First Day, First Grade

And just like that my favorite blog distraction is off to school!

Square 8! Crochet Along Afghan Sampler (August)

It's time for Square 8 (August) of the Crochet Along Afghan Sampler, hooking friends! Grab your hooks and get ready for some Waves.

One-Week Crochet Along Delay

I regret to inform you that Square 8, Waves, of the crochet along afghan sampler is currently delayed by one week. Let me explain...

Square 7! Crochet Along Afghan Sampler (July)

It's time again! Square 7 (July) of the Crochet Along Afghan Sampler, Bobbles, is here. Get ready to hook!

PICTORIAL: Seat Belt Cozy Cover

This is one of those projects I didn't think I would ever need, until I needed it. The Peanut had taken to "wearing" her seat belt on her upper arm instead of properly on her shoulder. In one very quick afternoon I stitched up a fix, only slowing down long enough to take pictures as I went. Now you can also sew a Seat Belt Cozy Cover with this quick, scrap-busting pictorial -- perfectly sized for kids!

Sew Chic Kids Striped Blouse

During Kids Clothes Week I sewed up this "Fourth of July and beyond" blouse using patriotic red and white stripes in a pattern from a Japanese sewing book. Of course. ...*shrug*

Square 6! Crochet Along Afghan Sampler (June)

It's that time! Ready? Square 6 (June) of the Crochet Along Afghan Sampler, Broad-Striped Moss Stitch, is waiting for you, my friends. 

City Gym Shorts -- Free Pattern Summer!

Summer is in full swing here: bumblebees, ice pops, swim lessons, and heat. Bring on the City Gym Shorts free sewing pattern from The Purl Pee!

Tips for First Day/Last Day Kindergarten Comparison Pics!

So this happened. And unlike the first day, I'm a little teary this last day.

Izzy Top -- Free Pattern Summer!

I've been struggling to get my motivation back since returning from a lovely vacation...last month. But I've fallen in love with the idea of sewing free patterns this summer: patterns that can be found around the interwebs and even some new ones floating around in my head. Let's kick this off with the ubiquitous Izzy Top by Climbing the Willow.

Craftsy Flash Sale!

Just a quick heads up from me to you! In case you didn't already see it, there's a class sale going on at Craftsy this weekend! I loved the Decorative Shams & Bolsters class I took, but if custom pillows aren't your cup of tea, you can choose from a wide selection on sale now.

Make something that defies expectations and lasts for generations! This weekend only, save on ALL online-video Craftsy classes, and gain the skills you need to create something you can showcase forever, with lessons you can access forever. Don’t wait to make something great. Event ends Sunday, June 7 - shop now! 

Clearly this post contains affiliate links. That means if you click it and buy it, I'll make a percentage of the purchase price at no additional cost to you. You just get a great deal -- and I'll do my best to let you know when future sales pop up, too.

Square 5! Crochet Along Afghan Sampler (May)

It's time for Square 5 (May) of the Crochet Along Afghan Sampler, Solid Scallop. Square five of ten -- we're halfway there! WOO HOO! 

Swimming Swimming in the Swimming Pool

This weekend our community pools open for business -- actually, open for play! After last year's success at sewing a bathing suit on the fly and without a serger(!), I decided to give a real pattern a go this year. I present My Childhood Treasures Leotard/Swimsuit 2.

Cleaning by Day of the Week

I've been working on that elusive stay-at-home/work-at-home balance. It's so easy for me to get tunnel vision on one task or activity and lose sight of the bigger picture. I've discovered I'll feel most accomplished if I set my three Most Important Tasks for the day to each pull from one category of need -- Home/Family, Self, and Blog. In the home/family category the easiest task to pull is the Day of the Week Clean. 

PICTRIAL: Summer Sherbet Crochet Planter

When I set out to create summer inspired crochet planters, two things popped in my head: ridges and bright colors. It wasn't until after I purchased the yarn and plopped it in my basket that I was reminded of rainbow sherbet. Then, after I set the finished planter down and stepped back, I realized the horizontal ridges are reminiscent of that classic childhood craft, yarn wrapped cans. I love these! What a joyful combination of memories these bring back! I'm so happy they greet me every time I walk up to my kitchen sink. Bring some joy to your plants with a Summer Sherbet Crochet Planter Cover of your own!

Craftsy Review (& Discount!): Decorative Shams & Bolsters

I recently had the privilege to review the Craftsy class Custom Bedding: Decorative Shams & Bolsters with Jann Newton. I was so hopeful I would get new bedding for me. The class is fabulous, but The Peanut got the new bedding!

Sewing Showcase: Lined Canvas Tote

I get an absolute thrill seeing the creations others have sewn from the tutorials I've put out into the webiverse. I may or may not actually squeak when I come across a new one. Get inspired to sew your own by checking out these fabulous Lined Canvas Tote Bags (with a bonus calculator for sewing one ANY SIZE)!

Under-Skirt Legging Shorts: Reliable Tutorials & Patterns

I spent my elementary years in a school uniform, in a skirt and knee socks. I never wore anything special underneath the skirt. But these days I prefer to send my daughter out of the house with a pair of, let's call them, modesty-shorts whenever she sports a skirt. But what pattern to use?

Square 4! Crochet Along Afghan Sampler (April)

It's time once again for the next square! Square 4 (April) of the Crochet Along Afghan Sampler is Vertical Ribs. Slightly more dense than previous squares, the ribs are worked on both sides keeping the blanket reversible.

Project Run & Play Over Her Shoulder

Every good collection has at least one accessory -- for Project Run & Play it's The Reversible Sling Bag from Sugar Bee Crafts.