Projects For Christmas & Blizzard

I finish knitting this great sweater for my grandson this week. I'm working on sweater two for the other grandson. I used Hearts Symphony for both. The pattern can be found at: http://www.coatsandclark.com You may have to do a search under baby/child for pattern lw1329.

For the second sweater I'm actually knitting the front and back at the same time and will do the same with the sleeves, when I get to them. This one is child's size 6. I'm a little concerned about the size of the neck opening being big enough, but I think it will be OK. The second one is a size 4, shouldn't take to long. Especially now that I have the pattern down and don't have to think about it quite so much.

Today I should be working on some things for my granddaughters. Making doll clothes for one and puppets for the other plus the grandsons. Want to make some more tote/book bags too. Among other things. Only 9 days left. Have to get busy! ;)

We're under blizzard conditions here along the shores of Lake Huron. A great day to stay home and indoors! Ron's been going out periodically to sweep off the top of our greenhouse. He's worried about snow loads. He even went out in the middle of the night! Now the wind seems to be blowing most of it off. We're supposed to get 12"-16" with lots of drifting. But, since this is Michigan, tomorrow and the day after are supposed to be sunny.

Sewing For the Holidays

It's snowy and cold outside here, good time to stay inside and make things. I needed a present to exchange and found some nice upholstery fabric on sale. I only bought a yard, but got 4 bags out of it. 3 book size bags and one a little larger. They're lined with a nice, heavy duck cloth and should be really durable. For this one I made a hammered copper piece with jasper and quartz and hung it on a loop to keep the bag closed.

I'm thinking about a design for a clasp to close the largest bag out of copper. Something that hinges on a piece of copper and folds over the front. Not sure if I can make it work yet. Will have to just make it and see.

This is the first time I've had the sewing machine out in a very long time. I want to make some doll clothes for one of my granddaughters. Will have to go though my old stash of fabric and get busy. I'm enjoying sewing again. May make some more bags too. If I can find some more interesting material to use.

I'm also doing some knitting for the holidays, and making jewelry again. So many projects. Hope I can get it all done in time. Better get busy....

Wood Crafts

I though I'd give my husband some time here too. Since we can't be outside, it's way too cold right now, working in the gardens we're both busy at our crafts. Ron loves working with wood and I love how it looks and feels. Lately he's been making some really nice bowls. I'm hoping I can get a few to give as gifts. But He's putting most of them on his Etsy site for sale! You can see his work at RonH.etsy.com

This bowl was carved of hickory. He calls it his folded bowl. The picture doesn't do it justice. There are more from different angles on his site.

Handmade for the Holidays

This year I'm going back to either making or purchasing handmade gifts for my family and friends. If you haven't found it yet, there is a wonderful site called Etsy.com where really talented artists and crafters from all over the world sell only handmade items. There really is something for everyone there. And why not buy directly from the maker.

I like to work with stones and copper mostly. Love garden art, but also do other things. In the spring I grow and sell herb plants from my home greenhouse (licensed) as well. My newest listing on etsy is a set of 5 teal colored Brazilian agate ornaments. They can be used as suncatchers after the holidays. Please visit thymesense.etsy.com and take a look.