Literary Inspiration

So, I am not the most reliable of bloggers. Oh well. I guess you just have to savor what you get!

I have been busy, of course, but with things that are really run of the mill. I take care of my kids. I clean the house. I got the stomach flu that just won't go away...well, it is either the stomach flu or my "baby in my tummy", as my adorable daughter would say, is not being very nice to me lately.

I did do something that I am proud of...I crocheted a baby blanket. Never did that before. I have crocheted doilies, scarves, granny squares by the dozens, purses and dolly dresses...but never a baby blanket. I found the pattern here. The weight of my yarn wasn't correct for the gauge, so I had to improvise a little, but it worked out perfect. Instead of a brown satin ribbon, I used a pink and white checked ribbon and it turned out cute, cute, cute! I am giving it to my friend for her new baby girl that she is having in July.

I am also making embroidered kitchen towels for my mom and mother-in-law for Mother's day. I found the patterns here. I found a good deal for the flour sack towels at American Chair.com (yes, American Chair, even though they sell all sorts of kitchen, bath and bedroom textiles). I got 10 towels for $10. I bought 2 sets and will have 6 towels left over. I am going to make my own design for the last six towels and give them to a friend that is in culinary school in Denver. Today I ordered a light box from JoAnn.com to help me with the pattern transfer...a "bright window" was just not cutting it! As soon as my light box comes in the mail I will transfer all the rest of the patterns (I have done Monday through Wednesday so far) and do the stitching. The stitching doesn't take very long. I can crank out 2 or 3 towels while watching a movie with my hubby after the kids go to bed.

I am trying to cut costs and still give nice gifts. It means a little more time for me...but I was inspired by the Victorian women in Jane Austen and Elizabeth Gaskell's books...they always have their "work basket" handy and sit and sew or knit or whatever during the evenings while there is little else to do!