Happy Birthday Baby Elise!

I had a project I was going to post about this week but something far more exciting has happened.  The family I nanny for had their 3rd child yesterday!  She came a bit early and we weren't exactly ready but we are happy she and mommy are happy and healthy!  To welcome her into the world Kara, with my help (and Dean, kind of) made her birthday cards!



With my guidance Kara was able to write her name, the baby's name, and mommy!  She's growing up so fast!

It's hard to see Dean's chicken scratch but he tried.  And I know his mommy will love it anyway!

I'm crafting, honest!

It's been a while since my last post, hopefully that isn't becoming a trend.  I am still knitting though!  I even attend weekly social knit at the local yarn store!  I'm just not photographing everything I've done.  I'm considering taking a break from knitting (it's too hot for knit goods!  uhg!) and getting crafty another way.  Food maybe?  Soon (4 weeks-ish) I'll have my own kitchen to cook in (on the weekends).  I know Josh would love that and who doesn't love creative - not experimental, I think theres a big difference - food? 

Too many projects, nothing finished!

It's been a while, I know, but I really am working on things!  It just seems like I don't have everything I need to finish anything!  I need stems for the knit roses (which are on their was from Thailand).  I need size 8 double point needles to finish a hat (my second actually but the ladies at the knitting store helped me do it without the dpns).  I also just need some motivation/inspiration to finish  a project that includes dying some stuff.

That said. I did finally frame that one project I did with the girl I take care of (here it is in case you forgot), as well as a few other things she has done.  I hung them all in the downstairs play area which already had nails in the wall from the previous occupants.  I think it turned out great!

You can see it right when you come down the stairs.  It's much more interesting and fun than the blank wall that used to greet you!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I've never been one to get into Valentine's Day, but this year I decided I was going to do something fun and maybe a little bit cheesy.  Last night I started by relabeling a bottle of wine (one of Josh's favorites).






I used the brown bag the wine came in and a red colored pencil.  Next I crinkled it and taped it over the original label.  Last I added the construction paper hearts.  Very simple and certainly a bit cheesy.

This morning I helped Kara make Valentines for her family.  

And while the kiddos were napping I put the rest of Josh's gift together.  I spruced up the bag the gift I got him came in and added some tissue paper to make it look festive.  I also made him a Valentine while Kara did hers.  The back has some cheesy roses are red poem on the back.  I think it makes a pretty complete gift!

I can purl!

I know this is over due and I want to apologize to those who have been waiting impatiently for my next post (mom).  I was so excited when I learned to purl because that meant I could do pretty much anything now so I dove in head first.

This project was my inspiration for learning to knit in the first place so I wanted to finish at least one before my next post.  I saw this pattern in a crafty bridal magazine (no I'm not planning a wedding) and I just had to do it for myself.  It's a knit rose!  In the end I should have a full dozen and I can't wait to post pics of the whole bouquet.  It might be a while before the dozen though, I'm still slow.

This is all it looks like after binding off (which I still need to learn to do correctly - it's still on the needle).

I think it looks awesome and would really make a unique bridal bouquet.  P.S The green scarf is still in the works.  I'm on the second ball of yarn!

I can knit!

The first session of my knitting class was earlier this evening.  I arrived early so I could also buy my supplies.  I chose what they call a "chunky" green yarn that ironically is nearly the same green as my car.  I also purchased the corresponding sized needles - and I am officially ready to learn!  First we learned first to cast on and then the knit stitch. I found both to be surprisingly easy.  I don't want to get too ahead of myself but I can see this becoming a hobby.  My friends better love woolen gifts!

 

P.S. Yarn is weird to photograph! Plus I had bummer lighting.  I was just too excited to wait until morning!

Slow Start

I realize it's been 10 days since the start of the year and I have nothing crafty to show for it.  I have a few patterns I'd like to sew and a few crafty ideas bookmarked to start but I really haven't gotten to Hobby Lobby to get the rest of the supplies I need.  I know, I know, I need to just do it already.  I have some good news though.  I start a knitting class tomorrow and I did get crafty with one of the kids I take care of though.  Well, as much as you can with a 2 year old.

All I did was cut out different shapes from a brown paper grocery bag, gave her some glue and a piece of drawing paper...

 ...and we ended up with what I think is a frame-able piece of art (which isn't framed yet).  We all have to start some where!

2012 Resolution: Be Craftier

I've never been big on new years resolutions but this year I've chosen one.  I have chosen to be craftier.  For those who know me, you know how hard it is for me to be creative and have vision for such things. For a resolution to be successful one must have a plan.  Personally, I have enrolled in a beginners knitting class, and have a few simple sewing patterns I'd like to tackle.  I hope this blog will not only keep me accountable to my resolution but also show that I can indeed be crafty!