The Children's Year Craftalong

project 57 (Gnome's hat) #1

2012-01-01T22:42:00.000-09:00

My last project post. The gnome hat (knitted in Frog Tree on size 2 1/2 needles) turned out to be quite large, but she will grow. I would like to thank everyone who has participated in this craftalong for these past two years. I am on to try new things for the New Year. Thank you again, it was great fun. Peace and love. Anna

November, project 80

2011-11-01T22:02:00.003-08:00

I would like to apologize for not being in this space last month. My email was hacked into and I have had to do all that comes with protecting oneself to prevent identity theft. The last of it may wipe out all the pictures on this and my personal blog on dates preceding this entry. It has been quite stressful, but hopefully no more will come of it. I hope this never happens to anyone else.

Project #80: Magic ball of wool, on page 105, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. A great idea for the holidays up ahead, or a sweet little something for a new knitter, or old one. Craftalong with love. Anna

September, project 57

2011-09-10T21:55:00.003-08:00

Project #57: Gnome's hat, on page 75, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. Ever since I purchased this book, I have wanted and wanted to make this hat. It is time. Want to craftalong? Please do! Craftalong with love. Anna

project 39 (Play veils) #1

2011-09-09T21:24:00.002-08:00

from me at Wind in the Wildwood

project 40 (Baby's felt ball) #2

2011-08-16T07:37:00.008-08:00

The sweetest felt ball I have ever seen; made for a friend's baby (a first birthday). I love the colors! From Heidi at Under The Humble Moon.

August, project 39

2011-08-06T07:06:00.004-08:00

Project #39: Play veils, on page 49, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. A very simple project, but one that looks like a lot of fun for the maker and the receiver. I can see these just dyed in wonderful colors and hanging in the yard to dry; or hanging playfully in a bedroom as a surprise. Want to craftalong? Please do! Craftalong with love. Anna

July, project 41

2011-07-08T22:21:00.001-08:00

Project #41: Gnome in the shell, on page 50, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. I think a very sweet surprise. Want to craftalong? Please join us, and craftalong with love. Anna

project 40 (Baby's felt ball) #1

2011-07-01T23:30:00.001-08:00

For the baby I had in mind, our Mittens Baby!

From Wind in the Wildwood

June, project 40

2011-06-02T21:04:00.001-08:00

Project #40: Baby's felt ball, on page 49, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. There is always a baby around, and I am sure any baby would love this as a gift. I already have a baby in mind. Want to craftalong? Please join us, and craftalong with love. Anna

project 20 (Easter garden) #1

2011-05-28T16:47:00.006-08:00

From Heidi at Under The Humble Moon. She planted her garden before Easter and it just came up mid May; but how sweet it looks. Thanks Heidi.

May, project 4

2011-05-01T23:27:00.003-08:00

Project #4: Cloth basket, on page 5, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. It would make a sweet little sewing basket, or perhaps an alternative to wrapping paper for a gift, maybe a large basket without a lid for a kitty bed. Want to craftalong? Please join us, and craftalong with love. Anna

project 20 (Easter garden)

2011-05-01T23:00:00.001-08:00

I am hoping that your gardens turned out well. I used lentil for my grass, and nothing happened. My lentil just disintegrated as it soaked! I will have to try it again, but using something different. I am curious to know what worked for everyone else. Anna

project 22 (Spring flower fairies) #3

2011-04-04T21:53:00.005-08:00

Under The Humble Moon's root children...

...and a sweet flower by her daughter, that simply couldn't wait any longer to dance in the Spring sun. Can you see her dress twirling?

April, project 20

2011-04-01T23:48:00.000-08:00

Project #20: Easter garden, on page 25, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. I can just imagine, wee eyes checking about every ten minutes or so to see if anything has come up out of those egg shells. Want to craftalong? Please join us, and craftalong with love. Anna

project 95 (Doll) #2

2011-03-31T23:45:00.007-08:00

Better really late than never right? This baby was started by a friend, and finished by me,

Wind in the Wildwood.

project 22 (Spring flower fairies) #2

2011-03-30T23:12:00.003-08:00

Daffodil and her sister Pussy Willow

from me, Wind in the Wildwood

project 22 (Spring flower fairies) #1

2011-03-16T00:25:00.005-08:00

The Daffodil and her twin. So happy and ready to greet Spring. From Laura at Nestled Under Rainbows.

project 92 (Mobile) #2

2011-03-15T22:35:00.001-08:00

From me Wind in the Wildwood.

project 92 (Mobile) #1

2011-03-15T22:30:00.004-08:00

My big boy surprised me one morning when he had these felted hearts set out for me to see, with this sweet note. On another day we made pompoms together.

March, project 22

2011-03-01T22:21:00.002-09:00

Project #22: Spring flower fairies, on page 26, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. These flowers remind me of this book:

They would be very sweet on a nature table. Want to craftalong? Please do. Craftalong with love. Anna

February, project 92

2011-02-08T07:00:00.004-09:00

Wow, I am a bad bad host. I just spaced out February, thinking I had already posted the project for the month. All of you really need to just yell at me, "Hello Anna, where are you?" Okay, here we go...

Project #92: Mobile: felt hearts and woolly balls, on page 129, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. Just in time for Valentine's, it should be fun. Want to craftalong? Please do. I will try my very best, to be a good good host. Craftalong with love. Anna

project 95 (Doll) #1

2011-01-31T21:15:00.002-09:00

This salty baby is from Laura at: Nestled Under Rainbows. She has created others that are just as sweet, please stop in and take a look. So wonderful. Thank you Laura!

project 103 (Bird table) #1

2011-01-15T22:04:00.010-09:00

Here is our (Wind in the Wildwood) birdfeeder. Eoghan is in cub scouts, and has been practicing knots with his grandpa; so, he tied the stop knots on the bottom (the knot is called the worm).

January, project 95

2011-01-10T22:55:00.001-09:00

Happy New Year! Welcome back to all my craftalong friends, and welcome to all the new. I am so happy to be continuing our craftalong, and I thought we could start off with...

Project #95: Doll, on page 134, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. One of the most important toys for boys and girls alike? Absolutely!

Want to craftalong? Please do. You may email me the pictures of your completed projects along with a description (you do not need a blog to join in). Craftalong with love! Anna

December, project #103

2010-12-01T23:55:00.001-09:00

Project #103: Bird table on page 154, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. A very simple project, and a sweet gift for our feathered friends. I can imagine that children would love to help drilling holes in the wood, and finger knitting cords; adults too! Craftalong with love! Anna

project 63 (Mittens) #2

2010-11-29T22:59:00.003-09:00

From Cheryl at Time to Craft. What perfect snow white pompoms!

project 63 (Mittens) #1

2010-11-29T22:55:00.005-09:00

From Laura at Nestled Under Rainbows. Purple delight on the babe's face. Thanks for crafting along Laura!

project 64 (Knitted gnome) #2

2010-11-29T22:48:00.004-09:00

From me at Wind in the Wildwood; with a finger knitted "magic" belt from my mom.

project 64 (Knitted gnome) #1

2010-11-29T22:43:00.005-09:00

Sweet little gnome from Heidi at Under The Humble Moon. Thank you Heidi!

November, project #63

2010-11-04T07:08:00.001-08:00

Project #63: Mittens on page 83, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. I know all the projects for Autumn have been knitted, but when Autumn arrives way up north (where I live), I simply want to get all my other chores out of the way; so that I can simply sit and knit, it makes me feel warm. I hope you don't mind. Craftalong with love! Anna

project 55 (Slippers, socks, baby bootees) #3

2010-11-03T10:18:00.005-08:00

Snug green booties from Laura at Nestled Under Rainbows

project 55 (Slippers, socks, baby bootees) #2

2010-10-25T14:22:00.005-08:00

Sweet slippers on sweet little feet, from Heidi at: Under The Humble Moon

October, project #64

2010-10-06T22:45:00.002-08:00

Project #64: Knitted gnome on page 84, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. In the project description it reads, that if you feel inspired you could make a group of them (one in each color of the rainbow). Wouldn't that be sweet? Can you imagine them all sitting in a cozy little corner, just tempting litle fingers to play with them? Hmmm... well, I am thinking more on the lines of a Tomten for Christmas, maybe he could be on the tree, tucked in for my boys to spy one day. Craftalong with love! Anna

project 55 (Slippers, socks, baby bootees) #1

2010-10-03T22:02:00.003-08:00

Blue, blurry slippers. It was the best picture I could get however, with busy moving little feet. I tried one on, but I will be saving them for Christmas; from me at Wind in the Wildwood.

September, project #55

2010-09-01T22:14:00.003-08:00

Project #55: Slippers, socks, baby bootees on page 71, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year. We could easily make them all, or pick a favorite.

I am glad that I am not the only one who has had a busy summer. Now, as we start to turn inward and snuggle into cool days and crisp chilly nights, may our crafting settle right into our laps.

I invite you to welcome Autumn with me, in this our craftalong.

Craftalong with love! Anna

August, project 43

2010-08-10T07:34:00.002-08:00

Project, #43: Fabric printing with leaves on page 53, of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year has so many possibilities.

I personally am already thinking ahead towards colder days to come (but not wanting them to come), by making some curtains for my boys' room, just for a little extra insulation.

As always, feel free to join in at any time.

June, project 34 & July, project 33

2010-07-01T22:46:00.003-08:00

I am so very sorry that I have been a neglectful host to this craftalong. This last month has brought things (which I just cannot discuss on this blog) that have taken me elsewhere. I sincerely apologize. Along with this month's project, we will complete June's project as well.

June's project, #34 is a very simple one: Butterflies on page 43 of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year and ...
July's project #33, Flying ricebags and streamers.

I like the book's idea of tying the butterflies to a branch for a mobile; and the flying ricebags, I think they would be a great game for the fourth. Maybe we could make extras to go with Eoghan's lemonade stand this weekend.

Craftalong with love, Anna.

project 24 (Paper boxes) #2

2010-06-29T22:44:00.005-08:00

from me at Wind in the Wildwood

project 24 (Paper boxes) #1

2010-06-21T07:36:00.001-08:00

from Laura and her sweet family at Nestled Under Rainbows

project 16 (The Chicken and Cockerel) #3

2010-06-20T07:27:00.002-08:00

from me at Wind in the Wildwood

project 16 (The Chicken and Cockerel) #2

2010-06-12T22:50:00.005-08:00

from Stephinie at Gypsy Forest

project 16 (The Chicken and Cockerel) #1

2010-05-19T07:50:00.003-08:00

from Heidi at Under The Humble Moon

May, project 24

2010-05-17T07:31:00.003-08:00

To all my craftalong friends,

I am so sorry to be posting our May project sooooooo late. There has been at least one person sick in our family for at least a month now, and at the moment three of us. I cannot wait for us all to be healthy again. I did complete my April project (a wee chicken and her chicks), but alas no camera for pictures. I am waiting on a battery for my camera and as soon as it gets here (hopefully sometime this week), I hope to have pictures up. In the meantime, if any of you have pictures from your projects I would be so so happy to post them. Hoping all of you are well.

And now for our late May project; easy and fast but very fun indeed:

May's craftalong project: Paper boxes, project 24 on page 30 of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year.
I am imagining doll house beds, holders of many treasures waiting to be found in the woods, and boxes for birthday presents for my soon to be three year old next month.

Craftalong with love! Anna

project 10 (Easter Egg Cosy) #7

2010-04-09T07:57:00.005-08:00

From Heidi at Under The Humble Moon

project 10 (Easter Egg Cosy) #6

2010-04-09T07:50:00.007-08:00

From Kerrie and her sweet family at Busy Gnomes

project 10 (Easter Egg Cosy) #5

2010-04-09T07:42:00.002-08:00

From Cheryl at Time to Craft

April, project 16

2010-04-02T07:26:00.003-08:00

April's craftalong project: The Chicken and Cockerel, project 16 on page 22 of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year.

What the book says about the project:
"Here is an opportunity to knit a whole farmyard set; the chickens and cockerel are quick and simple to make."

I'm thinking of making chicks as well, it's spring after all. They would certainly knit up fast, and they would be so cute; quite like the real fluff balls, that run around like mad.

Craftalong with love! Anna

project 10 (Easter Egg Cosy) #4

2010-04-01T07:51:00.002-08:00

Look at these sweet sunny hens! Made by Laura from Nestled Under Rainbows.

project 10 (Easter Egg Cosy) #3

2010-04-01T07:49:00.004-08:00

Meet Billy Bob Joe, beautifully made by the lovely Miss Selma.

project 10 (Easter Egg Cosy) #2

2010-04-01T07:40:00.002-08:00

This is Willow, so named by Dez's sweet little girl.

Made with love by mama and daughter.

project 10 (Easter Egg Cosy) #1

2010-04-01T07:35:00.001-08:00

Cara, cara, cara! I hope my boys are surprised.

Wind in the Wildwood

project 106 #6

2010-03-21T21:42:00.007-08:00

What beautiful stamp art! Heidi's snowdrop prints, on a wooden box with painted leaves.

A sweet little wreath, with a felted snowdrop attached, also from Heidi at Oranje Behang Blogt.

project 106 #5

2010-03-19T22:02:00.004-08:00

Potato stamp art: alphabet wall cards from Heidi at Under The Humble Moon. Can you imagine the whole alphabet, or a little one's name?

project 108 #5

2010-03-14T16:26:00.007-08:00

Knitted needle case from Heidi Margit at Oranje Behang Blogt. Loving the contrast of the blue felt.

March, project 10

2010-03-02T21:08:00.002-09:00

Our craftalong project for March, will be the Easter egg cosy (project 10 and page 13 of the 2005 edition of The Children's Year).

I imagine a sweet surprise, when the colorful felt chickens are lifted to reveal eggs.

Craftalong with love! Anna

project 106 #4

2010-03-01T22:48:00.004-09:00

Wouldn't you love to receive a present wrapped like this?

When I first saw the top picture, I thought it was a quilt; the potato prints are that sweet.

I love the forest theme, I am expecting a gnome to run out from behind a tree at any minute.

Made by Cheryl at Time to Craft.

project 106 #3

2010-02-27T07:59:00.002-09:00

Beautiful potato print banner from Melanie and her family at: Our Ash Grove; so lovely for their sweet corner.

project 106 #2

2010-02-25T22:38:00.009-09:00

A sweet potato print bunting made by Laura and her children (for their papa's birthday). I think they should keep it up all year long! Laura's blog: Nestled Under Rainbows is lovely, and oh so homey; I can almost smell the homemade bread baking.

project 106 #1

2010-02-19T07:59:00.005-09:00

Here are my heart potato prints (on even more hearts), strung together to form a banner. In the top picture they are having a grand time flapping like a kite tail, and on the bottom they are quite tuckered out from their adventure in the wind. They now hang in my boys' play area. I have a new found love for banners of all kind. My boys made paper bags to hold sweet treasures for Valentine's day, you can see them here: http://www.windinthewildwood.com/2010/02/potato-hearts.html#links

By the way, to everyone reading along out there, it is never to late to join in.

Peace and love. Anna

project 108 #4

2010-02-18T07:53:00.005-09:00

This striped and sweet needle case was made by Taimarie at small wonders ; which so happens to be the first blog I ever visited, and by far my favorite. Everything about small wonders is calming and lovely; like taking in a big breath, inside a pine forest.

project 108 #3

2010-02-05T07:18:00.003-09:00

This lovely needle case made with 4 ply wool,

from Cheryl at Time to Craft;

uses a felted acorn and a finger knitted loop for its fastening.

project 108 #2

2010-02-04T16:00:00.001-09:00

A beautiful needle case from Heidi at, Under The Humble Moon

February, project 106

2010-02-01T21:24:00.004-09:00

February's craftalong will be project 106

Potato Prints on page 157, simple shapes could make so many sweet things.

Craftalong with love! Anna

project 108 #1

2010-01-31T15:54:00.005-09:00

Made using Noro Kureyon No 102, and size four needles.

Wool felt was used for the pages of the needle case.

January, project 108

2010-01-26T21:20:00.003-09:00

At first I thought we could all just pick any project from the current season/section, but working the same project together will be great (as it is a craftalong). In this way we could all see the results of the same project with wonderful variations.

January's craftalong will be project 108, the Needle Case

I love this project, perfect for a beginning knitter (whether that be an adult or child).

Located on page 159, it is a very simple knitted rectangle; using wool felt for the needle pages, and two cords to tie. It calls for DK wool and a pair of size 4 needles. However one can use any type of wool and needles to achieve the envisioned result.

Craftalong with love! Anna

why not a craftalong?

2010-01-25T07:00:00.006-09:00

We have had The Children's Year by Cooper, Fynes-Clinton, and Rowling in our home now for about four years. Even though I have read through it, and completed projects from it here and there (by myself, with Eoghan, and others); I have been wanting to do more. This is the year!

There are tons of knitalongs out there, so why not a craftalong? The book is divided into four sections, each pertaining to a season. Within each section there are many projects to choose from; however for this craftalong, choosing to complete one project per month will be the goal. More could be done, but with other commitments and projects swirling in my mind, one project seems to be attainable. One project a month would also enable the craftalong to continue for more than a year (leaving many projects to be anticipated for future years). Some of these projects can be completed in a day, while others take a bit longer. The goal is to have a picture up on this blog, along with the name of the project by the end of each month.

I was thinking to start right along with the coming of the winter season, but starting with the new year won out. The craftalong...

2010

winter

January

February

spring

March

April

May

summer

June

July

August

autumn

September

October

November

winter

December

2011

winter

(a new cycle and craftalong year begins...)

I am excited to be teaching knitting to some dear people who are happy to be joining me on the craftalong. The projects however are varied and include paper crafts, woodworking, sewing, knitting, and more. Want to craftalong? Please do. You may email me the pictures of your completed projects along with a description (you do not need a blog to join in). If you would like your blog name to appear on the sidebar as a link, just let me know. Peace and love. Anna