Back to the drawing board

In February I started a cotton bolero from Patons Cotton Grace using a free pattern on the web. I got the back and both fronts crocheted and then lost interest. Let's face it, it was dull. Sort of the saltine cracker of the crochet bolero world. It languished in my knitting bag (one of many) until the 200 Crochet Blocks by Jan Eaton book inspired me to re-work it into something far more fun. One of the great things about knitting and crocheting is that if you absolutely do not like the way a project is turning out, you can frog it and have another go. Unlike sewing when once you have cut out a piece, you can only go smaller. Now, don't get me wrong. I love to sew but it does have it's limitations for re-working.

The new plan is to make the bolero from Granny square blocks of pattern #58 Peach Rose and a #D Clover crochet hook. I figure I will need to make 20 full square blocks and 2 diagonal 1/2 blocks. These are a bit of a challenge so I am going to bring them to the next WeHo SNB for some more opinions.

I must still be feeling the flower thing. Peace and love...

Flower Power

I have finished the flower squares for my project and have moved on to the other piece. Eventually it will be a fun and flowery purse for the summer. I was going to make both sides the same but after nine squares, I think not. I was working on it at the WeHo SNB and decided that a solid double crochet back would do nicely, thank you. Ellen suggested that it might look nice with stripes. She is so right. I was going to make the stripes going horizontal but I am thinking that vertical is a better choice. I am planning on finding some fab and funky fabric in these colors for the lining. I have a pair of clear plastic handles that I bought a few weeks ago in anticipation of this project. I can't wait for it to be done! I hope to debut it at the next SNB in April.

Yesterday I got my car filled up and washed, as is my routine. I then went to the local Trader Joes for a spot of grocery shopping. They had bunches of five sunflowers for $2.99. They were so gorgeous that I bought three bunches! They look so good in my Blue Calico Castle vase, don't you think? I love this piece. I bought it in 1990 when I visited the Burleigh factory in England. It reminds me of rook from a chess set.