Free pattern by Milobo - Eva's Shawl.  Size J, unlabeled cone yarn (acrylic/nylon), the border is from Doris Chan's Cocobay Shawl - All Shawl.

This deceptively simple looking birdfeeder was inspired by Pinterest. It brought two to tears of frustration as they couldn't tie the yarn onto the corners. I'm not even sure that the glued sticks can hold the weight of the birdseed.  Another annoying comment was that the birdseed wasn't the correct type for outdoor birds. What the !@#$. 

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Saw Star Trek...Into Darkness.  AWESOME! 

This is what they're putting together today for their moms.  The words are cut with the Cricut Expression 2 - Wild Card cartridge. The paper twist flower is made from a flower loom. The key ring fob is a decoupaged heart with their photo on the other side.

Simple, straight-forward...what could possibly go wrong?!

Free pattern by Milobo, Carmen's Shawl.  Size K hook, an unlabeled cone yarn (nylon/acrylic)

Size small, added length and pewter buttons.  Free pattern at Lion Brand - Cropped Raglan Sweater.   Knit Picks - Main Line - Silver Sage 10 skeins.  Size 7 needles.

I may have mentioned in a previous post that I love coloring books. Anyway, this diy coloring book project was the result of some last minute scrambling.  I turned some photos into coloring books and attached alphabet crayons to them.

I  bought the alphabet molds at Hobby Lobby. 

This out-of-focus cell phone pic shows a finished decorated drawstring backpack.

Free pattern by Lion Brand. Cropped Raglan Sweater.

I've used this pattern before in a different size and I wanted to try it again a little looser and longer. However, this version turned out a bit boxy so I ripped it out and am re-knitting it.

Size Medium, needles 7 & 8, Knit Picks Main Line - Silver Sage (9 skeins)   Added buttonholes.

The weekend weather was gorgeous so there was much time spent outdoors.  While out and about the area, we happened to come across a festival and there was a display of Bonsai.  These are so magnificent that no words can adequately describe their beauty.   Bonsai is an art, craft, hobby that truly takes love, patience and talent. 

Ruffled Wrap - Red Heart

One Skein Wrap - Caron

Both patterns are available for free at the Red Heart or Caron site, respectively.

As expected the week went by very fast and I was able to cross a few things off of the to-do list.

A) I started the week with a "good health" exam/report from my doctor.

B)

I sewed drawstring backpack bags using old drapes from the boys' bedroom after we switched to 4" vertical blinds.

C)

I soaked in the sun and sorted through eight boxes of fabric to locate 6 bandanas that I managed to make into a small quilt.  I got to use my new sewing machine presser foot with attachment. 

This quilt#2 is not any better than my first quilt despite all the extra pinning.  It's still got ripples, bunches, bulges and foldovers. I mistakenly thought it would have been easier to make since it didn't involve detailed piecing.  The backing is made with two pieces sewn together down the center. 

D) Did more cypress tree trimming/cleaning up.  Yard work will never be finished, it's a living, active entity despite very little rain and much neglect.

E)

My son assembled the Ikea Expedit 2x2 so we could reorganize the vinyl LP collection.

F)

I assembled the Ikea Expedit 2x4 in an attempt to organize the studio.

G) There was a birthday lunch with my brother/sister-in-law/nephew.

H) There was birthday cake.

I) There was a birthday dinner at a revolving sushi bar.

J) My daughter bought me a Cricut Expression 2.

So I spent some time getting familiar with it. 

K) I went shopping with some bday money and made a decent attempt to update my wardrobe and tried not to embarrass myself and my kids.

L) I went to see my niece perform as Cinderella in her school play.

M) I went to see a comedy play called "A Fly In The Ear".

N) All of us celebrated my Dad's bday on Sunday. More food & cake!

O) Ended the birthday week staycation with the great news that #2 adult child has been accepted into the Ph. D. program.

Well, that's the latest and I suppose I must get out of my pjs, shower, eat something and go to work.