This new ensemble that I just completed for the Little Darlings was meant to go with this lace shrug that I started last week. Here it is in progess.
And here it is finished. I love it so much. Lace knitting takes a lot of concentration, but the stitches are so pretty. I couldn’t wait to get a dress made to show off this brand new shrug.
Are you wondering why Gina isn’t wearing the shrug with her new dress???
I picked out a simple fabric and spent time embroidering a motif on the bodice and skirt, but when put together I found that the pure white shrug did not go with this fabric that has an off white ground.
Back to the drawing board or knitting needles. *Sigh*.
I reworked my cardigan pattern to make it into a wide open bolero style sweater so that the embroidered bodice would still be front and center and Gina’s shoulders would stay cozy.
Gina always looks pretty in pink.
So, now I will have to find something else to go with the white lace shrug. I have something in mind. I hope it works out this time.
Our second variety of lilacs are finally in bloom. They can be seen from our family room window. These blossoms are very pale lilac in color and the sprays are quite miniature.
However, their scent is not miniature! They perfumed my sewing room all week long. Aren’t they pretty? I finally discovered the way to make cut lilacs last for days in a vase. Here’s what worked for me: shave off the bark that will be in water. (I used a steak knife on these thin stems.) I put very hot tap water in the vase and as soon as the bark was removed I put the stem in the water. I don’t know how many years I have been trying to get lilacs to stay fresh in a vase. I think I tried everything from hammering the stems to recutting the stems under running water, nothing worked except this…finally.
I hope you all had a great week!
For more information on Gina’s “Rosy Soft Spring” ensemble visit my “Available for Sale” page on cindyricedesigns.com .
Cindy Rice Designs 
que ce point dentelle est magnifique
et de plus au tricot, je suis admirative
amitiés
Thanks so much, vero.
Oh Cindy,
I’m so sorry that happened to you! I’m sure since the shrug is white, you’ll find something equally as pretty to put it with. The one you made to go with this fabric is just darling! It’s so delicate looking, as all your things are, but it’s really pretty! I love the big design of bullions on the bodice of Gina’s dress. It’s a very pretty cluster and I love the way it sticks out a bit!
Your lilacs are so beautiful. I’ve never heard of doing that with the bark, but I believe you and will try it the next time I do flowers. All of the lilacs are gone from here…I think… I’ll have to check my neighbors bush tomorrow.
I’m trying to get some extra posts written since I’ll be leaving for the wedding on Thursday… eek… I’ve got lots to do!
Have a wonderful week, Cindy,
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne. Oh, you are busy. Thanks for taking the time to comment on my post. I appreciate it so much. 🙂
I am already working on a simple dress that hopefully will work with the shrug. *fingers crossed* That lace pattern needs full concentration, so I don’t think I’ll be making more of those shrugs soon. My mind keeps drifting off to other things while knitting, then I forget to do a yarn over or to pass a stitch over. The last one I made in that lace pattern was in 2011 for Bethany!
Hope you have a great week and are able to get all your chores completed before leaving.
Lilacs are one of my fondest childhood memories. I live in Tempe now, which I love, but lilacs do not grow in Arizona. At all. *sigh* So enjoy them for me!
Hi Eva Marie. I have tons of memories from my childhood and lilacs too! It seems that they are memorable for a lot of people for some reason. I’d be happy to enjoy them for you. 🙂
The white shrug is beautiful, but I love the bolero too! The dress is adorable, I love this fabric!
Thank you for the tip to keep the lilac longer, I will try next year, mine is already faded!
Warm regards.
Hi Catherine. Our lilac blossoms are all dried up now too. Those were the last variety to bloom. So, until next year… I just finished a dress for the white shrug that seems to go much better. Thanks so much for your sweet comments. I love hearing from you.