Did you miss me? It's only been 5 years...

So I bought a house and I've been here a couple years and just got my lace and crafting stuff out of boxes and into a studio (extra bedroom with good light) :)

Just lately I've been making wrist warmers for friends and workmates, an easy quick pattern that makes your hands look very pretty:


I used Rowan Woven Art - Rowan tweed Fine, in deep autumn colors: Olive, Gold, Brick and Chocolate.

I was pleased with the result -- I thought I photographed the final product but can't find it at this point.  I bought way too much yarn and made 5 pair with enough leftover to make another pair if I only use 3 colors.

I'm working on a cardigan for myself, as the office pod I work in seems to get pretty chilly.


I'm having trouble with the sleeve cap, so hopefully I'll have that sorted out soon.

I started bobbin lace again, and I'm working off the rust in just a little fan edging. Working on my consistency, as some fans look great some look a little wonky ;)   I want to spend some time working through the Beds lace making videos I have, so I can get back into the swing of the thing.

Till next time...

L o o o o o o o o ng time!

Haven't kept my blog up in ages, about time, I guess! School and work have really been keeping me busy lately, and cutting into my lace/knitting/whatever time.  But here is a photo of a picture mat I made for a great guy I work with. I can't find the photo of the mat just before I sent it, but I still have a picture of it in use.  I'm rather proud of it, I'm pleased with how it came out, and my design was spot on for size.

Waxing UnPolitical

Boy I hate to get on a soapbox, but this is the only forum I have to do so, and I know no one will read it anyway. ;)

I recently heard that you can no longer send gifts or get well cards addressed to "any recovering soldier" at Walter Reed Hospital. Instead, people are encouraged to donate money to nonprofit organizations who support our troops.

Is it just me, or do you find this upsetting too? I know this war is about making money but for pity's sake, we should at least have some way to personally let our soldiers know we appreciate them -- and not by adding to the bottom line of some nonprofit organization.

Anyone who thinks that nonprofit organizations do not make money is foolish. People at nonprofit organizations do make money, and their CEOs get million dollar salaries just like the rest of corporate america. And when an influx of money comes in, if you think the CEO doesn't find a way to get some of that in his pocket, you are also foolish.

Politicians who wonder why america doesn't support the war? In World War I and World War II, people were asked to knit sweaters and socks for soldiers. Like me. Actual american families pitched in. Children and grown ups collected kapac for the war effort -- metal to be recycled. Even in the Koren and Viet Nam conflicts women across the nation donated toiletries and donated hand-made quilts for hospitals.

The war against terrorism, however, continually insults americans by presenting the "just send money" message. Even worse, those young people who are dying and away from their families every day do not even have the comfort of receiving something personal -- knowing someone cared about me enough to send me a get-well card, or to make a lap quilt for me while I sit in a wheelchair.

Shame on all of us for allowing this!

Finished the first baby sweater

Hi, Melissa! Here it is -- now I'm working on the little pants to go with it.

Fir Cone Lace Shell

Last but not least, I am actually making something for myself! This was inspired by my friend Melissa's idea of knitting a nice shell to wear under a suit or with a skirt for work. I came upon this beautiful Vermont Fiber Arts pattern (one of my favorite designers, all patterns cover PLUS SIZES!). Then I got some wonderful pale sage green Debbie Bliss pure silk yarn, and I think it will be beautiful when finished. Of course I may be retired by then and not need work clothes....

New Baby Sweater set

I have a new nephew on the way, and he has a sister who is 2 but will be 3 soon. I wanted to make them matching outfits. So I found this nice, simple pattern for a chenille sweater set. I adjusted the 6 month size to be 3 months. I found some great hand-dyed chenille yarn, and I chose blue for the boy and pink for the girl -- corny, I know, but there ya go. Here is the pattern:

Here is the yarn:

Sophia's Baptism Gown

This is my new niece Sophia in the gown I made for her Baptism. It is a Leisure Arts leaflet, now out of print, I think. I like long baptism gowns that cascade over the arm of the person holding the baby, so I added two extra flounces to the bottom of the original pattern. I also changed the sleeves to be flared angel sleeves instead of short puffed sleeves, because we didn't know if Sophia would be a boy or a girl! The details aren't terribly clear in this photo, I'll post a new one as the baby pictures are distributed.