Baby Blanket with Crocheted Edge

This is my first attempt at a baby blanket with a crocheted edge. I found some flannel at JoAnn's last year that I have been saving (the colors are so much cuter in real life; a very pale yellow and lavender). I punched holes around the edge with my tiny scrapbooking hole punch and then ran a chain stitch around the edge. Then I made up my own pattern for a slightly scalloped edge. I did two single stitches, one half double stitch, four double stitches, then one half double stitch and then started again with the two single stitches. When you get around to the beginning of the blanket you just skip or add some stitches to end right.

I don't think you need to serge around the edge and I don't really like the look. So, I'm researching how to prevent fraying fabric in the future. I purchased a skip stitch blade for my rotary cutter. That should quickly make the holes evenly spaced. I'm always on the look out for baby gifts and of course, for my grandma stash!

Sewing a Spring Skirt

This quick Spring skirt was a big hit with the little one. The main fabric is from the "Darla" collection and the trim is from "Farmer's Market".

The wind was blowing from behind like crazy- so, normally it hangs better. I didn't use a pattern, just a rectangle of fabric twice the waist measurement across the top and the length I wanted it down the side. Then you just sew up the sides and make an elastic casing on top. I used the rolled hem foot for the bottom- wow,that's a quick way to finish off a project! Don't you just LOVE fast projects?!

A Wonderful Easter Message

Happy Easter. Here is a wonderful, short video celebrating the true meaning of Easter.

Private Family Blog

I decided to start a private family blog. It is called home away from home (because our home here on earth is a temporary dwelling until we return to our Heavenly Father). The address is- type it in your address bar- http://mjhomeawayfromhome.blogspot.com

You will be asked to sign in and then click remember me- it should make it so that you don't have to sign in everytime. I'm teaching myself how to do this but I think I can put your email address on a list and then you don't have to check in- let me know if you are interested.

I hope the sign in process is fairly simple- let me know if it's not!

Cranky Lady

I've been trying to be healthier by not eating sugar. So, fair warning: Stay away! I'm not nice. I'm seriously considering a cup full of chocolate chips just so I can stand to be around myself. Why does sugar calm me? It's not just that I like the taste -- seriously! ugh!

It didn't help that I had to listen to S scream for 45 min. while the dentist filled his cavities this morning. This is a nice dentist and he is really careful to make it as painless as possible- S just freaks out... so not fun!

In other news. I purchased an old ugly, forgot to take the before picture, magazine holder at Goodwill. It was black with filthy canvas. I cut off the canvas and used it as a pattern. Then I painted the metal parts cream, and sewed on the fabric (taken from my stash). Now it looks much better. Instead of holding magazines it holds yarn. It will go in my very slowly getting organized craft room....

Trying to Get Organized

I've been very slowly trying to get the playroom/craft room organized. Too slowly. Here is a little bit of what is done- I won't show you the big pile yet to do.... this is just a little pat myself on the back now keep going post.... I printed my own labels just for fun. I printed them on Avery Sticker paper and cut them out. There is a free download on the right hand side under free stuff if you need a label or name tag.

Vacuum Love

Our Eureka vacuum died. Mark wanted to get a nice new vacuum and he was willing to pay for it. But when I read the reviews the Hoover U5140-900 Tempo Widepath Bagged Upright Vacuum on sale last week for $58.99 at Amazon had excellent reviews. We decided to try it- I just use it on carpets not hard floors- it's only been two weeks but I'm still loving it.