I don't mind winter--probably because I work from home and
don't have to drive in the snow. I enjoy hibernating for a few months, and I
find the gray skies and bare trees soothing in a strange way. But by the end of
February each year, I start examining the bare patches in our yard, waiting for
some bulbs to start sprouting. By March, I'm downright desperate for sunshine
and warmer temperatures. While spring has been arriving slowly here in
Northeastern Pennsylvania, I've been looking for colors, textures, and materials
to inspire my springtime craft endeavors. Here's a small sampling of what's
inspiring me right now (clockwise, from top):
:
Clouds of Daffodils
These pretty flowers are the first to bloom each year in our
garden. Their cheery yellow color just makes me smile--and influences my spring
palette choices, as you'll see below.
Color Me Hopeful
Have you seen this Caron x Pantone yarn? It comes in beautiful
color combinations based on Pantone colors. I've had my eye on it for a while,
and finally bought a bunch (on sale at Michael's, with free shipping--of course). This color
combination is called "Hopeful." It makes me think of cherry blossoms
and twigs, and it feels as soft as a fluffy spring peep. I can't wait to get
this on my hook, as soon as I decide what to make with it.
A Charmed Life
Last year, I started dabbling with some simple patchwork
projects. Although my piecing skills are basic, my fondness for fabric is in
full bloom. I found these charm squares, from the Lil yand Loom Stir Crazy
collection, on sale at Bluprint (formerly Craftsy). I love these flirty florals
and prints. Should I make a pillow? A table cloth? An apron?
Blushing Blossoms
I can't show you the finished design I made with this pretty
palette because it's off to magazine land at the moment. Right now, I can only
reveal this "before" photo. I admit, pairing bright pinks, corals,
and greens with black Aida was risky, but I'm thrilled with the result. I hope
to share it with you soon.
Yard and Yards of Yellow Yarn
Is anyone else old enough to remember The Electric Company?
How about the show's "Yards and Yards of Yellow Yarn" song about the
letter "Y"? I'm giving away my age, but I think of that song
whenever I buy yellow yarn. At the moment, I have a few yellows in my stash: Caron
Kindess (Mellow Yellow), Premier Cotton Fair (Lemon Drops), Lily Sugar 'n Cream
(Sunshine), and Patons Astra (Maize Yellow).
Peacock Palette
I have big plans for this palette of peacock colors I pulled
a few months back--I just have to find the time to execute them. If you follow
me here or on Instagram, you know these materials are some of my
favorites--WoolFelt from National Nonwovens and embroidery floss from
Sullivans.
So there you have it--a glimpse at what's going on in my creative
world this spring. On April 29, I'll be sharing a post that's much more
concrete--a tutorial about embroidering with tissue paper templates. Until
then, happy stitching!