Well, Monday morning I was a total task master, and we got the house cleaner. I don’t think it’ll ever be totally clean again, but it was looking pretty good, so I put Clark down for a nap and took the girls out. We picked up Liv’s glasses, which were in for replacement after Clark broke them the second time in 2 weeks. We went to Hancock Fabrics to get liner for a skirt I’ve been wanting to make Abigail. They were having a big summer sale, so we came home with material for 2 more skirts from the clearance piles. The liners cost double what the outer fabrics did.

Then we hit the bead store.

Each of the girls picked out beads to make earrings, and the owner sat with them and showed us all how to do it. When the holes in Liv’s stones were too small, the lady got up and found an excellent substitute for them. She was so cool.

I bought some round tipped pliers for $7, and a bunch of those D hook things to make more earrings at home.

Yesterday, we extended an open invitation to the sisters-in-law and cousins to come and visit and make earrings. At 10:30, Hilary came and we played with colors and shapes. She left with 5 or 6 pair. At about 2:00, Emily came and made a number of earrings. She left at around 4:30, then at 6 or so, Angie came by. We looked at the earrings, talked about how to make them, and then I taught her how to knit.

She’s a natural.

She left a little after 10, I was still in my pajama pants, I’d been beading and swatching all day, and my house was once again completely trashed. It was a very good day. We planned a camping trip for next week without the men. Maybe we’ll bring beads.

I’ve been swatching for a sweater for Abigail. The swatches are blocking now, but I think I know which one I’m going for.

(totally rotten picture)

I want to make each of the kids a sweater/cardigan for the fall. I have Abby’s pretty much designed in my head, a good start on Veronica’s design, and not the slightest clue what I want to do for Liv, ‘though I’ve found a stitch pattern I’m going to explore. Clark will be last, so I haven’t given his much thought, other than I’d like it to have a hood.

Additionally, I’ve finished the handspun scarf that never made it to the sidebar’s WIP section. It still needs to be blocked.

And the Daisy Swatch Turned Scarf has been finished and worn. It is pretty, but doesn’t hold its block very well.

So today, it’s back to cleaning the house. Again.