Overdue & Possible Spoiler Alert!

Back in 2004 I made this book above for my sister as a Christmas present. Basically I traced each of her children's hands and made a puzzle book. It was to be a little momento of them for her that year. The back even had a page called "our handy work" where they each signed their name. Josh, the youngest couldn't write yet, so his was a cute little scribble.

Well five years later, this past Thanksgiving, I gather them all together and traced their hands again. Josh, in his usual cute, but cocky way said to me "Are you making ANOTHER one of those books?!" Even if I was, man was he vocal about it...I just chuckled. So you can imagine how I felt obligated to come up with another idea. A few weeks ago I saw an article on the craftzine blog where someone did an embroidered family portrait with their hands...and BAM...there was my idea. I took the biggest embroidery hoop I had (I buy everyone I can find at the thrift stores), arranged their hands on paper, traced it onto white muslin, and away I went. The result was great! Jo's into Holly Hobby so the color is themed to match. I painted the hoop in robins egg blue, put a piece of actual Holly Hobby fabric in the back to cover my stiching, glued the edges of the muslin down, and tied it with a cute little matching bow. Low and behold instant birthday present! I love the result.



I also decided over the holiday break that this would be the year I finally, finally, finally make some blankets for Project Linus. The didn't seem fazed by the new rules about lead. They are just in need, so I joined the Rochester chapter, inquired as to what they need and away I went. Here is my first one. It's almost done, just have to put on the binding. I already have three more ideas in my head. If only the universe could supply some more time. Oh well, I'll just make due. If anyone is interested Project Linus really needs blankets for little boys. They can be knit, crochet, or quilted.