Blissful Blogging

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I stopped in at Barnes and Noble yesterday with a B&N membership coupon to use and wondered which of the new books out I would find. I came across Blogging for Bliss and was glad to see it. My intention was just to scan through it at the store so I could see Emily of Ravenhill's page. I really thought it would just be a pretty book to read through and visit blog sites. I was so happy to find that, as well as looking gorgeous, the book is really a blog how-to. There is so much great information in there that I didn't really want to figure out myself. I've been trying to learn to make a banner (I made the one above early yesterday with no help at all, though!) and add pretty "stuff" to my blog without using a busy template. I like the wide-open, clean look I have here, but I'd just like to add some side bar titles that are pretty and stand out. If you are a serious blogger, this is one book that isn't just a luxury; you can really learn a lot with the information provided and don't have to reinvent the wheel!
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Take a look at my pretty crocheted doily. Lindamade creates patterns and mentioned that she would have designs in Crochet Today, July/August, issue. I picked it up and made the doily above with sock yarn. It was really quick and easy. To be honest though, I think I made one error and gave it a lopsided shape. I should use markers next time. Anyway, I plan to sew this one a bit offset on a linen pillow. One made up in solid white would be a great addition to some plaid wool in my stash, too.



I cut into the football fabric. I made these cute pants and some more zip top pouches that are PUL lined for wet resistance.



It seems that all the children's pants patterns I have purchased recently have very low rises. It's made me crazy sewing up darling pants only to find out they barely reach above the child's panties or diaper. I have had to remake a number of pairs sold. To get it right, I purchased several sizes of nicely made commercial children's pants and have "fixed" the patterns. It's one thing for teens and adults to wear low-riders, but I would think it's a good thing to be able to pull a little one's pants up to a comfy level so they can bend over and move with ease. I've gotten a bit crazy about that issue over these past ten years. I'm so glad tops and bottoms have started to meet one another again!