It's Been A While

I haven't had ready access to a computer at home, so even though I've been working on some projects, I haven't been able to blog much.  I'm going to try and schedule some posts while I'm here so my poor blog doesn't look neglected and you, my bloggy friends, don't have information overload from a long post.

The big project I've been working on this past month is a baby quilt for my sorority sister/twin.  Of course, what with my family having the flu, a sinus infection, and pneumonia a couple of weeks ago, it didn't get finished in time for Baby's arrival.  But the top is done, basting is complete, and hopefully I'll be able to actually work on the quilting this week.  I'd really love to get it finished and off to them soon.

My First Attempt at Crochet

Well, my first attempt in a long time, anyways.  I started to learn in middle school, but an unfortunate incident involving a very small crochet hook and my hand ended that right quick.  Mom wouldn't let me near it again.  This time, I used a larger hook (no thread crochet for me right now) and some Lily Sugar & Cream yarn to try a simple dishcloth. 

It's not too bad, and I enjoyed it a lot more than my attempts at knitting.  I think I'll use dishcloths to try some new stitches, and then maybe I'll move onto a scarf, a hat for my Little One and the Hubby (his request), and maybe eventually some fingerless mittens (I've got my eye on several patterns).  This isn't going to take over my quilting and sewing completely, but sometimes it's nice to do something different. 

Dotty Owl

This is the big Christmas project I was working on.  It didn't quite get finished in time, but I sewed the label on this afternoon, and it's ready to go back with my sister to college in Nebraska. 

 Below is a closeup of the friendship star I "hid" on the back.

 The whole thing - it's a little less than 60"x60" because I had to cut down the outer rows (someone cut the backing too small . . .)  It's quilted in loop de loops around each polka dot/flower.

Closeup of the owl (from the Mister Who pattern by Carol Burniston and Barbara Brandenburg). 
My sister loves owls and blues and greens.

 The backing

Finish #1 of 2011

What’s Going on Now

I just finished quilting . . . and quilting . . . and quilting.  Finally time for binding!  My sister’s Christmas present wasn’t quite finished by Christmas.  She was very understanding given all we’ve got going on right now, but I have to finish it before her winter break is over and she goes back to Nebraska for school. 

Pictures of the finished product soon.

 

Although my grand Christmas sewing plans were majorly scaled back in the final weeks, I did manage to finish Mom’s grocery bag, but I forgot to take a picture.  I’ll try to get one soon.

Clamshell Club - 12/31/2010

As expected with all the Christmas preparations, I didn’t get as much done on the clamshell front in December.  But somehow, I managed to baste a few more shells.  There aren't many left to baste!  This project will have to be put aside for a bit longer as I try to finish up my sister’s quilt and work on two baby quilts for dear friends, but after that, some hand piecing might be just what the doctor ordered.

Sorry . . .

I haven’t been around much this month.  Part of it was due to trying to get Christmas presents sewn, and part of it was due to just general life craziness (including 9 people in my family getting the nasty stomach bug that’s been going around in the days after Christmas).  But I am here now, so I’ll try to do a little catch up on what I’ve been up to and try to get back on the posting bandwagon.

 

January is going to be a very busy month for us, so I’m not sure how much sewing/crafting will get done.  If I don’t post much, it’s because I’m going pedal-to-the-metal from dawn ‘til dusk (and beyond).  Hopefully by February I’ll be back to more regular posting.

Baby Doll Dress #352

. . . is another wadder.

Okay, so maybe not 352 tries, but I am so.done.with making doll clothes.  Can I please just finish these last couple and move on to better and easier things, like grocery bags?