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

Visiting

Lambs from Meredith and little girls visited Gramma....surprise!!!

with lots of hugging action which Shelby Dog chose to ignore.

Rose was a little anxious....

and almost overwhelmed ...

but Nanny Taffy [Fluffy Baa Baas sister] has moved in to help keep the lambs and little girls happily safe

so that everyone could enjoy another visit through cyberspace with Meredith and Little Buddy in Florida! 

 Gramma has also enjoyed visits with other friends, including Betsy who made this fabulous doily for Teresa,

and Taci who helped Gramma learn how to send these cool pictures on her phone :)

Gramma has also been visiting lots of pattern sites trying to decide on a rectangular shawl pattern for the Malabrigo merino yarn she bought recently.  It's fun to look!

And Gramma has also been  visiting with family and friends via phone, emails, blogs, and Facebook while she prepares to drive to CA with her youngest daughter and son-in-law starting at 4am tomorrow morning for a week of visiting with family and friends!

Are you enjoying any visits where you are?

Gracie XX