I am alive

Hey there kids. Sorry I have not been around to update lately. I was crocheting my little heart out making gifts for family members. Not to mention I had the worlds worst cold/flu for the last two weeks as well.

I was down and out for the count, but after some much needed rest I am back in action.

I had a glorious holiday with friends and family. My dad changed tradition this year, and yes I was completely thrown off, by having the family open presents at Midnight on Christmas Eve. Usually we wake up at the butt-crack of dawn and open presents Christmas morning. I have to say I was a bit shaken that after 20 years of the old fashion way, my dad of all people became a mover and a shaker and switched it up on us.

This year I was designated, by volunteer, to be the present distributor. I made sure everyone had a gift and we began opening presents in rounds. It was by far the best Christmas I have had in awhile. Not to say that the past one's were in any way bad, but this year felt different. Justine was at my family's this year, instead of our usual "You-do-your-thing" and "I'll-do-mine." We finally did a holiday together. I could not have been more happy.

This holiday I made everyone's gifts. It took about three weeks, but I managed to crochet 5 beanies, 5 dolls, 4 scarfettes, three baby scarves, and one pair of slippers. I embroidered two baby onesies. Sewed 4 wallets, 3 key fobs, 3 crayon rollups and a handy holder rollup for my hairstylist cousin. I even made 6 bars of soap! I felt so accomplished and joyous when everyone opened their gifts and enjoyed them.

Next year will be another handmade holiday and I cannot wait to get a jump on more projects.

Happy Holidays everyone!

:D

Big Booties

Not those kind of booties. This holiday season Justine and I plan on giving handmade and baked goods for gifts. The economy in the dumper, our pockets are tight and because I have learned a new skill (crocheting) I cannot wait to whip up a batch of presents.

For last few months I have taught myself how to crochet by watching videos on Youtube and reading tutorials online. I am still a little weary on how to read the patterns, but as far as straight stitches I was kickin' butt. So far, in the last week, I have crocheted three baby scarves, a scarf for myself, and the beginning of a baby blanket.
Yesterday, I took on crocheting... in circles. Yes, circular stitches. I finished an adult slipper in a few hours in between classes and today I finished the other. These slippies keep my toes toasty and feel like I am walking on clouds, or clouds of cushy yarn that is. Justine has already requested I make her a pair for practice.

Along with practicing circular stitches I took on the fiet of crocheting baby booties. Which failed. They turned out to be more like baby clown booties and now I have to find a baby with humongous feet to give them too. Oh well, here's to try number two.

New Wallet

Check out this new quilted wallet I made with this tutorial from that*darn*kat, an awesome crafty blog with great tutorials and sewing ideas.

It only took me about an hour, but mind you I was tending to puppies, cleaning things up around the house, and sewing. My new favorite color is orange, if you can't tell. This Christmas season a lot of family and friends will be getting new wallets. I'm currently working on a pattern for a matching purse.

:D Oh BTW I lost 3.9lbs this week! I'm down 6.2lbs in the last two weeks.