I wanted to first say thanks to those who sent my DH and I...congrats and happy wishes on our anniversary. We celebrated our 24th at an Italian restaurant we haven't been to before in Old Town. It turned out to be a wonderful cozy place with great food. It was nice to spend a quiet evening together.
I finally got rid of my bronchitis. Yeah!!!! I feel like a new person. Lesson learned. Go see the doctor ASAP...even though I "think" I'm getting better.
I've been "on the go" for the last few weeks. For three nights each week (over several weeks), I've been taking my camera to church and attending a Revelation seminar. I enjoy taking pictures. I never know when a picture opportunity arises...the Kodak moment. And of course, I am enjoying the seminar as well. Plus, DH is giving the lecture on Sat nights and since I'm his IT person, I get to setup his laptop & gadgets. I also show the pictures I have taken before his lecture starts. I really enjoy watching people's expression when they see their pictures up on the screen.
I'm still working on my crochet bag. I usually spend time with my yarns during football season. So, this is a seasonal hobby for me. I have included two pictures for your viewing pleasure.
Here's the front panel of my crochet bag. I love black/gray and white colors, but I have to admit it's been hard to see the black/gray yarn especially during the evening. Since I'm not spending hours crocheting but 10 minutes here and there...I tend to lose track of how many rows were completed. So counting the rows at night is not fun.
Here's the back panel, still in process. Okay, I need to count the rows today in daylight...so I can start incorporating the 2nd color yarn.
I hope to cut into some fabric before the end of this week. I'm starting to make some progress on organizing my sewing space. I can actually see a good portion of my rug now.
Before I end this post, I wanted to share with my sewing buddies my wedding gown from 24 years ago. Back then, I didn't like to sew. All this handiwork was done by my mother. Yes, all the handsewing of the Alecon lace, yards of it, handsewn by my mother. I can't remember all the pattern pieces, but I do recall selecting the sleeve pattern from a wedding pattern manufacturer from the mid-west. The skirt was from another pattern as well as the bodice from yet another pattern. The fabric, lace, and veil were all purchased at G-Street Fabrics in Rockville.
I remembered having to help with the placement of the lace as we had to use every single bit of it. The bodice front and back was covered with the lace. There was lace on the bottom of my sleeve. The lace was also incorporated into the front skirt creating a simple pattern going up the middle of the skirt and also lace was scattered in the back. The scallop of the lace was used around the bottom edge of the gown. The veil and the flowers were also handmade. My mother had made my gown a year before the wedding. So, you can imagine...no weight gain was allowed until the wedding day.
This bag is from my TNT Kwik Sew 2036 pattern. It was quick to sew up as I did not add my typical lining and I omitted the inside zippered pocket. Looks like I will have to make one for myself. This was from a 1-3/4 yard home dec remnant...enough to make two bags. 
I am happy to be modeling the finished bag. I love the fabric design as well as the durability. I hope my SIL will enjoy the bag. 
So, here's my baby. My Mac Mini. It's tiny. The system is only 6.5"x6.5"x2". It's fast and simple for what I need to accomplish. I'm using it mostly for graphics work (photos, artwork, web, etc). I'm thankful my old Wacom drawing tablet works with my Mac. I am also running a beta version of Libronix for Mac (Bible software) for DH to use. So far, I've been using it 100%, but I will have to share it with DH once he gets up to speed on how to use this system. 
I am finally back into my sewing groove. Okay, it's only two seams and some topstitching around the top of the bag. It's progress. Here's a picture of the inside of the tote bag. I just love this fabric...inside and out. All I need to do is sew the straps and then attach them to the bag. I'll give the bag a good press and then pre-wrap it for my SIL. 
I have posted this fabric before. I wanted to share with you the inside (edge folded down). It's a mid-weight home decorating fabric from Hancock's remnant table. I'm making this into a tote bag for an Xmas gift for my SIL. I was going to line it, but decided against it as I want to show off the interior.
Here's the front panel of my crochet bag. I love black/gray and white colors, but I have to admit it's been hard to see the black/gray yarn especially during the evening. Since I'm not spending hours crocheting but 10 minutes here and there...I tend to lose track of how many rows were completed. So counting the rows at night is not fun.
Here's the back panel, still in process. Okay, I need to count the rows today in daylight...so I can start incorporating the 2nd color yarn.
Before I end this post, I wanted to share with my sewing buddies my wedding gown from 24 years ago. Back then, I didn't like to sew. All this handiwork was done by my mother. Yes, all the handsewing of the Alecon lace, yards of it, handsewn by my mother. I can't remember all the pattern pieces, but I do recall selecting the sleeve pattern from a wedding pattern manufacturer from the mid-west. The skirt was from another pattern as well as the bodice from yet another pattern. The fabric, lace, and veil were all purchased at G-Street Fabrics in Rockville. 