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Knitting & Crocheting

Need a project for whiling time babysitting

16 years ago

I will babysit my 8 month old grandson next weekend in a hotel room in San Francisco while DD attends her ex roommate's rehearsal dinner and then the wedding and reception the next day. Soooo, I need to find a project or two to keep me busy while babysitting GS while he naps. Just can't seem to find something to tickle my fancy. Grrrrr.

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Comments (7)

threejsmom
16 years ago
Maybe something small and not too complicated so you can stop and pick it up again easily. How about a hat for the little guy or some socks? Some handyed superwash merino sock yarn would keep a simple project interesting. If you want a bigger project, a felted bag using hand-dyed wool is also simple and fun.
donna_loomis
16 years ago
I second the socks suggestion. My newest grandson was born 11 days ago and I overheard my daughter telling a friend who wanted to bring her a gift and asked if she could use baby socks, "Nah, my mom will make him all the socks he needs". You can whip out a pair in a couple of hours, and they are one of a kind.
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I wanted to give you all an update. I finally had enough and a few weeks ago I gave my sister a piece of my mind and told her my free babysitting services were over due to her lack of helping around here. She freaked out and told me she was moving out. I told her that was not necessary but she could do what she had to do. I told her that I was only willing to babysit 3 days a week and she would have to find childcare the other days. And I told her that if she is going to be late coming home from work she needed to ask me to watch her son, not just tell me that she would be late because of whatever reason. So I had told her I needed her to find a babysitter for Mon and Fri this week. Sunday night she was complaining about how her friend could not babysit today and how she had nobody to watch her son. I just said well I have "XYZ" to do Monday so I can't babysit either. Then I walked into the other room. Magically she found another friend. I can tell she is having a hard time covering those two days. She has also been doing more around the house. And if she has errands to run after work she now brings her son with or has her boyfriend babysit. (she started dating a close guy friend of hers whom she has known since we were kids). So all is better. Thanks for your advice, it gave me the courage to finally stop being her doormat.
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Carol_Ann
16 years ago
I thought of socks, too... or Elizabeth Zimmerman's baby surprise jacket -- it looks like so much fun to knit! I'm going to have to make one soon, but I'll increase the size to fit a toddler. There are lots of great ideas for colors, too, if you google images "baby surprise jacket" or do the same on flickr.com.

Here is a link that might be useful: jared's version, baby surprise jacket
sheilajoyce_gw
Original Author
16 years ago
I saw that BSJ picture only recently and want to make it. Sadly, I won't have the pattern in time for the trip. Those blues and purples are gorgeous. Thanks for the name of the pattern.
anne_b
16 years ago
How about making something for yourself? Get some yummy yarn and knit a a pair of fingerless gloves - they are very IN this fall, and there are lots of free patterns on the net. Or a special scarf to dress up your favorite turtleneck? Sometimes we get so caught up in making stuff for others, we forget to treat ourselves ...

Whatever you decide, have fun with it!

Anne B
profsusan
16 years ago
I'm thinking practical also since you will probably be starting/stopping often so small items would be better. Socks are good as suggested but still require concentration. I'm thinking more mindless projects such as dishcloths, plastic bag holders, etc. I make many dishcloths each year and one year made about 20 plastic bag holders. May not be as interesting but will keep your hands busy and if you make mistakes no one would care. Of course, more booties for your GS would also be great; perhaps in a sneakers or cowboy boots pattern. Have fun.
TommeCA
16 years ago
Okay, so this isn't exactly what you had in mind, but why not put the little guy in his stroller and go visit a local yarn shop? I've never been (but it's on my list) to Art Fibers, but it's supposed be great and it's in downtown San Francisco at 124 Sutter St. You could also sneak in a visit to Britex Fabrics (located in the 100 block of Geary Street). Britex has four floors of wonderful fabrics and notions. (I almost always go to Britex to buy buttons for my completed knitted items - they have a huge selection.)

Here is a link that might be useful: Art Fibers Shop

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