Drawstring Bag

I'm sure you can come up with a reason to make this fun drawstring bag. I did. And if you can't, then do it just because. It was simple and turned out oh so sweet. I especially loved the size of the bag and the different patterned fabric for the lining.

I found the tutorial at Happy Things. She has a few variations of her drawstring bag that you could choose from.

Digital or not?

I've always enjoyed making my own cards and scrapbooking. Scrapbooking I haven't done in ages, but cards I've tried to keep up on...at least once a year - usually for Christmas. And if you're wondering why you didn't get a Christmas card for 2008 it's because I didn't get around to sending them. I made them. But now they'll be my 2009 Christmas cards - maybe - if I still like them when Christmas nears again. (Isn't that how it goes sometimes? Anyway...)

Paper, punches, stamps, ribbon, you name it. These are usually my choice of tools and supplies. But last night I decided to try my hand at the digital side of creating, using downloadable scrapbooking kits.

I used Rhonna Farrer's designs for Two Peas in a Bucket, some much needed tutoring from my sister, lots of patience and time.

Okay, it's definitely not anything to WOW about, but I was pretty excited with what I learned and discovered I could do. I still feel somewhat inept in the digital world but at least now I'm a little more prepared for the next time I open up a digital kit.

Once upon an afghan...

Crocheting is one of my favorite things to do to relax or wind down. I learned and started to crochet five years ago. My first completed piece was a baby afghan, which I still have. And since then I have accomplished many other projects - all except one that I have given as gifts. No two projects have ever been the same, and that's only because I love to try new patterns that I come across and haven't done yet.

It is difficult to say if I've ever had a favorite pattern, but here are two that I have completed most recently.

The purple afghan pictured below is called Sweet Dreams and came from a Best of Terry Kimbrough Baby Afghansbook. The book is complete with 24 patterns and beautiful pictures of each cozy wrap. I love how the afghan turned out in the purple - and it's perfect for those little ones that love to push their tiny fingers through blankets.

The next one is a free pattern from Posie Gets Cozy. The Tiramisu Baby Blanket is as delicious as it sounds. This was the first time that I used 100% cotton yarn and I think it is gorgeous. Of course the ribbon weaved through the edge of the blanket ties it all together. Thank you Posie Gets Cozy - I did enjoy!

Perhaps you have favorite pattern you would like to share. I always love a new idea or project that I hope to get to one day. Or if you don't crochet, I would still love to hear what one of your favorite things to do is.