Busy, Busy, Busy

Wow! It has been a while since my last post but it hasn't been because I'm lazy. To the contrary. I've been going like mad! My BIGGEST project since my last entry has been working on a surprise package for a knitting swap where, naive lil' ol' me decided that since I couldn't find the exact pattern for what I'd thought up in my head, I needed to tackle designing my own knitting pattern. HOLY COW, Batman! It has been a nightmare, but fun. I've learned more about knitting probably in the past month while working on this design than I'd picked up in the several months since I'd begun knitting. I'm hoping to post a pix soon, at least of my progress on this item I've concocted.

In the meantime, I wanted to share a few pix of some of what I've been up to lately.

In my Sewing FO list, I've noted that I finished granddad's BBQ apron. I'm still sifting through pix looking for a full apron shot, but, in the meantime, here is a shot of the applique that I did for his apron. This was a gift from the grandkids to my dad for his retirement. "Grillin' Granddad" is what his apron says. The apron was a heavy dark denim, with red bandana trim. It also included, in addition to the personalized applique, an adjustable neckband, extra-long ties, pockets and a towel holder. I think he really likes it!

The decor for the retirement party (he worked for the highway department for the state of Texas) was thought up by Mom and my Aunt. They went all out and we had fun, not only setting up the centerpieces and other decor for the party, but hearing everyone ooh and ahhh about them. Here are a few of the tables. Every table had a different centerpiece.




In addition to designing my own knitting pattern I've also been making a few stitch markers for myself and to share with others. Here are a few of my first ones I've made. Both of these sets are being sent to others as part of a swap. I can't wait to see what others have made for me!



Speaking of knitting.... (knitting and gardening seem to take up what little spare time I have these days, just FYI) I received my knittinghelp.com's Secret Theme Swap Fall 2007 package the other day! SamSam from our group put together a GLORIOUS package for me and I can't wait to dive in and use some of these skeins of yarn and make some new stitchmarkers with the beads as well as enjoy the rest of the goodies she so very thoughtfully sent. The theme for my package she sent was, you guessed it, "Gardening"! Perfect!!!


On the gardening front, my purple bean hyacinth finally began blooming. This is my first time with this particular plant and I ADORE it! Here's what it looks like, in case you don't know...


Well, in addition to all that, the kiddos have kept things hopping CONTINUOUSLY! There is NEVER a dull moment with those two around. Also, this past weekend, I attended a plant swap and got gobs of beautiful new plants to work with. I'm SO very excited. We are also working on building a fence around our pond as the dogs destroyed the small fence and then, once inside, completely destroyed the pond, all my pond plants and everything I had planted around the pond. Amazingly, I've yet to kill the dogs for that stunt. Even more amazing is that our goldfish (Nemo, Bubba, Gandolf, Frodo and Ted) are STILL alive! Once we get this nice TALL fence built around the pond area, that will be MY space for all the gardening I want to do and will be free of worry on whether the kids or dogs will destroy my efforts. I'm very anxious to finish that.

Gotta run. Much more to do.... Thanks for stopping by!