Just Jen

DIVE!

I gotta take a minute to brag on my amazing husband. A couple of years ago, he began a project that has taken a lot of hard work, patience and perseverance. Now that it is nearing completion, he is beginning to see the fruits of his labor, and I couldn't be more proud. For years he has had an interest in WW2 history, especially submarines. But unlike most people, he didn't just pick up a history book. He went straight to the source. He began interviewing WW2 Veterans themselves in order to capture their unique experiences on film. During the last couple of years, he's traveled all over the country collecting interviews from more than 100 submarine Veterans. He's been compiling their stories into one amazing documentary - DIVE, A Submariner's Story. I've only seen bits and pieces, but I can tell you, it's going to be great. He is an amazing and gifted storyteller. One thing that has impressed me about my husband is his undying respect for these men and their stories. He has taken such care in the making of this film to present each and every one of them in a heroic light. And I have loved watching him cultivate friendships with and gain the trust of these men. I seriously think we could travel from one side of the country to the other and not ever have to stay in a hotel!

He recently launched his website and the response has been incredible. He's got a lot of great history and information on there along with the trailer, so be sure to check it out!

http://divethemovie.com/

Project Finished: Sock Monkey

A while back (ok a LONG while back) I started this sock monkey. I got her to the point of only needing ears, hat, face and pom pom - maybe an hour's worth of work. Lately it had been really bugging me that she wasn't finished.
So, the other night I sat down and put on her finishing touches. I really like her! And I think her bf does too, now that she actually has eyes to see him with. :)

Values Quilt Tutorial

I am really feeling the itch to make another quilt. This is the perfect project to use up some of the fat quarters I've been collecting. I found this quilt and tutorial on this blog by Sew Katie Did

Check out the flickr group here - some really beautiful stuff!

I decided I need a design wall (which is currently under construction) in my craft room before I undertake a project like this. More on that to come!

Project Finished: Blanket for Olivia

A friend at work was having a baby, and with her shower being 2 weeks away, I set out to crochet a full size baby blanket. I chose a granny square pattern that I had purchased on Etsy here. Now, at this point I must say that in my pre-baby days this would have been an easy thing to accomplish. I did decide, though that the bulk of the work would have to be done during my lunch hour. I started out making some squares, and they were going pretty quick, so I still thought I might be able to get it done.

As you can see, this is not a full size blanket. Not even close. As the days passed, I realized my sit-down-and-crochet-undisturbed-for-hours-and-hours days are officially over. I debated on whether to turn the squares I had actually managed to finish into a pillow or a lovie - I hadn't done a pillow before, so in the interest of time it became a lovie. Or maybe a doll blanket...

I still love the pattern and the colors (thank you, Vanna!), and maybe someday I'll duplicate it into a full-sized throw for myself...maybe when Jack's off at college.

Lesson learned.