First Lace Suggestions?
something delicate and airy
A few years ago I made this Red Novelty Yarn shawl for Mendra's aunt. I doubted myself then about my choice of yarns, and the size of the shawl, and all that fringe... Lucky for me, I can't find the thing, and so haven't given it to its intended recipient. I've decided I hate it. It's just blah. It sheds... and novelty yarns? Really? Ugh.
So, Mendra asked me to make something I like, something I'd be proud to give to her, and so I will. Sam is always telling me how wonderful lace is to work with, so I think I'll give it a try. Mendra's aunt travels a lot. I'm hopeful a nice lacey scarf will be useful in the various places she visits.
At the moment I'm thinking of making the Alhambra scarf by Anne Hanson (Ravelry link), but am open to other suggestions. I'd love it if I can finish the project over Christmas vacation, so I'm not looking for a huge endeavor.
What do you think? And what yarn would you recommend? I don't often like variegated yarns but I think this might look nice with a monochromatic variegation.
Lime & Violet blogs my Felted Alphabet Blocks
gettin blocky
Lime & Violet's Daily Chum is highlighting my Felted Toy Alphabet Blocks as part of their Advent Calendar. I'm thrilled to be included.
I originally published the pattern here on my blog but over the weekend I converted it into a PDF and made it available as a free pattern download on Ravelry, as I know that my blog has gone down on occasion.
I think the thing I like most about this project is that I get to see my daughter really enjoy all the effort I put into them. She LOVES to knock over the stacks I build. And I love spelling out silly phrases and words as quickly as I can before they get obliterated. This toy has some really good staying potential, too. As she gets older, the games we play with them will evolve: stacking them herself, identifying colors, learning letters, reading, spelling, all sorts of things.
A huge thanks goes out to my sister who helped add the letters to half the blocks, as I was learning how to deal with being the mom of a 2-week old at the time, and admittedly had gotten a little burnt out of needle-felting.
I can't wait to see other people's versions of these blocks!
