Many Updates

So a few things to update. I got a new car, didn't make banana bread, finished one pair of the earrings, and knitted up the bodice of a dress. Pictures to post later.

DH is cool and the best! It was the last day of the month and he pit two sales reps against each other. (Separate dealerships, of course.) In the end he got the car for $12k under ticket. Woo. It includes the winter pkg, towing pkg, and moon roof. I think that's it. I don't know how much mpg it takes. I look at how comfy it will fit as a family car and let DH know what features I would like in it and he thinks about the guy stuff in the car. So why a new car? DH wants to trade in the current car for an M3. Hm. He coaxed me into getting the family car so he could get his M3. Can you say pre-mid-life crisis?

The bananas that I was supposed to wait to ripen to make banana bread has turned black. Completely black. Not one single yellow spot. DH tossed it last night. heh. I've already bought more bananas that currently have quite a few black spots so hopefully I'll make them today.

I've beaded up one of the pair of earrings I'm making for a friend. It turned out nice. I showed it to MIL and she asked if I could make a pair for her. Cool.

On the knitting front, I've finished the bodice of the dress I'm making for DD. It knits from top down so I was able to pull it over her head to try it on for size. So far it's kinda loose. Good thing is that kids grow fast and this dress will last her for a while. Another thing is that when DD wears dresses the ILs like to put tops underneath that have long sleeves and are often times thick. So it'll be loose for now but still fitted because she'll have clothes underneath. I'm also supposed to put elastic bands into the bodice. Maybe that'll make the top tighter. Then I can take it off as her torso grows.

Another cool thing is that my knitting group has set together a field trip next weekend. Wahoo! It'll be fun. We're going to Petaluma for some yarn shopping and wine. Unfortunately, I won't be able to stay for the wine. I can't stay out for that long as I have to be back to watch over the kids. Bummer.

So I'm thinking about hinting to DH that I want a sewing machine for my bday. The thing is...I have no clue as to what type of sewing machine to get. What features do I look for? What else is there to understand about sewings machines that I should be aware of? I've posed these questions onto a friend who I find has great enthusiasm for sewing and she's given me some great advice, suggestions, and links to look at. If anyone else has some more suggestions, advice and such please give me some input. I am a complete newbie and have not even used a sewing machine to sew up a hole in garments.