Getting A Jump On Tulips

Even here in the California southland, it is too early to see tulips available in abundance.  But I've got a jump on the little bulbs.

The pattern is Lapis Wrap published in Interweave Crochet or check it out on Ravelry.  Note the word 'lapis' and compare to my work.  Clearly this is not lapis blue yarn.  Whilst quizzing the staff at my LYS concerning the amount of sport weight in stock, another customer joined the conversation with a sentiment that caused me to pause.

Reds, offered she, are the most versatile shades.  The thinking behind that pronouncement is thus:  red fits with Valentines, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day and Christmas and looks great during the Olympics.  That is a whole heap of holiday celebrations during which red can be worn successfully.  (Mardi Gras, St. Paddy's & Halloween are of course excepted)

And there was this in the red section of the store - twelve balls of Frog Tree Alpaca, sport in color #204.

Oh, yes.

Tulips. The point of this post.  Almost forgot.

The Lapis Wrap pattern includes several inserts of openwork  that is referred to as tulip panel.  Three puff stitches arise from one space and simulate the petals of a tulip blossom.

At this point, I'm not quite half way done with the wrap.  But Valentine's Day is weeks (and a whole new year) away.  That gives me
plenty of time to get all of the tulips growing throughout this wrap!