Robot love

While searching for buttons on etsy, I came across this irresistible set of robot buttons.

I don't really have a specific purpose for them, but I'm thinking they would be cute on something sewn, an accessory, or maybe used individually on various items.

Basically, I knew I had to have them, and that's enough, right? It's a good thing I stay of etsy most of the time. It's a dangerous place. I got them from buttered parsnips. You can see a sneak of the other buttons I bought in the photo. I'll reveal shortly (or if you're on ravelry, you can already see here.

Finally, some sewing!

I managed to work in some sewing time today. After spending about thirty minutes sorting through my stagnant stash, I pulled together some fat quarters for pouches.

I intended to try a box bag, but the one I completed is just a simple pouch.

Jill, surprise: this is part of your birthday gift!

I used just two small pieces of Amy Butler fabric for both the interior and exterior, and a small amount of interfacing for additional structure.

I just love the honeycomb fabric.

Also, a shout out to my mom for these new scissors, a Christmas gift. They have such a professional feel.

I'm starting a second pouch now, and it will be a box bag. I don't know if I'll finish tonight, or switch to knitting, but I'll have more to share soon!

FO: Pauline in Green

You may not know this, but it's incredibly hard to take a picture of the side of your head. Well, at least, if you don't have a tripod (or you have one, but have been too lazy to set one up during the few minutes of sunshine that I get after work each night (if it's not raining, of course).
The above is my excuse for not previously showing pictures of the very lovely Pauline in Green that I finished knitting over a month ago.

Evidence that taking a picture of the side of your head is a wee bit complicated.

The hat is a super quick knit, and the little garter stitch ties are just adorable. The hat formation is rather ingenious, in my opinion (although Knitting Kninja may not be the first to do this; I don't know): you knit back and forth on what will eventually by the front of the hat, and then the back is formed through a short row. Next, you knit the garter-stitch ties, which are so fast and lovely, especially in Malabrigo!

You use applied i-cord for the hem (if you haven't tried this before, the pattern gives clear instructions!), and i-cord for the flowers. The leaves are knit separately, and then the flowers and leaves are sewn on.

I chose to sew on only one flower, as I thought having three of them was a little much.

As I mentioned above, I used Malabrigo Worsted, about half a skein of Verde Esperanza. The flower is made from a sample skein I purchased on Etsy from Zen Yarn Garden. It is the Superwash Sock Yarn in Rosy Pink, and I thought it was a nice compliment to the vibrant green Malabrigo.

I haven't decided if I will keep this, or gift it, but for now, it's lovely to look at.

Random bits

-I haven't felt much like blogging lately. I think it's mainly due to the fact that work has been so busy, and I'm just drained when I get home. It also may be due to my lack of crafting in the past few weeks. The two projects I'm working on are in boring stages, but hopefully, that will change soon.
-I'm finally getting around to watching Freaks and Geeks on Netflix. Dude, there are a lot of familiar faces on that show. I can't believe it came out 11 years ago. Geez. I really like Jason Segel. And Ben Foster.
-Yesterday I woke up with a little bit of a sore throat. I've been lucky about sickness in the last year, so I hope it's just sinuses. I feel okay today, but not 100%.
-Rhonda came over last night for turkey chili (and the aforementioned Freaks and Geeks). We planned to knit, but yeah, that didn't happen. She's learning how to cook, so she took notes of the ingredients, and procedure. It's kind of hard to teach, since I usually just throw things together, but chili is one of those foods that just seems to come together, as long as you follow a few guidelines.
-I need to find buttons for the baby sweater I'm knitting for my fella's new neice or nephew. I finished the knitting this week, so as soon as buttons are selected, I'll show it off. I think it turned out really cute, although as Rhonda pointed out last night, it may be a bit wider than the baby. Oh well. I'm no expert on baby sizing.
-I haven't had a second to sew, but I REALLY want to. Hopefully, next weekend, I can plant myself in front of the sewing machine for a few hours. I've got a couple of gifts I'd like to start on.
-My only (first) cousin is getting married at the end of the month, so Jill and I are road-tripping it to Dallas for a weddin'! It should be a good time, and it will be fun to see the family. I've got to figure out what to wear. Winter weddings are a little more difficult, I think.
-That's probably enough randomness for now. Up next, I've got some kitty pics to share!