Apple Tree Yarn Bomb

I had this idea a couple of years ago and never followed through. I've got some encouragement now so I'm thinking a revival is in order!

My plan is this:
1. Recruit others (and myself) to make knitted/crotchet apple cozies.
2. Collect
3. Wait for apples to grow
4. Find a lovely tree whose apples seem to need a hug
5. Cover as many apples as I can with cozies
6. Take pictures and share
7. ?????
8. Profit

Okay, 7 and 8 aren't really part of it but I felt I couldn't leave them out.
If you're interested, email me at sparegus@yahoo.com

Free cozy patterns:
http://veganlunchbox.blogspot.com/2008/08/apple-cozy-pattern.html
I've used the above before, and it works really well. The large is really large if you use red heart, but that isn't always a bad thing. We get some monster apples here in NH

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/adorable-apple-cozy
I haven't used this one because I can only crochet squares and rectangles. Anything more complicated comes out a disaster. But I hear it's a good pattern. If you have any other free pattern suggestions, just leave them in the comments.

I can't offer and monetary compensation but everyone who participates will get credit in the final photos.

Pretty up your switch plates and outlet covers

Ferris took a long nap this morning so I decided to something I've been meaning to do for ages - make the switch plates and outlet covers pretty. I've done this before with paper from magazines, but the ink just doesn't hold up to sunlight and the fading becomes really obvious...something I wouldn't mind except that it happens more with some colors than others, and it just looks all blotchy. This is much neater and easier to do with fabric anyway.

What you need:
switch plate or outlet cover
piece of fabric at least 4" x 5.5" (or larger if you have a double or triple or whatever)
scissors
Xacto knife
tacky glue (or your other favorite glue...I like tacky, oh yes)
Small paint brush for applying glue

How to:
Take your brush and apply glue fairly liberally to the front of your switch plate or outlet cover.
Place switch plate or outlet cover on your piece of fabric.Like my sketch? I thought so.
Next, clip the corners of your fabric diagonally close to the corners of your switch plate or outlet cover. This will help avoid bulk in the behind of it all.Next, apply glue to the back edges of the switch plate or outlet cover and fold the fabric over and around.
Then use the Xacto to cut some neat lines in your fabric where the switch or outlet would be. Apply glue to the edges around the holes, and pull the fabric over and around.

Let dry. When it's all set, use the Xacto to stab the holes where the screw holds the switch plate or outlet cover into the wall, install and enjoy!Fancy, eh?

Flags

My current obsession: bunting flags. I think they are just too adorable and fun. I love the triangle ones but also the square ones that are like prayer flags. Earlier this year I made this set for Ferris' room:
I used swatches and scraps to make this one and I love how colorful it is. Turns out it's a little long, but not too bad.
My newest project has become printing flags on the garment printer to be used specifically for making these bunting garlands. Hence, the first example:Gnomes and mushrooms. I am in love with this set. It only has six flags but it's still 4 feet long. I listed it in my etsy shop but I am very tempted to keep it. I suppose if it actually sells I can make another, and for now I can gaze at them all I want!

Also, I'm quite obsessed with all things Montessori right now. I know my guy isn't quite old enough for a lot of it yet, but at the rate I've been getting things done I just might have my research and supplies ready about the time that he will be. I can't wait, I think I'm going to have a lot of fun learning along with him.

Bloooo-berries!

This summer has been so hot and humid, and this weekend was no exception. Despite this, we decided we needed a blueberry fix, and of course the only way to solve that is to pick them yourself! We headed to Durocher Farm in Litchfield, NH and had lots of (sweaty) fun.

Me and the little guy grabbin some berries.

Andy and Ferris.


Ferris was mostly interested in grabbing whatever he could reach...there were many sad branches left that day!

His first taste of mushed up blueberry. Doesn't seem like much of a fan so far...

We came away with a fair amount of berries, there were plenty but in that heat Ferris just wasn't going to last. We'll try again this coming weekend and see what we can get.