Yet another lapse in posting. Once again I am full of good intentions, but not too great at acting on my good intentions.
A couple of months ago while hobbling around on crutches and depending on DH and DS#2 to bring things to me, I came up with the idea to crochet a pretty alternative to sports backpacks. Being so dependent on others was tough for me. A backpack allowed me to carry a book/camera/magazine/yarn, etc... from place to place all by myself. Thus, Mill Stream Backpack (Ravelry link) was born. Nowadays, with a healing leg, Mill Stream has become my biking backpack. This would be a perfect gift for a busy Mom of little ones, too.... really for anyone who needs the use of both of their hands! It works up fairly quickly, especially the lace section.
The cords are anchored through hammered-in eyelets (available in fabric stores).
I double-lined this project; white fabric on the outside to provide contrast to the yarn and show off the lace, and a coordinating print on the inside. The pattern includes a diagram for weaving the cords. Complete text instructions are included and there is a stitch chart for the lace pattern. I used Nomotta Catania for my backpack, but any lightweight cotton that is spun firmly would work (Patons Grace, Katia Bombay or Tahki Cotton Classic Light come to mind).
Last weekend, we made a day trip to Kansas City for Father's Day. We brought DD#2's bike to her, and together we biked a section of the Mill Creek Streamway path (hence the name for this design). It was HOT, so we especially enjoyed the shady stretches along the water. There are more hills in KC than in Wichita - good training for our September bike trip to Colorado (more on that in the fall, and I have already mapped out LYS to visit!).
Summer is in full swing. I stepped out to check the mail, went back for my camera, and this butterfly was still on my coneflowers when I returned.
