Kanoko Baby Pants

Keeping with my apparent trend of craft-related posts, I have to share these knitted baby pants in grey-blue. (The official color is Lake, in Lion Brand Cotton Ease yarn.) I can't recall how I found the pattern online, but somehow I stumbled upon this ymymmytm post from 2008, and the photo of a little one crawling around in these Kanoko Baby Pants convinced me I had to give them a try.



I'm very pleased with the results. I love the changing stitch patterns, the drawstring waist, and most of all, the extra room to accommodate a diaper! This pair is size 3-9 months. The pattern is knit from the top down, starting with a circular needle and then switching to double points to knit each leg in the round.



Another great thing about this pattern is that it uses yarn that I can find at my local craft store. After I put the finishing touches on the grey-blue pants, I just had to start another pair -- this time in violet.

Treats for the (Play) Kitchen

Our niece Margaret will turn a whopping 4 years old this month, and one of her favorite things to play with is her little red retro kitchen. (That's her above with her little sister Piper, in ballet gear, of course.) When Margaret turned 3, I knitted her two cupcakes to keep in her kitchen. Being only 3, she wasn't as impressed with my handiwork as I was, but I knew the cupcakes would get their fair share of playtime eventually.



For her 4th birthday, I sent her two felt doughnuts, complete with frosting -- strawberry and chocolate, of course -- and sprinkles, because there are few things in the world that Margaret loves more than licking frosting off of doughnuts. (Tutorial from Skip to My Lou. The only change I made was to stitch around the center opening of the doughnuts by hand because the felt layers were too thick to fit in my sewing machine. A minor hiccup with an easy solution.)

Fabric Fun: Little Boxes

I'm pretty proud of this little fabric box I made using a tutorial from The Sometimes Crafter. All it requires is 2 fabric fat quarters and some thick sew-in interfacing. This blue and green version reminds me of spring, which is slowly making its way to Indianapolis. The blue and green is Box #2; I experimented with some more traditional fabrics with an autumn feel for Box #1, just to make sure I could handle the project (and follow the directions!).

There's no shortage of little odds and ends around my craft room that need containing. Next up, a summery combo in plaid and yellow.

My Sick Grey Sweater

**Guest post from Susannah, friend of Inspire Me Grey**



My bestie Elizabeth offered to pick up Chick-fil-A for me for dinner. When I declined, she knew it was true...I was well and truly sick. After 32 years of infamous immunity, my system waved the white flag and surrendered my unsuspecting body to strep throat. I resent this cruel betrayal.

In another attempt to distract me, she offered a Guest Blogger role on Inspire Me Grey. My first response was succinct: "I'm sure it would be brilliant." After all, my beloved doctor provided me with Vicodin after peering into my throat...and I've watched five episodes of House Crashers, yet can describe none of the reveals. Clearly I'm not in my most-right mind. My second response was, "Can it be about my favorite grey fleece pants?" Elizabeth obviously enjoys humoring me (and Jenny hasn't met me, but I already like her due to her relation to one of my favorite people), because she said, "Why not?!"

But it's not. It's actually about my sick grey sweater. The grey sweater that I pull out of my closet every time I feel, to quote my grandmother, peaky. The knee-length cardigan that has never been in style, but offers something better: comfort. It's the comfort of chicken noodle soup, hot tea, episodes of Gilmore Girls, and Janet Evanovich books (also featured during my sick days). It's nubby, old, and beloved. It's my sick grey sweater, and you can't find one, because I don't know where it came from. Be jealous. And pass the remote.

Card as art

Our great grandmother Margaretta came to the U.S. from County Down, Northern Ireland. When I was in college, I spent a semester studying at Queen's University Belfast, and during my time there I was lucky to meet and spend time with some of my Northern Irish relatives. One couple, James and Gwen, was so kind and welcoming, and they continue to send me Christmas cards almost 10 years later. Their 2010 card is an easy favorite and one that I plan to display year-round. I love the contrast of the stormy grey skies, roiling blue-green waters, and orange sails.

"Off to the Goodwins" by Alistair Roach
to benefit the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, a charity that saves lives at sea around the coasts of Great Britain, Ireland, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man

Wallpaper for spring

After remodeling several homes and having to take it down, I've sworn off wallpaper. However, every once in awhile I'm tempted, and tempted I am by this beautiful grey and taupe Petal Pusher print from Hygge & West. A bit pricey for my budget, but in a small powder room I think it would look quite lovely.

A few more wallpaper sites to check out:
Vintage Wallpaper: Secondhand Rose
Modern Wallpaper: Wallnutz
Kids Wallpaper: fermLIVING (love the owls!)

Sneak Peek: My Lap Quilt

I've been getting back into the groove of making quilts after a few years away from the hobby, and after lovingly cranking out multiple baby quilts for expectant friends, I decided to make something for myself. Here's a sneak peek of my lap quilt in progress. Stay tuned for more.