Time flies like a banana...

Or did I mix that metaphor? Anyway, time flies and I do not update my blog. I wanted to, I really did, but my garden went crazy and the kiddos went back to school and I got busy spending a bunch of quality time with DH and the kiddos and the school, and... well, that's how it goes. I may not always have something to say, but when I do, it will be here.Since this is first and foremost my place to share crafty awesomeness, I will share a few of the projects I have managed to accomplish over the last year.

• I planted, harvested and dried loofahs from my own garden. It was pretty amazing - even though we had the dampest, coolest summer we've had for a long time and loofahs like hot dry weather, these things were humongous and grew like crazy all over the front of the house. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find the pictures, and even as large as the loofahs were, the fibers didn't really have a chance to develop and most of what I harvested was not usable. Maybe next time.
• I made a styrofoam deer head for my sister. It's much cooler than it sounds (or looks in this picture!) Especially since I packaged it as "Uncle Joe Bob's DIY Taxidermy Kit" :)

I have renewed my interest in sewing over this past year. My sewing machine was something that I always wanted, but when I got it, it seemed really intimidating. I have read and re-read my manual many times, though, and started out with some simple straight stitching to make some

• soother bags ( flannel bags filled with flax seed that are microwaveable and freezable for aches and pains) for part of DH's grandmothers' Christmas presents. Again, no pictures. I am awful at this, I know.

That really got my confidence up, so I made a

• modified version of this pajama bag for my niece; a
• toy car tote for my nephew; and, inspired, I even tried making myself a
• skirt out of some old ripped linen pants. (Lesson learned from this project? Pants that are a bit too big work best! Leaves a little room for new seams.)

I also

• improved on my pants patches by using my machine to do some simple embroidery on them and jazz them up a bit.
• made an apron for my SIL's birthday!

And that's just the 'soft' crafts - I also renewed my interest in woodworking and building, finally painted my hallway, and have been planning some pretty heavy yard work. Phew. Makes me tired just talking about it.
There's more, of course. But I think that's enough for now. Details to follow!