Bichons In Berry Sauce

A few weeks ago, our families converged on Rochester, NY. Wedding planning, baby showering, and attempts at replicating the fried clams that once came out so well ensued. On one of the days, we travelled to Buffalo (just a few days after the 2 feet of snow!) to a baby shower sans power. It turned out ok, as usual, Mr. Wegman saved the day.

For those of you not familiar, Wegmans is possibly the best grocery chain in the world. Mr. Wegman carries everything. And if you don't have power and the people you ordered a cake from bailed, Mr. Wegman will provide. And if you can't fix your hair for your baby shower because you don't have power, Mr. Wegman will let you use his facilities to prepare. Besides being nice and all, it's just a fantastic grocery store. I'm going to miss it when we move.

Anyway, to the point. I made some freezer paper stencil onesies to give as shower gifts. Inspired by Kathy and her sciency baby attire, I got myself all the necessary supplies, and went at it. They turned out super cute!

Stencils: Stencil Mania, Wild Animals and Frogs & Friends
Paint: Elmer's Painters, medium point paint markers in green, red, orange, yellow, and light blue
Paper: Reynold's, the freezer variety!

My favorites are the lion and giraffe. And the hippo. And the turtle and monkey. I'm tempted to make some after the holidays to keep for my non-existant children. When I told Cary about this, he suggested that I make one with a monkey over the crotch for our little boy. Funny, but no.

Next up: my progress on Cary's Christmas present, a Sharfik.

Posted by Nancy at 06:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Abby explores Letchworth State Park

I haven't posted in a long while! It's been busy with all the wedding plans and work, and both our families came to visit (from Arizona and Maine!) to help with the important wedding preparations. Like cake tasting. And most importantly, gown choosing. We ordered my gown, and it's beautiful. If you want to see an artsy hair teased out dramatic photo (which sadly does not show the buttons down the back and the long silky ties) click here. Except Cary. Stay away.

I've been doing a medium amount of knitting-- mostly on my ribbed jacket, and a couple scarves. Some crafting has been going on as well, mostly in the cross-stitching/waxed paper/scrapbooking forms. I have lots to show you in the next few weeks!

While Cary's mom was here, she and her sewing machine were nice enough to line the Elizabeth bag for me! I would say that I helped, but really all I did was supply the fabric, and maybe do some makeshift ironing with a pharmacology book as my ironing board. My new mom-in-law is a super-sewer, and makes all sorts of things. One day I'd like to learn and invest in a machine, but for now, all I have is the one on QVC for $19.99 that my mom ordered for me to repair hems. It works ok, but anything thicker than shirt cloth, and it jams up. Anyway, here is the finished product, all lined and pretty:

Pattern: Elizabeth Bag by Julie Anderson
Yarn: Noro Kureyon, colorway #124
Needles: Boye circular, size 10.5

I gave the bag to its rightful owner, Dianne, last week. She LOVES it. She's the kind of person you want to make handknits for-- so appreciative, and truely enjoying her new bag. The lining turned out really well too. We lined the strap and sewed the strap lining to the bag lining so that the bag doesn't stretch or pull-- all of the weight pulls on the fabric.

Lots more to come on crafting, knitting, wedding planning, and bridesmaid dresses!

Posted by Nancy at 05:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)