Handmade Holidays 2012 - Page 6

[rere]

I need to stop writing my lists out on this thread.Seems to guarantee I don't get stuff done.That's right,I am going to blame this thread not the fact that I sat on the couch watching documentaries and sewing felt birds.

On the plus side I do have a pile of felt birds finished.Still have a few more to go but...

I need to make a plan for today.You know,so I can forget the whole thing and sit on the couch.

[OkiMom]

rere- Im the same way with lists.. Im horrible at sticking with them but I always write one out and swear Im sticking to it

This weekend I got the scarves done, started on a blanket for the baby and did a monster stuffed animal for the baby.. Ill post pictures when I figure out what I did with my camera..

Today I plan on working on (or ignoring as the case may be)
a knitted cat (a companion to the knitty kitty I made last year )
finish the picture skirts for all of us.. got to got to get this done so we can take pictures!
picture tie for DS
Christmas tie for DS
Christmas dress for DD3 (ok, just typing that is weird)
child mai tei x 3
child sling x 3
finish making the necklaces for stocking and pictures.

Most of this stuff is at least started, I just have to finish something. Ive been a little scattered brained when it comes to projects lately.
Edited by OkiMom - 11/19/12 at 7:11pm

[nigellas]

I'm really wanting to make some foam swords for my boys - Maybe like these:  http://sarahssilks.com/product/soft-swords

Anyone have any ideas on how I could do them?  Would I glue the fabric over the foam?  

[JamieCatheryn]

I finally started the second knit blanket last night and I think it's going to go quickly. Not sure what the finished dimensions will be though, maybe 3'x5'? It's made with yarn held double and all in one piece, such a relief to move fast after the many squares one I was doing. I got my yarn for the other knitted gifts and my baby's clothes, don't know how much will happen by Christmas. I will be making soap and jellies and maybe some candles after we move, big batch things for many gifts should go well. Of course candy, maybe enough to share too.

[OkiMom]

Yea, I didnt get anything done today.. I did decide to do something else for the outfits for pictures since the girls decided they wanted to wear their new "santa" dresses for the pictures. I already have a red plaid skirt that matches with a red plaid shirt DH has and will coordinate nicely with the children's clothing. That takes some projects off of my list but I didnt do anything to get them off.

Tomorrow Im going to get some things done.. No really I am

[4evermom]

Originally Posted by nigellas 

I'm really wanting to make some foam swords for my boys - Maybe like these:  http://sarahssilks.com/product/soft-swords

Anyone have any ideas on how I could do them?  Would I glue the fabric over the foam?  

I've made some foam swords... I use either a wood dowel (like a cut off broom handle) or a piece of pvc pipe for the handle. For the blade, I use pipe insulation. It's gray foam from a hardware store with a hole in the middle that the dowel will fit into. You could also use a pool noodle but I've never done that. The pipe insulation comes in different widths so get one that is the right size for your dowel (1 inch, for instance). The dowel should only go partially into the length of the blade. Otherwise (if the entire length of the blade has a solid core from the dowel) the sword will be too hard and the kids will hurt each other easily. The problem with foam swords is kids think they can hit as hard as they are able without hurting anyone but that just isn't the case.

So the dowel should only go into the sword maybe a 1/8th the length of the blade with part of the dowel sticking out for the handle. Cover the very end of the handle with a shorter piece of foam insulation so no one is accidentally injured by the handle end. You will use duct tape to attach the foam to the handle so the foam insulation doesn't slide off the dowel. Be sure to resist the urge to cover the blade with duct tape. It does make the blade less floppy, but it also make the blade too hard. You might want to just put a couple of pieces of duct tape around the blade in a few spots, such as where the dowel ends inside the foam and every foot and a half to the end of the blade because the foam insulation is scored so it can be split easily. So don't cover the whole blade but put two or three little strips of tape around the blade to reinforce it slightly.

To make a hand guard, you can cut a piece of foam insulation lengthwise. Fold it in half around the blade, just above the handle with a few inches sticking out on each side, and duct tape it on.

Then you can cover the whole thing with fabric if you like. Or just cover the blade with fabric and leave the handle and hand guard covered with duct tape. You can just sew a tube of fabric, slide it onto the blade and tape the end by the handle so it doesn't slide off. I know someone who used stocking to cover her blade so that might be another no-sew option.

I'm not sure if my description is easy to follow. It's kind of like this tutorial but WITHOUT having the dowel extend the entire length of the blade and WITHOUT covering the entire blade with duct tape. I have seen many a child cry from being hit with duct tape covered blades. It can really sting. They aren't allowed in the "Renaissance Capture the Flag" games my son does.

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Boffer-(Foam-Sword)

Here is another idea (tutorial with pictures). It isn't how I did mine but it looks like a much safer version than many of the other tutorials I just looked at.

http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/toy-pirate-swords.html

And don't forget shields! You can just cover a piece of styrofoam (I used a piece I got as packaging but you can buy them at craft stores) with a single layer of duct tape. I like it to be an inch and a half or two inches thick. And I like to cut off the corners so they aren't pointy and are less likely to jab anyone in the eye. Then you can make a loop of tape for the arm to go through and a smaller loop for the hand to grip on the back side. I like to use gorilla tape for the handle loops because the duct tape rips too easily.

[iowaorganic]

Is it too late for me to join?  Nothing like waking up in a panic!  I am not doing a complete homemade holiday this year.  Just a partial.  My kids are each getting a new quilt.  I have 3 tops pieced and need to work on the other 2.  One is pretty easy and the other is easy but time consuming.  I have that one started.  Then as soon as my batting arrives I need to quilt those suckers.  And bind them.  ugh.  the binding is what i hate.  

I want to make my sister pajamas.  actually a double set. I am embellishing tshirts with ruffles (have one done) and am going to use coordinating fabric to make both pants and a pair of shortie shorts.  They will all mix and match I think.  This must be done by the 15th.

Both my DD and my niece are getting American Girl dolls- so they will be needing some clothes.  I want to make matching sets with maybe a dress, bloomers, sweater and hat.  Niece's must be ready on the 15th too- but I would like to make them at the same time.  

My other DD I would like to make a little waldorf doll for her.  The 10" one.  I need to find my pattern.  Ugh.  

I also want to make sock monkeys for all my kids.

I have to come up with 4 kids gifts for a gift exchange....  Not sure what there.  Maybe stuffed monsters a la Pinterest?  

I also need an awesome woman's gift for an exchange....  

I have a quilt I need to quilt for my mom.  Weird gift- but she made the top and I want to finish it for her.  She also requested 'kid art".  So I am going to get some canvases and let the kids paint them for her.  Not much work for me- but supervision will be necessary.  

MIL- I am going to make her a new sweatshirt jacket- so that won't be super hard either- but I would like to make potholders and a casserole cover to go with.  

Potholders for a lot of people on my list.  Heck.  I could use some potholders.  

Oh.  and a wall quilt for one of our really good friends.

That is pretty much it.  But I have 5 little kids.  This is going to take some uninterrupted momma time.  OK>  I kind of thought typing it out might make it seem more manageable- but really it is making me panic.

[krystalis]

Dollar Store/ Dollarama?  This was a reply to a post about white mugs- sorry I thought it would connect to the person's message...

[rere]

Iowa,
never too late to join.

Would it be possible to hire a mother's helper for a couple afternoons?or maybe swap some childcare with a friend?

Oki,
Those outfits sound cute!

Jamie,
What kind of candy do you make?


I haven't done much for the last couple days.Today is the day though.Projects all day long!A lot of what I do may be helping my daughter ger her stuff going but stil...PROJECTS ALL DAY LONG!

[rere]

Originally Posted by krystalis 

Dollar Store/ Dollarama?  This was a reply to a post about white mugs- sorry I thought it would connect to the person's message...

You have to hit quote button twice.

But I think your response was for me.Thanks.I have been to the dollar store and I did get two but I need some more that are a bit bigger.

[iowaorganic]

Well I knit yesterday in the car going to my Mom's.  I finished a pair of Longies for DD2 (very much needed) and knit a ruffle scarf for me since my grandma stole mine.  Not much holiday crafting though...  I have big plans for the weekend as soon as I get my house cleaned though :)

[34me]

Originally Posted by 34me 

#1 niece - ruffle scarf : done and delivered
#2 niece - ruffle scarf : done and delivered
Sister - shawl : yarn bought, pattern chosen done wrapped and delivered with 2 inches of her shawl left she told me she wants 5-6 drawstring bags of various sizes! Fabric bought- I will use some microfiber dishcloths from the doller store and scrap fabric! Shawl done, wrapped and delivered dish cloths in the washer
BIL - BBQ rubs and tie dyed apron ?
MIL - ruffle scarf : yarn bought done
FIL - ???
MOM - shawl : done, wrapped and delivered
DAD - BBQ rubs and tie dyed apron
DH - ?
DD - mittens

DS1 - ?
DS2 - dead fish hat. The only thing it needs are the eyes need to do matching mittens

 So I am doing a "Blizzard Boredum Buster Box" for my employees and co workers. Pencil rolls, note pads, Farkel and puppy chow in a drawstring bag. 16 pencil rolls almost done, 11 left!

[rere]

Nice progress 34me!


I helped my daughter make a bunch of bowls made from perler beads but then our power went out for 5 hours.:coldIt just came back on.Maybe after dinner I'll be able to get something done.

[OkiMom]

Iowa- you are always welcomed to join Well I guess December 24th might just be a bit to late

rere- for the mugs have you tried Target? the one over here has a whole bunch of plain mugs. DH just told me that Walmart also had them.

I meant this to be a huge crafting weekend and Thanksgiving my 2nd youngest woke up with a fever and the flu. Now its slowly spreading to the rest of the family. Hopefully I can at least get some knitting done tonight and tomorrow. Oh and make a list of things to get done although Im a bit scared to do that. I know I still need to do a ton so a bunch won't get done.

[rere]

Originally Posted by OkiMom 

Iowa- you are always welcomed to join Well I guess December 24th might just be a bit to late
rere- for the mugs have you tried Target? the one over here has a whole bunch of plain mugs. DH just told me that Walmart also had them.
I meant this to be a huge crafting weekend and Thanksgiving my 2nd youngest woke up with a fever and the flu. Now its slowly spreading to the rest of the family. Hopefully I can at least get some knitting done tonight and tomorrow. Oh and make a list of things to get done although Im a bit scared to do that. I know I still need to do a ton so a bunch won't get done.

Uhg!Sorry to hear that your family is sick.Hope everyone heals quickly.

Actually I found two perfect mugs today at the Slvation Army!Thanks for the suggestions though.

[iowaorganic]

I finished DD2's quilt top!  Yay!  Yesterday I just did it :)  Only took breaks to nurse baby and pour coffee!  So- that means just one quilt top left to do- and it will be pretty fast since it is just a center appliquéd panel  stripped out.  I also went to HobLob and bought the canvases for my mom- DS1 did his already.  I left it up to him what he wanted to do and he wanted to draw with permanent markers- so he drew a diamond ring under a light bulb.....  DD2's is also done.  I made footprints so the look like a butterfly.  My sister's gift is getting changed up- she really wants a certain book- so I will probably just do that with the tshirt I already have done.  And my mom's quilt is now going to my MIL.  And my mom is getting a bobbin winder...  random.

Rere- you must have good thrift stores- ours are overpriced and pretty much just junk.

Oki- sorry about your kids.  The flu is the worst.  So much more laundry.

[rere]

Originally Posted by iowaorganic 

I finished DD2's quilt top!  Yay!  Yesterday I just did it  Only took breaks to nurse baby and pour coffee!  So- that means just one quilt top left to do- and it will be pretty fast since it is just a center appliquéd panel  stripped out.  I also went to HobLob and bought the canvases for my mom- DS1 did his already.  I left it up to him what he wanted to do and he wanted to draw with permanent markers- so he drew a diamond ring under a light bulb.....  DD2's is also done.  I made footprints so the look like a butterfly.  My sister's gift is getting changed up- she really wants a certain book- so I will probably just do that with the tshirt I already have done.  And my mom's quilt is now going to my MIL.  And my mom is getting a bobbin winder...  random.

Rere- you must have good thrift stores- ours are overpriced and pretty much just junk.

Wow!Nice work!I keep trying to have a productive day like that but it hasn't happened.Maybe today will be the day.Ha!

I do have good thrift stores!I think it's because I live in a highly populated area.The two cappuccino mugs I bought yesterday were less than $2 together and looked brand new!

[rere]

I drew on the mugs.My daughter thinks they are too plain.What do you think?

Do they need more?

[rere]

Also thought I would share this free printable owl calendar that I came across.

I mounted the pages on poster board to make a calendar for my mom.

[tbone_kneegrabber]

Help me! I have no idea what to do for folks. I feel like I have given them everything I know how to make in previous years! I don't have that many people to give stuff too at least!

MIL
FIL
BIL
SIL

My mom
Mom's wife

We do New Years with my mom and her wife so I have time for those. But they are moving and getting rid if tons of stuff so I feel like anything I give them they will end up getting rid of! And my mom knits beautifully so I can't knit her or her wife anything!

My MIL used to own a sewing store and even though she doesn't make time to see anymore I feel like I can't see things for her or anyone in the family because it will be judged to a higher standard than I am capable of.

Sigh.

Last year I did knitted cowls for MIL and SIL. The year before hats for all of the them. I made Chapstick/lip balm one year and I think they still have some left.

Ok, sorry mostly just whining.