Barns and Borders

To keep my hands happy during our Christmas getaway, I brought along a few new skeins of yarn and my sunburst squares crochet blanket. I had joined the squares at the tale end of last winter, then lost the urge to crochet on the brink of a finish. All year I've been awaiting the wave of yarny inspiration that seems to strike with cold weather. That and some new skeins of

Cascade 220

in natural! I think the project was meant for this holiday.

Over the past few days I've enjoyed the color and touch of vibrant wool yarns from this striking dark peach armchair. I can't imagine a more picturesque setting. Lots of light, peace and simple joys with a sweeping view of the mountains just outside our window.

By the way, if you have not yet discovered AirBNB, it's a fantastic way to rent a getaway space at excellent prices direct from home owners. I've been using it a lot for therapy trips. Here's a

special link with a $20 savings

code if you want to try it sometime. This Christmas we stayed in the bottom floor of a friendly retired couple's home on the border of North Carolina and Tennesee. It. was. perfect.

Here's my border so far. Do you think it's done? I'm not sure if I want to add a few more rows of single crochet.

And speaking of picturesque... oh, the barns in these mountains! I'm absolutely captivated by their artful slanting patterns and dear little windows. After so many years the boards are gorgeously weathered, some with a sweet mossy green. If only I had a quilt to photograph! But, even so, I couldn't resist sharing a few favorites with you.