Would you like to help?

My friend Elizabeth (even though we've never met, I feel friend is the right word) blogged today requested 8" blanket squares knit or crocheted in cotton yarn. These squares will be made into blankets for the devastated community of Birmingham and surrounding areas, after this week's brutal storm system. If you're able to help, please click over to Elizabeth's blog for more information. I'll be pitching in. The deadline isn't until September, so there's plenty of time to knit!

Thanks for your help.

FO: For Peter

Back when I posted about Chicken Julie's mug rug, Peter commented that he wanted one, and well, I decided to make that happen. It took me awhile, and I originally had a different plan for his gift, but I whipped this one up, and he liked it. So I gave it to him. I've been following his blog for quite some time, and I even won a contest he held for his birthday. So, really, reciprocation was involved here.

Making a mug rug is like making a mini-quilt. It is tiny and easy to finish. I should make a few more to practice binding, as I definitely need the practice! The idea for this quilt just popped into my head, and I knew it would be fun. If I was a better artist, I would have created an actual person holding the kite, but instead, I simply hid the string behind the flowers. Mug rugs are also awesome because you can use up scraps or special fabrics.

I hand wrote the phrase and traced it in embroidery. It was fun to do, and I'll definitely do this again.

If you're interested in more mug rug goodness, Erin recently posted Mug Rug Madness, complete with tutorials and lots of finished mug rugs.

Speaking of contests, I won a skein of Sundara's luscious Silk Lace! Incredible! As you know, I've been on a yarn-buying hiatus since December 31, but winning yarn is okay! The Silk Lace is in the Beach Glass color, and I plan to knit High Seas with it! Thanks, Sundara!

FO: Apple-y Apron

I never shared this with you here, but I made another apron with the Pretty Ditty pattern. Actually, I made two more.

I made this one for my sister, in a fun print she picked out sometime last year. It was a little late for her birthday, but still appreciated. I also made one for Brooke (also for her birthday), which you can see here.

The apron pattern was really fun, and definitely easier the second (and third) time around. I think I've had my fill of apron making for the time being, though.