While recently in Fargo, Mom and I went to Prairie Yarns to see what we could see.  I got some sock yarn and this and that but I saw this baby tank top hanging up in the store.  The model they had was pink and I've never liked the color pink, but I just loved the design.  The tag said it came from Debbie Bliss' book "Special Knits" and I knew I had that book at home.  The example used Spud and Chloe yarn so I bought some in this cornflower-type blue shade.

 This was such a pleasant quick little knit and I have always liked Debbie Bliss.  This should fit a 12-18 month old, according to the pattern.  This is the front with a teal organza ribbon laced through the eyelet row.

The back has one buttonhole for a keyhole closure and of course I used a shell button from Grandpa Maynerd's button box.  I don't think I will get this in the mail before the trip, but Leah has plenty of time to wear this.

I like bags.  I have a lot of bags.  And I'm going on a trip so I needed a new bag.  I truly did because I took the same bag for the last 2 or 3 trips.  This is the wonderful original Amy Butler Messenger Bag pattern--not to be confused with her High Street Messenger Bag pattern--in a canvas floral print.  I just love the colors of this print.

I used a coordinating green for the reverse of the strap and for the back pockets.  I made interior pockets this same size in the muslin lining too.  I bought this fabric for last year's trip but never got around to sewing it in time.  I will use this bag later this summer when we go to the Minnesota State Fair.  I've said it before, if you are going to be running around on foot all day, this is the best bag to take with you.

Pink Booties

 My niece Leah was baptized last weekend and my sister hosted a lovely brunch.  She asked me to make mints for the occasion and I was only too happy to oblige.  I think we need more occasions to indulge in cream cheese mints!  This tin is the ideal size for a double batch of mints and I have paper doilies to separate the layers that are a perfect fit.  I get excited about things like that--it must be the Hyacinth in me.  This tin was purchased years ago in London in Sainsbury's.  It came filled with chocolate biscuits.  I have to admit I bought it for the tin but the biscuits were a delicious bonus.  And did I mention I am heading back to London...tomorrow?!?  I.  Can't.  Wait.

 My mother made yet another beautiful hardanger baptismal gown for Leah and Lisa requested the embroidery be done with gray perle cotton.  I never would have thought of that and it was absolutely stunning.  I made another pair of felt booties to go with it.  They are exactly like Erik's except for the ribbon.  This is just a printed grosgrain ribbon from the craft store and worked fine but I'd wanted a Scandinavian woven pink ribbon.  I had some that was RED and white but it was too bold for a baptism.

And here are her little feet in the booties.  These are just the right size for a 10ish week old baby.