New Year, New Projects...

Well, Christmas is over with and the New Year is almost here.  I'm a little sad to be done with the holidays already.  It seems that the season just went way too fast this year.  However, with my cross stitched Christmas stocking and all crocheted gifts done, it seems that I'll hopefully be having a little more free time to begin a few more crafts!  Here's what I did this year (keep in mind that these pictures only include my cross stitch and crocheted Christmas gifts, not any other gifts or projects I made throughout the year): 

The hugest new project of 2012 will definitely be our newest baby's Christmas stocking.  I've already picked out a design kit and just need to get it purchased and start working on it like crazy.  This is a picture of the kit I'm planning on doing.  My goal, like this year's goal, is to be done with it by Thanksgiving, or at least December 1st.  That leaves all of December free for me to complete other projects, including shopping and gift wrapping, before Christmas.  I'm excited to get started on this project, but know the countless hours of work that I'll be putting into it, as well.  It makes me wish I could work a lot faster, that's for sure!  Fast projects are so much more instantly gratifying, which is why I'm really excited to start crocheting some newborn hats and other stuff!

I'm looking for ideas and suggestions about what cute newborn items my new baby girl needs!  I've seen some of the cutest patterns for crocheted animal hats and matching diaper covers including chicks, owls, giraffes, hippos, elephants, bunnies, etc... Basically any cute, cuddly, or otherwise fun animal.  I'm having the hardest time choosing between them because I know I can't do them all!  I'm definitely making  one of the long-tailed elf hats for newborn photos (*correction... I MADE this already before publishing this post!), just like the one found here at Oodles 4 Noodles.  Isn't this the cutest thing!  I'm also working on a matching diaper cover.  What else do you think I should make?

I'm also tossing around the idea of adding a mini-store to my blog where I would sell some of the stuff I crochet. Of course, this is so dependent upon how much free time I'll have in the coming months, but I'd love to be able to share some adorable hats with other people who love this stuff... and make a little money on the side :)!  Hopefully, I'll have some free time to get to it soon.  Before that I still need to catch up with the pregnancy journal that I've been writing for the baby and finish Brennan's baby book before I need to start another!  Obviously, I'm not a scrapbooker, or I'd enjoy these projects more.  I'd rather be crocheting, knitting, or cross stitching, but finishing the books will mean a lot to my kids someday, so I'll just have to get them done!

I'll post more pictures as I finish up projects.  I'm always so excited to show them off :)!

Oh!  By the way, I'll be posting another review and giveaway very soon!  This one is sponsored by a fantastic Etsy shop that makes handmade jewelry.  You're really gonna love it- especially all of you Moms out there!  Keep your eyes open for it and make sure to enter!  You won't wanna miss this one!

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