Bits and Bobs Baby Blanket and a wee break.....

The Bits and Bobs Baby Blanket is finished.  It took me just over two weeks to make this and frankly ordering that yarn and waiting for it was what took me so long.  I am in LOVE with this blanket.  It was such a joy to make.  First off I forget how wonderful a good cotton yarn can feel like in your hands, add in beautiful colors and it is a win.  My Plymouth Yarn Cleo, the sand color for the border finally arrived on Thursday, I was getting anxious that it was missing because it took so long.  Now remember ordering yarn online and having it delivered feels like you are waiting months for the arrival when it was actually just over a week.  Still other things have arrived here much faster so I was getting worried.  

I ordered six skeins but only used four for the borders and the edging.  I think the sand color works perfectly with the blanket.  I can't seem to get the colors of this blanket photographed the right way.  The darker squares are purple although they are showing up as blue in the photos.  

I was done with all the squares when I found out this new little one will be a girl.  I added a bit of pink to the border to make it a bit more girlish.  I was going for gender neutral up to that point.  I used leftover Berroco Pure Pimo for the squares from stash, Plymouth Yarn Cleo for the borders and edging and a size H hook.  I am estimating 1,300 yards for the blanket, as I can calculate many of the colors I used.   Not a bad stash busting project and a fun one to boot!  The blanket measures 38 x 38 inches, a fun size for a baby.  I had the best time making these squares and finding the perfect arrangement.  I love this blanket, hopefully the new little one will also.  As you know in my family if you are having a baby you are getting a new baby blanket from me whether you want one or not.

Dear Max had a nice bath today.  We aren't fussy here, he got it out by the pool with a hose.  It is hard to bath him these days as he loses his balance easily.  I have to be very careful and give him some support when I am drying him off.  Bless him he still has the kindest eyes in the world.  

I have had a busy week which included a workshop on Mindfulness.  Now friends this is a subject I need a lot more information on.  I am often racing through my life and not being the best I can be.  I have noticed this more and more lately as the news is so horrific.  Everyday there are horrible things happening in the government and the impact of these decisions will be felt for years and years.  My head is always spinning and is not focused and centered when I am at work, or when I am at home with Little Buddy.  There is just to much to do and to think about.  After the introductory course I looked further into the longer course and really think this is a necessity for me right now.  The problem is I have to carve out some space for the course in my already busy life.  I need to be a better Mom, therapist and friend.  I need to be focused on what I am doing right now and not worry about the next patient, car ride, paperwork, school activity, meal, laundry, trip to the store........the list goes on and on.  The online course I am taking is located here.  Other great courses, some of them free, can be found here.  So because of that I will be spending less time on this blog of mine for the next eight weeks.  I won't be gone forever and certainly not going anywhere for good.  I just have so much time in my day and it gets eaten up pretty quick.

When I think about how precious this space is to me I feel sad I won't be as present here.  Sort of like I am in middle school and can't keep up with all the cool kids.  You are all the cool kids by the way.  What will I miss out on?  So if you don't see me here know I am only a comment or email away.  I can always be reached if you have news to share or a question to ask.  Remember if I can't visit it isn't that I don't care, it is just that being mindful takes a lot of time!

No worries on missing this guy.  I will definitely keep you up on his news.  He was busy dusting for me today, you can imagine how well that went!

As for my lovely friend asking about the alpaca farm in North Carolina.  You can find them here at Skyvue Ranch Alpacas and Fiber Shop.  It is worth the visit, the owners are lovely and so caring about their alpacas. 

See you all soon.