Bag and Log Cabins

I finished a bag yesterday. I love how it turned out and it is exactly the size and type of bag I have been needing. Plus it has fabric on the pockets that I LOVE and find hilarious. I call them the creepy knitting ladies. I knew the instant that I saw the fabric that I had to have a project bag with them on it. The fabric is by Alexander Henry and it's called The Ghastlies. I for some reason could not get my head around this bag though. It took several tries, buying more fabric, and settling for a few things that I wouldn't normally accept but it's done. I think I would do much better the second go around, however I am still happy with the end product and love my new bag.

I am taking a quilt class right now, Classic Log Cabin. I have been anxiously awaiting a class like this. I am two weeks in and LOVING it. I didn't have much time last week to work on it, but all the logs are now cut and I am happily chain piecing away. I have four finished blocks and 16 that need one more round. This quilt will be for John to take with him to work for his bed there. I am hoping to get a maltese cross quilted onto it or something like that. It will be a gift for John graduating the Anchorage Fire Department Academy. One of the things I love best about a log cabin quilt is how amazing they look regardless of your fabric choices. I really stepped out of my comfort zone and bought all of the fabrics at 50-70%. As long as they were a light or a dark and weren't too similar to each other they went into the "buy" pile. I bought the backing at the same time for 70% off and enough of the center fabric to do borders and binding (although I am leaning towards doing a log cabin border too) at 70% off. The cost for the top and backing of this twin sized quilt will only be about $45. That is smoking! Anyhow I love a good deal and am excited to see the blocks coming together. I am using Judy Martin's method and I LOVE how easy it has made it. I am also using the organizers she recommended and they have been keeping my fabric so nice and ready to piece. I can't wait to post a finished picture!

Also here is a picture that my sister took from Noah's birthday party. I love it :)

My Noah

My baby is three! I just can't believe how fast it has gone (the mantra of all parents I believe). Although I think Corbin's is going to hit me even harder this year. Five is just such a big kid age. School age. My sister picked some amazing pictures (that totally had me crying) to show Noah's changes from year to year so I will refer you there :)

Catch up

So I won't even try to play catch up but here are a few pictures of what I have been doing craft wise (well and the fair!) the past 2 months or so :)

Board walk, knitting, and boys

This morning Corbin had his second riding lesson (which went great!). But we had an hour to kill before heading to his lesson and decided to spend it at Potter's Marsh. I have great memories of exploring there as a child and love that my children get that same experience. My Dad had taken them earlier in week, which had made me realize how long it had been since I had gone. The boys enjoyed showing us everything and the day was so beautiful and the air so fresh. I needed that hour of respite in God's creation more than I knew.

There was also knitting (Skype socks)

While I was attending (another) baby shower the boys enjoyed more time outside! I came home and promptly gave them baths (although I am not sure how wise that was as they are camping out with their daddy in the yard tonight). This was Noah's feet just before bathing. I used to cringe at the thought of the kids getting this dirty. I feel joy in it now, a boys feet should look like that in the summer. As Corbin told me this morning "TV is boring" I must be doing something right!

Go Dog Go

I have a baby shower to attend tonight for a little boy that will be here soon. I got the dog fabrics from a friend and then had coordinating fabrics in the stash! So that made me happy and I think it turned out pretty cute. I am still working on my free motion quilting skills, but overall I am very happy with the finished project.

I have been knitting away like mad during my spare moments preparing for my fall classes. All the projects are going well, I just wish I had more time (Like everyone).

In other news, my husband is currently in the middle of testing with the Anchorage Fire Department and that has added a little stress to the mix. A family member also has some serious health issues going on right now and that has had me struggling to hand over the worry to God. I know He can handle it and knows the big picture, I just need to let go.

In happier tones our church just called an associate pastor. I am so excited for this man (and his family) to now be on full time!! The Lord has worked so amazingly in his life and he has done a lot for the church already!! I know it can only get better!!

Riding Lesson

Corbin had his first Horseback Riding lesson today!!! I must admit I am living a bit vicariously through him as I have had a life long love of horses! He took a bit to warm up to his instructor (as expected) however he was talking normally to her by the end of the lesson! I look forward to many more. He did so well following her direction and it was exciting to experience my child's success. He had a session in their riding corral and then he got to go on a trail ride. He and I can't wait for him to go back.

Here's a couple of pics :)

also an apology for the !!! I am really excited about his lessons :)

New Zealand Pullover

So my pattern for the New Zealand Pullover (rav link) arrived in the mail and so the shawl has to take second seat at least until I can determine how long this pullover will take. I am SO excited to be working on this though as I am making it for my husband. He has wanted me to make him a sweater for a long time. When I saw this pattern I knew it would be for him. I did the swatch as prescribed by Elizabeth and washed and blocked it. I am getting 5.75 stitches to the inch and this will be the smallest gauge that I have ever knit an adult sweater. This will also be the largest sweater I have ever knit. So....I am a little nervous at how long it will take me. It is mostly stockinette so it will be fast on that account, but with probably 4-5 hours knitting yesterday at least, I have 3.5-4" on the body. I'm knitting it in Elsbeth Lavold's Silky Wool, their Burnt Orange color. It is one of my favorite yarns. I LOVE the resulting fabric. Below is a picture of the yarn, I will try to get some WIP pics when there is more to show :)

Also this will be one of the classes I am teaching in the fall at The Yarn Branch. We're doing "A Study in Elizabeth Zimmerman", with a choice in projects of either the Baby Surprise Jacket or the New Zealand Pullover. Both are unisex and can be knit in any weight yarn. I think this will make for a great class!