Gauge Schmauge

The first time I saw the Lacy Cropped Cardi in the March/April Crochet Today, I fell in love. Its cute and actually functional. There are a lot of pretty designs out there that just aren't practical for normal use, but this design didn't seem like one of them.



When I finally decided to jump into this project, I actually talked myself into making a gauge swatch. Don't get me wrong... it took some convincing and arguing with myself. I felt like there was a little devil on one shoulder and a little angel on the other. Did I really need a gauge swatch? No... yes.... no.... yes..... ahhh crap... YES!

So I swatched. And swatched again. Then again. Finally, one last time. It took 4 swatches to get the right gauge. I was so stinking proud of getting it right. I marched into the living room, holding my little sample up high and showed my swatch to hubby with pride. My gauge victory clearly didn't move him. Nevermind the reactions of the uninitiated.

I happily started on the sweater with a pound of Simply Soft that's been sitting in my stash. I hooked and hooked and had a nice chunk of the cardi finished in a few days.

I turned the page of the pattern and noticed that there were measurements for the width of the back piece. Since my gauge was spot on, I didn't bother checking this measurement after the first few rows. You see where this is going now, don't you?

I'm making the size large. Notice the measurement? 21 & 1/4 inches.

Now check out the measurement of my cardi. Just over 27 inches.

*take calming deep breaths*

*think happy thoughts*

*count to 10*

*its not so bad*

ummmm..........

@#$%^&**^%$#!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm a big girl, but I'm not that big!

The cardi is has been sent to the corner and is in time out. Its got to be ripped out, but its definitely not happening this week.

Know what I have to say about this experience?

Gauge Schmauge!

Wooo Pinwheels!

Look, a pinwheel quilt! Can you tell I'm excited?



I saw a great tutorial on how to make pinwheels at V & Co. a few months ago. Like the procrastinator I am, I put it off and put it off, questioning my ability to actually make a pinwheel.

One day, I went to the City Quilter (great little shop to visit if you're in NYC) to pick up some plain white cotton and I saw a charm pack sitting on the windowsill. It was in a little plastic box that I was able to open and peek through. The whole thing was made of dots... big ones, small ones, light one, dark ones. I fell in love with them instantly and knew I finally wanted to make that pinwheel quilt with them.

The tutorial was so clear and well written, that making the pinwheels was much easier than I anticipated. From start to finish, the quilt took me nearly two months to complete. Don't get me wrong... it would have taken way less time, but when things got crazy around here, I abandoned it for awhile.

The quilt measures 32"x32" and is backed with fleece scraps that have been in my stash for more than 3 years. Because I used fleece for the backing, I didn't use any batting in between and it still turned out very soft and squishy. The binding is a red floral print that I bought at a flea market last year.

No fancy quilting methods here yet, so I just stitched in the ditch. I really like the way the quilting makes a square pattern on the fleece.

This will be going to my cousin Nicole, who is due to have her baby girl in July. Pretty sure the baby shower is next month, so I need to get cracking on a few more things.

Tap Tap, Anybody out there?

Thanks, everyone, for the kind words about Jacob. It means alot to me and Jeannie.

After the stress of that week, we were swamped with communion and birthday parties. Oh, and my MIL came home from the hospital awhile ago. But, I''m back and hopefully, I'll be around more regularly. Time seems to be getting away from me lately.

Piper went to a carnival themed birthday party today, rides, snowcone machine and all. More than 35 kids were invited to the party. Talk about nuts! I try to throw good parties for Piper, but I can't imagine spending that much to rent a bunch of rides and being responsible for that any munchkins. Pi had a great time though and came home with three new family members.

Meet Joshua, Angelina, and Tabitha. Piper insisted we go to the store right away, so she could use her own money to buy them a bowl and fish food.



While she was at the party, I did some much needed spring cleaning on my sewing machine. Lucky for me, there was a video on Sew Mama Sew on how to clean and oil your machine and the featured machine is the exact same one I have. Hubby helped me with the oiling because I'm a big baby and wouldn't do it myself.



I was also able to finish up some WIPs that had been sitting on my sewing table for over a month. I'll get them posted as soon as I get some pics of them.

Hope you had a good weekend!

A sad time.

Sorry for the long absence.

This week started off on a tragic note. My cousin, Jeannie, gave birth prematurely to her baby boy yesterday, April 20th. This is the same cousin who lost her baby last year on April 14th. My heart breaks for her and all the suffering she is going through.

RIP Baby Jacob. You and your brother Matthew are angels in heaven. May you bring comfort to your mother, who is grieving you both.

Hug your children tight, friends, and be thankful that they are here with you.

My new old car.

Sorry I've been MIA lately. The last week has been C-R-A-Z-Y and crafting (not to mention sleeping!) has been practically non-existent.

I just dropped by to say I bought a car! Its old (1996) and probably bigger than what we need. But the price was right, the miles weren't too high and we paid cash for it to avoid a monthly loan. We got it in PA and it made it home with no problems. We're hoping it lasts at least a year (maybe more if we're lucky).

This upcoming week is going to be just as crazy with a bachelorette party, wedding, 2 performances of Piper's play, and 2 birthdays. So don't be surprised if its nearly another week before I surface again.

Happy Easter

Alleluia, He is Risen!!!

We painted eggs last night to show the Easter bunny.



He left a basket for Pi. I hope she plans on sharing. ;)





Wishing you all a wonderful day!

Fun under the Big Tent

This past weekend, we headed to Madison Square Garden to see the circus. We weren't planning on going this year, but Pi said she really really wanted to go. Its pretty hard to resist the puppy eyes she gives, so we went.

I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. :)

Tattoos!

The motorcycles are Pi's favorite part.

It was a better show than last year and we had a great time!