The Desert is Abloom

Life in the desert is usually sunshine - 365 days a year. But, this winter, it rained. That's not too unusual for the Southwest, but a rarity all the same. And now that Spring is upon is, the normally brown hills and mountains are just awash with colors! Now, that is unusual.

My First Quilt

In reality, even though it was completed after the other quilt, it was the first one that I started. I had the most wonderful assistant, teacher, and mentor... my sister Dee. Who would have imagined that quilters are even more horrid enablers than knitters? Go figure!I am happy with my endeavor. But, I have so much to learn about color. I chose very complementary colors and I think I needed to use more contrast. Perhaps, a better choice than the purple would have been a very dark green?

I just love the ticking that I found for the backing. And the lady who did the machine quilting did a marvelous job. All in all... I'm tickled pink!

Do you remember this Ugly Duckling?

Well, after many, many months in the Frog Pond, it has finally become a Swan.
If you remember, I did complete the Mystery Stole 3 in its entirety last year. I was wide-eyed with enthusiasm as this was to be my first endeavor in the "mystery" genre. Each week, I waited anxiously as the next "clue" was announced. I was loving the progression of the stole that was blossoming before me - up until the end of Clue 4. My doubts began as I began to knit Clue 5. The pattern abruptly changed and seemed to be going in a direction to where I did not want to go. But,to keep faithful to the spirit of the KAL, I blindly persevered and I continued and knitted along. Being the consummate over-achiever that I am, it was completed before the week was over after the final clue was presented.

I tried to like it. Really, I did! I just couldn't bring myself to like it. I tried desperately and it was not going to happen. It looked like two different shawls had been mismatched together. I did like both halves, individually, just not together. So, I frogged the shawl back to the end of clue 4. And that's where it sat for the past 6 months - lost and forgotten and hated.

Fast forward to now... After all my exuberant Christmas sock knitting, I decided it was time to finish all the left over UFO’s in my pile - with this being one of them. I am so proud that I finally finished it! Wah la! Over! Kaput! Fini! Stick a fork in me! Dun!
Obligatory Stats:

• Pattern: Mystery Stole 3/Swan Lake
• Designer: Melanie Gibbons
• Yarn: Elsbeth Lavold Hempathy
• Colorway: White Beach
• Skeins: 6/918 yds
• Needles: Denise US Size 6
• Blocked size: 29" x 84"
• Made for: Deirdre (shhhh! Don't tell her. It's a surprise!)

WOW!!!!

In January, Hubby had a business trip to Florida. I decided to join him. After it was over, he went home, and I stayed on and spent a few weeks having a wonderful visit with my sister, Dee. I had such a wonderful visit. We had a great time, talking, bonding and sharing. But, I guess that perhaps, she shared a bit more with me.Dee is a gifted seamstress and quilter. Her talents are well evident in the fabulous quilted jacket that she made for me last Christmas, and the two gorgeous quilts that she had bestowed me this Christmas. Well, I asked her if she would help me make a quilt. Quilters are even more diligent enablers than knitters - she was more than happy to oblige. This is ONE of the quilts that I made!
I am proud of my endeavor. And even happier that I had the opportunity to visit with Dee. A sister's love is forever.