Obento!

I am working on a few things right now. First off, I've decided that I just don't like knitting, so I have not done any new knitting in months. I tried to start knitting a Ravenclaw scarf, but I pulled it out so I can crochet it instead. Knitting isn't for everyone, is it?

So projects-wise, I am working on a hat with Pattons SWS. I adore this yarn, it is so warm and silky. I've also started aforementioned Ravenclaw scarf in colors of navy and bronze. And I'm working on an ipod cozy for a personal swap over at Craftster.

On the home front, I've taken up a new practice of packing bento lunches for my hubby and Little Bea on days that they are out at work or daycare. I've also been packing them for myself on my school days except Thursday when I can eat at home before going in.

I am amazed at the work that goes into some of these lunches. It is truely like an art form. There is a large flickr group devoted to bento arrangement and prep. I am particularly inspired by Luckysundae's talent. Granted, my goal is just to get together a semi-healthy lunch in a box that my loved ones will actually eat. I think I am married to the pickiest man alive and add a 2 year old into the mix, there are only so many things I can put in the boxes and it requires me making at least two different things, so I try to pack them the night before.

That said, I need to go pack two snack bentos so that Little Bea and I can go to storytime at the library. Today is our first day and I am looking forward to it.

New Craft

It has been a long time since I have posted. I've been quite busy with life among other things. I am learning to crochet now between homework and playing with my daughter. It is a blast. It is so rhythmic and relaxing for me. So far, I've made an iPod case, a hat for myself and a hat for my girl.

Now I am working on my wrist warmers. I'm following the suggestion of a few ladies from craftster.org and rather than crocheting them on the round, doing them as a rectangle and sewing up the side. It may not be the most sophisticated method, but for someone of my limited talents, it will do the trick.

I am working them in front post double crochet and back post double crochet to get a ribbed look. They are a very soft acrylic yarn and I hope to have at least one of them done by Monday. I've got to get quite a bit of studying done between now and then though. This one is about one half done. I can't wait be cozy when they are finished!

Hunting and Gathering

Today was our first 90 degree weather. Ugh. Too much for me. We spent most of it inside, but we did take a walk to playground for a few minutes.

I've been gathering fabric for the last couple days, trying to get ready to make a quilt for my daughter. It's been a plan in the works since before she was with us, but I never got around to it. A few weeks ago I picked up the cutest Pottery Barn crib set for $4 at the thrift store. It is a red gingham crib bumper, pillow case and bed skirt, but there isn't a quilt to match.

I'm planning something like this Sudoku pattern, but maybe a little longer so it will fit a twin bed. The colors are reds, pinks, greens and bleached muslin. I've got some cherries, some checks and paisleys. It will be so much fun! I want to get started, but I'm being lazy and don't want to get the iron out. It is probably better that way for now because I am behind on school work and I can't find my rotary cutter anywhere. It doesn't help that I have not used, nor seen it for two years.

Srping-Fever

There isn't much going on today, just a bit of online window shopping at Hancocks. I adore the Freshcut line by Heather Bailey. I just can't help it. I nearly drool when I see it. I want to make a scrub top out of the Modern Zinnias fabric-- and I probably won't even need to get my scrubs out for another two years. I'll be the most fashionable nursing student around.

It's that time of the term again, and I am behind on class assignments. A combination of procrastination and spring-fever is never a good thing. More than anything, I want to spend time with my daughter outside, taking walks and playing in the park. The weather is just about perfect right now, but soon it will be too hot to spend much time out there, so I want to soak it up while I can.

However, for the better part of next month, I will be in paridise, so it won't matter too much anyway. My girl and I are going to San Luis Obispo to visit her grandma and great-grandma. We are really looking forward to it! I can't wait for that, and lunch at my favorite Thai restaurant.

Speaking of which, my Thai basil has sprouted and is about 1 inch tall in my front planter box. My raised bed in the back has 1 inch tall pea plants and two dead strawberry plants. I think my lettuce has started to sprout as well! I'm so excited. This is my first season with a yard to grow things, and I can't wait to feel that self-satisfaction when you bring something in out of the garden and to your table. Something you planted and tended. It'll be wonderful.