So, I’m back online for the New Year and am super excited for several reasons. First of all, apparently I whined and complained just enough about not having a real camera because, voila! I woke up to the greatest camera ever on my birthday! Two lenses even! (Thank you Dave – best birthday ever. Truly.) I’m still a little freaked out by it and it will most likely take the next two years or so to figure out how to use the whole thing, but so far it is taking severely great photos, even in my inexperienced hands. I’m pleased as punch.

Here’s a blurry photo (taken with the ol’ standby) of me and my new little baby on the big day.

Also, one of my fabulous Christmas gifts was this day-to-day sewing calendar. Same’s the one I picked up for my sister-in-law to add to the rad bag that I made her for her birthday in December; however, I just couldn’t leave it alone and actually removed the cellophane from the pages so I could look at every. single. page. I really did. I made sure they were still in order and put it all back inside the little box it came in and then watched with jealous eyes as she opened it up a few days later. She had it approximately half way out of the bag when I shouted out my demand that she get me one asap. Of course, as always, she came through on Christmas. And, after a fairly lively argument, some hurt feelings, a misunderstanding, a minor silent treatment, and a few confusing texts, we are off and running with our new calendars!

Here’s the thing with the calendar though; I’m totally planning to make everything in it. Really. Sort of. I’m actually thinking of adding a category to the blog where I plan to post all the projects from it throughout the year. It’s actually not 365 projects, but more like one for every three to four days so it may actually be feasible.

Know this, though, if you’re a loved one, you’re highly likely to receive some type of unsolicited handmade gift as the calendar may ultimately produce too much stuff for just one household. A few disclaimers about my calendar sewing commitment for 2010:

1. If I don’t like the pattern, I’m not making it.
2. If I have no use for the item and don’t know anyone who does, I’m not making it.
3. Just because I’m making this commitment doesn’t mean I’m actually going to follow through.

Here are some photos of Hayla’s rad birthday bag and stuff, including a needle holder that I’m super proud of. Crocheted it; felted it; embellished the crap out of it…sort of…just enough… (okay, these photos are too big to post apparently – anyone know how to make them smaller???) got it

My next post will have better photos. Promise.