My Recent Obsession

I've spent way too many hours working on these things lately, but I'm pleased with the way they've turned out.

I used the same pattern I used to make Elijah's blue crocheted sweater and hat for the bodice of this pink set. I improvised on the bottom in order to make it more girlie and to match the hat. Then I inserted the ribbon so that it can fit the baby as a newborn, but expand as she grows. I used a free pattern I found on the internet for the hat, but added the lace stitch and flower for a sweeter look.

If you are wondering, my daughter, Rachel is having a girl in November. I also have another grandchild due this week, but we don't know the sex yet because the parents opted to be surprised. The wait is almost over!

My Week in a Nutshell

I haven't posted much because nothing much has been happening around here.

I'm still jobless.

Mowed some.

fantasized about owning one of these beauties...mama's little yard helper

I met my DIL and the grands for lunch on Tuesday.

I'm determined to finish crocheting a baby blanket, whose supplies were bought at least 5 years ago...so I'm crocheting endlessly.

I went to lunch with my former female co-workers on Thursday.

I babysat for Elijah on Friday.

he thinks he's big stuff sitting in this chair all by himself

Rachel and I went shopping at the Bent and Dent yesterday. It is a metal building out in the country full of seconds, rejects, etc. I picked up Belgium butter cookies, 3 boxes of biscotti, 3 jars of pesto, some Chex cereal, Louisiana hot sauce, 2 boxes of sweet and salty granola bars and wheat bran for muffins....all for under $18. Next stop, the local fresh food market for peaches, tomatoes, beans, peas, and a watermelon. After that a fast dash through the grocery store for a few more things.

I made a onion tart, some zucchini corn muffins, baked pork chops and cooked/burnt the beans.

We ate our yummy supper while we watched Chris Rock's documentary (Good Hair) about the way black women think about their hair.



She left early and I spent the rest of the evening crocheting. I hope I finish the blanket soon because I'm tried of being obsessed with it. While I work, I'm watching HGTV endlessly. The upshot of that is now I want to redecorate my living room.

But not until I finish the blanket.

Sunday Random

My first daffodils:

More observations on filling the void:

The front seat of my car on a typical day is a moving library (pink bag full of books on CD), a art studio (brown bag with blue straps ( sketch pad, Uppercase magazine, Vera book for inspiration), umbrella for sudden rain showers, brown jacket for falling temperatures, crumbled lunch sack which had my lunch in it earlier in the day, second umbrella on the floor (because you never know when you'll need a back up) empty drink cups, Bed, Bath and Beyond $5 coupon, blotter paper ( for makeup touch up) and my purse.

Work doodle:

Cute (in my humble opinion) baby headband that I whipped up to add to the gift for my niece's baby shower today.

The baby's name will be Sunny....In case you think I was so very clever in picking out the perfect gift bag...don't. It wasn't until I reread the invitation this morning that I noticed the baby's name. Duh!....Don't even ask how many times I read the directions to the house wrong today....We made it, that's all that counts.

Speaking of babies:

This little guy will be a big brother come next November.

Gramma's Brag Book

Last Sunday I traveled north to spend the day with my grandkids, oldest son and DIL. It was a nice mild day outside. We started out for the park, the 2 1/2 year old skating, the 7 year old riding her scooter and the 10 year old running ahead. Gramma found it impossible to take the infinitesimal baby steps needed to match the skater's snail pace without her back beginning to ache. Oldest sister and I finally each had to take one hand each and pull little brother back home at an adult sized gait.

Little brother wasn't too happy at being told which direction to skate.

I took the crocheted hats I've been working on while watching TV this winter. I know it's almost Spring, but better late than never, eh?

Avery is the hat lover. Here she's modeling a headband, which she wore for the rest of the day.

Granny square hat with big flower on the side.

I got his head size a little wrong. Oldest sister said she will wear it until he grows in to it.

I came home with a request for a granny square hat from my DIL in a more subdued color scheme and my oldest granddaughter ordered a hat with ear flaps in purples, greens and blues. I'm happy to oblige. I've got the yarn so I better get started. They'll be ready just in time for next year.

Hats and Showers, but Not Shower Caps

Thought I'd give you a peek at how I spent the better part of my weekend.

I made another hat for the fellow.

he was busy pulling things out of my purse as fast as he could

This one is a little too big. I was too lazy to go find the measuring tape. He'll be able to wear it next year as well. I'm having a lot of fun with these fast little projects. I keep buying pretty yarn, so I'm making a girls hat next.

I also made 45 invitations for one of Rachel's friend's upcoming baby shower. I blurred out the personal parts.

I confess, I'm a semi-plagiarizer. This design is not completely original. I found a design online that Rachel thought would be appropriate. Then I drew the train taking away some elements of the original and adding others, inserted our information, set the size, etc. Then I printed them out on card stock and cut to fit purchased envelopes. I've made invitations for a number of parties over the last couple of years. I'd love to come up with my own completely original designs and offer my cards for sale.

a sweater and seven things ...craft week continues

Most of you probably know that I was making a crocheted layette set for my new little grandson, which I put the finishing touches on the day after he was born. It was presented to him the night before he went home from the hospital. He wore the hat and sweater home.

Only one bootie was finished so he had to make the trip home wearing socks only. I made the second bootie only to discover that it was smaller, neater and better in every way than the first. So I made a third bootie, which turned out better still. Now I am making a fourth in the attempt to produce a matching pair. I guess practice really does make perfect....or at least better.....

Keep your fingers crossed please!



Linda from Linda Mahoney Art surprised me with this nice award this week.

Thanks Linda. Please check out her beautiful artwork. I practically drool looking at her fabulous pieces. She has such a talent.

I am supposed to list seven things I love and pass the award along to seven artists whose blogs I love.

For fun I'm naming seven food items beginning with the letter C that I really enjoy:

Cumin
Thai Crunch Salad from California Pizza Kitchen
Crispy Chicken strips from KFC (yes, I know it's bad for me)
Basmati rice with Coconut milk
Potato Chips
Crab Cakes
Dark Chocolate
Cashews

This list is one item too long, but I can't choose which one to eliminate so I'm not....eliminating one!

I'd like to present this award to:
Denise at Look Beyond the Picket Fence-because she makes something cute everyday!
Robyn at Art Propelled-because she carves wonderful things and inspires and teaches me something new all the time.
Toni at A Spattering-because her bird studies are fantastic and her watercolor tips are invaluable.
Teri at Teri's Painted Daisies-because I've come to love her Sunday church sketches. They make a perfect start for the week.
Diahn at Art By Diahn-because I'm loving seeing Washington DC through the pages of her Moleskin.
Linda at Quotidian Curiosities-because she is a fantastic watercolorist...even though February seems to have put her on hold...hurry up spring...Linda needs inspiration to paint again

That is just six artists, but heck I named eight foods, so we're even!

Get busy, make something creative before the week is over and remember take a picture of the space that inspires you to be creative and share it on Friday!