Roll It Up

Here's the other half of my knitting/sewing project. I needed a place to store all those needles when they're not busy furiously knitting. I fashioned this after my mom's needle bag from the 60's, except mine is out of another gorgeous batik, instead of some sort of pleather. What can you say? It was the sixties. Anyways, it was very simple. Two pockets for two heights of needles. A flap to keep them from sliding out the top, and a pretty little ribbon to tie it all up. Now, about all that furious knitting...

Small Successes

Well, folks, this is all I have to show for garden success this summer. At least I sunk less money into it this time- I'm learning. Out of three Dahlia tubers, all three came up, but only one has survived long enough to bloom. Thanks for persevering, Little Blossom. We enjoyed having you visit for a while!

Passing it On

Oh beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife,
Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!
America! America! May God thy gold refine,
Till all success be nobleness And every gain divine!
-Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies, by Katherine Bates

Yesterday at church Ev and I played this song, and I had a chance to really study the words of all the verses. Above is the third verse, which I was not very familiar with, but I was struck by the truth and beauty of the words. Today, as we hung the flag, Braden asked why it was a "flag day." We took the opportunity to explain, on a four year old level, why this day is important. I hope that many are doing the same thing so that all future generations will honor the memory of those who have given their lives to preserve this nation.

Cute Bag...Check

I'm on a knitting kick. When my mom was here, she repossessed her stash of needles (with my blessing of course), but did necessitate a small investment in some knitting supplies of my own. Of course that necessitated a bag to hold all my new knitting stuff. I just can't bring myself to buy something that I can make for less, which I will like more. So I searched online for a pattern to make a craft bag. I found this Tote Bag Pattern for free, and completed it in a matter of hours. I did change a few things to customize it for my needs, but the original pattern includes the nifty little pocket on the inside for small items, and those professional-looking boxed corners. They look difficult, but once I learned the trick they're actually quite simple. I just love these gorgeous batik fabrics that I found at my local quilt shop! I think my yarn will like its new home.