What I've been up to...in pictures

It has been busy around here the past couple weeks!  I have been spring cleaning, planting early veg outside and starting seedlings inside, completing two projects for Burda Style's Vintage Modern Design Contest, and trying to untangle several balls of yarn (more on that topic later)...

A very sad mess of yarn 

A planted row of peas, complete with twigs to support their vines

A couple radish seedlings pushing up

A jaunty row of spinach shoots

A freshly planted spray of viola

And... my Mom's wintered-over strawberry plant already has flowers!

Will issue more updates as time permits!  I am also swatching for a spring sweater, and will have pictures soon.

A New Sweater For Renaud

Renaud finally got to model his new hoodie!  See below for lots of pictures, and a link to the pattern on Ravelry.

It was hard to take a picture of the hood, until he was laying down...

The best part about doggie sweaters?
They make for a sleepy pup!

More details about the project can be found on Ravelry.  Happy Friday!

Getting Started

I love the color of this vintage sweater;
It's mainly dusty aqua, but with green flecks to liven it up.
Also love: grograin plackets with real shell buttons! 

Little pockets on my new lacey dress from Shae

Cutting out pieces for a new skirt!
The fabric is tencel, which will be underlined with cotton voile.
The black bias strips will make a contrast piping.

There will be more updates later this afternoon, as I am also cutting out for a lace dress with contrast piping.  I had plans to photograph Renaud in his new sweater that I finished seaming on Sunday, but right now it is pouring rain out.  Will have to wait and see what the day brings.  Happy sewing!

Things to come

Spring is returning and so am I!  After nearly two year's hiatus, I am ready to take up long forgotten sewing plans and knitting projects.  I hope to be able to share the results of my efforts with you here, and to reconnect with the online sewing community.  Airing out and cleaning stored yarns and fabrics has been taking up a lot of my time-- it is so exciting to take these pieces out of their boxes and to remember what I had dreamed up for each one.  

Now that I have collected all the drape drape books, I hope to start making a few of the projects!

Right now I am finding mossy patches around the yard...

Even the weeds are starting to bloom!  We'll let them think the garden is theirs for now, though I have already started to plant radishes, carrots, spinach and green onions right next door.  I'm so excited to pick out seeds for planting once the last frost has passed!  Right now I have a variety of heirloom tomatoes, pickle bush cucumbers, hot peppers and ground tomatoes.

Amidst all the excitement of spring's arrival, we also have one tired little boy back from the groomer.

How are you getting ready for spring?