Round Up:: National Dog Day Crafts & Activities

It's National Dog Day!!!! 

Do you have a furry doggy friend?? We have two!!

Maggie May

We adopted her from the Humane Society at 1.5 years old. She has been with us for almost 7 years now and has always loved one thing...... SLEEPING!! Her biggest 'pet' peeve is if you trim her bangs and she loves and good massage in the bath.

LouAnn 

This sweet girl was left in a friends driveway with her two brothers by some stranger. She has been with us for almost 3 years. LOVES to play catch and snuggle. Her new best friend is Edwyn, a kitten we recently rescued from the same friend we got LouAnn from.

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Now that I have shared our two furry friends with you, let's get to this round up!!

I tried making this post friendly for all types of crafters, enjoy!

1. Recycled T-Shirt - Dogs Tugga Toy from craftbits: Great way to up-cycle those old t-shirts AND get a super awesome toy that your dog would love!

2. The Lady Who Lunches Dog Sweater from Lion Brand: Here is a crochet pattern that I have *loved* since the day I saw it! I know a small female dog that would look too cute in it!

3. I - Matey Dog Coat from Yarnspirations: You can't lose with this knitted skull sweater! It could even be used for a Halloween costume. (Stay tuned for that round up closer to the holiday!!)

4. Crochet Puppy Dog Lovey Blanket by Repeat Crafter Me: Sarah, the genius behind Repeat Crafter Me, has the cutest ideas that I share often. This puppy dog lovey is just one of *many* creative things she comes up with. (She even has some puppy hats....look here!!)

5. Blooming Dog Crochet Costume from Red Heart: I know I should save the costumes for Halloween, but this is too hilarious and cute NOT to share, so enjoy! :)

6. Easiest Dog Up-Cycled Dog Collar Ever by Sew Doggy Style: The name speaks for itself!! If your dog isn't the sweater type, maybe they like collars or bow ties! I am a new follower of the Sew Doggy Style site and love what she does. You should swing by and check her out!

FOR THE KIDS:

7. Footprint Puppy Dog Craft from Crafty Morning: I adore kid arts & crafts that involves their little hands, feet, fingers and toes. Those are the ones that come with a requirement to keep forever!

8. Paper Bag Animal Puppets from 86 Lemons: This is originally a Martha Stewart craft with no template to be found, but thanks to Livvy, there is one for the puppy and the pig! Wouldn't it be fun to do a whole barnyard?! 

9. Dog From Hearts Papercraft (Template) from Grade ONEderful: I renamed this because I plan on using the template to practice tracing & cutting; plus, using a construction paper background to create a story, instead of another paper bag puppet. The great thing about templates, is that the options are endless.

Last, but not least...... are you ready to become the coolest parent in the history of parents??...........

10. How To - Balloon Dog from Parents Magazine: If you already know how to do this, don't spoil my fun! I don't have any balloons, but this is a pretty cool reference for in the future. Great idea for a Carnival themed party too!!

Happy National Dog Day, everyone!!!

We are off to make some puppy crafts!

P.S. Don't forget to share some love for our furry friends in need. Check your local shelters for what they need most; handmade items are great donations.

The Humane Society of the United States

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Crochet Free Pattern Round-Up ~ Fall Sweaters

Cooler weather is just around the corner, which means it is about time to get started on those sweaters!!

Here are my 5 favorites that I picked while I was browsing:

1.Penny Arcade by Yarnspirations: An Intermediate pattern in sizes S - 3XL. Open worked and over-sized, this piece is sure to be a hit this fall season! If made with a nice wool fiber, it's guaranteed to keep you warm, even with all the giant holes.

2. Country Rose by DROPS Design: Pattern available in sizes S - 2XL. Even though I may have found this pattern in the Summer section, I think it would be great for Fall too! Simple, yet elegant.

3. Lace Sweater from DROPS Design: Pattern available in sizes XS - 2XL. I *LOVE* the classic look of this sweater. The ruffle around the bust and single bit of accent color for the trim is what I love the most. This pattern has options for a stripe look or solid, like the one shown.

4. Drapey Cardigan from Red Heart: An easy pattern in sizes S - 3XL. This drapey cardigan with three-quarter length sleeves is just right for the Summer to Fall transition. Make it in your favorite color or a neutral tone so it can go with multiple outfits.

5. Cowl Neck Sweater from Lion Brand: Another easy pattern in sizes XS - 2XL. What isn't there to love about this one?? It looks extra comfy and has a cowl! The pattern is labeled as easy and would be perfect for someone who it attempting a garment for the first time.

** BONUS SWEATER **

6. V-Topper from Yarnspirations: Intermediate pattern in sizes S - 3XL. V-neck, slightly snug, extra drapey arms AND a hood....... yeah...... I'm sold!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all around!

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that I have already started the Rapunzel sweater, and that one is turning in to a 'rip the stitches' scenario. Makes me sad..... but the V-Topper has me excited to try again!

Finished Project Friday!!

Such an unfaithful blogger I have been...... I would like to blame it on the addition of social media. More status updating than blog posting.

Don't forget, we are on Facebook AND Twitter now!!

I'll take my long absence from blogging to share all the projects that I have been working on lately!!

Hooded towels have been a BIG hit this summer around here. This is what I have done so far:

Butterfly for Little Miss

Olaf for a friend!!

We have an Angry Bird and a Lady Bug in the works!!

You find these free patterns and other great characters over at Crazy Little Projects!!

Next, I have my pinwheel blocks made from Moda Bake Shops Folklore charm pack.

I was able to make 10 - 8" x 8" squares for a small lapghan.

Finally, some clothing pieces that I have been working on forever!!! The Keila top makes me nervous because of the fabric that I am using, but I am determined to make it happen. I mean, I *am* at the point of no return on it.

The yoke and the main piece are all finished. I just need to attach them together. Wish me luck!!!

I also made a shirt for Little Miss as request by her Auntie Liz....as if that wasn't obvious :)

No screen printing here folks!! That's all freezer paper and exacto knife. Yes, I cut all those letters out, by hand, with a teeny tiny blade...... Not perfect, but way cute.

Last, and definitely not least, MY DESK!!!!!!

I added a stencil on each corner with some darker stain and now all it needs is its finish coat and to be hung on the wall!! I am SO SO SO excited for this to be finished and hope it adds some organization to my chaotic office that is spread through-out the dining room!

~*~ Hope everyone has a creative weekend!! ~*~