There is a new baby on the block. Two doors down my friend just had her second child and her first homebirth. The neighbor between us might be wondering what's happened to the neighborhood (Lupine was born at home here as well). Truly, I think she loves the unconventionality of it all (in our society anyway).
A new baby means there is a new big sister on the block too – a spunky 4 1/2 year old whom we adore. Sage was nearly 4 1/2 when Lupine was born, and I love watching older kids transition for the first time into becoming a truly big sibling.
So we made these Big Sister Clips our first priority. We make loads of two-dimensional felt clips around here, but these were inspired by some I found over here a long time ago. Amazingly I never saw the tutorial until I posted the link. Going from one quick glance weeks ago and then flying by the seat of my pants I'd say I nailed it.
Lupine was thrilled to model them and is begging for her own collection.
And for the baby? We did a quick embellishment to an organic baby cap with a few yoyos and vintage buttons. Sweet without being overtly girlie.
The mama got a nice stash of LuSa goodies and for the papa I mixed up a gin and homemade tonic. (I know. Gin and tonic isn't exactly a wholesome gift for a parent with a new baby, but the papas really hold the whole gig together when the new babies arrive and I thought he'd appreciate it. And I'm so stoked to be making my own preservative-free tonic that I want to give it to the mail carrier. Hmmm… or maybe that neighbor I mentioned earlier?)
What's in your craft basket this week?
I love making gifts for the families of new babies. Right now I’m doing the hand-finishing on a quilt for a little boy, and I’ve got another “baking” in my mental quilt-oven for a #4 baby arriving in the fall.
WOW! All those crafts are amazing! I’m knitting a doll dress and have the pattern printed for a twirl skirt upcycled from tshirts…
Casey,
Ive been meaning to knit a few sweaters for the kids dolls. And doll knits are so quick!
Rachel
Madcap,
I still have quilting-fear. I have three started but not finished… someday Ill get my courage up!
Rachel
Super-cute! What a good friend you are! My cousin is having twins shortly and I need to craft some stuff for her. I have no idea why, but, I am am sort of dragging my feet a little. I probably just need to get a good book of projects and light a fire under my butt!
Adorable! I had eyed up those clips too but decided to wait until my girl has enough hair to hold them in. I’m sewing two reversible jackets (one for my girl and one for a friends) and working on some knit balls for my little guy.
http://dawningdreamsblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/beer-cap-hot-pad-pattern.html
Bottle cap project!!! I actually have a vintage grape crochet bottle cap pot holder and I’ve been dying to re-create it…ta da! I think I can adjust this pattern to make my grapes!
Cassandra,
I have those moments as well. When I just. Cant. Craft. Itll happen. Twice!
Rachel
Emmy, I want some clips of my own. So sweet! And knit balls… I love the simplicity possible with little people crafting. So sweet and sometimes even more lovely than the more complex things we create for our big kids. I made Sage a patchwork ball (wool felt) that we still love. ~ Rachel
Laura, this looks awesome! Elegant/upcycled/vintage radness. Do you crochet? Sage just started tonight. I think hes hooked. No pun intended.
~ Rachel
You inspired me to make some of these clips for my daughter today. Felt and cotton I had but no clips so I raided her old coloured ones and just used some of them, very cute. Oh and I checked out those bottle top crochet pot holders, very cool. Pity I cant crochet.
MaeKellan,
Im planning on doing the same this weekend when I make Lulus. Old clips into new! And the bottle top pot holders are adorable! Sage just learned to crochet last night, so maybe hell teach me and Ill teach you. 🙂
Rachel
Sounds like a good plan!
Love these! I’m thinking of making some for myself. I’m working on Stefanie Japel’s “Petal” cardigan at the moment – my first adult garment. Ever. I hope it fits! I did a whirlwind of baby knitting which always keeps me motivated because the project are so quick. I plan to try to tackle a pattern of Jared Flood’s while I’m away in Maine in August as I know I’ll need lots of concentration!
Best of luck with your knitting adventures, Susanne! I attempted a Flood pattern as a new knitter but gave up after three gos at it. I may be ready for it again this fall!
~ Rachel
Hello all, I am the aforementioned neighbor new mama : )
Rachel’s craftiness is once again astounding.
All were wonderful gifts, I even used the clips myself. Papa enjoyed a much-deserved nap following his gin & tonic!
And yes, the neighbor between us is oh-so-curious about all of it : )
Blessings to all of you who embrace, assist, and comfort those new mamas.
We are grateful.
Love you, Jen. We’re home so I’ll check in with you later today. Love,
Rachel
Oh my goodness! I love these hair clips, so adorable! I will definitely be making these this week!! I just need to find a good tutorials first. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂