The Modern Quilt Guild also has a new project starting September 1st that I’m going to try and participate in. It’s year-long so I should be able to do it!

I worked so desperately hard to finish this before I go on vacation. As usual, I don’t love how it looks on me. Funny I took the time at 9am to put on the right earrings to wear with it for the photo but the pants are all wrong!

When will I learn to stop trying to make myself knit garments..I should stick to accessories. I’m afraid I’m so burnt out from this project that I don’t even know if I have it in me to start another one right now…however, I’m afraid I’ll regret not having a project with me on vaca in case I get stuck at the airport or a rainy day or something!

I need to put on some SPANX before wearing this..but this is just a quick shot my dd took for me so I could post here and on ravelry.

I’m heading out soon for a much needed vacation. It’s a family trip, so I’m not sure how relaxing it will be but I’m hopeful.

Been knitting trying to make something in time for the summer. I’m trying (again) to make a garment for myself. In the past, I’m better making things that are not size specific as my gauge can be all over the place.

I received an email from English Yarns for the new Kim Hargreaves Misty Book and I’m trying to resist buying this new book. Some of my favorites:

Arielle - photo from English Yarns

Petal - Photo from English Yarns

Carrie- Photo from English Yarns

I’ve discovered Modern Quilt Guild and this fantastic pattern: Mixtape Quilts. The pattern is so well written with great photos to put even the first time quilter at ease. My problem is always the fabric selection but I think I can handle this one as it’s not too busy. Here’s a blog post with a sample.

I’m now on a sewing kick. I had my lesson with my new machine last week and am now going to attempt some new projects. My other addiction, bags…so I’m going to attempt a clutch bag to wear when I go out in the evening instead of trekking around my large tote bag… Stay tuned!

But I’ve been doing some sewing. I made 4 new quilted placemats (photos forthcoming.) I think the fabric choices are busy. Could be the placement of each fabric. Dunno. You tell me.

As a bag junkie, I am forever on a quest for the perfect bag. What makes a perfect bag? Well first you need to define the usage of the bag. Everyday? Shopping? Knitting? Etc..

So I found that the said bag in my previous post is not the perfect gift. The straps are too wide for the recipient (a petite person) as they slip off because they are too wide. And maybe the size is too large as well for the petite person. Therefore, I’m not going to make bags as gifts anymore. Except for myself! However, I will make them on an as requested basis and for commission to sell.

Speaking of sewing, I received my new dream sewing machine! So exciting! And, I even got some Signature DPN needles for my other addiction of sock sewing.

It’s New Year’s Eve day and this is my LEAST favorite holiday. I’d rather treat it like any other night, with the exception of splurging on a surf and turf dinner that I’m cooking tonight. We woke up to a beautiful snowy setting, so I made a fire, grabbed a big cup of coffee and my knitting and voila…I’m like a “grandma” as a dear ole friend has classified me on facebook. DH wants to have a party, or go to a party…and truthfully, I wish we were in PA with you tonight knitting with other fine folk :)…then DH would have someone to stay up to midnight with…sigh…when will we ever live closer to one another.

Now that I’m done with that project I need something to do with peanut so I came across this great project for us to do. She’s selling a little village but there’s also a single house as a freebie with adorable printable patterns!

(Pardon all the iphone pix - it is only 8am on a Sunday morning!)

I’m busy making gifts for the holidays. I have to share a gripe though. All those beautiful special magazines that come out in late November/December with patterns of homemade gifts are published too late! It just makes us panic and feel inadequate for not finishing anything in time..or maybe that’s me.

We had our first snow up here in the new house. It’s beautiful. I’m happy I don’t have to go anywhere today. I’ve been sewing as a break from knitting. I’ve finished one pair of socks for a friend. I frogged a neck cowl I made because it was so large it would be confused with a poncho. So I’m down one gift.

I just purchased Anna Maria Horner’s Multi-Tasker Tote pattern. Great fun pattern. But the bag is larger than I thought. I originally had ideas for a knitting/craft bag which it is perfect for. But I was also going to make one for Mom to use as an everyday purse but I’m afraid its too big. So I was up until 11 modifying the pattern and cutting new fabric. Hopefully my modifications will work.

We’re making progress on the house still. Kitchen wallpaper gone and repainted. That was after I destroyed the wall underneath the wallpaper..they didn’t prime or paint the sheetrock so it just peeled off..I’m pretty sure there’s another level of wallpaper and sheetrock underneath it!

The formal living room baby blue carpeting is gone! And I discovered beautiful dark wood floors. What a coup! I acquired a sofa and coffeetable/ottoman piece and it’s coming together. My challenge is window treatments. Roman shades for soft casual elegance or 2″ white wood blinds for style as well as function of offering some privacy? Here’s what it looks like now (oh and the cornices are going too - if anyone wants them just pay for shipping and they are yours! - Same goes for 6+ pleated fabric shades.)

I was at my LQS and saw what I want for Christmas, albeit a bit expensive for a Christmas gift The Emerald 183. It’s a intro level electronic sewing machine but some nice features!! My Kenmore is OK but a bit clunky..ok I know I can justify it if I keep talking… The benefits of buying from a local store is a lesson and service..I’ll definitely need that lesson.