Park Ave Cardigan -- Sweater #8

This sweater is really my pride and joy this year.  Based off a favorite sweater of mine that has seen better days, I worked this up off of trial and error.  I wouldn't necessarily call it a pattern, but maybe more along the lines of pattern notes.  It was made with Berroco Vintage DK, light-weight and machine washable -- a definite plus in our house!  This cardigan has some waist and hip shaping for a more flattering fit. 

Finished Measurements:

Chest: 37”
Arm Length: 21”
Length: 25”

Materials Needed:

• 5 skeins Berroco Vintage DK Yarn (1440 yards)
• US6/4mm circular needles
• US6/4mm double pointed needles
• 4 stitch markers
• Yarn needle
• Waste Yarn

The pattern is available as a PDF file, and unfortunately it turns out it is too big to be converted into a Google Doc to post on my blog, so here is the link to Ravelry, where it is a free download:

Park Ave Cardigan FREE Pattern

Happy Knitting everyone!

Patriotic Printables

Still looking for last minute 4th of July decorations?  Me too!  I love these printables...so easy to just print them on card stock and grab a $1 frame from JoAnn's, Michael's or your local dollar store for that little extra something you've been looking for.

Here's a great one from Landee.  She has them available here in 5" x 7" or 8 "x 10".

Need a banner?  Print this one out from At Second Street!

Looking to play with some glitter?  Me too!  I'm out of time for this year, but this is a must-do for me next year!  The tutorial can be found here thanks to eighteen25.

Not a printable, but an adorable way to use those tiny flags you know you have laying around.  Check out Sweet Something Design for this tutorial.

"Home of the free because of the brave" is one of my favorites because it is simply so true!  Find this free printable here thanks to Every Creative Endeavor.

Last but not least, display this cute American flag printable proudly on your mantle or shelf.  Found here courtesy of Makdoodle.

Have a Happy and Safe 4th of July everyone!  =)

I Heart USA Button Pillow - Tutorial

I have a big love affair with buttons.  I have a plastic bin full of them, all shapes, sizes and colors.  Loreli loves playing with them too.  She'll seperate them by colors among other creative ways only a toddler can think of!  Now I've finally found a good use for them for me...button pillows!  What a fun way to decorate your home and play with colorful buttons!

Here's what you'll need:

1 yd muslin
3 fat quarters or fabric remnants of red, white & blue
Buttons - red, white & blue
One 18" pillow form
I Heart USA Pattern (PDF)
Thread
Scissors
Disappearing Ink Pen
Sewing Machine

Start by cutting out the pattern pieces from the I Heart USA Pattern PDF.  Using the pattern pieces, cut the fat quarters in the specified colors.  I wanted a tight-fitting pillowcase, so I cut my muslin piece 18.5" wide by 36" long.  I traced the heart outline onto the muslin, just making sure everything would be centered.

Sew the pieces onto the muslin.  I did not leave any seam allowances, therefore the raw edges will be visible.  I think the frayed edges add a little rustic feeling.

Start sewing those buttons on!  This process actually took me about a week.  I would only do a couple stripes each night.

Fold the muslin in half lengthwise with right sides together.  Sew the sides together and about 1"-2" at the bottom, leaving a wide opening to fit your pillow form in.

Stuff (and I mean STUFF!) your pillow form into the pillowcase.  Slip stitch the opening closed.

Voila!  Your button pillow is complete and isn't it fabulous?!