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.  

Happy new year

‘Fast away the old year passes…’

Here in the northern hemisphere with winter causing a pause in growth all around us in garden and forest, it seems exactly right to pause as well from the toiling and routine of the past year. The days will lengthen. The sun will warm our faces again. Newness and growth are gifts of New Year.  I wish you contentment and courage in equal measure. 

Shout winter

Aren't amaryllis amazing? Giant bulb, giant flowers. No yellow ones or we could clearly see that they are cousins of the daffodil. And just as daffodil say Spring, amaryllis shout Winter.