le tricotage

10 Things to Do Before I'm 40

2011-10-24T10:08:00.004-12:00

I need a jump start. Yep, I've been procrastinating for too long since we've moved to Colorado. Since I'll be 40 in January, I've decided to at least list some goals that I have before that big milestone:

Run a 5K - The hubby and I are currently training and I hope to get off my duff and run the Turkey Trot in Castle Rock next month.
Finish another easy baby quilt - Must.get.sewing machine!
Make this owl from the Purl Bee
Finish up a shawl for someone special
Learn how to snowshoe in Rocky Mountain National Park
Finish up more of my felted bird Christmas ornaments
Buy a bird feeder for the newly landscaped back yard
Go to knit night at Stash
Lose 5-10 lbs
Buy curtains

Granny Teague

2011-09-14T14:02:00.001-12:00

I came home tonight after picking up the CSA loot, and proceeded to snap beans for a vegetable soup. What a relaxing experience it is to snap beans - pop (1st end), pop (2nd end), pop (middle). This sound reminded me of Granny Teague, who every summer tirelessly took care of all of the cooking, sewing, canning, gardening, cleaning and rearing of all of us grandchildren. She would work in my uncle's chicken houses early in the morning and come back to fix me and my cousin breakfast on our summer vacation. She would then start on lunch - biscuits, ham, snap peas - maybe fried okra or squash depending on what was in the garden. Love you Granny.

Latest and Greatest

2011-06-11T08:44:00.004-12:00

We recently moved to our new house and I'm in the process of looking at sunsets and creating a craft room! Lots more to do here, but here are the beginnings of my retreat!

Dickens

2011-03-05T13:55:00.000-12:00

My First Quilt

2011-03-02T02:04:00.005-12:00

Susan's Emily

2011-01-23T04:46:00.003-12:00

December Fun!

2010-12-20T11:57:00.004-12:00

Love, love, love this yarn in this very simple shawlette. And, more birds for the tree!

And Today's Lesson Was...

2010-12-12T05:56:00.003-12:00

Blanket stitch, French knots, chain stitch and stem stitch. Isn't she cute!

Crazy for Owls

2010-12-11T09:05:00.007-12:00

I took a class to learn how to make Edmund, a holiday owl at Fancy Tiger last week. It was so much fun! I've gone nuts for owls ever since the class and have been crafting away. My owls look pretty homemade (not handmade), but I'm learning the blanket stitch and how to mess around with felt. The hubby's owl is in the back in WV colors of blue and gold :) Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-28T00:36:00.003-12:00

Our first Thanksgiving day in Denver was filled with yummy smells, lots of sunshine and sleep. We were recovering a bit from our trip to Paris (which was AMAZING). The Thanksgiving weekend has been full as well...shopping and running around. I managed to finish the shrug I started quite some time ago. It's snuggly and warm. I'm not sure about the sleeves, as they tend to poke out. We'll see if I actually wear it. The yarn is amazing though - Misty Alpaca hand painted. Beautiful!

Bonjour! It's been a while...

2010-11-12T09:44:00.004-12:00

Wow, it's been quite the year. Any readers still left out there? We moved to Raleigh, NC for a job for Ben last September and within the year, got a wonderful opportunity to come to Denver, CO. So, we packed up our lovely house, sold it in 4 days and headed out West. It's been great so far - haven't met any knitting folks yet, but I've touched base with several different groups in the area. There are a few new knitting items that I'll post soon. Until then, hello strangers! and check out what we've been up to in Denver!

Icarus

2010-05-15T22:59:00.002-12:00

Hmmmm

2010-05-13T11:25:00.004-12:00

So I'm not very good at updating the old blog anymore. I have so much to show too! I just finished Icarus, which definitely a growing experience. I calculated (and my math could be wrong) over 60K stitches - that's one crazy shawl. Once I get some good shots of it over the weekend, I'll post photos. I'm now working on Wandering the Moor, which is a really beautiful shawl - I'm knitting up the stockinette portion now, but hope to be into the lace section soon.

On the reading front, I'm cruising along on my 52 books in 52 weeks goal. As of April/mid-May, I've read 22 books for the year. Here are the latest reads:

agatha christie - appointment with death
rennie airth - river of darkness
maj sjowall and per wahloo - rosanna
maj sjowall and per wahloo - the man who went up in smoke
maj sjowall and per wahloo - the man on the balcony
garth stein - the art of racing in the rain

Tactile-Kinesthetic Learner

2010-04-05T08:30:00.002-12:00

I've been experimenting with crochet and having a heck of a time with following the instructions. They aren't difficult, but I'm just stubborn and want to figure it all out on my own. I can do the first round with no problem. In the 2nd round, I get lost in the pattern and give up, ripping it all out. A friend of mine pointed me to Sew Mama Sew's post on the various types of learning styles. My crochet experience just made sense! I am a Tactile-Kinesthetic learner, meaning I like to jump in and experiment. My weak spot is that I don't fully understand the instructions before I just dive in.
Will this work for crochet? Not sure, but I'm going to keep on trying :)

updates

2010-03-27T23:40:00.007-12:00

March has flown by. Before I know it, we will all be bracing for the 100 degree days of a North Carolina summer. That isn't all bad though. I can knit and read while the AC is blasting at 68 degrees :).

Throughout the month, I've been knitting here and there. I'm still working on the Icarus shawl which I desperately want to finish at this point. It's quite beautiful in all of its Malabrigo Lace glory.

I also managed to whip out the Sunday Market Shawl. The yarn came from Mum Rector and is Malabrigo. I love going back to basics. The shawl was knit in stockinette and then stitches were dropped to create the lace effect. What a great pattern!

I've also been reading. I've read 16 books out of my 52 for the year. I think I'm making good progress. Books for this month include:

Water for Elephants by Sarah Greun, an excellent novel!
Mademoiselle Boleyn by Robin Maxwell, a somewhat trashy fictional account of the life of Anne Boleyn
Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie, a typical Christie novel set in Jordan

52 books, 52 weeks

2010-03-06T05:12:00.003-12:00

So, I didn't make as much progress in February, but it's a short month right? :)

Cod, a Biography of the Fish that Changed the World
Temporary Sanity: A Crime Novel
The Ghost Stories of Edith Wharton

maine morning mitts

2010-02-20T09:39:00.005-12:00

Pattern: Maine Morning Mitts
Yarn: Malabrigo Twist (luxurious & just wonderful!!!)

Sorbet

2010-02-13T03:14:00.004-12:00

This hat reminds me of Sorbet, raspberry to be exact :)
Pattern: Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns
Yarn: Leftover Briar Rose Fourth of July
Rav Link

Baroness Beret

2010-02-07T01:54:00.005-12:00

Pattern: Baroness Beret (rav link)
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash

52 books, 52 weeks update

2010-02-01T00:39:00.003-12:00

January books! On to February!
> The Lovely Bones (100%)
> The Sweet Hearafter (100%)
> Salt, A World History (100%)
> Communicating Design (100%)
> Designing Interfaces (100%)

rising meadown farm handspun

2010-01-31T03:43:00.004-12:00

About a year ago, my friend Pam bought me some luxurious 100% Corriedale yarn from Rising Meadow Farm in Liberty, NC. I finally got around to winding it up and knitting it into something. Since I only used 1 skein and have 1 left, I plan to make some matching mittens and a hat at some point. This pattern, from the Yarn Harlot, is super simple and fun to make. Hmmm... Maybe I can convert the pattern into the round and use it for a hat...

52 books, 52 weeks

2010-01-10T00:43:00.002-12:00

As you'll recall I tried the 52 books in 52 weeks challenge last year and unfortunately didn't make it all of the way though. This year I'm determined to meet the 52 books target!
So here goes with January reads and goals (both pleasure and work reading):

100 Years of Solitude (80%) 3 out of 5 stars
Designing Interfaces (100%) 3 out of 5 stars
The Sweet Hearafter (90%) 4.5 out of 5 stars
Designing Web Navigation: Optimizing the User Experience (90%) 4 out of 5 stars
The Lovely Bones (haven't started it yet)

new socks, new year

2010-01-03T01:33:00.004-12:00

The hubby's yearly socks are done!

Yarn: Mission Falls Superwash Merino
Needles: Size 3
Size: Size 12 foot!
Started: December 29th
Finished: January 1

welcome 2010

2010-01-01T02:09:00.007-12:00

Dear 2009, I was so glad to see you go. The past year was tough on so many levels. I know some others are feeling the same way. Last night I raised a toast to 2010 and to the new decade! May everyone I know have a better year and may all of your knitting dreams come true :)

Typically I don't make resolutions,, but decided that this year I'm going to really try and use up all of my stash before buying anything new. The stash has grown so much that I can't even remember what I have anymore - ridiculous. Of course this resolution didn't apply during the past week when the hubby and I traveled to my favorite yarn store in the Outer Banks, Knitting Addiction.

What a great store! We typically go there to buy the hubby some sock yarn (I'm partial to using Mission Falls DK Superwash for socks - so soft and snuggly). This time around the owner had a bunch of Lamb's pride on sale for 30% off! How could I resist? The New Year's resolution starts on New Year's day n'est pas?

Armed with my Mission Falls and Lamb's Pride, I'm off to knit the hubby some new socks and me a new sweater. I'm also getting ready to enjoy the last 2 days of our annual Outer Banks vacation. Again, welcome 2010 and happy new year to all of you readers out there. May you have a good one!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T03:04:00.004-12:00

It was a good morning - lots of beautiful gifts. I feel very fortunate to have such wonderful family and friends.

Merry Christmas everyone!

swing swing

2009-12-22T03:12:00.007-12:00

Finally done with this sweater - the cables felt like they took forever! I'm really happy with it though - even the cap sleeves which at first I was a little skeptical about...Details on ravelry!

winter solstice

2009-12-21T10:45:00.003-12:00

It's winter solstice and while it's cold, we didn't get slammed with the winter storm that hit the east coast last weekend. Nevertheless, the holidays are in the air - Right now I'm baking pork chops with apple stuffing and making butternut squash soup. Cinnamon and cloves hang in the air as does pine from the Christmas tree - gosh I love this time of the year.

fo's!

2009-11-29T04:47:00.005-12:00

Sweater that I finished in July
Yarn: Brooks Farm
Pattern: Top Down Cardi Recipe

Yarn: Malabrigo
Pattern: Cowl - my own pattern for me!

stash enhancement

2009-11-27T03:36:00.004-12:00

wips

2009-11-21T05:37:00.003-12:00

Swing Swing

Textured Shawl Recipe (#2)

Xo Vest (this has been at 95% for ages! I just need to finish up the collar and can't bring myself to do it!)

favorite reads this year

2009-11-19T14:34:00.005-12:00

Celestial asked about my favorite reads for the year - so far I've enjoyed Disquiet by Julia Leigh and House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubas. I need to reread Disquiet; there's a lot packed into that small book. House of Sand and Fog is brilliant yet very sad - it's amazing how things quickly unfold in the book and how lives can change in an instant.

reading

2009-11-18T12:00:00.002-12:00

I've been reading instead of knitting - do you think my knitting will forgive me?

I'm catching up on that initial book list I created in January that I have been sadly neglecting.

Here are the latest reads:

> House of Sand and Fog - Andre Dubas
> Testimony - Anita Shreve
> Tender is the Night - F. Scott Fitzgerald

knitting along...

2009-11-09T10:59:00.003-12:00

Between unpacking and buying things for the new house, I've been able to do a little knitting here and there. I just finished up the Turn A Square hat from Jarod Flood. I made the hat out of some newly acquired stash from a place called Knitty City in NYC. I also started on a new sweater called Swing, Swing. I've frogged quite a bit so far, as the pattern is a little vague. The parts that are done look pretty :) I'll post photos for all of this in the coming week so check back! Sorry I've been a bad blogger lately, but more content will be coming soon. I promise! :)

i'm back

2009-10-18T01:42:00.002-12:00

I have been moving, unpacking and settling into the new home! Oh, and also trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up! That's another story. In the meantime, I did manage to get a bit of knitting done. I went back to my old standby - the Child's Rainbow Scarf from Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I love this scarf and have made about 5 of them, but never one for myself. So, I went to Great Yarns in Raleigh, picked up some luxurious Malabrigo and knitted myself a scarf! It was fun and totally mindless knitting :)

Richmond

2009-09-15T21:07:00.006-12:00

Since we moved to Richmond 5 1/2 years ago, I've had this love/hate relationship with the place. It is certainly full of history and gorgeous architecture, which has appealed to my art history background. However, there was something that didn't fit with my personality and I can't really pinpoint what it is...Nevertheless, I will miss some really great places and things that Richmond has to offer. So...here goes with 50 things I'll miss about you, Richmond, and many memories I had here (mostly food related!) :D

My house and my yard, where the hubby and I spend countless hours planting, digging and relaxing.
My friends.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, the place where I volunteer and spent numerous dinners at the tea house and countless walks through the garden. This place is truly a gem in Richmond and I will miss it terribly.
Kuba Kuba restaurant and their black coffee and Huevos rancheros with beans
Edo Squid restaurant
The sound of the Richmond speedway from my house (not!!)
Walking through the Fan
The holiday light festival (wow, is this amazing) at Lewis Ginter each year
Bryan Park
The Richmond vegetarian festival
VCU's wackiness
BBQ Tofu sandwiches at Harrison Street Coffee
Lunches at Little Mexico
Modlin Center, where we've seen some really amazing shows
The Yarn Lounge, the "Pottery Barn" of yarn in my opinion :)
Carytown
Almond lattes at Can Can Brasserie
Tree lined streets in my neighborhood
Monument Avenue
Karen's diner, who graciously served us free breakfast one Easter Sunday
Stir Crazy cafe, where the hubby and I walked to get coffee many mornings
Capital Ale House
Belmont Butchery
Comfort Restaurant
Being close to Charlottesville
Being close to Douthat State Park, another gem in Virginia
Philly cheesesteak samis at that hole in the wall, Mojos
The hubby's aikido parties
Dinner with Katherine & Jake and the boys
Sarah's dinner parties
Playing Rock Band with Jen, Jill, Mike and the hubby
Wine trips with crazy Bob from the wine shop
Wineries - Jefferson in particular with Brix sandwiches from across the street!
Fall in my neighborhood
Christmas in Richmond, which always seems rather magical
The Lewis Ginter plant sales
The Lewis Ginter winter greenery sale (where you can get some amazing greens for wreaths!)
The Maymont Herb Festival
Thai food (but not the Indian food here, which is not very good)
The Greek Festival
Libbie & Grove - such a cute area!
The stark contrast between University of Richmond and VCU, where I work
Snow!
Pope Avenue, which after Monument Avenue, just might be the most beautiful street in Richmond
Whole Foods at ShortPump, an amazing store
Malvern, another area that I love in Richmond
Sette pizza
Hermitage Grill
My vegetable garden
The renovated MovieLand theatre, with old movies and mimosas on Sunday!

start of a new chapter

2009-09-10T22:54:00.004-12:00

Happy Friday!
In addition to the insanity of the hospital visit a few week's ago, we've also decided to move back to NC. Oh Richmond, there are things I will miss about you!

It's been a whirlwind of activity around here the past few weeks: selling our house here,buying a new house there, the hubby starting his new job - the list goes on. Needless to say not much knitting has been happening. I hope to get back to it this weekend and be able to show you the nifty little linen basket liner I'm making :)

baby soft cardigan

2009-09-01T23:41:00.003-12:00

i messed up the sleeves so i just left them off - it's a little baby soft vest :)

for details ravel it

back in the game

2009-08-30T23:06:00.003-12:00

The fall-like weather outside ( our high today is only 70! ) is making me long for knitting! I'm currently working on a baby sweater as an entree back into the craft. I also need to put the finishing touches on a sweater I completed before going into the hospital. Photos to come soon! In the meantime, happy Monday!

friday recipe

2009-08-21T03:33:00.002-12:00

I just received this recipe from the hubby's mum. Looks delicious!
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/tomato_pie/.

thoughts

2009-07-28T11:45:00.004-12:00

- I'm still around, but since my trip to the hospital, it's been difficult to knit. I'm not quite sure what's going on - I'm just going to roll with it though and hope that this knitting hiatus doesn't last for too long.

- I've been obsessed with salads the past few weeks - Spinach with fresh zucchini, squash and goat cheese is my new favorite dinner.

- The excessive heat in VA is making me long for winter - I just can't wait until things cool off.

- The garden has produced pounds of tomatoes this year - for that, I am grateful.

- The hubby is fascinated by the fact that I've never had fresh lima beans. I can't wait until they come in.

- I think I need to go see a love story in the theater - Maybe 500 days of summer will do the trick?

moving in slow motion

2009-07-14T23:26:00.005-12:00

While I'm getting better and starting to recover from all the trials and tribulations of the week, I'm moving in slow motion on knitting. I haven't felt like doing much but sitting around and reading or watching Food Network. The one thing that the hospital stay did for me is made me feel very fortunate for the things I have and the things I have done. Everything looks different to me now. Before the stay, I was so busy trying to push out knitting projects that I'm not sure I really took the time to actually enjoy what I was doing. Now, I'm looking at that big stash of yarn and not feeling anxious; instead, I feel like the yarn will tell me what it wants to be and when. This is a lot less stressful to say the least.

details on blue

2009-06-23T04:56:00.002-12:00

Thanks for the comments, ya'll! Blue skies was really easy
> Pattern: Laura Chau's Top Down Raglan Cardi
> Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers
> Mods: I added a seed stitch ladder wavy rib to the bottom - so much fun!

Thanks again!

blue skies

2009-06-23T00:31:00.005-12:00

gardening in the city

2009-06-17T23:28:00.012-12:00

what i'm thinking about - part ii

2009-06-11T08:56:00.003-12:00

Finishing up the sweater I'm currently working on while I'm listening to Indigo Girls at Groovin in the Garden tonight.
Chocolate espresso beans.
How tired my brain has become today - not because it's been challenged, but because I'm bored.
Rhinebeck and how much fun it was last year.
Friday - hallelujah.

what i'm thinking about

2009-06-03T05:11:00.002-12:00

I have completed 90% of the XO vest I started a few weeks ago. I'm trying to talk myself into finishing the rest, but frankly, I really don't want to! I'm not enjoying it and really just want to start on a new shawl for the summer. Is it ok to not finish a sweater that's 90% of the way there?
NC is on my mind today; the hubby and I are still considering moving back. I'm not sure what I'd do there, but the Phd program might be an option...I just wouldn't want school to get in the way of knitting :)
Peppercorn Ranch Sun Chips are mighty tasty...
I can't wait to get home today to start on a new knitting project (that is, if I can forgive myself for not finishing that vest I mentioned in bullet point 1!)

now you see it, now you don't

2009-05-27T23:45:00.003-12:00

I've been ripping out more than I've been knitting lately. Here's the latest victim of frogging. Why I thought that thin cotton would look good in a skirt, I'm not quite sure. I tried it on last night and it looks just a wee bit tight on the bum (that's an understatement). Guess I should have figured that out before I got so far. That's a lot of sts folks! I think this yarn just doesn't want to be anything but a shawl, which is what it will be wrangled into next!

The Garden

2009-05-24T01:39:00.007-12:00

new items

2009-05-16T02:52:00.010-12:00

I'm still waiting on my new computer; in the meantime I figured out that my camera is compatible with the hubby's computer. Finally, I'm downloading some photos of recent finished projects!

A little something for Michael, Andrew & Jude - the triplets. Mittens and a baby blanket I finished back in January.Ravel it

Circular shawl for no one in particular. Could be a shawlette or a baby blanket. Ravel it

Last, but not least, the garden is beginning to sprout. All the rain has turned certain parts of the yard into a jungle. The peony is just gorgeous this year. Should also be a good year for veggies. (The last photo is from Lewis Ginter, but I'm hoping that my Irises look like that next year!)

Sweater Reuse

2009-05-07T10:36:00.002-12:00

I made this sweater for a friend's little boy about 3 years ago. Luckily, my friend was able to reuse the sweater for her new little girl! Isn't she cute!! So glad I made it in the great unisex color of green :)

photo monday

2009-05-04T00:44:00.003-12:00

Yes, I'm sad I didn't go to MSW yesterday, but maybe next year. I have so much to knit out of the stash that I was worried I'd just buy more. In honor or MSW, here's an alpaca photo from last year! Happy Monday!

photo friday

2009-05-01T07:47:00.002-12:00

my decorating style

2009-04-29T23:35:00.003-12:00

No posts of knitting yet - My 'puter decided to die. This isn't the most ideal time to invest in a new one, but I'm not sure it ever is! In the meantime, I took this quiz linked from How About Orange. It's fun and quite accurate! My decorating style is a mix of 3 specific styles :

38% Arts and Crafts

38% Nantucket Style

24% Classic

Arts and Crafts:

You tend to prefer simple to ornate and natural materials over man-made. Warm tones found in wood and brass make you feel comfortable, and good craftsmanship excites you like nothing else.

You enjoy patterns that highlight our natural surroundings such as plants and trees. You prefer rectilinear forms and straight lines, however you love to find intricate details (ooooh, stained glass!) where you least expect it.

Nantucket Style:

Oh how you love the beach! Who doesn't, right? And so your dream home is either perched in your favorite beach town, or you've brought that favorite beach town into your house.

Your art and accessories speak directly to the activities that are found at the beach. Pieces of driftwood you found here, pictures or paintings of the amazing views there. Things that remind you of the coast - surf boards or fishing boats - are found throughout the house. The feeling of the seaside is both abstract and literal in the design of your space. The fabrics are natural, cottons and linens and are light in color and touch. Much of the furniture is wood or wood framed (the lighter the better, think driftwood!) and wicker, when done right, is a must.

And since your true inspiration is the sea, the colors and textures in your home are the same that you would find at your favorite beach: white, light beiges and grays of the sand and driftwood, a variety of blues for the ocean and sky, and greens and vibrant blues of the sea glass� but the key is white! Your space should feel light and airy and give off the mood one has when at the beach: laid back!

Your furniture is comfortable and the layout is cozy. The more it reminds you of actually sitting on the warm sand, the better! And what do you do at the beach? Hang out with family and friends - and your home is just an extension of this play place. And though the space is filled with large white furniture, it somehow manages to feel both durable and casual

Classic:

What's old is new again! The beauty of Classic style is how well it takes all of the beautiful forms, colors and textures of the past and reinvents them in a way that feels both fresh and inspired.

The style itself is a mix of European influences and French, English and Italian antiques and replicas are often used together. Furniture is well proportioned and comfortable and the rooms give off an air of sophistication and grace. Oil paintings depicting still-life or nature scenes and emphasizing symmetry of pairs helps maintain the traditional nature of the room. Windows are often covered with opulent fabric shades and/or drapery.

Traditional rooms give off an air of history that seems to say "I was here long before you, and will remain long after you've gone." And yet, even with this level of sophistication, the rooms are soft and inviting.

fits and starts

2009-04-25T22:14:00.002-12:00

I have been trying to go through my stash and use it up. That said, I think I've been frogging just as much as I've been knitting! Last year at the MSW festival, I bought some beautiful merino spun by the good folks at Brooks Farms in Lancaster Texas. I bought 1200 yards thinking I could get 5 sts to the inch and make a cardigan. I've started on 2 cardigans and ripped both out! I just don't seem to get gauge on this yarn. No matter what needle size I use, I end up with 6 sts to the inch. Sigh...

I also started theXOX Vest by Amy King using some Jo Sharp classic wool I acquired at Webs in Northhampton, Mass. This pattern is so cute, but the yarn I'm using just doesn't fit. I've started over twice. I'm not ready to rip this one out yet, but really, will I wear it?

So, I'm now stuck, wondering what to do with 1200 yards of Brooks Farm and ~1000 yards of Jo Sharp. Maybe I just move on to something else and come back to this?

Happy weekend knitting!

textured shawl recipe

2009-04-20T12:04:00.007-12:00

Words cannot explain how much I love this shawl I've named Garden. It's incredibly soft, snuggly and just so simple it's beautiful.

Pattern: Textured Shawl Recipe - Ravel It
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino color: Garden (the hubs did a good job - he purchased this for Xmas!)

Last, but not least, here's the finished Owls sweater.

hoot! hoot!

2009-04-09T22:14:00.009-12:00

So, it's not quite done but close so I thought I'd post my new owl sweater! Isn't it fun!

I still need to sew up the arms and I have a mistake right at the breast level that I need to fix somehow - It's the wraps - I did them incorrectly and now have a hole :( Ideas are welcome about how to fix that hole as those owls are not coming out!

Pattern: Owls by Kate Davies - Ravel It.
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky
Size: 38

I'll post some shots wearing it soon :)

photo friday

2009-04-02T20:50:00.008-12:00

this friday, i'm thinking about...

what shawl i'll make out of this gorgeous yarn from rhinebeck...

how much i can't wait until the butterfly exhibition at lewis ginter botanical gardens...

how crazy and snugly my cat is...

how much i absolutely love hydrangeas...

how fortunate i am to have the hubs...

Emerald is done

2009-03-28T10:58:00.012-12:00

Pattern: Emerald by Amy Swenson
Yarn: Briar Rose 4th of July - from Rhinebeck
Notes -LOVE THIS SWEATER and the yarn!! :)

for a new one

2009-03-27T03:40:00.002-12:00

welcome to this world...

fabric butterflies

2009-03-27T00:38:00.002-12:00

I've been looking for something to do with all the quilting fabric I have - looks like this might be the ticket: http://sew-eco.blogspot.com/2007/08/preseve-your-own-butterflies-tutorial.html. If only there were more time in the day for crafting...

spring is coming, take 2...

2009-03-25T23:49:00.007-12:00

Calla Lilly for a wedding at the Museum for Women in the Arts in DC

Flowering Quince from my back yard

Yellow Roses in my back yard

DC

2009-03-24T11:47:00.012-12:00

This past weekend in DC with Pam & Becky was great

We ate some really awesome food...

and ate some more really awesome food...

stayed in a cool, retro hotel with Barbie & Ken framed near our bed...

had fun in the hotel lobby with strange curtains...

saw an AMAZING Louise Bourgeois exhibition at the Hirshhorn...

saw some incredible modern sculpture

and ate lunch at the American Indian Museum ....

Thanks, Pam & Becky!

Beanpole Beanie

2009-03-20T09:22:00.003-12:00

Pattern: Beanpole Beanie (ravel it)
Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Angora
Color: Peacock Blue
Notes: Used a much smaller gauge to get a tight, warm hat

spring is coming...

2009-03-18T05:56:00.007-12:00

Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden eye candy...Are you ready for spring?!

Yum

2009-03-16T01:31:00.003-12:00

I made this recipe a while ago, but was thinking about it again this morning! Baked Eggs with Spinach and Tomato - Yum...

99 Things

2009-03-15T23:42:00.002-12:00

Saw this on Nebula Designs and decided to post yet another list of things about moi...:)

*~*~*

Things you've already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven't done and don't want to - leave in plain font

1. Started your own blog.

2. Slept under the stars.

3. Played in a band. (Does Rock Band count?)

4. Visited Hawaii.

5. Watched a meteor shower.

6. Given more than you can afford to charity.

7. Been to Disneyland/world.

8. Climbed a mountain.

9. Held a praying mantis.

10. Sang a solo. (Again, RockBand!)

11. Bungee jumped.

12. Visited Paris.

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.

15. Adopted a child.

16. Had food poisoning.

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.

18. Grown your own vegetables.

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.

20. Slept on an overnight train.

21. Had a pillow fight.

22. Hitch hiked.

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill.

24. Built a snow fort.

25. Held a lamb.

26. Gone skinny dipping.

27. Run a marathon.

28. Ridden a gondola in Venice.

29. Seen a total eclipse. (Of the moon)

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.

31. Hit a home run.

32. Been on a cruise.

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors. (Ireland, no; Scotland, yes!)

35. Seen an Amish community.

36. Taught yourself a new language. (Spanish, French & German)

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied.

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.

39. Gone rock climbing.

40. Seen Michelangelo's David in person.

41. Sung Karaoke.

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.

43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant.

44. Visited Africa.

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.

46. Been transported in an ambulance.

47. Had your portrait painted.

48. Gone deep sea fishing.

49. Seen the Sistine chapel in person.

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

51. Gone scuba diving or snorkelling.

52. Kissed in the rain.

53. Played in the mud.

54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.

55. Been in a movie.

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.

62. Gone whale watching.

63. Gotten flowers for no reason.

64. Donated blood.

65. Gone sky diving. (absolutely not!)

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp. (Weird, I know, but I would like to visit one)

67. Bounced a cheque.

68. Flown in a helicopter.

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar.

72. Pieced a quilt.

73. Stood in Times Square.

74. Toured the Everglades.

75. Been fired from a job.

76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London.

77. Broken a bone.

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.

80. Published a book.

81. Visited the Vatican.

82. Bought a brand new car.

83. Walked in Jerusalem.

84. Had your picture in the newspaper. (In college for my French family exchange)

85. Read the entire Bible. (part of it)

86. Visited the White House.

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating. (Prepared a fish that the hubs caught)

88. Had chickenpox.

89. Saved someone’s life.

90. Sat on a jury.

91. Met someone famous.

92. Joined a book club.

93. Lost a loved one.

94. Had a baby.

95. Seen the Alamo in person.

96. Swum in the Great Salt Lake.

97. Been involved in a law suit.

98. Owned a cell phone.

99. Been stung by a bee.

almost finished and halfway there...

2009-03-11T23:12:00.006-12:00

The spring surprise baby sweater is almost finished...The pattern is Henry's Manly Cobbleston Inspired Baby Vest by Nikol Lohr [ravel it] It is a really well written pattern, and free too! Once I have buttons, I'll post the finished product. I absolutely love this sweater and can't wait to gift it!

This sweater is my labor of love, but I'm almost there. I purchased this gorgeous yarn at Rhinebeck (Briar Rose) and have struggled to whip it into something. There's nothing wrong with the yarn. It's Briar Rose Fourth of July - it's soft, squishy and the colorway (rose, soft orange and olives) is truly amazing. The problem that I've had is that to make a chunky sweater, I need to double the yarn. Doubling yarn with size 11 needles and my small hands hasn't been completely satisfying. After ripping out the first sweater I attempted last fall, I am now on my way with Emerald by Amy Swenson [ravel it]. This pattern is so interesting and really well written (it's also free on Knitty.com). If you decide to make it, pay attention while you're doing the waist and neck decreases as you'll be making them at the same time :)

Happy Thursday!

I don't want to jinx myself but...

2009-03-02T11:09:00.004-12:00

It's been a good knitting day :) Maybe the snow helped? Two posts in 1 day and 1 finished object!

Pattern: O'Wool Cabled Hat by Cathy Campbell
Yarn: O'Wool leftovers from February Lady Sweater

Finally, the real stuff and a FO

2009-03-02T02:46:00.004-12:00

We finally received snow in Richmond, and not just 1-2 inches of snow, but 7-8 inches! All Northerners are laughing at us right now, but it's super exciting when you NEVER get this type of weather. I feel like a kid.

On the finished object front: I've posted several times here and on FB that I'm in a knitting rut and have lost my knitting mojo. Nevertheless, I did manage to finish another small project in February. This sweater is for Ryden (the baby brother of Landon - remember the caterpillar sweater?) and I hope he's not too big to wear it by the time I see him!

I Miss Knitting

2009-02-25T13:12:00.004-12:00

What's a woman to do when work gets in the way of knitting! I've been too tired to post and to knit, but I promise to do updates soon on a few projects that are almost to completion.

In the meantime, here are few crazy cat photos for your viewing pleasure.

february knitting to-dos & 52 books update

2009-02-16T00:08:00.003-12:00

Knitting to-do's:
1. Complete my Chunky Monkey sweater: Emerald by Amy Swenson - 50%
2. Finish sewing buttons on Landen's baby sweater - 0%
3. Send off the Leaf Lace part deux shawl - 0%
4. Start baby sweater for friend who is pregnant - 1% (bought yarn)
5. Start Clementine Summer Shawlette - 40%

52 Books Progress:

Eh....has been kinda slow since I've started on new knitting projects. I've only managed to complete 1 1/2 books. I'm going to take Renee's advice and go to the library to check out books on CD!

Memories

2009-02-13T12:12:00.004-12:00

When I first met my husband in 2000, I was a vegetarian and he a meat lover. One would think that this match with such disparate tastes in food would be difficult (I now eat meat so I guess he had some influence over me :). He was skeptical at first about all the veggie dishes that I made at that time; however, since he grew up with a large garden he was also eager to see what I could cook. One of the first meals I made for him (and one of the dinners that won his heart - the other is Black Bean Burritos) is Molly Katzen's Cauliflower-Cheese Pie, from the 1992 Moosewood Cookbook. It's such a simple recipe and yet I don't make it that often. The hubby practically begged me for it last week, so I purchased a head of organic cauliflower and set out to making this yummy vegetarian dinner (the hubby made the crust, as I'm really NOT a baker at all).

As I type, the smells of whole wheat crust, cauliflower, thyme and cheddar are emanating from our oven. The smells evoke all sorts of memories for me - living in NC in my 1920s apartment (the first really cool apartment that I could afford - it was $700 a month, all utilities included!), love on the horizon and my hippie and wild 20s.

I hope you all will try this simple yet lovely pie! Thanks for the memories Molly Katzen and Happy Valentines Day!

* image is the book jacket from Molly Katzen's website

52 Books / 52 Weeks

2009-02-02T12:41:00.007-12:00

Thanks to Knitting Sunshine for introducing me to the 52 Books in 52 Weeks Ravelry group! I started a Library Thing list about a year ago, but have been slow to update it. Like Knitting Sunshine, I miss reading very much. I have yet to figure out how to read and knit at the same time, but I swear I'll master this one day! Although I'm late to join the Ravelry group, I did manage to finish a few books in December & January:

Dec/January List:

Disquiet, by Julia Leigh
The Yiddish Policeman's Union by Michael Chabon
The Robber Bride, by Margaret Atwood
Murder in Foggy Bottom, by Margaret Truman (started but haven't finished yet)

I started quite a few books over my vacation, but nothing really peaked my interest enough to finish.

Here's what's up for February:

Murder in Foggy Bottom, by Margaret Truman (finish this up)
A Question of Blood, by Ian Rankin
The waves, Virginia Woolf
Suicide Excepted, Cyril Hare
The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, by Michael Pollan (I started this in Sept 2008, but haven't finished it yet)
Denise Mina (am looking up different books I want to read by her...)

saturday day dreaming in pictures

2009-01-31T01:02:00.015-12:00

Landon's Caterpillar Sweater

2009-01-28T00:20:00.007-12:00

Pattern: Garter Yoke Baby Cardi [Ravel it]
I decided to use garter instead of sts. for the body. It's faster for me - any time I can avoid purling, I will :)

Yarn: Mission Falls 136 Merino Superwash
I had some leftover skeins from Ben's socks and decided to knit them up since I love this yarn! It's soft and swishy -- perfect for a baby sweater.

Size: Baby

4 things for saturday.

2009-01-24T00:47:00.006-12:00

Thank you all for your kind words in response to my last list!

I'm into lists right now...so bear with me...

1 - Today, I'm going to frog the 3 sweaters I've been working on that are leading to knitting frustrations. Yes it's sad, but entirely necessary.

2 - This morning I'm going to yoga and will try to forget about the weird leadership luncheon I attended yesterday.

3 - I need to finish up the baby mittens I started over my holiday; Today, I will do this while I volunteer at Lewis Ginter.

4 - Today, I'm going to take a deep breath and try to relax since I've been really wound up about knitting, work and life in general. I'm going to follow Celestial's advice and go get a latte this morning - the honey almond latte at Can Can that I've heard so much about.

And to all of you - have a good day, happy knitting and wish me luck in my frogging endeavors!

4 things for today.

2009-01-21T11:33:00.004-12:00

1 - Please send me some good knitting vibes! Since I've been back from vacation, I've lost my knitting vibe. I have started on many projects, but none have really worked out. As you're working on projects, send me some good knitting thoughts - I promise to return the favor whenever you need it! :)

2 - I need to learn how to create my own patterns. I'm struggling with a free pattern right now that is full of mistakes. I'm hanging in there - maybe good knitting thoughts will help out here too :)

3 - I'm questioning my career decisions today and am wondering how much money I need to start an alpaca farm.

4 - My husband is wonderful and I don't tell him that enough. He also is a great cook and has made me some incredible dishes the past few nights - Cuban Pork Samis, Moussaka, and baked chicken.

7 degrees??

2009-01-17T01:14:00.003-12:00

The past few years the hubby and I have been talking about moving to Minneapolis. I've never been there (he has), but it seems like such a forward-thinking, fun city. It's currently 7 degrees in Richmond with a wind chill below zero and I'm thinking, 'it's this cold in Minneapolis every day during the winter which is insane.' I guess I can't shiver too much because Richmond will get up to 43 degrees tomorrow for the high. Nevertheless, the whole thing has got me thinking that maybe I'm just a southern girl at heart. I always talk about loving cold weather (really because I get to sit indoors and knit), but this is FREEZING! Richmond is looking better every day. You all up north should get a chuckle he he :)

i lied

2009-01-16T00:32:00.011-12:00

I had a few minutes before work to download photos! Enjoy the first FO of 2009!

The hubby's Sock Monkey Socks
Yarn: Mission Falls 136 Merino Superwash
Pattern: Elizabeth Bennett's Sock Program for measurements; seed stitch rib
Ravel It

behind, behind

2009-01-15T23:28:00.002-12:00

I've been really bad about posting this past week! I have no excuse except for the fact that work is kicking my tush, the house is in utter disarray and I am struggling to find time to knit since I returned from vacation. Stay tuned, however. I did manage to complete the hubby's Sock Monkey socks (ok, not really a sock monkey but the colors remind me of one) and a baby blanket. Happy Friday!

Last FO's of 2008

2009-01-06T11:41:00.009-12:00

Leaf Lace Part Deux
Recipient: Surprise!
Details on Ravelry
Yarn: Sunshine Yarns Sunsilk

Coffee Table Socks
Recipient: Me!
Details on Ravelry

Mittens!
Recipient: Triplets
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Dreambaby DK Prints
Details on Ravelry

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T23:54:00.005-12:00

Happy New Year! It has been a while!

The hubby and I made our annual trek to the Outer Banks last week. I had an internet connection but no cable for my camera; thus, no blogging. While on the banks, we relaxed, watched the Twilight Zone, walked on the beach, finished up several knitting projects that had been "on the bench" for a while, and celebrated my birthday. I inched a bit closer to 40 last week...Sigh...Isn't 40 supposed to be the new 30?

merry christmas

2008-12-24T01:47:00.013-12:00

Enjoy your holiday!

so cute

2008-12-22T12:59:00.001-12:00

look! 5 Bloo kitties!

more animals

Ten Things

2008-12-17T03:15:00.010-12:00

I'm not nearly as eloquent as SouleMama (I'm completely in love with her blog!), but since she asked readers of her blog what we are loving this holiday season, I figured I'd post ten of my favorite things so far:

1. Knowing that I don't have to go back to work until January 5th. Since my birthday is January 1, I'll hopefully go back with a new frame of mind - I'll be older, wiser and calmer :)

2. Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens and their annual light festival.

3. Our upcoming annual trip to the Outer Banks.

4. Ina's (Barefoot Contessa) recipe for French Chocolate Bark.

5. Our Christmas Tree

6. The hubby's scrumptious Parmesan and Root Vegetable Lasagna.

7. Our kitten, Blooregard, and his crazy antics.

8. Brie, goat cheese and garlic as well as brie, manchego and pear gourmet grilled cheese samis. Oh, and Dijon mustard on the side.

9. Amish Friendship Bread.

10. The anticipation of starting a new knitting project using Briar Rose yarn.

11. The Downy woodpeckers in my yard.

So...What are you loving this December?

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-14T09:00:00.001-12:00

gifts

2008-12-09T13:10:00.012-12:00

I can't believe how fortunate I've been lately - I've received some amazing gifts in the past few weeks. Thanks to everyone for your kindness - I hope I haven't left any gifts out of this post.

My 'Mad Men' Ravelry exchange partner sent me the most wonderful knitty items a week ago. I received an Elsapel bag for knitting gadgets, a skein of cashmere yarn (yummy!!!), a skein of Plain and Fancy "Autumn Leaves," a really cool Eiffel tower pin and stitch markers (I now own something other than the plastic ones!). Jen, seriously - thank you!

Pam, my long-time friend from NC, came to visit us last weekend. Guess what? She brought me 2 skeins of local yarn! Pam had visited Rising Meadow Farm in Liberty, NC and thought that these 2 handspun woolies would be a good gift for me. She was so right - I am so very happy! She also brought us Blackberry Jam and Pear Butter from Greensboro, which I'm dying to get into this weekend. Thank you Pam!!

Leslie, my good Richmond friend, brought some goodies to our girl's get together Sunday night. There is of course a story about the "Chili Dawg" wine and easy cheese (lord knows who thought this up but it's mighty tasty!). She also gave "the girls" Amish friendship bread! I'm so excited - The bread is in this baggie labeled 'Day 1.' Thanks Leslie!

More pix of Chili Dawg with the Richmond girls (pix shamelessly stolen from Anne's site :)

Anne (one of the "girls" in Richmond) made an amazing Apple Pie a la mode with Cinnamon Ice Cream this week! Thank you, Anne!

Kristen made "the girls" some amazing bread Sunday night. The starter has apparently been in her husband's family for 20+ years!

And, last but not least, I need to give a big thank you to my hubby! He spent 3 hours Saturday afternoon making Barefoot Contessa's Boeuf Bourguignon for me & Pam. It was absolutely amazing, so good in fact, that we were busy eating and forgot to take pictures! He also woke up Sunday and made us homemade waffles. Sunday night, he continued his cooking spree and made "the girls" homemade Shrimp and Corn Chowder. What a good hubby he is!

I love the Purl Bee

2008-12-04T00:01:00.001-12:00

Look at these AWESOME ornaments. Thank you, Purl Bee!!!

no work = more time to knit & blog

2008-11-30T01:35:00.009-12:00

It is amazing how much one can get done when work is out of the picture. I guess there's always that money thing, but my little hands have been knitting away without the pressures of Web sites and servers (my normal job). I've been off since Wednesday, so that means you all get 3 full days of blogging and knitted little goodies.

I was a little hesitant to post these items as they're all Christmas or birthday presents...But, they all turned out so well that I had to share. I'll post details about each piece after the holidays!

old friends

2008-11-28T23:52:00.007-12:00

I finally got to see my old friend, Kristen, yesterday when she and her lovely family passed through Richmond! Kristen and I have been friends since high school; I lived briefly with her in Chicago and she lived with me in G'boro for a while. Life got away from us somehow and I had only met one of her children, Mackenzie, who is the oldest in this photo. It was a day of feeling old as I remember when Kristen brought Mackenzie home from the hospital! She's now so mature and wise (well, 11 going on 16:) It was a short visit, but I hope to go down to NC to see them again in January!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-28T02:37:00.022-12:00

The hubby and I had a quiet, but really nice Thanksgiving this year. Although he had to be into work at 3am this morning, he still managed to cook all day and make a scrumptious dinner for us! Thank you my love!

The hubby started Thxgiving dinner Wednesday night by soaking the turkey in a salt and whole cardamom pods and allspice brine. Find this lovely recipe on Cooking Light.com.

Thursday morning, while we watched the Macy's parade, the hubby made homemade crust for a yummy pumpkin pie. The pie was eventually topped with the hubby's homemade nutmeg whip topping:

The turkey boob was put in the oven around noon surrounded by apples, pears and herbs from the back yard. It cooked for about 2 1/2 hours - Look how beautiful it turned out!

The hubby cooked a variety of sides, including green beans topped with walnuts, breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese; shitake mushroom risotto with mild sausage and herbs; Indian spiced potatoes and parsnips; cranberry chutney and apple cider gravy!

The complete feast!

thanksgiving knitting

2008-11-27T01:45:00.001-12:00

I'm loving this Thanksgiving day already: The hubby has asked if he can cook everything for me and I get to knit and watch the parade. Who could ask for more!?

Hope everyone has a GREAT Thanksgiving!

grrl friend market bag

2008-11-20T23:16:00.002-12:00

Pattern: Grrlfriend Market Bag by Laura Spradlin

Yarn: Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece

This bag was so much fun to knit - Thanks for the free pattern Laura! I just wish I had time to make these for everyone for Xmas!

posole, segway, dinosaur and neck warmer

2008-11-19T23:30:00.013-12:00

The hubby's birthday weekend was a lot of fun. Friday night, as blogged, I made Beer & Cheddar bread and Posole. Yum.

Saturday the hubby received his requested dinosaur. Don't look too closely - dino has small flaws. Toys are not my favorite thing to make - all those pieces and parts drive me nuts. The pattern for Trice was really well written though - thanks Jennifer!

Pattern: Trice by Jennifer Thurston - Ravel It
Yarn: Left over Blue Sky Alpaca

Rarrrrrrrrr, my name is Trice - He is scary don't ya think?

Saturday night I took Ben to Shockoe Slip in Richmond for dinner and we took a detour to the Segway store. Segways are sooo cool!

I knitted all day Sunday on my exchange gift. This yarn is just gorgeous.
Pattern: Herringbone Neck Warmer Ravel It
Yarn: Nashua Handknits Wooly Stripes

quince and red pepper jelly

2008-11-14T04:11:00.007-12:00

With the holidays quickly approaching I've been in the mood to cook and to try baking again. I've been feeling pretty down lately - jobs, local layoffs, the economy, Richmond - but have decided that cooking might cheer me up. Sooo...tonight, I plan to start with some bread (how could bread not make one cheery on a cold day?). It's the hubby's birthday and I'm looking to make Apple-Cheddar Beer Bread. The bread will accompany a spicy Posole, recipe courtesy of Kristen.

This weekend I also want to make good use of some of the lovely gifts of red pepper and quince jelly recently given to me by Anne, Kristen and Leslie. While my all-time favorite way to eat red pepper jelly is with crackers and cream cheese, I was looking around online for other less fattening and innovative uses. Cooking Light recently posted a recipe for Red Pepper Vinagrette to top a spinach salad with Gorgonzola and Pistachios. Yum. Their November holiday issue also contains a Fire and Spice Ham recipe that looks fabulous.

Recipes using quince jelly are more difficult to find. I could always just throw some Manchego on a plate, rub the top with quince jelly and chow down; however I wanted to come up with something a little more involved. After a pretty exhaustive search on recipe sites, I came across a recipe for Braised Pork Shoulder that calls for fresh quince (which is almost impossible to find if you don't have a quince bush) and red currant jelly. I'm wondering if quince jelly would be a good substitute.

Either way, it's going to be a good cooking weekend :)

knitting.furiously.knitting

2008-11-12T11:11:00.003-12:00

i'm still here. photos coming soon. knitting furiously for holidays. :)

holidays are almost here! knitting goals

2008-11-06T04:49:00.003-12:00

Following in Kris Crafts footsteps, I'm outlining on paper some knitting goals for this holiday season. I've started on so many projects that I need to get a little more organized:

October Goals:
1. Finish scarf & hat for KKidd's mom. Done
2. Finish sewing on buttons on my Feb Lady Sweater. Done
3. Start and finish final holiday gift for my R'mond girls. In process
4. Finish basic coffee table socks. 1/2 compelete
5. Finish Ben's scarf for Xmas. Done

November Goals:
1. Finish basic coffee table socks. In process
2. Start & Finish bday gift for Mom. Done
3. Start & Finish bday gift for Mum.
4. Finish final holiday gift for my R'mond girls. In process
5. Finish cardi with Brooks Farm Solo. In process
6. Take pix of all FOs so far and post to blog/Ravelry. In process

More to come!

remembering

2008-10-31T00:12:00.003-12:00

Art2mis sent these to me a while ago. I had forgotten that we had even taken photos that night! Reading the news about Nancy and then all the recent news about Brad has made me terribly sad. I can't imagine what it's like to be in the midst of all of this in Cary. I hope that there is a quick resolution for family, those precious, innocent girls, for friends (and for Brad, too).

my new ravelry bag!

2008-10-22T00:00:00.003-12:00

In addition to the cool Bob finger puppet (see Kris' blog on this), Kris also won a very cool Ravelry tote bag Saturday night at the Ravelry party in Red Hook. She already had a Ravelry bag and because I had mentioned earlier in the weekend that I didn't have one, she gave it to me! I love it. I am going to carry it everywhere! Thanks Kris!

rhinebeck loot

2008-10-20T23:55:00.004-12:00

I haven't had a chance to take individual photos of my new stash, *but* we did get a group shot of the yarn loot Saturday night in NY. My new stuff is piled up, but you get the idea!