thistledowns wool design

this afternoon...mail!

2012-01-26T16:00:00.001-05:00

it's turned raining and grey today. but the afternoon brought a gift in the mail! i was the lucky winner of these note cards. karen's photos are so pretty and these are just perfect to cheer a january day.

there is the sweetest birch tag on the package.

you can find karen's cards here along with bags, linens, pillows and more.
visit her blog too, for some inspiring words and photos of her time spent in vermont.
thanks karen. this was a perfect bright spot in my day!

libby's perfect day? well, that would be a cookie jar. stocked.

tomorrow's friday and i'll be watching some curling. at 9:45pm to be exact. happy weekend all!

a photo project

2012-01-23T20:58:00.002-05:00

you can find our collaborative photo journal here.

beginning today, one photo each, a few times a week, between mother and daughter.
living in different places and different times in our lives, but both with a camera.

i hope you'll visit.
xo

sunday

2012-01-22T17:13:00.005-05:00

saving a part of sunday.

preparing for the week.

there will be midterms, ending with weekend travel for some of us.

what is it about a snowy saturday that just slows me right down?

hoping to find some energy and a better pace for tomorrow.

stay warm and dry friends.

quick knits

2012-01-16T15:01:00.001-05:00

wrist warmers. a set for anna before she returns for the new semester.

and, a set (almost done) for lib.
the yarn was plied by my mother when she first learned to spin.
i really like the easy feel here.

weekend knitting!

catching up with sleeves and a shawl.

2012-01-11T09:02:00.000-05:00

so, finally a post. having A home from school has been wonderful. we've had a good time together, so my time here has been limited, and frankly, i just didn't want to get into the new resolution thing and all that. it is what it is, and life goes on, with changes or without. this is a big year for me as L chooses a school and then heads off in late august. i'm processing that in my own way and find that i take things one day, one thing at a time. the same can not be said for my knitting.

there are multiple projects to choose from.
i get hung up in the sleeves. the first one drags on, and the poor sweater finds itself sitting unattended. once that first one is complete, i move along to the second sleeve and wonder what i waited for.
this yellow piece has been here before. a candide pattern from a million years ago. i hope to have it blocked and buttons on by the end of the weekend. it's a bartlett yarn, quite dense, and i'm hoping it settles a bit after it's blocked.

the buttons are from a bag of vintage buttons i found at a church sale in maine.

next, this sweater from quince yarn. i winged it on this one, and combined two patterns i liked. i love how it turned out. it's finished. sort of. the buttons (same as above) need to go on and then i could wear it. except...that i don't like how i finished the cuffs. i wanted 3/4 sleeves and that's what they are, except that i made them too wide. at first i wanted a swingy type of look. of course, once it was done and on and i wore it around the house to get a feel, i decided to change them.

so i'm ripping them out. just the cuff portion. it won't take long,and i'll be happier. i'll post when it's done.

i was given a gift card at christmas for yarn from webs. so, i bought some, during their blowout sale.

with another gift card, i picked up this book. i love this one. i think perhaps it ties me to my swedish heritage. if you haven't seen it, you might want to check it out.

and of course i have begun an easy shawl. i don't choose to do a lot of work on size 3 needles, but i think i'm going to enjoy this. the yarn is a fingerling cascade 220 in camel. i didn't invest in an expensive yarn, as it wasn't sure about the whole shawl thing. but i like cascade and it feels nice to work with.

and finally, i picked up this wool while i was ordering. i love the heather blue and have set it aside for another shawl. i've used this yarn before and am happy with it. super economical.

you can find it here.

ok, so that's what's in my basket. we won't talk about what's on the shelves.

saving sunday

2012-01-08T13:23:00.003-05:00

i pulled some books from my cupboard and began planning some projects for this winter.

not a lot, but some new things i want to try. new yarn, new patterns, and some hand sewing.

saving a part of sunday to take me through the week.

how about you?

to begin

2012-01-01T20:31:00.001-05:00

saving a little piece of sunday.

i allowed myself to stop and find some quiet today.

a perfect start to the new year.

one more day off from school and i plan on moving slow tomorrow.

to begin, there will be baking in the early morning. some curling later. i'll knit while she practices. this cardigan only needs one sleeve. now that the holidays are over, i should be able to take more than a minute or two to work on it.
enjoy this first week of twenty twelve.

2012

2012-01-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

wishing you all a very happy new year.

let's fill it with kindness to one another every single day, shall we?

so this is december

2011-12-13T10:36:00.003-05:00

at our house right now.

there is no tree yet. no finished handmade gifts, or those not handmade.

except for these few.

but, there is a college girl on her way home, a warm fire everyday,

choices for the future, and a calm in the present.

may you feel as blessed this last month of the year.

over the river, and through the air...

2011-11-14T07:31:00.001-05:00

to north dakota we go.

libby and her mixed team will be playing against 8 other teams from the US for a spot here. it's a four day event with many hours of curling. of course because there is flying involved, (i'm a ninny in the air) i've been doing just about anything else other than packing. but one thing is certain. i'm bringing yarn. yet, if things go the way they normally do, i won't knit very much at all. i mean, i am there to watch the games, right? and it's easy to get caught up in them. just the same, it's comforting to know i have a project or two to run to when i need a distraction.

my head phones will also be packed for when those naysayers in the crowd can't possibly keep their thoughts to themselves. there will be plenty.

my priority is yarn. libby's is all about the gear. she carries her shoes with her. no checked luggage for them. if she could, she'd sit with them in her lap.

all in all, this will be a fantastic experience shared with friends libby loves to play with. that's what this is all about. and maybe a finished sweater for me! see you soon.

bavarian cream

2011-11-07T15:42:00.001-05:00

i painted. cupboards and one drawer stand. the drawer unit is what i have been stripping and sanding the past few weeks when it hasn't been raining. i checked with a few twitter peeps on paint color. sarah, at greenclogs, has been painting walls and helped me out. with a fall full of college visits, re-reading college essays, keeping track of college deadlines, well, you get it, i did not want another decision. i went with 'bavarian creme'; not white, not cream, but an in-between that will go with any new wall color down the road.

so i tackled it yesterday and have a cleaner, cohesive look to the units in the kitchen. i did not take before shots. i guess because i don't like taking pictures of what i don't like, but one was light blue, the other green. what was i thinking?

the top photo is actually in the dining room, but also needed a face lift. today i spent my time on the phone and dealing with emails and paperwork that were slightly neglected. i'm catching up. the goal is to have things squared away before we head to north dakota. that includes all college applications submitted. she's almost there, and will be able to really focus on her games once it's done.

ok. it's time for late afternoon baking.

i've had gingerbread on my mind!

2011-11-04T22:12:00.001-04:00

an afternoon walk in november.
a pretty perfect friday.

happy weekend.

november's habit

2011-11-03T10:04:00.001-04:00

habit : november

over here.

and then, here.

thank you to emily and molly for the invite to all.

please stop by. i think you'll be glad you did.

the quiet

2011-10-09T17:50:00.002-04:00

:: saving sunday ::

~ taking a few moments of this day to prepare for the week ahead.

join, if you'd like.

the week so far.

2011-10-05T12:35:00.002-04:00

a cold.
lots of tea and knitting.
and today, sunshine! finally after some grey days.
so, i hope to get out and photo a sweater, finished in the summer.

i was in the barn this morning when i noticed the early morning sunlight.

gave me a boost of energy i needed, so i finished stacking the firewood. 8 cord ready to go. tuckered out for sure.

finishing a cup of tea now, but i wanted to share some pretties with you...how about this? oh my! erin does such gorgeous work. and this could be fun! and these? and i love this from mergirl over at smashing darling!

the afternoon calls for some knitting on a christmas present.

how's your week?

saving sunday. and, you're all invited

2011-10-02T10:59:00.000-04:00

sunday.
i think it's probably my favorite day of the week.
i can begin again; forget what i may have messed up on the week before, and face the new week with a refreshed new spirit.
when i was young, my sundays were slow and easy visits with or to my grandparents, squeezing in the last bit of play, and often a sunday meal with some rest in the afternoon.
my, how things have changed. and often i think, not for the better.

with the hustle and bustle of summer now behind me, school schedules falling into place and my surroundings displaying signs of shorter days, there is an urge to slow down. so, i am taking a photo from each sunday, beginning today, to quietly reflect on what i will make of the week ahead. a moment or memory captured that i can look back on during the week when time becomes short, phone calls too many, the mail brings nothing but bills, and i'm just plain at my wits end.

did i take a minute or two, or more (with any luck) for myself, to notice a spider web, put down the phone and pick up the sketchbook, or sit with my cup of coffee instead of running with it to lord knows where? sometimes it's a challenge to find even five minutes for ourselves, but even more so during our busy weeks.

so here, in this space, i'm saving sunday, or a small part of it at least, for me.

care to join me and save a little bit of sunday? share the link to your photo here in the comments below, or visit this group over at flickr. add your thoughts to your capture, or let the photo be enough.

have a good week. xo

autumn palette

2011-09-23T08:26:00.000-04:00

i'm home from another trip to maine. i brought something with me.

the colors of late september.

the weather was gorgeous and the reds, oranges, corals and blues of the berries and seeds just spoke to me.

a new wool sweater color? maybe. or a knit scarf to be worn with my favorite greys and camels.

i've made a note to search some yarn sites for just some of these colors. you know, for the stash, the someday soon. or, for the pattern i have waiting in my basket. i may just drop my previous color choice and replace with this autumn palette of inspiration.

but for now, there is yellow.

a dense bartlett yarn wool. a cardigan, and a rainy (knitting) weekend.

happy friday.

windows

2011-09-08T11:31:00.002-04:00

looking in, looking out. looking back, looking ahead.

what a few weeks it has been.

we came home from maine, left for indiana, took a college girl to school, was visited by a hurricane, the braces came off and the last first day arrived. it's back to school as a senior, back to the routine, and the very late days of summer. shorter days with what seems like more to do. it's college research and app time, the yard needs to be put to bed soon, and firewood split and stacked. there is list making and i think that will be the only way to keep me on track and focused.

at the very same time, i'm trying to move through my days at a slower pace. so while this seems so delayed in posting, i wanted to review some photos i took while on a walk with libby this summer.

windows. as we passed each home i paused, wondered and reflected on the who and when. what did they see when they looked out? it was a lovely little exercise in taking a few minutes to slow down and see.

i'm going back in a week or so. i will take the same walk again, savouring each step so that i remember to pace myself and enjoy this next school year. next year will be the empty nest, so while there is one chickie still here, i'll make the most of it.

best wishes to all with your own young leaving the nest. here's hoping it's a great school year.

back to some regular needle, thread and knit posting tomorrow! see you then.

time out

2011-08-26T20:09:00.000-04:00

we are busy here preparing a barn and house for hurricane irene, so i can't catch up here like i thought.
not sure when i'll be back to this space. hoping there will be no interruption with power and the internet, but we will see.

there are baked goods, a stocked pantry, ice, water and candles ready, fuel in the car and maybe a reason to sit for a bit with the knitting.

stay safe east coast friends. xo

not letting go of summer

2011-08-22T13:34:00.001-04:00

i am home, for a little while at least. home from maine. home from indiana. crazy, good, fun trips with smiles to boot. and so, i should be getting settled.
i have my date book on the counter, but have not opened it all morning. i know what is inside. schedules, travel, and the pull to accommodate and get everything done; senior events, sports schedules, college visits then apps. fall is in that book as well. with one turn of the page it will welcome me to join it's crisp nights, new light and colors.

i don't want to let go of summer. i won't. not for a little longer. still going through my photo cards, visiting each shot. so if you don't mind, i'll be posting some over the next few days. keeping summer close for now.

i also have a finished sweater to post. so that will be coming and right now i'm catching up on some favorite spots to visit.
here's one you should check out. heather creates some beautiful work. i'll be heading over there later today!

enjoy another summer monday friends!

taking off...

2011-07-30T15:08:00.000-04:00

....and away from the computer for a bit.
not completely.
i may pop in now and again with a photo or two.
just going to spend precious summer time with my peeps.

SOLD and thanks

2011-07-21T08:36:00.000-04:00

update:
thanks all for the interest in the yarn.
cindy, it's on the way to you. enjoy!

yarn for sale. or, trade?

2011-07-20T14:49:00.000-04:00

i sorted my yarn. i have lists of projects. plans for fall. but sadly, i have no plans for this great yarn. i bought it two summers ago. i loved the color, but i should have listened to that inner me. i am truly a wool girl. not llama, not silk. i have looked at a variety of patterns, but know that once completed i wouldn't wear it. i just know anything of this light and soft texture won't work for me. maybe for you?

the details:
this is a smoke-free home and i keep all my yarn organized in breathable, wooden racks. currently webs is selling this yarn for $9.00 and something a skein. you can read the particulars there. i have 13 skeins here. 50 grams each @ 102 yards. 4.5 stitches to the inch. the color is 1841. all the same lot - 30248.
i'd like to get $50.00 for the entire 13 skiens. i'll also pay basic shipping.

i'm also up for a trade. always on the look out for enough 100% wool for an entire sweater. let's talk. you can reach me by email. the info is to the left in my profile.

probably not the best day to talk wool, with temps high for a good number of us. but in case you're thinking knitting...

a shed tour. sort of.

2011-07-08T07:00:00.052-04:00

a shed. at the maine house.
a few years ago we saved this building. david jacked it up, gave it a new support system, then a new roof and finally a stone base. in a few weeks it will have new front doors. some how they will fold into themselves. i haven't seen them and actually haven't given it much thought. he is confident he can make it all come together, so that's ok with me. the new windows will also be trimmed out.
in the meantime this space was our extra entertaining area over the holiday. lib and i made some pennant window treatments before we left home. we added a few vintage coolers for refreshments, listened to a playlist of 35 favorite songs. our guests all contributed five titles, we added ours, and with anna's and austin's favs, we learned a little about each other and had some interesting prompts for fun conversations. (thanks to jane for the idea)
there is also a set of wrought iron patio furniture. i can't believe i have no shots of that. i think probably because i really am taken with the lights and that little old wood cot that was left in the house when we bought it.
there were some candles, snacks and smiles. smores were eaten there. newspapers were read. and when i couldn't find lib inside, i could find her on the cot.
it's rough, sure.
but a touch of outdoor summer? yep.

what i see when i look at summer

2011-07-07T08:33:00.001-04:00

a raglan cardigan. finally.

2011-06-24T16:12:00.000-04:00

this one was taken from a candide classic raglan pattern. it took me forever to finish (life happened) and has gone everywhere with me while in various stages. but now, it is complete.
the first sweater i ever knit was for david and was the pullover version of the same. it's a rumpled, wrinkled copy my mother had given me years ago. i couldn't even find it online or ravelry.i used cascade 220 heather color 4010. i had to adjust my gauge and used size 7 and 5 needles. this pattern is meant for heavy weight yarn, so i really needed to adjust, but am really happy with the results. i wear skirts often and wanted a 'small' cardi so as not to overpower.

i've already cast on some eco, using size 10 needles for a slightly heavier version. it's a green color and i already have some funky buttons that i picked up while in canada.

a simple, basic pattern, but exactly what i was looking for.

i still have a quilt to bind. i've been slow to finish anything around here. school is finally over for lib and anna has gone off on her summer away. we are changing our lifestyle around here, making adjustments and focusing on what is important. sometimes life forces you to do that. no worries, all is well, just exhausting. but it's all we've got, right?

there has been a lot of rain here. not so good for flower blossoms as they disappear almost as soon as they arrive. but i have been knitting and working on some handbags. good inside work.

and now the harry potter, book 7 is playing on the cd player. a review before the movie in a few weeks! off to listen.
happy summer weekend!

from last night's walk

2011-06-11T09:31:00.000-04:00

happy weekend.

springtime lambs

2011-06-01T17:43:00.000-04:00

four days total

2011-05-29T12:48:00.001-04:00

a day north, a day south and two in between is what we took to ready the house for summer.

it wasn't nearly enough time, for the relaxing that is, but so it goes when there is work to be done. and there was a lot. windows were washed, screens were locked in, curatins were pressed and hung and paint was applied were needed. like this shed. some white-wash.

for some outdoor entertaining, napping, reading or what have you. stringing the white twinkle lights the next time we go and setting in the cushions for the furniture. it's a perfect cover for those foggy days, or a little shade when needed.

the yard needed some serious mowing and i planted a few seeds in a small garden area; flowers and veggies for later in the season.

a washer and dryer have been installed, though the line will be up for the fresh air drying i so love. an extra bedroom was readied, with the delivery of a new mattress and boxspring.

in the evening, david and i ate our late suppers by the woodstove with a beer or glass of wine. the girls stayed home; there was work for one and school for the other. they took care of the animals and each other. i love that they do that.

today is a catch-up sort of day, but i hope to get to some sewing. i'd like to finish my quilt. somehow the past two weeks have left me with no time for it. also, i hope to paint four chairs for my kitchen. i swapped them out with chairs from the summer place, (moving things around is what i do. ask the fam, it drives them nuts) so if we have some less humid weather tomorrow, that's what i will be doing.

i don't know about anyone else, but i've been taking things slower lately, getting through just one event at a time. things are changing and i can sense it. one more year at home for my youngest. maybe that has me off somehow. or maybe a lot of the 'heavy' part of life has subsided for now. anyway, i'm going to find peace in the slow and steady. like next weekend's birthday for my oldest. 20. oh my goodness, 20.

oh, and two packages were waiting for me when i returned home. have you seen this shop? i ordered my third scarf from martha and uniform natural. love.

and these handtowels from jen at swallowfield. fingers crossed that one day she offers fabric of her designs. and really, these are too pretty to use!

hope you are enjoying this holiday weekend. take time to remember. xo

open windows, i've missed you.

2011-05-12T10:29:00.000-04:00

we have had a gorgeous stretch of weather. when i'm not outside working in the yard, i'm in the loft sewing, windows wide open, sun pouring in and birds chirping. there is usually a slight breeze, and the light is perfect, making me remember how much i have missed this season.

only a few more rows to add to this, then it will be ready to sandwich. maybe tomorrow, but probably next week. anna moves home, libby has a prom and we have new friends visiting for the first time on sunday. it's a busy few days. i think i'll call this week over. i'm ready for a few days of fun.

have a lovely weekend. xo

more on the sewing

2011-05-05T13:52:00.001-04:00

ok, so here is the small quilt. two weeks ago or so, i found some amy butler fabric pieces at the thrift store. 99 cents for two yards each of 3 designs. into the cart they went! last weekend when lib was sewing i decided to stay in the studio with her and sew. i knew i didn't want another tote or bag, so decided to cut up the ab and put together a small quilt. with the necchi, i can move right along and knew it would be an easy, and satisfying project. simple squares, tan and white alternating, and two of the butler prints. straight quilting in the end. ( also, excuse the photos. bright sun here and not a very good camera)
it's just about crib size. i used the leftover piece of a wool blanket for the batting and some green leftovers for the back from something else, though i can't remember what.

someday, some babe, somewhere may find themselves under this. for now, it's on the back of my couch. a lap quilt maybe?
also, i have made two birds from this book. actually one bird still needs her wings, but will be a gift for someone soon. i changed it up a bit, but abby's pattern and instructions were so easy to follow for the basic bird. have you seen her book? my vintage white sewing machine was perfect for this work. she is slow and steady when i want, so it made handling all the small pieces a breeze.

i'll need to take a shot of the second bird. i used vintage sheets. she's really sweet!
and there's still the scarf from a skirt to show, but i need to get a decent photo with it on.
i'm traveling tomorrow and will be back home late on sunday, just in time to spend mother's day with one of my girls.
have a great weekend, and happy mother's day all you moms!

a quilt, a skirt, a scarf, a bird

2011-05-03T14:19:00.000-04:00

and one more small quilt.
lots of sewing going on. the skirt is libby's and she just needs to hem it then i'll show you. the girl put a zipper in and used a tutorial from a blog she found! i'll link everything when she passes it onto me. it turned out great!

i'll post about the bird, small quilt and scarf later, but for now here is the larger quilt for maine, approx 7.5 feet by 5.5 feet. we will have a house guest this summer, and it should suit him just fine with lightweight fabrics but warm enough for those chilly, foggy days. i went with nuetrals and blues on this one. i qulited each square as i went along to the batting then tied it all to a chambray backing.

ok. off to thrift with libby who asked to look for some vintage sheets. she has plans for something! can you tell she likes the white sewing machine?

machine update and spring weather. finally.

2011-04-29T15:55:00.000-04:00

i picked up the white today. this was my husband's grandmother's. i think she'd be pleased i'm using it.
the serviceman said she is one great machine. i think so too. the stitches are so even and it runs smooth and quiet.
i hope to use her soon, on two small projects for gifts. but it looks like spring has finally arrived here. a sunny weekend ahead. that means i'll head outdoors. one garden left to clean-up. the sewing will wait until monday. if you like sewing machines, then look below. i think she's pretty sweet.

see you next week. enjoy your weekend. hope spring has reached your door, especially if you've been waiting like us. xo

ten

2011-04-25T07:56:00.001-04:00

inspired by this:

chocolate rabbits,
sitting next my girl at church; the two of us,
a family movie night,
meeting new friends,
uncovering gardens,
april sun,
sharing a bowl of fresh pineapple,
happy one girl is feeling loads better,
painted toenails,
emerging green all around.

...simply ten good things.

hooked on vintage

2011-04-17T16:10:00.000-04:00

1955 necchi. found on craigslist by greenclogs. and now in my studio.

i was looking for a vintage machine online on saturday morning. my very inexpensive 10 year old machine, who by the way, got me through many a halloween costume, pj's, lounge pants, totes and more, decided to no longer perform and with a number of problems, not worth any repair. i decided to investigate other options. i've been thinking new machine for about 2 years now. i've talked to many quilters and a few shops, but still wasn't sure which way to go. until now. i may be hooked on vintage.

after a tweet update about vintage machines, sarah got online and offered to look around craigslist in my area for me. she is so knowledgeable about vintage machines and has a few beautiful pieces. she is also clear across the country, but no matter. she emailed me a couple of options. i called about this one. i don't think, no, i know, i would not have considered this machine without her help. thanks friend!

the gentleman i purchased it from is a sewing machine repairman. as a young man, he worked and maintained this very machine. the woman who owned it left it to him to sell. it has everything. she labeled and kept all add-ons and extras. we had a party to attend saturday night an hour from our home, and his shop was an additional ten minutes further. we made a pit stop. i am so glad we did. kind of meant to be, don't you think?

the cabinet is in great shape. a false front is a storage drawer and bench seat. best of all, it runs so well; quiet with two speeds and all gear driven.

while on the phone arranging my trip to see her, i inquired about repairing a vintage white that was my husband's grandmother's. it is the most wonderful shade of robins egg blue. it also has a cabinet. so in the photo above, to the right along side that railing, the white will live there just as soon as she is up and running.

i'm working on a quilt for a friend who will be staying with us for a bit this summer. i realized most of the colors in my quilts are greens, yellows, pinks. not really his taste. i'm making another with a more neutral palette; tan, brown, and blues, so this necchi and i got to know one another today. i think we'll be very good friends.

spring & break

2011-04-15T16:05:00.001-04:00

things are blooming.

temps are slowly rising.

there is a week off from school and the last curling practice is this weekend.

what's not to love? well, some of us aren't too happy....about the curling.

there are two quilts in the works here. my primary quilt is on hold at the moment as i work on a tied quilt for a young man. more on that later.

happy weekend friends.

begun

2011-04-07T14:33:00.000-04:00

some primary. another quilt. i was able to get all the pieces cut today and the top about 1/3 of the way sewn.

putting it away for now. we have a full curling weekend with the first game tonight. but it will be there next week. something to look forward to. have a good weekend friends.

the U18

2011-04-05T11:31:00.000-04:00

we have returned home after six days in toronto, on. at the U18 optimist international curling championships.

libby had a wonderful time on and off the ice.

she and her team played seven games and she found time to get five days of homework done.

we enjoyed watching both young men and women's teams from canada, japan and the united states.

there are more curling photos on my card then i ever thought possible. here are just a few.

there were very close games, some losses and a win.

there were long days with lots of hard work, and very tired girls.

there were friendships made, lots of giggles and many pictures to pose for.

it was a great experience.

more information about Optimist International can be found here.

i am hoping to get back into the swing of things later in the week. i plan to catch up on sleep, some sewing and the knitting i did not complete while watching all those games. we head out later today for tonight's curling. taking the needles.

pointy

2011-03-24T07:37:00.001-04:00

this was fun to make. pointy elf hat. less than two hours. way less.
i used thick and quick merino. one hank can make two baby or toddler sized hats.
you can find the patern in joelle hoverson's book, 'more last-minute knitted gifts'.

ok, back to my sweater, a simple cardigan from an old candide pattern. have a good day.

2011-03-18T11:33:00.000-04:00

it's almost here...

anna's quilt

2011-03-16T14:31:00.000-04:00

she is home for spring break, and is my biggest helper right now. we have been in the barn every few hours. she helps, laughs and supports me. it has made this week really so much better. i am so anxious to get this lambing season over and she just makes it so much more bearable.

in the meantime she has begun to work on her quilt. she purchased her fabric last summer, and finally has a chance to cut her squares and start piecing. i love to hear her up in the studio space, and will miss her when she goes back this weekend.

i just wanted to show you what she's done so far:

i love what she's done so far.

update: we had a set of triplets born last night. just one more ewe to lamb, then we are done. fingers crossed it goes well and that all the lambs thrive. i'm going to try a little knitting this afternoon, and maybe close my eyes for just a bit.

still waiting

2011-03-15T17:13:00.000-04:00

waiting for lambs.
waiting for sleeping through the night.
waiting for time to knit.

and waiting for spring.
i can hear it when i'm walking in from the barn in the evening. a few peepers, just starting.

soon.

i could get used to this

2011-03-10T14:41:00.000-05:00

i really loved knitting this little sweater. a gift for a family in town, it was so easy to travel with and really, to finish something so quickly; well, i liked that.

i could get used to projects this size.
my camera is down and out. i'm using an older sony digital. i don't think the color is as true, but you get the idea. you can find the pattern here.
i had hoped to start cutting for another tied quilt. it will have to wait until next week, but i'm pretty excited with my fabric choices.
the weekend is almost here, and we have a college girl home for break. and tomorrow's friday! enjoy!

an arrival

2011-03-05T15:43:00.000-05:00

the first of the season. a ram, born on the 2nd.
two ewes still to lamb. i'm sticking close to home now and checking them regularly. trips to curling will be shorter than usual or at least leaving proper coverage at home.
in the meantime, i'm sewing buttons on a baby sweater, and i think i'm going to start cutting squares for a patchwork quilt next week. i found a piece of fabric at the thrift store that will be a perfect backing so, time to get started. it will keep me busy while i'm housebound.
happy weekend.

a new month

2011-03-02T07:16:00.001-05:00

1 march

i was already looking forward to the month of march, a month of subtle changes right outside my door; melting snow, puddles, rain showers, bits of green, and loads more light. and then, there was more; an invite to be a guest at habit for the month. it's the perfect time of year for a little more 'noticing' as we welcome a new season.
so please, stop by and visit with me and the special guests this month. i've said it before, i know you'll enjoy it. thank you molly & emily for the invite.

to start the week

2011-02-28T07:34:00.001-05:00

just some of the regular around here. catching up after a weekend away. but i am totally fine with it. heavy rain makes for a good knitting kind of day. hope to finish up this gift for a new baby girl. pattern here.

i do need to get to the barn. lambs will be arriving soon, and i've been putting off setting up some things out there. i do hope all our moms decide to have their babes before our trip. otherwise i'll be looking for a midwife! anybody?

enjoy your monday friends. hope it's an easy one. xo

from scraps and wee bits

2011-02-21T11:49:00.001-05:00

i finished my string quilt this morning, from small pieces and leftovers in my scrap basket. the only 'new' piece was the dark blue, as i just did not have enough to finish the border.

the border binding is additional leftover bits.

i'm sure i would not have planned to use some of these colors together, but i think in this they are ok, and i'm pleased to have reduced my scrap pile. well, there you have it, some color for this snowy monday. and yes, there is a daughter behind there. thanks lib!

something patchwork is up next. and for that i have specific colors in mind. have a great week!

p.s. thanks friends, for your kind comments on my last post. xo

my thank you

2011-02-19T07:44:00.002-05:00

i have a story. i have thought long about how i would tell this. it's a story of generosity and kindness and one i must share.

our youngest is headed to an international curling event early this spring. her coach suggested to the team they reach out for some fundraising. several weeks ago, i too, reached out on twitter; a general question, "does anyone know of a company willing to sponsor a usa junior curling team?". within minutes i had a gracious response of an online friend opening her home for a stop over as we travel on our long drive. (thank you jane, we may descend!)

a few minutes later, i had another response..."email me the info, i may have someone".

so i did. not knowing anything about the company or what would be offered, i explained the cost and particulars of sending these girls to this event. what i heard back was determination in this woman's words, a woman i have never had the pleasure of meeting in person, having only seen her artwork, her photos and read her words online. she would check her sources and get back to me, but she really felt this could work.

now, i don't consider myself an unlucky person by any means. my life is very good, but still, when things come around, i generally seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, and usually missing the boat. this donation of uniforms would be significant in the team preparation. so significant, that for days i couldn't believe someone was going to this much trouble for me, my daughter, her team. i found myself hoping for the best, as in her emails she was keeping her fingers crossed and sending such positive thoughts.

after just a couple of weeks, it came. the tweet that said it was a go. libby was on the ice and i called her to the glass. i held my phone so she could see the words. she lit up. after a rough season last year, where she learned to walk the high road more times than she wishes to remember, for her, this generosity reminded her that there are good, fair, and kind people. all this from someone we've never met.

three boxes arrived yesterday. i shook my head in amazement when i saw them. i am touched. i get choked up. and i will admit, i feel a little embarrassed but undeniably thankful that someone would go to this much trouble for me, for lib. when i was a kid it was the penpal. today, it's fellow bloggers, tweeps and flickr friends. no matter what they are called, relationships exist. whether it's sending fabric or yarn along, to simply sharing a recipe, review or advice. this is a remarkable online community, and i am truly blessed to have found it.

as we move forward i know we will never forget libby's upcoming event, but more than that, we will always be thankful for the help she had along the way through the kindness of emily and her family. i hope i can somehow reverse the generosity one day, and if not directly to emily, then to someone else, friend or stranger. this is an example of pay-it-forward, and a lesson to my daughters.
at one point, when my husband saw how moved and emotional i was, he quickly lightened the mood. "that emily", he said, "she's a good egg". the very best.

p.s. the girls will look awesome em!

2011-02-14T15:33:00.000-05:00

i'm almost done. just a border, binding and tying. finished some mitts too. using this month to catch up on WIPs. hope to show you this completed by friday.
how about you? what are you working on this week?

::

2011-02-02T08:37:00.000-05:00

"no winter lasts forever, no spring skips it's turn" ~ H. B.

some preparations

2011-02-01T10:49:00.000-05:00

good tuesday morning. and, welcome february. we only have one travel event this month, so my plan is to finish up my string quilt. i was pretty happy with all i was able to get done in january; that after-the-holidays clean-up and more. but, a little less snow this month would help, as we are running out of room for it all.

another snow day for lib meant some more baking for me. also, there are predictions of an ice 'event' tomorrow. banana bread, pumpkin bread and probably apple crisp will be at the ready. i am hoping the power remains on. making plans though, if it goes. early in the morning, extra water will be hauled to the barn, though i know i'll have to heat water on the wood stove to thaw the ice in the buckets. candles and flashlights are out, and additional blankets are all near by.

I'm thinking some broccoli soup for our dinner and baking the last of the dough i have of the artisan bread. stay safe friends.

finding that routine

2011-01-28T10:02:00.000-05:00

the weekend is here.
i'll look for our routine, and hope the old schedule of regular, full school days returns next week, but i fear more snow will interrupt and travel too, will need to be rearranged.
such is winter.
happy friday friends.

bread heaven

2011-01-27T06:05:00.022-05:00

when my grandmother passed away, my dad acquired some of her books. she had a wonderful collection. several months ago, my mother was going through some of his things. She decided not to keep many of the books, and passed the boxes on to my sister and i to go through. in one, i found a cookbook. i didn't look at it for a couple of days. when i did, i discovered from the inscription that my great-grandmother had given it to my grandmother in her first years of marriage. the book is called 'fine foods'. it is by mrs. j. b. graham, a home economist from duluth, minnesota, where my grandmother was raised. graham was also the author of "212 ways to prepare potatoes". i'd love to see that one. according to the minnesota historical society, duluth chamber of commerce hosted a potato week in 1932, 33 and 34. many of the potato recipes in her book came from local farmers and rural homemakers in an attempt to find an interesting and tasty variety of ways to prepare a locally inexpensive ingredient and get through the challenging times of feeding a family during the rest of the depression.

in the preface of 'fine foods', graham writes, 'the recipes have been gathered from here and there and everywhere, including fifteen years of study and ten years of fair judging where the homemaker brings the best she produces'.with 224 pages, the index is full, including foreign cookery and what to do with leftovers. i'm reading it like a pleasure book, making notes of ones i'd like to try. yesterday, with another snow storm on the way, i knew bread baking was in order. so i started with this one, stockholm bread, a white bread, with just a touch of cinnamon. a sugar glaze is added to the top. it is excellent, dense, but not too much, slices well, and i even think it would be awesome as french toast. the recipe made two loaves. stockholm bread

6 cups of flour

1 cake compressed yeast (i used 3 envelopes)

2/3 cup sugar

2 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup butter

1 egg beaten

1 tsp. cinnamon (i used a little more. i like cinnamon)

1/2 tsp. salt

Scald milk, add butter and cool. combine sugar and yeast. add sugar and yeast to cooled mixture. then beaten egg. ad flour and cinnamon. mold and knead until smooth. let rise, punch down, let rise again. punch down, let rise. form into loaves. (i did not handle it a whole lot) brush top with a sugar and water mixture. when light bake at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, then 350 degrees for 35. when partially cool frost with powdered sugar and water mixture. ( i made more of a sugar glaze, not really a frosting)

maybe you have a similar recipe. i like imaging this one is something that my grandmother, and maybe even her mother might have made. i hope you like it. i do.

ok, now to shovel. again.

white. inside & out

2011-01-26T12:44:00.004-05:00

a winter storm today.

but there is white inside that i like too! bread dough rising and a new recipe in the works from a cookbook my great-grandmother gave to her daughter back in the 1930's. ok, back to my baking.

i need a quilt

2011-01-22T07:32:00.005-05:00

it's going to be chilly here this weekend. too bad this wasn't done!
five squares finished. nineteen to go. a few a day.
no curling this weekend. this girl is staying in near a fire, yarn and some thin mints that lib wants to make. yes please! hope you have a good weekend.

color in winter

2011-01-19T11:31:00.005-05:00

grey and rain with some flurries today, but i really don't mind. i am enjoying winter, its slower pace with a little less traveling.

and so, this is the color i see today.

i wish we weren't going anywhere, but taking advantage of a half day for lib and, while anna is still here, to get new passport photos. yep, lib's heading north in the near future with a curling broom.

for now, i'm getting some stitch time in while i can to finish last year's projects. this is tea leaves, but i cast on a shalom cardigan the other day. but will NOT go any further until this is done. i think.

also, only three 12 inch squares are left to piece together for my quilt. then i'll begin the machine quilting.

more snow for us on friday. looks like the fourth snow day from school. and we are only in january. in the meantime, i'm enjoying this.

after all that snow

2011-01-13T19:34:00.002-05:00

and two snow days from school, we are already right into the weekend. having everyone home set me back from the sewing, but warm meals, fire time and knitting was a pretty good mid-week break. back to the quilt work come monday. happy weekend.

our holiday exchange

2011-01-11T07:03:00.004-05:00

one of the handmade gifts i finished this season was a pair of Mom's Cabled Mitts for anna. blue is her color, and they keep those fingers free for the phone use. hmm.

she surprised me with this.
a book of some of my 365 photos from the past two years.

i was touched. i had forgotten about some of my favorite shots. it's so nice to have them here, to hold, rather view on a computer screen. i love it. thanks again b. xx

ok, back to my string quilt. three more squares to do this morning. then it's ice time and a snow storm later! see you.

starting to finish

2011-01-10T09:07:00.003-05:00

some of last year's projects are now this year's projects. (that's not to say i won't begin new ones. ahem.) but i am working hard to give each day a purpose, aside from the family and the regular, but something for me. last year was nuts. it's a wonder anything got done. so this morning i went back to this. scrappy. every single one of these prints were the odds and ends of other projects, or pieces too small for anything else. remember these? same idea. i have eleven more squares to complete, will rearrange them a million times i'm sure, then i'll figure how i'll put it together. i'd like to machine quilt each square individually, then seam together and tie to the back, similar to what can be found in this. time will tell. not super worried about it right now. i'm enjoying the hour or so of morning sewing before the rest of the day begins, and that is enough. i hope your week is off to a good start.

::

2011-01-07T18:36:00.003-05:00

i was able to cross several big things off my list this past week. there is more that i want to finish. a big clean-out of closets and cupboards, and organizing how i store things. but tomorrow, no one needs to go anywhere right away. it means a lazy, slow morning with the family. first weekend together in several weeks. happy weekend. xx

2011-01-05T14:22:00.002-05:00

i'm in the studio, finally with some time in the early days of january. not letting anything get in the way of this clean-out. by weeks end, i will be done, and feeling so good this 'project' is off my list. how are you starting the new year?

2011 monday morning coffee

2011-01-03T06:28:00.003-05:00

and so off she went. first day back to school. she was quiet. so was i. too much morning conversation doesn't sit well with her, especially first day back after break. D went at 4am. i have Anna and a house guest still asleep. so it's back to quiet morning coffee for me. i feel slightly guilty for this bit of peace.

this week brings us a few holiday shopping returns, and the general clean-up that i couldn't easily do with company here. i may even paint a room towards the end of the week. we'll see.

right now, i may sneak in a few hours back to the studio rearrange. i also have some yarn i'd like to pass on to anyone who can use it. i'll get it organized and post it here soon.

happy 1st 2011 monday. have a good week.

coming and going

2010-12-31T08:37:00.002-05:00

coming home. it felt so very good.
libby and i returned yesterday from her four day curling event. tired, but happy and me with a good head cold we found a very clean house and hugs from family to greet us. yes, there is still a tree with gifts underneath just as if time stood still. when was christmas? we spent christmas eve and day at the homes of others, so it seems as if it never was here. I'll let lib take some time to take it in before we settle back into the non-holiday norm. we have a house guest for the weekend and D is working straight through for the next several days.

now that i am home, i plan to tackle the studio space. two days before christmas D put up a new wall and door. yes, two days. needless to say i had to let the mess remain before i left. he offered to rearrange, but really that wouldn't have worked for me. i guess it's a good way to begin the new year.

speaking of new year's, i am more than glad to see this one go. go, go go, get out of here! while i am very thankful for my health and family, there was more emotion from this crazy outside world in the past 365 days than i ever thought possible. new year's resolution? never, ever, let myself feel so out of control. so welcome 2011. you and i already have an understanding.

i hope to put together some photos of work completed; knit and sewn. and i have photos of christmas gifts given and received to share here. last week, i took enough yarn for three small projects. i, hang on....get ready, knit two whole inches on a pair of mitts during my four day stay! the games were that good, and that close. with two long games a day, downtime was almost nonexistent. i plan on resting for the next few days with some light organizing and planning the winter weeks ahead.

happy new year friends. wishing you good health, good love and good days. xx

2010-12-24T13:57:00.003-05:00

wishing you all the merriest of holidays!

i'll catch-up with you soon. there has been gift making here, much of which i couldn't post as the recipients would see. little internet, oodles of baking and just plain taking time with the girls and some friends.

regional playdowns for nationals are next week. so i'm off with lib. wish us luck for happy games and no snow to drive through.

sending you love and cheer friends! peace xx

2010-12-05T14:46:00.003-05:00

i've a case of december nesting. hope there isn't a cure.

there is this though; a get-together of this year's habit guests.

grab your hot chocolate and come on by if you'd like.

mitts

2010-12-02T06:36:00.002-05:00

i've been working on these. a quick little knit for some gift giving, (and me). i'm using up some cascade eco and am very happy with the results.

the pattern is free on ravelry. i have some orders that i am finishing and shipping out, but in the meantime, these are easy, take-it-with-me work. with another weekend away sitting at lib's games, i should have some more by monday!

and some shopping news...

heather has some beautiful work and a shop update here, and have you seen what leslie has done? we have a set and really, it is perfect for our family. we leave messages all day long for others to find. and mealtime? always a laugh or two!

venturing out today to begin my holiday shopping with a stop for some really teeny ornaments for another project...

have a good one!

2010-11-29T15:40:00.002-05:00

now available

new at the store

2010-11-29T12:21:00.003-05:00

for the holidays....here.

a shop update

2010-11-27T13:26:00.003-05:00

~ monday am ~

scarves, small totes and a separate link to some small fiber art.

happy weekend friends.

thank you

2010-11-24T09:27:00.002-05:00

we finished up this short week with some late night curling last night. today is for baking and a clean house, and tomorrow, for cooking. there is also a change of pace around here. this next month schedules are a tiny bit less intense, and even though christmas is right around the corner, i am keeping it simple. that may be because the girls are older, and the holidays now have a different feel. whatever the reason, we have agreed to slow it down.
i am updating the smashing store this week and opening another spot just for small art. stay tuned. in the meantime, i can't help but feel grateful;

for friends, family and visitors who supported me at the westport show. i thank you.
for my girls and husband. their support is never ending,
for online visitors and friends whose words and photos inspire me daily,
for a home and health,
and wood for warm fires, yarn at the ready, and pets to keep it cheery.

happy thanksgiving to friends here, and the best to all as you prepare for your holiday celebrations. hugs.

needed: elves

2010-11-16T07:08:00.003-05:00

i am just about ready for the westport show, and getting pretty excited. wishing though, that i had a few elves for those last minute details. pricing, packing, and gathering up extra tags, display pieces and the rest. or, maybe they could get the meals, and do a little housecleaning...or a lot?
also, lib has a bonspiel this weekend and i won't be going...ACK. i will miss her watching her games, and while she is totally fine with it, i feel a huge tug.
pressing scarves and mini landscape work this morning, after catching up on emails. there should also be some ironing of family clothes, but i don't see that happening due to 7 hours at the club tonight. oh boy. but a last minute piece for the show will get some attention while i'm there.

thank you for the lovely and kind comments on the artful blogging article. after this weekend's show, i have a few new blogs on my list to check out.

ok, here i go... see you! have a great day friends.

and the winner is...

2010-11-12T09:59:00.003-05:00

Digital Misfit!
That scarf is so beautiful! I love felted accessories in winter. They are just so cozy - and gray is my favorite color!

hugs,
Heidi

Thanks Heidi! I'll send off an email for your address!

computer troubles have left me a tad bit stressed, as i really need to finish up some show things. here's a peek of things in process and taking over living space in my house. family, please be patient!off for last minute supplies that are here, in this house somewhere, i just know it. somehow they have disappeared.

in a week and a day i will be here. please stop by if you are local; some amazing talent!

autumn giveaway

2010-11-05T12:42:00.004-04:00

a few months back i was asked if i'd like to be included here. i enjoy this publication and i'm always introduced to someone new. however, i was surprised and happy to find a familiar friend here along with me.

to kick off my 'season' of wool and gifts, i'm giving away a charcoal and black merino hand-felted scarf as well as a copy of artful blogging. perfect if you are settling in for those chillier days ahead.

just leave a comment here before midnight on tuesday, and i'll draw a name on wednesday, november 10.

i have been wearing my sweater, astor, even though i have not had a second to properly block it. it was a great pattern. i am hitting the road again this weekend, but hope to have someone take some shots for me next week.

have a good weekend friends. see you next week.

2010-10-24T10:58:00.002-04:00

they are here; yellows, oranges, and reds. wonderful color the past week or so. i have almost missed it tough, as lately we run from one thing to the next. i find myself trying to decide, in this economy, just how much traveling to do for lib and the sport she enjoys so much. there have been challenges over the past two weeks and lots of decisions to make, but though spirits may, at times, seem lost, we have so far picked ourselves up. i won't be human if i didn't say it has knocked me down. i am exhausted.
in between the turbulence, i have finished my astor sweater. everything is together except for the sleeves and side seams. maybe later today. and still, i am putting together items for this show. there is a lot of work still to be done. i want to photo what i have, but never like the in-between process shots. so when things are ready to go i'll pull the camera out.
still thinking a give-away, say, nov. 1? that always seems like my starting point to the holiday season.
thanks for hanging around friends. i know i haven't been here much, but lots of show work, means time away from the computer. back soon with a sweater. xx

just what i needed

2010-10-12T15:51:00.003-04:00

i have been busy. a lot of time spent on activities outside the home. five consecutive weekends "away". home in the evenings, but long days away. it hasn't left a lot of time for work here at this space. extended family needed some support and then organizing and maintaining lib's ice schedule has kept me with a full calendar.

so when i saw this i thought it was just what i needed to feel like i can still accomplish something. i've been feeling overwhelmed lately with wheels spinning. (i do have two WIPS sitting aside for now, and will look forward to them after this show season) but for now, astor. leslie's turned out beautifully, and as i can most often be found sitting at curling games, the perfect weight. i hope to complete it by the weekend. yep, it knits up that fast. color is fumar, yarn: peruvia quick.

in other news, we have a new ram and will be hopefully be expecting lambs early in 2011. firewood is neatly stacked with another 8 cord to cut and split. we had our first fire in the wood stove last sunday. so very good. flower gardens have been put to bed, and now we wait for the millions of oak leaves to turn and fall. still preparing for a show just before thanksgiving, and stocking the online store soon.

i'm thinking about a giveaway sometime in the next two weeks. a warm merino scarf this time and maybe a little something else for your reading pleasure. ok, friends. back to the sweater.

a new season

2010-09-30T12:31:00.003-04:00

the back-to-school cold thing happened around here. it has taken it's time leaving as well. but i think we are all on the mend.

i am so happy it is officially autumn. now, i'm just waiting for the humidity to leave. i want to wear wool and boots, and smell the smoke from a woodstove.

there has been fun fiber work going on here, a lot actually. scarves, framed landscapes, and bags. but in between it all, some other things i'm happy about:

these notecards by swallowfield. i ordered some and they arrived the other day. i've already used two.

there are still some straps available here made by erin. i love mine.

Stitch magazine. good work by some talented women here.

and finally, i'm thrilled to be a part of habit this month. so come on by if you have the time.

well, i'm off now. we are dealing with a pretty big storm system. hoping this crazy wind does not mean power outages. i've got some baking to do!

a quick fix

2010-09-16T11:58:00.002-04:00

but please excuse the wrinkles. last spring i found a thrifted Gap skirt that i loved which had a small worn mark in the velveteen fabric. i knew i could do something with it. flipping through an old Boden catalog i found this.

this skirt has been in my sewing basket for some time now, and needs a good pressing, but i think with a pair of boots this will work perfectly.

OK, i'm on to the next project; cookie baking and a stew for dinner. see you!

calling dibs and making do

2010-09-15T15:31:00.003-04:00

many years ago my grandmother pieced together the blue blanket above; a blue floral cotton on one side with a upholstery type fabric on the other. sandwiched between was an old blanket. it is tied in places and weighs a ton! my girls have argued over who should *get* the blanket once i pass on. (i don't plan on going anywhere just yet) . They are constantly calling dibs on items, the blue blanket included. so to end their bickering i put a new HEAVY blanket together today.

i found a thrifteed wool blanket on monday for the innards, had a nice piece of vintage floral, and made do with some upholstery fabric just as my grandmother had. this one too, weighs a ton! which by the way is what the girls love.

now, they both have one. hopefully they'll work it out.

i also shortened two cord skirts today, thrifted from last spring, and in the spirit of chris' boden challenge, while i didn't create a new item, updated another. i'll show that soon. finally, i put together some more landscapes. i'm hoping to have a new shop to offer those by october 1.

i've found inspiration here lately. and you really might want to check out this! i have subscribed! have you seen anything you love this week?

i'm taking the rest of the afternoon for some personal knitting. be back soon. xx

a sign

2010-09-10T13:58:00.002-04:00

autumn is in the air. or in my driveway.

a full weekend of curling and knitting. sounds ok to me. enjoy yours!

small amounts of fiber...

2010-09-08T14:39:00.003-04:00

...make small art.

4.5 x 4.5 hand-felted merino wool.

sunday show and tell. oops, monday

2010-09-06T12:57:00.002-04:00

we took the college girl back late last night, so i missed sunday's post.

so, hello monday! and a hat for nest.

(and i swear, my hands are not that freakishly huge)

happy friday friends

2010-09-03T07:32:00.002-04:00

we have a rainy end of the week here, but it's needed. a long weekend with plenty of wool work to fill some orders. i'll have a little 'sunday show and tell' as well. enjoy the start to your september friends!

under the cosmos

2010-09-02T08:51:00.002-04:00

early september garden

sunday show and tell

2010-08-29T17:04:00.003-04:00

some of last week's work:

felted wool. a little embroidery. ready to hang.

back to work

2010-08-26T09:24:00.004-04:00

we had a great three weeks away. i will admit, mentally and physically exhausted, i did not want to go this year and i took me about two weeks to relax. but the spring and early summer are fast behind me and things have been settling into place for tdwooldesign.

i am preparing for a large show in november as well as, sending items off to two local retail shops in a few weeks. i am also extremely excited to be included with some absolutely fabulous artists at Chapter Two, a gallery in Corea, Maine. it was a highlight of my summer for sure. and i have this gracious lady to thank for it. upon her suggestion i visited the owners. such warm and friendly people, and the atmosphere of the gallery is cheerful and welcoming. it's times like these i wish i lived closer!

my online store will be updated soon as well. and later this fall a little magazine piece.

Oh and back to the part about urchinmama, the bloggy friend above, we've wanted to meet for some time now and one drizzly morning it happened. though we had hoped for some sea glass hunting, coffee and hot chocolate with our daughters made for a sweet visit!

i may add a summer photo or two here for awhile as i linger in the last few weeks of the season.

college has begun for the oldest and the other returns to school next week. enjoy the rest of the week friends, and happy labor day.

indulge me, won't you?

2010-08-24T08:10:00.004-04:00

the past three weeks. these make me smile.

could you spare some time?

2010-07-31T07:28:00.007-04:00

i am supposed to be doing all sorts of things but sit at the computer, but there are things i want to share with you. i have participated with both of these sites, and it always amazes me that even my small contributions, when combined with others, can make such a huge difference.

first, there is this: craft hope. All the information is there to get you started if you'd like to help ConKerr Cancer, an organization that helps put smiles on the faces of terminally ill children. Handmade, cheerful pillowcases are sent to hospitals around the nation. chances are there is a drop off site in your local area. there are two close to me!

the second, is nest. again, plenty of info there to get you started if you are a knitter. check out the deadlines for each. i hope you'll consider helping.

i'll be away from the computer in the next few weeks. only popping in now and again. knitting, beach combing and not much else. there are three sweaters on needles right now. i know, i won't possibly get them all done, but the thought of not having anything to work on while i'm away disturbs me. another tea leaves, (started at my mom's because i had nothing else with me and desperately needed something to do), a lady kina, (my sister was working on one and i liked the pattern, stopped at webs and now have the yarn), and a button yoke cardi (yarn is from a debbie bliss pattern i have since frogged). plus, i have hand-sewing on my charlie bag, and some scarves to work on.

there were very limited shots to show you of tea leaves #2. but here you go.

ok friends. enjoy your weekend!

really quick

2010-07-27T14:47:00.004-04:00

libby wanted to sew. as she was gathering, measuring and cutting, i decided to do something with a skirt. thrifted a month or so ago, i had hoped this talbots linen skirt would grow just a bit in the closet. it did not. the fit was just not right, but the fabric...i loved it, so it came home.today, it's a bag. i happened to have some webbing (miracle really) and stitched her up. i cut straight across the bottom, turned it inside out and closed it up. i left the back zipper in place and added the band around the 'waist' and the handles. it was even lined. done.

ok. now i really need to get back to real work, but just wanted to show you.

more to tell you tomorrow. two projects you can get involved in during the next few weeks; one if you sew, and one if you knit. and my second tea leaves is dry. the buttons will be added in an hour or so. plus two other patterns of interest!

so i'll see you later.

sunday eve

2010-07-25T20:24:00.003-04:00

i've been back home for a few days and it feels very good. i love schedules, so sunday evenings are a favorite; a time to think of the week ahead, make plans and wind down after a busy weekend.
i've made my list to prepare for time away...vacation time. there will be a lot to do this week, but with less humidity then we have had in a while, things will go along easily. we have had lots of small summer showers, and while often unpredictable, i have to say i love them. they are often refreshing and everything seems to sparkle as the sun usually returns almost immediately.
here's hoping your week gets off to a great start. see you then. xx

for the road!

2010-07-18T11:28:00.003-04:00

i'm literally walking out the door in two minutes. i'll be back in a few days, but am packing this. a charlie bag. i'm doing a little slow stitching. it's perfect lap work when it's just too hot for wool. take a look here for more ideas and gorgeous work.
see you later in the week!

~

2010-07-15T19:28:00.002-04:00

hi all! i spent the last four days away with libby. she was invited to curl on her coach's team. a great learning experience. lots of fun and supportive friends. lib handled herself very well, and even came home with a pin.
i will be traveling again very soon, so i may not post for a few days. i am still working on hand-stitching some things and putting the final touches on some scarves. i want to show you my second tea leaves, but this heat and humidity has me staying away from the wool. soon, i hope.

there are some zinnias blooming in the garden. we're staying cool inside for now; it's nice to bring the garden in!

happy weekend. see you next week. xx

you have to go here

2010-07-09T08:58:00.002-04:00

i know. i'm late posting about this. a big draw back about having no internet while away. but i think you must really take a look at Habit. the flickr pool is here.
i have been enjoying what molly and emily began some 18 months ago. each month brings a new collection of guest posts. this month they have extended the invitation to all.
go look. i think you'll enjoy it. i do, so very much.
happy friday. enjoy your weekend peeps.

if you're ever on the penninsula

2010-07-08T08:49:00.004-04:00

good morning friends. after a week away, it's all about the 'catching up' around here today. so an early fiber post. handbags are in all different stages around here, as i gear up for november's show. i took some scarves and bags to maine with me last week. and i am happy to say they can be found, for the summer months, on Schoodic penninsula in Winter Harbor at Works of Hand, a small gallery shop of local artists from the area. If you're ever visiting that part of Acadia, stop in to see some wonderful prints, pottery, jewelry and handwork.tea leaves (number 2) is done and waiting to be blocked. i finished it last week and thought i would have buttons on by now, but i'm waiting until this humidity passes; nothing is drying.

i did stop at Webs last week and have some more cascade eco in my hands, but my schedule is tight as i have a writing piece to put together with a quick deadline, and a very last minute trip to a curling event next week, so...personal knitting must be put aside for a bit. and, as i said before, it's all about the bags right now.

stay cool if you can. i'm praying for rain. xx

officially summer

2010-07-07T16:26:00.003-04:00

simplify ~ maine '10

hazy, hot, humid and travel. happy july friends.

back tomorrow with some wooly news despite the heat!

some detail

2010-06-24T15:50:00.002-04:00

hand stitching on felted merino scarves

i hope to felt more next week before i head out for a week or so; brown, light pink, light blue and more. then i can pack needles and floss for some portable work. but it's a hot one around here. no felting in humidity. in the meantime, there are some appointments tomorrow which will mean a trip to the LYS. i believe i have a balance on a gift certificate. might as well go in and poke around. hope you had a good day!

the first one

2010-06-23T18:05:00.004-04:00

tea leaves. i love this sweater. i like the fit, the neckline, and the yarn. i chose cascade eco wool. i had to adjust my gauge, but am so happy with it. i went for short sleeves on this one. yep, there's another in the works. i just have a thing about long sleeved sweaters. i don't like pushing up the sleeves, so often they are three-quarter length. but this one is to layer over long sleeved tees (which i do push up). i also made the body a little shorter. the next one, which just needs one and a half sleeves and a button band, is exactly as the pattern calls.

i finished an application for a juried show later this fall. it took a ton of time, so now you know my absence from this space. but there are scarves with new details, felted wool pillows, and new jewelry to show you. watch the upcoming posts.

stay cool folks. it's hot here. i think a trip to the shore is in order!

happy weekend, early, again.

2010-06-10T08:05:00.002-04:00

just sharing wednesday's rain, which we needed, but the lawn didn't get mowed. oh well.
tea leaves, the green variety didn't get finished either. our shearer came last night and we got to chatting after she was done. but i'm heading to my mom's today for a few days, so i'll finish it up tonight. then in the morning i'll begin tea leaves, the white version. i'll have some time as she'll be spending a visit with her surgeon. things are anticipated to go well, so after this, this family hopes to settle down for a good long while.
anyway, i'll be back next week to show you my napkins. they are coming along slowly, but i like them. i ordered more wool yesterday...pillows! i can't wait to get started. i've been doing some colored pencils sketches to experiment with color placement.
see you soon friends.
happy weekend!

ready for the beach

2010-06-03T10:22:00.003-04:00

a tote.

from here...

i know. it says wastebasket cover.

i like it as a tote and the sashiko embroidery allowed for some quiet hand-stitching. i used white denim and a lighterweight blue denim for the handles.

and finally, i wanted to show you the napkin i started for my summer stitching project, but i just found the thread i was looking for...the buttonhole or carpet thread, so i decided to start over. i was using an ordinary heavy-weight product suggested by the woman at the fabric store. i like this weight so much better.

this is a page from here. a great book for some inspiration.

i have chosen blue napkins with white trim.

tomorrow the oldest girl turns 19 and we are out for some shopping, and i'm with my mom this weekend, so i may not be back here until monday, that means an early "happy weekend" to you all.

some sewing

2010-06-02T08:55:00.003-04:00

glad you liked the bleaching idea. the instructions i used are in martha's book. i think i would have removed the squares from the bleach a little earlier; she warned about that. but all in all, i like it. pretty inexpensive too. rounded corners and i sandwiched bias tape between the layers; different colors poking out. i picked that up at the thrift store too, so i had extra laying around.

i made a tote bag last week too. ( like i need another ) i'll post about that when i take a picture. i used an off-white denim for the base. then did some sashiko embroidery for the front and back. i think i'm hooked on that now! there may be some of that incorporated into some thistledowns fiber work later this summer!

i'm working on the summer handstitching...four napkins. for some reason i'm not thrilled with the way they are coming. maybe it's the jersey. i am not really a fan of it. i need to take a pic of that too.

clearer skies today, so naturally i need to get moving to fit in some yard work. i chaperoned a field trip yesterday. a good time with the kids at two great museums, plus four hours of knitting on the bus. yep, tea leaves is coming along!

and i can't wait for school to finish. 12 days i think. have a good wednesday all!

staying home

2010-05-28T08:03:00.003-04:00

i am happy to be staying home this weekend. i may pop in and out of here now and again, but mostly just plan to get some things done and rest with the family. and i am so glad it is friday! i bet you are too!

speaking of home, i didn't think this belonged at the goodwill.

A.G.S would have wanted it in a home...somewhere; so i brought it to mine!

whether you stay put this weekend or are out and about, have a great one! and please, take some time to remember those who have served.