Hope Springs Eternal

This is what hope looks like.

Warm days have been few and far between so far this spring, but I guess the word hasn't gotten out to the crocus. They're going to bloom regardless of the weather, and what a welcome sight. I like that attitude--if in fact crocus can have an attitude--because quite frankly, the only thing that's been worse than the tough winter we've had this year is all the complaining people have done about it. It is Minnesota. It's going to be cold and snowy once in a while, right? Toughen up and look to the crocus!

The rest of the garden is starting to show some activity too. Sprouts and buds are popping up everywhere. I even saw a few stalks of asparagus and could harvest some chives for the kitchen. It's tempting to get out and get some things done, but honestly, there isn't much that I can do at this point other than watching and waiting. I did throw some lettuce and grass seed in the ground the other day. I'll keep an eye on its progress.

I've been having fun piling up finished squares for my Mitered Crosses Blanket. In fact, I've gotten all the blocks completed and am starting to put them together. It took me a while to figure out the best way to seam the finished blocks. The original pattern recommends using a three-needle join which sounds good to me. Who wants to hand sew all those seams?

My first attempt didn't turn out so great. The divot between the garter stitch rows seemed too pronounced. Frog, frog. So then I thought, why not work with that and join them wrong sides together for a ridge that could be part of the design. Nope. Frog, frog.

I ended up going back to the suggested method, but this time I used a size 8 needle--the blocks were knit with a size 6--both for picking up the stitches and working the bind off. The more relaxed seam and some good blocking when I'm finished should do the trick.

Blocking should be exciting. I'm having flashbacks to some past laundry incidents with red and lighter colors in the same garment. Keep your fingers crossed that this yarn doesn't bleed and I end up with a pink throw. Maybe the first step will be to give the whole thing a soak in a light vinegar and water solution just to be sure that the colors are set.

Guess I won't worry about that just yet. I've got more blocks to join and lots of i-cord to go.