Yes, I still make stuff

People often ask me, "Are you still sewing?" "Are you selling?" Yes and Yes.
If you read the last post you know that winter kicked my fanny. I bought a whole bunch of lovely blue yarn and decided I would crochet an afghan. Crocheting seemed like a really good cozy warm thing to do during long winter nights. One problem: I hate crocheting! And I suck at it! Well, that's 2 problems.
But I love yarn. I don't always like handwork but I like embroidery.

Shortly after moving to my new town I learned the ladies at church were getting together to sew and crochet and do something called Swedish Weave. I finally saw what this was and thought "huh..ok" I recognized it as huck embroidery which I had seen in books. Later my friend Daria showed me a Swedish Weave throw she was working on. The colors and pattern looked so cool, like a tapestry and her 4 yarn colors made it look variegated. I think I might want to learn that!

A few days before Christmas I went to her house so our kids could play. She presented me with a piece of prepared monk's cloth and yarn. She had bought it for another woman at church who wanted to learn and then moved away. What a sweet surprise! She sat me down and taught me. And now I'm hooked. Last month we taught another friend how to do it and Shellie, Daria and I try to find time to Swedish Weave together.

So this is the throw I made that Daria gave me. It is rose and burgundy on white monk's cloth. Not exactly my colors but still very pretty. She gave me a basic pattern and we tweaked it and I added extra made up stuff on the ends. It was super fun and kept me cozy and warm while I stitched. It also didn't take as long as I thought it would and was relaxing while watching TV.

Shortly after I started it I knew it was meant for a home besides mine. MOM! Of course! Burgundy is totally her color and she appreciates handmade things. Then I'll make one for me and my mother in-law! My mom's birthday is in April so perfect!

Well, I changed my mind. My dad's birthday was last week and he loves burgundy! And he loves blankets! And he loves me! And whatever I give dad is also mom's and what I give mom's is dad's so they can share and I will take something else on mom's day.

And look at Dad's happy smile! I don't think he was faking when he gushed and oohed over it. I was so proud to give it to him. ( and Lydia loves Grandpa! Everyone was happy!)

So the blue yarn is at my friend Jennifer's house being made into an afghan. She likes to crochet and likes me. (And I am working on ways to pay her back) And I am working on a throw for me. And I won't tell you what I am taking to my mom's next month. And I won't mention my mother in-law's either because they both read this sometimes.

And in case you are wondering, yes I sew and sell. Just finished a huge order for a nice returning customer/friend and I am starting on Easter dresses soon. I cleaned my blue room, attended the sewing expo and am reading sewing magazines so I'm pumped!