brownie overload

I can't believe I haven't written in here in 3 days. What a slacker!! I have spent too much time eating brownies and drinking beer - not necessarily together (YUCK).

One of my favorite things about knitting - and quilting for that matter - is making something for someone and having them love it - whether it's a surprise or something requested. That's sort of my personality - I am a giver (THIS IS NOT ALWAYS A GOOD THING - believe me, I have learned my lesson in other facets of my life recently). But I think it goes beyond that.

When I make something, I put my heart into it. I love taking ubiquitous, inoccuous materials like yarn or simple cotton fabrics, and weaving them together into something warm or cozy or beautiful or functional.

I am lucky because over the last several days, some of the projects I've made recently have brought happiness to those who received them. And when that enjoyment was shared with me - it made me smile.

I made scarves for 2 of my very good friends for Christmas. Both friends happen to work with me and, upon my delivery of their gifts, I got a few other requests for scarves. These scarves are SO simple to make - they are a perfect first knitting project, actually, because they are knitted on huge needles and are in a stockingnet stitch. You can't get much easier than that.

So of course when the other ladies made mention of "Oh I'd love one!" I just had to go out and pick up some more of that cuddly, soft, great yarn (Lion brand Homespun - love that stuff) in some fun colors and put together a few more scarves. And so I did. And those were well-received. In fact, I take it as a huge compliment when I saw 1 scarf in a meeting on Thursday afternoon and one at happy hour on Friday night. Our 4th friend at happy hour then put her order in for one, somewhat sheepishly (silly girl, she was next on my list anyway) - and I get to make a PINK one. YAY!! That's been started and since I am home alone for a DAY OFF tomorrow, I'm hoping to finish it up same day. We'll see.

I also had G deliver the hats I made for our neighbors' daughters today, and was greeted promptly with a great thank you note on FB. LOVE IT!!

I backed my mantel scarf yesterday and today I picked up the binding tape for it. Perhaps tomorrow I'll also bind it. Then I jump into the unknown territory of machine quilting. HELP ME!!!!

I love how much joy my hobbies bring to me. They are a little shining star on my darkest days. The last month has been difficult - I feel like I am at a huge crossroads in my life - but I can pick up a project and breathe slightly easier. At least for a little while.