Saturday, October 12, 2013

Flower Power

She is done.  And, perhaps my favorite one so far.  Okay, I have only completed three, but this is my favorite.  I worked on this beauty in so many places.  And so it will remind me of these times, and these trips that I brought along my little bag of pretty yarn, and worked up dozens of flowers.
She will be called FLOWER POWER.  The reason is obvious.
I finished tying in the last end today, and tossed her over one shoulder, and put my camera over the other, and off we trudged into the grove for a photo shoot.  First, splayed out on the sunny yellow wicker settee.
And hanging from the giant avocado tree, in front of the swing where many of these flowers and squares were stitched.
Several of my curious feathered fowl seen scratching nearby.

And just because, I set it over an old rustic chair in the chicken run, just outside the coop.
I don't even care that it doesn't match a single thing in my house.  It will be mine.  All mine.  And I will enjoy
wrapping up in it, wherever I may be.   After all, the days are growing chilly, and I spend a good deal of time out in the grove, in my favorite little spot.  Underneath the shade of the giant avocado tree, where the swing is tucked up underneath the protective canopy of her limbs and leaves.  I even climbed up into the tree a bit to take some photos to show you.
I am so glad I didn't throw that old swing away.  I rewove the seats, put new cushions on, and covered it with a vintage sheet.  This is my favorite spot to sit and crochet, read, or just watch the chickens roam.  
It is a delightful spot.  Cool in the summer, and protected from wind and elements in the winter.  My own little hideaway.
I am pretty sure that me and my new blanket will be spending a lot of quality time together right there, in that swing!
The lacy design that is formed in between the flowers is so pretty.  And the random placement of both soft, and bold hues in the flowers make me happy.
It was sheer fun to step outside the box, and work with new colors, and patterns.  I loved making this from the first flower, to the last end woven into place.  And as you can see from the above photo, the back side, with it's geometric grids and ridges that define each flower, is just as pretty as the front.
I have to say that I loved making this.   But it is time to focus on my holiday making now.  And so, even though flowers in my garden are fading, the flowers on my blanket will keep me cozy and happy, until May flowers make their return to my yard.
Thanks for coming along today on my little TaDA......  I am pleased as punch with how she turned out!!!!
And even though it stands out like a sore thumb with the decor in my home, I think she looks pretty darn nice right there on my brown leather chair where I watch the Telly.
Happy Weekend to you!  We are closing down the pool for winter today.  Just watched our Dodgers lose to The Cardinals.  B00-Hoo!  Doing a bit of tidying up around the yards.  Tomorrow we are going up to the Apple Orchards in Oak Glen.  See you soon for a new post.
XO  Kris

38 comments:

Sharon said...

She is lovely. I bet you were crocheting flowers in your sleep!

I hope you will post about Oak Glen. We went to Julian yesterday to tour the city and pick some aples. It was fun but Oak Glen would be closer and a much easier drive. Maybe next fall. Do you recommend it?

Teresa Kasner said...

Kris.. I'm am over-the-moon impressed with your blanket! It looks amazing on that yellow wicker love seat! And I also adore it on your brown leather chair, it really brightens it up and makes it happy. Have fun apple-ing!! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Deb~in~Denver said...

Oh my goodness! Your blanket is absolutely gorgeous! I love the colors, so vintage-y! And the frilly trim is perfect. You've created a beautiful masterpiece! I can just imagine how peaceful it is in the grove on your swing. Ahhh....

Deb
xo

Gloria Baker said...

georgeous dear! absolutely beautiful!!

Pam said...

Hi Kris! Glad to hear everything is going well. That blanket is just majestic no matter where you placed her for a photo. Great job. Absolutely beautiful.

Lynne said...

Beautiful Kris! I'm all for making things that don't match my decorating scheme. This turned out super AND you enjoyed making it. Well done!
Lynne xx

Tammy said...

I love love love love it! So beautiful!

Grammy Staffy said...

It is beautiful..... so nicely made.... I know you will enjoy it for years to come..... and it does look nice on your brown chair. Hugs, Lura

Holly said...

I just love her! She turned out so perfect and pretty.

Mereknits said...

Kris, your blanket is so pretty, I just love it. Who cares if it goes with anything in your home, a blanket made with colors you love that is just for you is perfect. By the way it looks stunning against the wicker seat, and really looks good against your leather chair.
Have a great time today,
Meredith

deebriese said...

Kris love your blanket.So prettyl great job on the pictures. Hugs D

CJ STITCHING AND BLOOMS said...

Hello Kris, YOU should be pleased as punch with the outcome of that most gorgeous blanket. The colors are wonderful and the edging you put on it is as gorgeous.. Love it..

I also have always enjoyed seeing your swing under the shade trees. I think it would be lovely to set there and even more now with that amazing blanket. Hugs Judy

NanaNor's said...

Hi Kris, Girl this is a piece of art. You've gone through much while sitting making the flowers. Such vibrant hues that scream life. I know you'll use it, be comforted and warmed by it. So glad you made it for you-often we make things to give away. We have frost on the roof this morning; it is that time of year. Hope you have a wonderful day.
Love, Noreen

Dawn said...

Yep, love it and the crocheted detail edge just sets it off. The photo in of it on the yellow love seat is magazine worthy,

Debbie said...

Oh Kris I can see why you feel such a TA DA moment! It is gorgeous! I love every little thing about it! And such an accomplishment! I know it must have taken just forever to make it! LOVE the idea too that you took it with you on soo many trips etc, and now it will always remind you of those times. Learning to crochet is on my bucket list too, but got to somewhat master the quilting first, haha Enjoy the rest of your week-end!

~Niki~ said...

very pretty. lots of work there! miss you kris!

Home Meadows said...

Your afghan turned out beautifully and is sure to brighten up even the grayest winter day. Have a wonderful day today! Heather

podso said...

L O V E it! So colorful. I love the rippled edging. I'm so glad you are keeping if for yourself. Seems with all those colors you'd find a match somewhere in your house, but it really doesn't need to "go with anything"--it speaks for itself. Loved her photo shoot! :-)

Petunia Pill said...

Aaaaaand, "she" is splendid! I wouldn't be getting anything done if I were you...would just be sitting around starting at it! All those colors make my little girl heart sing! Well done!!!!!

Susanne Tyree said...

Does Kris love her new blanket, well, yes she does, and I don't blame her one bit, it is BEAUTIFUL! I am so glad you stuck with this project and left us all enjoy it too. I laughed when you said you even climbed up into the tree to get a picture of it, lol. That is how I feel when I take pics of my blankets....heck, if I could get NASA to snap a few satellite ones and blast them all over the place I would be extremely happy too...just kidding of course. I could look at it for hours, just like when I use to hang wallpaper, hang a piece and stare at it for 15 minutes, hang another piece and do some more staring....we just never get enough of some of the lovelier things in life, especially when we made them ourselves. Have a good week,
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Betsy said...

Oh! Oh! Oh! I adore your new blanket. I don't care if it doesn't match a single thing in your house and I'm sure you don't care either. It is gorgeous!

I think of all of your pictures, the place I would curl up and stay a long time would be your swing. You did an amazing job with restoring it and it looks so comfy. The thought of being able to be outdoors all winter long makes me want to pack my house up and move right now!

Thank you for sharing your precious treasure. Stay cozy with it.
Blessings,
Betsy

Jeanna said...

Flower Power is a great TADA! Great job Kris and I love all of the photographs. Especially on the yellow wicker and the tree!

Taci simmons said...

My dear kris, I loooove your blanket also and I think "she" will be great companion for this coming winter...it's fun to make gifts for everyone, but it is a well deserved gift for yourself ... Beautiful !

Cathy said...

I like bright colors and really love this quilt, Kris. It would make me happy every time I looked at it. I like the idea of making small squares and not tackling the whole quilt in one piece. Maybe I could keep better count of stitches that way. This is a very happy blanket.

priscilla said...

Beautiful Kris ! Love how it turned out ! Making blankets is addictive :) Love your chicken yard photo shoot !

Sarah said...

Love it! It's girly and happy!

Pam said...

You are amazing Kris. I think it's lovely, cozy, and cute. I bet it will be great to wrap yourself in it with a good book all winter long.

Cheryl said...

I love it Kris....and the pictures you photographed of it so pretty!!! Love that swing. One of these days a meet up with you. Did you visit the pumpkin patch when you went to Oak Glen?

Gracie Saylor said...

WOW, Kris!!! She is beeeeautiful.!!! Enjoy her!!!
Gracie xx

Patty Antle said...

Love the photo shoot, Kris. You did a wonderful job. Did you use a revelry pattern? What a great way to use up yarn. Have you heard of the Stashbuster Challenge? I saw it on this blog http://tsdailytreasures.blogspot.com/
Anyway, I enjoyed your post, as always, and can imagine you all curled up nice and warm on the swing.

corners of my life said...

You indeed should be " pleased as punch"

Annette - MyRoseValley said...

Dear Kris! Fabulous work. Good job on finishing this blanket. i am so far from this size but weeing it in full like this wants me to sit down and make a bunch right now and get going on the joining fun. Love your little hide away. I always wanted my own hammock. Maybe next year as we just decided to cut our veggie garden in half... It is to big to handle even if our family is quite big. I would love to make a shady spot with a hammock where I could sit and crochet. I'll think of you and your Maybelle flowers the day I make this little dream come true. Love love love this blanket. Be proud girl. :3
xxx
Annette
My Rose Valley

Pammy Sue said...

I'm so pissed that I missed this post! I just happened to notice your link on Teresa's sidebar and thought that was your blanket all finished up! I don't know why I don't see all of your posts when you post them. Anyway, love, love your flowery blanket! It looks so pretty in all those places in your backyard. I'm the same way with my blankets. I always remember things I was doing, people I was with, and where I was when I crochet all the many parts. Congrats for finishing! It's beautiful!

Between Me and You said...

Big Up to the Lady with the Beautiful Blanket! I don't know why you keep saying it doesn't go with your interior because I think it's ridiculously stunning and would light up any room. I also think your second pic up there would make a great header!Those pesky ends are a pain indeed. Thank you so much for popping over to mine and leaving your sweet comment. It's ALWAYS great to hear from you. x

Poppy said...

A bright and beautiful blanket for the the season's crisp days and cool nights! And, it looks so cozy and inviting on your cheery, yellow, wicker settee!

xo
Poppy

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

Kris, oh my it is gorgeous! I absolutely love the brilliant colors. I pinned it even though I don't crochet. lol! Just want to look at it now and then. Love the ruffled edge. You will look so Purdy curled up with it!
hugs,
Jann

iHanna said...

I envy your beautiful garden spot a lot, what a wonderful space that is! And your blanket, soooo magically beautiful! Take well care of it.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Your quilt is gorgeous! The color and design reminds me of a sewn quilt of fabrics. You are very talented, Kris!