Sunday, April 2, 2017

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.

38 comments:

Lisa said...

What a beautiful baby blanket. A handmade gift is such a treasure. The mindfulness class sounds very interesting. I hope you find it helpful. Life gets so full. It's hard to stay ahead of everything and not switch to autopilot. I'm guilty of thinking ahead to the next task and enjoying the current moment. Please let us know what you think of the class. Have a lovely week, Lisa

Araignee said...

That blanket is just beautiful. I can't beleive you got it done so quickly!
What a cute little duster you have. I wish I could get The Mister to see the value in it.

Anonymous said...

Ohhhhhhhhhhh...that baby blanket. That is going to be an heirloom!!! You do beautiful work.

As for the class.....enjoy! We will be here when you get back and maybe you'll even share a little of what you have learned.

Blondie's Journal said...

I was thinking as I read this...besides the workshop, you simply need a break from blogging, Mere. As much as it does us good to write our thoughts and feelings...it sort of cements those thoughts in our mind and keeps them reeling. I think you have made a wise decision but I will miss your posts! Thankfully you will keep us in the loop when it comes to your little man.

Hurry back. No...take your time. :)

Jane x

CJ said...

I was talking to someone about mindfulness not long ago and she was saying how good it was and how much her sister had got out of it. She was just starting to explore it and it sounded excellent. I shall be interested to hear how it goes for you, I really hope it's a fantastic experience. Love the baby blanket, you've made a beautiful job of it, I know it will be treasured always. Those first gifts are very special, and blankets are especially good because the baby won't grow out of it after six weeks. Good luck with the course, see you on the other side! CJ xx

Jo said...

The blanket is beautiful and I'm sure it will be treasured for years to come. Lovely to see Max and know that he's still doing well, he's such a beautiful boy, and Little Buddy seems to grow every time you post a new photo, he's looking very grown up now. Enjoy your course.

Jo said...

I would like to be mindful one day. Enjoy being yourself, with your own thoughts. Miss you but see you soon. Jo xx

Amy at love made my home said...

Hope you enjoy your time away from the computer. I know that being online a lot less has made a big difference to me and what I am doing and feeling. I feel badly that I haven't kept up with e-mails - I owe you one at least I am sure! - but it is better for me. So I am sure that you will find the balance and get things right for you and that it will be very good for you. In the meantime until we hear from you again - although I will try and e-mail! - hope that the dusting goes well and that you enjoy your crafting too!

Bridget said...

I love the way the blanket turned out! Someday, maybe I'll be able to wrap my brain around something other than just a chain, as far as crochet goes.

Thank you for the picture of a freshly-clean Max! I love him so. Tell him I think he must look like a doggie supermodel now, all fresh and extra fluffy. And give him as many kisses as you can from me.

Thanks for the link to the classes, I'm gonna take a look.

Let me know if you decide to rent out Little Buddy for dusting ... he would still do a better job than I have lately. ;-)

Enjoy the class, and we'll all be here waiting to find out how it all went.

Happy Easter to you and yours.

xo

Linda @ A La Carte said...

The baby blanket is a treasure. Your family is lucky to have a handmade full of love blanket. Enjoy your blog break and the mindfulness class sounds really interesting. I feel like I'm on a roller coaster and going downhill more then up lately. Hugs to Little Buddy and you!

Mac n' Janet said...

Sounds like a great course, I have trouble concentrating on the now and my thoughts become scattered.
Do pop in occasionally.

kathy b said...

Blanket inspiring
Baseball Buddy...boy boy boy

Your little retreat..wonderful. This is such an important thing for you to do!!! Thrilled for you.

Olga Poltava said...

Such a beautiful blanket! The colors are great!

Vera said...

The blanket is gorgeous! And Little Buddy and Max are both so cute (LB can come to my place and dust anytime he wants). Enjoy the class and your time away from the computer!! We'll be here waiting when you get back.

The Well Fed Wheel said...

Beautiful blanket and an adorable little dusting helper. ;-) I've heard a lot about mindfulness courses lately. It sounds very interesting and with all that is happening lately it certainly sounds like a good use of ones time. I will have to check it out myself.

Una said...

I love the blanket and you finished it so quickly. Of course you don't have 8 days in your week. So you are allowed to disappear for a while. I read that after the shock of the Brexit vote in the UK last year a lot of people went to therapists. That is something that we straight-laced Brits don't normally do.

Christina said...

We all could do with a little mindfulness here and there. I am happy that you are putting yourself first with this course, so important to make sure we are feeling a balance and restful in our own thoughts. I'll miss you of course! The little blanket is just so beautiful, you have done a great job making something really special. Lots of love xxx

Mylittlepieceofengland said...

Beautiful blanket, I love the colours you've chosen. Little Buddy always makes me smile, good to see he is helping you out xx

Betsy said...

What an absolutely beautiful blanket Meredith. I know the recipients will be thrilled with it. The colors are so pretty together. Your little guy looks like a great little helper. We sure understand about taking a break. I don't even have a little one at home or a job and I have a hard time finding the time to blog. Sometimes I struggle with writing posts. We'll be here when you get back and maybe you'll share some of your new information with us all. Have a wonderful, lower stress blog break my dear friend.
Blessings,
Betsy

Gracie Saylor said...

So good to catch up with your latest, and thanks for the shout out a few weeks ago. I hope to post once a week, but time will tell :) Meanwhile, I am hoping you will find your eight week class meaningful and as always I am hoping you are getting the rest you need. Your energy and productivity are amazing and I love your creativity...from lip balm to blankets and shawls and... I am headed off to swim, but am sending you hugs and love throughout my days. xx

Anonymous said...

I'm taking this class now thru work.it will be interesting to hear what you think.
Love the blanket!

Karen said...

First, I absolutely love that blanket. The colors are so beautiful! Good for you for taking the time to do the mindfulness class! It's something I try to practice more in my own life. It's so easy to let the busyness take over and before you know it, it seems that is the way life just is. It doesn't have to be! You are a good mom and therapist and definitely a good friend to everyone here.

Pradeepa said...

Your blanket is soooo beautiful! I could definitely benefit from such a course. Enjoy your classes and enjoy your time away from the computer.

Jodiebodie said...

Wow, Meredith! A beautiful blanket in two weeks! You did that so quickly! (I'm impressed and you put me to shame.) Your scalloped border is so pretty. Even with the pink in there, I still think it is a very gender neutral blanket in that the shade of pink is nice for either boys or girls.

I love your ethos - "getting a blanket whether you want one or not!" To me, that's my definition of being an aunt where nieces and nephews will get hugs and loving advice from me when needed whether they asked for them or not! ;-)
(I draw the line at sloppy kisses though - I'm not *that* sort of aunt, teehee.)

A mindfulness course is a great idea. Even when your head is not spinning with lots of information, mindfulness practice improves quality of life. It is a tool I use to cope with chronic illness. I am currently trying to enthuse my son about mindfulness principles because he has a very busy mind also, brimming with ideas all the time which can create problems.

Time out from blogging is a logical outcome for you for now. Blogging does eat into our time and, as much as I love the benefits and enjoy the blogosphere, it can be quite the 'time suck'.
I will be thinking of you and wishing you every success. See you in 8 weeks!
Big hugs,
Jodie xx

Anonymous said...

*I totally understand why you are in love with this blanket, I like it too!!
*Poor sweet dog, he is so cute! I'm sure he's well looked after in your family.
*What a good boy, that Little B, I bet you've never had better help with dusting :-)
*Good luck with the mindfulness, it's not easy but I also learned more about it and sometimes it helps me a lot. I still have the feeling that I can't keep up with all the others, but mindfulness helped me to worry less and calm down a bit now and then. Take all the time you need, it's something you have to practise.
*Take care, wishing you all the best,
Sigrid

Teresa Kasner said...

Bravo on the blanket.. it will undoubtably be a family heirloom for that little child. I understand on the mindfulness thing, I do hope you share with us any good things you learn. I think we all need to learn to take better care of our world. Give Max a hug from me.. he looks so clean and sweet. My little Buddy is nestled warmly on my lap right now. What a great idea to get Little Buddy interested in helping around the house at his age. Our kids all helped out around the house and now all of them know how to run a home. Take care of yourself and be well and happy my friend. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

handmade by amalia said...

Take care of yourself, Meredith, you will be missed.
Amalia
xo

Melanie said...

Oh, Meredith...blogging takes a lot of time. And you have a LOT going on in your life. If you have to take blogging breaks to be more mindful of other things in your life, so be it. We'll all still be here for you. I read a lot about mindfulness too, but it's so hard to put into practice. Our lifestyles are always rush, rush, rush! Let's see how much more we can accomplish! And then we pay the price by being over-tired, cranky, getting injured or sick, etc.

The baby blanket you made is gorgeous. I wish I were having a baby just to get a blanket from you! ha ha

Bless Max's heart...he looks like such a sweet dog. I can see it in his eyes, too. My oldest kitty, Zippo will be 18 next month. He has glaucoma and a cataract in one eye, is going deaf, and has lost muscle mass so he looks very skinny. However, he's in good health and still eats very well and uses the litter box. I know my time is limited with him though and that makes me sad. I give him lots of love and cuddles every day.

elns said...

The blanket is gorgeous. Good for you for taking the time to look within and focus on mindfulness. It's admirable and ... well it can be hard, eh? But the fact that you're thinking about all these things, even when you get lost in that thought, remember you may not be doing all that YOU want, but you're doing pretty good! I have a healthy dose of admiration :)

As for LB and the duster. He has my heart. boys in training for the cleaning. my heroes.

elns said...

Geez, I'm not sure if my comment posted. Just in case. You're fabulous Mere. We encourage your deisre to improve your mindfulness. The blanket is beautiful and I love LB w/the duster. Such a sweetheart.

Needles and Wool said...

The blanket turned out beautifully. It is nice you could add the purple afterwards to make it more girly once you found out they are having a girl. Max looks so sweet in this picture and cute his fur is still wet and sticking up from his bath. That is good you are taking time out for mindfulness we could all use a bit more of that! so cute Buddy is helping with the dusting!

linda said...

That blanket is beautiful Meredith, they are going to love it. Good luck with your course I hope that you enjoy it and find it helpful, just for the record I think that you are doing just fine as a mom, therapist and friend, we are all the same and have about a million things buzzing around in our head we can't be perfect. Have a great weekend. :) xxx

Caffeine Girl said...

Mindfulness is totally worth it. I have quite a bit of training -- but don't do as much as I should. Namaste!

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

That course is an important one. I have found mindfulness to be very challenging, but extremely rewarding. It has helped cease my worry. I have heard "worry" defined as suffering twice. And what would be our reason for wanting to do that? But I have done it my entire life, and still fall into its trap sometimes, but a lot less since practicing mindfulness. It has been so good for my health. Enjoy your course, absorb as much as you can.
I absolutely love that blanket by the way - charming to the hilt!
With Love,
Andrea

alexandra s.m. said...

Your Granny is BEAUTIFUL Meredith!
Good luck with the mindfulness course!
xx

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

The baby blanket is gorgeous. Love all the colors you used. And who doesn't love a satisfying granny square. :) So happy to see that Max is doing well. Such a sweet boy. As for your little duster, you can send him over here. I'm not too picky about how things are cleaned and we've got lots of dust he can swirl around. :) Hugs and blessings, Tammy

Irina said...

The blanket is so bright and pretty, and I love its name too:)! And pictures of Little Buddy and Max are lovely xxx

Judy S. said...

What a beautiful blanket! That's one lucky baby girl! Enjoy your break and class. Everyone needs a break once in a while. (Not that your posts won't be missed! ;>)