two more weeks...

That's how long I have to wait until life calms down enough that I'll be able to get some sewing and knitting done!!! I have two finished knitting projects and one underway that I need to photograph and post.

I have a short list of sewing and knitting projects, plus some machine embroidery projects that I need to complete. My sewing room is almost completely re-organized, but definitely usable in it's current state.

Here is my to-do list:
- Finish a UFO from last winter (my husband's back problems prevented me from finishing it)
- Set up the knitting machine and actually learn how to use it. I have a couple of sewing patterns that I have been looking for a particular type of sweater knit to make, so I think I'm going to make some panels of sweater knit on the knitting machine and see how that works. I may just find a regular knitting pattern, but I think this will be good practice for the machine.
- Embroider three aprons for my father-in-law. This must be done before the July 4th weekend.
- Make a Hawaiian-style shirt for my father-in-law. This is something I promised him last Christmas, but was never able to get to due to my husband's back problems and subsequent surgery.
- Finish re-organizing my sewing room. This may not happen until after the July 4th weekend. Right now I'm taking double credits for my degree, so when I'm not studying, doing housework or spending time with my family, I only have the energy to sit in my chair and knit.

After I finish the items on my to-do list I will be able to get back in the sewing room full time and work on various projects. I have a few preliminary projects that I would like to accomplish:
- I need a lightweight short-sleeved black shrug for summer. Something that I can wear to dress up camisoles and tank tops during the 100 degree days. I have white, coral and purple shrugs (the purple one I made, the rest are RTW), but I'm missing a basic black.
- I have a rather long queue on Ravelry of items I would like to make. After I make the shrug, my next project will probably be a fall transitional piece and a sweater vest.
- I am making a fall/winter cardigan for my son. Details on that will come soon. I am also going to make him a lightweight cotton sweater for late summer/early fall and winter layering.
- Perfect my slacks pattern and muslin and make the Jalie jeans pattern. Come fall I will need these items.

That's about it for now, my focus is going to be primarily on knitting and perfecting a couple of pants patterns. I will probably make a few summer items here and there, but most of my sewing planning will revolve around fall/winter since that's what I have the most need for at the moment and the next few months will go by so quickly.

As with all of my plans, I really REALLY hope that I'll have time to work on them. It's a matter of finding free time at home with a toddler, full time job and full time school (one more year and I'm free!!!).