Birthday Gifts

It was a bit challenging figuring out what to make my nephew this year for his birthday. He has plenty of stuffed toys and doesn't need any more (I've been told that he insists on taking his dinosaur, dog and football to bed with him every night.) His parents requested something he could play with outside, so I decided to make him some discs that he can use in the yard. I crocheted this project instead of knitting it. That way I was better able to make a firm fabric that would fly through the air nicely. It also helped make the really awesome swirl pattern. My hands aren't used to crocheting, so by the third disc they were a bit sore. It was worth it though, the discs turned out great and my nephew immediately began throwing them around.

For my niece's birthday she requested a purse. Purple and yellow with a blue button. Purple is one of my favorite colors, and it pairs nicely with yellow. I used some artistic license, however, with the button choice. All of the blue buttons that I found just ruined the lovely purple purse. Then I found a yellow button that matched the darker yellow perfectly. I was much happier with the final product, and my niece either didn't remember her original request or simply didn't care. She seemed very pleased with her new accessory.

Finished purse with button.

Purse before felting.

Purse after felting.

Before

After

Felted projects are always fun. It is amazing how much the fabric changes from one little run through the washer. Making this purse made me want to do more felting. Maybe I will make a purse for myself. Green with purple stripes would look nice. It may be a while before I get to that though. With the holidays a few months away, my knitting time is filling up quickly!