Crocheting with Thanksgiving

In September, I happened to see an Instagram post by Debbie @bluebellrighthandworks. She shared pics of a fuchsia-colored Crochet Lacy Motif Top that she'd made. I was smitten. 

After ordering Bernat Softee Cotton Yarn from Herrschners, I got started. It was a great project to work on while sitting with Dad in a rehab center. After spending considerable time trying to work out the stitches and motif, I got pretty good at them after making 65 squares. Each square took 20 to 30 minutes to crochet. 

While going to/from Kansas City for our family gathering and Dad's funeral, I spent car time productively burying starting and ending yarn tails

Upon returning home, I spent several days pinning, steaming and blocking each piece, eight at a time. 

After laying a warm wet towel over blocks, and holding heat over them... 

I left them to to cool and dry for hours, or overnight. 

Sixty-five squares and six half-square triangles - ready to be joined.

I've joined the front.

The back is ready to be joined.

Then, I'll join squares to make two sleeves. Following that is joining the parts and crocheting around the edges. I have no doubt that when wearing this top, I'll be remembering my last days with Dad, and grieving that followed. 

Diamond painting is coming along and I'm about two-thirds done with this palm tree ocean sunset.

Though I'm enjoying working on it while listening to an audiobook, the quality of this kit isn't very good. Not only are many diamonds misshapen, but numerous diamonds have fallen off after being pressed-on, and rolled with a wallpaper roller. I have to glue them back on. That tells me the canvas adhesive isn't the best. Though it's a pretty design, you who diamond paint might want to steer clear of ordering kits from an Etsy shop. 

During my Tuesday morning walk I crossed paths with sandhill cranes. 

They're always seen in pairs, but this time there were four of them! They stroll through yards and across driveways like they're residents. 

Tomorrow, Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving. We will honor tradition with a homemade meal of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, green bean casserole, and pumpkin pie.

Gratefulness is in my heart for God's unfailing love and goodness. I also appreciate the beautiful place we live. This foggy morning photo with our plumbago in the foreground was taken out our front door.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Linda