The "Look" of the blog

I am working on the layout and design of my blog.  Any tools, recommendations, or tip and tricks?

2010 in Review

I am a newbie to blogging so I am playing catch up with you seasoned bloggers.

Also trying to take pics in manual mode so some of these are not too great.

Below are some project that I have completed but have not blogged about all of them.

1.  Changed the color of the shutters and door.

Before

After

2.  Saved these old windows and thought they would be cute on my outside building.

 

3.  Painted the cabinet in our hall bathroom.  (sorry no before pic)

4.  Removed the builder grade ceramic tile from the fireplace surround and added black marble.

5.  Built my own version of the Ballard bench.  Love the fabric.

6.  Taught myself to crochet.

7.  New bench in process of being painted.  Post will be available soon.

  Linking to my first Linky Party Boring to Better at http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

The Ballard Bench

Holiday vacation and so many things I want to do and too little time.

I made the bench using directions from http://221vision.com/2010/10/21/diy-ballard-designs-bench/

I had a few problems....like the dowel screws were already in the legs when I bought and it took Mr. WMMH to figure out you could back those screws out and have more to be able to attach to. ????

I was trying to come up with something to go in front of our office/desk.  It's an open room at the end of our family room.  The bowling alley open concept???

Next on the list is build a coffee table for the family room and also want to try to make some slipcovers for a couple of my dining room chairs that double as office chairs.

2010 Christmas decorating

I have found recently and  been following some blogs that I really love.  Other people who love to decorate.  Here are some of my faves:

http://alittleloveliness.blogspot.com
http://www.impartinggrace.com/
http://reddoorhome.blogspot.com
http://twostorycottage.blogspot.com
http://southernhospitalityblog.com/
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/

I love reading/looking at their posts they are so creative.
So I have been decorating for Christmas also thought I would post some of the things that make me happy.

Love this vintage tricycle ornament...looks like the first one I bought for my son.  

Some handmade ornaments I will always cherish.  This is the best part of unpacking the ornaments is pulling out the memories.

Another handmade ornament.

The butlers pantry (I think that's what they classify this nook as).  It's really a cabinet under the staircase that is between kitchen and dining room.

My nativity set.  I got this last year.  I looked for many years until I found the perfect one.  It's pottery made by The Connections house in Hickory, NC.

Liked the picture.  Ornaments in a glass vase.

I made this....I changed my tree theme a couple of years ago to be vintage with wild colors like lime green, electric blue, red...sort of Dr. Seuss looking....

Coffee sleeves

Sock update:  The sock is started...YEAH....I am at a stopping point until I meet again with the knitting ladies.  Don't know how to do the heel.

So today I spotted these cool coffee coozies (sleeves) at the local coffee shop.

And the light went off in my head....I don't have to know how to knit the heel of the sock.  I can make coffee sleeves....Stay tuned.

Local Knitting store found

Found my dpn's yesterday and didn't have to fight Charlotte traffic on Black Friday.  WOOT

Found this local store "Things Remembered" and what a treasure but no web page this is not the store chain.

Going to learn to Knit Socks

So excited.  I have been wanting to learn how to knit socks using dpn's.  I can usually teach myself with the help of YouTube but this one has me stumped.

On Sat I have found a knitting group and they are going to help me.
I have the yarn, the pattern.....but can't find the dpn that are not metal.

Friday's plans for me is not Black Friday shopping but a mission to find the Knitting boutiques in Charlotte so I can secure my dpn's before Saturday.

This is what I hope to make.
Sock Pattern

For baby Ava.  I hope it fits.

Used Little Toddler Directions
Yarn used - Sweet Baby Delight with Crochet hook size G

The flower directions

Used Cream and Sugar Yarn with crochet hook size H

Half-Double Crochet Hat

So this is my first attempt.
I found this pattern online and YouTube videos that explain it all step-step.


Link to pattern
This was done with Red Heart Black Yarn on size J Crochet hook.

This one was done with Baby's First Lion Brand Yarn on size K crochet hook

The inspiration

I love these cute little hats.  I am searching the Internet to find patterns that I can teach myself being a newbie crochet'er.

 

Crochet-flower-hair-clips

Drawstring backpack

Not sure what you call these... we have a few around the house.
Here is the inspiration I found online.  (Can't find the link again to give credit)

We are going to Universal in a couple of weeks and being the bag fanatic that I am I have begun searching for what kind of bag to carry.

After reading many discussion boards and the pros and cons of backpacks vs fanny packs I think I have settled on the drawstring backpack.  But I have to have my own unique cool one.

With this bag I can carry just the necessities and can wear on the rides.  (Just turn around and wear on the front)

Used one of those free nylon ones we had around the house to get the dimensions.  I will post directions when I get completed.

Then headed to Mary Joe's to find some cool "groovy" fabric.  Here is a pic of what I have so far.  Still have to add the grommets and looking for some lime green cording for the drawstring.  I also think I might line this.

Peyton is turning 2

Tried my hand at creating Peyton a birthday shirt for his upcoming birthday.

Any thoughts on what I could do to these shorts?  I think they need some cool fabric attached.

I am also looking for a baseball cap that I can put Super "P" on.

Finished the baby quilts

I got motivated to finish the baby quilts this weekend as the babies arrived last weekend.  They were a little early .... but all are doing well :)

Here are pics of the finished masterpieces. 

I like the way they turned out but not happy with the binding.  All was good until I had to hand stitch.  The last step. :(  Any suggestions would be appreciated.

T-Shirt Quilt

My first attempt at a T-Shirt Quilt.

The finished product !

Baby Quilt for Twins

A set of matching baby quilts for a friend of mine having twin boys.

The inspiration  ~

http://www.flickr.com/photos/alissacrafts/2549616084/

I have never tried to do a log cabin block so I searched for something easy and visual I could use to learn how to do the block.

http://www.quilt.com/Blocks/LogCabin/LogCabin.html

Headed out to my favorite fabric store Mary Jo's with a plan.

So much for the best-laid plans.  In this Mecca fabric store I found this fabric for my blocks.

 

More to come as I complete.