Indy Designer Saturday: Make It &Love It

 Thank you all for reading today's blog.  Last Saturday I had the wonderful pleasure of seeing my nephew married and being with my extended family.  It was so lovely.  Today I'm back with a blog post I think you will really enjoy.

As you know I'm now one of the women who started  Northern Adirondack Hats for Hope Initiative.  A Spin-off of Emily's Hats for Hope Initiative.  In that vein I am always on the lookout for great websites and designers who provide patterns for not only knit and crocheters but also for those who sew.  We need all "hands on deck" as it were because Fall is upon us!   My daughter and I were discussing the wonderful "Make It & Love It" website and blog with a view to making it a "go to" site for our Spin-off group.  Naturally it formed the basis for this blog.  I mean its got something for everyone!  Brilliant. 

Ashley Johnson, the genial hostess of "Make It & Love It, is also the author of a book I plan to buy.  "No Sew Love" very much MY kind of book!  I am able to knit cables, crochet lace, use a small loom, and weave a bit but sewing has never been my forte.  This book will probably form the basis of some gifts for friends and family.  It may also be a good book to have for charity gifting! 

Ashley Johnson, like many people wanted to learn how to knit and crochet so she did what I do, she looked for online tutorials.  She then shared the tutorials with us!  I like that because I find tutorials the best way to learn a new skill.  I both read and watch instructions.  I know many others find these tutorials so useful.  You can find the collection of tutorials chosen by Make It & Love It here.   My favorites?   The Easy 4 Row Snowflake Scarf for knitters and the Color Block Crochet Basket.  Two great projects that I had not seen on the web before.  Also if you are a beginner and looking for something quick to work up check out the Chunky Crochet Blanket which was linked back from "The Sweeter Side of Mommyhood" 

As I've mentioned before.  I have a budding sewist.  My daughter is a super talented seamstress.  Soon as we took the bright blue sewing machine out of its box my daughter began to sew the cutest doll clothes.    So now that we have others in our circle of acquaintance who share enthusiasm for sewing we look for links with abandon.  Currently our favorites on "Make It & Love It" are the 40 Sewing Projects You Can Make With 1/4 Yard or Less.  This collection answers the entire problem of what to do with those scraps of fabric.   When it comes to sewing, finding great projects for little boys is a challenge.  Ashley Johnson came up with  15+ BOY Clothing Sewing Projects.   I think there are a couple in here that even I could manage.   The Pixie Hat tutorial is adorable!  If you are a seamstress this should be a snap for you... I would have to learn a bit more before I took this project on :).  We also love, love, love, the Wizard of Oz Costumes 2014.  They are all a bit challenging for our skills but we couldn't resist sharing.  

We hope you've enjoyed today's blog with a little addition for our sewing friends.  Remember if you drop by "Make It & Love It" be sure to thank Ashley Johnson for all her hard work.  Bloggers appreciate knowing that people have stopped by for a look around!