Inspired by a novel read in her fifth grade class, this little critter was designed on paper and then came to life with fabric and a sewing machine.

Grasshopper is ready to present to the class.

Something different

On a recent trip to a favorite fabric store I looked through a magazine and found a picture of a different kind of scarf.

The trick is to do chains and connect them to the previous one as you go.  It allows for a lot of freedom and the need for a pattern.  

Fabric Shopping

Armed with coupons and project plans, I marched to JoAnnes.

 Quilt making is in the air.  Off to sew I go.

Ending and beginning

This blankie was successfully sent off to the little cousin in Portugal.

The pink and green one is now on hold awaiting more yarn.  So, the search for a new beginning in a new color began.

A companion color chosen as well.

And now it is growing to become a gift.

Keeping it going

I'm on a roll again... 

One more blanket started.

For Joana

She's the littlest cousin I have.

It will travel all the way across the Atlantic ocean and be delivered to her.

Joaninha voa voa.

Passing it on

The buzz was she wanted to learn basic quilting and make a few things for her family.

And there is nothing better than to share and pass on a skill others enjoy so we meet and she sews.

We do enjoy a glass of raspberry chocolate wine (who knew such thing existed) while we banter about family, and other things we are passionate about.  I am reminded of Sara, who many moons ago insisted I learn basic quilting.  I made a pillow then, and have moved on to other projects. The children were small and we hand quilted. Thank you Sara.

It is winter after all

Although I crochet year round, I gravitate towards making blankets in the winter.

Simplicity is important in my crochet projects because I tend to want to mass produce these things and hand them out as gifts.  Made one for a newborn, and this one will be shipped to a young relative in Portugal.

Fa la la la Felt

This book is quite inspirational for those of us who are fond of working with felt.

The Gingerbread House is more intricate than some of the other projects but I had to make a few.

My love for hand made ornaments grows.  They sit pretty on the tree and make me smile every time I see them.

Christmas Ornaments

These delicate and fun to make ornaments are found in Fa la la la Felt - 45 handmade holiday decorations. 

My crafty Grasshopper got into making these as well.