This is from a couple of weeks ago when it was so-o cold here in Bay St. Louis and I wasn't sure anyone else would show up for knitting group. But sure enough, almost everyone came and we even had an out of town visitor! Everyone was bundled up and happily knitting away. I love being part of such a group!

This sweetheart I call my 'nieta' (granddaughter) as I was with her mother in the operating room when she was delivered by caesarian. Mom was numbed from the neck down so the doctor handed bundled baby to me and I was able to hold her up for mom to see and kiss and talk to. And then I got to do some cooing before they took her off to the nicu as she needed a bit more oxygen being five weeks early. That was two years ago and I have enjoyed the privilege of being the proxy grandmother, being part of her life on a regular basis as her two natural grandmothers live far away.

Mom is now expecting another little one and we are making the rounds of clinic visits and ultrasound appointments (next week) and trying to think out how to help this one deal with the arrival of a new baby at such a young age. (?) I was dropping mom and nieta off after the appointment and was surprised at la nieta as she didn't want me to go and started crying and calling for her 'buela' (her version of abuela, 'grandmother') not to go without her. That is as near as I'm going to get, not having children of my own, and I have to say it tugged at my heartstrings!

Three views of Morning Blush Shawl

Pleased with the way the blocked shawl turned out I lay it on the table and was caught by the tulips. The patterns chosen all came from Barbara Walker's Treasuries of stitch patterns, but not all from the same one. I chose to start with English Mesh, moved on to Eyelet and Bead with a variation, and then used the Palm Leaf Chevron, which worked from the top down appear as hearts. I enjoyed watching as the patterns developed and the colors changed where they would. It looks much better planned than it was.

I had to try it on right away, despite not wearing appropriate colors to show it to advantage, but this gives an idea of the size of the shawl. Relaxed it is about 60" across the top and 29" down the center point.

I am happy with the way the stitch patterns worked with the colors to give a very soft, pretty result.

Now to plan a shawl for the Dreaming of California Sunsets colorway. And to start knitting!

Roses

I smile every time I see these roses, and as they are part of a slide show as wallpaper on the computer I see them frequently. They were given to us at a surprise party a couple of years ago, so when I smile I am responding not only to the loveliness of the pink blooms and the baby's breath but memories of friends getting together and cake with thick icing roses and dancing in the garage as there wasn't enough room in the house, and all sorts of pleasant thoughts. Amazing what a photo can help recall.
What does it evoke for you?

A Reflection of Spain

Reflections of Spain, brings to mind Miles Davis' fabulous Sketches of Spain, however this is a little piece of my past reflected in a mirror my mother brought back from Madrid. It is one of a pair, I finally broke down and gave the other mirror to my sister, Sooz, so we each can peruse what we will in our antique beveled mirrors. I love the detail of the beveling on this glass. The reflection takes me back to a sitting with a real artist who didn't like me very much as I fidgeted and she had to start another canvas, which to a struggling artist was probably too hard. I think that is why my braids look so stiff.
It was very exciting though, when it was all done because Florita Macedonski had a gallery showing in which she displayed this portrait along with the portraits of the rest of my siblings and a larger portrait of my mother. (Which my sister has). I still remember the evening, everybody dressed in their best, and my mother looking beautiful in a black lace dress over a pale blue satin lining. The crowded gallery. Hardly being able to see the paintings for all the people. The oohs and aahs as people recognized my mother as the lady in the portrait, and these? Are these really all your children? (Five of us).The smiles. Madrid was wonderful.

It took a while but I finally decided on Palm Leaf Chevron from Barbara Walkers 'A Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns. And as this is worked from the top down, the palm leaf shape morphed into a heart shape which works well for the Morning Blush Shawl. It is on the blocking board as I write, so soon we will see the results.

This mohair silk is reminding me more and more of a lemon meringue pie. I will have to do something to get that image out of my head if I want to wear it. I have in mind a simple pullover with a peplum and bell sleeves. I have been swatching to get an idea of appropriate needle size, and do I want to do it in a lace stitch? Or stick with reverse stockinette? Decision time. But since we are having a very cold spell for the Gulf Coast I am looking forward to working with this yarn, whatever I decide to do!