A Blankie for (Another) Baby

For several years I lived just outside Boston as I worked on my doctorate in social policy (no, I don't talk about it). During part of that time, I lived with Lea. While we began simply as roommates, we quickly became friends. Our mutual dislike of most things Boston strengthened the bond between us. I don't get to see her often so we keep up through email and occasional phone calls.

I was pleased to pieces to find out that she was expecting her first child at the end of summer 2009. As is often the case when my friend's become preggers, I searched my knitting books to find the "perfect" pattern. Lea's full name is often mispronounced as "uh-zeyl-yuh" (like the flower) so when I saw this pattern I knew it would be perfect. Lea also likes bright (often mis-matched) colors so I had to pick something bold.

Lastly, most of Lea's work is international, splitting her time between, Haiti, Rwanda and South Africa so I wanted something durable and something that could withstand multiple laundering applications.

I recently met up with her whilst in Boston on a business trip to give it to her...she loved it!

At the Boston Sheraton


Stitch definition close up.

Crochet bound off edging.

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Project Specs

Pattern: Azalea by Marianne Kinzel in the First Book of Modern Lace Knitting

Yarn: Dream in Color Classy in Golden Experience purchased here.

Time on the Needles: March 5th - May 25th.

Comments: There were several fits and starts because I had a hard time understanding the vague pattern instructions of yesteryear. While I loved knitting this doily on worsted weight yarn and I love semi-solid yarns, I wish I had played closer attention to the variation in the veiled dyed yarn. In some parts it makes what looks like rings that I think are distractions to the pattern.

We Have a Winner...Well, 2 Actually

I was at Wimbledon (as well as several other places) last week.
More on that to come.

Both Donna and Risa guessed correctly, and thus, win a special prize.
Please send me your snail mail address. ~ksp

The Happy Couple

I traveled down South to witness one of my good girlfriend's wedding. I went shopping for the occasion and found this fabu sundress with jacket.



The happy couple...congratulations Adina and Michael.

Playing Catch-Up - A Centerpiece

I won't yet tell you where I am...giving those who are interested a chance to register a guess.

This past April, I took a hand quilting class at City Quilter (a fav spot). In order to get ready for the class I prepared a small centerpiece using a red, white and blue Moda honey bun and some remnant red fabric.

It seems I suck at hand quilting so it will take some time for this to be completed. It was fun nonetheless...

I love to change up one square into something unexpected...a little eye-candy. I hope it doesn't throw off the pattern. ~ksp

Tale of My Demise...

...have been greatly exaggerated.

I have been beyond swamped the past few months. Fortunately, a lot of crafts have been completed and I shall report on them forthwith....

In the meantime, does anyone want to guess where I am?

A prize to anyone who can correctly guess.
Multiple correct entries will be raffled for a winner. ~ksp

Guilt

When I lived in Boston I had a very hard time adjusting. While the physical environs were lovely, I found it socially difficult to move around in ways that I was accustomed. It was then that I began practicing yoga. To this day, it continues to be one of the few activities that can calm my anxiety and clear my head. When I moved back to NJ in 2005, I searched for a local studio where I could continue my Iyengar practice.

I tried several places before settling on Starseed Yoga in Montclair, NJ. I loved everything about it. The class schedule was convenient and the staff were careful to re-direct me into a more deep and personal practice. During fall 2008, the studio announced that it's founder JyothiMa was ill. During this season there were a series of events in her honor and to raise funds. I, along with a former colleague, began working on a special quilt to donate towards the effort.

Here it is laid out and un-seamed...

Using batiks in the colors of the chakras, Edna and I began working on Jyothi's quilt. Unfortunately, life got in the way and I never finished it. I has lived on my "things to do" list for months now. Sadly it is pinned and ready for me to finish the piecing. Sadly, it was announced yesterday that Jyothi passed on Saturday.

For many minutes, I was speechless. I was overwhelmed with a sense of guilt in setting out to do something and not finishing it.

I called Edna late last night. After we caught up with each other, I made arrangements to pick up the remnants of the quilt to be finished...soon.

I am sure there are many opportunities for lessons here. Perhaps a lesson for one to not over-commit, to schedule and honor down time, to be diligent and finish what one starts. The lesson I choose is one of acceptance. I took on this endeavor in the purest of spirits and life altered my plans. I can feel guilty about that altered path or I can accept it and move on. I choose acceptance. ~ksp

Self-Taught

I have been sewing since I was knee-high to a grasshopper...(as the country folks say). At my mother's knee, I learned to first make pillows, then doll clothes, then clothes for myself.

A few years ago, I decided that if I can sew a dress with a 5/8 seam, that I too could sew a quilt on a 1/4 inch seam.

As my blog bears evidence, I have produced many a quilt...but never one cut on the bias.

Faithful readers may remember the post where I lamented this quilt. A few weeks ago, I took it to one of my favorite quilt shops and learned that I was reading my ruler incorrectly. After a quick tutorial and a few hours of sewing....

Voila!

I have so many mistakes cutting this puppy out that I have to redesign the entire quilt top...(the country folks also say that necessity is the birthplace of invention). I will post the finished top...when it's finished (insert shifty eyes here).

To celebrate my new quilting-ruler knowledge a contest...

Leave a comment (by 5PM EST April 8) about how you recovered from a craft disaster and be entered into a drawing for a giveaway. ~ksp