My weekend

This has not been an overly exciting weekend.  However, I feel that I was moderately productive this weekend, so that is definitely a good thing.  Today I haven't left the house at all, which is a very good thing with the pollen count the way it is.  I did get some work done here in the house and watched several episodes of 'Say Yes to the Dress.'  I really think it is a good show to study the human condition and the mess of our society.  So much fuss for a dress.  Unfortunately I do agree that there is some importance to that particular type of dress just not to the tune of 11,000 dollars and smacking someone because you don't like what you get.  People, who knows.

Anyway, I am working on an extended post that will show you how I spent the bulk of my weekend, finishing my big project.  The blanket for baby Henry.  I feel like a terrible 'Auntie'.  He is already 3 days old and I haven't even mailed out his birthday present!  I just hope he (more specifically his parents) like it.  It is not a great blanket.  But I think I covered up the worst of my mistakes and all I can say is this was my first attempt.  I had no idea how challenging this would be.  I really envisioned this as an easy project that would be done in no time.  That was not the case, but the effort was well worth it for Henry and as a learning experience.  I plan to keep those mistakes in mind next time I attempt something like this.

But, all-in-all it came out pretty good.  As I mentioned above I'll have more in my post tomorrow (actually today) in the evening so anyone who is experienced in sewing can laugh at my work and maybe offer a little sage advice for the next time I attempt something like this.  But for now its on to the next project.  I already know what Henry and my own niece and nephews will be getting as part of their Christmas presents, I just have to start production.  Wish me luck on my next sewing venture!

I'll leave you with one quick snapshot of the blanket just to whet your appetite.  (That is if anyone actually reads this!)  Goodnight and Enjoy!

A lovely weekend

I was supposed to work today.  It wasn't mandatory, but I have work that needs to be done by tomorrow morning and didn't have time to do it last week.  However, I didn't care.  No, that's not right, I just choose to adapt to the work habits of most of the rest of the world, especially for those who receive the type of pay I do and not go for 125%.  I didn't go to work after church.  I will have to go in early tomorrow, but I deserve a full weekend, just like everyone else.  I am not a slave and my job is not my life.  I am letting go. 

My gross lack of motivation stems from a pattern of issues with my work and a growing lack of passion for what I do.  I am a little bit concerned by this, but after over 7 years of hard work and dedication, I have seen it makes no difference.  People who do less work, are less involved and dedicated receive a paycheck all the same and don't have the stress and concern that I do.  I can no longer give myself completely to my job and I think I will be better for it. 

Anyway, most of last week I spent my evenings working on some very important projects.  I could not post about them, as my most dedicated reader was the reciepient of these projects yesterday.  I did not want to give away the surprise before the shower, so no posting.  Now though, I am free to post my photos for the projects I was working on and the pictures from my friend Jenn's baby shower.  The shower was yesterday in Dover and was lovely.  I had a great time seeing Jenn (it's been over a year and a half since we've seen each other in person!)  I also enjoyed talking with some of her family but mostly sharing in the excitement and anticipation of the birth of her first child.  Henry Donald is due on September 9th and it is wonderful to see what a loving family he will be joining and how thrilled they are with his anticipated arrival. 

So, here are my photos for the week. 

Baby Elephant Fabric (Debbie Mumm design, bought at Joann Fabrics).  When I learned Jenn was pregnant I immediately began planning to make something.  Then my search started and I knew I had to find nursery fabric with elephants.  (Jenn likes elephants.)  This was actually the 2nd fabric I had bought, but I LOVE IT!  I hope Jenn did too and that I didn't use it too much!

Diaper Pouch.  I have a travel pack of wipes and 4 size 2 diapers in here.  Snug, but big enough for what you need.  It can be thrown in a purse, diaper bag or just taken on its own.  Hopefully it comes in handy.

Inside view of the diaper pouch.

Decorative Pillow.  I wanted to make a pillow, but for a baby?  No.  So I made a pillow anyway and attached a handle so it can be used as decoration.  I really love this fabric.

Inside of the diaper bag.  It has 4 inside pockets and the fabric inside coordinates with the exterior elephant fabric. 

Outside view of the diaper bag.  Each end has a bottle pocket and the handles match the interior fabric.  It's approx. 15 long x 11 high x 3wide.

A photo of me all dressed up for the shower.  I love this dress (originally purchased for Easter) and am liking the length of my hair right now.  Now if only I can start losing weight again I'd be happy.  But that requires a strict diet and working out.  Hmmmmm....Hope this isn't too scary!

Lovely, glowing Jenn!!  I love that monkey balloon and am so glad here theme for the baby's room is Jungle.  I think that is such a fun theme!! 

Jenn's level of reading.  Just kidding.  Jenn got several children's books for Henry's collection.  Goodnight Moon is a great book.

My present(s).  Along with the diaper bag (which was packed with essentials), diaper pouch, and pillow, I had also made 3 bibs (forgot to take photos) and gave her a book-'Teddy Bear Picnic.' I love the song and book and find my children (at work and niece/nephews) love it when I 'sing' books to them.  I hope Henry does too!

A terrible (grainy, out of focus, poor lighting) picture of Jenn with my diaper bag.  I don't know why I didn't pay attention that this didn't come out well.  Too much gushing and talking probably.

Jenn with the afghan my Mom made.  Love the color and it was sooooooo soft!  My Mom is awesome.

Cupcakes.  Yummy!  They looked so good and I really wanted to eat one but, probably would not have been well received by my poorly functioning esophagus.  No doughy food for me right now.  I hope they get this fixed on Tuesday so I can eat stuff like this again!

Hope you enjoyed my work and the pictures of my lovely friend.  She was radient and obviously so happy and that makes me happy!  I love you Jenn; and Terry and Henry too!!!

Now, don't expect to hear much from me this week either.  I am having another 'procedure' on Tuesday and will be taking the day off from work (mandatory) and another day off afterwards to make sure I am completely recovered afterwards.  (Last time things did not go as well as I'd hoped and well, I may have spent a brief hiatus at the ER making sure all was well.  I KNOW that will not happen again but am being cautious and taking an extra day to be sure all is good before I return to work.  It's not like I don't have the time to use!!!)

Best wishes for a lovely week. 

April D  :)