Larkspur Studio

G, H, I

2011-02-26T22:39:00.006-07:00

Gosh, I should put up A, B, C, D, E, F, shawls finished this year so far!

"G" is for Gail

"H" is for Holden

"I" is for Ishbel. I have made nine shawls this year so far.

2011-01-02T23:15:00.002-07:00

Got another Lazykaty done. I donated a dozen "Ideal Preemie Hats" in three sizes. I made an awesome shellfish stew (modified boullibaise from "Joy of Cooking". Had Christmas New Year's Day with the husband's brother's family(fun people!) Promptly finished "Annis" which was a two day project! Great way to end the old year and start the new!

Christmas come and gone 2010

2010-12-27T22:39:00.006-07:00

Hats, hot pads and mitts. Done this last week to finish up the year, but wait, there will be more to close out 2010. Shawl done in Kid Merino by Crystal Palace Yarns my pattern. Hat, Lamb's Pride Superwash from lisa Gentry's book, Celebrity Slouchy Beanies for the Family: Pattern is Textured Stripes, Hot Pads and Mitts, Lamb's Pride Bulky.

Hats off to Ravelry

2010-11-18T18:47:00.003-07:00

Congrats to Ravelry for reaching the 1m member mark and winning the .net awards Community Website of the Year award! Ravelry was nominated with Facebook and Twitter! Have a cupcake from me!

Knit Night Birthday Treats

2010-11-17T22:16:00.003-07:00

Vegan Yum Yum is responsible, but I took it up a notch on mine. I made flourless chocolate cupcakes, White Chocolate ganach icing and used fondant instead of marzipan! I also made shawls, socks and hats, opps just thought: I should have made some mittens!

Lazykaty

2010-11-10T22:43:00.005-07:00

Love everything about this shawl, especially the speed. If you have a need for speed, try this shawl. I started it November 2, 2010 and finished it November 10, 2010. I made this shawl with Zitron Trekking Maxima in color 901 a beautiful blue, purple and yellow self striping sock yarn.

Chevron

2010-10-12T11:37:00.004-06:00

Okay, Ravelry doesn't take my pics in threads unless I grab them from my blog. So here's some more pics of the Chevron. I made it with two skeins of Fiesta Baby Boom, colors Wild Oak and Salsa. I really love this scarf.

Taos Wool Festival Bitterroot and Chevron

2010-10-06T17:38:00.008-06:00

Here's my stash from attending the Taos Wool Festival. I bought more, but sold some to friends in my knitting group. I loved shopping at Brook's Farm and Plain and Fancy Sheep and Wool Co. I also got some nice laceweight downtown Taos at Weaving Southwest. I like my nice pretty spindle and look who got one too, Mary-Heather aka RainDayGoods and Sue aka Mango2oo on the Ravelry.com. I got to visit with Tara Jon Manning, I have and love her books, "Compassionate Knitter" and "The Gift Knitter." I finished my Ten Stitch Triangle and Bitterroot all the same day, yesterday! I finished the Chevron scarf on my trip to Sheridan, Wyoming! I have been getting around since the last post!

2010-08-24T23:52:00.002-06:00

Jackie over at Canton Village Quilt Works is having a nice giveaway, an AccuQuilter! Check it out and enter by placing four comments to answer questions on her blog. Thanks Jackie!

Quilt and material

2010-08-13T22:53:00.003-06:00

Here's the quilt I have been hand quilting after machine piecing. It's going to be a class this fall at my local Joann Fabrics. Here's a sampling of the Kaffe Fasset quilt fabric I collected on the shop hop and other places like fabric.com.

2010-08-05T09:45:00.005-06:00

I have been busy working on new class samples. I am quilting mostly. I have made a pleated log cabin and "Serene Shores" uses three blocks, "square in square" combined with "flying geese" and "sawtooth star." Our camera broke so we have order some new ones and hope to receive them on Friday. It's hard posting without new pics so I will offer you this not so new one. It's Susan Pierce Lawrence's "Forest Canopy" shawl. I love this pattern. Clean lines, great fun to knit. What is special about this one is that I used three different skeins of wonderful handspun by my best knitting friend, Tamara, oh yeah, here's Tam in her Haruni shawl I got to block for her.

Catching up on the Ten Stitch Triangle

2010-07-24T18:07:00.003-06:00

I am tired of working on this shawl, although, it is somewhat of a mindless knit, that is until I had to frog back to a mistake. I have been having fun this summer. Plus I had a wonderful birthday with lots of knitting friends a few days ago.

Moving right along

2010-06-26T21:47:00.004-06:00

I am up to the third skein on my Ten Stitch Triangle Shawl and feelin' the love. I may need one or more skeins. I love a roomy shawl. I think I would have finished it if I hadn't taken my husband shopping for a dog bed. We ended up getting a new leather couch and chair. So, what's a girl to do but paint the living room.

Stitches On The Road

2010-06-16T07:34:00.007-06:00

Coming into Sheridan, Wyoming, I got some stitches on my Ten Stitch Triangle Shawl. I am always excited to go to Sheridan and see my son, daughter in law and lovely grandkids living in one of the most beautiful places of Wyoming. We had lots of fun. Emily and I baked, we went to the park for some baseball practice. We also went over to Greybull for the city's "Day's of 49". Greybull has an all class highschool reunion every ten years. I had lots of fun going to one of the best internet quilt stores, Big Horn Quilts . Big Horn Quilts is a fully loaded quilt store leaving no stone unturned. I finally got some great shots of the shawl I made my daughter in law in January for her belated Christmas present. She is the best model!

Another Shawl, another pair of socks

2010-06-08T13:10:00.003-06:00

Here's yet another shawl I finally got around to blocking. I made it the first 18 days in March. Stephen West's "Daybreak." It's part of the 10 Shawls in 2010, I call it "Red Dawn" yes, sailors, take warning.

I have been shopping for quilting materials and here's Marge's wall of fat quarters at Creative Needle. My hubby purchased me a sweet Elna 6005 Heirloom Quilter last October from Marge. I have been piecing quilts. I am fascinated with Kaffe Fasset's new line of cottons for quilting. I got me some visiting Knitty Cat. There are some more of Kaffe's designs for quilting over at one of my fav quilt stores, Holly Cabin Quilts.

Oh, yeah, the socks. I haven't made many since the summer I made 13 pair. I decided I needed a pair made with Noro Silk Garden, I love them with my Birk's. Very cozy they are.

Some more shawls for 10 in 2010

2010-06-02T22:59:00.005-06:00

Another Forest Canopy in Gray Paton's Classic Wool , Haruni Shawl in Waucania by Gypsy Wools and Luna Moth in Brook's Farm Mas Acero. Three more. Now if I had remembered my camera when I went to Illinois, I would have the other two I worked on when the new year began(two more of Forest Canopy, can you tell I love this pattern?) But, wait, I could block and take a pic of my Daybreak I made out of seven skeins of Colinette Jitterbug, now I am savin' the best for last. Tommorrow.

5 of 10 Shawls in 2010

2010-06-02T22:44:00.004-06:00

Here's five of the shawls. Forest Canopy dk green Paton's Classic Wool.
Me and my friend Jeannie, I made her's out of Icelandic laceweight the pattern Forest Canopy again. Mine is Icarus, out of Interlacements Silk Mohair laceweight Dyer's Choice. The next is the Shetland Shawl out of my friend Tamara's handspun wool (three different skeins mostly purchased at Estes Park Wool Market). The last one in this part is the Swallowtail, done in Safran, 100% cotton.

Shawl Crazy

2010-05-13T11:24:00.002-06:00

I have been knitting shawls. I love Susan Pierce Lawrence's Forest Canopy Shawl. I have made eight so far Since December. This one is done with Cascade 220 wool. Then ther is the Luna Moth. Luna is done with Brooks Farm Mas Acero in a lovely dark blue green which I purchased at the Estes Park Wool Market. I have been knitting alot this past year and have plenty to write about. Facebook(fb) has stolen precious hours from my knitting lately and am trying hard to give it up some. Never one to play games, I was "too busy" with projects. I started playing games on fb and easily got hooked into a web. I have now gotten back on my creative track and have been so blessed with a deeper understanding of internet addictions. Being blessed with new opportunities, new friends along with faithful old ones I perservere to be creative. I have been writing patterns, doing test and sample knitting. I can't believe how my grandkids are growing and how much deeper my love for my family grows each year!

Long Sabbatical

2010-05-09T11:23:00.007-06:00

Hi all! It's been a long year of knitting, quilting and painting. It's been lots of fun combined with some struggles, but such is life as we all are aware. It's nice to be back writing. I have always been fond of writing, but would rather do the mentioned. I have been painting a series of water colors. Small paintings of lovely things; flowers, trees, animals and landscapes. I need to take some pics of them.

I have had much fun teaching quilting, painting, reupholstery, along with some fimo/sculpey beads, pillows, box cushion, the list is long at my local Joann's. I am excited about teaching this summer's classes. Children's art classes are by far the most fun, their ideas are so simple. Children remind me of freedom and the freshness of life.

Goodness

2009-04-25T14:48:00.003-06:00

Queenie's Natural Dye Studio is awesome! Friendly service is so important here! Now this is what I call yarn! These fabulous mini skeins are enough to make something glorious. Plus, Amanda Perkins is a crocheter! Amanda has got some heartful, soulful things going on! Color, texture, content, and patterns the best of all inspiration! My new yarns leave me smitten! Where's my hook! Ravelry fans view her goodness here at Queenieamanda! Bloggers go here, Dye Studio Diary! Plus her Lula Scarf happens to be on the cover UK's Inside Crochet.

Off

2009-04-23T18:23:00.002-06:00

I got my granny square packages filled with homemade goodies, each receives a phone fob w/angel charm, and a set of milleflori crochet stitch markers(or knit!) And, crocheted granny square key chains! Uyp!

It was alot of fun to think of the recipients and to pray for each of them. I even coded the packages! Woop!
I wondered if my car would make it to the Post Office. It was starting to fail me. Not hitting on all cylinders equals loss of power. Hubby is charging up my fishin' truck and I will hopefully make it to work tommorrow. Last month he took me out to test drive, it look like we will have to ask them, "When are you going to lower the APR to 0%!" We have been patiently waiting.

2009-04-20T19:48:00.003-06:00

I finally finished an heirloom baby blanket for my granddaughter, Lily Ryan, born last August. It was put off due to my injury. It is done with Elsbeth Lavold's Silky Wool in Eggshell. Lily received it right before Easter, yeah! I really enjoyed making this ripple(eer, feather and fan!) So elegant and classy! Now I see the spring issue of Vogue Knitting has a ripple dress, I am so thinking of doing this in black. I love the 360 degree shoot the ripple is the second view. My mother made one for my oldest boy and he wasn't into it, either was my second boy, but when my daughter found it, she went nuts! It was my daughter's blankie! Now, the tradition goes on! My daughter told me Lily took right to it!

I have offered to be an angel to my group, Granny Squares, on ravelry. I have made two squares each for three persons. I designed some and modified others using different finishes or colors. Chris Simon's Supernova was fun to make as was Suzan720's Ice Cave(I renamed Ice Cave Plunkin' due to the mods). I designed the Lotus and Dragonflies in the blue colors and the Pink Dragonflies.

Believe

2009-03-17T22:53:00.008-06:00

The hubble took the first picture. Man discovered laminin, the next image. More about it here. What's out there and what are we made of? I would argue the "stuff" things are made of or what holds us together = CHRIST.

Psalm 139:13 (New International Version)
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.

Erin go Braugh!

2009-03-17T16:13:00.002-06:00

I love quilting. I teach quilting. Here's a little banner for the holiday! I machine stitched the pieces together and then hand embroidered the shamrocks with the buttonhole stitch. I finished with hand quilting and blindstitching the binding. Notice, I used a "green" knitting needle to hang it!

Juliet and another Dos Ripples

2009-03-17T15:40:00.004-06:00

I love the outcome of this project. I heavily modified due to the Patagonia Nature Cotton. CO of 77 for the large, but increased to the medium size. Then I had a mistake in lacking one lousy YO. I ripped back to the spot and reknit it. I loved the way the colors came out between yarn variances. You can see in the first pic how it goes from dark to light, to mediun and the reverses. I tried to plan the darker skeins to be on the bottom, but love what it did.

Another Dos Ripples, this time in the ever so beautiful Noro Silk Garden. I did it to match the Three Tams hat in the grey color. I beaded the fringe with green, cubed, AB finish beads.

Facebook | Terri Randolph

2009-03-09T12:47:00.000-06:00

Facebook Terri Randolph

Sweetly Broken, Jeremy Riddle

2009-03-09T12:24:00.002-06:00

His concert at JFC last Friday was amazing! I don't want to compare, but he is so blessed and talented, a "new" Bono(U2). See link below to Facebook for video.

Miniature Knitter

2009-03-08T18:42:00.001-06:00

Now to itsy bitsy.

Rachel John, Extreme Knitting, 1000 Strand Knit

2009-03-08T18:39:00.001-06:00

Music by Amon Tobin.

Rachel John, Extreme Knitting, 1000 Strand Knit

2009-03-08T10:48:00.003-06:00

Amazing! I guess the music is Amon Tobin?

Fish Hat(dead or alive)

2009-02-26T00:05:00.008-07:00

Catching a fish lately, so far, alive! One more almost done.

A young man was in the shop when I brought it in and was smiling . He was willing to model it for me! He didn't even balk with the color! I think he wanted to take it home! It's nice to know someone young is smiling and approving! I will be teaching this next week! I have lots of classes coming up. Shameless self-promotion! I really love teaching. Last week I taught reupholstery, pillows, window treatments and HD(high definition) painting.

I also went to my chiropractor and acupuncturist. I go to these alternative practitioners twice a week since my fall. My traditional western doctor told me my scar would not heal up and to look at it that I would never wrinkle between my eyebrows. Well, it is healing and they have been very helpful and seeing them less due to their amazing treatments. I am really diggin' on the violet laser(from my chiropractor) for the scaring to my face. This has been like something out of Star Trek. Woosh! And the swelling is half the size! I think two more treatments and it will be fine and hardly noticeable, at least to me. Now, the numbness about the hairline has almost returned! Yes, if you are thinking I was a numbskull, I was/am...HA!

My new grandbaby has been teething! I remember this look...Sarah.

Knitting hats and other things

2009-02-05T10:07:00.007-07:00

Time flies, with going to two doctors twice a week and kicking out some samples for classes, whew! Plus I work weekends at church. I learned not to drink Emergen-C at night(it kept me wide awake, two nights in a row, ugh). I thought it would help me ward off getting my husband's bad cold. I didn't get the cold.

I had the priviledge to learn how to spin. My new friend Jeannie, the one who raised icelandic sheep in Montana, taught me the hard way, learning from one of her fleeces. So now when I learn on the nicely combed types I am sure it will be smooth sailing. My other friend, Julie C. aka Shooby Doula on Rav, started South Metro Spinsters spinning group. We've had two meetings with good spinning, talk, and food. Julie(in middle pic) brought together an icelandic shepardess and and cashmere goat herder(I am so not sure of these terms). I love the look on on their faces comparing icelandic to cashmere. I gotta say, the cashmere was a cloud!

I finished five now of the No Twine hat, I did the Three Tams, working on an Entrelac Scarf and also . I have also started the process of selling patterns. I sold my pattern, Bucket Hat on Etsy! My first sale! Etsy is so competitive, whewy, how many are selling now?! I am sure you have heard that rumbling.

I love selling and buying personally. It's nice to know or at least have some conversation with a person you are selling to to let them know what you are getting and why it was done and the mission behind the product. I would like to say in some ways I am alot like Elizabeth Zimmerman. I like a good conversation, not beating it into the ground, but one of substance, good to get emotionally attached to so you can remember a lesson being taught without competition. I love learning why persons do what they do and how they process. I guess that's why I went into marketing research. I always drive people nuts with questions and/or assumptions. I know it gets me into trouble with some, but, gosh, how is one going to find out if they do not ask or make educated/sometimes not so educated remarks?

Busy New Year

2009-01-10T12:09:00.004-07:00

I did get this cute little cotton hat done for new granddaughter, Lily, in time for Christmas! My girlfriend Sally wanted to learn how to crochet baby hats in filet, so I whipped this up in an hour. My daughter and son-in-law loved it!

I received and emergency call from my bil to come up and fix a cut up job. So, New Year's we went up to Indian Hill, yep, thar's Indians up there, one impeticular had cut up his blankie that his grandma had made when he was a newborn. The story goes that he was trying to get something into in, er, out of it? The mind of a child. So I spent the day doing a "good graft" I think that is what sister-in-law called it. Wow, I didn't know I could do this, and being left handed, fixing a right hand job, I gotta say, I wowed myself!

In the meantime I am addicted to producing my untwined hats. I love working with the yarn and the colors being produced and the way it looks fair isled. Each color has it's own ambiance. The wool reminds me of something Elizabeth Zimmerman would adore.

Then there is the Vivian Huxboro mitered headband from her book, Domino Knitting. I kinda wondered about this one. I used Dalegarn Tiur. I thought it would be itchy, but I love it on and it suits me well and I also love the compliments I have received. I will be teaching this in the upcoming near future at Strings.

Now I have to go and teach a paint class at JoAnn Fabrics. Daisies and Grapes.

Why God Allows Pain and Suffering - Lee Strobel

2009-01-03T12:01:00.001-07:00

Grace, let us do good to all people.

2009-01-03T11:44:00.006-07:00

I have been reflecting alot about personal, social and world events. The new year apon us and my gradual knowledge and wisdom of how things work in these areas and with much meditation and prayer, I must first say I am so thankful for all things, which I am sure some people, including myself would ask, "If God is such a loving God, why would he allow you and other to be hurt?" I offer you to listen and view Lee Strobel expose on this subject.

Personally, I hope to give and receive better communication to and from others. I realize in my communication with other persons, I in no way am good. I fail sorely and realize this the older I become. I am one who has delayed responses to what people say or how they speak. I usually am caught up in thinking persons live by the golden rule and would not want to do anything out of strife or jealousy. Then I wonder what they meant by the tone of their voice and pysical expressions while communicating. I have lots of hope in people and try to always think the best of them, no matter what, but I wonder if I come off to them the same as I think? I was once amazed at my second son when he was five. In conversing with his older brothers, confused, the older ones came to me and explained, "Matt just said, do you know what you mean when you say it?" They were so confused by their younger, wise beyond years, brother. I had to tell them it is a good thing to think before speaking or acting. The basic way we communicate is so rushed and hurried in today's society. We all fall short of being communicative due to being hurry to take care of own business failing to take the time to qualify what we say to others and what they say to us. I am amazed everyday at just how delicate this procedure is and how delicate we need to treat each other. I realize and am sensitive to the way I hope persons understand me, look at me, and their bodily reactions of how they talk to me, but do I take time to justify what I see and think of their actions, only to assume good or bad, like or dislike, etc.? Most of the time I feel better off not saying or thinking anything to afford comfort and, hey, do I not have to be responsible only for me, well, no? I know as a Christian we are to hold each other accountable. I personally have not found any Christians today who are eager to talk or experience this process, or anyone else. I would also venture to say, by experience, I this is true amongst groups. I read once there is more dissention within group rather then between groups. This reminds me hearing this recently, "God's give us friends to to make up for our families!" I just cannot fall for this, I am committed and pray this year to allow the spirit of Christ to lead me, guiding my speech and my actions. I pray for this be a year of grace, kind intentions and love for us all, which only comes from our Lord Jesus Christ. Let us do good to all people and may we have and show grace to all. I leave you with a proverb:
Proverbs 15
1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Christmas Stuff

2008-12-28T17:00:00.002-07:00

My fave thing I received from hubby this Christmas is my Logitech QuickCam Connect (E 2550 Series). I can see all my grandkids now! Hours of fun here! Dan(hubby) received form me a weather station, big hit! He immediately grabbed his cordless drill and put it up. I got readings all day long. Better than watching the Weather Channel, not that I do, but I am surprised at how persons do this, especially when storms brew. I love decorating with blues at Christmas. Here's a few of my favorite things, a vase and my tree. This year I found some organza flower ornaments and they reminded me of the larkspur. Yep, I bought a bunch of them. I also love ice skate, I used to speed skate once in a while and my daddy was a hockey referee, so, I was a rink rat.

Lights and Aliens

2008-12-18T14:52:00.002-07:00

Here's more lights and the Alien Illusion Scarf from Debbie Stoller's "stitch n' bitch" book. I also whipped into shape the "wool pak" hat by Fiber Trends. Love this one and am making two for my chiropractor, man, he just got the colinette bucket hat and scarf, he's good.

Thanksgiving Lights and Knitting

2008-12-17T11:41:00.005-07:00

The lights of Rhema are beautiful his year, 60,000 all of them are observed by droves of persons coming and going. Last year was a little short after the ice storm destroyed or inhibited 40,000 of them. Hubby and I viewed them over Thanksgiving this year in Tulsa, OK. I taught my niece how to crochet last summer and now how to knit. She immediately got it, she's a "tinker" she says which is a form of her name. I say she highly gifted and so intelligent! Lucinda is a superstar in my book. We flew this time to Tulsa, I am working on Domino Knitting out of the book by Vivian Hoxbro. Great fun here, I am working on the headband using Dalegarn Tiur on 1 dpns, aluminum Boye(I love their pointyness). Is pointyness a word or is it pointiness, how about I love how pointed they are?

Getting back up in Highlands Ranch, CO, things are getting festive with Santa arriving with reindeer and lots of treats around the square. I have my Pi Shawl and a Colinette hat in the store now. If you purchase the yarn for the hat, the pattern is free! Yippee skippee! Quick knit! Wow! My nose and eye brow have healed up amazingly, with some more to go-some days are bad, especially now that cold weather has arrived. Comment and I will send you the pattern, I call it the "Bucket Hat."

My son, Josh, for over a year now, has been awaiting the "Alien Illusion Scarf" from Debbie Stoller's book, "stitch 'n bitch." I am using Lionbrand Cashmere Blend in black and Debbie Bliss cashmerino dk in 18011 I call it a nice granny smith apple green. Josh works security for U.S. Airforce and is in the Nat. Air Guard. I sometimes ask Josh is he has seen any aliens.

Catching up

2008-11-19T14:16:00.007-07:00

I have been knitting. I finished a Pi shawl for my daughter and her new baby girl, Lily. I forgot to get a close up (but it does look lovely on the glider and really pulls Lily's room together) but got one of Lily in a gown I smocked for her. Lily's was kinda like Madeline Tosh(MT meets Lime 'n Violet(LV). The green in the border is is LV and the Coral and Sunset(border) is MT and the black is some Regia I had on hand. The more I worked on this, I thought, "This would be a lovely nursing shawl." Well, duh, no wonder, the color is a perfect camoflage for nursing, if you get my drift and may daughter was appalled when I mentioned to her it was a nice camo titty pink. "Mommmmmmmmmm! don't say stuff like that!!!!!" to quote her! Then, I made another Pi shawl, this time with four skeins of Cherry Tree Hill Farm Supersock merino (three Moody Blues, one black)I call this one, Blue Jean Baby.

Then I crocheted a couple of wash rags, I call them "Shabby Chic" They are mad with Aruanacia (sp) 100% Nature Cotton - one skein.

Also before the rags, I made an Elizabth Zimmerman's Rib Warmer in nice brown of Cascade Ecological just over one skein (I love the fit of this one.) Then I had to make the butterfly version(after the wash rags) out of Colinette Prism color gauguin three to four skeins on this one(I have enough to make a matching Isis(or would this be too much? I love the butterfly but may redo the sizing came out big for me, ugh, really no one to blame, my gauge was right, the yarn just was different with the short rowing, I figure I will have to not make it so long in the front and it will work out dandy! I have been working on some other stuff, another post, another time.

I am still plugging along with the baby's blankie, but it's out of a nice ivory Elsbeth Lavold's Silky Wool. I am doing it in a nice 12 repeat old shale. I get lots of compliments when I go to East West clinic. I have been going through series of acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, this fall, er, yes, this fall of mine. My upper back and left side of the back of my head took it bad, it initially hurt worse than my face, ugh!

But, wait, I am really excited about being gifted some fabulous Tongue River laceweight icelandic yarn from a new and serendipitous friendship. My friend knows and has stayed with my cousin by marriage, Jackie Olsen. Back to the yarn, this woman who raised icelandic sheep, Susan Briggs http://www.bloominacresfarm.com/index_files/susan.html , who is sorely missed by her friend(s),Susan knew her stuff! The Harlot scored some sockweight at Rhineback in '06. Pretty exciting after a "SOAK" and caked up all pretty, now for a lovely Orenburg pattern!

I made some other stuff too, but this post is so heavy already, huh?

Scary Stuff(my face hurts, I bet it's killing you!

2008-10-31T14:08:00.007-06:00

Before surgery, after surgery, gosh, I'd never thunk that there could be such thing as a nose cast. Carefully place stints on the inside staples through the outside, yeah, I just couldn't think about that being on for a full week and not being able to do anything except watch . three full seasons of Project Runway, Tabitha's Salon Takeover(I really liked this) The Rachel Zoe Project(talk about a diva, phew) Top Design(I really wondered about the lack of talent here).

Then over on Discovery, there's Jon & Kate Plus 8, oh my, no time for knitting on here, ugh, but so cute and organized, I am just waiting for her to pull out her knittin' needle and make 'em all something matching or how about some of those fruity type hats for all!!!!

I couldn't belive how swollen my face got and sore! The first few days were worse, My left eye was practically swollen shut. I thought I looked worse than any of the "Rocky" movies. I kinda wanted to cry, but I knew that could easily make things worse. I have shed a tear or two and that was scary. When I went to be released to finally go home, hubby and I heard some scary warnings. Like, do not hang around crowds or babies; be very careful about everything you do; do not do any heavy lifting; all these things for a year? So, oh man, I am really having to hold myself back on this. I did learn between services at church, it's not a good idea to hang out at our Starbuck's in the lobby. The first time I did, there were kids coming up with balls on elastic strings(like the old fashioned paddleballs minus the paddle). Well, I got out of there very fast. Plus, what's up with people wanting to touch my head? I can't hardly stand to touch, wash, or shower it!

Okay, I will be a hermit for a year, but you will see me shopping LYS's this year. I have been hanging heavily at String, in Highlands Ranch. It has new management and has been lots of fun. I even work there on Friday's doing knitting help and then a few classes.

I promise the next post will be more fun and how far I have come since September.

More Summer

2008-10-28T18:27:00.002-06:00

I did get some knitting on this summer. I am in the left working on Emily's baby blanket out of Elsbeth Lavold's Silky Wool in ivory. The pattern is a twelve repeat old shale. I have three hanks gone, seven or so to go. Here's hubby and I with Lily, I was camera shy after the head plant into the pool table. Here's Lily in the day gown I smocked her...It has lillies on it, of course.
Oh, before the fall, we went yarn shopping, wow, I got out of there without a purchase. I promised hubby I would shop at home, er, my stash...We've all heard that one, huh? Sarah took this mezatone of Lily, I love it, some sweetness here!

It's about time? Crowds and Babies

2008-10-27T14:30:00.003-06:00

While at my daughter's, the day after Labor Day, I tripped over my own two feet and went flying into my son-in-law's pool table. I split my head open a half of inch above my hairline. I then fell on the rack holder(hook) and tore up my nose and left eyebrow. Then, to add insult to injury I landed flat on my nose. It was a bad morning. I didn't pass out, thank God! I cried out, "Jesus, there's a baby in this home!" I preceded to get up and head to the bathroom dripping blood all over the place. I tried to wipe it away, but knew a pressure wrap was in order. I could hardly see(no room for glasses) to make it back to living room and pick up my cell phone to scroll to my daughter's name. I was able to somewhat see it without glasses and all. I told her the baby was okay, but I had fallen and probably needed to go to the hospital to get some stitches. See, she gets really fainty like at the sight of blood, I was so very thankful I was able to warn her. I told her to call my brother since he lived closest to come and help. Well, she called my mom and my brother. Sarah showed up and got about six feet from me and had to go sit down in the kitchen, same with my mom, but my sister-in-law(go Sandy!) came right up and said, "Let me see." I told her it was bad, just to get me to the hospital, but she had to look. So she said, "Come on, let's go!" When we arrived to the emergency room entrance I told her I was good to walk myself in while she parked and did. I got lots of action, see, it was me in my favorite nightgown(short one at that, sob, daughter made me throw it away), lots of blood and a towel oh yeah and light green undies to match the gown. It was 7:45 am and I got out of there at 4pm with a pressure wrap. I jokingly remarked to gawkers, "Whose your mummy!" See, I am a person who doesn't really get upset with things and finds having a good sense of humor is the way to go...I just can't see getting all serious about some things. But then, I have my family, I dearly love. They all showed up and it soon became a circus. I saw my father walk by and said, "Hey, dad, here I am." He turned and fell. The whole ER was all over him and then my daughter appeared and I heard her say,"Oh my God, what is happening to my family!" Dad got mad at being fussed over and rose his voice to say, "Get out my way, or I will sue!" Boy, I had front row seat and everyone scattered immediately. Dad got up and came over with my brother(Tracy) and Tracy told me to cover up my twitchet! Well, great, I didn't know everyone walking by could see my undies. I was thinking to myself, at least I didn't wet them! So, later on her break from writing teaching plans, my sister visited and reminded me I would probably need plastic surgery. I told her it would all be okay. See, I am not really into looks, although I have fun making things to wear because I like the feel of things more, but color certainly plays a big part. I am also big on hats, so I figure, who's looking beyong my eyes and hat? Well, the stay in Illinois was extended ten days because the following Monday I had to get my nose rebuilt, it was shattered. I was more happy that I didn't have to go back on Amtrak. Silly me, I just thought it would be so cool to ride the rails to Illinois and back. Not! As soon as I got off the train pit and was greeted by Tracy, I looked at him seriously and told him, "Well, I can cross that off my bucket list!" If getting hurt was any consolation, getting to come home on a plane was worth it! That was Illinois.

I got back and then had to go to Tulsa. We were called that my father-in-law's health was failing. We were able to spend seven days and it ended with placing Dad in hospice. Dan, my hubby and I were understanding, but not of the same mind with the Dr. and the use of dalaudid. No wonder why they are against hospital doing euphanasia ... okay, I really do not desire being political here. My husband told them he predicted to the nurses at the facility he would pass within a week on that stuff, he held out eight days. We had a wonderful ceremony the following week(last Wednesday) to honor his life at a veteran's cemetery. The sun even came out of the rain to shine on his funeral.

So, I am finally home and trying some healing with whole foods for my nose and scars. I grew some comfrey this year in the garden. It's a beautiful and miraculous plant which the good Lord has provided us. When mashed with apple cider vinegar and applied one-half inch thick as a compress, it is suppose to heal broken bones. I applied it the recommended three hours today and my nose is so much less hurty to touch, but the sinus headache I have been having from my allergies has been stressing me. I then applied a pack of castor oil on flannel with heating pad to heal the scars and surpisingly, half of the swelling went down! My face is feeling much better. My joke has been, "My face hurts, I bet it's killing you!" Some people got it.

Well, I may post pics. Back to the surgery saga, my oldest son even flew in from Pennslyvania to see me off along with his sister prior to the surgery. Boy, nothing like waking up and having to get four shots of painkiller to get over it. Then the surgeon annouces to me, "It was worse than expected, you not only shattered your nose, you crushed it!" I replied, "How's it going to heal?" She said it would look just like it did, I just needed not to break it within a year and to stay away from crowds and babies! Ugh! I will just have to work around this!

I will have to show off some knitting real soon.

Lily comes home today

2008-08-21T08:46:00.005-06:00

All is well with Mommy, Daddy and baby. Baby Lily is coming home today!

Here are some shots of her nursery, her feet are definetly Daddy's. Here's me and my mommy's pics getting to hold Lily on the first day.

Lily Ryan

2008-08-18T19:32:00.007-06:00

Introducing Lily Ryan Perkins, August 18, 2008, seven pounds, 6 ounces, 19 inches long, came walking out(described by the nurses). Baby, Mom and Dad are beaming and thriving from a precious gift from God. I bless Lily Ryan with love, faith, hope, joy and a peace which passes all understanding from our Lord, Jesus Christ.

ASHLEY ROCKS!

2008-07-29T18:59:00.012-06:00

Ashley Thorpe rocks when it comes to golf. She's my step niece, my brother Tracy's girl. I have fond memories of meeting her in her back yard with my brother teaching her how to swing a golf club. She was four years old and I thought she looked just like Madeline(or the child actress). Now she's in college on a full ride scholarship thanks to my sweet brother teaching her golf. This past week she took the Ladies' River Cup in central Illinois. I am sure when she goes back to school in the next few weeks, her coach, Stan Mitchell may be as thrilled as I am. The week before she took second and brought a lovely crystal trophy to my birthday party! This was a nice family get together and I tried to tease her when she showed the trophy to me. I asked her if it was my birthday present! "No way, this is mine!" she abruptly said. I told her it was a present that she had won. Well, she went back from the Tri-County Women's Cup to the Ladies' River Cup beat the girl that had beat her the at the Tri Cup! Nice comeback, Ashley! She's a sohpomore on the golf team at Waco, Texas' McClennan Community College(she's the second from the left in both photos) and the pic above was in the Peoria Journal Star!

WAY TO GO ASHLEY!

In Illinois

2008-07-19T08:54:00.005-06:00

Chicago in it's summer splendor. My first visit to Millenium Park. Beautiful flowers, the Cloud Gate better known as "the bean" by Chicagoans. This artist was doing a cool thing, all set up in a tight frame. Pen and ink, one of my fave mediums. Wonder if he'll wash it with water colors. Risky business asking others to take a pic, so the top of the bean was cut off, but Sarah, Nicky and I look good! I saw pics of the sonogram and the baby is lovely. We all love the name, Lily Grace. Timothy, my loving son-in-law came up with Lily and Sarah with Grace. I love, love, love this. Last of all, the fountain. The digitalized lady in the fountain at times spews water from her mouth. We waited, but could not get the pic, we were hungry and went a block away and got the best rib appetizer plate! Yum.

I am making a nursing shawl and baby blanket. The shawl is in coral and afternoon (looks alot like home) by madelinetosh. Well here's a pic of them in nice yummy cakes. I am doing EZ's pi shawl. The first pattern I have placed my own design of twelve larkspurs. The second and third design will be gladiolas. These flowers are my birthday and my daughter's and her baby's birthday flowers.

I had a short stint as a bra fitter for a nursing retail store and learned more about nursing from the lactation counselors. I think the color I chose is very nice and a stimulating color for hunger. I love to think these things out.

July's Pickin's or I love July

2008-07-10T09:18:00.004-06:00

I love July, the flowers, the fourth, the twentieth(my birthday). When I was a kid, my marker for my birthday was the 4th of July. I would start getting excited to think my birthday was in a few weeks.

My flowers are going nuts this year. Five years since I started moving rock and replacing it with flowers. Yes, enclosed in the fence used to be all rock and a few peonies, a volunteer buckthorn bush(which I decided to keep, and some irises overgrown with grass.) My husband claims I have moved 3 tons of rock, UGH! It does keep me in shape, though! Great payoff. I love photographing my flowers and painting them.

I finished the Beachcomber Tunic - consignment for a friend. We used Eizabeth Lavold's Silky Wool. I did the knitted decreasing and the crochet work. I loved the way it came out and we modified it by leaving slits on the sides.

Speaking of painting, I whipped this out yesterday to take to my daughter's baby shower. It's a copy of Silk Safari Wall Art. I think I did a pretty decent repro and it's what daughter desired, plus it was fun brushing up on my stenciling skills. I taught stenciling in the late eighties, early nineties when I live forty miles out of Boston. It was so fun and New Hampshire was the hot bed of stenciling in the 1700's so I learned so much! New England is a fun place to live. Everything is so quaint and the food, well, you couldn't find anything Mexican, which was really hard convincing marketers that they needed to carry black beans, corn tortillas, and all the fixin's!

I am headed to Illinois for the baby shower, flying out the 12th, the shower is the 19th, I will celebrate my birthday with my family on the 2oth and return to hubby the 21st. Hubby and I will again take off the 15th of August for the birthing and I get to stay through to Sept. 8. I have to get back to see Santana at Fiddler's Green. Carlos and I share the same birthday(July 20th).

Here's a pic of my college friend, Tracy Stewart, we spent the day together for the 4th of July. We had fun hanging out with the HP people, Rob is a fantastic host and extraordinaire barbeque chef and the food was so good. He and hubby talk shop and Tracy and I down margaritas. Lots of fun and laughter!

July and Painting for Grandbaby due in August

2008-07-10T08:48:00.005-06:00

I just painted this yesterday for my daughter's baby shower, July 19, 2008. It's what she wanted, I copied it off what she desired for her baby decor. It's called Silk Safari,

NSAA Story Corp, A Big Tree, Hero,GRANDBABY

2008-07-03T19:06:00.007-06:00

Since getting on the website with the National Scholastic Art Awards, NSAA a few months ago, I was recently invited to do an interview. I asked how it would go and this is the response I received: So just in case you haven't already been told, the StoryCorps interview works like this: you and another person (anyone you like- friend, family, coworker, etc.) can schedule a time that works for you to come into our MobileBooth in Colorado. You can talk about whatever you like for 40 minutes, and StoryCorps records the interview. Afterwards, we give you a copy of the session and, with your permission, we archive the other in the Library of Congress. We also have a show on NPR that broadcasts a very small number of these interviews (again with participant permission). If you don't have a partner for the interview, one of the StoryCorps facilitators will interview you.
Let me know if you have any questions at all, or if you would like to schedule an interview time for Colorado. Thanks Terri.

Alrighty then, I am praying about this and hoping it will go well. My son, Josh, has been encouraging me and that's nice. I have been so hyped by it all. I think I told some of my friends it would be archived at the Smithsonian. It's been dizzy for me, but then, I am pretty dizzy anyway, at least I admit it. I really need alot of pinching lately, reality check, check up from the neck up, most of all, my creativity level is high and output is proliferic and I am having so much fun! God is so good! The pic is an old one, 1990, I think. I am painting on silk.

On the serious side, my other son, Matt, is a true hero. A very large tree in his yard came down on his 5th wheel and through his neighbors roof. His two nephews and niece were inside and he had to break the window on the door and pry it open to get to them. Praise God they were safe and not injured, but it was a hard go to get one of them out from under it. The firemen could not figure how Matt did it! I told him it was adrenaline and he is a big boy. He did cut his hand, but he is fine and the children are also. Please pray for them that they may heal from the shock of this and everything will work out between the insurance companies. Matt is the one on the right of the hunting picture with his brother-in-law, father of the nephews and niece in the accident.

I am getting ready to fly to Chicago on Saturday, July 12, to meet my precious daughter, Sarah. Sarah and her best friend of 25 years, Nicky, will be picking me up and we'll be staying at Toni's(another best friend of Sarah's) We plan on taking in the Museum of Contemporary Art, Loopy Yarns, the Cloud Gate (better known as the bean). who knows what well really end up doing, but with my daughter, it will be lots of fun, oh, but wait she will almost be eight month pregnant, so, it may be easy going, which is cool with me, since it will probaby be hot and humid in the windy city. Here's some pics of when she was a new born. I will return to Colorado for a few weeks and then hubby and I will go together for the birthing. Daughter has been telling me, she doesn't get what the big deal, she's not about to do it again. But, wait, now she's all excited because she's almost done decorating the baby's room. The earliest sonogram revealed girl, but, you never know....I cannot wait to welcome this new life into ours.

Nicky, Pins and Sheep

2008-06-24T22:30:00.006-06:00

Nicky Epstein is the fabulous knitter from Brooklyn, N. Y. who's scarf(yes, this is the scarf - I even tried it on) is on the cover of Vogue Knitting's 25 Anniversary issue. I was dubbed "knitting angel" from her, I got to help students which were stuck on their stitching. It was a fabulous day and I learned so much. Nicky is not only a prolific writer for knitters and crocheters, but also she's a prolific teacher. She was able to go over so much and it was a such a great experience to see her in motion and to see so many knitters get so many projects done. Nicky's trunk show was just as rewarding.

I gave her the shawl pin in the pic and she absolutely loved it. It includes a set of convertable stitch markers for knit or crochet the metal is sterling silver, the main bead is done in lampwork.

Oh, I did promise to post those animals. The bottom is a rendering of my dog, Tipsy. Tipsy has white tips, hence her name. She always likes to get into the show. Here she's trying to steal the show of my winter creation, "Goldilocks Shawl." I will have to tell you about it soon.

madelinetosh, Nicky Epstein, Estes Wool Market

2008-06-17T18:29:00.015-06:00

Today, Nicky Epstein is coming to town and I will be sure to learn from her.I am excited to say the least! I have been knitting flowers all week. Nicky's cabbage roses, ruffle roses, blossom, basic flower, passion flower belt, have been on the needles. I will have to post some pics, soon, I hope.

Amy of madelinetosh was in the shop, and her trunk show was spectacular. I purchased some Afternoon to go with the Coral, it's going to be a nursing shawl for my daughter, due in August. The coral will be the middle and the Afternoon will be the edging, both are merino superwash sock yarn. The pattern is EZ's Pi shawl and putting my birthday flower, larkspur, my daughter's b-day flower, gladiolus, and the baby's, gladiolus, too. I hope to have it finished by July 19, the day before my birthday. I will be in Illinois for the baby shower. I will also go there for the birthing. the baby is supposed to be a girl, her name will be Riley Jean(I hope I have the spelling right!

I gotta say, Amy is a very lovely and composed business person. I had a lot of questions and she answered them so kindly and warm-heartedly. She is a very knowledgable and generous person. The experience with Amy and to get to know the person behind the product and about it's price, placement and promotion was very pleasant.

I went to the Estes Wool Market and found some great yarns and roving for felting. I spent alot of time in the goat tent this year! I cannot wait to paint the goats I captured digitally. I will again, have to post some pics of new stash.

Painting

2008-06-10T20:32:00.005-06:00

Some little 5"X7"s. I also did some animals. Tommorrow, ok?

Les peaux de lievres

2008-06-08T10:24:00.006-06:00

This is a story about a couple running away from a party. Going home, deeply in love they are looking at each other with hearts beating faster as they are about to make love. The snow is falling all around them, both shivering, not because of the cold, but from exitement as love and desire grows in them. This amazing music video has over seven hundred knitted panels to interpret the poem. It makes me want to fall in love with french-canadian poetry ;)

Lasers and coverups

2008-05-16T10:15:00.004-06:00

I really love this google avatar in celebrations of the creation of the laser. What do you think about this dude in yellow crochet? It must have been some clearance sale on this yellow/white varigated yarn. Hmmm, I wonder if it is acrylic....And gosh, I guess you could say this blue concoction is, well, well covered?

June 23, 2008 the lovely Nicky Epstein is coming to Coppelia's in Denver's North Cherry Creek District. A day of breakfast, lunch and learning fun embellishments for your knitting. I have enjoyed working on Monday's for Shellie. I do a fix it and get your sock on clinic. I am there from 3pm to 8pm if anyone is in need of help, c'mon down to Cherry Creek.

Last month, alot of knitters got to see and hear Stephanie Pearl-McGee at Highlands Ranch Tattered Cover. It was sweet. I had yet another camera stolen(at a Rockies game, ugh) and all of the Yarn Harlot pics, plus many more to numerous to mention and heart wrenching for me.

Gold Key - Then and Now or Knowledge and Truth

2008-04-10T16:31:00.006-06:00

In 1969 I started a painting under much duress. My home life was null and I loved going to church and the people there were my family. I prayed for a family that would communicate to me and see me for who I was, not who they thought I was to meet their own gratifications. I consider myself to be the scapegoat of my family. Someone who was blamed for things to cover others shame and it served to make the blamers feel better, like it covered their discretions. I was tormented by not being able to speak to them because it only made matters worse. What I did not realize was I hoped for a relationship which could not be met due to unhealthy competition. I did not realize competition inhibits relationships, I did not even know this to be the problem. I really did not understand what was happening, but I was able to express myself with my art. I continued to paint the painting, even after I ran away from home and was gone for weeks. I was found and brought home and confined to "treatment." My therapist was understanding and told me I was strong and would be alright. I went back to my senior high school year and found myself relying on God to get me through the shame, guilt and rejection I felt. I found that Jesus was my strength and realized he was the someone who would and did die for me and I did not need or want for anything else and He did not reject me!

One day, spring semester, I was greeted by many students saying, "Congratulations: Way to go!" I wondered what was up? What now had I done? Upon arriving to art class, I was handed a pile of money by my teacher, Wayne Grethey(I can't find him on the net) and told I needed to name my studio! I told him I didn't have a studio. He asked me if I had a palette of paint and materials to paint on. I replied, "Yes." He told me that I indeed had a studio and I needed to name it. He said find something you like and name it. I asked him, "Why?" He explained to me that I had won a Gold Key in the National Scholastics! I was in disbelief, but then realized that small still voice telling me, "Everything is going to be good!" I found my identity, my self-esteem and had someone to attribute it to for taking me from the dark to the light!

I love flowers. I went to the library and looked up flowers. I loved the towering spikes of the larkspur and it's lovely purplish colors. Larkspur Studio was born in my thoughts. I put it on hold for years and tried to resolve my relational problems elsewhere with other relationships I thought I would be able to make happen and show off to other. My pride was my fall. I always went back to painting though and found a release inspired by God and the gift he gave me to see color and light and expression! When I am down, I remember the feeling of inspiration and recognition I have received and pray for others which may be more talented than I and hope they may find the recognition and love I have found in Christ! I put education as a high priority for persons to be successful and find the knowledge I have found. Education allows one to search for the truth and find it! I have found mine in Christ.

I was reminded of all of this today when I received an email invite to join the Gold Key Society Alliance group page. I am surprised and think it is cool they invited me! This is a wonderful organization which provides scholarships from gifted funds. I urge you to look into gifting to The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Education is a means to knowledge, knowledge a means to truth!

Denver Yarn Harlot is coming

2008-04-04T18:08:00.003-06:00

I am sitting here waiting for the Yarn Harlot to appear. There's about 100 ahead of me and behind me!

I see this shirt across from me, Luciana, from Pueblo, CO, Raveler CraftyLuLu(all lc). I am so jealous, she just told me the Harlot commented on her sight last night she found out at 11pm!!!!!

I love raspberries and Elizabeth Zimmerman

2008-03-29T18:21:00.004-06:00

I remember this jacket being made when I was in high school and if I could write and ode to Elizabeth it would rhyme with all the great mathmeticians of all time, new, old, diversity says it all. I remember wanting one in oatmeal and green. Now it seems what's old is new again and oh so classic. Gotta thank Meg for keeping EZ well and alive in the hearts and hands of many.

I picked out some silky wool for grandchild to be. I will be doing the old shale pattern. My mom made one for my first child, Josh, but my daughter favored it, so I am doing a copy, ode to Mom!

Thanks secret sister for my lovely Easter basket, I ate all the candy while working on these tombstones! Yeah, our church is putting to death some deadly emotions!!! It's a blessing to be blessed!

Takin' care of business

2008-03-18T11:02:00.011-06:00

Yes I have been very busy since I last blogged. I am sorry for the long quietness. I have been very involved with things at home and church.

Hubby purchased new kitchen appliances, so I am refinishing my dark oak cabinets into something lighter and brighter. I am staining the gorgeous golden oak with transparent white stain. You can see the difference between the top and bottom cabinets.

I finished the bill on Tamara's homespun, crocheted hat to get the rest of the ball from her!

Shellie(Coppelia's) got in some of the most fabulous Madeline Tosh sock yarns to dye for, I swear they are the same stuff of Koigu KPPPM and Colinette Jitterbug! I got the coral and had Shellie order more for my new baby project.

Did I mention I am going to be a grandma again? My daughter is into her second trimester with blood tests and all coming out clear and okay for baby! Baby has strong heartbeat daughter is starting to "show" a little. Guess nowadays it's called baby bump, I remember "the bump" being a dance. I always thought "show" was kinda like a thing for county fairs, show your goods, animals and such for ribbons. I am just so excited for my daughter....she's been through the loss of twins and another so early last year. It was good to see her in January and I kept asking her if she was pregnant, but she wasn't sure. When she went a few weeks later she found she was already three months along! Now in a few weeks she will see if it's a boy or girl and then, some knitting and sewing will begin.

I went to a non-kosher passover seder presented by JFC's women's Life Ministries. I was a table hostess and we all shared a time of wonder at learning so much about the passover seder. It was very reflective for me to make a centerpiece and to think of spring and the time of renewal.

I noticed my bulbs are starting to show and the fat roboins are back munching on seed and checking out my bird bath. This pic is from last year. I actually got some cool videos of the robins I will have to post on my YouTube.

I have been busy teaching quilting, painting (acrylic HD, watercolors, one stroke) reupholstery. I am now doing "fix it clinics" on Monday's from 3pm to 8pm for Shellie at Coppelia's Needlepoint and Shivering Sheep. It's really fun and a helpful time. If you are stuck on something or have made a mistake, come in and let me help you. If it's a mistake we will find options/solutions for handling. I love making things right or being able to take some mistakes and making them just disappear!

I am working on the Elizabeth Zimmerman Baby Surprise Jacket. It happens to be the most popular baby item to make on Ravelry! Last I checked, 2199 persons were knitting this classic fav! I looked at all of them 165 pages worth! Yeah, I have been busy! I remember them from the 60's, not so cute in just plain ole' pale yellow acylic! Now we have the joy of so many fine yarns to choose from. I started one with assorted sock yarns of Colinette, Lime n' Violet and Koigu and Madelinetosh but I didn't like it. I found using size US4 needles, my gauge was too big and then I found a nice chart for sizing.

I cannot say enough about Madelinetosh sock yarn. It's a dream and same quality of Koigu and Colinette Jitterbug! Her colors are warm, vibrant and appealing. The hippity-hop color would make a darling Easter EZ BSJ for 0-3 months! I have so fallen in love wiht EZ again!

Last month I went to the Denver Creative Festival and started a new art - Kumihimo - using ribbon yarn, yep, I am crazy for it! I have a friends who make really cool beads dichroic and lampwork. I will have to give them a visit to find/design something to hang from these beaded braids!

I finished a basic formula sock with the cute Sockotta I purchased at Earthly Goods in Pekin, Illinois(my hometown). I mailed off the cutest scribble type scarf made from a kit my daughter got me for Christmas. I made it for a girlfriend, Debbie, I met my first day of jr. high. She sat in front of me in homeroom. We were friendly and talkative back then. I am excited for her getting to come out and visit me at the end of April along with another friend, Carol, I met the year before. My biggest memory of Carol was riding bikes to school while singing Beach Boy songs and sadly to say, JFK's assasination and being sent home from school that day!

Last week was very insightful at/for JFC. I primed and prepared 45 canvas for five worship sevices. I set the palette using old master colors and taught a group of young artist how to paint the creative portion of the service presentation. I painted with two others(six total - three for each campus) at our Highland's Ranch Campus. It was exhilatrating and humbling. The sermon was "Wounds" and shiukd be up soon on JFC website!

Old made New Bernat Klein/The Roberta Vest

2008-02-12T11:18:00.001-07:00

Late last summer/early fall, a friend, Roberta, brought me a sack with lovely vintage sixties/seventies wool/silk fingering blend start of a sweater her mother was making, long before she passed on. This yarn, Bernat Klein is named after Bernat Klein, woollen and synthetic textile manufacturer of Galashiels, Scotland. Wow, I read this is the guy that came out with these funky wool/mohair spaced dyed woven into tweedy plaids! I used to make matching a-skirts and vests with wool like this in the sixties! I bet he was alot of Kaffe Fasset and Brandon Mabley's influences/inspirations. Hmmm, Bernat Klein really needs a comeback! So now I am trying to find out if Barry and Myrna Klein of Trendsetter Yarns are related to Bernat? There is a Begonia named after him! I am naming this newly designed vest, The Roberta Vest.

Well, the story on the sweater goes: The sweater was being made by/for the mother, who was a size three. Roberta is a bit larger than I so I put on my largest, baggiest shirt to model the remake.

I had to rip out the top and side seams of a sleeveless boatneck. There were five extra skeins that I am sure were for sleeves. Their were only seven repeats of the pattern to the top, so I added an extra one on the front and shaped a u-neck for a vest. I finished the back by having ten repeats of the leaf pattern to the top and shaped a neck. I added two side gussets of five lines of the leaf and four of the stockinette lines having to remake because I forgot to add an extra stitch at each end for seaming. I used the same finish on the neck and armholes used on Nora Gaughan's Knitting Nature U-Neck Turbulance Sweater. I loved and coveted this piece of work and so desired to keep it.

This is a cool, classic look and I am thinking about making a pattern to sell? Would you be interested in it? Please let me know!

Like more than half of the Rest, Sadistics, or Statistics?

2008-02-09T15:02:00.001-07:00

You Are 58% Strange!

Based on your score, it seems you do have a healthy dose of strangeness. You aren't THAT far out, but you are somewhat bizarre. Congratulations on being different and having some quirks. It makes you an interesting person!

How Strange Are You?
Quizzes for MySpace

When I found myself taking Statistics in college, I found myself referring to it as Sadistics. Yeh, I will have to say, I am somewhat bizarre! I think it's the artist in me, a bit too sensitive and misunderstood! Always having problems with finding just the ~!@#$%^"right" subject matter and ending up going a bit conservative? Huh?

Cool Robots

2008-02-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Coolest Robot EVER!!!

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"QRIO" is a robot created by Sony Corp. This thing is AWESOME. It can mimic just about ANY move a human can do.

Sit n Knits, The Marley Scarf and Deicing

2008-01-31T09:06:00.000-07:00

This first pic is the Ravelry sit 'n knit at Natural Stitches. Steven, AKA Zeeppo (on Ravelry) who's this very cool clown that knits! He even teaches kids to knit! How fun is this guy. When I went to Pittsburgh, I had totally forgot about Zeeppo! I had emailed him about coming to Pittsburgh several months ago and told him, "one of these days I will be flying in to work on the "Marley Scarf" if I may! When Steven introduced himself as a clown, somewhere in the depths of my mind (or was it a dream?) I asked, "Are you the clown with the scarf , while insanely pointing at him!@#$?" And he curtly replied pointing back at me, "Are you the one who said you were flying in from Denver to work on the Marley Scarf, someday?" Laughter erupted and he ran to prep the session to work on the Marley. I hope to work on it some more, Steven is keeping a list of those working on it and if you wish to work on it, contact him! He even has it down to how many are needed to assemble the Marley! I remember that it will weigh 40 lbs. Wow, 40 lbs. of Patons Canadiana Autumn. It is being made for the "Steel City Clown Brigade" and it will wrap around four clowns. I heavily visualize four clowns wearing this abundant accessory! They will have to be just stumbling all over themselves on this one! It's exciting to think the Yarn Harlot has worked o n this scarf while on tour in Pittsburg. You may note that Steven taught at Knit One and is now teaching at Natural Stitches.

I got to knit with fellow Raveler's like Melissa, aka stitchinseminary, Martha, aka Dreamdancer Natural Stitches proprietor extrodinare! I think the knitter on the far left knitting a sock out of the most fabulous yarn she had spun - she's the resident spinner at Natural Stitches and her name is a white out in the pic, sorry, I will have to get her name!), Walt, aka wkisser, Robin, aka beekeeper, Now that beekeeper is an interesting guy - weekly crosswords, I linked to the page where you can find Puzzle #19 "Work of the Weavers" dedicated to Natural Stitches store opening! Sorry if I didn't get everyone down!

So, on to Illinois! My acquaintance, Corrie, darn, I didn't get a pic of the cutie Corrie, has this very nice coffee/tea/vitamin/organic/yarn shop named Earthly Goods! Amazing for Pekin, Illinois! Here's some of her small - about 12 x 12 feet of cubicles filled with the very best assortment of Plymouth! Go Corrie! The wom en were from all over Central Illinois, dying to come out of the woodwork to have a first ever sit 'n knit for the area, yes, they are trying to catch up with the rest of us, they didn't even know what Ravelry was folks!!!!! I clued them in spot on!

So I got to go to my hometown church for the Traditional Service (with mom and dad, he's a deacon) and the Contemporary service! The place has changed alot is it's nice to know that worship is alive and well at FBC! So the next pic is of Lavone Rigby, she's my first knitting teacher. She taught me that I didn't have to knit left handed and how to not twist my stitches being the lefty (in my right mind) that I am! Thanks Eleanor! I will have to show you some of my first projects sometime! So cute, little Christmas ornaments. How serendipitous that she be wearing a sweater (that she knit, of course) with a bowl of yarn and needles on it!!! Hey, look at the Noro Kochocroan jacket my God given sister, Sally, gave me for Christmas, she calls it my Joseph coat! She wanted me to wear it home for Dad's birthday, I did!

Well on the flight back, O'Hare got me again! I look out my window to see this after the captain announces the delay due to deicing! Ugh, so I think to myself, I will get into the goodie bag my sis got me before leaving! I start reading this book by her fav Christian author, Karen Kingsbury, named Oceans Apart. Well, after the middle of the second chapter, I looked out my window to the noice of the deicer. Then I began to wonder why I was reading a book about an airplane crash! What was my sister thinking? She always says, "It's the thought that counts!" Well here's my opportunity to ask, "How much thought did you put into this one, sis?" Yep, I threw the book back into the bag and haven't opened it since. But I have started journalling everyday in the new journal she got me. The neat thing about spirals, sometimes, is you can turn them around and use them upside down when your a lefty, but you have to make sure they are printed right on both sides. Otherwise, well, I just hate spirals! They make a mess of my left wrist! But, you just can't go wrong with tangerines and dark chocolate! Thanks, sis! You must understand, my sis and I are complete opposites when it comes to some things!

2008-01-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

I gotta say, I felt like I was Rockin' wearing my alpaca version of the Modern Quilt Wrap to the Cleveland Museum of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! I did get my honey a yo-yo, hat and Tommy shirt! Did I tell you my hubby and I have a past time....pinball machines? Well, I play a little, but prefer to knit and watch him!

Stash news, did I mention I have been collecting a nice assortment of Rowan, Kid Haze. I am inspired by the Modern Quilt Wrap and Kaffe Fasset's Earth Stripe Wrap. I am just going to have to keep it under wraps....hehe....but, I did get some gooooood stash from darling daughter, Sarah! Orange Kidsilk! How's she know I didn't have that color? Well, it's suppose to go into a scribbly scarf (inclued in the pack was Debbie Bliss Soho)? Not! I will just have to design something of my own with my growing Kidsilk Haze stach! Sarah also included som Kid Seta by Madril and some yummy Angora Extra by Knitting Fever. The girl has taste and it's wonderfully complimentary to ole' mom's!

And I just finished a three month project that I too am keeping under wraps, but it was like knitting nine pairs of socks and my hubby kept saying to me, are you weaving socks together?!!!!!

I was working on the Alien Scarf from Debbie Stoller's stitch'n bitch for my son, Josh. I took it on my trip with every intention of finishing it and giving to to him. I am knitting with Lion Brand Cashmere Blend and Debbie Bliss Cashmerino. Lovely mix, so very soft! Well, I forgot my book.....But in the mean time, I had visions that I had left it on a plane! Ugh, I searched everywhere, over and over again, until last nite, I found it cozily tucked away into it's rightful spot on my knitting book shelf! Phew, the anxiety, tenseness, is gone and I started working on it right away this morning!
Talking about Debbie Stoller, so my daughter gets me a copy of Debbie's new book, Son of stitch'n bitch . This book is fantastic! I love it all! Debbie really covers men's knits here from classic to kitchy to fab and fad!

Then, I get a phone call last Saturday. Darling son in law, Timothy, desperatly need the Lucha Libre mask. He is suddenly working in some adverse weather conditions freezing his face and wants it in Chicago Bears with the "C" or "Bears" or a "Bear." Well, Saturday and Sunday completed this project. Intarsia(for the front) and duplicate(for the back) stitches adorn this puppy! Darling husband was torn from his work to model! It was mailed Monday, so he should receive it today?

I was surprised how my embroidery skills have held up after all these years. I remember embellishing store bought sweaters for my daughter with unicorns and such! I can't believe she now 30. Where have the years flown? Blink and I seem to miss them nowadays!

So, this bottom stash has delightfully come from Pittsburgh, Pennslyvania and Pekin, Illinois.
At Knit One, I purchased some Jitterbug by Colinette, in Monet color. Knit one is a fabulous shop. It has everything and then some! Like a funky little beading station! At Natural Stitches, I purchases some Malabrigo Lace, in Verde 203, some roving by Mauch Chunky(green) roving and Periwinkle Fleece by Harrisville Designs - the spinning stuff is for my friend Tamara! Then on to Pekin, my hometown. Earthly Goods is run by and old acquaitence of mine, Corrie Bennet. Her hubby is the son of one of my mother's best friends, Betty Bennet. I have fond memories of Betty, she was like an aunt. Her son married Corrie. Plus her son and my father were heavily involved in Hockey, being coaches and referees. It was so cool to see Betty! Well, Corrie's little health food shop has found a new niche, knitting! I got to go to a Warm up America sit and stitch and see what's up. She has a small but impressive line of Plymouth Yarn. You have to realize people this isn't big ole' Denver (Yarn Mecca, as I call it!) No, this is little ole, po dunk, blue collar, central Illinois, home of the big, fat, Cat Rats (as I call them - Caterpillar World Hdqtrs.) and home to several plant and thousands of plant workers. You know when it's payday there!!! So, I purchased some Sockotta in a lovely Fair Isle colorway and some Plymouth Outback Wool(I wished I would have bought two of these for another great hat and scarf! For coming to the sit and knit we were told to pick out any donated yarn, well, looky here, there are knitters and fabulous ones from my home! I scarfed up some Wildefoot by Brown Sheep Company, Inc. and some Forissima Cotton(I didn't realize it was cotton, darn, not crazy for sock cotton) by Schoeller in such a lovely blue! I will have to next show you some great sit'n knits while vacationing!

Pittsburgh is a beautiful place

2008-01-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

I have been having fond, pictureque memories of my trip to Pittsburg. On the way to the Andy Warhol Museum I got this shot of the Hienz 57 ketchup factory! I can just visualize what Andy would do with this photo! Well, I just had to do it to it, didn't I?

The Andy Warhol Museum seemed alive with the Ron Mueck exhibit. I wear it was so eerie, I thought that huge baby was gonna take a big ole breath and start crying any second! All of his works were this way. It was truly like being in the land of giants. I was reminded of David the past few days reading and listening about fear. It is a great thing to know who we are in Christ and that if Christ if for us, who can be against us!!!! I got Dan (my husband) what I thought was a yo-yo and on closer inspection after son and I got home, well, it was a magnet! I love adding to his yo-yo collection.

After visiting the Andy Warhol Museum, my son, Joshua and I took a stroll a block down to the riverfront. We caught the city coming to life at dusk! It was breathtaking, the park was nicely filled with art. And, right down the riverfront are the Pirates' and Steelers' Stadiums.

Cat/Chicken Duck Lambs and a Birthday for Dad

2008-01-26T08:16:00.000-07:00

I got to see my daugher, Sarah for a little while before my dad's family birthday party! We played dress up with the cat! Nice chicken disguise, Sarah! At my sister's we had Mom's spagetti and salad and cake. She had us women each choose a lamb to take home. I chose the white one and then forgot to take it home. Mom and Dad loved the paintings I made them. I got to finally meet my new niece, Chelsea, (she's two, cute and smart - plus she has Angelina Jolie lips to die for!) Chelsea loved the ducky I made her. The ducky got played out and so did I! I crocheted and applied the eyes to the ducky in about two and one-half hours. I think I should write another pattern. Her older sister wants a rabbit. This will be fun!

What's Goin' On

2008-01-09T15:58:00.000-07:00

And I say, Hey, hey, hey, hey....Hey, hey, hey, hey, what's goin' on!

Monday morning, January 7th, 2008 after boarding my flight for Pittsburgh, the crew announces that by federal regulations, they are allowed to delay our flight for one hour. I immediately whip out my cell, phone my airline, tell them this will make me miss my O'Hare connection and I need to get another flight! No problem. I arrive to Chicago safely, check in to find my flight has been moved to another gate, no problem. I get to the other gate and begin to wait a couple of hours. Announcement tells me my flight has been delayed (I did notice a rather unflattering, large photo of George W. in all the newsstands I pasted on the way to my gate). I begin to wonder, what is up? A very nice person (traveling nurse) preceded to tell me her last leg(45 minute flight) of a three day journey had been held up. She also told me on her flight in, her plane had to circle the airport for two hours and the captain announced Air Force One was prioritized to keep air space open while in Chicago! So this is why I was waiting and watching O'Hare fill up with people!

I arrived safely in Pittsburgh, Monday night, around 7 PM, I was supposed to be there by 2:35 PM.

The next day, my son and I went to the Andy Warhol Museum, I can now cross that off my list of things to do! I bought what I thought was a yo-yo for hubby....My son pointed out it was a magnet!
Here's the stash from the Andy Warhol and Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!!!! Yes, my son and I toured Cleveland on the way back from Illinois! I went to Pittsburgh so my son wouldn't have to drive by himself to Illinois for my father's eightieth birthday. I will have to show you the birthday and then the real stash! Yarn, not lots, some purchased, some gifted and some gifts and what my mom has been up to!

Meet the Teachers

2008-01-06T09:51:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was "Meet the Teachers" at my local Joann Fabrics where I teach a bunch of classes. I teach Donna Dewberry classes, Three levels of learning to quilt, reupholstery, Old English Smocking, SOCKS, and Sculpty projects. During this current sale all classes are 25% off!

I have been on a painting streak. Tulips for the High Definition class(Donna Dewberry), tiny 4'x4' beach scenes for my son, roses and lily of the valley (birthday flowers for my sis and her hubby).

Enough, already! Yep, I sure am more of a visual person than a talker. Talking kinda wears me out! See, I was told to shut up while growing up, so I became the big observer. When I do say something, I do come on bold and significant. I love it when people qualify what I am saying so they truly understand where I am coming from and what I mean when I say it. Interpreting what others say is not necessarily what we think they are saying, so it's always good to ask! I dislike being misinterpreted....dangerous gossip!

Good Way to Start the New Year!

2008-01-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

I received an email from a fellow Raveler and thought I would pass it on with the New Year and all it is a good reminder and most can be applied to anyone out there in our great big blog-o-sphere! Please copy this and send it, print it for use!

CHRISTIAN WAYS TO REDUCE STRESS

"Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it does not happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."
1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day not rushed.
4. Say, " No!" to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and do not clutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it!
12. Live within your budget; do not use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Do not wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good, "Thank you Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you are grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.
GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)
My instructions were to send this to four people that I wanted God to bless. I decided to send it to more than four, because I did not want to limit blessings.

I want time and space

2008-01-04T07:51:00.000-07:00

This person has a very gifted, talented and knowledgable blog about words, poetry and human relationships. The struggle we all face with relationships is heard at I want time and space. It's nice to find a poet I can relate to, like Emily Dickensen! PS: Thanks for the bouquet!

Flowers for my Nieces

2008-01-03T18:15:00.000-07:00

Photos from my flower garden cropped and used to acrylic paint birthday flowers for my nieces, Bailey and Chelsea!

New Super Hero Knits

2008-01-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

Mark Newport is knitting up some new super heros. I loved this one. Gotta love the man - he quilts too. And it's all about being a man! Rawhide Kid and Freedom Bedcover! This bedcover is Comic book pages, embroidery, satin trim!

Flower Bag

2008-01-02T22:06:00.000-07:00

Mags Kandis, is one of my favorite designers. I love this: "Her philosophy is simple: fresh, "do-able" knits that make a statement in a timeless way. Mission Fall Just Kidding is getting some use from me! I love this bag I made for my niece. Back side, inside and front side views. I made the extra zippered detachable corded bag to go with the lining out of some vintage 1967 rayon! She also gets a Dora the Explorer Doodle Pro! Don't you think it matches it perfectly?
I modified the pattern using Plymouth Encore for the base yarns (purple and hot pink) and the centers of the flowers, each one a different diva yarn! I love this so much, I am tempted to make one for myself!!!!!

A Belated Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T12:39:00.000-07:00

My friend and her hubby had us over for a New Year's Day Feast! She is a very good cook! Nice spread! Our hubbies hit it off fabulously! Two very smart and witty men....They talked the whole time! Lan and I got into teaching her to read a crochet pattern! She usually doesn't use a pattern! She is a very talented lady. It was a great day.

Dos Ripples

2007-12-31T14:10:00.001-07:00

by Terri Lynn Watson
This scarf is a modified version of Tres Ripples. It is shorter and narrower and does not wrap around once with an overhand tie for added warmth around your neck. It is over a yard long. I named it Dos Ripples because it has two repeats to form two ripples! This is a very fast crochet taking approximately 10 hours to complete, including the fringing and beading!
Materials:
Size G Crochet Hook
300 yards worsted weight.
I used Interlacements Dyer's Choice:

Fiber Content	100% merino wool
Yardage	Approximately 300 yd/4.5 oz skein
Type	Worsted US 5-7 @ 4-5 st/inch

Measure out 10 feet of yarn to reserve for fringed ends.
40 assorted matching color glass beads, size 6-8 approximately needed for beading fringe.

Pattern:
Chain 20, turn.
Row 1. From third chain from hook(counting one on hook)working back loops across chain, *sc in next three chains, work 3 sc in next chain(top of ripple), 3 sc in next three chains, skip next two chains(bottom of ripple). Repeat** to last two chains. Skip next stitch, sc in last stitch bak loop. Ch 2, turn.
Row 2. Skip first two sc,working between sc of previous row(spaces),*sc in between next three spaces, work 3 sc in next space(top of ripple), skip next two spaces(bottom of ripple) sc in between next three spaces* repeat** to last two chains. Skip next stitch, sc in last stitch. Ch 2, turn.
Repeat Row 2.
Cut 20, 6" lengths of yarn from yarn reserved for fringe. Loop in half and with crochet hook, pull through stitches on one end of scarf, yarn over the end of halfed length of yarn and pull through loop, tighted loop. Repeat across 27 bottom stitches. Repeat for other end. Place beads on yarn using looped dental floss. Place yarn through loop, place bead on straight end and slide bead on yarn, remove dental floss. Knot yarn below bead varying placement on yarn.
Wash and block if needed. Wear proudly!

Version II of Dos Ripples:
Repeat same as above chaining and doing rows one and two, but on the next two rows, introduce a new color. Work the colors every other two rows and carrying the ends up the side working them into the chain two stitches and then switching colors every two rows. I made the second scarf in the picture this way, with two colors of miscellanous worsted weight merino stash yarn my girlfriend contributed.

Italian Ripples:
Same as above but without beads and the fringe is knotted at ends to prevent fraying. I also knotted a pattern into the fringe on one by knotting two strands one inch down and across for three rows on the taupe/green scarf. I forgot what yarn I used and will try to find out. It was a cotton wovwn/chainette yarn that needed to be knotted at the end or it would unravel.

This is so grand!

2007-12-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

See what to knit with big knitting needles?

Thanks Flocks, er, Christien Meindertsma's Flocks Pouf (2006) is hand knit using strong wool from New Zealand crossbred sheep.

It looks as if Christien makes some news wiwth her art exhibits!

She even takes journaling to a new height! She is taking photos of the sheep which supplied her with the yarn to knit items and these photos are then provided to her customers purchasing her items!

She wins awards as you can see, I love her simple, elegant style, and then the button she uses is the sheep's tag! How clever! She truly inspires me. I think I will do a painting today of a sheep, or some sheep!

But for now, I accomplished making a scarf and a bag on Christmas. I had started the scarf last year when my darling daughter gifted me at Christmas with some lovely RY Cashsoft DK in a mushroom color of taupe. Hubby hadn't showered and shaved because of snow day! The pattern is from Scarf Style, Vintage Velvet....gone Cashsoft!

2007-12-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

The Gratitude Campaign

2007-12-23T19:47:00.001-07:00

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Angels We Have Heard On High

2007-12-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

The Original Dickens Carolers

Green, Fractals, Dodecahedrons Oh my!

2007-12-19T09:29:00.000-07:00

Norah Gaughan always gets me goin' when she's into her numbers. she got a great link romanesco cauliflower thing on fractals with the grooviest pics like this one! But her new dodecahedron is amazingly wonderful! I want to do one for my tree so bad! I can see it in a sparkly mohair! Or maybe that jelly plastic stuff with a light inside OOOOOOs and AAAAhhhhs!!!!!

Wall Street Journal Reports!

2007-12-18T23:16:00.000-07:00

Ravelry Scarf Exchange! This was fun. The first picture is what I received from Kimberly, aka on Ravelry and the blogosphere indigodragonfly,

I sent out what's in the second picture to Kim, aka kwachta on Ravelry who lives in Ontario, Canada and I guess she doen't blog?

To read the full report click on the above header.

What's been cookin'?

2007-12-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

This week's musical at church (the third of a four part series called "Journey to Bethlehem") is based on the Victorian time period. Yesterday I finished paper mache ham quarters and fish for stage props. I did the front facade of the far right building with assembly help. That night before I started coming down with chills and fever and took some Zicam Cold Remedy, echinachea with goldenseal, one aspirin, two fish oil and I pretty well knocked it before it got out of hand, I haven't been able to eat much, but that's a plus - especially after last weeks dessert blowout appreciation thingy. If you click on the group pic, you can see one of the two chocolate fountains! When we walked in the doors, there was the amazing smell of chocolate everywhere! This happened last Sunday night. We were also entertained by a very funny comedian who had appeared on Last Comic Standing!

A couple of weeks ago I finished my version of Mag Kandis' Modern Quilt Wrap. I call it my Amish/Peruvian/Rastafarian Shawl. The corner black and white square represents the Amish thing of not making something "perfect" because you do not want to offend God. I was down in the Cherry Creek District at Coppelia's Needlepoint and The Shivering Sheep and the Original Dickens Carolers were out and about and came in and serenaded us. Very serendipitous for me since I have been working on a stage set depicting Victorian England!

While at Coppelia's I got some Lorna's Lace in the colors of my blog! I love it and don't quite know what to do with it, but a lovely lace scarf seems to be in order! Then I got three more Lime n' Violet sock yarn, I bought up the rest of the green colors and a special one! I made Shelly a shawl pin for her shawl I crocheted edging on. I made some necklaces and sold them immediately at the Rocky Mountain Smocker's Christmas Luncheon.

Last week's Christmas stage set at church was based on the 50's. I loved it! It so reminded me of my childhood. That is my sister Kathy on the left and me on the right. Yes, that is a real Harley Davidson cycle on stage, our pastor John Leach rides it! You can hear/upload the weekly message at JFC. How fun is this video I took of part of this so fun musical!

GO

2007-12-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

My oldest boy would love to take his nephew to see this one! My grandson is a total car freak! My son grew up loving Speed Racer!

Stash Problem - not just yarn?

2007-12-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

So you think you may have a stash problem(not just yarn), a little hoarding going on? Check out 100% WOOL NY Times review. Kairina over at Denver Douwntown SnB suggested this movie and it snowballed into a SnB nite to watch....It's available on Netflix I hear and haven't looked it up on Blockbuster.

And what about this bearded hat? I think they could have at least embroidered some turkey work stitches on, but jeez, I do think the small picture improves it? Who would wear it? Thanks Denver Downtown SnB, you are the most eclectic, arty, funny girls around!

Stage Sets - Hip Glorius

2007-12-02T18:39:00.001-07:00

Journey to Bethlehem, Part One, Angels, Incorporated of four parts presented by JFC.org. I meant to invite everyone to attend and forgot! I apologize and hope you all forgive me!
The song the teens were drumming and rapping:

Angels we have on heard high
Sweetly singing ore the plains
And the mountains in reply
Echoing their joyous strains

Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo

Come to Bethlehem and see
Christ whose birth the angels sing
Come adore on bended knee
Christ the Lord the newborn King

Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo

See him in a manger laid
Whom the choirs of angels praise
Mary, Joseph, lend your aid
While our hearts in love we raise

Gloria in excelsis Deo
Gloria, in excelsis Deo
Gloria in excelsis Deo

It was a great two days of four performances. I was priviledged to videorgraph two of the performances Saturday nite with the technical crew. Today, I went in and personally took some photos and a video - soon to be released on my You Tube channel, FrenchHand .

You may ask, why, FrenchHand? I love French Handsewing and have created many items for myself, my daughter and my granddaughter. I believe this handsewing to be the perfection of sewing prior to machine sewing. I am always humbled to see a white cotton batiste baby gown embellished with lots of french val laces, fine delicate embroidery and handstitching and a baby lying in the midst of it all! Babies are one of my many ways of seeing the hand of God move and create! My daughter was six, and the dress and hat took first place in the "Best Dress" category at the Illinois State Fair, 1984. I made it all by hand.

On a roll

2007-12-02T01:28:00.000-07:00

I was quite busy working on the stage set I designed for a four-part month of Christmas mini musicals called Christmas Backwards(going from modern dayto the 50s to Victorian and ending at Bethelehem.) I got to film part one last nite! I can't wait to post the pictures.

Before I left for Tulsa, I completed this ripple scarf which I will dub, Dos Ripples, a smaller version of Tres Ripples. I received a lace yarn order from Knit Picks. some I gave away or traded off, this is what I kept. I also picked up some more Superfine Alpaca to make a beret and scarf.

Hubby and I flew to Tulsa for his father's 90th birthday. We ate at a homestyle resturant called the Flying Roll Ranch. We were served from the kitchen pots and thrown hot rolls! I got to see the wonderful entirely lighted campus of Rhema Bible Church and College with synchronated music! It is just as spectacular as Disney's Parade of Lights without the fireworks.

I went stashing at Stitches and LOOPS. I knitted with the LOOPS Tuesday night sock group and then went on to the Panera Bread Tuesday night knit group via Ravelry! it was all a lot of kinetics for me(I forgot to take my camera)!!!!! As you can see I am on a Tagliatelli kick, and a very exciting deal on Colinette for a dollar a skein at The Lamb Shoppe! I gifted a LOOPS nail file and the lovely denimy Magallenes to my friend Tamara (as soon as I saw it, it had her name all over it).

Shellie's shawl (the one I crocheted the border blocked out way to lovely) she adored it I am happy to say! I was glad to pick up some Lorna's Lace in the colors of my blog at Shellie's (Coppellia's Shivering Sheep). I also got two more green colors of Lime n Violet, plus some mohair.

I got on a big beading kick for two days during which taught a One Stroke class (did I mention I am teaching Donna Dewberry and watercolors at my local Jo Ann Fabrics?) I also finished the third part of a quilting class series! I have lots of classes coming up in January.

I am on my fourth skein of yarn on my Goldilock(formerly Lady Eleanor). I have also managed to crochet two ripple scarves! One if the ripples is for Ravelry's Scarf Exchange group. The scarf is going to kwachta in Hamiton, Ontario! I have a boxes of goodies to be mailed out this Monday to several persons! I will post about them after I know they have received them!

At least I am never bored!

2007-11-15T10:15:00.000-07:00

Wow, so much has been happening!

I am on square 61 of the 72 squares for the Modern Quilt wrap. I have started to design a zigzag beaded crocheted scarf, I finished a crocheted edging (consignment for Shellie of Coppelia's Shivering Sheep.) She has a 15% off coupon on her website! She also just got in a new bucket of Lime 'n Violet yarn!!!!! I will have to wait and surprise you with my entrelac project, which is no longer Lady Eleanor, but what I will call Goldilocks, because I think it is JUST RIGHT!!!!! Not to heavy!!!!! And the border for the fringing is going to be outstanding!!!!! There!!!!

Laura at Orinda 5 gifted me with wonderful Stretch Markers for being on the first winners in the Sockdown on Ravelry! I love the way these markers swiftly move from needle to needle with no figeting! The green (peridot) is such a peaceful, creative, soothing color!

Kim Werker (KPWerker on Ravelry) the editor of Interweave Crochet and author of Crochet Me
came to The Lamb Shoppe for a book signing! Here she is talking about the Larger than Life Bag!

Kim also talks about Ripples and Granny Squares, very dear to my heart since I started the groups, Ripples and Granny Squares on Ravelry!!!!!

Spinning Newpaper!

2007-11-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

de zeen - Design Magazine has a nifty article thanks to Sheri on Denver Knits Yahoo Group posting about it.

Number....!@#$%^%&*

2007-10-27T09:21:00.001-06:00

No, we did not get tickets, but am glad to know(via the web) someone who did!

Good news, I have been waiting two years to teach folk art painting at my local Joann's and I am finally in!!!! I just got done teaching part two of a three part series on quilting! I just finished teaching a reupholstery class! I am SOOOO feeling good about finally getting in to teaching quilting and painiting this semester!!!!

I put in a huge lace order to Knit Picks for Gossamer, Shadow, Alpaca Cloud, and Shimmer! 18 balls of yarn for $48+something!!!! It came Saturday, now the winding begins!

Saturday I helped my girlfriend break down her dichroic jewelry display at my church's craft fair and I purchased some lovely things, a necklace, book mark, cellphone charm! I will have to show and tell more about these items!

See, I went shopping at Colorful Yarns. I broke down and bought yarn for Lady Eleanor! I have been researching for this for a couple of years! I believe I found something very tasteful and light weight- Jojoland Harmony in HC06!!!!! I chose the dark color due to practicality!

Ariel posted on Denver Downtown SnB Yahoo Group about yarn that glows!

I am so glad the Rockies won the NBL Pennant! Did I tell you I lived 40 miles out our Boston for a few years? I had the most wonderful job running a mega SoFro Fabrics! It was one of the best jobs I have ever had! I did become attached to the Red Sox, so I can't be sad about them winning the World Series, but I am sad the Rockies lost! The games really stressed me out for some reason! It was like watching a scary suspense movie for me! I am trying to relax now and come back to ground!

While waiting to get tickets!

2007-10-23T13:59:00.000-06:00

I thought i would post about some other things I saw at the Denver Art Museum in the textile department!

Love the legs! Crocheted!

And how about this postage stamp quilt - sorry for the blurriness, but the pieces were actually smaller than (about 1/4) than a postage stamp! They didn't finish it, it was only the top!

Rockies, Louve, Elizabeth, quilting

2007-10-16T10:51:00.000-06:00

ROCTOBER is what they are dubbing it around here! Our farmboys are the Cinderfellas of the MBL!!!!! I am so loving this, baseball is my all-time fav sport, then hockey! Denver was a Rockin' down in lodo last nite, I think there was only one arrest reported that I have heard. The brooms were sold out of all the stores! Nice sweep boys!!!!

My sister-in-law was in town for her birthday and we took her to the Lourve exhibit at the Denver Art Museum. I got to see one drawing of my all time fav artist, Albrecht Duher. You may recognize his bunny below! Then I was facinated by Lady Pompadour and saw this lovely painting of her. She also had a lovely set of vases next to her painiting. Listening to the video I was intrigued and had to laugh finding out about a party she was giving. Her garden was not prepared and was a muddy mess. She had porcelain flowers placed due to her gardener telling her it would not be ready. When the gardener came to work the next day, he saw what she had done and watched her sprinkling her porcelain garden with parfum! Now that's some trivia for you!

We went out for Chinese, onto Sat. Nite Worship service, and then I treated Mary and I to Elizabeth, The Golden Years. Check out her rags!!!!! I loved the blue velvet bolero over the blue silk gown, what a nice color of blue! Then she gets dressed up in armor for the coolest battle scene of the burning of the Spanish Armada! The quilt top is coming along nicely!

Ya think?

2007-10-09T12:21:00.000-06:00

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Goddess. You are constantly giving and are unconcerned with reward, you simply want others to love knitting as much as you do. If someone wants to knit miles of novelty yarns, you are there for them. If someone wants to learn short row shaping, you can help. There are no taboos in knitting, only opportunities to grow. Everyone should have friend like you around if they want to learn to knit, and there's a good chance that your passion has rubbed off on a few others.http://marniemaclean.com
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Wednesday Nites are good in Denver

2007-10-04T11:24:00.000-06:00

First I stopped in a Coppelia's Shivering Sheep, Shellie, the propietor had called me to tell me she would like me to teach a sock class! She also informed me of a new shipment of Lime and Violet! Here's the new stash!

Then I headed over to Lamb Shoppe I got there early, 5-ish, so I could get settled in and shop before it got to crowded to feel the contemplateive mood I need to shop. I bought this Ziton Trekking Pro Nature. I started another group a couple of week ago on Ravelry, Zitron Groupies! I have to tell you there had to be over 40 people in there knitting and crochet, young and old alike! It was sheer heaven! I hopped around having to check out what everyone was making! It all never ceases to amaze me what people are thinking, making and saying! Alot of persons were very gracious and generous with their compliments on my Modern Quilt Wrap! One of the owners had me show her how I was adding on a new sqaure and the lovely decrease the pattern offers! I was telling everyone I call it my Peruvian/Amish/Rasfarian colorway!

This morning on Ravelry, Rosemary Hill invited me to the Muir group, to do a KAL! I was thrilled because I needed to find something for this Interlacements DYERS CHOICE fine boulce that I purchased last winter of 07. I think it will look stunning. Rosemary, aka Romi on Ravelry is a true inspiration in my live right now! Along with a few others!

Tres Ripples

2007-10-02T15:44:00.000-06:00

by Terri Lynn Watson
This scarf is for cold winter days. It wraps twice with an overhand tie for added warmth around your neck. I named it Tres Ripples because you work it in three single crochet stitches and three repeats to form three ripples! This is a very fast crochet taking approximately 20 hours to complete, including the fringing and beading!
Materials:
Size G Crochet Hook
500 yards dk/sport weight.
I used Brooks Farm Duet:

Fiber Content	55% kid mohair / 45% fine wool
Yardage	Approximately 500 yd/8 oz skein
Type	DK/Sport US 5-7 @ 5 1/4 - 5 3/4 st/inch

Measure out 18 yards of yarn to reserve for fringed ends.
104 assorted matching color glass beads, size 6-8 approximately needed for beading fringe.

Pattern:
Chain 30, turn.
Row 1. From third chain from hook(counting one on hook)working back loops across chain, *sc in next three chains, work 3 sc in next chain(top of ripple), 3 sc in next three chains, skip next two chains(bottom of ripple). Repeat** to last two chains. Skip next stitch, sc in last stitch bak loop. Ch 2, turn.
Row 2. Skip first two sc,working between sc of previous row(spaces),*sc in between next three spaces, work 3 sc in next space(top of ripple), skip next two spaces(bottom of ripple) sc in between next three spaces* repeat** to last two chains. Skip next stitch, sc in last stitch. Ch 2, turn.
Repeat Row 2.
Cut 27, 6" lengths of yarn from yarn reserved for fringe. Loop in half and with crochet hook, pull through stitches on one end of scarf, yarn over the end of halfed length of yarn and pull through loop, tighted loop. Repeat across 27 bottom stitches. Repeat for other end. Place beads on yarn using looped dental floss. Place yarn through loop, place bead on straight end and slide bead on yarn, remove dental floss. Knot yarn below bead varying placement on yarn.
Wash and block if needed. Wear proudly!
edited 12/31/2007 for errata on row two(I had left out sc in between next three spaces after skipping next two spaces (at bottome of ripple). Thanks to Anna for pointing this out!