The constant downpour of rain here in California has left us cooped up inside for the past few days. So while the kidlets played inside, I busied myself with the baby afghan. After crocheting up several different square styles in varying colors, I think that I have narrowed it down to these three! (Can you tell I love green?) The Briar Rose patches were a snap, the Peony squares a bit tricky, and the Willow Squares, the newest addition, SO time consuming!!! And, uh, as you can see, I only have 20 more of those to go!!!! I'm just praying to the Crafty Gods (C.G.s) above that I don't tire of this project and abandon it for good. That would be so so sad to be relegated to the C.o.A.P. (Closet of Abandoned Projects).
Hank has left his debit card too dangerously close to the computer, and I have taken advantage of its proximity by splurging here and there on various goodies. Above you can see the "LUSH" yarn that I was lucky enough to purchase (yes! She sells out fast) from Adrian over at Hello Yarn. If you haven't visited her, please do as she is continually restocking her virtual shelves of handspun goodness. Other faves of mine include the brisk selling creations of Heidi at My Paper Crane. I have yet to purchase from her as eager buyers out there oftentimes leave her cupboards bare. Also pictured above are my SIZE 19 needles! Egads!
I've also been blessed by happy greetings and good cyber love. Tracy Roos sent over a baby album kit that I am so eager to rip open and start creating. She was so thoughtful and sweet. (Thanks again, Tracy!) Another sweetie, Ani, sent both a birthday card for HENRY and a Valentine card for the family! (Is the birthday card not the most thoughtful thing ever?)
Despite all my crafty progress, I am behind in several snail mail goodies. I (happily) owe goodies to Hope and Lori-Lyn! I haven't forgotten about you ladies!!
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On the homefront news, Handy Man Yury, came over last night to discuss our plans for Phase 1 of our Home Sweet Home project. We're transforming our walk-through office and returning it to bedroom status. We're also going to add crown moulding and thick baseboards throughout our dining room and living room. Hopefully we'll also chuck our antiquated wall heaters and replace them with forced air and heating. Only then we will return to our studio/office creation (that I had planned way back when).
All of these changes are exhausting, yet so very exciting. Okay I'll stop rambling now.
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Oh my, those crochet squares look delicious! You are a crafting queen (aside from being a gifty queen, illustrating queen, mommy queen,...what?!). Super fun snail mail and exciting renovation (I love redecorating. even if for no good reason).
Stay safe and dry! I always worry about you CA bloggers when I hear the latest weather news stories. Yipes!!
Posted by: Giao | February 23, 2005 at 02:07 PM
Your afgan is going to be so gorgeous, I can't wait to see all of the sqaures sewn up together! I LOVE the colors and yarn you're using.
Glad to hear you've been staying dry. All of this rain has brought out a crazy organizational streak in me. Nesting?!
Posted by: Kathleen | February 23, 2005 at 02:12 PM
i have been thinking about you and the fam too with all the scary mud and gigantic sink holes. i hope all are doing well! hip, hip hooray on getting so much crochet done, there is NO way something that pretty can get stuck in the CoAP! keep it going!!
Posted by: hannah | February 23, 2005 at 02:32 PM
ps. i want to eat that yarn... so lush...
Posted by: hannah | February 23, 2005 at 02:33 PM
Holy crow. Your blog is a delight! Did you design it, make the graphics and such? I've been dreaming of such a fantastic big graphic for the top of my site. I could pay you in yarn......
Posted by: Adrian | February 23, 2005 at 02:40 PM
that baby afghan is going to be beautiful, I love what you have done so far - I also love the photo of the yarn and needles!
Posted by: hope | February 23, 2005 at 05:51 PM
I just love that yarn and those big fat needles! I love green, too...it's may fave color to wear as I have green eyes...
Posted by: violetismycolor | February 23, 2005 at 09:36 PM
Stunning crochet! I like the idea of crocheting a blanket....
Posted by: Nicole | February 23, 2005 at 10:41 PM
Leslie, I just LOVE the colors in that yarn!! I am going over to check her out, but I told myself that I need to try to use up the 3 boxes of yarn I have first!
I'm so excited for you and your new home additions! Please take before and after pictures! Our room is SLOWLY getting there, and I know once the sheetrock guy comes...I'll feel a lot better! I can't think straight until the REAL walls go up!
Isn't Ani the sweetest?!
Posted by: jes | February 24, 2005 at 04:34 AM
Gosh that Afghan is going to be pretty! Stay warm and dry! I can't wait to see pics of the renovated home:)
Posted by: ani | February 24, 2005 at 09:44 AM
That baby afghan is going to be so georgious, I simply love the combination of colors and the patterns...so beautiful, I'm having this cotton lying around waiting to be squares like that, would you please share the patterns or at least tell me were I can find them? And I'm simply in love with the yarn ;0)
Oh and I so much enjoyed the picture-tour about your house!!
Posted by: Marieke | February 24, 2005 at 10:11 AM
Leslie could you please start making one for me too LOL I love all 3 of them and I also love the green/pink combo, it's so cute. This little girl is going to be so lucky sleeping under a blanket like that :o) Keep dry!
Posted by: Yvonne | February 24, 2005 at 01:23 PM
Those squares are sooooo beautiful! Are you crocheting them from a particular pattern? Or are you just combining square patterns you know about? Could you tell me where to find the pattern? A friend of mine is expecting in August and that would make a perfect gift. The colors you chose are gorgeous...
Good luck with all the house stuff- it will be worth it in the end.
Posted by: frecklegirl | February 24, 2005 at 10:56 PM
oooh! I am loving that yarn!! Whatcha' going to make!? :)
Posted by: Island Girl | February 28, 2005 at 07:21 AM
Hi you crafty girl you! Sarah (Tiny little woman blog) called me to tell me to look at your post with the crochet squares. Now I know why!!!!! Those are just fabulous! I just can't get the hang of patterns well enough to crochet something so detailed... but you are doing so very well. I just adore the pattern you are doing!! Please post more as you get farther... oh and belly pictures too. Is your little princess kicking a lot yet? Well props to you my friend. I hope some day soon I'll be posting pictures of a beautiful blanket too! =)
Posted by: Rachel | March 02, 2005 at 04:44 PM
Those squeres are beutiful, I really hope you feel the "force within" to finish that quilt, it's going to be absolutly beutiful. I love your choise of colors!
Posted by: Hanna | March 07, 2005 at 02:35 AM
I just read a few of your blogs about your kids and wonder how do you sound so happy. I love my kids but they just seem to get under my skin. How do you see the funny side of there escapades? How do you not get upset when you are just as wet as they are after THEIR bath. Maybe I need to lighten up or be entlightened on how to approach life with a less serious tone. HELP me see the funny side of life!!!
Posted by: k | April 28, 2005 at 05:44 PM