Quilting? What?

I begged my husband for a sewing machine for years, and last year Santa brought me one for Christmas. Except for sewing curtain hems though, I hadn't really had the chance to to use it. So this weekend, while the boys were watching the Super Bowl, I asked my MIL over to teach me how to sew.

We started working on a play quilt for Jujube (though somehow I got talked into making a lap quilt instead of a crib quilt), but cutting took so much longer than I thought that by the end of the night, we had just barely started to sew. I am happy to report that I caught up and finished assembling the quilt top all by myself. Sure some of the corners don't line up perfectly, but I am still stoked. So far, it was much simpler than I expected and I really like how it's coming together. Except that I don't know what to do next so I better make a date with my MIL soon!

I also got another visit from my mailman this morning. My Olympic disaster has been averted! I got two new new addis in smaller sizes from Elann. Talk about speedy service: I ordered them on Friday! One thing about Elann: they never let you down. Plus, the service is impecable. Plus, I love how they wrap everything (books are placed in a plastic bag and wrapped carefully in craft paper, the addis were wrapped in bubble wrap and as usual, the yarn is snuggled in a clear bag). Ahh, how I love that place ;0)

And, because as you know, it is impossible to place an order at a yarn shop and come out of it with just two needles, I also ordered some of the new Uros Aran (wool/llama) to make the Menorah pillow from Handknit Holidays for a family friend. The pattern called for Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran and I am hoping this will be a good (and much less costly) substitute. We'll have to wait and see cause I probably won't get started on that one for a while seeing as it's only due in December '07. I picked up a couple of Sock it to me sock yarn too. I really love this yarn. It's inexpensive and in my opinion far superior to Confetti. And finally, I got Cheryl Oberle's Folk Shawls. It is such a wonderful book. There are 25 shawl patterns from around the world. They are made from heavier yarns (no lace weight yarns here, folks) so they knit up faster and keep you nice and warm. I want to knit half of these!

Alas, I don't know when I'll get to cast on for these either since I am booked solid knitwise for the next couple months. Did I mention that I joined the Odessa KAL? And Lolly's Project Spectrum? Of course, both will have to wait until the Olympics are through...

So much to knit, so little time ;0)