Baby Lamb for a Baby Girl

Knitting Review

This adorable little Lamb was created for a close friend who was blessed with a new baby girl.  I found the knitting pattern via Ravelry.  But here is a direct link to the pattern at Petite Purls designed by Susan Anderson.

Supplies:
Set of Size 4 double pointed needles $8
1 ball White Teri Cloth Yarn $6.40
1 ball Tan or Beige Yarn (something extra soft) $6.50
Yarn Needle
Poly Fiber Fill $3
*Make sure the gauge of the yarn fits the pattern!

Total cost $12 - 24  

(Depending on what supplies you have on hand)


Review: The pattern is fairly easy to knit for a moderate skill level.  You should be familair with knitting in the round with double point needles.  The littly Lamb is really fun to make but it is on the small side so take breaks from knitting, your sure to get some cramps.  The 'fill as you go' method make for easy construction and closure ensuring that any Kiddy playing with the lamb wont be able to get at the Fiber fill.  The only change I had was the knitting of the ears, I simply made additional I Cords, instead of knitting in the round with few stitches.  All in All it was a fun pattern and I am really happy with the result.  

The back end : ) 

The pattern uses an I Cord,  wasn't familiar with technique, here is a video that I used to learn how.

Someone Else on a Different Budget

We've all felt the crunch of the economy on our wallets.  And while I don't want to be another person spouting advice or commiserate on how difficult it is because I can't drop $$$$ on clothing each weekend I was humbled today reading a fellow blogger's budget crunch.

Reed lost his job last December and instead of cutting back on expenses he added a new one.  Handing out $10 a day to a total stranger.  Sounds simple, and generous, and too easy.  So the reason I wanted to share is because his philanthropy goes beyond the $10 he hands out.  Reed will actually spend anywhere from 20 min to 3 hours getting to know someone, learn their story, and lastly find out what they plan to do with $10.  They are not always people who look needy, mostly they are average D.C. Residents like himself.  Each day he blogs about the person who received the ten bucks and what they plan to do with it, I've started following his blogs just for the stories, to hear about average looking people with more than average stories.

I'm not going to lie and say he has inspired me to do the same, because I have always donated my time and in a future post I will share that organization.  But today, if your interested, i encourage you to check out his blog Year of Giving

image of Reed borrowed from his blog.

The most comfortable shoes in the WORLD!

Lucky Brand Parisa Sandal
$50-80

These are by far the most comfortable Heeled Sandals I've ever owned.  They go with everything, and I wear them everywhere.  When I first saw them I thought they would fit right in my Anthropologie catalog, but at a much more reasonable price!  I've been getting so many compliments on these shoes I just had to share.  They are avaliable at Endless.

Floral Broach Necklace

Two things I love, the color Coral and large statement necklaces.  To get the best of both worlds I took one of my old bracelets added some new beads and got a great new summer necklace.

Old: 
- Broach from a Target Bracelet
- Lobster Clasp, stolen from an unused necklace
New: 
-Coral glass beads from BeadMonkey 3 strands for $24

Project Time: 1 Hour
Total Cost: $24



Strands:  Thread the strands 1/3 full, then thread through the broach.  Complete adding beads, the strand closest to your neck will require fewer beads, 2 more for the middle strand, and 2 more on top of that for the outer strand.

Clasp: Using needle nose pliers I stole the lobster clasp and chains from an un-used necklace and attached with the thread ends.  I'm planning to wear this necklace with turquoise and purple for a great summer look.

New Feature: ReStyled

This is a new Feature called ReStyled.  I take something Old, add a little something new to update your wardrobe in a budget conscious way ... because as always it's on a BUDGET!

Knitting Review: Formal Boot Bag from Bag Style

Pattern: Formal Boot Bag by Laura Irwin

Materials:

• Pattern $0   Visit your local library to borrow the book!  Or the Bag Style book can be bought at Amazon for $14.
• Yarn $44.55 from Yarnmarket 3 skeins 183yds/100gms each  (Suggested brand Takki Donegal Tweed Homespun, I choose Light Olive.
• Size 13 circular knitting needles (20'' long)
• Size 11 straight knitting needles
• 14.5'' Handle from Etsy $6.80
• Scrap fabric for lining & matching thread

Total Cost $ 65.35

Knitting Pattern Review
I applaud Laura on this pattern.  It was exceptionally easy to knit!  I'm a moderately advanced knitter but this bag was super fun and a beginner could easily conquer it.  This was my first time felting a bag and after following the directions in the book i had a felted bag Little Time with No Tears.  The yarn is more costly because it is 100% woll and nicly colored but the pattern was so pretty I couldnt resist.  Laura woked the hourglass shape and styleled a modern and soft casual bag for every day use.

Designer on a Budget add-on's
I decided to line the purse with a cool Japanese Umbrella patterned fabric, I found some imitation leather handles via Etsy and added floral buttons i found at JoAnn.  Here's how you can personalize this bag.

Designer Knit Bags   

Average Designer on a Budget savings $208

Happy knitting : )

NEW *Knitting Review*

What is a Knitting Review?  This is a new feature I've decided to add to the blog.  I'll knit a pattern and review the ease, cost, and success of the final product. 

More than that I add my own personal touches to each project and show you how you can do the same.  And to stay in tradition of the Designer on A Budget, I'll show you what others are charging for a similar item. 


Leave feedback so I can hear what you think of these installments.