New hobby: Knitting!

I've wanted to learn how to knit for a couple of years now, but I haven't had the motivation to figure it out. A few weeks ago one of my favorite crafty blogs, Make It and Love It, started a Learn to Knit Mini-Series. It was just what I needed. I was in Bellingham visiting family, so I borrowed some of my mom's old knitting needles since she has super fancy new ones now. Unfortunately, I didn't get started while in Bellingham with my super-knitting mom. Since I didn't have anyone to answer my questions I just stumbled along with the tutorials. I made a few mistakes and started over a couple of times, but now I think I have it basically figured out. I can now make a washcloth, a scarf, or any other rectangular item that isn't too wide. I know, super impressive.

My washcloth!

To prove that I made lots of mistakes and still have a lot to learn, let's take a closer look:

(double click to enlarge)

I have to wait another week until the next tutorial is posted (next up, a washcloth using the purl stitch!) I'm planning to make another knit washcloth before then. The first one was fun and I obviously need more practice.

Here's what I have so far:

In case you want to join in on the fun:
Part 1, supplies and casting on
Part 2, the knit stitch
Part 3, binding off and weaving in the ends
Then we're doing two more wash cloths, one purl and one knit and purl.

My funny, sweet girls

Just a few random shots from the past few weeks:

See? She's not *completely* bald.

We turned her car seat around. She loved it! Although this face might lead you to believe otherwise.

Kaylin fell asleep with the lining of her boot in her mouth. What???

Doesn't this make your heart melt?

Kaylin's Room: Pictures and Pillows

I FINALLY finished a set of three pictures for Kaylin's room. I'm not sure when I started them, but it's been a long time. Kaylin saw me working on the last one (the flower) one day and then kept asking for her flower picture. That was just the motivation I needed to get them finished. Here's a peek:

I appliqued the shapes onto the backing fabric. Then Eric (with help from the fabulous Brandon!) made the frames. After that I stapled the fabric with a layer of batting to the back of the frames and attached a picture hanger.

For the butterfly and lady bug I used a pattern for pillows from Amy Butler's Little Stitches for Little Ones. I made a template for the flower petals.

I also made a lady bug and butterfly pillow from the Bed Bugs pattern in the Amy Butler book. I finished these quite awhile ago, but hadn't taken pictures until today.

Original quilt post here.

Original curtain post here.