BSJ #5 & #6

BSJ #4 was finished a couple of weeks ago, but I kept forgetting to post a photo.

It was knit on size 8 needles with reclaimed wool from a thrifted sweater. It is more subdued and less scrappy than the others.

Even though I don't care for purple, BSJ #6 is by far my favorite. It was also knit on size 8 needles.

The purple yarn was donated by Rena G. in Virginia. I had just enough yarn to finish this sweater. I had less than four inches of the dark purple left which is why there is no collar.

I have sorted the rest of the yarn from Rena and have prepared project bags. I foresee more Baby Surprise Jackets.

Smiling Is Contagious

Isn't it fun to see a smile on an everyday object? 

For months, I have searched for a VW bug with open headrests so I could get a photo of a wide-eyed, smiling car with rosy cheeks. I would like to collect photos of all of the colors, especially yellow.

I hope you find an unexpected smile today.

Multi-colored BSJ

While in Denver, I used some of the small balls of yarn from Rena to make another Baby Surprise Jacket. This is the fourth BSJ for the May campaign.

The variety of greens makes this jacket interesting.

I have another jacket (this time using a variety of purples) on the needles.

Ballpark Diamonds

Springtime is a great time to bring the baseball bat, glove, and ball out of storage and head to the nearest ballpark diamond. The skeins of cornflower blue acrylic yarn in my stash bin begged to be knit with a unique stitch pattern.

I chose Large Diamonds because I like how this reversible pattern looks on both sides, but I prefer the back (wrong side) is shown above.

The baby blanket will be donated to a hospital.

The Big Picture

I can't believe that Marilyn already finished the cross-stitch portrait of her grand-daughter. Isn't it awesome? She started it June 2009 and finished it May 2010: it would have taken me decades.

I visited Marilyn last week in Denver, so I got to hear her say, "Ta-Da!"

Rewinding to Winter

I would have stayed in bed this morning, but I had an appointment in Lander. I left 30 minutes early because I knew the storm was going to hit Lander first: the weatherman last night predicted  8 - 10 inches in the foothills.

Driving was a bit dicey - it is amazing how quickly one forgets how to drive in this stuff! I fought 2 - 3 inches of slush all the way home. Yuck!

Can you see these leaves shivering under this blanket of white? I pity the poor fools who have turned on their sprinkling systems and set out plants in their gardens. (The last frost is typically May 15th, but it is not uncommon to have snow even in June.)

The snow, although inconvenient, is packed with glorious moisture, so my grumbles aren't too loud. I just don't like the rewind to Winter driving.

Barbara's Bounty

Barbara H. from New Hampshire is another generous, online friend. She sent hats last month, and also another colorful selection, which arrived this week.

Barbara, thank you for creating these darling hats for the babies at my local hospital. Every hat makes a positive impact on the life of the baby and the extended family. You have created more than hats, you have shared a hug with these families. Thank you!

Enabling My Obsession

I've met some extremely generous individuals online, and this gorgeous pile of yarn is proof positve.

Rena G. from Virginia and I have been corresponding for at least a couple of years, and since she no longer knits or crochets, she is gradually purging her yarn stash. Rena sent me a box of yarn after we first met, and from that yarn, I made several baby and infant hats. You can see them here, here, and here.

This week, the luscious pile of yarn in the photo arrived on my doorstep. Since so many of the balls of yarn are in coordinating colors, I think they will make a colorful Baby Surprise Jacket. The full skeins will make lovely blankets.

Thank you Rena for enabling my knitting obsession.