Fashioned by Meg

yarn along

2014-01-15T10:10:00.001-08:00

I started a couple of new projects this week because you know one is never enough! ;0) I joined my first knit a long, and it is a mystery shawl! I have never participated in a mystery anything, and this pattern gives you two options to pick from for five weeks! I am so excited to see where this shawl goes! If you would like to make one too, go sign up and join in! I have a bit knitted up but no picture yet. I am not really a purple person, but I really like this combo of purple and dark gray and think it is going to work well.

Of course, in anticipation of my shawl project I made a new little project bag. I follow Bonnie on Instagram, and she is always posting pictures of really fun patchwork boxy bags. She put up a tutorial for how she she makes them, and I quickly dove into some precious Heather Ross scraps and made one. I showed my husband and explained I was going to be using it for my new knitting project. "You made a project for your project?!?" I think he got it! ;0)

I am also working on a sweater for Felicity. I made one for Juliana back in September, and I promised to make one for her too. She picked out the bright pink, and I decided to make a Kina. We are having the warmest, driest winter ever, so it seemed silly to make her a long sleeve sweater.

This hasn't been a week for reading unless you are interested in dropping two sizes (like me! haha.), in which case you can check out this weight lifting book. The only reading I have been doing. ;0)

Linking up with Ginny's Yarn Along.

gray droplets

2014-01-12T15:09:00.003-08:00

Sharing my Gray Droplets shawl today. Love how this shawl turned out overall. It is a Christmas present for my grandma. I just had some ends to weave in when I saw her, and I promised to finish and send it off to her. Eep. Nothing like a not quite completed gift. ;0) I love the texture and ruffles in this shawl. I did find it a little tedious to knit towards the end because of the long, long seemingly endless rows. I did also find my edges were a bit tight, which I tried and tried to knit as loosely as I could. So when you lay it out it puckers a bit. However, when you drape it, you can't tell.

I have more notes on this shawl on my Ravelry.

Christmas to New Year's

2014-01-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

The week between Christmas and New Year's is such a deliciously different week. I feel like there is so much prep and anticipation for Christmas. Then it ARRIVES, and everyone is allowed to take a bit of a breath, relax, and enjoy. There was a lot of sickness for us, but we made it through. In some ways it forced us to slow down even more. We did a lot of reading, crafting (Hello, Rainbow Loom!! Where have you been all my life?), and board game playing. New Year's Day is our anniversary. It was a simple day- recovering from staying up too late the night before. ;0) But we got to mass, took the kids out for a special lunch, and made some yummy Cornish game hens for dinner. We will have a more elaborate celebration next week, I think. 2013 was a challenging year. However, I am becoming more aware that challenges are not necessarily bad. That through the difficulties one can change and grow in ways you never thought you could through the grace of God. The God part is essential though. I see Him working on me- on all of us- and I see hope, and I hold on ever tighter.

I am not ready for this Christmas break to be over. I could use one more week. Only a couple more days until the routine and school and everything else starts all over again. So, I am going to go sew while my kids play with neighbor kids outside and enjoy and dream about all the blessings I have been given.

Yarn Along

2014-01-03T14:08:00.000-08:00

I have been working on some mason jar cozies this past week. I finished the shawl I showed last time. It has a few ends to be weaved in, and I will take some pictures to share. It was a lovely project, but I was glad to see it done. Those looooonnng rows. I needed something quick and fast, and these fit the bill perfectly! This pattern comes with a "his and hers" versions. I made the her version first with yarn leftover from Samantha's birthday sweater. I love this color! Then I grabbed some leftover yarn from a vest I made last January to make a "his", which has more of a herringbone effect. This is a dk weight and seems to work just as well. Just a little shorter and a tighter fit. I bought some cuppows, and I can't wait to use these! I think I am going to be doing some more leftover yarn digging and making some of these as gifts to have on hand. I have been reading "No Name" by Wilkie Collins this break. It is a fun read. I have read (and enjoyed) both "Woman in White" and "The Moonstone", and this is shaping up to be just as good.

Linking up to Ginny's Yarn Along!

-Christmas Bunny-

2013-12-24T08:00:00.000-08:00

I finished up Samantha's Christmas bunny. I have been working on this project on and off for several weeks, and it was really enjoyable. I ordered the kit because I wanted the felt colors to be just right, and I love the Liberty print for the dress. Doesn't she look like such a respectable and well groomed bunny?

There are such lovely little details- like the cute little knitted cape.

The boots were the most fiddly part to put together. I have to be careful with hand sewing because I seem to get tendonitis in my thumb of all places if I do too much. I made one boot and had to wait a week to make the other since my thumb started bugging me again! Who knew crafting could be so dangerous? ;0)

I dipped the whiskers in liquid starch to help them stand up better, and I put a little bit of creamy blush on her cheeks.

Now, of course, my older girls are asking for their own bunny. Maybe for Easter...

I hope you all have a very merry Christmas and have finished your own Christmas crafting! xoxo

-last week-

2013-12-23T14:22:00.001-08:00

Finishing up some school work. Ah...math.

Jesse Tree Ornaments (from this etsy shop). I purchased the multi color set, and they are so lovely!

Ornament crafting. I found this cute little ornament craft at Target for $3. My kids loved it, and we attached them to our cookie gifts for neighbors.

Lots and lots of cookie baking. I think I gained three pounds over the past three days. Shouldn't Christmas baking be calorie free? *sigh*

Special Christmas toy playing.

This has inevitably all led up to the annual Christmas sickies. We all have horrible coughs. Pooh.

-shawls-

2013-12-15T21:16:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share a few things I have completed this year- starting with these shawls. My crafting time is mostly spent knitting vs. sewing now. It is easier to pick up here and there. I knit while we do school and while watching T.V. at night. I find knitting a good way for me to slow down. I am always looking to the next project, but I do also enjoy the slower pace it takes to finish.

The first shawl is a pattern called "Windward". I started this back in May while on a trip, and I was plugging away at it until I came to a point where I kept miscounting and making mistakes. Ripping and re-ripping. So frustrated- I put it aside. Then I picked it back up in November and finished it in no time. Funny how projects go like that. Sometimes you need a little breathing space. This was a fun pattern overall because it keeps changing and gives a lot of variety instead of the same six rows over and over again like the project I am working on now. ;0) I used Knit Picks Gloss Fingering in a pretty teal color. I liked this yarn. It has a nice sheen to it because of the silk, and I would definitely use it again.

The second shawl is "Ellison Bay". This was the first shawl that I attempted, and I wanted a beginner pattern. I loved the mock cable edging on this shawl, and it was a simple and easy construction. I used Andean Treasure (an alpaca yarn) in a kind of orangey gold color, and I like how soft this shawl turned out. However, the joins in the yarn kind of made some awkward lumps, so eh...the yarn was kind of a disappointment.

Yarn Along

2013-12-12T21:20:00.001-08:00

I am joining in on Ginny's Yarn Along. It was actually seeing all of her beautiful knitting that finally clinched it for me that I needed to learn. I love all the lovely things she makes for her kids especially. Now if only I didn't live in sunny California where winter is definitely the shortest season.

Right now I am working on a shawl that I hope to gift this Christmas. Hope is the key word. This pattern is And So Are You. It is an easy pattern to memorize, but I have gotten to point in the shawl where every row seems so very, very long. Why should that matter? I don't know, but it does. I guess I really do have the attention span of a gnat sometimes. I am using Knit Picks Capretta yarn in Platinum. It is a soft, barely gray color that I really like. I love all things gray though. I would probably choose some sort of gray or blue for all my projects if I could.

Currently, the only thing I am consistently reading is this book for Advent, "Come, Lord Jesus". I found this book via Jessica's blog, and I am so glad that I did. I was really looking for something inspiring for this Advent season, and this definitely hits the mark. Her writing is uplifting and yet spurs you on to love a little more and try a little harder.

"Let these precious hours of Advent be given to wonder. When we feel depressed by our faults, let us wonder that God can forgive us so much: let us be filled with wonder and praise that God goes on believing in us, hoping in us, and trusting that we will somehow yet realize his dream of us."

-tap, tap-

2013-12-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

Hi. *waves sheepishly* It has been awhile since I have checked in here. I am still sewing, knitting, etc. Once you stop blogging for a bit it is so much harder to get back into posting again. So much was going on and it made sense to drop this, but I miss sharing projects and just being in this more personal space. Plus, I fear I am boring people on Facebook with my crafty shares. ;0)

I always seem to have like twenty projects going on at once. I am so easily distracted. One of the things I am working on is this little bunny for Samantha for Christmas. This was my first time making a hand sewn toy, and it wasn't as difficult as I thought. Now I am just working on Miss Maggie's accessories. I love that you can buy other little patterns to accessorize her further. I definitely want to knit her the little coat. I love everything Alicia Paulson. She has such a lovely aesthetic.

Kid Clothes Week: Day One

2013-04-22T10:38:00.002-07:00

My first item for Kid's Clothes Week- a Roller Skate Dress! This is a new pattern from Oliver + S. I have seen so many popping up in their Flickr group and for good reason. This is a quick sew, and it looks so cute!

Not only that but I squeezed a size seven out of one yard of fabric! Woot! Nothing like a little creative placement. ;0) I have had this fabric in my stash for about five years! It is floral by Anna Griffin. I have always loved it, and it was just waiting for the perfect project. She said she looks like a garden in this dress. ;0)

There are just two pattern pieces, which makes it easy to cut out and put together. I love that it is lined as it t makes it feel very sturdy. The instructions were flawless. I already have another one planned out!

Also, she is looking so grown up!

-little projects-

2013-04-21T20:36:00.001-07:00

I made another In Threes sweater. This time in pink and for another baby. I love this shade of pink. It is kind of dusky and not pink, pink! There is neon everywhere right now, and I admit that I am just not a neon girl. I have had the hardest time shopping for my kids this spring. Everything is so...BRIGHT. I don't mind it in bits and pieces, but well...where are my pretty pastels??

I haven't been knitting as much lately because I have been dealing with horrible tendonitis. I was working on a cute little baby dress in a fingering weight, and it just did me in. I am half way done, and the dress is turning out so, so cute. I don't know if I can ever work with fingering again though. Thankfully, this is worsted weight, and so it didn't bother my hand and shoulder as much...whew. I made another little peasant dress to go underneath. I used a sweet little flower fabric from Hunky Dory that I have had in my stash for awhile. Perfect for a little baby, yes?

I also made some fun Foldover Clutches. I have been wanting to make some of these for awhile. The envelope clutch I made last year was starting to look a little dingy, so it was time for a little something new. One for me and one for a gift.

These are super simple, quick sews. However, the touch of leather gives them that perfect touch. Very satisfying! ;0)

Kid Clothes Week starts tomorrow. I don't know if I will be productive as I was last fall, but fabrics and patterns are picked! Fingers are crossed!

-spring-

2013-04-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

A birthday, Easter, and a First Communion. Life is good and busy. And no, I didn't make anything for her First Communion. I feel a little bad about that, but I just didn't have the energy. However, she is wearing my wedding veil, and I gave her the same necklace my mom gave me on my First Communion. She had a wonderful day, and we are so proud of our big girl. Juliana made her first quilt (top) for Samantha for her birthday. It is for Samantha's doll. They were both pleased. Also, it is so hard getting a picture of all four kids together.

-first birthday outfit-

2013-03-21T16:49:00.001-07:00

My sweet Samantha turns one next week. Talk about a year going by fast. She is the tiniest little thing you have ever seen. People are often surprised how old she is. She just now is starting to fit into nine month clothes. She may be tiny, but she is surprisingly independent. She already yells at us to do things for her and knows how to push her big brother's buttons just right. She doesn't seem to have any interest in walking just yet, but she crawls everywhere and gets into plenty of mischief.

For her outfit I knit her the "In Threes Cardigan". This was my first little sweater, and it was so much fun and went together fast since it uses a worsted weight. I already have another one planned for another baby. The yarn is Knit Picks Swish worsted in Wonderland Heather. The dress is the Molly Peasant Dress. I have made this pattern lots of times, and it is a great basic little dress that you can change up and personalize. For the diaper cover I used Dana's free diaper cover pattern. Super quick and comes in a variety of sizes!

Now to go finish that quilt I started her a year ago...! ;0)

-rag quilt-

2013-02-28T14:13:00.002-08:00

The Celebrate The Boy posts by Rae and Dana made me think of this little rag quilt made for my newest nephew back in December. I bought a set of boy fat quarters from the Children at Play line back before whether I knew whether Samantha was a boy or a girl. (I thought she was going to be a boy.) So, I was just waiting for another baby boy to make his appearance to use this darling fabric. I decided just to make a simple rag quilt with minky. I love using minky for baby quilts. It is so soft and seems to add that perfect soft touch that babies love. I didn't use any batting in between the layers, so it is a little more like a blanket than a quilt. Now to finish Samantha's baby quilt now to be her first birthday quilt! ;0)

-go anywhere bag-

2013-02-26T11:28:00.001-08:00

I made myself a new bag! I love bags. You should see my closet and how stuffed full of homemade bags it is. I have even given tons of them away! Doesn't stop me from making more though. ;0) This is the Go Anywhere Bag by Anna of Noodlehead. I have had this pattern for a long time, and it was time to get to making it. I am kind of at the in between state of needing a diaper bag and not. This is a largeish bag, so I can still stuff in some diapers, nursing cover, and extra set of clothes. I haven't been buying much fabric of late because well, I haven't been sewing very much, and it is hard justifying buying fabric when I have a whole stash that is waiting for me already. However, I fell in love with both Architextures and this star fabric from Constellations., and I knew they would go well together in this pattern. I didn't change much in this pattern except to use flat piping for the edge of the pocket, the back pocket I sewed a line up the middle instead of adding a snap because I feel large pockets often get floppy, and I used fusible fleece for the outside of the bag because I love the soft structure it provides. I also quilted the main bag pieces because I love the look. The pattern went together quickly, and now I am trying to pick what fabrics to use for her new Divided Basket pattern!

-knitting helps-

2013-02-22T14:50:00.002-08:00

I have been knitting a lot lately. I got sick back in July. It was a sinus infection that lasted months. I recovered from that and then a month later was so sick again. This time was different. Stomach pain. It took me awhile to realize that things weren't going to get better. In fact, things were getting much worse. However, I got a diagnosis in January, and got put on medication right away. I have also had to change my diet quite drastically, and that took a lot of thought into just how I should eat. While this is a chronic autoimmune disease, I am hoping I will be able to keep the symptoms to a minimum.

Slowly, I feel like I am getting my life back a little at a time. I didn't even know how bad things were until I started feeling better. I think as a mom you just have to keep going, and it wasn't until I got a more official diagnosis that I allowed myself to admit that things weren't going so well. I feel like I am coming out from a fog, and I feel eager to embrace life again, but also a bit nervous that I will push myself too hard too fast. I just can't wait to be healthy again!

For me sewing was taking too much energy, so in the afternoon when I often feel the most tired I get to sit and knit. God seems to send us little blessings to help us get through rougher times, and it feels a little silly to say but knitting has been that for me. It gave me the chance to learn and think of something other than how my health was. It is all about the little things!

I have also missed being in this space, and I have really missed my regular sewing time. I am hoping to catch up a bit and share some projects that I have done in the past few months.

This is my second Millwater! I loved the first one I made. I knew I wanted a longer one for me. I got a couple of Knit Picks gift cards for Christmas, so I picked out yarn for a few projects. I used their Swish Tonal in Pearlescent. I love that name! The color is something in between white and gray, and I love have neutral cowls/scarves to go with different things. This was a very enjoyable project, Now I just hope to get a couple more wears in before spring is officially here!

xoxo,

Meg

-2012-

2013-01-13T09:50:00.000-08:00

I am a little late in writing my end of the year post, but hey...that goes for everything in my life right now. ;0) This is the best picture we got of our kiddies on Christmas Eve. So hard to get all four kids looking and smiling! I made the two older girls' dresses using Oliver + S Playdate Dress pattern. I have had this pattern in my stash for years, and I was glad I finally took the plunge! I love how they turned out. They are Christmas-y without being super fancy. My kids are hard on their clothes, and it was nice to have washable dresses. The hardest part of this pattern was the yoke...tricky! Once I got past this part though, the pattern is pretty easy.

My favorite picture...my oldest and youngest. I love these girls.

Here are some of my favorite projects from 2012. What a strange year. My sewing/crafting went through a lot of dry spells this year. However, cross stitching and knitting saved me at the end of the year! I was in desperate need to have more portable and put downable projects. I loved learning how to knit. I have wanted to learn for years, and I am having so much fun. I will come back later this week to show more of what I have been knitting lately!

Thanks for stopping by and reading! Here is to a wonderful 2013!

xoxo,

Meg

-january-

2013-01-08T11:42:00.002-08:00

Amanda (MsMcPorkchop) and her friend, Ashleigh, have a super cute sampler happening for 2013. Each month they send you a little woodland theme to stitch! When I saw what the theme was I knew I wanted to jump in on this! I had so much fun stitching the Winterwoods sampler and having a little something to stitch here and there. This month's theme was little deer! Aren't they adorable?

For this sampler...

I am using Cosmo floss, and I got the kit here.

The linen is 28 count Cashel linen: dirty, and I got it here.

You can sign up for the sampler here! You can get it for $10 for a couple more days before the price goes up!

-knitting-

2012-12-05T16:53:00.000-08:00

So, I have been knitting...I finished the Millwater cowl a couple of weeks ago. I didn't make it as long as the pattern says, but I like the length! My first finished knit! Yay!

I was so excited that I went out to our local yarn store and started hunting around for some yarn for a honey cowl. I have loved this pattern ever since I saw it (as did everyone else out there!) I found some yarn in the clearance section which is a pretty, shimmery gray. It is a cashmere/silk/rayon and super stiff, so it took me awhile to get used to it. It was really hurting my wrists at first. However, once I blocked it, the yarn really softened up! So, I am moving on from cowls and for my next project I am going to try and tackle a vest for Josiah for Christmas! *crossing fingers*

I am popping onto the sewing machine here and there, but lately I am *so* tired at the end of the day. You should see us once we put the kids to bed. We both become zombies on the couch for half an hour before we can even speak. haha. The life of parents with four small kiddos.

-winterwoods sampler-

2012-11-29T15:05:00.000-08:00

My Winterwoods Sampler is framed! I have loved this project. I felt like I was in a crafting slump over the summer. I really wanted to have a project, but nothing was hitting the right note.

I took this slow. I worked on it while homeschooling, sitting in a Dave Ramsey class we took at church, and watching movies in the evening.

One of the reasons why I think I liked this sampler so much is that I could just stitch one little part and feel like I "completed" something. I didn't put myself on a schedule and just stitched when I felt like it. I really wanted to enjoy the process. Sometimes that is not very easy for me to do. *cough* ;0)

I have never framed a cross stitch before, so I asked some ladies at our quilt guild if they had any recommendations. I ended up using a Pres on mounting board. I tried looking for it at some of our local craft stores, but I couldn't find anything bigger than 8" x 10". So, I got one off of Amazon. (Oh, how I love thee, Amazon.) It took me a few tries to get it positioned right but was quite easy to do.

A big thank you to Ginny and Grace for starting this stitch along.

-wallets and pouches-

2012-11-20T10:26:00.001-08:00

I made these coloring wallets for my niece and nephew for their birthdays a few weeks back. I have made several of these coloring wallets (pattern by jcasa). They were my go to birthday present for a couple of years, but it has been awhile since I made one. These are great to use up large scraps though and go together quickly.

For the boy wallet I used a Japanese car fabric that I had leftover from Josiah's pants I made during Kids Clothes Week and a blue solid for the lining.

For the girl wallet I used a Japanese princess and the frog fabric leftover from Juliana's bento box carrier and a green solid. I do interface the outside and the lining to make them sturdy, but iron on interfacing does crinkle a bit since it is folded, and this is especially noticeable on the inside.

I also made my first Christmas gift! This is the Idea Pouch from Michelle Patterns. I bought this when she first released the pattern. I changed the button closure to use a rubber band because I didn't like having to wrap a string, and I think this makes it look a little more streamlined.

I really think this is a versatile pattern. It can fit an iPad, a composition book, or I also think it would be nice for an embroidery project- you could keep a hoop and pattern in the main part and adjust the pockets on the inside for your floss, needles, and scissors. I am definitely going to make another for me after the holidays. For the fabric I used two half yards from Madrona road. However, the pattern does call for 2/3 yards because of the height of the pieces. Fabric.com usually cuts their fabric a bit generously. I was lucky, and it worked!

I also made myself a new wallet. This is the Zip Pocket Pouch from Michelle Patterns. My old wallet was the same pattern in the big size. This is the tall. My old one somehow ended up in the kitchen trash can. Hmm...I have my suspicions on how that happened. I definitely couldn't keep it...trust me.

I love this cute typewriter fabric, and this is a super fun pattern to put together.

I am a huge fan of all of Michelle's patterns, and she currently has all of her patterns on sale for $5 until 11/25! I definitely would recommend her patterns to even a beginner because she has such great details on how to get your bag or pouch to look professional. Go check them out!

I will be back later this week to show you my finished cowl! Yay!

-little bits-

2012-11-15T16:37:00.000-08:00

My Felicity turned five this week. She has been waiting for this day ever since her big sister's birthday, and finally it came! She was so happy and pleased as punch with all her gifts.

One of the best things about having a number of kids is getting to see how different they all are. She is a very sweet and easy going child (most of the time). This is so nice since *cough* I have two other children who are not so easy going. Klutz is her middle name though. She trips and falls all the time. She has broken one of our kitchen chairs trying to smell muffins. The band aid box is needed weekly if not daily. However, she has such a kind, gentle heart, and I am so proud of my big girl.

She received the coveted American Girl doll who looks like her. She named her Isabella.

I am also starting to plan for my Christmas crafting. I bought some Cherry Christmas and some red polka dots to make some Christmas dresses for the girls.

I have also started my first knitting project! I am making Millwater (per Angela's recommendation!). I am having so much fun making it! It is guaranteed that this time of year I start craving some yarn projects, but this time I am learning to knit! This has opened up all sorts of possibilities, and I have become obsessed with Ravelry! If you knit or crochet, come be friends with me over there!!

Also, I finished my Winterwoods Sampler! I love it! I want to get it framed before sharing it with you all first though!

-pillow talk swap 9 complete!-

2012-11-14T16:04:00.001-08:00

The past couple of weeks have been so tiring (the time change- it messes with everything!) and busy with halloween, soccer, and birthday stuff. It just going to get busier- I know. I am contemplating taking next week off of school to catch up on some projects around the house and to prep for Christmas. One advantage of homeschooling...

I haven't had much time to sew. However, this past weekend I finished up my pillow for the Pillow Talk Swap. I quilted it with swirls- they are a little "organic". I hope my partner doesn't mind! However, I do like the look and will try it again in the future.

I am happy to cross this project off the list, and I am looking forward to getting something in my mailbox in the next week or so!

For the back I used this gray text print. My partner likes text prints, and I kind of felt bad for not using any on the front! ;0)

You can find my previous post on this pillow here!

Happy November and happy sewing!! Time to get the Christmas crafty groove going!

Bloggers Quilt Festival: Fall 2012

2012-10-31T14:22:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted to participate in The Blogger's Quilt Festival, but for one reason or another it has never happened! I am squeezing in at the last minute to share a quilt that I love and use every day.

I first decided to make a Turning Twenty quilt when I saw this beautiful version done up in Good Folks over four years ago! A little while later I fell in love with Joel Dewberry's Modern Meadow, and I knew I had found my fabric. When I first started quilting I really was drawn to simple patchwork and letting large prints shine. I have grown in my appreciation for more intricate quilting, but I still love big prints. I think they work especially well for bed quilts.

In the summer of 2011 I cut out and finished my quilt top, but when I finished I was indecisive about how to quilt it. A king size quilt is no joke to quilt! I was going to do straight line quilting, but I finally decided to quilt it with a large stipple since free motion quilting is a little more fun! It took me about four days to quilt, but it honestly wasn't as bad as I had built it up to be in my mind.

For the back I used a light blue king size cotton sheet, and I made two matching pillowcases.

I also *finally* finished two throw pillows. For one I used scraps leftover to make a little hexie pillow appliqued on linen. The other one is a pillow I crocheted using this pattern, and then I sewed to a plain envelope style pillow cover.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to go check out all the other quilts in the festival! There are some really beautiful quilts!

*Quilt Measurements: approx 100" x 108"
*Special Techniques used- hmmm...how about easy? ;0)
*Quilted by… me!
*Best category – bed quilt, home machine quilted quilt

-manual mode monday 3/52-

2012-10-29T15:49:00.004-07:00

I am *trying* to learn how to knit. The past two falls I have said I was going to do it, but I never have. This fall is going to be different. Since I crochet and am left handed the books told me to try it continental style. I worked a couple hours yesterday just practicing casting on and knitting and purling. I got the hang of the knit stitch, but I am just not getting a "flow" with the purl stitch! It is getting better, but I have been working on it all day! I feel like an addict. I put it down in frustration but then walk right back over to it and try again. I can't help myself. Youtube and knittinghelp.com have also been my constant companions today.

This past week I also worked quite a bit on my sampler. Still in love with this project. I am almost done with this last row, and then only two rows left!

Thank you for all the tips last week on my photos! The consensus seemed to be to increase my aperture just a bit, and I have been playing around with different settings to see what I like. This last photo I had the aperture at 2.8, which seemed to allow me to get more of the hoop in focus and blur mostly just the background.