Two human-sized FOs and no dolls

But both FOs are crocheted! Mwahahahaha I lured you unsuspecting knitters in. So how's it going? All is dandy chez moi. I actually managed to finish two projects, both of which I am quite proud and pleased with. I know I shouldn't end a sentence with a preposition, but I'm afraid you're just going to have to deal with it. Let's look at some lurvely pictures, shall we?

Here is yet another big-ass granny square. When I need to crank out a project pronto, B.A.G.S. is my go-to pattern. It never lets me down. I'm quite fond of this one. I used Caron Simply Soft - I'm pretty sure I bought 24 skeins of it at Wal-mart (gasp!) for less than $30. Gotta love it. And it is, indeed, simply soft. Kinda shiny, too. This blanket will be going to Botswana this summer to keep a child in an AIDS orphanage warm. I do hope they like it. I'm going to try to make at least one more before my next knitting group meeting, which is next Wednesday. This one only took 4 days, and the next one I make will be made of bulkier yarn with a much larger hook. Fingers crossed for me, peeps.

Wow, I love this shawl. I've actually already worn it. This is Eva's Shawl by milobo, from her blog Without Seams (link in the side panel). It's a free pattern. It's super easy, but really pretty, and the yarn is to die for. It's really soft and warm, and the color is gorgeous. I used four and a half skeins of Araucania Atacama. I really like Araucania, I must admit. I have two skeins of yellow worsted weight in my stash, and I think that will become a scarf sometime soon.

This shawl has already come in handy, as spring has not yet quite arrived in the Mid-Atlantic region. Basically, it's been rainy and about 55 degrees every day for what feels like the last 72 years. However, it is supposed to be quite nice this weekend. If it isn't, I'm going to find a meteorologist and beat the tar out of them for misleading us. But not my brother - he's a meteorologist, but I beat the tar out of him enough when we were children. Although he got in a few good shots too. I used to have a scar on my shin where he kicked me whilst wearing bowling shoes. Ow. He also threw a dictionary and a remote control at my head, but I deserved it because I was really a mean big sister. We get along really well now. Even though he doesn't tell me when he's dating someone.

Aren't you glad you asked?

Can I tell you how much I love barbecues and picnics? I'll be going on one picnic and to three barbecues this weekend. Yippee! Today at school, there was an assembly about Memorial Day, and it was really quite touching. A bunch of the kiddies got up and spoke about their grandpas and great uncles and cousins who were veterans or who had died in battle. Then one boy at the end played Taps on his trumpet, and that damn near destroyed me. Wow. I heard Taps at the end of the day when I visited the American Cemetary at Omaha Beach in Normandy, and man, that was powerful. It really made me appreciate the people and things in my life. I have a computer, and I have a blog where I can type whatever I like, and I don't have to fear for my life or my family's life. I have a family, and I love them, and they love me. I have great friends. I have food on my plate, a roof over my head, and lots of toys.

Take a moment to be thankful for the things you have. And thank a veteran if you see one. They deserve it.

Cuz ya can't, ya won't, and ya don't STOP

Cuz ya can't, ya won't, and ya don't STOP

Ya can't, ya won't, and ya don't STOP

AdRock, come and rock the sure shot

Seriously, who can resist a little Beastie Boys? Not I. One thing that I positively cannot stop doing these days is making clothes for Blythe dolls. I know most of you think I've really gone around the bend, but there is something so satisfying about finishing a project in two hours. And I don't know what it is about these damn dolls, but they are addictive. They really are. In fact, I ordered another one. Yes I did. So deal.

Here's Dulcinea modeling her new couture. Not bad, eh? I didn't use a pattern, but used the same formula in Monica Brown's C3 Crochet Crop Sweater that I made last year. It worked well, and I only had one false start before I got it right. That's really good for me.

Here's a close-up. The ribbon is glued on. No way in hell am I going to sew it own. These dresses are all made from the top down, and there is zero seaming. Yay for zero seaming.

This one is for my dad's Blythe doll, Bridget. Since he made me two spindles and a niddy noddy, the least I can do is clothe Bridget for him. Sheesh.

And last but not least, finished just this evening, is a dress for my soon-to-arrive doll, Hibou. She is a Prima Dolly Encore Ashlette, for those of you who are into that sort of thing. Hibou is the French word for owl. It is just a darn cute word, and since Blythes have big eyes, I figured it would suit her to a T.

I will get back to making practical things one day. WT is impatiently awaiting his sweater vest, and I'm really close to finishing the Sunday Market Shawl.

It got up to 70 degrees today, and boy does that make me happy. I raked and mowed the front lawn and tore out a bush and swept and Banana played in the dirt, which is really really good. I'm sick of princesses. I want my girl to play in the dirt and have fun doing it. It was good to be out in the fresh air, making my yard look nice.

WT has been doing contract work for more than a year. Yesterday he just heard that his position is going permanent as of April 16. It will be a little less money per month, but he gets paid time off, short and long term disability, life insurance, and myriad other benefits. In this day and age, I am so grateful that we are both gainfully employed, can pay our bills, have two cars that run, and a nice house to live in. I am grateful that we can afford to send our daughter to a good school. I am grateful for my husband who lets me buy Blythe dolls and go to fiber festivals. I am grateful for the hyacinths in my neighbor's yard, and the forsythias and daffodils in my yard. I am grateful for my family. I am grateful for spring.

Bjork wears crochet (and wears it well)

She's a wacky chick, that Bjork. I think I'll wear my makeup like this for the holidays.

Oh wait. I don't wear makeup. Nevermind.

Come to the dark side

If you are on the fence about the beauty of crochet, go to Moonstitches' blog and check out her Rhubarb Scarf. It is GORGEOUS. All of her other stuff is fantastic as well. Her zakka owls are adorable - I really need to learn how to sew.