Sweater Update

Well, believe it or not, the pieces for my sweater are all done.  I just have to put it together.  I'm looking at the pockets though and it doesn't look quite like they are going to go together.  They look a little small.  Hopefully a good blocking/steam job will do the trick.  I would hate all of that work and yarn to go to waste.

Sweater For Me

I have been thinking for the last month or two that I would like a fall sweater. I don't have one anymore. I've been looking at patterns, but it has taken me a while to find one I like and can find and afford the yarn for. This morning I finally went through all of the old issues of Creative Knitting that I have. This sweater is from '07. The construction intrigues me.
                                 
Michael's is having a big yarn sale this weekend. Gearing up for Christmas. I got all of this yarn over half price. It only cost me $21. Not bad! I am using a bulky yarn from Loops and Ewes called Charisma in the Northern Lights colorways. It is turquoise, purple and blues.

I started it tonight. Not sure how long it is going to take since Christmas projects take priority at this time of year.

Valentine Placemats

This is something that I have been putting off for a couple of months. Valentine's is the theme for this years placemats for my nieces and nephews. Most of it has been the commitment to stand and cut fabric with a bum knee. I am doing a nine patch. It will go fast I just have to get them cut.

I got all the prints cut this afternoon. Tomorrow I will cut the solids, place setting section, and backs. Then to the sewing machine. Here are the prints.

Christmas Xstitch

CJ's cross stitch came in the mail yesterday. It came a lot faster than I thought it would. I opened up the packaging just to verify and then I put it away. Tonight I couldn't seem to help myself. I went downstairs and put a hem in both ends of the fabric. Mounted it on my frame and started.

I love starting new projects. There is just something about it. Imaging the possibilities and the power of creation. The ladies at work laugh at me all the time. They can't believe how many projects I have going at the same time. I do it so I don't get bored. I can change projects at the drop of a hat. It isn't like I have 50 UFO's. I eventually finish them all.

Cross Stitch Projects

Yesterday when I came home from work my husband greeted me with my Sitchery catalog in his hand.  He has been out of work for 2 1/2 months and is starting to get bored.

When we were first married almost 26 years ago I taught him to cross stich.  He is really good.  He hasn't done any for probably 15.  He had found a cross stitch that he really liked.  The kit was $44.  I looked around on the internet and found the pattern and just the fabric for $21.  I have every color of floss, so that isn't an issue.  He loves wolves and this is what he found.

I have been thinking for a couple of years I would like to do a set of big cats for my oldest son.  He loves them.  His favorite is the tiger.  While I was looking for this wolf I found this tiger and fell in love with it.  I am going to give him the kit for Christmas and then I will make it up for him.

Of course if I have a cross stitch for one son, I almost have to have one for the other.  It took a lot longer to find one for him.  My youngest likes dogs, but all kinds.  There are very few dog patterns out there that have several breeds in them.  They are all one breed.  I finally decided on this one since he loves puppies.

My husband will be doing his, but I will be doing these two.  I figure if I'm lucky I may have them done by next Christmas.  Maybe I can frame them as their gift next year :)

Family Are Forever Cross Stitch

Another huge accomplishment.  I finished the stitching on my Families are Forever sampler that I started in January.  Of course it still needs to be blocked and framed.  I figure that is going to cost me about $100.  It will have to wait until I am working my second job again. 

This sampler is by Krista Hamrick.  She must like to design them.  I plan on doing two more of hers.  I just bought O Holy Night, which of course is a Christmas sampler. 
                                  

In the next week or two I plan on using a 50% coupon in JoAnn's for her handwork sampler to do for my craft room wall.

                   

Halloween Village

I saw the coolest idea on Pintrest today. It was a DIY Halloween village. I've never thought of doing one of those. I don't have many Halloween decorations. I think I am going to do this. I'm hoping my mom and I can go shopping when she is here visiting.

The lady that posted this bought Christmas pieces from the dollar store. She painted them all black and then highlighted roofs and odds and ends with purple and orange. (They are usually not very well painted anyway.). She put them at various levels, surrounded them with spider web, and viola.