Ever since my Mom laid eyes on my Topiary, she wanted it.
I tried to convince her a lighter stole would be great for summer, and she would have use for it in our winter weather.
Seriously, we spent 2 hours combing through Ravelry patterns. I kept steering her back to Celes, a gorgeous pattern by Jared Flood, because I've wanted to knit it the second I laid eyes on it.
She finally agreed.
The yarn I used was Madelinetosh, Tosh Merino Light, in the lovely colorway Luster.
I remember the first time I used it, it was not love at first sight. But after quite a few projects, it might be my favorite shawl yarn.
I think I may have started a bit late, as her birthday was April 1st. I didn't get it done on time. No worries though, she'll be getting it next weekend.
I loved knitting this, as I do all of Jared Floods patterns. The knit on edging, which I expected much harder, was a breeze.
Of course only after blocking you see how beautiful it really is. The drape is amazing, and it's super soft. It will be hard to give, but I know I'll see it often.
Now that another big project is finished, I only have our Fat Warmer (AKA Hourglass Throw) to complete. I have 3 more skeins left, so I'm guessing it's only a matter of weeks. I'm in no rush though.
Only that it be ready for next winter!
So, apparently, that's what I am. Whoops. But life has finally caught up with me, so that's a good thing. Getting back on routine, today is supposed to be Inspire me Monday. I'll share one of my favorite illustrators. Oliver Jeffers. I'm a happy owner of "The Incredible Book Eating Boy", the story alone is adorable, but he illustrations and pop up are incredible. The story is about a boy who, well, likes to eat books. It's simply charming. I wish I had more of his books, but for now I cherish the one. I read that this book is aimed at the 4-6 year olds, but I think grown ups who still love the smell of paper and don't yet own a kindle of some sort would look at this quite fondly!
I've decided in order to help me keep up with blogging, every few days will be a special day. Music Monday goes great together, but then when will "Inspire Me" day go? I might have to re-think this all, but for now, today is about inspiration.
Every now and then I see a project I need to make. It could be a quilt, brownies, shawl, embroidery, a new and neat way of storing socks. Anything. But I have this urge to try it out.
A few days ago I cam across this picture in the lovely A Beautiful Mess blog. And I knew I needed to make it.
Imagine the bummer when I found out it wasn't available as a pattern, but a ready-made picture. Vintage, and for me a bit hard to find.
I decided I'd just have to make my own version of it. I haven't picked up an embroidery hoop since 7th grade, but how hard should it be, right?
On my search for embroidery stitches, patterns and books, I came across another cute, and smaller pattern. This was found in cozyblues etsy shop.
I thought this might be sweet in our living room, or in our bedroom, a little family tree of our own. We do have to start somewhere.
I'm excited (as always) to start a new project, especially one I used to love but put down. I'm hoping this sticks, as I do have many stitching ideas, just have never had the one that started the ball rolling.
I want to embroider a duvet cover, (No, not the whole thing!) Towels, a bag or wallet maybe. I'd love an embroidered cardigan. And the list goes on.
Now, because this is Monday, I'll end this post with a little Music Monday. Just because I haven't made my mind up. Lets go :)
2 weeks ago I had my 28th birthday. Last year I planned to make a list of "27 before 28", but, well, I just didn't.
27 has been my worst year ever. Hands down. I had so many hopes for that year, but then I got laid off and it felt like my world came crashing down. Somehow we made it through our first year of marriage, and I made it to 28.
I guess some good came out of this past year, but I'm just trying to be positive.
Like last year, I have high hopes for the year 2012.
I think my first goal will be to maintain this blog, which I failed at miserably last time I tried.
So here's to being 28, welcoming 2012, and just a brand new start.
