Knitting Tote for the MIL

I made a knitting tote for my mother-in-law this Christmas. She has been so supportive of learning arts and crafts - taking a jewelry class with me, teaching me some knitting, sewing with me..... and I felt horrible for having made items for my mom and sis-in-law, and haven't made her anything yet. I just couldn't seem to find the right project. Then I saw the pattern for this bag. It's one of my favorite projects to date. :)








**Please ignore the stray threads I hadn't trimmed off yet**



I, of course, didn't start it until the week of Christmas. My husband asked if I "like" to sew, because I seem flustered/stressed when I do it. I told him I love to sew, just not when I'm on a time crunch. He said, "But you're always on a time crunch when you sew." Point taken. But time crunch and all, I loved making this pattern. It was straight forward and relatively easy for me to understand. I'm new to sewing, and had to look up a few terms and techniques, but I got through it relatively unscathed - short of cutting my fabric pieces out in the wrong layout and having to go buy more fabric. Twice.

I was proud of the little details like the velcro tab, velcro strap handle, and pleated pockets. I was so excited to give it to her, and so touched by her reaction. She really really loved it. :)




If you're interested in trying it, the pattern was Butterick B5006. It also includes patterns for some accessories like a knitting needle roll, round needle case, sewing pouch and a pincushion. These will be great follow-up gifts (mother's day, birthday) for me to give my mohter-in-law to go with her new tote!

I Finally Got My SLR!!

I have waited so long for this. I have done my research. I have saved my money, but each time I had enough to buy it there were more important things to take care of than having a new camera. But now, it's mine!! All mine!! Bwahhahahahahahahaaa!


I have to admit - when I first got it out of the box and started playing with the functions, I was thinking "what did I get myself into? I can't even work this thing!". But, I'm starting to get the hang of it and really enjoying the learning process. I feel as though doors have been opened for my love of photography. :)

I originally only purchased a 100mm f/2.8 lens, but having not understood which lenses do what, I immediately purchased a 50mm f/1.8 as I couldn't so much as take a photo of family in the same room with the 100mm. I thought that would settle it. But there are now three other lenses I want to get, then I'll be satisfied. Maybe. Probably not. I can see this being an expensive hobby.

Here are some of my first shots (of course, they're the best of what I've done so far).........