back in the saddle again

For those of you wondering where I've been (all three of you), I've been out of town for a work event. A very long, exhausting, yet rewarding work event without email access. But now I'm back, for a while, at least.

While working, I was able to knit, a little. Most nights, I fell asleep with needles in hand, listening to the dulcet tones of John Stewart. I did finish a ribbed hat for a co-worker and started a purse to be felted. Also, I'm working on a felted purse (oversize clutch) pattern to submit to CrochetMe, but since my building's elevator is currently out of service, and I have no desire to lug laundry (and purse to be felted) down & up 4 flights of stairs to and from the laundry room in our basement, it waits patiently.

Yesterday, during my comp day from work, I decided to start the baby blanket/quilt for Miss Margaret Allison (due Nov. 20), since her mom-to-be's (my friend Allison) shower is coming up on Oct. 22. Her room is going to be lavender, I think, so I chose a yellow gingham and lavender flowered fabrics. I created a patchwork quilt (Mel would be so proud), and backed it in off-white flannel. For a finishing touch, I'm sewing crocheted rounds in a pattern over the squares. The rounds were actually crocheted by Allison's grandmother (Miss Margaret Allison's great-grandmother), who passed away about a year ago. Allison had given me her grandmother's thread crochet hooks, thread and some partially completed doilies last year. I think it's only fitting that Miss Margaret Allison receive a blanket that includes pieces her great-grandmother made, especially since she is named after her. I promise pictures as soon as I'm finished.