Baby blanket done and gone

Finally finished this baby blanket for afghans for Afghans. It's knit in a simple moss stitch from a really bulky alpaca/wool yarn donated to the group and divvied up amongst us willing knitters. Sometimes I felt the knitting would never end, but when I did, I'd remember to think about the baby or child who will be so much warmer wrapped in it.

From afghans for Afghans knit-and crochet-along

And I know how warm and soft it is, because not only was I covered in it while I worked, I also cuddled in it for an hour or so just to be sure it was completely dry. It took more than two days for it to dry, but washing it was crucial.

I also enclosed a pair of bright fuschia kids' socks. I hope they'll cheer somebody up as well as keep their toes warm. Afghani people remove their shoes when indoors, and heating is very poor to nonexistent. I've seen pictures of barefoot children in school in what looks like a very cold building. So I know these will make somebody happy.

And that's what it's all about: Keeping someone warm and making them smile. Keeps me going.

My rainbow...

Your rainbow is strongly shaded orange and violet.

What it says about you: You are a creative person. You
appreciate a challenge. You are patient and will keep trying
to understand something until you've mastered it.
Others are amazed at how you don't give up.

Find the colors of your rainbow at spacefem.com.

Snow in Alaska

Not newsworthy, normally. But yesterday was pretty amazing. By nightfall, we had between 12 and 18 inches of new snow. Which I spent a little more than two hours shoveling.

First I had to shovel a way off the back porch. The snow had covered all the steps and made the whole thing one big mound. Then I had to shovel a path all the way the heck back to the chicken palace. (What brilliant designer decided the door to the coop should be at the other end — or that the coop should be that far from the house?) (Ummm... That would be me.)

I'm paying for it today, but I would have been paying for something anyway, as I pulled an all-nighter Tuesday to get ready to take jewelry to galleries in Fairbanks on Wednesday so they'd have it for the First Friday crowds. At least, I hope there will be crowds and that they'll be in a buying mood. 

I already know that I'll be pretty much useless the day after I drive into town and back, although I haven't quite stopped fighting it. Far better to plan on having a low-energy day and doing low-energy stuff. But I'll learn eventually, after knocking my head against the same door a few thousand times.

The trip was worth it anyway, because I had chai at McCafferty's with a woman who'd lost one of her Ruffles earrings and needed a match. Corresponding with her, I learned that she's a fabulous photographer. Meeting her, I knew I liked her a lot. She wants one of the silver cuffs, and I hope I've convinced her to barter for it: I need fab photos of someone gorgeous wearing my jewelry, and she said her nieces would love to model for it. This should all come together in about a month, I hope.

I did finish knitting this pretty wave stitch scarf a couple of days ago. I used Patons Grace, and I really love the slight sheen of the mercerized cotton. This one I'm keeping.

Now I'm working on a baby blanket for Afghans for Afghans. Someone donated a ton of bulky alpaca/wool yarn, and they've parceled it out amongst a bunch of volunteers. Bulky is a bit of an understatement, actually, but it is yummy soft (if a bit prone to shedding). I finally decided to do a simple moss stitch blanket, as that shouldn't be too heavy. Don't want to squash the baby; just keep her warm. I received 13 skeins of a minty green and two skeins of an odd blue; had hoped for more of the second color, but I think I'll use the blue as a thin border and then make hats out of the remainder.

Oh... And after yesterday's snow, today we have wind. And more snow. Gusts up to 30 mph. It's pretty much white out there, and I'm thankful I don't have to go anywhere today. A perfect day to stay home and knit. And watch the chickadees and redpolls mobbing the sunflower seeds. This weather must be really rough for the birds. During the shoveling extravaganza I unblocked several vole and/or squirrel tunnels, too.

However, appearances to the contrary, my hoya plant insists that Spring is imminent. She has two flower clusters opening now just to prove it.