It's all about the baby!

 As of today, it is T minus 90 days and counting to the due date for my grandson.

Most of my recent creations are with him in mind.   First I decided to try and use up some sock yarn by making tiny socks.  The pattern for the blue ones did not specify a size, but they look a bit big for a newborn.

I'm attempting to make a pair of frog booties using this pattern.  I am a visual person, and the pattern does not have anywhere near enough pictures for me.  So I am having trouble getting them to look like froggies.  I don't think I like worsted yarn anymore, being so accustomed to sock yarn!  Stay tuned....




While searching for something in the sewing room a couple of weeks ago, I ran across Jinny Beyer's book, Patchwork Puzzle Balls.  I had made quite a few of these when I first got the book, and decided to make one for the baby.  But one is never enough- and they are fun to make!

Here you can see the stars on the one made with scraps of Star Wars fabric.

I know he won't be able to hold them, but he can have them on the floor to look at when he has tummy time.






























I found a tutorial for "self mitered receiving blankets", so got some sweet boy baby flannel to try those out.  Easy and a nice size!

I don't want big sister, Kiara, to feel left out, so I have been picking up gifts for her as well.  I bought this fabric last year to make her a dress, and finally got it finished!  I hope she will like it. 

Next week is the annual retreat with my buddies from the Museum Quilt Guild.  Four days this year, instead of three!  I am taking supplies to make- you guessed it- baby quilts!!!

I recently read an article about a young woman who made NO TRASH for 2 years!!!  You can also read her story on her blog.  I was amazed at her willingness to give up all packaged products.  Think about that- she made her own toothpaste, for goodness sake!  (And I have to admit to curiosity about how she buys the raw materials without any packaging)
I don't think we all need to go this far- although we could all be better off if we did without some of the conveniences.  And we can all do SOME of these things- like it never occurs to me to ask them not to bring me a straw with my drink when I eat out.  Preventing waste is the best way to reduce it.  So think about where you can make a small change- like getting an e-receipt only when that option is offered.  (the advantage there is you also don't get all the stupid coupons and special offers!)

I am grateful for:
My husband who takes such good care of me!
The cold weather giving me an excuse to stay inside and sew.
A rising tide of voices demanding we take better care of this planet.
The  dvr on our newly upgraded Directv
Only a few more days to one of my favorite times of the year!!

Not for "our" baby

I finished a baby quilt last week that I had started last year, intending it to be donated at the gathering of my online quilting friends.  Due to some confusion over where the quilts would be  donated, I never finished this one in favor of one an older child or adult would be able to use. It is made using a pattern I developed as a "Scrap Therapy" bonus.  It's not an original design, obviously- but I rewrote it for the sizes of the cut squares. 
Anyway, when I told Al I was working on a baby quilt, I added hastily that "It's not for our baby- just some random baby."  I have fabric ready for three quilts for "our" (grand) baby.  It's what I'm planning to work on at retreat this year. 

 

I wandered through the designs in several quilting books before I found this- I hope it shows in the picture.  Easy and perfect for this pattern!  I'll definitely use this one again.







 

I also finished my first pair of socks for the year.  I got this yarn last fall when I had an hour long lunch break from jury duty.  I had already eaten my "elevensies", so I went downtown to the Dancing Goat Yarn Shop to poke around.













I'm very surprised and honored to have found out that my challenge quilt won three ribbons from the judges this week!  I certainly didn't think my piece was the best one there. 

In the "Save the Planet" segment is one of the many items I am always shaking my head over- those Kuerig cups.  They have vowed to come up with a reusable alternative by 2020!!!  Why will it take so long?  Other companies have already made them, and every day they delay creates hundreds of thousands more of those blasted cups to wind up in landfills.  If you have a Keurig, please let the company know you are demanding they show more environmental responsibility than that!!!!


I am grateful for:
Al's cold is getting better- and it wasn't the flu!
Fresh Cuba cheese curds
Giving Guy a long distance sewing lesson
Being able to help a very happy man adopt a kitty
Reading a book that stays with me after I have to put it down and go back to the "real world"