Catching Up and Blooms

Just a little catch up here; I have a few knitting projects I am working on, with a couple of new stitches being used as a result.

One of those projects is pictured; I am working on the first square, although I have modified the pattern a bit as I am using different colors, and a different sequence. The other knitting project is going to be a pretty little mug hug. I love the projects in the magazine Knitting Today. 

Moving right along on a sewing/quilting pattern. I am learning to sew on my sewing machine, as well as learning to quilt, so this project combines the two, and allows me to learn both using a small project. This is going to be a patchwork pillow. 

I am getting to work on project with the windows open now! Spring is attempting to show its face here in Colorado in the form of flowers starting to bloom. :-)

The first picture shows blooms on my willow tree, planted last year. The second picture shows blooms beginning on a shrub, also planted last year. However, even with this going on, the town over from where I live just had nine inches of snow on the ground two days ago. Colorado weather, for real. 

A reference here and there:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g_E31DnTUg- K1B
http://www.arboristsite.com/nursery/39146.htm - Willow tree care
http://www.knit-today.com/
http://www.quiltingboard.com/resources/article-60.html -Quilting article for learning the basics of quilting