FO: Hooded Scarf for a Little Cutie-Pie

My next-door neighbors had their daughter's first birthday party yesterday. I think they partly invited us just so we won't bitch about the noise, haha. But the kiddo is adorable and I wanted to make her a fun present. Even though she cries every time she sees me.

The invite said "Hailey says that she needs winter clothes for her birthday and that she does not need any more toys or stuffed animals." Works for me! Here's what I came up with:

It's got a brown corduroy exterior, with flannel lining. Perfect for keeping a little bay-bay warm, I think.  The flannel has lots of birds:

The plain corduroy was looking a little drab, so I made a flower using Hug Snug and a clear vintage button!

I didn't have a pattern for this, so I used the hood pattern piece from Kwik Sew's Sewing for Baby. To adapt it for a hooded scarf, I just straightened the bottom edge and played around with how deep the scarf should be on the front edge. Each half of the scarf is about 3 1/2" wide and 13" long.

Of course, it was too fucking hot yesterday for Hailey to try it on. I'm guessing that the scarf can be tied tight to cover up her nose and mouth on really cold days, or loose to keep just her neck warm.

Bonus: This counts as an item for my stash-busting pledge! Not only was everything from my stash, but the corduroy is upcycled from a skirt I made 2 years ago that doesn't fit anymore. Yay!

Stash Bustin': I Swear

You know, my fabric and yarn buying have really gotten out of control. It's time to do some stash bustin'. Here's the little pledge I came up with for myself:

I, Alicia of Iron-on Maiden, hereby swear not to buy any more fashion fabric or yarn until at least one of the following occurs:

• I've made 20 garments.
• Every damn scrap of the fabric I own fits on my Ikea Varde shelves.
• I've maxed out my 2012 retirement contributions.
• Rachel Maddow calls to ask me out on a date.

Obviously, if Rachel calls, I'll have to make something special.

The exceptions: Utility fabrics and notions are fair game, as are knitting needles.

So there it is. Anybody care to join me?