Sunday and a Rose Petal Skirt

After saying goodbye to Pops' mama this week (Oh, we've been blessed with the visits from loved ones!), we couldn't help but feel a bit down. But the sun has shown up these past days and is warming us from the outside-in. The girls spent part of today outside in the gardens and enjoying the flowers in bloom. They also discovered they could sew a skirt for Flocon out of rose petals. Oh, the rhapsodic joys of spring!

Incidentally, Miss Flocon de Neige (french for snowflake) is quite happy here in France, as it is her homeland. Jane purchased her when we were in Uzès three years ago. And additionally ... Uzès is where we will be moving in two months.

We have treasured our time here in Normandy and living in La Cressonnière, and have made friendships that make moving on very, very challenging. But we are also excited about this next chapter. More details to come ...

A Bit of Grandma's Embroidery

Clicking Some Needles

I'm learning to knit. Still. I first started when Lucette was a baby and have only attempted some simple projects: Hats, scarves, booties. Only what I can manage to learn from books, and heaven forbid I make a mistake or drop a stitch. I've abandoned many-a-project simply because I had no idea how to fix my lapses in concentration. In sewing, you just need a seam ripper and an extra breath of patience. In knitting? It's like an IQ test that I'm failing miserably.

However, I recently decided to take on a new project. A lap blanket. Granted, a lap blanket is probably the easiest project out there, but this has a slight alternating pattern. K2, YO, K2tog and some similar business on the purl side. To seasoned knitters this is sleepwalk knitting. Me? I had to start over three times until I (sort of) got the rhythm of it.

So. It's progressing. The ribbed pattern is looking mostly ribbed and I'm easing up on the tension, as I have a habit of making ridiculously tight stitches. Easing up is always a good thing.

And truly, knitting is a lovely, tactile experience. This yarn is an awfully nice chunky faux-wool that just feels good sliding through fingers and clicking on needles. I'm also quite happy with the color selection of "wheat." It's a simple neutral with just enough variegation and fiber to disguise the tea I will most certainly spill on it once it gets put to use.

To all my friendly knitters out there, any advice you have to impart? Chances are, I could use it!

A Very Crafty Bunch

I had thought it to be a little too difficult for her. Once again, I'm learning not to underestimate Lucette. Her back-stitch is truly marvelous.

And her concentration fierce.

Jane is tackling her own embroidered kitty. It's a very vibrantly yellow "Chinese kitty." As a not-quite-4-year-old, she is doing remarkably well. I love her willingness to do her best, even if it looks different than someone else's best.

Peter was actually curious, too. I didn't have any more embroidery hoops (Perhaps a rocket pattern for later?), so he contented himself with making camouflage yo-yo's. I imagine they'll soon find themselves launched by one of his many apparati.

What a pleasant afternoon we've had.

The Results are In

Miss Lucette did the honors and withdrew the winning number for the zippy pouch giveaway, and out came number one. Well Christian, I'd be most delighted to send you a package.

Since I'm feeling rather chagrined not to be sending packages to all, I'll be posting a tutorial on how to make your own. I also have plans on stocking the Etsy shop, but my machine finally bit the dust this week -- so I'm holding out for an early birthday present. (I've been smiling sweetly at Pops and dropping not-so-subtle hints!)

Cheers, my friends!

Zippy Pouch Giveaway

 Well thank you. Thank you very much. You are always so kind and I'd like to express my gratitude. And since you seemed to like my first little pouch so much, I thought you should have one too.

Made of thrifted and sturdy pink cotton, and lined with vintage 50's floral yardage that once belonged to my dear Nannie V. The dove gray zipper seems a sweet compliment to the embroidered swallow I worked on during a screening of Antiques Roadshow.

If you'd like, toss your name into the hat by leaving a comment. You don't have to have an account, just log-in as 'Anonymous' and sign off with your name. (Just don't forget to check back in so you can email your contact information if it's you!)

I'll draw the winning moniker next Monday, the 10th, then I'll pack up this little goody and send a bit of my nest to yours.

Baby Benjamin

It is so ridiculously fun to sew for babies. Last night, I stayed up stitching these cute bamboo twigs and today pieced the flannel together, completing the blanket. Somehow having cute things for baby makes all the late nights and general exhaustion that much more bearable. Wouldn't you agree?

I'm thinking Jenny's new little man won't mind being wrapped in cuteness if it makes his mother's day just a smidgie more fun. Can't wait to meet you, Benjamin!

Juicy Fruits on White Linens

Shiver Me Timbers

Now that it is winter no longer and the promise of warmer days are here ... I've finally managed to make this wool hat I had been planning on. I'm not always known for my timing. Or my knitting, for that matter.

I had found a basic pattern for a chunky beanie that was supposed to take an hour. Turns out not quite an hour, more like feature-film length. Definitely possible to complete during a good long foreign film.


I used a skein of Cascade, Magnum in charcoal wool with size 15 circular needles. Whoa! Big needles for big yarn! You get about two stitches in just an inch. (It also appears one skein will make both a large and small size!)

Here's the skinny on the chubby hat:

• Cast on 48 stitches (44 for kid size)
• Knit in garter stitch for 6 (3) rows
• Knit in stockinette stitch until piece measures 7 (6) inches
• Decrease by two stitches until only 6 stitches remain
• Cut yarn and run through remaining stitches
• Weave ends on the inside

**Note we are a melon-headed family. Drop piece measurement a half-inch or so if your cranium is more typically proportionate.

I must report that Pops thinks like I look like I'm ready for a long day at the docks. He mocks me with various jigs and yo-ho-ho tunes when I wear this. Hmmm ... I think I should make a matching set. He can be my deck hand.

Almost Time

Pretty soon I'll be an auntie, to which I am quite excited. I just finished this little baby blanket in eager anticipation. Perfect size, I think, to be a cozy car-seat blanket or a quick cover-up for those feedings on the go.

Since Baby R. has yet to reveal it's pink or blueness, I thought this rich teal would be a lovely choice. A delightful combination of modern and classic, just like the mama-to-be. The yarn is a natural wool and so incredibly soft. I did a single-crochet stitch with a few rounds about the perimeter. Then, a quick scallop edging and a (removable) cream ribbon to finish it off.

I found particular joy in working this project because I made myself stop fretting about little imperfections here or there. I don't have much parenting wisdom, but I am learning to let go of my idea of perfection and just enjoy. This is a very good thing indeed, when traveling the road of parenthood.

A Quick Stitch

Earlier this month, I began crocheting a baby blanket in anticipation of Uncle Dan and Aunt Laurel's little baby. Peter was curious and I showed him how to crochet a single chain. He took off with a ball of charcoal wool and whipped up leashes for stuffed critters and rope for his playmobil knights.

Since then, Lucette has been requesting a tutoring session. I've been well intentioned, but rather poor in follow-through. The lessons kept being postponed. So when she asked permission to pilfer the yarn stash and then declared "I'm off to learn to crochet!" ... I didn't pay it much mind.

A half an hour later, she bounced down the stairs with a five-foot chain tagging after her. "Lucette! How did you learn how to do that?" "Oh, Peter showed me real quick." Now that's a quick learner!

Organizing the Rainbow

I spent a good part of this past weekend (in between coughing fits and naps) winding bobbins with embroidery floss. The feel of the thread and the rote motion of it all was quite soothing, actually. Plus, all of the colors felt like candies in my lap. The girls thought so too and became quite giddy when selecting the next skein for me to work with.

Now my fingers are just itchin' for a new project. Maybe some cloth napkins with juicy looking fruit at the corner.