Holly Hobbie

In the previous post you'll see a hand-embroidered, framed Holly Hobbie that I found at a yard sale. Holly Hobbie was (along with Joan Walsh Anglund characters) one of my favorites as a little girl. Click here for a wonderful website all about the real Holly Hobbie; she's as wholesome and rosy cheeked as her characters.

Great Way to Hide Cords

A computer desk is notorious for its unsightly cords and plugs. Such was the case with ours until my dad gave me this painting. He painted this pastoral scene years ago and gave it to me unframed. Now it serves as a pretty "curtain" hiding all the ugly.

I'm a knitter!

Since starting my blog, I've come to know so many women who knit, and do so with such passion. I'm lucky to work with a gal, Laura (visit her blog for all her knitting — and other — ventures!), who said she would teach me. So armed with a pair of found needles from home (Harleigh's attempt from years ago) and a ball of pink yarn, we sat down at lunchtime yesterday and she got me going! We started with Continental-style which proved to be a bit awkward for me, although Laura's preference for speediness. I felt like a half wit; since when can't I figure out how to coordinate two hands, two sticks and a line of yarn?

When I sat down last night, Harleigh showed me English-style which simplified things. But I still want to master Continental; it just feels like a more masterful way to knit. What I've accomplished so far is mediocre at best, but instead of tearing it all out, I'm keeping all my stitches so that I can see my improvement. It was really relaxing despite my novice struggles. You can see in the picture above what my first day of knitting netted. Thank you thank you thank you, Laura!