Spring: Robins and a Snowstorm

Yesterday, we had a beautiful, sunny first day of spring. First thing in the morning, we looked out our window and saw FIVE robins! They were the very first ones we've spotted this year, too. They wouldn't let me get very close, but there is one in that picture above, right in the middle of the photo, in the shadow. Then today... four inches of snow! We brightened things up by making a Queen of the Spring doll for C. We were inspired by the beautiful dolls at Cherished Dreams. C chose the colors and I did the rest. I had forgotten how much fun needle-felting is! And below is our spring nature table, with our felted eggs, chick and flower dolls. I need to make a flower for the snowdrop doll, but for now she has the real thing-- even better!

A Little Spring

Sunny days at last! We have been playing outside today in the sunshine without coats!!! It is marvelous to see my children so happy to run and jump and get muddy. We all had major cabin fever. Here are photos of our final bulb beauties. The sun came just in time since all we have left blooming is one daffodil! Now we get to watch for the "real" ones outside. And finally... my headband pattern is done, just in time for outdoor knitting! The pattern is called Dewdrop Beaded Headband and will be available from Earthfaire as well as from my Etsy shop, as soon as I have it printed up.

Noro Nostalgia

First of all, let me say Thank You to those of you who wrote me such thoughtful comments on my last post! I am finally knitting again (and typing), and much to my relief it seems that the wrist/upper arm pain was caused not by the knitting but by the daily, repeated lifting of heavy wood and my wheelbarrow! We have a large house heated entirely by wood, and during those super-cold months I was stocking the wheelbarrow sometimes twice daily, and loading wood throughout the day. My husband works about 40 minutes away, so I figured why waste his time when he's home-- I can get the wood myself. And I have been, for about 2 months. Now it's his turn after all, I guess! Such a relief to not have to blame my knitting! With less lifting going on, my wrists and arms can easily handle knitting and typing again.

Sooo that brings us to this post: since I haven't been getting much new stuff made, I thought I would post an oldie but very goodie. This was the first sweater I knit for myself, and at that time (about 3 years ago) I decided to make it worth the effort and invested in 9 balls of Noros Silk Garden 228. I looove this sweater and I love to wear it in the spring and fall, especially. Aaaaah Noro... This is from Jane Ellison's Naturally Noro.

Handwork

My hands are something I have always appreciated, but apparently not enough! For the past few weeks I have been suffering from some wrist pain... Don't say that C--- T--- word! I have forced myself to abstain from knitting, and to reduce my typing, and things are feeling much better, but I guess I will make this short. Here are some photos of more exciting arrivals. We figured that even though we only have daffodils blooming indoors, it was okay to bring the new Daffodil Doll out a little early. We are watching for signs of growth outdoors, but so far ice melting is the only sign of spring!