Gone Baby (Blanket), Gone

Today my dad announced that his church secured a shipping container and was taking donations to be sent to Ukrainian refugees in Europe. I told some neighbors, and we all scrambled to gather what things we could to help. I donated these baby blankets that I had made. My mom asked if I were sure that I wanted to do that. Sure, ’cause now I have an excuse to make more!

Years ago, as an exercise, I read a children’s book in Chinese. It was about Anna from the Ukraine, and it followed the story of her scarf. Her childhood scarf moved with her through her life…sometimes functioning as her babushka, later as a picnic blanket when dating her soon-to-be-husband. Later it was her shawl as she and her husband moved to America. When they started their family, it became the baby’s blanket. Eventually the scarf was so worn that the now-grown daughter made it into a quilt that she used for her own baby. It makes me wonder if one of the modest blankets donated in the coming months might someday have a similarly interesting story to tell.

Would of the puppies in Europe like some of my baths? I would gladly donate them.

We Desperately Need Donations (But Not From You)

Over the summer, I tried to keep busy by crocheting blankets to donate to the church when they collect baby gifts in the fall. Unfortunately crocheting and knitting really mess with my Bell’s Palsy, but I pushed through finishing as many blankets as I could to welcome new life.

On Saturday I took my donations to the church to place in the collection cradle. As I set them down, a lady walked over to me and suggested that I might want to put my name and number with the blankets because she didn’t know if they would be accepted, you know, because of covid. Try as I might, I couldn’t figure out how a malt in a yarn covered sweater had anything to do with baby blankets. I looked down at the very, very few donations in the cradle and wondered if the family dropping off the bag of diapers got a similar warning. Somehow I doubt it.

As I picked my blankets up to take with me, the lady tried to herd me back to the cradle, saying that I could put them back in. (Mind you, everyone at this church is scared witless by covid yet the woman stood mere inches from me.) I told her no thank you: I knew of other groups that would welcome my gift and walked out.

Within hours, a different church gladly accepted my donation. They are experiencing a lock down baby boom and need lots of gifts to help welcome new members. Thank heavens the Protestants ’round here aren’t too scared to live.

Cairn terrier stalking prey

I told you you should have spent that time doting on me and not messing with that stupid yarn!

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Handmade afghan with roses and bows.

This time of year, the nights become chilly. Make sure you or someone you care about is wrapped in both beauty and love with this hand stitched Rose Afghan.

For more details, click here. Rose Afghan is available from my shop.

Insanity Squirrel #1

Drawing of squirrel

I was going to do another Insanity Avoidance Kitty, but something in my head whispered, “Do a squirrel”, so I drew an Insanity Avoidance Squirrel.  How is it working?  Meh.

Photo of dog's chin.

Did somebody say “squirrel”???

I have to keep Toby away from both real squirrels and the picture.  He will happily chew both.

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Handmade afghan with roses and bows.

Do you have a dear friend or family member for whom you need a gift? (Perhaps a belated, blame-it-on-the-Post-Office Mothers’ Day gift?)  If so, consider giving  your beloved this rose afghan!  It was cross stitched and “bowed” by hand.  Mine!

Your gift will help to support small business and keep Toby in the finery to which he has become accustomed.

Toby on a stack of cushions

Whoopie!

Finished dimensions of the afghan (including fringe): 58″ x 47″ / 147.5 cm x 119.5 cm.
Material: 100% cotton
To clean: Wash in cold or warm water, delicate cycle. Tumble dry low. No bleach.

The cost would be $65.00 + Shipping.  If you are interested, you can contact me here or at my website L Bowman Studios.