Eastern Woodland

So I’m a bit behind on posting this to the blog, but if you follow me on Ravelry or belong to my designer group, you probably already know I released a pattern earlier this week!

Eastern Woodland is a great lace sampler that is undeniably inspired by this time of year. If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you’ve probably noticed my wildflower obsession lately. Living in what is naturally oak forest, there are quite a few woodland flowers in my neighborhood right now. I love love love seeing them all every time I go for a run or walk the dog, and they seeped into my brain enough that I decided to knit them too.

Every ring of Eastern Woodland is inspired by a different wildflower native to the eastern U.S. From the starflower to the lily of the valley and every panel in between, this pattern is spring incarnate.

Feeling some lace? Just need to inject some springtime into your knitting? Try Eastern Woodland!

Satisfaction Sunday

I just caught myself brooding about the lack of rain we’ve had lately and some ugliness likely to go down at the day job tomorrow. That means it’s time to remind myself of all the good things going on. The current top 5:

1. It’s going to be 85 degrees today. That means time for a good book and a glass of wine on the balcony. Even better, time for SUNDRESSES!

2. The warmth means daffodils and other Spring flowers are just about done, but I have some of the last ones sitting on my baker’s rack as we speak. They make me smile every time I look at them.

3. The upstairs neighbors are FINALLY quiet for the first time in about 48 hours. This may mean Reading Time on the Balcony turns into Napping Time on the Balcony, and I am totally okay with that.

4. My little urban-defiance potted garden is beginning to look like a jungle. See?

Most of the tomato plants are taller than I am, which is actually a bit worrisome.

5. There is so much (bought at 1/2 price) Easter candy in the kitchen I’m almost, but not quite, embarrassed. I believe it’s time for a Reese’s egg.

April Showers

Spring has sprung! Around here, that means plenty of flowers and luscious greens. Unfortunately, it also means rain. 

This is the kind of rain I don’t mind though. In winter, I hate the cold, cold rain with a fiery passion. Well, as much fiery passion as that much dark and dreary will allow. Warm-month rain is different though. The mild, gentle rains of spring and steamy, explosive storms of summer seem happier and more friendly, somehow. Maybe it’s the knowledge that when it’s over, there will be warm, glorious sun on my shoulders. Maybe it’s the knowledge that all this rain feeds the lovely dogwood and magnolias, or that the alternating rain and hot sun leads to fat, juicy berries come summer. But whatever it is, I love warm month rain.

Warm, spring rain is what inspired my latest design – the aptly named “April Showers“.

I think the rain-like streaks of the body and the bright, sunny daisies at the end do a good job of emulating Spring in Virginia. When the rain here gets just a little too chilly and winter-like, I can wrap this shawl tight around my shoulders and it’s like wrapping myself in a little bit of Spring. I love it!