I had a rough time last year, getting back into working full-time-all-the-time, and other stuff, so, I took a little break from everything and got re-centered, re-balanced. Away from the black.

That being said, I have some good plans to post at least once a week, as well as using Wednesdays as an excuse to post about WIPs.

One wonderful thing that happened during this was I got back into the joy of crafting,  not just the industrial attitude of finish-all-the-things after I would start something, lose interest, then forget about it. I started a couple amazing projects that were FUN, not stressful and I finished them quickly! My WIPs are dwindling, but somewhere along the way I stop worrying about them. Whew! Now I work on what sounds fun. I have a new project bag that’s awesome at holding enough to keep me interested and not too much!

Well, one of the new fun projects is the Holiday Luxe Box from McNeedles. I love all things New Orleans and saw their offer for French Quarter Blues on ravelry. I jumped on it! I received a very glittery package with some beautiful blue yarn and the Jackson Square shawl pattern by Beth Kling. It’s based on the wrought iron fences in the French Quarter. I’m in love with this kit. Look at those glass markers!!

McNeedles sent the little sweater measuring tape as a lagniappe. I love that word. The yarn is String Theory, custom dyed for this box. Luxurious, indeed. So squishy and…blue. I can fall into that blue.

This pattern is very easy to get into and dig in.I have it in my favorite project bag in my purse; it’s excellent for picking up to knit a few stitches or rows, then stuff back in the bag when I need to get going. I want to visit them sometime, and New Orleans. Maybe next year? J’espere!