Ragamuffin Yarn

Ragamuffin Yarn, originally uploaded by confections.

I've been busy lately dyeing and spinning fiber, as well as my signature premium cotton rag yarn, Ragamuffin. Spring always seems to open up new possibilities, and to my mind, is the real beginning of the new year. Cheers to the joys of spring!

Spring Bouquet

Spring Bouquet, originally uploaded by confections.

These flowers were photographed at Vignettes in Ocean Beach, California, and were part of the decorations for a recent visit by Rachel Ashwell.

Thank Goddess for Sisters!

This week I have the luxury of spending time with both of my sisters. My youngest sister surprised us this week by flying into town and showing up on my other sister's doorstep. She has done this at least three times in recent years, and we have returned the favor once. Gotta love it when one of your best friends shows up to play.

We lost our Mother two months ago today, on Valentine's Day. Our grieving process is ongoing, but is eased by our being together and sharing stories and photos of our Mom and family. Call or visit your sister and mother (and brother and father!) today and express your appreciation and love. It's all there is.

My Kind of Easter Basket

My Kind of Easter Basket, originally uploaded by confections.

My kind of Easter basket, filled with fresh skeins to play with. Don't worry. I have chocolate, too.

Happy Easter

Hope you have a Happy Easter and a wonderful spring season (or autumn for those of you in the Southern Hemisphere)!

A favorite source of mine for vintage graphics is the Graphics Fairy, who supplied these nostalgic images today.

Portrait of Caryl Nelson, Common Threads

Portrait of Caryl Nelson, Common Threads, originally uploaded by confections.

A banner with a portrait of Caryl Nelson of Common Threads in Encinitas, California.

This portrait banner was painted by Caryl's daughter, Nancy Nelson, and is hanging on a lamp post outside their yarn shop on Highway 101, Encinitas, California; it is part of the "Arts Alive Banner Project" featured this spring in their community.

Nancy's words about her painting, entitled "Mom at Common Threads":

"Knitting is our business and this portrait of my mother is a typical pose she takes in our front room. One of my mother's deepest wishes is to shout from the mountain tops and tell all those who don’t know that knitting is a wonderful stress release and can be a personal sanctuary in the midst of the crazy world we live in. Plus you get a sweater as a bonus! "

Nancy and Caryl are treasured members of the fiber arts community in San Diego County, California. Over the years I have enjoyed visiting their shop and have always gotten good advice on projects and lots of inspiration. Ten years ago, they taught my sister, a friend, and me how to knit socks, a feat at which I still marvel; I so admire Caryl for her patience with us newbies to the sock-knitting club.