Friday, March 9, 2012

Niceties And A TA-DA!!!!

Hello and Happy Friday!!  I have a TA-DA to show you tonight.  But first I want to talk about a dying art form.  The hand written letter, or note card.  It does seem to be a thing of the past for many.  After all, you can shoot off an email in seconds.   And an E-Vite can be sent without the cost of postage.  A text message is  fast and probably the most common source of communication these days, particularly among the younger set.  But what about the hand written note?  Taking the time to select a pretty note card, and then with pen in hand, forming the thoughts you wish to convey, writing them in your best script, sealing it, then placing a hand written address on the front, postage in upper right hand corner, and your return address in the upper left.  I love to write a note of thanks, or just to say hello.  A note to let someone know that their time spent in hosting a celebration, no matter how simple or grand, was appreciated by me.  A note to say thank you for thinking of me.  A note to say you care.   Just in this past week, I have received several of these beautiful notes.
 Pretty cards.  Beautiful script.  Thoughtful words.  They mean so much!
I certainly hope that the fine art of the hand written note will never be lost.  It is so special to receive such a heartfelt message.  Just a few words, from someone you care about. They took the time to think of you.  I know that when I receive a hand written note I feel special.  I hope that when I write a note to someone, they feel special.  Next time you have the option, take the time to write out your thoughts with pen and paper.  The person that receives it will be so appreciative.  I know I am.
Moving on to the TA-DA!!!  I started an afghan about a year ago that was to be for my Mom.  For her cabin up in Big Bear.  I was inspired by one that my friend Kate made.  She names each one of her blankets.  She had made one that was inspired by a lake home.  I fell in love with it!  I immediately thought of our beloved Big Bear.  I wanted to make an afghan for my Mom's mountain cabin, with the colors of nature.  The greens of the beautiful pines.  The magnificent blues of the lake.  The purple skies at sunset.  The grey squirrels, and the deep browns of the majestic mountain.  I named my blanket "Mountain Mama's" because it was to be for my "Mama" and it was made for her mountain home.   As the blanket got bigger and bigger, I worked on it less as it became so cumbersome to take along with me to my knit group, and even to drag from room to room to work on it was difficult.  Whenever I would finish my work on it, I would put a marker in the yarn to keep my place, and wind the ball that it was attached to, very tight to keep it from wandering off.  It was often times used to snuggle up with regardless of the fact that it was a work in progress.  This blanket was nicknamed, "The Beast" because it got so big.  But it was sheer joy to work on it.  The yarn was heavenly!  The pattern was fun.  The blanket was soft and cuddly and everyone in our home that ever draped it across their lap, begged for it.  So Mom....she is done.  Her ends are all weaved in nice and tight.  I put a cute little scalloped edge all the way around.  And it is going to fit right in up in Big Bear.  I hope you will love it.  I loved making it!


The edging is soft and ruffly, and just enough to finish it off.
 We sat outside, Noah and I.  He playing with his cars and some marbles that he discovered in a jar I had.  He was fascinated with those!  And I,  weaving in the last of those ends.  We chatted and enjoyed being outside on such a beautiful day.
The chickens were out to play too.

I was just a little bit sad to finish this blanket.  I enjoyed working on it so much.   I rolled her up, and tied a ribbon around her.
 She is all ready for her new home.
Oh....and the sprouts....they are SO good!!!!  Four days...from seed to sprout.  YUM!!!
Happy Friday.....Let the weekend begin!!!!
XO  Kris

25 comments:

Holly said...

Oh my goodness Kris, that is just so pretty! You did an amazing job and your Mama will be thrilled. Hope you're enjoying your weekend, the weather here is perfect and Kelly and I are enjoying ourselves.

~Niki~ said...

Gosh I wish I had the patience you do. I started so many blankets like this in the past and never got more than half way done with them. great job!

Petunia Pill said...

A resounding AMEN to your thoughts about hand written notes! I was devastated last year when I heard there are thoughts to stop teaching cursive in school. HOW could they do that????

Your beautiful "beast" is such a fabulous work of love! The story that goes with it is priceless. That will be a legacy for generations to come!

Have a lovely weekend!

Dawn said...

The blanket turned out beautiful, wish I had your talent:) Sure your mom will love it and others that get to use it while at the cabin.

Heather - The Good Life said...

Your blanket is gorgeous and the colors are perfect together. I'm sure your mom will love it (and everyone who gets to use it at the cabin). I agree on the notes, I love to get a handwritten note in the mail. Take care and have a wonderful weekend. Heather

From the Kitchen said...

A few years back, I read that within twenty years, one of the most highly collectible items would be handwritten letters. I do love e-mails and there's nothing like a telephone chat. I really, really love to find a letter in my mailbox!

The afghan is gorgeous! I love that it's big!

Best,
Bonnie

Debbie said...

Good morning! First let me say I so agree on the hand written note. Such a lost art! I love giving and receiving hand written notes too. And the afghan is just GORGEOUS....I LOVE it. Sooo pretty. Love the colors. The weather is soo nice huh? Enjoy your week-end Kris!

Debbiedoos said...

That is beautiful Kris. My friend and I were just talking about handwriting the other day. The penmanship today in comparison to the past is horrible. I do believe some day we will not need to write and it is a shame. I loved receiving letters in the mail. I saved them:)

Mereknits said...

Kris, what an amazing ripple. Such great colors. I have so far have resisted making one, but it is getting harder and hared. Do you know they do not teach cursive in the county I live in. They stopped several years ago, such a shame.
Meredith

Lauri said...

I completely agree with you about handwritten notes. I treasure the ones my grandmothers wrote to me. I hope someday my grandchildren feel the same about the ones I write.

Love the afghan. I'm going to have to try that some day.

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

I love a handwritten note too! It really does makes someone feel special to know someone else cared enough to take the time to write one!!

Congrats on finishing the afghan!! Sounds like you and Noah had a delighful time outside!! I can imagine his joy in playing with those marbles...

Have a wonderful weekend my friend!! Big hugs across the country!!

Unknown said...

I just love that pattern! Lovely colors, she will love it. If it stays like winter maybe, I will start one. A few years ago I made everyone in the family and afghan. It was a lot of fun.

I just love personal notes in the snail mail. I adore the thought behind it.

Linda said...

Your Mom is going to love that blanket...the colors are wonderful!! Have a great weekend!!

Unknown said...

Great job. I know your Mom is going to love this. It looks like it turned out nice a big too. The colors are fabulous and do look like the lake. She is one lucky mommy. Now go and enjoy your weekend, know that's a job well done.

Genn said...

Love hand written thank notes too.
A dying art I think.

Love that blanket so much!! It is SO pretty!

And now I want a turkey sandwhich with sprouts!

Patty Marker said...

I recognize a couple of those sweet note sending ladies and I agree with you so much. I wish I was better at sending words through the mail...you have reminded me to do so. The aphgan turned out beautiful and I know it will be enjoyed for years to come. Patty

Teresa Kasner said...

I'm so with you on the hand written note. I am a calligrapher and have always tried to write as pretty as I could. I also make my own cards. I guess we're just Renaissance women. :-) Your blanket is FABIOSO! Gorgeous colors and excellent workmanship! I am almost done with my 3rd Teddy Bear.. one leg left to do. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Tammy said...

Wow! It's soooo pretty! I want one now. =P

Nicolle said...

The blanket is gorgeous. I love homemade, what a labor of love. The colors are gorgeous and I love the design. Your mama will enjoy that so much! I also love handwritten notes. I love buying the paper and having a nice little stash of it handy. I love sending and receiving them. Happiest mail in the world! Hope you are having a good weekend. xo.

Katie said...

Oh How I Love hand written notes, seems like it's becoming an american past-time.
Wish I had more time to read your blog on a daily basis, but I think I read back at least a week or two & you have all kinds of fun things going on! The beach photos look so warm & fun!
Blanket making, soap making, sprout growing, never a dull moment in your Beautiful home!
Happy Spring!

Angela said...

Oh Kris that afghan is sooo beautiful! Would you maybe do a tutorial on the edging? I have not seen that done and it just makes it! Also I have meant to comment before about what a beautiful yard you have- it looks like a park! Angela

Debbie Kay said...

Hi Kris,

Love that beautiful aphgan and ohhhh those pretty note cards just make me swoon. I love pretty stationery and I love to write and receive a hand written note. Thats the old fashioned girl in me. Glad you were blessed by my little note.

Smiles,

Debbie

Pammy Sue said...

I think I must be the last one to see this! WOWEE!!!!! Love your crocheted ripple blanket! The colors are beautiful. I know you mom will love it too -- or whoever is lucky enough to snuggle up in it. I'm always a little sad to finish a project too once I'm over the excitement of being finished. You'll need to start another one now. I know your girls would love a blanket from their mom...and your son too, but I think girls appreciate it more. Hope you had a great weekend!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Yea for finishing! Gorgeous colors and a wonderful gift handmade with lots and lots of love. I also miss the days of handwritten correspondence. Of course, I've not gone the way of many. Though I blog and love it, I don't do any other social networking. Blogging at least has a bit of a personal touch that you don't find with other social medias. Hope you got over that cold. Best wishes for a great week. Tammy

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

What a beautiful afaghan Kris. I never tire of seeing those chickens. Loved the dirt on their beaks on your most recent post.
Hugs,
Jann