Easter is almost upon us and I am usually excited to be stitching on a springy easter project of some sort however since it has been so cool (and sometimes cold) here in NE FL - I have not had spring projects on my mind. Instead I am still knitting a lot which is great but I'm afraid Easter is going to slip right on by this year without any finishes.
April is when I really like to do springy projects and I will go right ahead with that. I recently got the BBD Violets Blue from Jean at the Attic - a full kit which includes her exquisite silk conversion. I am itching to start that beauty.
You will notice I refreshed my blog header and sent Mr Snowman to bed for a long nap. I know some of you poor souls are still getting snow and while I love winter - spring has definitely sprung here in our area. All the azaleas are in full bloom and the flowering trees like dogwoods are gorgeous. Pansies and petunias are everywhere and looking so bright and beautiful.
Here is a lovely cowl I just finished. It was a 1st quarter challenge project with an online shop that I love The Loopy Ewe. Sheri does a great job keeping her customer base motivated and excited about trying new yarns and new projects. This challenge was to pick a project which only used 1 skein and the project must contain cables. This is Winter Wonder by Irishgirlieknits and the yarn is the new-ish MadelineTosh Pashmina Worsted in the Lowland colorway. I am in love with this yarn. It is the big sister of the gorgeous MT Pashmina which is more than a fingering weight and less than a DK - I think they classify it as DK. Anyway - that is all for the knitters who may be interested in what it is.
Next up is an absolutely wonderful gift that I received from dear friend and mentor Dianne Kelly. She made this wedding rug for Jody and I and presented me with it at our Off the Ocean rug camp in January. I have been waiting to show you because she wanted to finish it off for us either as a framed piece or a pillow. I chose a pillow and it came in the mail last week and I was excited all over again. Isn't this just the most creative sweetest thing you've ever seen. Dianne does wonderful rug hooking using all types of embellishments - she is famous for her hooked wedding cakes.
I think in this photo you can see the veil a little better and the cute little bouquet of flowers. The church is done in reverse hooking where the loops are on the inside and the front is quite smooth - it gives a lot of texture to the piece. I didn't show the back of the pillow because it is just a nice cream color. Dianne said the wedding dress was hooked with some type of silk I believe. This is a gift we will treasure forever and every time I see it I think of my dear friend Dianne and her thoughtfulness.
LOVE YOU DIANNE!!!!!!!!!!!
Speaking about lovely flowers - I am SOOOO proud of the orchid I have on my desk. SEE SEE !
I bought this last winter - it was in bloom when I bought it and then of course went dormant or whatever orchids do when they are not blooming. So I moved it to the credenza behind my desk, keep giving it water once a week and low and behold - look what it presented me with this winter! These blooms have been open for about a month or two - I know they will soon be coming to an end but I am so proud of these little flowers.
Until then - I hope Spring has sprung in your area and that you are stitching (and hooking maybe) many bunnies and flowers. I love reading your comments and having you stop by and visit for a while.
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10 comments:
Love the colors in the yarn you used for your cowl. That's a wonderful gift you friend made you to honor your wedding day.
I miss azaleas... they don't survive the harsh winter temperatures in my little corner of Iowa. Enjoy them for me!
Ok, I'm in love with your cowl. Wow! Love that yarn!!! Love the pattern too!!! Wow! I'm a real green person. The gift from your friend is so lovely and such a sweet gift for your special day. I'm very impressed with your orchid! Aren't orchids really hard to take care of? So beautiful! I hope you have a wonderful time on your hooking vacation! Looking forward to pics.
Oh how I wish I lived near you so that you could give me a few knitting lessons. Beautiful choice of year and so beautifully stitched. I'm very excited about the Attic's silk conversion, as well. It should be a very pretty piece. Can't wait for your Sebring recap.
Love the color of the yarn for the cowl. The hooked pillow of the bride and groom is just wonderful what a great present.
Love the orchids, do miss having them - had a couple of hundred when I lived in Florida!! oh well. Enjoy them they are beautiful.
Our spring has been very unspring like hasn't it? First so warm and now such cooler days in March.
Congratulations on your cowl finish! I have some pashmina in my stash but haven't used it yet.
Such a thoughtful and special gift from Dianne! Priceless!
Oooooh my, I LOVE your cowl! Truth be told, it would be most welcome here today...snowflakes are still floating about in the air. Perhaps our weather shall take a page from your splendid new banner...such delightful hares!
Wishing you oodles of fun at your rug hooking event...I shall look forward to seeing photographs of the festivities.
Sending hugs,
Judy
Your cowl looks beautiful! And what a wonderful wedding gift from Diane!
Know that you'll enjoy your retreat next weekend. I presume that your dear mother will be going with you also.
Beautiful cowl Mel. Love the finished bride & groom pillow; it's a real treasure. Your new blog colors are so springy!
Can't wait to see the flowers and finishes from your retreat. I hope the weather is just perfect for you and your Mom. I wasn't too excited about the BBD Violet piece until I saw Jeans silk conversion !! I'm itching to stitch that one too (along with the other 2 bazillion pieces from the Attic I have in my stash). Hugs dear friend. Have a great time hooking !!
Your cowl is gorgeous, I love the colour in the wool.
Dianne's rug is lovely, what a great present
Hope you had a great time at your retreat
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