Spectacular Colors Inspire to No End

Last week I spent two days amidst a very inspiring fall landscape, full of mountain views and fall color patchworks.  It is one of the most colorful autumns in recent memory in the northeast, and I am soaking it in. 

Autumn is my absolute favorite season.  The crisp fall air, chilly nights and cool days call for the cushy sweaters and sweatshirts that I love, and it's not too hot to crochet!  Many of our days have been rainy, which makes watching those soccer games a challenge to one's stamina and dedication.  But it seems to me that the moisture and cloudy light makes the leaf color appear more vibrant.  Of course, those warmer sunny days are much appreciated, too!  We've had a few hard frosts, and we might just get our first snowfall tonight.  "Oh, the times, they are a changin'......."

This Otter Keep Someone Warm

Whew!  I've finished the otter afghan as far as I could possibly get it before I needed to donate it for the zoo's auction.  The edges are finished, but the border of otter footprints that I had intended to include aren't there.  I'm offering to create a pillow/storage case with an otter on it at a later date.  I'm really happy with it, though.   The colors really worked out better than I thought they would when they were separate panels.  This project took nearly 70 hours of work since September 1st or thereabouts, and kept 12 plastic bottles out of a landfill and/or off a roadside by using Caron EcoSoft yarn - 100% post consumer recycled plastic.

Now on to create wine bottle holders and wine glass tags for Tug Hill Tomorrow's November event, along with items for my open house, and to finish a friend's baby blanket.  Taking a breather until at least tomorrow to let my hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder recover from all that work!   

Create Crochet Team Keeps Me Going!

Over the past two weeks, I've made it a habit of regularly checking into the Create Crochet Team's group forum on Etsy every day.  It's been wonderful to be in daily conversation with people who have the same passion for crocheting.  I've learned so much from each of the talented crafters there, who range from beginners to veterans - new stitches to try, great color combinations, and ways to apply crochet that I never would have thought about. 

Yesterday was the last day to submit entries for the group's September pumpkin challenge.  Check out all the great ways these talented people went with the pumpkin theme!

http://www.createcrochet.blogspot.com/