But I did

Isn’t it amazing that fruit, picked and processed in a flash with zero effort on our part is kept just for us in the frozen food aisle, poised and ready for action? I always buy blueberries and have them waiting in the wings for muffins and waffle topping.  It’s become a family tradition. I suppose it’s that tradition that led me astray. I knew blueberries would be on the menu and somehow, knowing and assuming became one. As I stood staring into the freezer at Save On, adding strawberries seemed a lovely extra.  Sliced of course.  But there had been a run on sliced strawberries and the shelf was empty.  Down, down I glanced and there, to the rescue was a giant bag.  Three bags worth but I bought it anyway.  When you have decided on sliced strawberries, nothing else will do but sliced strawberries.  

At home I opened the freezer and stared in amazement.  Nary a blueberry to be seen. But I did have three bags of sliced strawberry. 

They always are

I have just recently realized that I am married to a gnome! 

Why didn’t I notice this before? 

It was only after he grew a beard; a wonderfully white and gnome-ish beard, that I realized what had been hiding in plain sight all these years.  Ah, but now it all comes together.

Would a gnome be a wood carver?  Yes

Would he be on a first name basis with birds? Absolutely.  That’s a given too.

Would he be a tree whisperer? Of course, they always are.  

Gradient granny

This is the only photo I have of the kerchief I crocheted for my granddaughter.  And the only item I’ve ever crocheted out of cotton yarn. And the first time I’ve ever blocked a crocheted piece. Blocking is done with water or steam and the piece is wrangled into shape on a thick and thirsty towel whence it dries into the shape it was destined to have.  That explanation completely overlooks the magic though.  When I finished crocheting, the kerchief seemed thick and awkward.  As I dunked it up and down in water it seemed a confusing jumble.  But the moment I spread it out on the towel,  a lacy, light and lovely thing of beauty emerged.  This pattern is called Gradient Granny Kerchief and I think the gradient is so charming.  A dainty picot edge and an open lace gradually transforming into a granny square at the same time.  Flower Child meets Babushka.  

Time will tell

I have a handful of crocheted daisies; leftovers from a long ago project. Will I ever use them all up? Time will tell. 

Granny

 

In 1885, the granny square pattern was published and crochet hooks have rejoiced ever since. The pattern thrives on using a plethora of colors. Leftover lengths of yarn are elevated and celebrated.  It’s just as it should be that two world wars and the Great Depression made the granny square attain crochet 101 standing.  But it was the 1970’s that made it cool.  And if it was cool then, baby it’s cool now.  This groovy sweater has four greens, four purples and three blues, all making encore appearances.  

Little chicks

A chance

The beginning of the new year can be as inviting as a field of snow stretching into the distance with no footprints.  

Or like the first page of a sketchbook. Or the bottom of a steep hill.  Daunting. 

Or it can be like a new row of knitting.  A chance to turn and begin again. To add to a pattern or change it.  To create something warm and colorful.