Craftylilly

On your marks, get set, Summer on!

Yes indeed, summer is certainly almost here.  The kids and I are already thinking of all the things we'd like to do this summer.  For the kids the list goes as follows:  swim, play, swim, swim, swim, play some more, swim.  For me the list goes like this:  knit, spin, weave, sew, read.  Good thing I can do many if not all of these things poolside, no?

I got started early with the sewing by make the Spring Ruffle Top my Made by Rae.  I'm a sewing newbie, and made a few mistakes along the way, but I'm pleased overall with the finished top.  I elected not to put ruffles on  the straps.  I've got a good set of shoulder, and don't need to be calling attention to them.  I also did sew in the arm divots (what a clever thing), and did not do the waist shaping.  I see this as more of a flowy shirt, and didn't need the shaping.  This summer I want to play around with my sewing machine and make some other things.  I'd like to make a skirt, another top or two, and maybe a bag.  I'm definitely less intimidated about sewing more complicated items after working on this one.  What a great tutorial!  As you can see my fabric is of owls who are clearly experiencing a winter climate.  This ironic use of fabric for a spring/summer top does not concern me, however.  After all, the owls are wearing knitwear. 

Thanks to all who sent RR and the rest of us support last week.  The Ranger is doing well after his eye surgery.  His eyes are still tender, and have started to itch as they heal, but he's in good spirits, and is looking forward to returning to school tomorrow.  The relief is overwhelming.

Good surgery vibes will be gratefully accepted

The Red Ranger is having his eye surgery today.  I'm not concerned about the surgery itself, but I don't like the general anesthesia he'll be under.  We'll all be relieved when it's over.  The poor guy and I spent about 6 hours down at the hospital yesterday (his birthday no less) doing pre-op appointments. 

So... if you have a moment, some positive mental energy sent his way, and ours will be gratefully accepted. 

Happy Birthday to my Red Ranger!

I can't believe that he is 7 years old!  He had a great time at his soccer party yesterday.  Although it was 100 degrees yesterday, the boys seemed to really enjoy running around and playing soccer.  I, on the other hand, was melting along with the cupcake frosting, in the shade. 

RR is such a happy, fun, sweet boy.  I'm so proud to be his mama.  Happy Birthday boyo!

He also has a brand new smile in time for his birthday!  We love that toothless grin. 

Random life moments and some cute amigurumi!

My kids convinced me to pick up the crochet hook after more than a decade of no crochet.  During their Spring Break we went to Michael's.  The kids saw this cute little free crochet pattern for a Rudy the Rectangle.  A few minutes of discussion later and we were picking out colors of Vanna's Choice acrylic and pulling off a copy of the free pattern.  I realize now why I don't crochet very often.  I'm the slowest crochetista on the face of the planet.  Seriously.  I was able to finish them both up though, and the kids love them.  The pattern itself is very easy, and crochet really does make a nice firm fabric for toys.  I don't see these little guys stretching out of the shape like some knit toys have after vigorous kid play.  Overall I also didn't mind working with the acrylic Vanna's choice.  It wasn't squeaky at all, didn't hurt my hands to work with it, and made a nice crochet fabric.  I've got plenty let over for some other amigurumi, but I need to finish my February Lady sweater first, and a Spring Things Shawl I've had on my to do list forever.  Oh yes, I also have some sewing, weaving, and spinning planned too.  It's starting to sound like I won't be crocheting for quite a long time, huh?

Since I last posted on the blog, life has been quite busy here at Chez Craftylilly.  Here's a short list of some highlights:

• The Red Ranger is scheduled for eye surgery in a little over a week.  It's the same surgery the PQL had last year.  We're all a little stressed.  RR is most bummed that he has pre-op appts on his 7th birthday, and has to miss 2 weeks of baseball after surgery.
• PQL had the stomach flu last week.  Luckily the rest of us escaped, but the cleaning and sanitizing fervor I get when the dreaded stomach bug hits the house is legendary.  My hands are still recovering from all the washing.
• The kids are all signed up for summer day camps.  July should be a busy month for them, and thus a smooth month for me!  They will be doing some sports, some church camp, and some science camp.  Good times.
• I'm trying to make some decisions about going back to work.  The good news is that I feel ready to go back to the classroom.  The bad news is that since PQL will be in kindergarten next year, it might not be totally feasible for me to do so for another year.  Plus, with the budget problems in California, teaching jobs are scarce this year.  We'll see.

I'm hoping to get some crafting done before the kids are off for the summer.  I have a feeling that my time will be drastically cut after school gets out.  What are your plans for last spring/early summer crafting?