I am fortunate enough to have more family than most. I am the child of divorced parents, who each had children with new spouses, and a new family dynamic bloomed in my life.

One of the strongest pieces of that dynamic is my step-mom. She comes from this amazingly graceful, and big Irish Catholic family. That family is made up of 7 sisters and her one brother.

Each sister has touched my life in profound ways. They have walked 60 miles with me to raise money for the Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day, they stood behind me when I delivered the eulogy at my father’s funeral, they have taught me to love your family in the face of imperfection, and they have taught me that a good laugh is always the best medicine.

So, to honor each sister, I have decided to make a lace piece for everyone of them this year.

Now, I am a beginner lace knitter. I am trying like crazy to steady myself to read a chart (umm… I was reading them wrong until recently), to knit slowly, and move my lifeline up with each repeat.

But, I thought, if I wanted to improve my lace-knitting skills I better love the projects (or at least the people that they are intended for).

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This piece is intended for Aunt Beanie. She gave the blessing at my wedding, held my hand while delivering my dad’s eulogy, and walked 60 miles with no complaints and BAD blisters.

The yarn is Claudia’s Handpaints, “Walk in the Woods” colorway. And the question that inevitably follows is….” Why not use your own yarn? ”

Well…. I am pretty fond of yarn in general. When something is beautiful, it is beautiful. I don’t need to always use my own yarn. Don’t get me wrong… there are some of my colorways that I love and covet. Some you never get to see. I am all about the art of the material. Claudia makes some beautiful stuff.

So…. sister number 1 is under way. I hope I get through my little project by Christmas. I would love to hand deliver each piece with a card to tell them how much they mean to me.