WIP Wednesday: A few firsts

I could probably split this into two posts, but I figured you wouldn't mind me showing off my finished project too? It just so happens to by my first felting project...

Jenny's slippers

At first they looked nothing like slippers and I really had my doubts, despite all of the cute finished project pictures on Ravelry...

But I continued on and after lots of (bad) seaming, I was rewarded with two BIG slippers. I made the children's size, and they were much bigger than my hand before felting. Then came three or four trips through the washer and dryer....

and *poof* they were slippers! :-D I'm not sure who loves them more, Jenny or myself. :)

Her toes go right up to the start of the pointy bit, so there is still some growing room, but they fit her nicely around, and honestly, now that she has them I'm not sure I could get them away for any more felting. :)

I used this pattern: Felted Slippers child sized

With Cascade 220 wool (pink is 7802 and grey is 8400)

They are raveled here

Jenny's Mittens

Now for the WIP's, first up are my first mittens! The pattern is a vintage one my mom found that is like the one her mom used to use. A nice, basic two needle mitten. They are to go with Jenny's hat. The lighting isn't great in this shot, but the yarn is the same as her hat. I am not thrilled with this first thumb, but I'm not sure what I did wrong...if I don't figure it out soon I'll just leave it wonky and fix it for the next one. I d like the pattern over all though, but I think I'll try the version that is knit in the round next time. After I finish this pair, I will be making these brilliant ones for Anthony (maybe with this hat?).

I'm using this pattern: Classic Mittens (two needle version)

With yarn from See Jayne Knit Yarns (Apple of My Sky)

and Knit Picks Shine Shine Worsted in Harbor (discontinued color)

They are raveled here

My 1st Shawl

I'm So excited about this project! I first saw it back in February when SouleMama made hers, and I thought "that looks easy enough for me to do!" I finally got the yarn a few weeks ago, but just got the chance to start it yesterday. The pattern says to split the yarn in to two balls and then you alternate between them for stripes, but I just adore the gradual color changes, so I left mine as one ball. I. Love. It. It is SO easy, and the colors are so magical that it's hard to work on anything else. :) The yarn changes from pinks to browns, to greens, to oranges... <3

I'm using this pattern (rav. link): Simple Yet Effective Shawl (fingering weight)

With this yarn- (not purchased from this link): Noro Silk Garden Sock (color S84)

And it's raveled here

Thank you all for looking! I have a few other things going, but I think that's good for today. :)

DIY Pedicures!

Pedicures are one of those fun, girly things that I like to do, however I'm not one who wants to spend the money! Pedicures can run anywhere from $35-$80, and that's just way more than I spend on...anything. heehee I would rather spend about $15.00 on supplies and get several pedicures at home. :) Here is a basic supply list for those of you who want to step it up from just a quick polish and run.

Time- About 1 hour

Supplies-

Plastic tub large enough for both of your feet to be comfertable, and about 6" deep

A yummy smelling foot soak or bubble bath (shower gel also works, just something nice and bubbly)

1/3 cup milk (Lactic acid in the milk loosens dead skin)

some sort of exfoliating scrub, I like sugar scrubs (you can make your own with equal parts of brown sugar and olive oil)

pumice stone

cuticle oil/cream

orangewood sticks

a nice thick, creamy lotion (there are some really yummy ones sold as foot lotion, but if you don't like those, you can really use any lotion you like!)

clear nail polish (I use Sally Handson, hard as nails)

your chosen lovely color (I really like Revlon and Ice brands)

cotton balls, q-tips and nail polish remover

2 hand towels

Make sure that your nails are free of polish and your nails are nicely trimmed (and filed if you like). Fill your plastic tub with a squirt of your bubble soak, and the milk and hot water. Soak! Enjoy this part for about 20 minutes. :) Now it's time for the scrub, give extra attention to your heals, as well as the sides and balls of your feet! Rinse it off, then go for the pumice stone. If your feet are like mine then it is more about maitenence, and we all know that our heels will never be perfect. If you're lucky enough to have nice heals, then just make sure there isn't any dead skin hanging around. Rinse your feet off again, just to be sure that all the stuff is off. Next, rub in the cuticle oil/cream. Be sure to go all the way around your to nail if you tend to have dry cuticles...not just around the nail bed! Rub this in and let it soak in for a minute or two, then take the orangewood sticks and gently push the cuticles back where they go and remove any built up off of your nail. The trick is to be veeery gentle here, no gouging! Then it's time for the lotion! Make sure you use plenty of it, so that your skin is silky soft. :) Next take a cotton ball with the polish remover and run it over your nails to be sure that there isn't any oil or anything that will mess up the nail polish. Polish time! First go with a clear basecoat, then two sheer coats of your color, with about 10 minutes in between each layer. Allow for 15 minutes before yor top coat, just to be sure! Let your nails dry completely before you go to bed/wear socks/shoes etc. And now you get to enjoy your pretty happy feet for at least a week, if not two! :) Make sure you rub some lotion in every night to help out with your heels and other rough spots. If you don't mind socks at night then a pair of white cotton ankle socks really help the moisture to stay in place! This will make the pumice step easier next time. :) It's not as hard to carve out an hour in the evening as you might think, and it really is a peaceful time, since you have to stay sitting. It's a great time to catch up on your Victoria magazine, drink of cup of tea and just take a deep breath! I have found that it's also really easy to take a break to nurse the baby in the middle of things too, so we don't even have to worry about that... A little mommy time goes a long way, so enjoy!