Raven and Sparrow

Plodding into spring

After the upheaval of Christmas I was finally able to get Becky's half-done spring runner back on the table and proceed with the weaving of the second half. It took three days to get the verticals re-ironed and pinned down again. The arrangement of colors is a mirror of the first half, so I didn't have to spend nearly so long trying to decide which strand to weave in next. I was very strict about keeping the outside "rails" exactly 15.75 inches apart, so I didn't have to take it apart half way through and do it over. As usual, my efforts still defy regimentation.....wobblies are inevitable in my work I guess. I have decided that this is charming and on I go. I have to admit that Becky's Spring has become quite tedious. I originally thought I might use this woven part as background for another pattern, but now that I see how much time it has and will continue to take I have changed my mind. This will be what it looks like, essentially. I hope I have enough of the light green linen to make a border...if not I will have to think of something else. Anyway, its time to bring this table project to a close. It has taken long enough. Now that I have the basting in (red threads) I plan to do running stitches in both directions.  

Birthday girl

Last week Mike and I both had birthdays, but our celebrations were muted because he had to be in Seattle overnight for a medical procedure. Happy Birthday Mike! The procedure went very well, which was a gift of course, but on Friday my sisters and mother decided more of a party was in order. They brought the food and presents and I set the table. It was fun to play with my pretty dishes without having to worry about the food, which was absolutely delicious, including my favorite, angel food cake. The weather, which has been swinging between rain, snow, hail and sun, cleared for the whole afternoon so the low winter sun lit up the pink things I chose for a ladies luncheon.

There was even a sunset, which is not guaranteed in the glumness of winter.. It was so nice to be the birthday girl for the 65th time.