squares

I’ve been knitting squares. It means more stash busting and some much-needed mindless knitting. I really do knit to relax but I also use it to challenge my abilities to use math creatively as in writing patterns in multiple sizes.
I guess I need a little bit of both and like to alternate between challenging and relaxation projects.


Also, last week I taught a class on embroidering knits. It was great fun but a lot of work to prepare for. I knit quite a few squares for the class and had square fever afterwards.
For the class, the squares are done in stockinet stitch. I had the students work a sampler using the face from the beatnik doll found in Boho Baby Knits.


I also had the owl face ready, but we didn’t have time to get to that one. The owl face is one of the decorations on the bonnets from Boho Baby.


All these other squares are for a blanket. They are garter stitch. Ah, lovely, easy, textural, lays flat, garter stitch I love you.


I got on a kick with planning patchwork blankets and can’t stop. Right now, I’m working with what’s in the stash, Brown Sheep Nature Spun sport weight in a variety of colors that I used to make my dolls. I’ve been studying the color card and feel tempted to buy more colors. This is how THE STASH gets to be so huge, there’s always a need for more!

gifts

While on vacation we stayed with my aunts who lavished us with love, food and gifts. I love my new blouse with Mexican embroidery insert and trimmed with navy rickrack. My great grandmother made blouses like this to sell back in the day, way back.

I mentioned to my aunt that I had been making dolls. She told me that my great great grandmother used to sew cloth dolls and sell them door-to-door. I never met her but I did know my great grandmother and remember working on a doll with her. I feel really lucky to have had that experience and that I can still recall the magic of making something with her.


My aunt happily offered me a beautiful assortment of buttons and beads to use as decoration for dolls.


Felix came home with presents too. But, here’s something he picked up on his own: a polka dot tan on his feet.

hearts and stars forever