2014 and Change is in the Air

2014 is here, and the new year will bring us so many changes. First, and most obvious, I am recommitting myself to this here blog. Sad to say, it has been too long since I have posted. With that change, I have updated the look and name and template (more updates to come), and I have written a list of goals to include regular postings and updates of both my crafting life and personal life.

2014 also brings about the 18th birthday of our eldest son, which leads then to graduation from high school and then the transition to college. He seems ready, certainly more so than me. I keep telling myself that this is my ultimate goal for my sons -- a happy, successful, independent life. One of these days I might start believing it. :)

Here's a photograph of my sons that was taken by my cousin, Meri of MeriBella Photography. She is uber-talented! We used this image in our Christmas cards.

2014 also marks the arrival of the newest addition to the family, my first great-niece! She is due to arrive in July, born to my oldest nephew and his beautiful bride. Finally! a little girl to crochet for! I already have a small list of items to make, and an order of yarn on the way!

And speaking of yarn, 2014 is the year of the stash-bust! That means I vow to purchase no more yarn until I use up a great deal of what I have already.

No, really, I'm not kidding...

Happy 2014 to all! May it be a prosperous, productive, and healthy New Year for you and your families!

New Holiday Embellishments

You may remember that I'll be the September sponsor for The Little Black Box. Well, awhile back, the owner of TLBB, my friend Milly, told me that TLBB will have a themed box for July and asked me to participate (as The Lavender Ladybug, which is my supplies shop). The theme is Make it Yourself Christmas in July, and it will feature (but not be limited to) handmade supplies.

With that in mind, here's a sneak peek at what I'm working on:

(tiny gold metallic star)

(tiny holiday tree)

I also hope to create snowflakes, silver stars, and white stars. Be sure to check The Lavender Ladybug because these designs will also be available there.

So Many Projects, Not Enough Time

I can't believe how quickly 2009 has slipped by! And now we're about seven weeks from Christmas! The list of gifts I want to make keeps growing. For sure, I have to finish DS3's bookbag -- he asked about it today. Oh, did I feel horrible when I had to tell him it still wasn't complete. Worse than that, I haven't touched it for weeks. :(

So completing the bookbag is Number One on my list.

Number Two is completing DS4's Christmas stocking. Several years ago (before DS4 was born), I crocheted Christmas stockings for DS1, DS2, DS3, DH, and myself. I like to decorate in non-traditional holiday colors, so I made the stockings in shades of blue and purple.

When DS4 was born, I knew there would come a day when I would have to make a stocking for him. No problem -- I found the worn free pattern that I had used originally, picked some more Lion Brand Homespun yarn, and starting crocheting last winter. Unfortunately, Christmas came and went before I could finish the stocking (don't worry, he got goodies from Santa in another, not handmade, stocking). He didn't even notice that his stocking was different. But this year, he's a year smarter and much, much more observant, so I must finish it! Number Two.

Number Three is a blanket my mom asked me to make for my sister. (No peeking, M!) I'm about 3/4 of the way complete. I love the color combination (a pretty pink and chocolate brown) -- she's going to be lucky to get it from me -- it's definitely a keeper!

So those three are my "must finish" items! Time permitting I want to make a scarf for my mom, hats for DS3 and DS4, and something from the exchange student my parents are hosting. I also have an awesome pattern for a man's vest, that hopefully will be under the tree for DH.