Weekend Victory

Last week was a lost week. It all began when Olivia came down with the flu. Then, Isabelle was diagnosed with an ear infection. As if that wasn't enough, Bill and I both got bronchitis on top of the flu. Fun, fun. Just as the sickness seemed to be leaving our house, Olivia woke yesterday morning with a fever and sore throat. We hauled back over to the pediatrician's office where she tested positive for strep. What a circus! I think we're finally on the mend... fingers crossed!

I was able to complete this cowl over the weekend. Determined to finish something (feeling the weight of a lot of unfinished projects), I carried this thing around with me like a security blanket putting a few stitches in here and there. It all added up, and I bound off Saturday night while watching Moneyball (great movie!).

The pattern is from Purl Bee and is called The Bandana Cowl. The yarn is Lorna's Laces Shephard's Worsted. I highly recommend both the pattern and yarn. The pattern has enough twists and turns to keep the knitter engaged but not overly challenged. Zen knitting, you know? And the yarn is delicious - soft and drapey. There's plenty left on the skein to make a matching set of wristers.

What's up next to finish? Here's my list, and I pledge to report back by Saturday to show finished objects:

1. Finish binding Plus-Sign Quilt (so close, I can taste it!)
2. Finish making mug rug for swap
3. Finish fabric pin wheels (project I'm doing with Olivia)

If I can clear these things off my plate, then I will feel like I deserve to start a new project. Are you finishing anything this week?

It's a Start

Last week, I blogged about a mug rug swap I'm participating in. Here is the start of my work.

I'm planning to applique them to a white background and do some hand stitching around the outline. Nothing Earth shattering. Simple. Hopefully the recipient will enjoy the finished product.

Rhonda of Quilter in the Gap reminded me it's been a while since I've shared photos of my girls. So, this one goes to Rhonda. :-)

Here is little Ellie (our nickname for Isabelle) trying out peas for the first time. She turned 6 months last week. She's sitting up well on her own and is thoroughly entertained by big-sister Olivia.

Oh, to be a baby and not worry about fat rolls. Chunky baby legs are the best!

She is a girlie-girl through and through. Already has the little girl squeal perfected... and the shoes and accessories to go with it.

And here is Olivia, who is 4-1/2, meeting Repunzel during our recent trip to Disney. Olivia was treated to the Bippity Boppity Boutique princess makeover, which I'm convinced is more for the moms than the little girls. After her spa appointment, we had lunch - just the two of us - at Cinderella's castle. We had a window seat overlooking the Magic Kingdom. Memories to keep...

But when she's not busy being a sweet little princess, this is the sassy face I get about 12 times a day. "Mooommm..."

And then we're back to precious moments when I want to freeze time...

What's a mom to do?

Yoga Bag Gift

**pardon the terrible iPhone photos!**

I have wanted to show you pics of this project for a while, but a certain someone for whom the project was a gift sometimes reads my blog. :-)

I made the Nigella Yoga Bag by Amy Butler. This is a free pattern download from her website. True to Amy's patterns, this one had impeccable directions that were easy to follow.

Admittedly, there were parts of the pattern when I wasn't convinced it would come together. But, with careful reading (over and over!), the instructions came through and all was as it should be.

The pattern has outside lined pockets and an interior lining. The handle is wide, and the interfacing gives it some serious heft. I splurged and purchased the interfacing called for in the pattern and was glad I did because the weight it adds makes the finished product look and feel more professional.

The only yoga I'll do in the next, oh, 5 years is the "carry the kid and the laundry basket" balance pose. :-) But I do hope the recipient (hi mom!), gets a little extra peace and serenity from her yoga practice so she can pass some my way.

Mug Rug Inspiration

Next month, the Cincinnati Modern Quilt Guild will swap mug rugs. I am so excited to participate! Mug rugs are satisfying short projects and super utilitarian. What's not to love?

1. DSCF3258, 2. Mug Rug ... just because, 3. Scrappy Mug Rug ~Haiku, 4. Mug Rug Front, 5. sneak peak # 2, 6. Portland Modern Quilt Guild - Mug Rug Swap

I pulled some Flickr inspiration and am now so excited to get started. Now all I have to do is edit my ideas... should it include embroidery... how about applique... or be in a shape other than a rectangle? Choices, choices...

What's your favorite mug rug? Add a link in the comments box and share the inspiration!