Eat this

I don't know if many Americans know about Delia Smith, but everyone should know about this - the best cous cous salad ever, and one that totally speaks summer to me, even in the depths of winter. Don't wait until then, though. Make it right away!

Playful Stripes

A wonderful woman that works at the swim school my kids go to (a big plug for Aquaculture - we love it!) asked me if I would make a sweater for one of her new granddaughters. I was so excited when she picked this pattern!

I loved the pattern, though it didn't go as fast as I had hoped, though I think it was because of all the different colors - I'm not used to carrying 4 balls of yarn in a single project. But it was a good experience, especially since I'd like to try my hand at fair isle knitting (someday).

The yarn (Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino) was wonderful to work with, and the coconut shell buttons are so cute. I love how they match pretty much everything.

I think making a second one should be an easier process, now that I'm familiar with it all. The best part is, the intended recipient (well, her mom and grandma, anyway) are happy, which is the most important part.

The Everything Tote

From Weekend Sewing, another fun and useful project - the Everything Tote. It doesn't look too amazing, but man, can it hold some stuff - even all the junk I tend to carry around in 2 or 3 bags. Made from gifted sturdy canvas on the outside and linen on the inside. Helpful pockets for wallet and cell phone. I love the book, but as others on amazon have noted, there are some errors. Fortunately, the errata are available for download here. Don't let the errors stop you from trying out some projects here, though - there are several great projects that I've tried, and a few more that I'm planning on. Just be sure to download the "fix-it sheet" before beginning!

Miss Mary

Another lovely pattern from the Handmade Dress:

The sizing is pretty flexible, being a wrap dress, so it actually fits both Abigail and Anna, though looks a bit different on each girl.

Made with a pretty cotton I had on hand, I think it turned out so nicely. I think I'd like to try making the version with the gathered skirt next. I can see this one being very versatile!

And now for something altogether different...

Toby and I were enjoying a quiet evening on the deck, when I looked at my tomato plant and noticed...something. On closer investigation, this is what I saw:

Yup, that's our friendly local tree frog, eating a tomato horn worm.

Awesome. I didn't even know they ate worms. I am terribly grateful that they do, though - I found 3 more worms on there yesterday, and they are enjoying my tomato leaves a little too much.

We sat there staring at him for ages.

The leg thing kills me.

Isn't that amazing? In a tree frog, I see the handiwork of God.

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made... (Romans 1:19-20)

Babies!

No, not mine. But I am smack-dab in the middle of baby shower season. Which means baby gifts. Which, for me, means projects.

I made this little set for a shower last month - a new baby girl needs a cute dress and coordinating shrug!

Patterns found here and here.

There is a shower for a boy this weekend, and I'm looking forward to seeing someone finally receive this pre-made vest.

Next week, is another shower, though the gender is unsure. The question is do I have enough time to knit something gender-neutral (like this or this), or do I work on a nappy bag for mom? Thoughts?

Trying for Fancy

I wanted to make a dressy little something for myself - a date night skirt that's just a little more special than the usual. I bought this fabric ages ago, and it fits the bill nicely, I think. There are a couple of problems, though...

It's too big! A good problem, but still a problem. I measured constantly through the making, took it in a little more, and it's still too big. This should be fixable with a couple of well placed darts, but it clearly shows me that my measuring skills could do with some help.

I'm not sure about the length. It seems to hit about the widest part of my calf, which isn't very complimentary. Should I go a little shorter? Or maybe add lengthen it by adding a gathered or pleated section at the bottom? Or should I just get over myself?

On a separate note, I love my shoes. Timberland - who knew that Timberland did heels? (Not me, clearly.) They are, however, the highest heels I have ever owned, so I'm still learning to walk in them. It's kind of funny to watch...

Little Yarn = Little Hats

I'm in the middle of several projects at the moment. I'm more than half way through this and have stalled when faced with some confusion. I'm almost done this, too - a request for a friend's new granddaughter.

But sometimes, I need something small and portable. Something that doesn't require a whole lot of paying attention. Something that doesn't require me buying more yarn, and even uses up some small amounts hanging around the cupboard. Something like this...

...and this...

...and this.

The two blue hats were from this pattern, using Plymouth Merino Superwash. Love the yarn, and the patterns are great, too. The pink was my own design (kind of like a baby beret, sort of) in Cascade Paints.

I gotta say, the ribbed one is my favorite. Something about ribbing on a little noggin is too cute!

They Make Hammocks

I blame Toby. They don't get this kind of thing from me...

I'm surprised the bed's still standing

For the record, no one was injured during the photographing of these pictures. I don't know what happened after my camera and I left the room, though.

The Unexpected Cut

I'd been thinking about Ellie's hair. After the big girls' hair cuts, I realized that hers also needed a cut, but I wasn't sure just what to do, so I waited. Evidently, I waited too long, so she decided to take matters into her own hands:

Sigh. These photos just don't do it justice - it's horrible. All my kids have cut their hair at one time or another, but it was always fixable; a small chunk, down low. Not this time - there are parts in the front where her hair isn't even an inch long.

I had a go at fixing it:

It's better, but still obviously not right. Oh, well. Thankfully, this is the season of sunhats...