Happy New Year!
Okay, I’m a few days late. So sue me.
I wish I could have blogged during the Christmas season with the status of my new crochet projects. But, seeing as how they were all surprises, and the people being gifted read this blog (I think), I couldn’t very well do that, now could I? But now I can post the pictures.
This is the yellow ribbon shawl I made for my mom. Our family has a very strong military background and tradition. Both my brothers are currently in the military, one of them serving in Afghanistan. This is a new design. If you can’t see the center, it is double-threaded with blue and red. 
This is the one I made for my mom’s best friend, Deb, who is a breast cancer survivor. Again, a brand new design, but the same as the one I made Mom.
I designed these shawls because I wanted to do something special for the two most influential women in my life. Both have taught me strength and what it means to be a Mom and a friend. I used the ribbon theme because I needed a theme that I could make for the both of them that would mean a lot. In this case, pink and yellow ribbons. I would eventually like to start a program called Ribbons and Shawls, in which I would make a shawl for someone who has gone through breast cancer, or has a loved one in the military, or another situation. Half the price of the shawl would then go to a corresponding charity, such as Susan G. Komen or USO or Operation Shoebox. Again, this is in the future when I have a lot more time on my hands or if I put together a group of people to make the shawls, in which I would share my pattern. So many details. Not enough time.
And this is a vest I made myself. The pattern is originally a longer coat with sleeves. I didn’t like the original length of the coat, so I decided to shorten it. Then, I tried it on, and it was too short for what I wanted. I crochet too tight, and I forgot to take that into consideration. Left off the sleeves and it became a nice little vest. I still will make the coat and make it the original length with sleeves. But for now, have more projects. But, this is the first thing I’ve made that I can wear every day and is somewhat form-fitting.
Since this is a new year, I’d like to share with you my resolution. I have never been a good cook. I don’t particularly like to cook because I don’t see the purpose of spending an hour to make something that is going to take about 20 minutes to eat and longer for clean up. Unless it is a special occassion, like Christmas or Thanksgiving. Then I don’t mind cooking. So, I’ve made a resolution to go through a cookbook, sort of like Julie Powell did with Julia Child’s cookbook – decent movie, btw. Watched it last night. But, Julie knew how to cook – she enjoyed it and it was a stress reliever. For me, this will be a way for me to try new recipes and perhaps learn how to cook.
Last night was the first test. I made honey skillet chicken. Turned out pretty well. Honey, margarine and orange juice in a skillet. Used Sunny D instead of orange juice, but it turned out well. Used the measurements for 4-6 chicken breasts, instead of 3, which is what I had. So, it took a little longer to cook. I’ll remember for next time, because Josh liked the chicken, as did I. Thursday, I think I’ll make taco burgers. Have to remember to pick up hamburger buns.
