I've been crocheting, just not taking any pictures because my camera is stupid - and the camera phone just isn't the same. See below for reference.

It's a kindle carrier for my niece. She gets it for Christmas. She really likes the color orange, but I made her head bands out of the orange that I used for the flowers. Her second favorite color is blue, and I had a variegated yarn I had no idea what to do with, but I loved it. 

I'm debating on whether or not to line it with fabric because the base part of it is cluster stitches so it's a little gappy. I will probably make a liner if I find a fat square at the craft store that I like that goes with this. 

Also, with the carrier I have written down a pattern for it so I may offer it for free on Ravelry - or possibly on my blog. I wouldn't even care if you made it and sold it. ;)

(Do you have Ravelry? You should add me  http://www.ravelry.com/people/haileybee - I'm super nice I promise!) 

Another project I'm working on is a Hello Kitty inspired scarf for another niece. 

I just need to add her face and decide how I want the other end of the scarf to look.

In other news:

My, not so little any more, man turns 8 months on August 3rd, and we have him signed up for the 1,000 books before Kindergarten challenge at the library. I'm really excited, both me and his father love to read so I hope it's something he will enjoy too. Right now he's more interested in chewing on the book or pulling on the pages. 

Well, have a wonderful day everyone! Enjoy what's left of the summer!

Lord knows he's enjoying summer! Haha

Commissioned Pieces

Lately I've been trying to work on some Christmas gifts because I'm a slower crocheter, but I've also had some time, albeit very little, to squeeze in a commissioned piece. It was a stuffed chicken that was to be gifted to my friend's nephew. He liked it enough that she asked me to crochet her a stuffed rabbit for her other nephew. They both show their animals at events for 4H I believe? I know they do state/county fairs. I'm pretty excited about this!

Now I'm trying to find a pattern that I like or at least figure out a base pattern to change. It's hard to find one that's not too girly. So I'm looking up patterns and I'm finding perfect patterns for other people. Like a shawl/shrug for my Mom, or a funky scarf for my niece. I'm looking through Lion Brand's database of crochet patterns trying to find their bunny one, but I'm finding all these other ones that have me reaching for my hooks.

On to other news, I'm thinking of getting some of my friends together for a possible Stitch 'n Bitch. I have a friend who knits, one who embroiders, one who is trying to be multi-craftual (she wants to knit, crochet, loom knit etc...), and then my mom who enjoys many crafts but is the one who taught me  how to crochet in the first place. I also have a friend (whom I recently told about this blog -- HI APRIL!) who wants to learn to crochet or knit. She's pretty decent at knitting I haven't watched her crochet, but her practice swatches show she has promise in amigurumi. ;)

Have you ever held a Stich' n Bitch? What were some things you liked? What are things you would have done differently?

Until next naptime...

Radio Silence

My blog, aptly named Stitches During Naptime, is hard to do when the little one does not nap! I have been incredibly busy as I'm sure all of you have been too. It's so hard to keep up with work, family, etc... It's just really hard to find a balance.

Some things that have happened since I posted last: Eli is now six months old, and growing too fast. My brother is currently on treatment number 8 million for his cancer. I start school again in August. I'm currently thinking about starting an etsy store, not just for crochet but for other things too.

I'm worried about starting school and having zero time for anything/anyone. I'm thinking of only taking 2 courses at first to kind of get my toes in the water for going back. I graduated high school in 2007 and haven't continued my education since.

I'm currently working on an amigurumi commissioned piece for a friend's nephew's birthday. It's just a chicken, but it's my first commissioned piece! I also forgot the yarn for the beak... and it has to be done by tomorrow (today at 3pm...) and I will see her before she leaves to go to her sister's house the next state over. So, slightly thankful for that little piece of time. Cross your fingers it gets done. I'm sure it will, but you never know.

Anyway, I'm going to try to be more diligent with this blog. It was easier when Eli was a newborn because he would sleep for two hours like clockwork.

I hope you all have wonderful weekends!

I am currently trying my hand at knitting. I'm finding it so much harder to learn than crochet. I seriously do not feel coordinated enough to work the two needles.

I'm using two straight needles and another knitter told me that I should try it with circular needles instead, that it might be easier. I'm willing to give it a go. I'd really like to be able to crochet AND knit; there are so many crafty opportunities with both.

What are some things that you're trying to learn? Any advice for a super beginning knitter?

My cousin said she thought I took the picture because it "looked like a ballerina with a tutu on." I didn't see it at first - haha

A Friend's Benefit

So, a friend of mine asked me to make something for her aunt's benefit. I said I would try. With a baby it's harder for me to find time to crochet so I was thinking I could try to whip up some dish cloths and face scrubbies.

I already had a couple sets made so it shouldn't be too hard to get some more made up before May. Cross your fingers!

I picked up a loom and weaving set and thought I'd try my hand at weaving some pot holders - the directions that came with the loom seem a bit vague and while it seems it should be easyish I might look on Youtube for some instructional videos. (Has anyone seen any good ones?)

I'm hoping I can make some pretty knit - like things since I've tried knitting way too many times to count and can't seem to get the hang of it.

So while the baby naps I'm going to make myself a cup of tea and see if I can clean up the living room a bit. Ugh - I hate cleaning.

Snowy Sunday

I love snow storms - especially when I can sit inside and cocoon up in blankets. I've mentioned before how much I love nesting in blankets. Sundays are meant to be lazy, and so here is some things to hopefully make your day seem warm and snug - despite the blustery weather outside.

a warm mug full of hot chocolate (or cappuccino is good too!)

warm and snug blankets

Might also be a good day to catch up on cleaning, but that could just be me! Whatever your plans for the day enjoy it and take a little bit of the day to relax a bit. 

Blankets and Snuggles

I have been obsessed with crochet blankets for the last week or so. Constantly looking at patterns, and other people's projects. I think it's because it's been so cold. Yay Minnesota - it's -17 degrees outside, but with windchill really feels like -45.

So I've been dreaming about warm blankets and hot chocolate. Snuggling on the couch with the boyfriend and the baby. Probably watching a marathon of some of our favorite shows on Netflix.

I've been working on a double sided shell afghan for my brother's birthday - it'll be super warm which I hope he'll like especially when he goes and gets chemo. I'm making it in Minnesota Twin's colors for him since he's a big fan (despite how they do during the season). The border around it is going to be white.

One thing I will say about this cold weather is that it has been nice crochet (and knitting too I suppose ;]) weather. Especially when working on a blanket. When you get far enough along it covers your legs quite nicely.

This cold weather has already got me thinking about what I'm going to make everyone for Christmas already! I've got all but I think two people figured out. Most are blankets - so we'll see how ambitious I get this year (especially with a newborn) the blankets might turn into scarves, hats, and mittens!