DIY Super Easy Infant Sweater

What Prompts Me to DIY
This is the second piece of a sibling set that I'm making for LLBB to match another one that I made for BB last month - DIY Super Easy Toddler Sweater. A slightly lighter version of the same colored yarn is chosen for my girl, and sized to match the anticipated time when they will be wearing it together - next Fall!

Project
One-Stitch Baby Sweater - Sized for Baby 9 Months

Materials
Yarn: Bernat Baby Sport, Color Funny Print
Knitting Needle: US11

Time & Cost
Project Time: 23 Hr
Cost: $2

How (Adapted from Original)

1. Gauge: 15 sts = 4" in garter st
2. Sweater: Cast on 45 sts. Work in garter st 32 rows. Piece measures 5" (row 1-32).
3. Beg Sleeve Shaping: Inc 1 st at each end of every RS row 18 times – 81 sts. Piece measures 10.5" from beg (row 33-68).
4. Cuffs: Cast on 12 sts at end of next 2 rows - 105 sts. Work even in garter st for 3" (22 rows). Piece measures 13.5" from beg (row 69-90).
5. Shape Back Neck: Next row k 44 sts and slip onto a holder for Right Front, bind off next 17 sts, k rem 44 sts for Left Front (rows 91).
6. Left Front: Continue even on Left Front sts for 4 rows (rows 92-95). Inc 1 st at neck edge on every RS row 3 times - 47 sts (row 96-101). Next row Cast on 2 sts at neck edge 49 sts. Work even for one row (row 102-103). Next row Cast on 6 sts at neck edge 55 sts (row 104). Work even until cuff measures 6" (row 105-112). Bind off 12 cuff sts 43 sts. Dec 1 st (k2tog on Left Front; ssk on Right Front) at side edge every RS row 18 times – 25 sts (row 113-148). Work even 32 rows (row 148-180). Bind off all sts. Count ridges on Left Front and place 4 buttons evenly spaced between ridges on Left Front opening edge.
7. Right Front: Attach yarn to Right Front sts at neck edge. Work to correspond to Left Front, rev shaping and working buttonholes (opposite markers) as foll: Work to 4 sts from end of row, (k2tog, yo, k2.
8. Finishing: Sew side seams with flat seam. Fold cuff back. Sew on buttons. Weave in ends.

Sized for Baby 9 Months
Color is a "whiter" version of the Toddler Sweater

Size and Stitch/Row Chart for Reference

Tips

1. This huge ball of baby yarn cost only $6 at Joann, and has 893 yards in it. I have used less than half of a ball for this project. For the leftover, I'm planning it for a matching sweater dress and a little scarf to go with it. I suggest a scarf because this kimono style sweater, cute as it is, is rather plain at the neckline. So a scarf would give it a nice kick. Then a sweater dress to go under it would be just too cute to pass!
2. Problem with this yarn to this pattern is that I have to use a much larger knitting needle (size 11) for a yarn that's really meant for size 6. The result is that the sweater is on the "loose" side. In other words, not too great as a wind breaker because of the relatively large "holes" in-between each stitch, but it'll still work very well as insulation and look!

Product Review: Clover Knitting Counter

Product
Clover Kacha-Kacha Knitting Stitch / Row Counter

In Short - Great to Have / Wish List!
I am never a fancy gadget type of person. I actually surprised myself when I find that I have fallen for this contraption. While I originally hesitated for 2-3 weeks before buying this over the traditional dial, I now will not give a second thought if I have to buy a counter again. Well, I suppose I can afford an extra $2.5 every now and then for something fancy!

Cost
$4.35 at Joann with 50% Off Coupon



Pros

1. The top punching button is large, loud and clear. It reduces my forever second doubt of... OK, did I register this one row that I just finished? I end up counting rows over and over again with the traditional dials because I have a habit of watching TV while knitting and it gets really foggy after a while whether I have forgotten to turn the dial before I turn the piece around for a second row. With this loud and nice "kacha" button, even my husband can sometimes tell me whether I did it.
2. So much easier to just "kacha!" when you finish a row then dropping everything and use both hands to carefully turn the dial of a traditional counter.
3. This sounds silly but there is really a satisfaction to hear that sound when I punch the button. "There goes another row!"
4. Simply looks and feels too cool!

Cons

1. About 2.5 time more expensive than the Basic Manual Mini Mashmallow Counter.
2. There is no reset button. When you finish counting one section, you need to manual turn the dial for each digit to go back to 0 before starting another section count.

Suggestion

1. For a long while, I have dismissed the use of stitch / row counter altogether. I simply pick up a pencil and mark an "I" on a piece of paper as I go. It works, although not without some hassle. Then I come across an old counting dial in my mother-in-law's craft box and thought, if a cheap counter can make things slightly easier - not having to carry around paper and pencil, and then the paper gets really crumbled after a while - why not? That's when I set out to buy one. Whichever type and style you choose to buy is a whole different matter, but some times, some things are invented to make life easier; some things are invented to make life happier! So ladies, whatever it is that you're struggling between buying and not buying, or which one to buy due to cost, you got to spice up your day every now and then if you can afford it!

Other Stitch / Row Counter Ideas

Household Tip: Lysol No Touch Hand Soap Dispenser Refill

The Lysol No Touch Hand Soap Dispenser is a great product that I've stumbled upon when Rite Aid was having a Free-After-Coupon-&-Cash-Back deal. It's battery operated and works really well. The cucumber scent that I got smells great too! So I ended up buying 2 additional ones to use in the other bathrooms.

The starter kit comes with a dispenser and 1 refill. Currently selling at Walmart for $7.97. However, the best price I can find for their refill is a 2-pack bundle at Walmart for $6.94 (17 oz total). This is about 3-4 times more than I'm ready to pay for a hand soap.

Some people pops out the lid to refill only to find that the catches are not meant to be removed and it breaks much too easily. Although some people do report that they can at least get it to work once, thus, cutting the refill cost in half.

What I've done is simply to drill a 1/2" & a 1/8" diameter hole on the top. It's pretty hard plastic, so you need a good drill - meaning one that actually uses AC power, not the small cordless drills that runs on rechargeable batteries. My husband actually does this for me and is quite proud of the outcome!

When it comes time to refill, you don't even need to pop out the bottle or even turn off the dispenser. Just point your refill soap right at the 1/2" opening and squeeze! I can even do it with one hand while holding the camera with my other hand to take this photo!

I've refilled it twice now, and it's working totally fine!




Another thing to consider is your choice of refill soap. I like to use body wash as hand soap because it just feels better on the hands. If your refill soap is too thick, it may not dispense properly. I use Suave body wash. It's acceptable, but it doesn't stop as clean as the original Lysol soap. It is a little thicker than Lysol's original soap, and when it dispenses, it does leave some dripping soap right at the dispenser mouth, which means you need to hold your hand there for 2 more seconds and let it drip off like honey. However, this is otherwise a great soap for everyday hand wash at a great price of about $1.5 per 12 oz when you stock up when there are good deals!

Lysol No Touch Hand Soap Deals

Product Review: Crayola Large Washable Crayons

Product
Crayola Large Washable Crayons

In Short - Must Have & Worth the Price

Cost
$3.12 for 8-Count
$5.59 for 16-Count








Pros

1. Easily wipes away with a damp cloth (or a handy baby wipes!) on most surfaces. My toddler has tried it on wood table, dark colored upholstered chair, dark & light colored carpet, clothes, hands and feet, plastic storage boxes, you-name-it-all. Surely clothing and carpet does require a little more rubbing to wash away, but it does get away!
2. These are large round ones about 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter. It's much easier to hold than the regular 1/4" crayons which tend to break way to easily in those chubby hands. Even for these big chunky ones, my toddler still breaks 1 of out the 8 crayons I got him within 2 days. He simply holds it too far away from the pressure point and it snaps into two. The remaining 7 crayons are holding up pretty good for the last 8 months!
3. The round shape is better than the triangular ones where you have to find the spot to hold it. At this age of 2, I don't really expect him to be able to hold it like a pencil. As long as he can hold it still and draw some lines and squiggles, I'm pretty happy about it. And so do my toddler! Besides, no real artist hold paint brushes and pencils to draw like we do to write anyways!
4. Color comes out pretty easily. There is no need to really push on the paper for the color to be seen as in some other brand. My toddler can barely hold the crayon still, so it is impossible for him draw if it requires too much pressure at the tip. In fact, the 1 crayon that he breaks was because he was trying to exert pressure on the tip while he draws. You may have forgotten what we have struggled as a kid - it's a delicate balance to not break the pencil tip while writing dark enough for the teachers to see!

Cons

1. About 2.5 time more expensive than regular crayons.

Suggestions

1. The fact that it can be easily washed away doesn't mean you don't teach you child where NOT TO draw. But you can add to your teaching that he needs to be responsible for making other people's stuff dirty and that he needs to help clean it up! Carpet and clothing is a little too difficult for him to clean up. But I always tell my toddler to go pull a baby wipe and wipe off anything on smooth surfaces and clean up his own little hands and fingers. 
2. For a toddler's first pack, I'll suggest going for a basic 8-color pack ($3.12 Free Ship on Amazon). Once he learns the colors, breaks a few, and needs a replacement, upgrade him to a 16-color pack ($5.59 Prime 2-Day on Amazon). After that, he should be able to switch to the cheaper regular size and not necessarily washable crayons anymore - unless he draws too much or they get lost.

Other Crayola Crayons

Household Essentials Slim Fit Laundry Cart $11.74 + 1-Cent Shipping at Joann.com

Joann.com is running a 1-cent shipping on all orders promotion for this long weekend! Hurry, today and Monday only!

There is a 50% Off Everything in going on in the Laundry & Home Organizers Department. I found a Household Essentials Slim Fit 3-Tier Rolling Rack to go under my powder room sink for only $11.74! I've been watching for this cart for quite a while. This is a versatile rolling cart that can find a lot of use in small spaces. This is the cheapest price I've ever seen anywhere, online or in-store. This cart is regularly around $17-$25 depending on where you get it, plus whatever shipping they charge. Now 50% off PLUS 1-cent shipping? This is the time to get it!

Household Essentials is a brand that I like quite a bit because of its reasonable price and simple product line. Sometimes you just want something simple and functional, nothing fancy, nothing too adorned, and most importantly something that fits any budget!

Other Household Essential Products

Makeup 46% Off at Drugstore.com

Beauty Moms, this is a good excuse to sneak away from your kids and loved one for about 10 minutes this morning to stock up on your makeup supplies!

Drugstore.com is running a promotion of 30% Off Everything in the Makeup Department this week:
+ 5% off all non-prescription order code 601D81AB
+ 5% cash back on Drugstore.com
+ free 2-day ship with Shoprunner
+ 5% cash back on Citibank credit card (as their quarterly bonus category)

That’s the equivalent of 41% off + 2-day free shipping!

Hope you all signed up when they were offering free membership. If not, shipping is free for any order over $25. Hurry! Offer ends 2/23/2012.

My Favorites:
Maybelline Dream - Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector SPF 30 - $4.85  - Save $4.14 each!
e.l.f. - Studio Complete Coverage Concealer - $1.62 - Save $1.38 each!

Other Concealers

Neutrogena 36% Off at Drugstore.com

Drugstore.com is still running a lot of Neutrogena items on 20% off
+ 5% cash back on Drugstore.com
+ 6% cash back on eBates
+ free 2-day ship with Shoprunner
+ 5% cash back on Citibank credit card (as their quarterly bonus category)

That’s the equivalent of 36% off + 2-day free shipping!

Hope you all signed up when they were offering free membership. If not, shipping is free for any order over $25. Still not bad!

My Neutrogena Favorites:
Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover
Neutrogena Naturals Multivitamin Nourishing Moisturizer
Neutrogena Healthy Skin Eye Cream

Office Depot - Free $50 to Spend

Office Depot is having a 100% Back in Reward promotion in 6 major categories: binders, filing, office essentials, writing, presentation, & label. Maximum reward is $50. This means if you purchase anything you want in these 6 categories up to $50 now, you will get up to $50 back in Office Depot credit to use later. Best to use up the whole $50 because then you qualify for free shipping too! Otherwise, you can print This Coupon and use it at a store. You must be a Worklife Rewards member to qualify, and it's free to join.

I just got myself an Electronic Labeler, some Refill Labels, and a Presentation Easel Board with Pad , which totals to $50.49. With the promotional reward , I'm practically getting all these for only $5 in tax!

Hurry, it's valid from 2/10-2/16 only!

Fine Prints:

100% Bonus Rewards Coupon: Valid February 10 - 16, 2013 11:59 PM ET for Worklife Rewards® and Star Teacher members in-store, online at www.officedepot.com, by phone or fax. Must present coupon to cashier in-store at time of purchase. Use the coupon code for phone or fax orders or enter the coupon code to cart online at checkout. Bonus Rewards valid on binders, writing instruments, labels, presentation easels and easel pads, presentation boards, overheads and transparencies, and office essentials including clipboards, scissors, rulers, self-stick notes, Post-It flags, stapling, rubber bands, and hole punches. Bonus Rewards will not exceed $50. Cannot be combined with Store Purchasing or Procurement Cards. Coupon is good for one-time use only, is not transferable, is not for resale or auction and cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. While supplies last. No rain checks. No cash back. Void where prohibited. Limit 1 coupon per household/business. Allow up to 6 weeks for bonus Rewards to post to your account. Subject to Program Terms & Conditions. Coupon Code 45457376.

Rewards Program Details: Rewards are granted on qualified purchases and exclusions apply. The price of an item eligible for Rewards is the price paid at checkout after the deduction of coupons, other discounts, the value of free items and any Office Depot Rewards and Merchandise certificates/cards applied to that purchase. Rewards are paid quarterly in the form of an Office Depot Rewards Certificate when you earn a minimum of $10 in Rewards. Unpaid Rewards expire at the end of each quarter. Limit 1 account per household/business. Terms are subject to change. Worklife Rewards® members: visit www.myworkliferewards.com, or call 866-322-3225, Star Teacher members visit www.mystarteacher.com, or call 877-789-4544, or ask a store associate for full details.

DIY Twin Daybed Ensemble - Saved $205!

What Prompts Me to DIY
Slightly better than duvet covers, daybed covers that suits your home decor is very difficult to find. I've been searching for a good and pretty one over the last 7 years but still am not satisfied. I can find styles that I like but never the pattern. What makes my choice even more limited is that I only want the ones that is a one-piece drop from the mattress all the way to the floor, as opposed to having to manage a separate fitted sheet, a bedskirt, and then a quilted cover. Too much work. Too difficult to change. Then this daybed that I have is in the nursery together with the cribs - so I can stay overnight with them when needed. I cannot find ANY that has a nursery theme. I'm not looking for nursery prints, but perhaps a pastel color and simple pattern? Non-existent! The closest set that I can find is one on JCPenney for $200, but then it's much too "grandma" than "grand baby". Then, I will have to get a separate non-matching duvet cover for the comforter. The fact is, that I have never been able to find a matching set of daybed cover and duvet cover!

Since I just made the 2 Toddler Duvet Cover Sets, here I go again.

Project
Twin Daybed Cover + Twin Duvet Cover + 2 Pillowcases

Materials
Fabric - Blizzard Anti-Pill Print Fleece 58" Wide, Color Green White Dots, 8.5 Yds
(1) 30" Zipper (salvaged from an old ugly duvet cover that I'm throwing away)

Size
Daybed Cover: 38" Wide x 75" Long x 21" Dropped Front to fit Twin Mattress 38"x75"x7"
Duvet Cover: 60"x84" to fit my 20-Year-New Down Comforter
Pillowcases: 20"x28" to fit Standard Twin Pillows

Time & Cost
Project Time: 7.75 Hr
Cost: $55 (Daybed Cover + 2 Pillowcases + Duvet Cover)
Closest Alternative: JCPenney Marianna Daybed Cover & Accessories - $260 (Daybed Cover + 2 Pillowcase + Non-Matching Duvet Cover)

What
I choose fleece because:

1. It can double as a summer time blanket if you take the insert out. In winter time, use it as a regular duvet with down comforter inside.
2. It's easy to cut and hem because fleece cut edges don't flake like other fabrics. You can save yourself a lot of work without having to double hem the edges.
3. It is thick enough in itself that edge cording is not aesthetically necessary. Save work, save money, and looks better!
4. It matches the 2 toddler duvet sets that I just made!

I found an old ugly Grandma-style pink floral pattern duvet cover tucked up somewhere in the closet. I wouldn't give a second thought to throw it away. I won't even use the fabric for anything else other than rags, but I salvaged the 30" long zipper which is in perfect condition after I don't even know how many years. A zipper is a zipper. Plus, it's going to be hidden anyways. If you don't have any reusable zippers, you can always get a basic one, anywhere from 20" to 30" long, at Joann for about $3.

How
This fleece is marked as 58" wide, but really measures 60" excluding the loom edges on both sides.

Here is how it should be cut:

First cut out the biggest 14'  panel for the duvet cover.
Then 20" for a pillowcase. See below for the remaining 118" panel.

The middle T-shaped panel is the bulk of the daybed cover.
You only need to cut away the two 21"x21"  squares on the lower corners.
Further cut up the 21-Squares into 4 small patches that will make up the back drop.

Duvet Cover

1. Fold in half along the 14' edge, RS to RS, pin along a 14' edge and a 5' edge to stabilize.
2. Pin zipper centered on the remaining 14' edge, RS to RS, sew on WS as close to zipper as possible.
3. Pin zipper on the opposite 14' edge, RS to RS, sew on WS as close to zipper as possible.
4. Sew across both ends of zipper to secure. Sew fabric close 1" from end of zipper to the end of fabric. (Thus hiding the zipper behind the fabric.)
5. Sew close the other pinned 14' and 5' edges using 1/2" seam allowance.
6. Flip inside out. Done!

Pillowcase (Makes 2)

1. Cut length of Pillowcase panel above to 57" long.
2. Fold in half along 57" edge, RS to RS, pin along both 28.5" edges. Sew on WS using 1/2" seam allowance.
3. Fold hem and sew along opening edge on WS using 1/2" seam allowance.
4. Flip inside out. First one done!
5. Use the leftover panel from the Toddler Duvet Cover & Pillowcase Project to make the second pillowcase.

Daybed Cover

1. Sew the 4 Back panels lengthwise to make a long 10.5"x76", using 1/2" allowances. This will constitute the Back Drop panel. (You can always buy extra fabric to skip this step, but it will be an awful lot of wasted material compared to a rather simple patched panel that's only the back side of the daybed)
2. Pin the Back Drop panel centered on the 118" edge. Sew on WS using 1/2" allowance.
3.  The next step requires a little imagination. Here's a guideline:

First pinch the 4 red corners together and align them RS to RS. Sew on the WS down from the pinched corner for 7" (which is the depth of the mattress) using 1/2" allowance, thus forming a box/lid shaped cover for the mattress. Sew a few extra stitches at the pinched corner to strengthen.

Then fold and hem all the rest of the edges marked hem using 1/2" allowance.

All done!

Tips

1. As usual, buy fabric at Joann when they are 50% off, which happens a lot. Buy at store if you can, that way you can take advantage of those 15% or 20% off entire order (include sale items) coupons that they send you in the mail. This takes it down from $11/yd to just $4.4/yd.
2. Since this is fleece, you don't need to double fold to hem because there isn't any raw edges. You can simple fold 1/2" into the WS along the edge and sew it close.

Daybed Bedding Ideas

DIY Toddler Duvet Cover & Pillowcase - Saved $72 Per Set!

What Prompts Me to DIY
Duvet covers that suits your home decor has always been very difficult to find. Let alone toddler size duvet covers. About 3 years ago, I was able to find one by Boppy for my son on Amazon, which cost about $40 for only the duvet cover without any pillowcase. It's very good quality fabric of a blue background with brown embroidered elephants and a brown cording around the edges. It's been washed over and over (and over and over...) and it still looks like new after 2 years of heavy use with no pilling and fading.

Now that I'm getting ready for my daughter, I go back to the same company and they don't make them anymore! How sad. The next good price toddler duvet set I can find is one by Ikea, but fabric is thin and the print pattern selections are pretty bad. The closest alternative that has good fabric quality and a pattern that matches our nursery decor is one by Pottery Barn Kids which costs a whooping $80. With PBK and with such particular product, you can hardly find them on sale. I even tried the second hand market, but what I'm looking for is simply too particular.

A toddler duvet cover is not a lot of materials and is very easy to make. So, here I'm making 2 sets, one for each.

Project

2 Sets of Toddler Duvet Cover + Pillowcase

Materials
Fabric - Blizzard Anti-Pill Print Fleece 58" Wide, Color Green White Dots, 3.75 Yds
(2) 30" Zipper (salvaged from old broken storage bags)

Size
Duvet Cover: 33"x39" to fit JoJo Designs Baby Down Comforter
Pillowcase: 12"x16" to fit Pinzon Feather and Down Pillow

Time & Cost
Project Time: 5 Hr
Unit Cost: $8 Per Set
Total Cost: $16 Total
Closest Alternative: Pottery Barn Kids Mini Dot Toddler Duvet Cover with Pillowcase – $80 Per Set!

What
I choose fleece because:

1. It can double as a summer time blanket if you take the insert out. In winter time, use it as a regular duvet with down comforter inside.
2. It's easy to cut and hem because fleece cut edges don't flake like other fabrics. You can save yourself a lot of work without having to double hem the edges.
3. It is thick enough in itself that edge cording is not aesthetically necessary. Save work, save money, and looks better!

I happen to have two 30" long zippers in my salvage box that I can reuse to zip up the duvet cover. If you don't have any reusable zippers, you can get a basic one, anywhere from 20" to 30" long, at Joann for about $3.

How
This fleece is marked as 58" wide, but really measures 60" excluding the loom edges on both sides.

Here is how it should be cut:

There is enough fabric to make the 2 duvet covers plus 3 toddler size pillowcases.
Cut and save up the leftover piece on the lower right corner for the Twin Daybed Ensemble Project.

As you can see if you only make one set, you can still get an extra pillowcase (marked #2).

Duvet Cover (Makes 2)

1. Fold in half along the 67" edge, RS to RS, pin along both 33.5" edge to stabilize.
2. Pin zipper centered on the 40" edge, RS to RS, sew on WS as close to zipper as possible.
3. Pin zipper on the opposite 40" edge, RS to RS, sew on WS as close to zipper as possible.
4. Sew across both ends of zipper to secure. Sew fabric close 1" from end of zipper to the end of fabric. (Thus hiding the zipper behind the fabric.)
5. Sew close both 33.5" edges using 1/2" seam allowance.
6. Flip inside out. Done!

Toddler Pillowcase (Makes 3)

1. Fold in half along 25" edge, RS to RS, pin along a 12.5" side and a 17" side. Sew both sides on WS using 1/2" seam allowance.
2. Fold hem and sew along opening edge on WS using 1/2" seam allowance.
3. Flip inside out. Done!

One set of Toddler Duvet Cover + Pillowcase - Cost $8 vs. $80!

Tips

1. Buy fabric at Joann when they are 50% off, which happens a lot. Buy at store if you can, that way you can take advantage of those 15% or 20% off entire order (include sale items) coupons that they send you in the mail. This takes each yard down from $11 to just $4.4.
2. If you buy at a store, they let you cut fabric down to inches - do it for the good of both your wallet and your environment. I hate to keep throwing away a good piece of 3" x 60" fabric which can be otherwise better utilized when attached to the bolt for the next cut.
3. Salvage any buttons, clasps, zippers, cords, etc. the next time you throw away your old clothing, accessories, linens, etc. If they are in good shape, these parts can come in very handy and you just saved your Planet Earth another piece of garbage in the landfill.

Toddler Bedding Ideas

Duvet Cover Ideas