By Request

Sydney's request several days ago? A nest for her stuffed bird. Who am I to argue with such a cute request. After some brain storming (twigs, paper mache, batting??) I decided on yarn. Knitted in the shape of a mini hat out of wool yarn. Then Sydney helped me add in scraps from around my craft room; some yarn, thread (off the carpet no less!) and fabric scraps. We hand felted it and dried it over an appropriately sized bowl. I ended up spraying it with some starch and drying it with my blow dryer to help it keep its shape and speed up the process.

The result - Sydney loves it! She has already asked for a rug, pillow, blankets and an egg for it.

The sad part of this story? This was all for a sad little bird from a Burger King kid's meal that on closer inspection is actually a penguin. Oh well.

(Here's a view of the bottom. We poked the scraps through and left them long on the inside to create, in Sydney's words, "a cozy bed for him.")

Zipped Up Stripes

Inspired by a knitting book I browsed through at Barnes & Noble (but of course didn't buy...I am so cheap!) I made this little zippered pouch. It is a great way to use those small pieces of leftover yarn and a really simple design. If you think you are just a "scarf knitter" you could definitely make this!
I had big plans to write a tutorial for you on how to make it, but realized when I was 3/4 of the way through I really wasn't making it right. Who wants a tutorial on how to make a knitted pouch the WRONG way? Regardless of my stupidity today, it was very easy to make. Simply knit a rectangle in the shape and size you want your pouch to be. Sew up the sides to create the pouch. Measure lining fabric and cut out a pouch to fit inside your knitted piece. Sew in a zipper into your lining using this tutorial (so you don't screw it up like I did). Just remember you are only sewing it onto the lining. Then hand sew your lining to your knitted pouch. It is possible that you could actually sew this all together on your machine, but I wouldn't risk it.

(There, see how my zipper edge is sticking out for all the world to see? Yeah, don't make yours like that. )

September?

September 2nd already. Wow. I was hoping Summer wouldn't have to be over for us just because school was starting, but it seems the weather has had other ideas. The high today was in the 60's. Fall is definitely on it's way. Seems like Summer just arrived, but whatever. I'm always game for pulling out the sweaters and covering up some skin.

[cool old building along the river. check out the river height marked on the side.]

I've been thinking a lot lately about trying to get my act together around here. You know the usual stuff...organized house that stays clean, a plan for meals (which includes buying the food and actually making it), creating more, working out, losing weight. I'm sure you all know the drill. I feel myself starting to lose it around here and it's time to refocus.




[Must three-year olds hop everywhere they go?]

Loved this post today. I think every month should be creative month, but you have to start somewhere, right? Her comments on not feeling creative made me think back to a kid's show Sydney was watching this morning on PBS. The guy on the show was painting a picture and when he finished he said "and remember, as long as it comes from the heart it's art!" Love it!!




[Our favorite little market. (That's Farmer Bill in the back in the grey sweatshirt!)]

To jump start my creativity a little I took my camera with today when we went to get veggies at the market. The farmer's market we go to is set up right beside the river that runs through town. It has been become tradition this summer that after we buy our food we head down to the river to throw rocks and possibly walk across the bridge (when the water is too high they remove it.) Spread throughout this post are some of my favorite shots from today.

[A grey day on the Red.]

99 and counting...

We laid down the tools last weekend for a couple days to attend the 99th birthday party of my husband's great aunt Nellie. She is such a sweet lady, it was definitely worth the many hours of driving to be with her to celebrate. Nellie would be very embarrassed if she knew her picture was on the internet, but I think it's safe to say she's not going to see this. She is kind, witty, hilarious and generous, but internet-savy she is not! Can you imagine trying to keep up with things for 99 years!!

One thing she does have though is amazing taste in outdoor furniture. I LOVE this chair!!

Happy Birthday Nellie!

Fabric!

I took a break yesterday from cooking and cleaning to hit a garage sale. Our local chapter of Project Linus has a sale every year to raise money. Obviously the garage sale for a whole group of generous quilters is definitely the place to be. I bought everything in this picture for $6!!!



These are my favorites!





Have a great weekend!!

Remodel

Ugh. We are in the middle of some remodeling. A complete exterior overhaul really. I am so excited for the changes, but never anticipated the amount of work it would take to get there. My husband and I both come from long lines of do-it-yourselfers. A blessing and a curse I am convinced! This weekend both of our families joined in and we replaced all the windows in our house and a patio door. The windows are all in but some Sheetrock repair and trim work is still needed. This week my father-in-law has started replacing the siding on our house. Here is a most lovely shot of our front yard, giant construction dumpster and all!

Anyway, sorry about the once a week posting. I keep thinking it will improve but unless you want to see my progress with a shop vac it might be like this for another week or so. I miss you all terribly and can't wait to get back to actually making something (besides 3 meals a day for lots of working men.) Take care!

3 years old

We survived the party at the lake! Everything went really well.

I made her a birthday crown before we left. I finished sewing on the buttons on Friday on the way there and then forgot to have her wear it at her party. Bummer.

I think I'll dress her up in her 3 shirt again and fake a party picture with the crown. My plan is to add a new button every year.