Best (and Easiest) Christmas Gift

For those of you that know my Sage, you know how much she loves her blankies. That girl would drag a blankie around all day every day if I let her. I was inspired by some super cute fleece I got to make her a no-sew fleece blanket for Christmas. It was super simple and doesn't even require a sewing machine - just a pair of scissors. Here is a quick tutorial:
I laid two pieces of fleece, approximately 1 yard each, on top of each other and cut them to the same size. I then went around all four sides and cut slits on the edge 2 inches wide by 4 inches deep. I then cut a slit at the top of each piece about 1 1/2 inches long. I did this with a cutting mat under the fabric and a rotary cutter. I took the ends of each piece and threaded them through the slit and pulled it through. That's it!

Here is a prime example of my girl and her blankies.. Do you see the second blanket in this picture?

My girl loved it! If anyone asked her what she got for Christmas she'd tell you about the blankie her mama made her. Best feeling ever! So I say this blanket is a win-win.

xo

-V

Wiksten Tunic Dress

This pattern is super simple but the finishes are what makes it so good. It has french seems and both the armholes and neckline are finished with a bias binding. This encloses all those frayed edges and makes the end result look professional. I love how this tunic/ dress turned out! The fabric is a super lightweight chiffon and I'd definitely say this is a more of a Spring/ Summer piece than Winter. But I made it anyway, let's just say I'm ready for Spring! I think there will be lots of different ways to wear this. Today I opted for a belt with a sweater. I could see it with black leggings or with sandals in the Summer.

xo

-V

A Year in the Making: My Sweater

You guys!!! I finished my sweater! I started this sweater last fall, as in Fall 2013. I worked on it little by little while watching my favorite TV shows until my fingers were too tired.  And truthfully I'm not a big knitter in the summer months, maybe because there is no good TV and because holding a big pile of wool is just too hot. I finished this sweater the week before Thanksgiving and was so excited to wear it.

The front is open but I have a giant safety pin that I can use to keep the top closed. I like that I can just wrap it around me as tight or loose as I like. The yarn is cascade 220, 100% wool. The sleeves are purposely 3/4 length. It is the caramel pattern free on ravelry.

To say that I love this sweater is an understatement. When I started knitting I made lots of fingerless mitts, hats and scarfs. Those were fun but I wanted to challenge myself to knit something a little more complicated. I thought this would be a great pattern because of the open front. I didn't have to be too concerned with the fit. I'm super proud of myself! Now the question is: What should I knit next??

xo

-V