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Work
I was recently moved to our neighboring unit (and someone was moved to mine). My manager told me it was because they eventually plan to reserve several beds for a surgical unit, and that I was one of the names that came up in a meeting with the CV surgeons. That would be cool, except that there is no actual time frame right now for that change. So I’m away from my work pals while doing the exact same job.
My best work and non-work pal is leaving. Very sad about that.
Life
I recently bought a cute desk for $30. I painted and changed the hardware. I plan to get a glass top for it. Pictures to come.
I’m working on my first pair of scrubs. I’m literally learning as I go along. (I leave the sewing machine and look up on-line what different directions mean.) More pictures to come.
I had a jury summons this week. I was so excited because it gave me a little break from work.
Love
My great-grandmother passed away last week.
My sister and I take my mother at least once a month to watch my brother play in a community softball league. I’m always surprised by how much fun I have.
I’m making plans to visit my brother and his family next month.
I bought this cute little dress pattern from Etsy store pinkpoodlebows. It seemed promising to this novice seamstress, and I’m happy with the results -though not with this lo-res photo. I’m sending this dress off to my little niece Rosalyn. I’ll post any modeling pics I receive.
My sister-in-law did send me a picture of Rosalyn with her knit bunny.
She is getting so big. She and her mom and dad will be off to Colombia next week to visit family. It’ll be a first trip for Rosalyn and her mom. I wish I could have gone with them, but I’m counting on my brother to get lots of pictures and video. Our great-grandmother is still living, so it’ll be pretty special to have Rosalyn meet her great-great-grandmother.
BHG's Do It Yourself Spring 2011
I love browsing through magazines for cheap home improvement ideas. This issue had a section dedicated to spray-paint.
My front door was in dire need of a new paint job. I would prefer a new door as I really don’t like the ugly gold lines and frosted glass that date my door. I want one more modern with glass I can actually see out of or a peephole.
In the meantime, I decided to try the spray-paint project for the front door. This is what my door looked like before painting. I used plastic wrap to protect my walls, trim, glass center, and door knob. The paint is weathered. You can see obvious spots where I have attempted to touch up the paint in the past.
And here’s the (almost) finished result. I need to touch up the trim, other side of door, and get a new doorknob/deadbolt set.
It shines.
I declare this a pass.
I love getting pics of my knitty gifts being used. This is 8-month-old Rosalyn wearing her Christmas present.
Pattern: Capuchine Hat
Yarn: LionBrand Homespun
I made this hat for my brother’s girlfriend who (I recently found out) likes to knit and crochet. I will always make something for the crafty people in my life.
Pattern: Felted Mittens
Yarn: Paton’s SWS
This was a quick knit for a friend that was gifted along with a box of chocolate candy.
The cilantro I planted last week is sprouting...
All ten goldfish gather after I wave my hand over the water.
Pattern: Little Coffee Bean Cardigan by Elizabeth F. Smith
Yarn: Naturally Caron Spa in Misty Taupe and Rose Bisque
My brother and sister-in-law refer to this sweater as my niece’s Pooh sweater, so I made her one inspired by Piglet. I know Piglet has pink and dark stripes, but I didn’t like that sharp contrast so I chose a gray color instead.
This is a simple pattern to follow. My only future modification will be to knit the button band as I go instead of picking up stitches later. It is a better finish for those of us who can’t seem to pick up exactly the right number of stitches for a smooth, even band.
My cute ironing board modeled by Pip, my 12-year-old lovebird who just happens to match my fabric.
Making a cover for my ironing board was easier than I expected. I added extra padding and ended up overcompensating for that by making the cover a bit too big. That’s ok, because the project also called for ironing board clips. These are underneath the board, stretching across to keep the fabric nice and tight.
*I learned to use the zig-zag stitch on the edge, acting like a serger.
*I learned how to sew elastic.
my pretty new friend
I can’t cut them or sew them – yet.
My first project through Home Ec was to sew a cloth napkin. I decided I needed six.
Originally intended to be 18″x18″, my first attempts with a rotary blade led me to decide they’d be better as 17″x17″. Even with the uneven seams, I’m happy with the results. I made double-sided napkins with the three fabrics I chose.
my favorite combo
I learned three things:
1. How to use a rotary blade.
2. How to use my new sewing machine.
3. Until I can sew straight seams, I need to stick to busy, dark prints. And dark thread.
Still, they’re pretty cute.
diamond pouch (you can see my reflection in the spoon!)
