If only I had the RIGHT color of ribbon!

So I got a bit of sewing done last week.  And I was on track to finish the projects by Saturday, but then came the part where I stitched the casing and threaded the ribbon.  I had made a couple of drawstring bags to carry my yarn in, as well as a couple for wrapping Christmas gifts and one for my best friend.  They were the perfect size to hold the yarn and crochet hook when waiting at the doctor's office or for the kids to finish their activities.   I had ribbon to finish ONE!

 
The other four need ribbon that matches so I can finish. I'm pretty sure that doesn't count as grocery, though.  I am planning on finishing them this week.  I also finished another dishcloth, and I think there are more around here somewhere. However, after school shopping, I can't find much else besides packs of paper and pens and markers!

This week, aside from the bags, I am planning on doing some quilted boxes, and more dishcloths.  I have a big bin of blue/yellow/green fabrics I am working my through, almost all bought for projects for my best friend. So now she will be getting an assortment of handmade household things that all match! I'll probably do two of each project since I probably want one to, just in different colors.

Exciting things going on around here!!

The most important is my patio.  I never really wanted a patio, and if I was picking a spot for a patio, it would be somewhere near the kitchen.  But my husband likes split levels.  So there is absolutely "near the kitchen".  But what we did have were 2 two-car garages and 1 two-car carport.  No one needs that many vehicles.  And DH is *NOT* a car guy.  So they were filled with *stuff*.  You know, the *stuff* that needs to go to the dump or the Goodwill.  So you put it in the garage until you have time to get it all loaded and dropped off.  So the carport is coming down.  And I'll have a patio whether I want one or not!   I don't have a 'before' picture handy, but since Friday, that is what we have been working on!

After stripping the lights and electrical.

 So we learned about turning off and disconnecting electrical.  And had a grand time getting the lights out!  That mostly S1 and me, with the others upset because they couldn't reach the lights to help get them out.

The pile of shingles.

 Stripping the shingles and felt paper went pretty fast.  The kids were very proud of the pile that resulted!  It was somewhat like jumping in leaves.  I was pretty sure jumping in it like leaves would have been a bad idea!

 

 

It'll be a nice, sunny patio!

I am already planning what I want to do with the patio.  It'll be a nice size, with good sun.  And DH hasn't had to do anything in this project!  Which is good since it's his busy time of year!

I also got some projects done! 

 I finished the garland for D2.  She got really good at weaving in ends when we assembled it!  It did come out longer than I had anticipated, which is good, since she ended up wanting long enough to go around the room!

 I made a dishcloth in MY favorite color.  I'm sure it'll get lost as soon as it goes through the wash, LOL!

And I made myself a dress.  DH really likes it, and D2 wants when I grow out of it.  So it's a winner all around!

This week I want to finish taking down the carport.  Aside from that, I don't know!

Big plans, little time!

I finished nothing last week.  Came close a couple of times, but either ran out of time or ran out of supplies.  We got most of the carport painted, and then we got rain.  Which is a good thing, we needed it. But....it messed up my plans.  So we sort of started getting the house ready for canning, but didn't get around to actually canning until yesterday.  A whole three jars done.  And for the first time, I had jars not seal.  So I haven't decided whether to let the kids eat it all up, or if I want to re-process them.  It was a shame, as I only had enough goodies for 1 batch of strawberry-kiwi jam.  I guess we'll see how much the kids like it, and go from there. Today was cherry-raspberry jam, and again, we only ended up with enough produce for one batch.  I am really hoping the blackberries are good this year. 

I have a dress to finish this week, as well as some Christmas presents to get started on.  And D2's flower garland! Must not forget that!  But I have no idea what will actually happen.  I had plans last week too! :)