girl at large

Spring Cleaning Project #1

Now that I've invested considerably in a climate-appropriate and work-worthy wardrobe, there's just no excuse for rumpled piles, wire hangers and overloaded drawers. It's time to clean and organize the closet! It's time for Target! Hmm, seems like a non-life threatening prospect. However, close reading of the labels on my new pants-hangers (20 of them) revealed the following: "This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm." Kinda took the wind outta my spring cleaning sails.

the white stuff

so much for Spring, it's snowing today!

sources

If I won the Lotto, I would buy every yarn I've ever coveted; these are my recent favorite finds: Lorna's Laces Amazing hand-dyed, wildly multi-colored yarns. Just finished a toddler dress in the softest Superwash ever; 'Shepard Worsted'. Manos del Uruguay Thick and thin hand-spun co-op created yarns--working on pillows in Hot, Hot Pink with a simple stitch--the texture of the yarn creates the interest all on it's own. Brown Sheep Co. Such a wide collection of reasonably priced wools, big projects don't break the bank. Recently finished a full-size blanket in the 'Lamb's Pride' yummy wool/mohair blend. Great Adirondack Yarn Co. Just started working up a camisole top in their MOST LUCIOUS hand-dyed multi-color 100% silk 'Silk Delight'--spendy, but so special. Blue Sky Alpacas Organic yarns for the tree-hugger, perfect for infants and kids. Made a baby blanket a few months back in the super-soft 'Organic Cotton'. There's a gorgeous mohair out there with my name on it, just have to find the right pattern for it...I'm begining to outgrow my pattern library..might have to add books to the Lotto List.

Family all in Stitches

Stella's suited up in a hat I crocheted for her (with yarn purchased in Vancouver, BC when Angel and Dan visited), the sweater (that finally fits!) Mom knitted for her (in Antibes, France) and it took me a while to notice, but sister Peg is wearing the scarf I made for her too.

Hooked on Hokey

I knew I did good when the phone rang and it was Grandma Eileen (of the Long Distance Is So Expensive generation)! She loved the lacey crocheted table cloth I finally finished and mailed off to her, knowing she's the only one who would appreciate the extra-large-doily look. It's a shame this style of crochet is out of vogue (or is it? or is it just to me?) because it is so fun to make---thread is easy to work with and the complicated pattern details are very rewarding to master.

Perty in touches of Pink

I love the picture of Stella pulling the hat entirely out of shape! (So much for blocking next time!) I made this dress and hat for Stella back in June, it's great to see that it still fits. I have a sweater nearly completed that I worry might be too big for this year, too small for next...darn those kids and their pesky growing.