“I Love Minnie”

March 17, 2012July 12, 2014thegreensheep 3 Comments

When Gloria described her one-year-old granddaughter to me for this blanket, she used phrases like “full of life!” “a tornado!” “our little pistol!”. I also learned “A” loves Minnie Mouse.

I was able to meet her today for the first time when the family came to pick up the blanket. She was sleepy and laid her head on her grandma’s shoulder, and I had a hard time picturing the rambunctious little girl described to me.

But I was a mom of young kids once and so I believe it.

I worked toward a lively blanket to go with a lively little girl — with a busy border, the continuous movement of diagonals, and most especially…

…Minnie’s scattered items like toys in disarray.

It was 80 degrees here today! I hope we have a bit more spring so little “A” can cuddle up with her Minnie next time she’s feeling sleepy.

“I Love Minnie” (37″ by 46″)

[A custom-ordered blanket]

“11,12, Dig and Delve”

February 3, 2012July 12, 2014thegreensheep 9 Comments

Gloria is the grandma of some very special grandchildren, two of whom are brothers. These boys –2-1/2-year-old Rex and his brand new baby brother Uriah — have already had more than their fair share of hospital time, and Gloria wanted a pair of blankets that could accompany them on those hospital visits. I asked about colors. Nature colors! said Gloria — brown and green and orange…and maybe some blue.

Initially, I puzzled some over how to make this combo look childlike. But then I thought about boys playing outside. After that, it got fun.

Can you picture two little boys daring to catch a frog and hold it in their hands?

Squatting in the garden dirt to examine a snail?

Sitting in a homemade sheet-tent under a tree and listening to the breeze in its leaves?

Squinting against the bright sun as they lie in the grass and look for cloud shapes?

Can you remember your own sense of wonder while exploring the outdoors?

1, 2, buckle my shoe

3, 4, shut the door

5, 6, pick up sticks

7, 8, lay them straight

9, 10, a big fat hen

11, 12, dig and delve.

Baby Uriah was just born in January. This one is for him:

And little Rex is 2-1/2. This one’s for him:

So buckle up those shoes and go explore God’s beautiful earth, boys.

“11, 12, Dig and Delve” (each blanket is 42″ x 50″)

Twin Lambs

September 4, 2011June 16, 2016thegreensheep 4 Comments

Well, they’re not really lamb twins — they’re baby girl twins, and they are due to join Mom, Dad, and a big brother and sister in November.

But recently, Big Brother told his mom that these babies are Jesus’ little lambs. I think that’s how the theme started for the nursery.

I was able to have two blankets ready for Susan’s (the expectant mom) baby shower. In fact, several friends brought lamb-themed things. That room will be a welcome place for these sweet babies, and a constant reminder of God’s loving care.

I wrote this Bible verse in the card I took to the shower —

“He tends his flock like a shepherd:

He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart;

he gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40.11)

The last line of that passage has some comforting words for PARENTS — “He gently leads those that have young.” Another friend at the shower commented, “It’d be nice if sometimes He would lead us more loudly and with clearer direction!” Parenting is a challenge :).

[On a side note: Susan has been a huge encourager to me with The Green Sheep. In fact, it was her request when she ordered a baby blanket for a friend last year that started me adding appliqués to blankets….

….She originally requested a turquoise-and-brown theme to match her friend’s nursery. After I finished that, Susan asked, “Can you add a picture to it?” That blanket became “A Happy Little Tune.”]