Christmas Gifts

Even though the weather is not cooperating much yet it is autumn so I have started crocheting more. Last year I did not make as many Christmas gifts as I would have liked so I decided to start a little earlier this year. Sydney and I made a list of what we would like to make for the holidays and I have made some progress already. Here is the first blanket (almost finished) and a scarf.

Disneyland with the Stansells

I wish I had some beautiful finished sewing or crocheting project to show you but alas nothing finished yet. Instead I thought I would share a recent favorite picture. We recently went to Disneyland with the Stansells (miss you guys). This is little Sydney and Noah waiting oh so patiently to meet Mickey. Well, truth be told neither one of them was being patient in line so I pulled my iPhone out and they are being patient watching cartoons (Animaniacs I think). What did I do before cartoons on my iPhone??? It is sad how quickly we become dependent on technology.

Etsy Shop

Etsy is a mecca of sorts for some amazing artists. When I browse around on there I am impressed at the creativity out there. As I have made blankets and appliqued clothing, Shane has constantly been encouraging me to open a little shop on there. Yet I always have hesitated because of all the great talent on there. I finally decided to take the plunge. It feels scary and nerve-wrecking all at the same time. I know the look of the shop and all the little details need work. I want it to look clean and classic but I don't feel like it is quite there yet. I would love your feedback on the shop and the few products currently in there. I have all these grand ideas for products and I am working on a few so stay tuned for more. So go take a look at the shop and let me know what you think. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

A Crocheted Hat for Syd

A close friend was experimenting with making a baby hat. The gauge was a little big so it didn't quite work for a newborn but it was perfect for Sydney. Thanks again Marissa.

Handmade Gifts for a baby girl

Just a quick note and picture to show what I recently made for a cute baby girl. The blanket and beanie are crocheted and the little penguin onesie was appliqued. The blanket is just a big grannie square but I really love how it looks. I feel the need to make myself a lap blanket like it for the coming cooler weather. Last week it was actually feeling fall-like here in Southern California and I just loved it. Fall is by far my favorite time of year. Hope you enjoy.

Scott and Stephanie!

My brother Scott proposed to his girlfriend on Wednesday and yesterday some family and close friends celebrated. I can not describe how excited I am for them both. We truly love Stephanie and are so happy to be able to officially call her family (even though we considered her that long ago). Congratulations to you both.


"My beloved is mine, and I am his" -Song of Solomon 2:16

A Dress for Sydney

One of my goals in sewing has been to try and begin learning how to make clothes. I have heard some horror stories so I have kept putting it off. When I saw this tutorial from Habitual I thought it would be a good starter dress. The instructions were super easy to follow and had lots of little helpful hints. I used a little Anna Maria fabric from her Chocolate Lollipop for the bow and some Amy Butler Midwest Modern for the dress. It is far from perfect but the fact that it looks ok and fits ok is good enough for me this time. It is a little big now but since summer is almost over I am hoping to will fit her still next spring. Of course, the way she is growing that will not happen so this little dress will probably end up being passed on to somebody else. But first Sydney will wear it for a little celebration dinner tomorrow night.