A lacey tank, birthday surprise, and my mother-in-law

My late mother-in-law could grow African violets like there was no tomorrow. I was blessed with a green thumb, but those blessings failed me where these fickle flowers were concerned. Shortly after my mother-in-law passed away, we moved to Michigan. While shopping for the new house necessities, I passed the plant department and was drawn toward a tiny African violet plant. I immediately picked it up, added it to the cart, and took it home with me. It was named 'Maxine' after my husband's mother. For three years, Maxine thrived and honored me with blooms aplenty until the day came when she needed to be moved to a bigger pot. Six months passed and I continued to care for Maxine, but she didn't bloom. Recently, I spied sprouts and have been patiently waiting to share her blooming beauty. I feel like I've been blessed with a visit from a long - missed friend!

Bugg's tea rose tank is finished. She won't stay still long enough for a photo, so here is a shot of it by itself -- It is adapted from the Tea Rose Halter in Interweave Knits Summer 2007. It knit up quickly single-stranded on size 11 and 13 needles. I used Blue Sky Alpaca cotton. Bugg really likes this tank and she is pretty picky! Better pictures coming soon.

How much more loved could I feel? My dad went shopping for my birthday present...no joke - my dad found The Craft of Cable Stitch Knitting by Barbara Walker! What more could a knittin' girl want? My dad is the best and he supports my obsession even if he doesn't understand it - I feel like the luckiest girl in the world!

The Easter Bunny Doesn't Live Here Anymore

Happy Easter!



I love Easter - it signifies upcoming delights. The singing birds, blooming flowers, and budding trees. Plus, it means my birthday is soon to arrive! All of those things (except the impending birthday) have been postponed by old Mr. Winter. It has been snowing for DAYS...true, it does not accumulate, but it is still snowing. Cold creeps through my bones and a tub of hot water is the only thing to whisk it away.

My knitting has slowed somewhat, but there are a few new things to share. The multi-directional scarf is finally finished and will be blocked soon. I borrowed Corinne's theory and cast on 40 stitches. I used 2 balls of Rowan Tapestry and had maybe 12" left over - perfect

A finished baby hat snuck off the needles and to the expectant Grandmother before having it's picture taken (darn).

I grabbed some Blue Sky Alpaca Cotton, cast on, and started a Tea Rose Tank for Bugg. The pattern is from Interweave Summer 2007.

She spied a model in a not-so-LYS and fell in love. I am single stranding the Cotton (pattern calls for 4 strands of something and how manageable is THAT!). Bugg's version will also be a tank instead of the halter. Again, due to someone else's imagination-not my own. Have you spied the Tilli Thomas Disco Lights? I walked away with this little purchase as well -

Hopping back to the Tea Rose photo - If you look really hard, you can see my stitch marker. I was so surprised and absolutely elated to receive a gift from my warm-weather friend, Kristy. She showered me with Lisa Souza yarn that I have been longing to try, gorgeous stitch markers made by her own talented self, and the adorable candle holders in the 'opening photo' above.

Up next: The Fiber Event to visit Chris' Briar Rose booth. Stop by our KAL and check out some of the fiber I will be after!