"I started photographing my domestic world and writing not just about what I had made,
but why I made it, examining the thoughts that accompany creativity and the act of making."
Jane Brocket from The Gentle Art of Domesticity p. 189 UK edition

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Spring Progress: Bunny, Blossoms, Doily and Dolls





At knit-nite last Thursday, Taci shared a free pattern she found on Ravelry for a knit bunny.  I knit a 10" by 10" square, on size 8 needles with some left over cream colored acrylic yarn I had saved.  Then I sewed in  strategically placed  large basting stitches in a triangular shape, and gathered the stitches to make the bunny that is now perched on my sea chest. I so admire folks that envision such clever patterns and generously share them with others, and I hope to make more of this style bunny as gifts.

From my recent trip to California, I brought home an instruction sheet for making clothes pin dolls. My older sister found the instructions in  a box of my mom's treasures and thought I might enjoy experimenting with it...and I am.  My oldest daughter and her two oldest daughters and I have been experimenting with the patterns.  So far the Grands like the painting part of the process best :)

While returning a book I loaned her, Betsy sent me an amazing doily she made!  The bunny, chicks and eggs are perched on it on my sea chest.  I have made a snowflake and baby bibs  and some of Teresa's beautiful hearts using thin cotton thread,  but my jaw drops in admiration of the artistry expressed by Betsy who made this fine, complicated doily.  I am grateful to be able to enjoy it along with our friendship.

Our huge wild cherry tree is full of white blossoms.  I have seen a squirrel, a blue jay and a robin hopping along the branches, seemingly in delight.  However, this morning when I drove off to swim I noted there were cherry petals raining down on my car, so I know that Spring is progressing.  Drifts of cherry blossoms will soon be formed at the base of the tree as the tart cranberry size cherries form.

How is Spring progressing for you?

Gracie xx

23 comments:

  1. You're SO talented Gracie! You, Teresa, Betsy and others inspire me so much...
    I am loving our beautiful spring blossoms. Last weekend my hubby and I took a drive in your area and everything was SO gorgeous! I also made my first crochet stitch last weekend too...it was a very, very good weekend.
    LOVE the photo of your grandkids working so intently on their dolls:)
    Have a blessed Easter!
    God bless,
    Aimee

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Gracie! What a good grandma you are to teach your grandgirls to do crafty art projects! It was a good swim today! The little knit bunny came out great! I started the little lamb for Paige this evening. Spring is progressing for me just fine.. as long as I have good friends like you. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Gracie, I'm so glad you came to meet us last week. I'm sorry I had to leave hut I really enjoyed our brief moment together. I'm so glad you finished your bunny ! I finished mine but didn't like so much I need to make the eyes and nose to see if it looks better. Mine was too big :( glad you are enjoying time with yrou granddaughter. Have a wonderful Easter. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. So many fun things to see and read about on your blog today Gracie. Betsy's talent is truly amazing. I love your bunny, a perfect pattern for this time of year and of course I see sheep peeking out of your photo.
    Hugs to you and have a beautiful day with blossoms drifting onto your car, that sounds so much like Spring.
    Hugs,
    Meredith

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hello Gracie! Spring here is coming along nicely. I can see apple and pear blossom from my window, and see birds gathering nesting materials. Yesterday we saw a baby rabbit while we were out walking, and heard a skylark singing, a woodpecker drumming and a cuckoo calling. I love this time of year! Lesley x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello Gracie,

    What fortunate grandchildren you have! Peg dolls are always fun to make and there are so many varieties one can make. It is always a pleasure to pop over and visit you here, Gracie. I am glad you are enjoying spring and family in equal measures and I wish you all a VERY peaceful, happy Easter.

    Stephanie

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh what fun for you and the grand girls to make these dolls. My grandies would love this also. I am heading over to check out the pattern you mentioned. Lovely doilies that Betsy makes! Did she also make the chicks and eggs? Those are so cute too.
    Happy Spring day to you Gracie!!
    xo Kris

    ReplyDelete
  8. Spring is coming along there! I love your little knitted bunny, how cute. I think it's really nice that you do crafty projects with the girls, they will always remember it! Happy Easter. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. The girls look to having a great time, it is lovely when kids like to do old-fashioned craft, restores my faith in the future generations!!

    I have just finished work for a 10 day break - yay!!

    Helenxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you for the beautifully sweet words you said. I'm glad you like the doily. You've given me so much with your friendship, it's just a little thing. The girls clothespin dolls are wonderful. It's good to see children enjoying old fashioned crafts and they are very lucky to have you there to teach them. I'll have to ask Taci for a copy of the bunny pattern to make for next Easter. It's very cute!
    Blessings always Gracie,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello Gracie. I remember making those dolls :-) many years ago !!! Not tired it yet with my granddaughters I should do so. We have had some lovely weather and there is such beautiful blossom everywhere. We are having a very qiet Easter this year. Hope you have a very Happy and Peaceful Easter Gracie. Hugs Anne x

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your little bunny is so sweet Gracie - I looked at that pattern a few days ago and then dismissed it, thinking it would probably be a bit tricky, but now I may just take another look after seeing the great job you did with it! Well done! You and your Grands have been having happy busy times again, how lovely to see, and Betsy's doily is superb, that lady certainly does have a lot of talent! Your wild cherry tree is magnificent - how lovely to have the blossom raining down around you - Spring indeed!
    Wishing you and yours a very happy Easter, Gracie, love, Joy xo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Lovely bunny and oh it takes me back with those pin dolls (clothes peg dolly's) I had plenty and loved making them xo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Your bunny is lovely Gracie :) I love that you and your Grands spend time together crafting - the dolls look great, and the blossom on your tree is beautiful.
    Wishing you and your family a very Happy Easter x x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Beautiful blossom and I love those eggs in the basket, so colourful. Happy Easter to you and your family. Jo x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Beautiful blossoms on your cherry tree! I think knitting bunnies is so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  17. PS: I thoroughly enjoyed sharing your visit to Monterey and points north!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Just beautiful - those photos contain a lot of creativity, happiness and love. Spring has come to Glasgow and I feel completely amazed and enthralled by it, as if I'd never experienced it before! The blossom here is very pretty too.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hello Gracie, It looks like your grand daughter was having a fun time creating their doll pins. Betsy making a very lovely doily for you.. Is it called Pineapple pattern??? I loved seeing your blooming cherry tree.. No blooms in my trees yet. I do love your Sailor Treasure chest. It is gorgeous. Hugs Judy

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hello Gracie how lovely to see your sweet pictures, with lots of wonderful spring crafting going on and beautiful blossom too! I love the bunny and the clothes pin dolls! How lovely for your grandchildren to have you to craft with them. Wishing you all a very happy spring week.
    Helen xox

    ReplyDelete
  21. Hi Gracie, Your cherry tree looks lovely and matches the one in our neighbours garden! I remember clothes for pin dolls when I was a child, lovely to see your grandchildren joining in! Sarah x

    ReplyDelete
  22. There you were writing and sharing your sweet images in mid April, and here I am finally catching up with you and it's May already! Where does the time go???

    Love the look of concentration on your granddaughter's faces there :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. Your granddaughters look so happily intent on their work ... they obviously take after their crafty grandma! Such beautiful photos as always - we don't have much yet in the way of spring blossom, but I hope to see some in a week or two.

    Happy May! :)

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for visiting me today! I welcome your comments!