Granny-ing Along

It's been so hot this summer that knitting with a lap full of wool yarn has not be high on my list.  But, I've still managed to create with wool - just on a much smaller scale. 

Granny Squares that will hopefully become a lap blanket soon.  Began as a way to use up my left-over Berroco Vintage Wool yarn -- that only lasted for a few Grannys -- so far I think I've purchased at least 9 skeins. Each Granny is approximately 7 inches and I'm thinking of doing 7x7 rows which, with a border, should make 50" square.  But, then again, my skill with math has always been an iffy thing - which means I'll stitch until it's big enough or I get thoroughly tired of the Grannys.   In the mean time, the Grannys are keeping me well entertained !  

Sunday Sewing

Sitting in my little corner

Sewing strips of 'girl' prints together

Hearing a Mocking Bird sing through an open window

'Oldies' playing softly on the radio

Sunday afternoon doesn't get much better than this !

Finished lap quilt top - pinned to window blinds just to see how pretty it is with the sun shining through.  

Gratitude Friday

The air this morning was cool and heavy with the promise of change.

And, even though it's still August -

I'm grateful that summer is slowly turning into Autumn

Picture taken last November - can't wait to see these colors again !!

Good Reads X 3

I've seen the book 'In the Woods' on book club lists for a year or more - intrigued, I googled 'Tana French' - read her bio and some reviews of her books.  Ordered the book from my favorite book   website* and entered 'The Woods'.  Over the past month or so, I've tried to explain my love for this book to my family and friends - and the word that keeps popping into my head is savor  (definition below):

sa·vor      /ˈseɪvər/ noun

1. the quality in a substance that affects the sense of taste or of smell.

2. a particular taste or smell.

3. distinctive quality or property.

4. power to excite or interest.

Number 4 -- yes that's it exactly!  From the first page 'In the Woods' had me hooked - so much so, that I immediately ordered her 2nd book: 'The Likeness'; and, after reading just a few pages, I placed an order for 3rd book:  'Faithful Place'.  I'm half way through the third book and this week, will most likely order her newest book from Amazon, Broken Harbor released July 2012 (Better World Books doesn't have it in stock yet). 

Good Reads X 3 indeed !  

* http://www.betterworldbooks.com/  - books at good prices, no shipping costs and the money goes to literacy programs throughout the world. 

Inspired by http://www.rebekalambert.com/artsycrafty_babe/

Gratitude Friday 

I'm sure I could list at least a dozen things -- 

not the least of those, the cooler weather we are having -- 

but, these two are really close to my heart today.

1. Grateful that a couple of family health issues are better this week 
2. Also very grateful to our City and volunteer firefighters, they are true heroes (if you've seen the local or national news - you understand).

And, because I can't do a post without a picture - - -

the sweet stack of fabrics above and I have a date with my sewing machine this weekend. 

Hope to make a dent in my Christmas sewing list !  

Summer Sewing

Hot summer days
Little girls who like twirly skirts and dresses
Materials needed:  tank top, fabric, time & a sewing machine
Sketches and notes in my project book

First draft of the 'tank dress'

A little big - all around

Some tweaking is needed

More tank tops, fabric & trim produce 2 more Tank Dresses

Pronounced 'just right' by our local 4-year old, with curly hair 'fashion diva'

Seems this is what everyone is wearing now days -

at least to when you are playing with Barbies !