little blue sweater
It’s baby season, which means I’m at it again with the handmade gifts. I’ve mentioned before that I really enjoy knitting for kids because you get the satisfaction of making something somewhat complex but on a smaller scale. This sweater took me quite a lot longer than the grey sweater I knit last year since it was made with a smaller garter stitch. The hood is by far my favorite part.
I also love these handmade buttons I found at The Little Knittery. They weren’t too cutesy and with the burned wood, they have just enough character. Off this will go to some happy new parents (Who hopefully don’t read this blog. I don’t think they do.) just in time for the cooler months.
bandit raccoon & kit fox
Meet Bandit Raccoon and Kit Fox. We made these stuffed animals as one of the rewards for Ashes of a Cowboy backers. There will also be a brown bear and jack rabbit. Shawn chose animals that are found in California since the the main character travels across the state’s desert and mountains.
You only have until Wednesday at 3pm to donate to Ashes of a Cowboy (and get one of these limited edition cuties).
homemade deodorant
For the past two years or so, I’ve been a faithful user of Soapwalla deodorant cream but I ran out this weekend and had forgotten to order more. In my desperation I made my own deodorant. It was easy enough and seems to be working pretty well. I made a tiny batch just to try. Here is the recipe.
homemade deodorant
3 Tbsp coconut oil
1/8 cup corn starch or arrowroot
1/8 cup baking soda
splash of tea tree oil
Mix ingredients until combined. Store in cool place.*
*With recent high temperatures, I haven’t had a cool place. The mixture liquifies but still totally works, I just give it a little extra stir before applying.
Summer
Summer has rolled around and it signals a change of pace. The world is out looking for fun. I spent some time crafting this weekend with some lady friends. Made progress on a piece of knitting I’m working on, unplugged for the most part and gossiped just a little. We also went to a party with a bounce house and jumped until we were dizzy.
We also have a new foster cat. Her name is Mabel and she’s a darling black kitty. She wants nothing more than for someone to spend some time snuggling with her. If you’re interested in giving her a forever home please let me know.
I spent my Sunday with the Kitt Crusaders at one of their adoption events. Amazingly at least three darling cats got adopted while I was there. Of course there are still plenty more. Like these little kittens. I just wish more people cared as much as some of these people do. If everyone just did a little bit it would make a huge difference. By the way, you can donate to Kitt Crusaders, who is rescuing cats from one of the highest kill shelters in Los Angeles by donating here.
Laurel
I finished my Laurel dress! Hooray! I made few simple alterations, adding some darts in the front, lowering the neckline and embellishing with a pleated bib. Having such an easy pattern allowed me to flex my creativity a bit in making the dress exactly what I wanted. I’m already brainstorming my next dress. I think I’d like to try it in knit or something a little more flowy. With it’s light weight and soft colors, this dress will be perfect for spring and summer.
photos by Shawn Bannon
