Top 10 Projects of 2012

In a cruel twist of fate, my favorite projects are without fail the least popular posts here on my blog. So instead of sharing my top 10 most viewed posts of the year, I’m sharing the 10 I personally enjoyed making and sharing the most. They might not be the ones that are getting pinned and commented on the most, but they’re the projects I found the most joy in creating and using.

Sidewalk Shawl—possibly my favorite crochet project to date. It was an enjoyable challenge to crochet, it’s fun to wear, and I love the look and feel of it.

Turning Bootcut Jeans into Skinny Jeans—by no means a complicated project, but one of my most practical this year, since I was able to turn a pair of rarely worn flared wonders into one of my favorite pairs of perfect-fit skinnies.

Pink Granny Square Blanket—I spent a long time resisting granny square blankets because they seemed so, well, granny. But this fun pattern made up in bright happy colors has changed my mind about granny squares. Just like grannies, they can be cool.

My DIY kitchen makeover—as a new homeowner who has tackled numerous DIY home projects, I can honestly say I don’t enjoy working on home projects. But the agonizing work was worth it to transform my kitchen.

Winter Ripple Blanket—I don’t seem to be capable of going too long without trying out a new blanket pattern. It’s a weakness I don’t mind indulging. This blanket was one of my first projects of 2012, and I still love looking back at the photos of it.

3-Step Infinity Scarf—sometimes the quick projects really are my favorite ones. This quick and simple infinity scarf is a breeze to whip up. I’ve loved wearing it this year, and always have an eye open for cute clearance fabrics so I can make more.

Queen-Size Lacy Ripple Blanket—you saw this one coming from a mile away, I’m sure. I loved making this blanket, and now I love seeing it in my bedroom every day. I’m very proud of this one!

Turkey Handprint Thanksgiving Shirt—another quick and easy project that was both fun to make and fun in action. Forrest and I actually had a good time making it together (shock and awe), and he looked so adorable on Thanksgiving, wearing his little turkey shirt.

Speaking of quick and easy kiddo projects . . .

30-Minute Baby Lounge Pants—another easy one that is so useful! I used an old t-shirt to make a pair of jammie pants for the little guy, and it was a great way to give new life to an item that otherwise would have ended up in the trash while stocking the pj supply for this fellow. I actually have a stack of shirts in my craft room right now that I need to turn into comfy pants, because a certain 2-year old in my house has developed an inexplicable hatred for his footie pajamas and refuses to wear them. New PJ pants on the way.

Crochet Camera Strap Cover—I came up with this easy pattern on a whim one boring afternoon, and I’ve been so happy with it! A simple, cute way to perk up a plain camera strap, and it’s incredibly comfortable to wear around with your camera. Win.

Happy New Year, folks!