Welcoming Spring

Spring has finally arrived in our neck of the woods. At least we're hoping it has finally arrived. There is a forecast for snow flakes and possibly measurable snow midweek. But, my tulips are up on the south side of the house and the first crocus are blooming along with some snow drops. Spring really can't be that far behind for good....at least we hope!

I have been working on The Christmas Gazebo Sampler. It is slow going due to tendonitis in my elbow and arthritis in my hands and wrists which flare up during the change of season. I just work a little less at a time or vary what I'm working on. There have been other distractions including shopping for our daughter's wedding dress and four family birthdays and sadly a funeral for an infant in a month's time.

I have done a few crochet projects, too. One is a coffee sleeve which I've made two of.  The other is a monster that fits over a plastic egg. These are gifts for family members.

This time of year there is much to do outside as well as inside so it can be challenging to find a good block of time to work on my handwork. Gardening is one of my favorite things and I have been starting seeds and waiting patiently for the weather to warm so I can get them outside. Happy Easter to all!

Stitching the Winter Away

This winter started out very cold in November, even before the official day of winter.  I've been working on several projects since it is hard to be outside very long in subzero weather! I've completed a couple pair of crochet booties for friends. I have a picture of one but unfortunately forgot to take the picture of the other.

I finished a crochet lacy cowl that I'd hoped to complete before Christmas but didn't have the time to finish it plus I was stuck on one segment of the pattern! I finished it while I was on vacation in Florida, during the polar vortex. Best place to be during a polar vortex where wind chills reached -50 in MN!

I have pulled out another unfinished hardanger piece, Christmas Gazebo Sampler, that I plan to complete in 2014...maybe by Christimas. This is one I started when I had my first pair of bifocals and I couldn't work on it without feeling dizzy or getting a headache. I've adjusted to my bifocals, but hadn't gotten back to working on this piece. I am still working on The Quilter's Garden but that will  take some time to complete. 

With the way this winter is shaping up, I  may finish several of my unfinished projects and then some!