Most Popular Posts from 2012

I love to look back at the end of each year and see what posts were most popular on my blog.

This is the second most popular post from my entire blog, let alone this year:
#1:  

Last-Minute Christmas Prep.

We have been decorating cookies.

Neon cookies, to be precise.

Baby Bear Hat

Our church collects hats for the newborns at the local hospital. I'd donated a few I sewed a few months back but most of the women crochet or knit, so I made these two from some yarn.

I used this pattern. They are cute!! 

I made a few without ears, too.

Matching Coffee Cuff

A few days ago, I wrote about some zippered pouches I'd made as gifts. I gave this one to my brother's girlfriend this weekend along with this matching coffee cuff. (She loves coffee.)

See tutorial here for making the coffee cuff. 

Zippered Pouches: Using a New Pattern

The school shooting last week was awful. I can't imagine how the families living in the small town in CT are grieving right now. One of my young cousins lost a good friend to cancer last week. He was 13 and had been sick for two years. Sometimes I can't understand why these bad things happen. My husband reads about theology a lot. Both of us believe that God is good, regardless of the evil in the world. As we were talking yesterday, he said a book he's reading now says that since we have free will, there will be evil in the world.

I hope that you have the love of Christ in your heart. That you have the hope of eternal life with Jesus. I couldn't face life's sometimes extreme hills and valleys without placing my eyes on Him and remembering that we live in a fallen world. I am thankful that we can choose to love despite what others may do or say to us.

And sometimes there's just nothing to say that could make the situation better.
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Upcycled Corbel Shelf

I wanted a shelf for school supplies in our study room. If you recall, I painted a chalkboard-topped desk a few months ago for this same room. 

I wanted a shelf to keep certain items out of the little hands of two little boys. I was able to upcycle the corbels I used for this shelf from the old farmhouse that used to sit on our property. Quick explanation of the old farmhouse can be found here. 

Hot Chocolate Mix (Holiday Gift Idea)

I made these cute little jars of hot chocolate mix for my MOPS friends. I wanted to get my three-year old involved in the mixing and filling of the jars, but he declined. However, these would be a great project if young child was willing to participate. As an added bonus, it uses upcycled baby food jars. You've probably got a ton in your basement, right?

Handmade Gifts for Women

Did you see the post I did last week on with handmade gift suggestions for men? Here are some projects I've posted on my blog that would make great gifts for women!

For the outdoor enthusiast:

Fleece Hat Tutorial

Winner of the Fibers & Twigs Slipper Pattern Giveaway

The winner of the Fibers & Twigs Slipper Pattern has been chosen! Using Random.org, comment #20 was the winner. 

It was Hueisei, who commented: 

I've emailed you, Hueisei and we'll get you the pattern. Thanks to everyone for entering.

Handmade Gift Ideas for Men

I have loads of trouble thinking of handmade gifts for men. I can think of tons of ideas for women and little kids, but men? They're tough. Maybe you're in the same boat as me? Not wanting to give the men in your life a gift card?

Fleece Hat Tutorial

Past Christmas Posts

Here are a few Christmas Posts from past years at the Monkey See, Monkey Do home that could serve as ideas for your own Christmas decor!

I can't wait to put these wreaths up again!

Felt Wreath Tutorial

Fire Truck Christmas Ornament: Tutorial & Pattern

If you’ve read my blog for awhile, you know that my three year-old son loves fire trucks. I decided we’d better have some fire trucks on our Christmas tree this year.

So I cut up some felt scraps and sewed them into some trucks. Don't worry, I traced them before I sewed them together to share with you. Here’s the pattern link.  It’s a very rough sketch, but it’s just a Christmas ornament. You get the idea.

Slipper Pattern Giveaway from Fibers & Twigs--Giveaway Closed

I’m super excited that Jan, from Fibers & Twigs is offering one Monkey See, Monkey Do reader a free downloadable PDF slipper pattern!

Her pattern allows you to make slippers from old sweaters or fleece fabric and is available in a range of sizes for men, women & children. (I love those pink and brown striped slippers!)

She has other patterns and items available in her shop, which you should check out!

If you’d like to win you should be a follower of Monkey See, Monkey Do and may leave up to three comments:
1) Let me know if you would make slippers for by leaving a comment on this post.
2) Let me know what item from Fibers & Twigs is your favorite by leaving a comment on this post.
3) Follow Monkey See, Monkey Do on Pinterest & leave a comment on this post.

Good luck! Contest will end at 9 pm on December 7th.
And if you're new, perhaps visiting from the Sew Mama, Sew Giveaway Day list, please check out these posts you may like:

Yoga Skirt with Flat Front


Upcycled Pants with Flannel Lining


Refashioning with Shirring

Disclaimer: I did not receive goods nor monetary compensation for hosting this giveaway. All opinions are my own.