A yarn wreath for one and all

This past Christmas a friend gave me this great wreath.  I love it!

I helped her finish the wreath and that was also a gift in itself because I was able to learn and craft with her.  Her gift inspired me to try one of my own.  This one will be a gift for another crafty friend of mine.  That's the way it should go...pass on the craft love.  

All it required was:

 -a straw wreath (found is most craft shops)

 -yarn (I have plenty of on hand)

 -felt for the flowers

- a glue gun (with glue sticks of course)

How to make this:

-Hot glue one end of the yarn to the weath

-Wrap, wrap, and wrap the yarn (it took me about three times around to completely cover the straw)

-Tie a knot around the wreath at the end and then trim the remaining tail and tuck in

-Make felt flowers (and leaves if desired) and hot glue them onto the wreath, and you're done!

I will do a flower how to in a later post.  In the meantime there are plenty online.  It's easier than it looks. 

Here is that baby blanket I posted earlier with the border added.  This was my very first time doing a crocheted edge.  It was a blast doing a new technique.  I know these aren't traditional baby colors but I just am not a fan of the pastel baby blues or the soft pinks.  I still want to add the babies initials somewhere but I won't know that until he is born, so I will have to wait.     

 I have made some thrift store purchases over the past year and can't wait to re-purpose them and show you how they turn out.  Coming soon...

Knitting is for all ages

I knit.  Yep.  It's true.  There will be knitting posts when projects are started or finished.  I learned from my mother when I first started college.  My Mom rocks.  I do tend to knit more during the winter and right before Christmas.  I am trying to improve my skills and be more consistent in my knitting.  Knitting is relaxing.  Knitting is rewarding.

Here are some baby booties I made for a cousin's baby but I have not yet seen her and now I fear that her little babe's feet are too big for these.  Don't worry.  I have a plan for a very cute alternative.  

Here's a project that is currently on the needles, it's a blanket.  I saw this pattern on a blog I like to read.  At some point I will go through a list of blogs I like and ones Jason likes.  Nothing like knitting in front the fire.  Ah.  So good.

This is another blanket, a baby blanket for a dear friend of mine that is about to have a little boy.  I am almost done with this project, and good thing, she is about to pop!  I am not satisfied with the way the edge looks.  That's okay, I have an excellent knitting mentor (Mom) just a short drive away.  I plan on finishing it Friday. 

That's all for this time.  Remember, knitting is now cool and trendy.  Join in!

Songs in the winter

Welcome to our blog!  We are excited to get building this space as we settle into our new home.  Home is in northern Michigan's abundant woods that offer beauty and oh so many possibilities for adventure.  We plan on sharing old and new ideas, hobbies, skills, and just everyday life.  

Here's a view from our door.

Lately I have been longing for spring as most residents in our climate do this time of year.  I miss the birds and the sounds they bring.  So, I decided to fill my feeders and asked for some new ones for my birthday.  Now there are lots more little singing friends.  Yes!  Here is how I am keeping track of all the new ones I see.

I have always liked record keeping.  

I write down:
-the date
-the bird name (as best as I can identify)
-a little info about the sighting

Well, it has been great fun.