A Tulip in February

Dear Hearts,

Word comes from home that although the sunshine is brilliant, the cold is infernal. I cannot help but feel a twinge of guilt at my own situation, enjoying a fresh breeze off Mediterranean in the south of France. But like all twinges, it will pass.

Some come here to plunge into the social whirl like tiny ships flung down the maelstrom. Me, I have come to retreat. Whatever the weather, I turn contemplative in winter. Last night I closed the door of my borrowed cottage to all visitors and, as there isn’t a moon, lit the fire and knit myself to sleep.

The friend who has leant me this corner of solitary heaven is a retired sculptor. As his hands no longer admit the working of fine details he must content himself with collecting. Set into the wall near the fireplace is my favorite of his acquisitions.

Not only is it handsome, but as you can see it makes cracking good yarn storage.

Now, to the happy task at hand: the announcement of our newest monthly contest winner.

Heartiest congratulations to Renee, who interpreted Lindsay Pekny's classic pattern Tulips, A Colorful Cardigan for Baby–in no fewer than four shades of Steamer Trunk.

I find the combination of intense colors from the red/violet stretch of the spectrum with quiet neutrals to be a genuine pleasure–exciting without being overwhelming.

Clearly the cardigan’s recipient agrees.

Renee wrote of her experience, “Your yarns are lovely. The colour is so vibrant, and it’s a joy to work with. I can’t wait to make my next Mrs. Crosby project.”

Thank you, Renee darling, and you need not wait long. In exchange for your good work you will receive fresh skeins of Mrs. Crosby yarn to begin a new adventure. Please be in touch as soon as possible via frolic@mrscrosbyplays.com to arrange for the selection and delivery of your prize.

Dear reader, I do hope you will consider playing, too–for the full details, visit our contest page. The next deadline is March 10, 2015.

And What's More: A Knit-Along

Meanwhile, we are forming our first knit-along, to begin March 1 and focus on Bristol Ivy's brand-new pattern, Newsom. It may look like a plain cardigan at first glance, but guess again. Clever, no? For details, pay a call on our Ravelry group.

Until next we meet, I remain

Yours Ever,

Mrs. Crosby
Tourrettes-sur-Loup, France