Actually I know that I can design. I make up my own designs all the time. I also know that I can commit to a deadline project. Maybe delusion is a strong word, and maybe this is just my own insecurity.

I have hopes that others will find my ideas interesting, and that I can write up patterns in a way that makes sense. We’ll soon find out.

Getting some help from my big girl to wind yarn for a new project. I don’t need more projects on the needles (as I was reminded by going through old projects last night). However, I have learned that I should just do what I enjoy with my crafting these days. It’s my way of winding down, and helps keep away the crazy of being with 2 little ones all-the-time. If that means having a billion projects on the go, then so be it.

I’m excited about starting this shawl, and I was going to get some nice neutral colors in yarn so that I could wear it with everything. Well, going with the “do what I enjoy” theme, I found some special yarn in my stash to use instead. I love brown and green, and I love a light and dark contrast in colors. I don’t wear much that doesn’t go with brown and green, so here we go!

Who was I kidding anyway. It was the bright contrast in colors of this shawl that really drew me. I also really enjoy the leaf shape, the striping, and buttons!

We know what Elowen enjoys. Dinner!

“Mama, take my picture too!”

I’m glad I went. I woke up really tired, and I still am, but it was a beautiful day for hiking. Comfortable temperature, no biting bugs, nice breeze, not too much sun.

The girls had a lot of fun, and it was really great to have both carriers.

We’re so lucky to live so close to such beautiful trails. This is a beautiful state park, and we have really only seen a fraction of it. Lots of big rocks typical of New Hampshire, some nice tree cover, pretty good undergrowth without being impassible, and of course the waterways.

Every time we do this I think we need to do it more often. I guess that’s what I need to remember when I get the “don’t feel like it” laziness.

It’s a simple half circle skirt with a folded over waist band. This is a nice stretchy knit. I didn’t even hem the bottom, but I don’t even think it needs it. This took me a max of 20 minutes, including cutting it out.

When I saw the Emmaline pattern online, I immediately decided I had to have it. Fast forward a year later and I had accumulated the fabric, thread, and just needed to buy the pattern.

Getting the time to sew is really challenging because it’s not just sit down and go. I managed by doing it in installments. Cut out the fabric one day, pin and sew another day, and finish sewing on the third. I’m very excited to present to you…

…the best apron for a woman with curves. Even better, it’s really great…

…for a Mom of 2 kids. Reversible! OK, in an ideal world it’s reversible to match my mood or my outfit. To be honest, it’s just nice that I can flip it around and put off washing that little bit longer.

I did a brown egg, and white egg in three different dyes. I learned a few things, but I’m not totally excited about my results. I think it’s impressive I got anything done at all. Hopefully next year it will be more impressive, and Katie will want to be more involved.

We took advantage of the beautiful yet cool weather to play outside today. I got a little gardening done (really just pulling old growth and weeds). Elowen got to play in, and try to eat, the grass. She crawled after Katie, also crawling in the grass. She napped in the carrier while I pulled weeds. She seemed to be enjoying it.

I assure you Katie had fun as well, despite the face above. She likes to pretend to be sad on occasion. She really was sad when the fun was over. We had a little screaming issue when I told her it was time to go inside, and had to do the “Goodbye!” routine where we say goodbye to everything. Is 3 really worse than 2? These days, I’m thinking so.

I’m a firm believer that if you put your mind to something, and have the smarts to learn how it’s done, that you can do anything. However, it’s just not happening today so I’m left with the What-Ifs.

There was a time when these little beans were just a dream, so I have to remind myself that all good things come in time (and usually with a lot of work). In the meantime, I really should get working on that scarf I made for the Etsy shop, and do what I can with what I have available to me today.

The fabric has been waiting for this project for months, and after purchasing the pattern for my birthday I got right to work. The finishing is slow because it requires a lot of handstitching, but it will be worth it in the end. It’s a fairly simple pattern, but it has given me the confidence and inspiration to alter my bathing suit pattern. I’ve also got a dress on the mind using the above project. Should be fun!