Changes all around :)

I'm sitting here at my newly arranged desk, watching the critters scurry about on the ice-covered snow that is covering the back yard. I'm happy that we filled the bird feeders in the front yard - the bears are well into their hibernation so the birds and squirrels can take complete advantage of the fat-laden goodies we have left for them. And people ask if we like living in New Hampshire :)

This week we have begun the destruction of my coveted craft room. We have put off updating this room and our bedroom since we moved in last year, but at last the time has come! New hardwood floors, book-shelves, paint, curtains and some new furniture are all on the agenda. We have stuff *everywhere* now... my primary sewing spot is in the dining room downstairs (which I am actually enjoying b/c the lighting is fantastic, and Syd has lots of room to play), and the computer and other "stuff" is now residing in our bedroom. Makes me realize that with better organization, we could really make great use of the space in this house. Maybe the computer or scrapbooking station could stay in the bedroom...

While re-arranging things in our bedroom/den/"place that we all sleep" I realized that I never posted on the fun crafty Christmas gifts my mom and sister-in-law gave last month. Here's a run-down of the books on my "to-read" and "do" list:
- KNITTING RULES by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
- SUBLIME STITCHING (hundreds of hip embroidery patterns and how-to) by Jenny Hart
- ONE SKEIN (30 quick projects to knit and crochet) by Leigh Radford
- ITTY BITTY HATS (cute and cuddly caps to knit for babies and toddlers) by Susan B. Anderson

Mom also bought KNIT PICKS OPTIONS - I have to figure out how to use them, but the concept is intriguing. I'm hoping that Tara gets it as well from her hubby so she can help me out :)

Set Includes

KNITTING NEEDLE TIPS

US Sizes: 4,5,6,7,8,9,10,10.5 and 11

CABLES

2 each of 24" and 32" lengths

ACCESSORIES

1 Knitting Needle Case with 6 Knitting Needle Pockets (2 single, 2 double, 2 triple), 8 End Caps and 2 Cable Keys

I've been pretty busy this week with some more baby gifts and belts. Want a quick, cute and inexpensive baby gift idea? (I credit my sister-in-law, Sue with this one). I always pop by the Walmart baby clearance section and buy plain white onesies (long or short-sleeve) if they are a good deal. If they aren't on sale, then just pick up some packages of different sized ones (they aren't expensive). Then pop by the craft section and pick up some iron-on appliques. Iron them on, and oila! You've got a really cute and practical gift. You can tie-dye the onesies first, but that of course requires prior planning :)




Hmmm... what else... I feel a bit scattered with this entry, but oh well! Ah! The biggest news for us lately is that Sydney learned to crawl on New Year's Eve! It's like a button clicked on... she loves it and is just so darned pleased with herself!










Before I pop off, I want to share some gorgeous prints by Etsuko Furuya - I'm thinking of carrying some of her fabrics and would love feedback from you all!





And how fun is this pear print by Yurio Seki ?!