A Poncho Vacation

I'm back from a week-long "vacation" in the Kansas City area. The purpose of my visit was to watch three little nieces while their parents were in Europe....and, to give them their ponchos!

These three little ponchos were a big hit, as were the three doll-size ponchos we finished during the week. Now the three girls and their dolls can don matching outerwear this fall. (With temps in the upper '90s, and humidity to match, it'll be awhile before these ponchos leave the comforts of their air conditioned home!)

Other trip highlights included the start of a new knitting project. My mom picked me up at the airport and we had lunch in nearby Parkville, MO. Steps away from the restaurant was a nifty new yarn store. My mom asked if I'd make her a scarf sometime. I said "Of course!" and encouraged her to find some yarn she liked. She settled on a lovely hand-dyed chenille and a matching fluffy eyelash yarn. (I can't find the tag for the chenille, but the eyelash is Filate Park - number 31) With all of the responsibilities that come with keeping three little girls alive, I didn't expect much time for knitting during the week (and, there wasn't much). But, today's plane ride provided loads of uninterrupted knitting time, and I made great progress. Scarves make great plane knitting projects! And, good gifts, too!!!!

Another highlight was lunch with Julie D. at the Happy Catholic. It had been forever since we'd seen each other, and it was great to see each other again and catch up. Julie and THC had a great time comparing blogging stories. (As such a periodic blogger, I had little to contribute to that discussion!) We vowed to get together again soon. I look forward to that.

Finally, there's a new member of the Merry Stitcher family. THC and I brought my mother-in-law's sewing machine home today. It's a bittersweet moment, indeed. It is sad that this lifelong seamstress has reached a time in her life when she can no longer pursue this passion. (She's been an avid knitter, too.) It is truly an honor to give a new home to her beloved Bernina. I am grateful for her generous gift, and look forward to putting it to good use as I pursue the love of stitching we share. (But, first, a trip to my local Bernina dealer for a check up!)