About this time last year, my then-two-year-old niece was the recipient of what I consider one of my best crocheted pieces yet: an adorable Seashells and Posies dress. I started and then re-started this dress at least three times before I finally got it right, but it was worth it. It’s the cutest thing ever, and Ava loves it. I am thrilled every time my sister chooses to dress my niece in it.
Ava wore the dress for her little sister, Isabella’s, christening last month. My sister considered having her wear it for Easter this year. When my mother asked what Isabella would wear, my sister said, “I was kind of thinking I want them to wear the same dresses this year.” Was this Liz’s way of asking if I’d make the same dress for my other niece? I remembered back, not so fondly, to the days Liz would call me “Granny” as I sat and crocheted. I never thought I’d see the day when she’d actually dress her kids in clothes I made for them, let alone imply that she might want me to make more. But God has a funny way of messing with us. My sister actually likes the things I make her kids. And tells me so. Which stills my heart each time I hear it.
So as I saw it, the challenge was on: either I make Isabella a dress just like Ava’s or they wear store-bought dresses for Easter. “Do you think you can finish it by Easter?” Liz asked. Um, I really have no idea. It took me a month to make the last one. And three false starts….
Then I started thinking about a couple other projects in my head that I’d yet to start. A baby blanket and a wedding blanket- both of which need to be done in the next couple months. Minor glitch: I’m going to be out of the country for the majority of the next couple months. So all these things need to be made….really soon.
So what happens? I get sick. Not just a few days. I’m down for a whole week. It’s the kind of cold where I don’t have energy to do much of anything but sit on the couch. When I get sick, it’s God’s way of saying, “Okay – time for you to slow down. Here. Try this.”
His timing (as usual) couldn’t have been more perfect. Well, there’s never a good time to get sick. But some times are better than others. I happened to be sent this lovely little illness not while on the road, not while in another country, but while in a room upstairs in my parent’s house. The yarn for all three projects had just come in (minus one skein that my youngest sister Meg hunted down for me). And though I had no energy to leave the house for a week, I DID have enough energy to crochet.
I am thrilled to report that I left the house today – for the first time in a week. I’m finally feeling better. Isabella’s dress? Just needs buttons sewed on the back and it will be finished. Baby blanket? Done. Wedding blanket? Well, here’s hoping….
RenaissanceRebecca 
You’ve inspired me. I made blankets for Zoe and Zachy when they were babies that they still sleep with. I’ve had the fabric for Noah’s blanket for months, but still haven’t made it. Thought I might produce it in time for his first birthday (in Feb), but it didn’t happen. Not sure I’ll want to catch a cold and, come to think of it, I’ll be out of the country soon (albeit for only a week), but I’m moving that project back onto my Do ASAP List.
And I love the dress!
Hooray for inspiration! One of the sweaters I made for Ava was so small (she was a preemie) that she’s now going to use it for her dolls. I take that as a high compliment – as I’m sure you do the fact that Zoe and Zachy still sleep with their blankies:)
The dress is simply gorgeous! Love the shade of blue you’ve chosen.
Thanks, Darcy! Enjoyed looking at your crocheted pieces as well:)
Rebecca, the dress is so cute!!! Great job getting it done. It will be adorable to have them both wearing matching dresses!! I love matching clothes for the boys too!!! Send a photo if you get the chance 🙂
Will do, Michelle! Hope your boys are doing well:)
Beautiful!
Thanks, Bob:)
You are quite a gal Rebecca!
Thanks, Deanne:)
gorgeous. I still can’t manage anything that turns… hats, clothing, balls. I can usually fake anything with straight lines… scarfs, afghans, wraps. however, time is NOT on my side, and I’m still working on a baby blanket for a baby that turns one in May. You’re my hero for many reasons, but your crocheting? count that one in!
Having a toddler can definitely put a dent in the time you have available for crocheting! And maybe next time we get together I can show you how to do something that’s not a straight line:)
You are one talented girl. You have so much energy you can do something beautiful while you are sick.
I had something similar and was sick for three weeks. I couldn’t even write.
By the way, the wire you complained about in the floor of my car? Yesterday it happened. I got my foot caught when I got out of the car, fell and did a number on my knee. I broke the wire and now have no Sirious Radio.
Oh no, Glenda! I should have secured that wire a little better. So sorry to hear about your knee:(