More practice...

I've been trying to hone my crochet skills by making granny squares, swatches and various other small projects. I had a bunch of "practice yarn" that they gave me for my class and so I made 8 granny squares and a little more to make this bag. It's kinda cool but I'd definitely do some things differently next time.

Baking Bread....

I have found that there is something deeply satisfying about making bread

from scratch. It is something that I have attempted a few times with little success...but my recent attempts have been different. I'm not sure why this is...maybe I'm just enjoying the process more than before. I like the mixing...

I like the rising...

I like the baking...(especially the smell)

I like the finished product...

I like baking bread.

Learning to crochet...

So this past Thursday I took a crochet class. I have been wanting to learn for awhile...ever since my mother-in-law introduced me to Mias Landliv (an amazing blog) I've been itching to make some things that at least resemble some of the gorgeous things she makes. This first shot shows my second or third practice piece with single crochets, half doubles and doubles. It's not too bad...

However, if you check out the aforementioned blog you'll know that I wanted something a little more than the practice stitches. Below is my laughable first attempt at a granny square. I did some pretty major things wrong. But I studied it and and clarified the concept and construction in my mind. Then...

...I managed this! I'm on my way...

Using up yarn remnants...

I've been making hats off and on for awhile. I have also been trying to figure out ways to use up smaller bits of yarn. This is my latest brainstorm...using bits for trim on things...what do you think?

Revisiting...

So a little over a week ago was my husbands' and my 10th anniversary. We celebrated by staying in my home town (where we were married). Being visitors in a place that I lived for many years oddly makes it possible to view a place with a different perspective. We had a lovely weekend visiting places I hadn't been since childhood and rediscovering things with "different" eyes. These are a few pictures from the river cruise we took. Rediscover familiar...it's worth it...

Muffins after school...

Today was my son's first day of Kindergarten. I was inclined to "celebrate" when he got out of school by going some place he likes (aka, Starbucks). However...my husband had to get home to make a work call. So...I whipped up a batch of Leif's favorite muffins...

...and whisked them out of the oven just shortly before we left to pick him up from school. It was simple...and it was prefect!

Discreet luxuries...

One thing I've learned about appreciating simple is that it's some times easier if you indulge in discreet luxuries...like bubbly baths, good tea and nice yarn. For my son a discreet luxury is a straw. We recently purchased this package of oversized straws to go with his smoothies. It's funny how something so simple can turn a normal morning smoothie into an eating event.

Mittens by trial and error...

I have always wanted to knit mittens...ever since I first started knitting. The idea is one I've found daunting. However, a few weeks ago my mother-in-law was here visiting and she knit several lovely mittens during her stay. My desire was renewed..fueled by my son's frequent requests for mittens to go with his slippers. Yesterday I decided to make a mitten. The first attempt did not go so well...the second one slightly better...but the third one was just right.

As you can see the first one (left in the picture) came out more like an oven mitt. I scratched that pattern and found another one. I followed that pattern to the letter but found that the cuff was too loose and just didn't have quite the look and feel I wanted (center in the picture). So I modified that pattern a bit which resulted in the one you see on the right and below. I'm very pleased with the outcome overall.

My son wanted to model them...

My son's slippers...

These are some slippers that I made for my son, at his request. Despite the weather still being warm and him wearing shorts he puts these on most days in order to be "cozy." They are a very quick and easy knit. I've since made some for my husband who is also rather fond of them...but those aren't quite as cute ;)

Discovering simple...

I am beginning a journey to simplify my life...and in the process make some things, learn some things, enjoy some things and find some peace. I'm hoping you join me and and share...