Purl of a Girl

The New Normal

2012-02-13T22:09:00.000-08:00

Today was starting to feel like a normal day. The kind of day where I manage to get a few things done.

I made some brown sugar.

It's pretty straight forward. You add one teaspoon of molasses to one cup of white sugar. And mix it up.

Then put it in your prettiest jar and you're done. I only made one cup because it turns out I was down to the very last bit of my molasses.

I knit a little bit on my newest hat, Fenimore by Jared Flood in his Shelter yarn, colorway Nest. Not many stores have Shelter yarn yet, but Churchmouse Yarns does, so whenever I go there I end up with a little in my basket. It's the colors that really get me. And I'm partial to mousey ones like this.

It's meant to be a loose cabled tam, but because I'm knitting it it's turning into more of a beanie... here's to hope and blocking!

I also made some granola, did some laundry, took a walk, really ordinary things. But they felt amazing because I was able to do most of those things while someone else slept.

I won't say who though.

What a nice combination of genetic materials you have there!

2011-08-09T19:55:00.000-07:00

Where does the time go? I can't believe my newborn is a month old already! Walter Felix Chapman was born July 3rd, 2011 weighing 8 lbs, 14 oz at 20 inches long. Our labor together took about 30 hours and was started quite dramatically by my water breaking on my massage therapists table!

I didn't know what to expect from labor, despite taking a birth class and reading many books on the subject. All the research added up to the fact that you really don't know until you're in it. For me it was something I was able to do one contraction at a time. Trying not to think of the hours stretching in to days. Working through the back labor I was so very much hoping to avoid altogether. Spending lots of time in the tub. Laughing inside at some of the crazy noises I was making. Feeling utterly secure in the team I had chosen to be in the birth room. Being so very thankful when it was over. We're all very glad he's here. My gratitude to Jesse and Amanda for helping me bring him in to this world is immense. I will never forget the hours they spent laboring with me.

This month has really flown by, but it wouldn't have been half as easy without all the support we've received from friends and family. This is a time when people really reach out and I can only begin to say thank you to all the people who've knitted blankets, prepared a meal or stopped by to visit. As much as I love the little guy, he isn't a great conversationalist (yet) and it's really great to have people come over. I can see how parenting can be isolating and I feel lucky that I have quite a network to tap into when needed. Or as his Great-Grandma Stella said: Walter's lucky already. Lucky to have such warm family and caring friends. I know because I'm lucky too.

Happy Mothers Day!

2011-05-08T21:41:00.000-07:00

This is my Mom in 1981 with me and my sister in Guam.

Since my Mom was traveling this Mothers Day I spent the day at a Birth Fair and lecture by one of the most revered midwives in the U.S., Ina May Gaskin. It was a lovely, enlightening way to spend the day.

Being on the verge of motherhood myself, I'm not sure I've ever appreciated my own Mother more. She was the Girl Scout leader, the classroom assistant, the maker of Halloween costumes, and so much more. I hope I can follow in her example. I love you Mom!

It's On

2011-03-16T13:53:00.000-07:00

Just 3 years ago we had a little chant to welcome in the New Year. It went something like this:

We won't procreate in '08!

And we didn't. But then a few years passed and we decided we would.

So far so good. We are open to name suggestions. Although I have my secret favorites. Shhh.

A Year with Chickens

2011-01-06T10:26:00.000-08:00

It seems like yesterday they were just cute little chicks. I was able to fit all 3 in my hand at once! Raising them in the house was an interesting experience, I'm not sure if I'll repeat it or not this spring when I add to our little flock. Being able to see them grow every day was amazing, but they need a lot of care and the house is empty most of the day.

Eventually they were large enough that we definitely didn't want them in the house. Man they poop a lot! But they still liked to wander in when the weather was warm enough for me to leave the back door open. We'd named them Zizou, Oksana and Sarah.

I was pretty excited when the first egg finally came! It was brown and warm and perfect. Hearing the hens lay for the first time was an eye opening experience, I'd thought they were being attacked!

I could hardly wait to eat that first egg. When I cracked it open I saw it was a double yolk! I considered that lucky. Even if both of them barely added up to one of my grocery store eggs, the yolks were a much brighter shade of orange. You can see the comparison above. They were delicious!

The chickens even played a part in the scavenger hunt this year. We got points for "picture with a barnyard animal." Thanks to Sarah!

Unfortunately it wasn't all rosy pictures and fresh eggs. We lost Oksana, the one I named, to a raccoon attack late at night a few months ago. They took her right out of her coop, after a heavy rain the boards were loosened, they pried them open with their tiny hands and pulled her out. It was a shock to wake up in the morning to a trail of feathers and 2 confused chickens. Eventually the neighbors let us know they'd found her in their yard. The raccoons had drained her blood but left her mostly intact. I thanked her for her short life with us, shed a few tears and let her go.

I definitely felt I had fallen down on my part of the bargain. We had a tacit agreement that she would provide me with eggs and entertainment while I would feed her and keep her from harm. With that in mind we began construction of a bigger, better, hopefully more raccoon-proof coop. As a birthday present to me I was able to get my Dad and Jesse to pitch in.

It took awhile, as none of us are particularly handy. Dad had all the power tools and kept mysteriously taking them home with him, making it slow going on our end without him. But it's done and it's huge! I don't feel like this picture even does it justice, but I insisted Jesse be in it to demonstrate scale. We call it the chicken Palace. Come Spring we hope to add three chickens or so to the ladies. A proper flock with more eggs please!

Scavenger Hunt!

2010-09-29T12:11:00.000-07:00

It's nice to have an excuse to hop into a tub with 4 people.

Or have someone else brush your teeth for a change.

And go down a big slide as a foursome.

Thank goodness for scavenger hunts and Ms. Emily's 27th birthday! It was a lot of fun!

Pickles and dresses and weddings

2010-09-24T15:27:00.000-07:00

Meeting Emily after wearing her clothes and reading her blog was lovely. She has a very present spirit, you can tell she's really listening. I think she summed up the evening quite well on her blog. I had a wonderful time myself, which doesn't always happen when you're hosting. (Is that one of those things we're not supposed to admit?) But this time I had a chance to slow down too and try on more than a few pretty dresses myself, and even keep a couple. Thru the powers of exchange and barter I also acquired some freezer jam and homemade pickles, delightful!

I had a chance to wear one of the dresses right away at my friends Nicholas and Ursulas wedding. Who knew I'd start to like pink? Borrowing one of their Bella Umbrellas was part of the fun.

Jesse cleaned up very nice as well in his all purpose grey suit. Too bad no one took a picture of us together as we partied the night away at the Daughters of the American Revolution mansion.

A beautiful start to Nicholas and Ursulas married life!

Filly Trunk Show and Jam Exchange

2010-09-15T12:15:00.000-07:00

I've been so remiss in not posting this earlier!

Please come to my house tomorrow, September 16th for a Filly trunk show and Canned Jam Exchange!

More info here and here. I have a lot to do for tomorrow! I hope you come and bring some Jam or other home made tastiness to trade if you have some. The bounty of summer! I'll be making the last batch of Vanilla Bourbon Peach Jam tonight.

I've been perusing the new collection from Filly and I'm really excited to try it on soon! Hope to see you there!

Governors Island

2010-09-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Functional Beauty

When Manhattan becomes too hectic and you think to yourself, I'm on vacation I want to relax and stop sweltering in the juices of the city. Ewww. You're in luck! There is a respite and it is almost completely free.

Depart from the Battery Maritime Building, a historic ferry terminal near the Staten Island Ferry terminal.

Hop aboard with someone you want to spend the day with. Especially if they're a good storyteller.

In the middle of a story

Watch the skyline.

Enjoy the ferry ride. Especially if you don't get out on the water enough.

It's a short trip.

A Visit to Purl Soho

2010-09-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

Inspiration Wall

I was worried about finding Purl Soho in their new location. But it wasn't difficult, just a more bustling area than the last one. However, the moment you step in the door it's calm. This wall of projects greets you with cozy felt pillows, hand embroidered dolls and knit houses.

Hand-dyed Cashemre

Maybe it's the walls of yarn that insulate the store, but a kind of hush falls over people as they enter. They whisper politely in a dreamy state of project planning.

In love with Liberty

I fell into this state myself. A whole wall of Liberty Fabric! It was gorgeous.

A rare photo of Jesse without a book

Jesse was more into reading The Corrections, but he was very patient with me and the hours and hours I spent shopping at Purl.

And when it's time to go they'll ring you up at this lovely counter. I showed some restraint, buying one ball of road to china yarn and a spice felt bundle. I couldn't choose amongst the Liberties! Next time.

Beat the Heat

2010-08-26T12:25:00.000-07:00

When the city gets too hot you can do as the locals do. Find a shady park, preferably one with dolphin fountains, and splash about. Ahhhh.

Good to the last drop

2010-08-25T15:50:00.000-07:00

Shopsins was everything I hoped it'd be.

Thanks New York, for being so great.

Pics or it didn't happen?

2010-07-28T13:02:00.000-07:00

I hear you saying that oh internet and let me tell you I don't buy it.

This past weekend I trekked up to Leavenworth but not for the faux Germaness of it all. No, I went for the trees, a campfire and the Wenatchee River. Not to mention the chance to spend time with some of my favorite knitting ladies. Of all the joys Ravelry has given me the chance to make many great friends has been the best one.

We floated our inner tubes down the river while we gossiped about dating, drinking beers and dodging driftwood. We ate in a '50's diner with "world famous" shakes while a Three Stooges episode played. We talked and yes, knitted, for hours under the stars next to a campfire. We greeted the snorting deer who came to visit. Who knew they snorted so loudly?

On our way home we stopped at Gold Dust days in Gold Bar and found treasure amongst the motorcyclists and belly dancers. A lime green bonnet for Molly and a leather purse with two deer on it for me. Sang to 69 Love Songs all the way home. Arrived completely rested. Thank you Summer for finally being here, even without pictures.

Five Senses Friday

2010-06-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

I've never done Five Senses Friday, but today it seemed like a good idea.

Tasting:
Asparagus and Rhubarb! Maybe not at the same time, but they're in season so I'm eating lots and considering putting some by for later... Maybe it's time to try pickling?

Seeing:
Slings and Arrows, a Canadian tv show written by Kid in the Hall, Mark McKinney. Funny and whip smart, it was suggested to me for the rumby pumby but that's not my favorite thing about it. (It isn't bad though...)

Hearing:
Greenhorn Radio on Heritage Radio Network. A radio show about young farmers across the USA. I'm looking forward to discovering other shows on this network, just as a quick overview I see some interesting ones on eating in, brewing beer, urban foraging... The Greenhorn site is very cool too. Join the irresistible fleet of bicycles! (I hope to when the weather finally improves.)

Smelling:
All my neighbors roses. They smell so much better than mine do, at least mine are pretty and the chickens seem to enjoy eating the petals. :)

Feeling:
Blue Sky Alpaca Sportweight Melange yarn in Cinnamon. For World Wide Knit in Public Day I cast on for a Ms. Marigold vest. Odd Summer knitting perhaps, but perfect for the weather we're having! This lady seems to be enjoying it in warmer weather, lets hope I do too.

2010-06-11T17:12:00.000-07:00

So what did I actually get up to last Saturday?

I did volunteer at Beacon Hill Library as I do almost every Saturday. The program is "talk time" where we practice conversational English in an informal environment. This time the topic was medicine, which was more enjoyable than it sounds. Everyone has something to say about it and I learned a lot about many of the participants. I like it best when we talk about food. The Vietnamese ladies have a lot to teach me! And it helps me to be more adventurous with my cooking. I think I'm ready to make Spring Rolls at home, heaven knows I like to eat them!

The Bad Things performing at Georgetown Farmers Market on June 5, 2010.

Jesse and I also made it to the opening of the Georgetown Farmers Market. They had a truck with mobile knife sharpening! I wish I knew that before I arrived. I have many dull knives and scissors. Sigh. Next time. This is also where I learned about the edible forest that the Jefferson Park Alliance is working to build in South Beacon Hill. The concept is amazing! I've never heard of a such a thing. It will function like a park with a p-patch and recreational areas, but most plants in the park, even the shrubbery and trees will provide berries and fruit. What a cool thing to have in an urban area. The Farmers Market isn't just about food for me, in fact we only bought apples there. Feeling like part of a community, while learning about an urban forest and getting a chance to try out some giant hula hoops... that's why I go to the Farmers Market.

2010-06-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

I will never be able to do all the things planned for this Saturday but I can try:

Green Festival - I'm interested in the DIY zone and the Local Food and Farming area. But do I want to pay to go? Only $5 with a bus transfer...
June 5-6, 2010
Saturday – 10am – 7pm
Sunday – 11am – 6pm
WA State Convention Trade Center
800 Convention Place
Seattle, WA 98101

Punk Rock Flea Market - Two wonderful things combined!
Underground Events Center, 2407 1st Ave in Belltown. Starts at noon.
"The PRFM is a full on flea market selling everything you can imagine, including records, clothing, furniture, computers, stereo equipment, housewares, haircuts, toys, videos, bicycles, tacos, falafels, vegan treats, skateboards, political propaganda, information from non profit groups, book stores, artists selling their work, bike repair, baby stuff, tarot readings & whatever else we can fit into the space."

All ages until 8 pm
Market is until 6 pm; bands will play after that."

The opening of Georgetowns Farmers/Flea Market from 10 am to 3 pm.

So exciting for this neighborhood to have their own market, especially as there is a dearth of grocery stores in the area. This Saturday is the very first one, but they will be continuing every Saturday through September 26th.

Farmer Jane speaking at Third Place books in Ravenna.

I've been reading this book in short bursts for inspiring stories of women working in Food Education and Justice.

6504 20th Ave. NE

Seattle, WA 98115
(206) 525-2347

7:00 PM

Cost: FREE

Sustainable West Seattle Festival

Delridge Community Center from 1pm to 5pm: "a free community celebration featuring live performance, creative arts and environmentally-minded workshops, speakers, family activities, and over 100+ community organizations and resources for Southwest Seattle."

Need Saturday night plans?

2010-05-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

If I were going to be in town this weekend, I would definitely do this:

The UW Student Food Cooperative is looking to raise seed money to build a sustainable cafe on campus next fall! Come join us for an amazing night of food, music and drinks! Invite your partner, friends or family to come out and kick-start this community-supported project!

Menu: Spiraled zucchini noodles with spinach pesto, smoked asparagus, raw kale chips, roasted garlic white bean spread, local cheeses, and much much more.

Dessert auction (tables will bid collectively): To name a few... chocolate swirl cheesecake, gluten free black bean brownies, vegan chocolate cake from Chaco Canyon, or how about some home made truffles & salted caramels.

Local bands: The Foghorns, and Pillow Army.

Happening near Gasworks Park at:

OmCulture
2210 N Pacific St
Seattle, WA 98103

From 6 pm to 10:30 pm.

*Beer (from Fremont Brewery) and Washington wines will be available for those 21+

*Please bring cash or check for auctions.

Tickets available online thru
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/112864

*At the door, prices will be $15 (students) and $22 (general public)*

Doesn't that sound like fun?

I will be in Cheney/Spokane for the holiday weekend. Hoping to see some sun, go for a hike with a real geologist and get lots of knitting done in the car or at least read the oft-neglected book club book.

I won!

2010-05-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Wow. I won something. It's perfect because I've been meaning to do it, really I have, but it's so much better to have this extra push. What did I win? I'll let Annette of Sustainable Eats explain:

I’m giving away a pantry makeover! A What Not to Eat episode custom tailored for you and yours by me. Fun fun!

What Not to Eat—a Pantry Makeover

Go from plasticized processed to local, sustainable, nutritious real food!

Win a custom-tailored pantry make-over. I will come into your home and work with you and your family to replace packaged and processed foods with suggestions and recipes for local, sustainable and highly nutritious real food options.

Lower your carbon footprint, increase your nutritional intake, reduce your grocery spend and support local farmers all at the same time.

Together we’ll work on replacements or substitutes for the foods you currently eat to make you lean and green.

I have been trying to make changes here and there, but it's going to be great to have someone help me take it on all at once. I'm so glad I won! I'll keep you posted on how it goes. I hope Annette is ready for my kitchen...

This Week

2010-05-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Reading: Farmer Jane by Temra Costa. This is an inspiring book about women working in food production/distribution/education. And she's coming to Seattle June 5-7. Which of the many events shall I stalk her at? The UW bookstore reading? The Green Festival? Third Place books? So many options!

Watching: The IT Crowd I have to admit that Maurice Moss is my favorite. I don't know what I like so much about watching British computer nerds in sitcom format, but they are adorable. Seeing Noel Fielding as Richmond on this show just makes me want to watch the Mighty Boosh over and over again. Which I do anyway. I can't describe the Mighty Boosh, but I highly recommend it.

Volunteering: I already volunteer at the library year round. But this is a special time of year. The SIFF festival has begun! I'll be seeing, Micmacs by Jean-Pierre Jeunet of Amelie fame and Strange Powers the Stephin Merritt/Magnetic Fields documentary. And many more I'm sure because I'm so ready to nerd out!

Wearing: As much Nau as possible. Sustainable, comfortable, fashion. It's a good thing they have warehouse sales... Looking forward to pulling out my summer clothes but it's still too unpredictable for that.

Eating: Molly Moon lavender honey ice cream with lemon curd, whipped cream, ginger crystals and real bits of lavender on top. Delicious!

Loving: My chickens! They are teenagers now, figuring out how to roost and what is good to eat. They love bugs but aren't so sure about green vegetables!

You've Got To Know Your Chickens

2010-05-04T12:12:00.000-07:00

After a prolonged talk with the landlord, about urban ecology and stewardship some new members were added to the household. Chickens! I've been wanting pets for so long and Jesse seemed more open to the idea of pets who are also productive and just happen to poop outside. So chickens it is.

These little gals were mailed right after hatching and I picked them up and took them home on the bus. That was a wee cold trip for them, but they all made it. They are Dominiques, a heritage breed that is supposed to be good for beginners as they are docile and handle confinement well. And adorable to boot!

These pictures are their glory days of adorableness. I have to admit that they are somewhat smelly teenagers now, but the upside is they will be fully feathered and ready to go outside soon. Then: Eggs!

How to Deal with Global Warming Deniers

2010-03-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist posting this, because I have these days too.

In other news, soon I will really have chickens! Really! How many do you think you need to have to introduce yourself as a chicken farmer?

Cupcake Camp

2010-02-26T12:17:00.000-08:00

For those of you who love cupcakes and camp let me spread the word about Cupcake Camp! Via Cakespy. That is her lovely illustration above.

It'll be in Seattle April 10th but sadly I will not be in the country to enjoy it. I really want other people to tell me how great Cupcake Camp is. So go forth and do your part.

If Seattle is not your home base fret not, Cupcake Camp is worldwide!

Is February the cruelest month?

2010-02-03T15:10:00.000-08:00

It's that grey time of year. When everything seems to boil down to this one color. I keep pulling it out of my closet. All the puddles reflect grey from the grey sky. This is when I have to make an effort to pull the color in.

Here's where it's coming from:

*New internet crush: Color Me Katie
Too adorable for words. Watch a video, then go dance with strangers.

*The buds making an effort to come up in my garden. Grow, grow, grow! While I contemplate seed purchases from Territorial Seed.

*Cashmere I can afford: Colourmart Maybe I'll finally make Jesse that cashmere sweater I've been promising. :)

*The deathcake is here. Yum.

*Water aerobics. Yep, I said water aerobics. I've been going with my Aunt Jill and loving it. 1)You don't sweat! 2)Nobody can see the awkwardness. :)

*Remembering colorful trips from the past. Here's Jesse at a museum in Oaxaca, Mexico.

*Planning for future trips. In April Jesse and I will go to Iceland and Sweden. I want to ride the small, native, shaggy horses that roll around in the snow when they get hot.

It may not be too late to see the Northern Lights as well.

Ah the perfect skiing outfit

2010-01-27T13:04:00.001-08:00

Ah the perfect skiing outfit
Originally uploaded by Stampalina

Did I remember to sum up Christmas?

No?

This should do it.

Hope it was good for you too.

We went to the Falls

2010-01-07T15:06:00.000-08:00

It was my 31st birthday this past November, we went to Snoqualmie Falls to celebrate. I wanted to eat the famous Salish Lodge Country Breakfast, the one my mom had told me about over and over again. About the pinafores on the waitresses, the many courses of biscuits, oatmeal, eggs and bacon, the roaring falls just outside the window.

As a young woman her mother-in-law had taken her up to the lodge to eat the fanciest meal of her life. It was to celebrate her pregnancy, the fact that she would be a mother soon and that would be something they shared.

To celebrate my coming into the world.

It seemed only right to eat there for the first time on my birthday.

And the falls were in fine form. The sun was out enough to make the mist glow.

As fine as the breakfast was, my favorite parts were just this. Just us and the falls. Each of us lost in our own thoughts.

Then coming together again. There we are. (Jesse is taking the picture.)

A perfect way to turn 31.

For Nerissa

2009-11-17T15:06:00.000-08:00

Carly & Andys wedding was beautiful and lots of us were able to make it there. However a few people, like Nerissa, were not. So this post is for her.

See this beach? This is Golden Gardens the beach closest to my home. Even though I don't go here often, especially in the winter, I love knowing it's there. I walk the ridge above the ocean view almost every day on my way to the bus stop. The fancier houses keep me from actually seeing the Pacific, but I always look East to see if the mountains are out.

Carly and Andy were married at the Boathouse on the beach. Built in the 1930's this brick building is quite charming. It looked even more so with us dressed up folk in it. Don't you think so?

And filled with decorations chosen by, or even made by the Bride herself! She made this flamingo topper for the bride & groom pie. Yes, pie!

Mmmm, yes there were lots of pies. Pumpkin, lemon meringue, pecan, apple, I didn't get to try them all, but they all looked delicious.

The bride was lovely and the groom was dasher. Carly had both her parents walk her down the aisle, which made me happy as I did the same thing. They both brought me here after all and it felt good to be able to honor them equally.

I bet Carly felt the same way.

After the ceremony at sunset there was still a little sunshine left and it caught the fall trees ablaze.

The bride getting a little assistance in the shoe department...

to her Fathers' amusement. Can you see how cute her green Fluevogs are!?

Then there was lots of time for dancing. Which I didn't properly capture as I was too busy cutting a rug myself. But I had a really great time.

I really did, and I think Steph did too!

I do wish you could have been there.

See you when the ice melts friend.

Weekend Plans

2009-10-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

As usual I have many plans for my weekend. A plan in this context is a loose term. It implies activities I know I will attend, ones I hope to attend, and those I just like knowing exist and could only attend if I could bend the rules of time and space.

The Nordic Lights Film Festival is happening this weekend. In my neighborhood. With Nazi zombies. I should definitely be able to make at least one of these movies, right? But most of all the Nazi Zombies one, Dead Snow. But at 9 pm on a Sunday? Hmmm...

Also all weekend, the Leif Erikson Lodge Bazaar in Ballard of course! How can you pass up the chance to see authentic Scandinavian crafts and eat homemade lefse! I'm a member of the local Nordic Heritage Museum even though I'm not sure I have any to speak of... however I always enjoy celebrating with the Scandinavians. As I did this summer in both a silly

and more serious fashion.

I was blown away by the skills on display in fiber and wood. There were wool spinners, knitters, wood carvers, and lace makers. So beautiful.

There are always shopping opportunities and all the better when they are for a good cause. As is the Closet Treasure Sale which benefits the Dress for Success program. Helping women with low income reenter the work force by providing them with office appropriate attire. I remember graduating from college and realizing I had nothing to wear to an office job myself! I hit the thrift stores thinking how unrealistic it felt to buy a whole new wardrobe for a job that would hardly pay the bills. I'm glad this program exists.

Trumping all these activities is the wedding of Carly & Andy! So exciting to see these two get married. I've been watching them grow together for some time now and I'm very glad to be able to see them wed!

Where did the summer go?

2009-10-21T15:04:00.000-07:00

We did manage to make a wee trip to Bellingham.

There was brunch at Old Town Cafe with Clover, Dan & Courtney.

Jesse's having trouble figuring out the bill but we're not concerned as we're already full of crazy, delicious scrambles and omelets. I have many favorite breakfast joints in Bellingham and Old Town is high on the list. Rivaled by Mt. Bakery so fancy with its frittatas and crepes.

After all that good, rich food it feels good to get outside and get moving. Even though I lived in Bellingham a long time there are always more places to explore. This time we went down Chuckanut Drive to hike up to Fragrance Lake. There were good views of the San Juan Islands at the top but I was looking in a different direction.

Doesn't he look rugged?

We found Fragrance Lake and learned that it isn't named for an enticing fragrance, but rather after a person who may or may not have smelled delectable. It is a pretty lake though, it really sparkled in the sunlight.

I wish I'd brought a bathing suit as it looked like pretty good swimming.

This summer was hot and long, but once Fall came on it's been real serious. Which is too bad as I'm waiting for Bikeworks to finish building me a bike and I do intend to ride it. No matter the weather.

Down in the Garden

2009-08-13T14:47:00.000-07:00

I've had a little time to play in my new garden. More time than knowledge I'll admit... but there's always next Spring, right?

I really can't yet tell the difference between plants I want in the garden and plants I don't want. It doesn't help that I inherited this garden from previous tenants. So sometimes when I reach down to pull out a "weed" this happens:

If you look very closely you can just see a tiny carrot. So adorable we couldn't let it go to waste.

We even managed to share it, despite its diminutive size.

I plan to dig in this winter and study my seed catalog carefully. In the spring I hope to plant my own starters from those well thought out seed choices.

In the meantime the garden does contain pleasures that aren't food related.

To Secret Beaches

2009-07-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

Making the most of a summer evening at the beach near our house.

Rediscovering Canadian geese with visiting British friends.

Jesse getting his feet wet. (Though he says he doesn't like the beach.)

Graeme flying a kite, or just contemplating it. I think Graeme has a beautiful silhouette.

Alina relaxing on the sand. She's really not a baby anymore, but still adorable. All that hair!

Hopefully there will be many more beach filled evenings this summer.

Knitting Envy

2009-06-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

I remember feeling this way on occasion, but I've matured since then.

Is that laughter I hear? Okay, but I am a better knitter than I was in the beginning. If not much faster.

Learning to Knit from Max Alexander on Vimeo.

Memorial Day Weekend

2009-05-27T10:05:00.001-07:00

Since I spent the whole weekend with Opie, ahem, I mean Stephanie Kay Oppelaar. I'll let her tell you how our Memorial Day was, but I'll chime in by saying I had a really good time.

Weekend in a Nutshell.

Bellingham is always a retreat for me, but this was an especially calming and grounding visit.

Two Tickets to Paradise... Fibers that is

2009-03-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Besides the draw of Nerissa and Ian, lambs and goats, etc. Eastern Washington has Paradise Fibers. I convinced Jesse to indulge two of his favorite knitters in visiting this warehouse that is open to the public.

Nerissa has this devilish smile on her face because she has already been inside to see:

The Wall of Coned Yarn. However, she is facing the Wall of Sale Yarn and trying to make some baby knitting decisions. There really was a lot of yarn.

Not all of it was even coned, but I thought it looked the most luscious. Of course, we had to look at it all. Jesse meanwhile...

found a place among the books to get comfortable. While he is most at ease around books these were all about knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving, etc. and therefore more my style than his. Still doesn't he look happy or at least patient?

While the staff said their in store shoppers are sort of "red headed stepchildren" to their online shoppers I didn't feel treated that way. They were quite kind to us. Definitely worth a visit when you find yourself in Spokane, WA.

Lambs!

2009-03-02T12:38:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Jesse and I made the sojurn east to visit our friends Nerissa and Ian in the wilds of Cheney, WA.

Besides their lovely company there was the enticement of new lambs. Yes, freshly lambed lambs.

Now I wouldn't say the lambs wanted me to hold them, but I got away with it for a little while.

When they bleated, as this one was doing, their whole bodies shook!

It surprised me! But they didn't need to worry as mom was nearby and I was only interested in their fiber, not their meat.

Jenny's ranch had all kinds of sheep, an alpaca, a fainting goat, or was it two? A couple of big friendly dogs... I really liked it. She was very kind to show us city slickers around.

I think Ian and Jesse liked it too.

Don't they look amused?

part three

2008-12-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

3) Do something you've never done before. Repeat as many times as possible.

I've never taken a cooking class before and neither has Jesse, so we decided to take one together while we were in Oaxaca.

We decided on a traditional Oaxacan menu. We arranged for a class with Nora Valencia through, Las Bugambilias Bed and Breakfast. Nora took us to a local market nearby where we shopped for our ingredients. She explained how to find the freshest and best of the market.

This vendor lives in the hills around Oaxaca and had fresh picked her ingredients of squash flowers, herbs, and corn early in the morning before coming to market.

I was enthralled with the families working the booths together. Even the booths I normally wouldn't find tasty were attractive.

Sausages anyone?

Then Nora took us into her lovely home, the highlight of which I must say was the cucina. A dream kitchen in any home.

We made tamales in this happy, and many times blessed, tamale pot.

We also made moles, a soup and the stuffed squash flowers seen above. They were gone so quickly I don't have any pictures of the rest. But we enjoyed eating them very much in Noras dining room.

A lovely experience, one our friend Alvin has written about much better in this article. We've already attempted to recreate the tamales here at home, while not quite as good as the ones we made in Oaxaca, they were tasty enough to keep trying. I'm hoping for many more culinary adventures in the New Year.

(Doesn't Jesse look cute in an apron?)

part two

2008-12-11T15:13:00.000-08:00

2) Bring two of your best friends along with you.

Even though I had thought of celebrating la Dia de los Muertos for my birthday as a kid, I forgot when I grew up. Opie reminded me. She called me to say, we're turning 30. It's a big deal. We should do it together. She was right.

Opie got her first passport to make this trip! Here she is admiring a mermaid at the Santo Domingo Museum. Aren't they both lovely?

Opie and I have been best friends for 15 years. In high school we used to dream about going on trips like this, to see first hand what we were learning about in Art History. This was our chance to do that together.

Jesse is up for going anywhere, that doesn't have assassin bugs, that is. So I knew he'd be on board. Here he is in the Santo Domingo library which contains Pre-Columbian codices.

I know this isn't what the bookstore he works in looks like, but this is how I picture him at work. Surrounded by ancient leather bound manuscripts with a little smile on his face.

Jesse and Opie both have adventurous appetites, for music, food, language and culture. I'm so glad they wanted to go on this adventure with me.

How To Turn 30, part one.

2008-12-10T12:38:00.000-08:00

or at least How I Turned 30.

1)Find a country that celebrates a holiday on your birthday.

I've wanted to visit Oaxaca, Mexico since the age of 9 when my childcraft encylopedia told me that November 2 is Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead. It's much more fun than it sounds.

Celebrating this holiday means you remember those who have died and celebrate their lives. While keeping in mind that our days our numbered too and we should enjoy the ones we have. Part of the celebration is staying overnight in your families cemetery. We were lucky enough to visit two. One that is the main cemetery for Oaxaca, which is huge and old and another that was smaller and more intimate.

There was music and marigolds, a carnival atmosphere with food stalls and rides outside of the cemetery. Everyone seems to come out. Families stay all night with their loved ones, playing live music and drinking to them.

I found myself getting teary thinking of my grandmothers and grandfather who have died. Seeing people grieving and celebrating at the same time. It was really touching. I wish that we did more in my family to make a point of remembering those who have died.

Tilth Harvest Fair

2008-09-24T17:16:00.000-07:00

Zophie is one of my friends who loves to look at goats, chickens and rabbits as much as I do. And doesn't she look good doing it too?

So when we heard that Seattle Tilth was having a harvest fair we were all in!

The location for the Harvest Fair was the Good Shepherd Center, a location so lovely I had my wedding reception there last summer. While there is a beautiful 100 year old building on the grounds, at one time used to shepherd "wayward girls", this time we were purely interested in the outside.

And all kinds of kids. (Sorry for the pun.) Tie dye was definitely in vogue here.

You can't forget the chickens! I was fascinated by this tiny coop. If only the chickens could be happy on my tiny balcony. But I don't own one square inch of dirt. I'm sure they'd want something to peck and scratch in.

It was a beautiful day. I love learning about composting, gardening and animal caretaking. It keeps me somewhat satisfied while I wait for a little piece of dirt. I've been on a community garden wait list for about 2 years.

But if you can't afford to buy a piece of dirt, make your own? Jesse teases me about making my worm dirt. Or more properly, vermicomposting, but I'm happy to make my own dirt. I'll add it to houseplants, throw it over a fence, whatever. I'm happy to be composting indoors. It's the least I can do and it's like a new pet around the house! Well lots of little red wiggly pets anyway.

Thanks to Karen for giving me worms! (You know what I mean.)

Portland is My Kind of Town

2008-08-24T14:15:00.000-07:00

Had a little weekend get away with Jesse, technically for his birthday, but I was the one who really wanted to get out of town. And if I'm not going to Bellingham I'm usually going to Portland. So Portland it was.

We stayed at The Grand Lodge, a McMenamins place in Forest Grove, OR. In case you were wondering this is NOT that close to Portland... especially if there is a detour. After some turnabouts in long fields of corn we made our way safely to the hotel. It is a really fun place to stay, with lots of paintings like this:

(but less blurry) to commemorate the people who have contributed to the history of the area or the Lodge itself. There are also large metallic slides, leftover from when it was a retirement home for Masons. Apparently they were for evacuation in case of fire, but they don't look that safe to me! I even heard from a friend that her husband broke his tailbone on one!

The best thing about the Lodge is the disc golf course. According to the Lodge site: "The object of the game is to complete each hole on the course in the fewest number of throws and land your disc in an elevated metal basket commonly referred to as a disc catcher." For me, the goal was not to get my disc too muddy and to stay somewhat near the baskets. Jesse takes this pretty seriously, I think this was how I got him to agree to this trip in the first place.

He takes it pretty seriously. First the wind up.

Then the release.

Whereas I am more of a Sunday in the park type thrower.

As close as I am to the basket, that disc is not going in. Well it was my first game.

The first place we ate in town was also my favorite. It's the Little Red Bike Cafe on N Lombard. They serve delicious sandwiches and coffee.

I also opted for the Buttermilk Berry Shake. Definitely worth seeking out!

There are definitely yarn stores in Portland. We visited a few, but there are many more.

We visited Twisted PDX on NE Broadway. They have one-page reproductions of all of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s original newsletters for $1 each! I snatched up several including the hand to hand aran pullover. They also had several of her and Lucy Neatbys dvds. Some Japanese knitting books. Many beautiful shop samples, but I didn't take any pictures at this stop! Bad blogger.

However I did buy this pattern too, perhaps for next spring?

We also went to Knittn' Kitten on NE Glisan, it's a thrift, craft store! Can you believe it? Two of my favorite things combined. They had a variety of sewing notions, buttons, snaps, etc. Lots of vintage fabric for only a couple of dollars a yard. I am just starting my sewing obsession, so I'm trying to take it slow. I bought a few yards of fabric, but don't have pictures quite yet. Some vintage knitting books. For when I have kids and want to dress them like old people. :) With the names I'll give them it'll all work out. They had yarn, but shockingly enough I didn't buy any yarn on this trip. No one can believe it.

We went to The Dig thrift store, where Jesse bought a few clothes but I didn't find anything. The prices were great I just didn't see as much in my size. Definitely worth a look especially if you're in the neighborhood.

We went to the Mill End Store which is just fabulous. I was a bit overwhelmed. Their Simplicity patterns were 99 cents! They had tons of fabric in a warehouse, with a very nice staff. Their oilcloth was the cheapest I've seen. Jesse triumphantly helped me pick out this fig pattern.

All in all a great trip. I'll have more pictures of the spoils I returned with soon!

Belated

2008-07-06T19:03:00.001-07:00

Proof for my sister in Japan that I celebrated the Fourth of July in proper fashion.

Think of Every Town You've Lived In

2008-06-12T22:01:00.000-07:00

I was also able to go to the Bellingham Farmers Market on my short visit. Besides delicious crepes, honey, and fruit they have musicians:

handspun Spincycle yarn:

and what that yarn can become:

As well as Moth and Squirrel Toys, that share a booth with Spincycle:

and Rachel, a Spincycler herself!

Yes, there's a lot to love about Bellingham. I know Carly and Andy love it too. Just look at those smiling faces!

But I had to go home sometime, and when you leave Bellingham I suggest you do it by train.

It's a lovely view, hugging the coastline of the Pacific. If you can get them to show The Harvey Girls for in board entertainment I suggest that too.

My train was most accommodating.

Keep Bellingham Weird

2008-06-02T14:21:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was able to go to Bellingham for a long Memorial Day weekend. A trip that was long overdue. I find Bellingham both surprising and relaxing, comforting and ever changing.

For instance while hanging out at the Black Drop Coffeehouse I noticed this passing by.

Suddenly my everyday brown hair just became a little... mousier.

It's not every day you wish you'd bought a wig.

There's always next year, as this is an annual event in B'ham. There isn't a real reason for it, they just say its a Fun-raiser. I love this town.

But my real reason for coming up was Opie.

She'd moved to a new house, had a new dog and was slogging through school when I came up to see her. But she still managed to find time to take me to one of our favorite breakfast spots, The Little Cheerful Cafe. Those smiles mean we know we came to the right place.

This was the first place I ate at when I moved to Bellingham for college in 2000. Like a lot of Bellingham it has changed, but it's still colorful and funky. Decorated with cancan girls, mermaids and even a pterodactyl kite

And I had the chance to get better acquainted with Opies' friend Chase.

Can't you just tell he's fun? I certainly thought so, and this is an especially good thing to know as Chase will be accompanying us on an Opie/John/Jesse/Kat trip to Oaxaca, Mexico in the Fall.

Opie and I are turning 30. Yes, 30. And to celebrate we are taking a trip I've wanted to take for a long time. I've always wanted to celebrate my birthday in Mexico, as it is Dia de los Muertos. 30 seems like an especially good birthday to realize some dreams.

Playing Tourist

2008-04-13T10:33:00.001-07:00

Saturday I played tourist in my own town.

I got up early on the sunniest day of the year, so far and headed to Pike Place Market. Just enjoying seeing so many people out soaking up the sunshine, walking their dogs and showing off their babies. I walked through Post Alley and appreciated the various graffiti and collages, enjoying how they play off eachother and contine to change with time.

Then I walked North to the Olympic Sculpture Park. It was a little further away from downtown than I thought it would be, but worth every step. This view is from a pedestrian bridge on the way.

I love how Mt. Ranier seems above it all, mightier than the largest stadium, more majestic than any shipping crane and more mysterious than the ferry boats.

Here's the waterfront portion of the park with the Olympic mountains in the background. It's still a new park, the grass is coming in and the whole place feels very manicured.

I saw two security guards on foot and one in a golf cart. Seemed like a lot of supervision for the laidback tourists. Certainly for one knitter.

This guy and I had the same idea for a shot. I imagine his is improved for my not being in it. ;)

I made a little progress on the sock I started. It's a very simple, just go round and round type of sock using some long ago purchased Koigu, colorway Thanksgiving I believe. Since this picture I've made it to the heel!

I finished off my downtown adventures at Anthropologie where I managed to find pants for $10! And a cute new robe, for considerably more. Not to mention that later that evening I went to my first Gay Bingo.

It was such a good day that I almost don't mind the wicked sunburn I have, in April.

Hilltop Fire Sale

2008-03-03T10:48:00.000-08:00

For those of you who survived you don't need to hear the tales of glory.

For those of us who weren't there, we never got to test our mettle.

I bring you, the Hilltop Fire Sale.

People were lined up for hours before the store opened.

I'm not sure anything like this had ever happened on Queen Anne before.

Once the doors opened the store was instantly wall to wall people.

Congratulations to the stash enhancers! I've seen your haul on ravelry. :)

If you see me at Hilltop I'll be the one behind the register trying to reorder yarn as fast as I can. :) There's some books, patterns and needles still left on sale.

We'll see you all again as soon as you've recovered!

*All pictures are from Martine as I was a big chicken, at home knitting in my pjs.

Chilly Hilly

2008-02-24T22:22:00.000-08:00

Today was the annual Chilly Hilly bike ride on Bainbridge Island. Now I'm not in shape to bike 33 miles and truth be told I don't even own a bike. However, that didn't keep me from being part of the support team!

Some Hilltop knitters rode in the race and some more of us chose to support them by shopping for yarn and fabric, as well as eating some delicious food.

Here's Shannon enjoying a beverage after the race. Which is actually a tiny dessert.

I managed to find a little something to treat myself with, isn't it pretty?

It's a dark chocolate tart filled with caramel and a mocha on the side. Yum.

I also managed to wear my new favorite sweater.

Obviously, Seth likes it. Or he's just proud that he actually did bike 33 miles.

I'm especially proud of these darts.

I started with the Boatneck Bluebell pattern from Fitted Knits by Stefanie Japel, and then I went my own way. This yarn is so beautiful I didn't think it needed much embellishment.

The yarn is a worsted weight merino from Spincycle Yarns, in the "Castaways and Cutouts" colorway. It goes with everything I own.

Progress!

2007-12-30T20:04:00.000-08:00

I have been knitting, and even finishing a few things. Knowing the end of the year is coming soon, I've felt a frenzy to be productive and finish projects that languished during the year.

These have been waiting the longest, over a year. I know they look deceptively simple, but there are little fingers hiding inside those paws and since I always knew they were a gift I'd been less inclined to finish them.

Here they are in progress:

I'm so glad they're done and now I can think about doing a pair for myself!

In the meantime I made a pair of quickies for me:

These are Wonder Warmers from Spincycle Yarns using their single ply worsted merino wool.

I also made a hat for myself:

(Sorry for the dark picture.) It's the Virgo Hat from Spincyle in their single ply worsted merino wool, colorway "rusted rainbow." I call mine the Scorpio hat, since I was born in November.

Lest you think I only knit small things I also finished this:

The pattern is the"Jane Origami Crossover Sweater" from Perl Gray. The yarn is Ottawa from Fleece Artist and it's quite delicious. Hilltop is selling them in kits and I made this one as a store sample.

Thanks to Monica for taking this picture.

Now I am pondering what to knit next... Any suggestions?

A Well Loved Object

2007-11-07T01:03:00.000-08:00

I consider this humble i-pod cosy to be one of the most successful things I've ever knit.

The reason is simple. What you see before you are the contents of Jesses' pockets. A minimalist, not a lot of stuff is in there, only the bare essentials. Keys, wallet, pen and i-pod, not complete without its cosy. Everywhere he goes, this cosy goes and so a handknit piece of me goes too.

It makes me want to knit a fine layer of cosy for many treasured, small objects.

Achtung

2007-11-05T22:53:00.000-08:00

My friend and co-worker, Jenny Chase-Rappaport is participating in the Queen Anne Artists Trunk Show this Saturday November 10th from 11-4pm with her unique hand crafted toys and accessories for all ages. Her booth will be "Rocket Boy and Danger Dog Knits."

Come by and check out her wares!

The Awful Truth

2007-11-04T22:08:00.000-08:00

I love Ravelry just like every other knitter/crocheter I know.

My only problem with it, is that it is forcing me to confront how many unfinished objects I have or at least how many I'm willing to own up to...

Currently we have:

Pop Up paws for a friend of Jesses.

The yarn was free and is not colors I would normally use, so I had no problem making it into a gift. I had never made fingers or even half fingers before and thought it would be neat to try. Ok, it was neat but tedious and I dread the thought of doing another. Then, the friend began to nag us, a lot. I asked Jesse to remind her that I don't have hand knit gloves of any kind. That it is a gift and one shouldn't rush hand knit gifts. The more she nags the less I want to knit it...

An adorable teddy bear for an adorable niece. The A is for Alina. The bear is from Unusual Toys for you to Knit and Enjoy. Embarrassingly enough I keep losing the little pieces of it, all those arms, legs, and ears... sheesh.

One for the store. Beautiful pattern, beautiful yarn... tons of short rowing and stockinette. And now I'm at the point where I should be picking up stitches. Hmmm...

Another for the store... the yarn is beautiful, it's hand dyed Handmaiden, but the pattern. Oh this pattern is not good. Bad, bad pattern writer. Names withheld to protect those I don't want to insult. But, what could a person have against a provisional cast on?

Ok, those are the ones I can bring out into the light.

I know I'm not the only one.

I'll see you on Ravelry, I'm Stampalina there.

Birthday Flowers

2007-11-04T00:31:00.001-07:00

Birthday Flowers
Originally uploaded by Stampalina

Someone brought me flowers home from work for the very first time.

My day does not end at midnight

2007-11-03T00:57:00.000-07:00

but officially my birthday does.

It was a good one, a mellow one. Which is what I needed.

Jesse and I had some good time on the road to and from Bellingham. I go to pick the music on the ipod and, as usual, he did all the driving.

We drove North to spend time with Opie. Had brunch at one of my favorite spots in town, Mount Bakery. Although none of us was hungry enough to try their crazy Eggs Benedict, which come served on a Belgian Waffle. Next time I'll resolve to show up hungrier.

We hung out at a fabric store and fondled various things. Steph bought fabric to make many aprons. I had the good luck to not only be included in this generous apron making and giving, but also have the chance to learn something by watching Steph work on them later.

We stopped by Goodwill and found many $3 finds. I now have more sweaters in my wardrobe to counteract the chill, does it feel like snow to anyone else? I know it's too early, right? Please say yes. I live and work on top of two separate, large hills...

We ended the evening with a large Stephmade dinner including many of my favorite things, eggplant, kalamata olives, parmesan, pesto, garlic and pasta. I also got to love up her pets quite generously, especially Wyatt as I do have a tendency toward the felines.

Most of all I had a chance to breath a bit easier. To share some of the load I've been carrying and hopefully to do the same for her. There is an ease in being with someone who has known you nearly half your life. A comfort to just being able to be with someone.

We're 29 now and while it's a bit of a shocker I think we can handle it. Especially if we're able to see each other once in awhile.

NaBloPoMo

2007-11-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

Jesse and I were supposed to have a get away to Portland this weekend. Unfortunately, a combination of his work and the upcoming holidays means he couldn't get away.

I'm still going to Bellingham for my birthday, to spend some quiet time with my best friend. It's one of my favorite places and she's one of my favorite people, I'm looking forward to it.

After that I'm looking forward to a little time here:

You can barely tell, but peeking out from the left and from the right, is my new craft space! There is yarn, a sewing machine, a paper cutter, my own craft centered bookcase and most importantly a large table. I'll show you more pictures when things are a little more together.

Here's another corner for now:

I'm hoping for some quiet moments to put things in their right places. There are pieces of me that haven't been in the right places lately. I've been walking around with my shoulders tight and my tongue sharp. I have a particular knot at the base of my neck that has been throbbing. I'm trying to unclench.

I tidy and nest when I feel this way. What do you do?

I'm being followed by a rain shadow

2007-10-23T17:44:00.000-07:00

Jesse and I went East for a restful weekend of visiting friends and family. I enjoyed getting out of town, he does all the driving- so guess who does all the knitting!

The drive is pretty, we started out in the Cascades

held our breath at The Gorge

and were in the land of wheat before we knew it.

We went to Spokane, which as everyone knows is where they keep:

The Hot Carly. I looked around, but my college roommate was in North Carolina. Not Spokane.

We found plenty of hotness however, in nearby Cheney.

Yes, that's Nerissa and I at the hardware store. We can have a good time anywhere.

It was a short trip, but with blue sky, pumpkin pie and these smiling faces

we'll be back for another visit as soon as we can. Which is pretty much as soon as the snow melts. Let's hope for a short winter shall we?

The Silver Fox

2007-10-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

We've seen the sweater go from this:

To this:

And finally, we have this:

Doesn't he look regal?

That's my Dad, finally modeling his long awaited sweater. It's knit from Lopi, a rough icelandic wool. I may never knit with it again, but I feel better knowing he appreciates its scratchiness. He feels its rough texture and knows it will last through years of hunting and fishing.

He really does like it and that makes my rough hands and hours of hauling around a large sweater, just to finish that last sleeve, worth it.

Pattern from The Knitters Handy Book of Sweater Patterns by Ann Budd. Which despite the bottom up raglan directions is an excellent book. Just look at the results!

Have I mentioned the quilt?

2007-10-04T22:36:00.000-07:00

In all the hubbub with getting married and moving and whatnot I don't think I ever posted about our wedding quilt. If I did it couldn't have been a sufficient post as I don't remember it. And I think this deserves its own post.

Jesse's mother and grandmother, Diane and Stella, made this quilt for us.

I was allowed to choose the colors, because even though it's our quilt, Jesse already has a beautiful quilt that was made just for him. This one was for us, but I really felt like it was for me. A welcome into the family. And what a beautiful one.

The colors I chose aren't the usual palette for Stella or Diane. Looking through their generous fabric stashes I only saw hints of the colors I wanted. Dark reds and aqua blues I said. Rusts in the ocean. Diane looked at me funny, but I don't think anyone could argue with the result.

Thank you Diane and Stella. I love it.

It's Friday

2007-09-14T11:21:00.000-07:00

Enjoy a little feist.

Unpoofen Man Sveater

2007-09-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to knit a man sweater. Not just any man sweater of course but one comfortable AND interesting. One that a man of a certain age can wear. One that won't drive me crazy. One for my Dad.

His birthday is today and before you go thinking I'm all thoughtful, you should know: this is a sweater I may have promised him a birthday or two ago.

Indeed I may have shown him a knit back o' sweater just to prove my fidelity to this project, when in reality I had none. That sweaterback proved to me the whole damned thing was coming out far too large and I had to rip it out. The Lopi I picked to match his silvery blue eyes was not too kind to my hands either.

That being said, I picked up the offending Lopi again and somehow it seemed softer. I began knitting it, in summer (think on that, Lopi wool + sweater+ humidity) and I've made some progress. Hello armpits! Never have I been so happy to see you.

Tonight my family is going to the ballpark and I'm going to knit my heart out on this one. Depending on how the Mariners play I may even finish it off. Unfortunately the old man was called away on business, so he won't be with us, but that will just give me more time to sew in ends and give it a wash.

This boring knit has been a welcome respite from moving, job hunting, etc. It also feels good to finish up some knitting I've been feeling guilty about. I have a few more things on that list and then, then I will knit guilt free!

Memed

2007-08-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

The Duchess of Yarnnation, has posted a meme and I've been tagged, umm about 3 months ago. Yes. So let it begin:

Which of your finished projects are you most proud of?

My wedding dress! Mostly because I finished it on time. I'm thinking now that I'd like to separate the top and bottom so I can wear it more often, as it will be less dressy then.

Which of your UFO’s is never going to see the light of day again?

Oh so many. What jumps to mind are some felted slippers using Lambs Pride that I hate the color of. An odd lavender... Nerissa finished hers though in fuschia, embroidered them and they were adorable.

What is the most unusual place you have ever purchased yarn?

Paris? London? Hmm... actually it's probably a stand that sells imported carpets at the Fremont Public Market. They had some recycled Sari Silk that I couldn't resist and of course I have no idea what to do with it.

What is the most money (plastic or real) you have ever dropped on yarn at one time?

I doubt more than $200, in a go.

Where is the craziest place(s) you have whipped out your needles?

I got the most guff about it on a train in London. Apparently people don't knit in public there!

What is the most unique project you have ever undertaken?

Well my wedding dress has been the most "mine" yet. Though knitting for McDonalds was definitely unique. I still see signs with my mittens on them, strange.

I don't want to tag people, but if you want to jump in (Pip, Quinn?) go ahead!

Be We in Paris or in Lansing...

2007-08-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

I feel summer coming to a close. The weather is getting a touch cooler every day and I find myself wanting to fix this summer in my mind.

Not that I could forget:

Knitting my wedding dress at my Grandmas' bedside. Watching each of my friends discover Woodstock anew. Jesses' face when he read his vows to me.

I wouldn't forget that.

But I might forget the smaller moments, like blackberry picking with Steph, Zophie and Quinn.

Even if I did draw a little blood for my troubles.
I also got plenty of pie and freezer jam out of it.

And Nerissa Hula Hooping it up with Milo... I wouldn't forget that.

It's been a good summer.

Here's to hoping I can squeeze the best out of the next few weeks.

*Blackberry picking photos taken from quinnwick.com .

Interweave Fall Preview

2007-07-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

Oh that Eunny Jang, why does she haunt me so?

Doesn't she know about the unfinished projects I already have languishing? I have no room for more m'dear... but those cables. Oh those cables.

I think my mind is still on vacation

2007-07-24T17:18:00.000-07:00

I love Seattle, but today I'm dreaming of a day in New York with nothing better to do than eat bagels in Central Park.

Reception

2007-07-23T13:24:00.000-07:00

The reception was a mellow, pleasant picnic where the weather held off enough to prevent an actual downpour. Kids were (mostly) free to run around and adults were free to eat all the blackberry cobbler they wanted.

Here's some of the Hilltop crew doing just that.

And here are many of us with the beautiful blanket they knit for Jesse and I! I believe it's from Mason Dixon Knitting.

That's Karen, Martine, Jenny, Jesse, Betsy, me, Teresa and Daphne (some of the knitters involved are not pictured here). It's adorable and because of the coolness of this summer I've already begun to use it!

Thank you all for the lovely handmade gift to warm our home.

*EDIT* All pictures by Seth Howard.

Brooklyn Finds

2007-07-20T09:57:00.000-07:00

One of the places I was most proud to find independently in New York was the Ohio Knitting Mills in Brooklyn. It's a store full of never worn vintage sweaters from the 1940's through the 1970's. The owner apparently bought a warehouse full and is using it to stock his store.

The wares not only stock his store but parts of the original Ohio knitting mill used to manufacture these sweaters are furniture and Christmas work party pictures from the forties decorate the walls.

Not only is it beautiful as a snapshot in time, but you just might get a great deal. The sweaters themselves aren't cheap, but after asking about a table of ribbon in a corner I got a great price per spool. Let's just say I filled my backpack up without a second thought.

Ohio Knitting Mills
231 Smith St.
Brooklyn, NY
718.596.7103

Open Wed-Sat 12-8, Sun 12-6

My sis and I also made it to the Etsy Labs. They were hosting an open house, "Cupcake Day" where cupcakes were served and crafted up on totes, pillows, etc.

That's my sis staring down a giant owl. There were lots of supplies for jewelry making, sewing, knitting, crochet, and general craftiness. It was cool to see the hub of etsy and so many people crafting together. (Note the cupcake bag, adorable!)

Next time I hope to go to the Make Workshop and Craft Lab.

Ta Da!

2007-07-17T17:21:00.000-07:00

There have been lots of questions about the dress and so I'm finally posting a picture of it- proof I finished before the wedding. I'm not all dressed up yet, this is in fact a picture of the girls getting ready in the boudoir. Oooh la la!

Still, not too bad eh?

I was pretty happy with it considering how much I strayed, improvised, from the original pattern. It's a combination of Rowans' Butterfly, Alhemys' Ingenue and my own pattern. I used Debbie Bliss Pure Silk and Rowan Kidsilk Spray.

Also if you've read this far you deserve to be reminded about the Half Price Knit Night happening on Capitol Hill tomorrow at 7pm - around 10pm. Let me know if I'll see you there!

Purl Visit

2007-07-16T14:28:00.000-07:00

While in New York I had to take a half day to visit Purl in SoHo. Purl is not just a store (or even two stores) to me. I read their blog almost daily and it keeps me updated on a variety of fiber arts. I reread the owners book, Last Minute Knitted Gifts and am looking forward to her new book: Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts.

I knew I would enjoy my visit to their two stores.

Don't I look happy?

This is me in front of the windows of Purl, can you see the colorful displays of natural fiber yarn? Honestly, I went in, I drooled and I bought a magazine. That's it, one magazine. Albeit an expensive, imported magazine, but just the one. It could have something to do with the mountain of yarn I'm now catologing on ravelry... but I digress.

Purl Patchwork is it's own store just a few doors down from Purl.

Here are the adorable hoops I plan on mimicking one of these days...

Could I have the whold display please?

How much is that kitty in the window?

I didn't get away with just one thing at Purl Patchwork. No, it seemed like I had to have one of each. Not having much of a fabric stash at home made it easy to justify lots of beautiful purchases.

Now I need to get sewing while it's still skirt weather.

Halcyon Days

2007-07-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

I can't sum the whole trip up - but it was just what I wanted. It was swimming and picnics, fireflies and lightning storms, dancing and laughter. It was a really good time.

This is the view from our "love cottage", where Jesse and I stayed, towards the grist mill where most of our guests stayed. You can see Zena Creek to the right.

This is the ladies lunch Jill held for us the day before the wedding. That's Quinn, Clara, Diane and me (in the hat). We dined on the high lawn and the ladies shared advice, wisdom and wishes for our marriage. My favorites were the old adage "not to go to bed angry" and even better: to be adventurous!

More to come of the actual wedding, meanwhile I did find some New York City craftiness to get up to...

one is silver and the other's gold

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

First of all I want to remind those of you who knit on Capitol Hill that there will be knitting this Wednesday at Half Price books starting at 7pm.

That's:

115 Belmont Ave., E.
Seattle, WA 98102-6324
206.267.7777

Yes, I will be working on my wedding dress. It truly is a project I am being faithful too... at least in knitting. I feel guity if I knit anything else.

However, when sewing...

I don't feel guilty at all.

Sewing is completely different and doesn't hurt my wrists the way non-stop knitting is beginning to do. This is an old, old sweater that I love but I thought it could use an update. I recently participated in a vintage button swap and voila!

I've been thinking about lots of ways to incorporate the old with the new. With all the changes happening I find myself focusing on the small things, grandmas old buttons with newly swapped ones. The old and the new. The past and the future.

Hilltop Pub Knitting

2007-06-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

I have many knit nights and they all rotate as my favorite at one time or another. Last Saturday Hilltop Knit Night definitely won my heart once again.

Here's Daphne as the patron Saint of Sock Knitters and Bicyclists.

Karen and Brunson kindly brought me to knit night as I was feeling too lazy to bus. Imagine if you could get your husband to knit himself sweaters. Here's Brunson doing just that. Look at how happy he's making Karen!

I still love you, Jesse, but I do wish you'd knit me something, someday. The same way you wish I would take an interest in the Mariners. I guess we'll both have these unrequited desires to deal with. I think I can handle it if you can.

25 knitting days left on the wedding dress...

I'm going to need a lot more fun knit nights. Thank you ladies and gentleman for making one of them completely entertaining. Unfortunately I'll be missing my Thursday night one, as I'm babysitting my bosses daughter. Who is a lot of fun, but not yet much of a knitter. Let's hope she goes to bed early.

Yeah, right.

Shibui Night

2007-06-03T12:42:00.000-07:00

The shop had a Shibui trunk show back in March and bad blogger that I am, I'm only now getting around to posting about it.

Kalani Craig of Shibui was on hand to demonstrate toe up socks and promote their beautiful sock yarns. She brought many finished knits with her. It's always fun to see handknits in person as they shine in a way they never can in two dimensions. Here I am striking a pose in their silk and mohair sweater, "Transparency."

Kalani also demoed how their "Origami" sweater worked.

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All in all it was a fun night, full of tempting yarn and useful information.

Taking Form

2007-06-02T12:00:00.000-07:00

How's the dress coming along, you ask?

As you can see it's closer to a skirt than a dress right now, but I'm still feeling good about all the progress I've made. Of course I cheated a little by simplifying the pattern...

Most of it was knit while visiting my best friend in Bellingham on my own little get away. My old college town. It was definitely showing me it's best side over Memorial Day Weekend. Such a good small town vibe was in the air and everyone seemed to be in a good mood with the beautiful weather and long weekend.

We got crafty, knitting, sewing and dyeing more slips! I'm sure to be outfitted nicely for summer- as it is shaping up to be a hot one. My goal is to have a few extra, add some lace, buttons, etc. and see about selling or trading some. I've also had an idea with needlefelting that I need to develop.

In other areas of wedding progress- we have a photographer (thank you Corina), my ring (thank you Zophie), a suit for Jesse (thank you Ruth), and an ordained Judge as that's double safe (thanks to Sylvia). It feels lovely to have so much support. To feel like you're not doing this alone. That it is truly a joining of not only two people but of their friends and family. Thank you.

Knit Night Reminder

2007-05-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

It's time to knit again at Half Price Books on Capitol Hill this Wednesday at 7pm.

Bring your current knitting projects and we'll provide drinks and snacks. I am thinking about encouraging this to be a charity knitting group. Any thoughts on that?

Hope to see you there!

Wedding planning

2007-05-12T17:34:00.000-07:00

I am having trouble finding a wedding ring. I wanted an old, simple ring. Unfortunately the one I've been most attracted to so far turned out to be from the 1930's and platinum. Therefore unaffordable.

I've thought about having a new ring made. However, I have ethical issues with mining.

Any brillant suggestions?

*best suggestion so far: Karen sent in http://greatgreenwedding.com/rings.php

Butterfly Lace

2007-05-02T16:44:00.000-07:00

I really am working on my wedding dress. I've been carrying it around with me everywhere and I finally have a little something to show for it.

However it does occur to me that if everyone sees me working on it, no one will be surprised to see it when I'm done! So this sneak peek may have to do for awhile.

Not bad for my second piece of lace though, eh?

Next up: beads. :)

Knit Night!

2007-04-24T16:25:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, my betrothed, Jesse works at Half Price Books on Capitol Hill. They have been trying to have more community minded activities at the store and they asked if I would lead a knit night there once a month. I said yes and now I'm scheduled to host one this Wednesday at 7pm!

There will be free refreshments and me. What could be more enticing?

That's at:
Half Price Books
115 Belmont Ave. E.
206.267.7777

Hope to see you there! But if you can't make this one there will be another May 16.

Finished Noro Object

2007-04-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

This sweater took a long time for me, over a year. I definitely learned a lot from it. It was only my second set in sleeve, I'd never knit a sweater side to side and it has my first all crocheted edging. Whew!

It's a little brighter than I thought it would be, but that's Noro for you.

Here's me enjoying it in the wild.

There are still enough chilly days left in Seattle to enjoy this sweater, and yes, my boots too!

McDonalds Madness

2007-04-01T12:02:00.000-07:00

I spent most of my knitting time this month making McDonalds Mittens. I think I could knit one in my sleep, blindfolded, without the pattern. They were quite simple to knit to begin with repeat a few times and... well we all needed some iced coffee.

Here's Shannon enjoying her McDonalds iced coffee with a nice mitten to keep her warm.

To get serious for a moment, I do want to say this blog is not a McDonalds commercial.

I did consider the fact that I am taking money from a corportion I don't respect or admire. For me, it's ok because it is money flowing in one direction. From them to me. I don't buy McDonalds products and didn't buy these.

If knitting a mitten is wrong, I don't want to be right. Capeche?

Let's not talk about fast food for awhile. Now that I have my hands back I do want to get going on my wedding dress. Remember that?

Indulgences

2007-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

I've had a lot going on in the past few weeks. I finished up my Teaching English as a Foreign Language course and attended a conference on the subject, I've been making concrete wedding plans, I've been teaching a knitting class, working 1 and a half jobs...

I needed a little indulgence. I needed boots. Handmade, Italian leather, boots. I needed these.

Yes, that's better.

Yes, I'm knitting in front of the computer

2007-02-21T18:10:00.000-08:00

Two videos with cute boys and wool.

Famous McMitten

2007-02-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

The secret is out... Karen and I were comissioned to be part of a McDonalds ad campaign!

They wanted us to knit mittens and banners for their billboard ads and we were sworn to secrecy.

We knit these mittens weeks ago, in fact mine (on the right) is the project I took to Utah with me.

Here's the knitting in the wild! See my mitt?

Where do the sweaters go?

2007-02-12T14:20:00.000-08:00

I knit. I knit a lot. So where do the sweaters go? They go to Hilltop Yarn, where I work.

Here is a finished Glee from Zephyr knit in Cashcotton DK by Nashua. So soft it helped me to forget that I don't actually like pink! Top down raglan = one super fast knit.

I knit this one even faster. My knitting group never saw it and I didn't blog on it either, but I did knit it! It's Green Gable, also from Zephyr, in String of Pearls from Muench. Zephyr does a great job at the top down raglan and this one was extra small so it went extra quick. (Again, for the store, not moi.)

I'm knitting all these sweaters for the store in an attempt to save up enough credit to buy a wheel. Yes, a spinning wheel. In particular this wheel:

Joy. I had a chance to try it at a Hilltop meeting where Megan taught many of us to spin. It's unusual in design, funky and quite small. I think it looks like some kind of musical instrument. I'm in full lust over it. Luckily it will take me a little time to accrue enough store credit to see if the ardor fades. Is this like buying a Ferrari just after one learns to drive? Am I nutty?

Yes, I am, because I just cast on for my wedding dress. Eeek! First time knitting a Rowan pattern and only my second stab at lace. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

2007-01-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

Utah was wonderful and lovely. It was my 3rd visit there but the first time it was for pleasure and not for business. Also the first time I was able to see more of the state than just Provo. We were up by Bear Lake, spending some time in Jim's cabin. It was a manly cabin, there's a reason they call him a mountain man. Here's ye olde welcome mat.

I was quite warm, despite the snow, thanks to the clothes Betsy lent me.
Thank You Betsy!

Jim built and decorated the cabin himself. The decor was mostly taxidermied and antlered, and I loved it! The antlers aren't hunting trophies as he finds them after they've been shed by the animals growing out of them. But the fish he did catch himself and we enjoyed having some for dinner.

There was a fire to knit by and a great view. Here's Jesse, Clara and Charlie on the back porch of the cabin. Behind them is Bear Lake and some of the hills where we went snowshoeing.

Alina really dug the cabin too.

There was lots to see while walking around, including the camera shy wild turkeys, moose and magpies. I did manage to capture some other picaresque scenes. Did I mention there was snow?

I loved the snow it was clean and bright, reflecting more sun than I'm used to, even in summer. As much as I love Seattle there are solid months of gloomy grey that I don't love.

Sunshine is no substitute for caffeine. Luckily we managed to find some of that as well. This lovely place even roasts their own and it was delicious.

We did stop in Salt Lake briefly before flying out. We looked up some genealogy and admired the architechture.

Everyone was warm and gracious. I hope its not our last visit to Utah, soon I'll have family there myself!

Glee

2007-01-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

A new year, a new sweater. A simple, raglan, top down sweater. It's Glee from Zephyr knits in Cashcotton DK from Nashua.

The cotton is combined with cashmere and angora, so it hardly feels like cotton at all. It's so easy I can do it even in my pajamas even amongst all my lovely piles of... what's that? Books, music, knitting supplies?
Anyway I started it a little over a week ago and I'm already way past the point in the picture, in fact I'm over 12 inches from when this photo was taken. It just looks better with a body in it then in a lump on my table. Soon it will grace Hilltop, as pink isn't really my color and I'd like some store credit. The holidays left my wallet a wee bit empty and momma needs some handpainted yarn. More on that to come.

Thrift store + chemicals = fun!

2006-12-29T11:17:00.000-08:00

Take one slip, preferably from the thrift store:

some dye, I used Jacquard acid dye in Russett:

a large pot and some water:

and the result is a slip you can wear as a dress:

Well, maybe once it gets a little warmer.

Proof that it does snow in Seattle

2006-12-29T10:34:00.000-08:00

Serene Seattle

2006-12-27T08:14:00.000-08:00

photo by eldan goldenberg

Saturday in Seattle

2006-11-21T20:15:00.000-08:00

On Saturday morning I met up with my sister for some belated birthday dim sum, her birthday this time, not mine. I wish I knew the names of the food I was eating... but generally if it has shrimp or it's fried I'm willing to try it.

Then she paired off to see the new Bond movie with some friends... I decided to pass on that and went to Uwajimaya instead. I knew this would be dangerous but I'm not sure I had in mind spending over $40. Hmmm, how did that happen?

There's this book on fabulous button jewelry:

Then this knitting book with nary a dud in it:

Lastly this exciting bit of machinery:

ok, it's a craft knife. But heavy duty enough for my shoe making class. Or so I hope. And yes, I am taking a class on making leather shoes. Yes, I am a Luddite.

Well I knew I'd kind of blown my wad for the day. So I thought I would just take a look at what was in Anthropologie. You know, for knitting design inspiration. On my way over I seemed to have wandered into some parade for Chinese Communism. No, I'm not kidding and yes I said for.

I listened to the band for awhile, but was not dissuaded from my capitalist trip to Anthropologie. I should have known it would be dangerous.

I did want a new coat and it was hard to resist 40% off of a sale... sigh.

And that's how I spend a Saturday in Seattle.

Fall Fashion Fete

2006-11-07T22:17:00.000-08:00

The Hilltop Yarn fashion show went extremely well despite my aching wrists and general feelings of sick. I did finish the two sweaters intended for the show, thus the aching wrists, even if I did have to cheat a little on the sleeves for one. Which would be this one:

The Simple Knitted Bodice from Stitch Diva. Notice how they're "capped" hmmm well they're meant to be lacy. I'm actually going to go back and finish them off now that I have the lace pattern down, I just had to see it in the show. That's our own lovely Megan modeling.

Here's Karen all snazzily coordinated in the Penelope Vest from Classic Woman.

Shannon working her own mojo in a Nashua Julia vest from Study.

Matching sweaters and glasses! Daphne and I in Cyd from Jaeger.

Lastly but not leastly, the crowd!

Thank you all for coming, especially my friends and family. Being able to make it to the show and see you all there made my birthday a great one.

Because I don't feel so good

2006-11-02T10:34:00.000-08:00

You should know:

nataliedee.com

damn straight.

Hilltop Fashion Show

2006-11-01T14:36:00.000-08:00

My birthday is happening this year on the exact same date as the Hilltop Fashion Show!

Which, if you're wondering, just happens to be tomorrow. I'm pretty excited to model, not one, but two sweaters I've knit myself. The first is the argyle sweater vest, Cyd which you've seen a fair amount of. The second... well the second refuses to be photographed well while in progress, but here's my latest attempt:

Ok, you can probably see that this sweater isn't exactly, hmmm, what do you call it? Oh, yeah, finished.

All I can say is I've made it past the lace and for me that was no minor feat. The lace and I are not friends so much. This was our first meeting and it took awhile for it to go well. I think we're on our way now, but I'm not hurrying off to cast on a shawl or anything. And I'm probably going to end up cheating on the sleeves a little, just so I can wear it in the show. I'll have pictures of it all I'm sure. As my Mom will be there and what she lacks in quality of photography she makes up for in quantity.

To recap:

Free Fashion Show
Hilltop Yarn West
2224 Queen Anne Ave. N.
206.282.1332

Modelling begins at 6:30pm, but I'd suggest coming earlier for a good spot.

My sister will also be modelling this week. Oh yes, we are fabulous. Her friend Tuan is holding a fashion show of his own designs this Saturday and he has asked her to model. At Arts, etc. I wonder if it had anything to do with her being tall and beautiful? Hmmmm....

Question?

2006-10-27T22:49:00.000-07:00

Did someone try to come to my house last night and didn't make it in? I'm so sorry, but the buzzer goes to Jesse's phone and he was unable to let people in. I didn't think of this when I invited people over. Please let me know if you buzzed and were left outside. I'll find a way to make it up to you, perhaps with yarn?

birds don't have careers

2006-10-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

I often wish I was retired.

I like the idea of puttering around the house baking bread from scratch and persuing the many crafts I seem determined to try.

In that vein I have begun sewing.

Well I've puttered with the idea before and I finally signed up for a sewing class. It went well, but my skirt was not completed in the course of the class. I picked out a swingy circle skirt in this fabric:

Wait, can you see my purse on top? Can you tell I like poppies?

I enjoyed how fast sewing is compared to knitting, but it felt fussier as well and the mistakes aren't as easy to fix.

I have an ancient Singer and am trying to decide if I should soup it up or trade it in?

And I actually have begun baking bread, albeit with a thriftscored bread machine. Pretty tasty though.

I knew the bride when...

2006-10-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

My best friend, Opie got hitched by the sea on September 30th to sweet, kind John. It was a lovely wedding with a rolicking reception.

This was my third time as a bridesmaid and I was glad to be promoted to Maid of Honor. It was a lot of work, but definitely worth every shopping trip and envelope stamped to see her so proud and happy on her day.

I always wanted to dance with the bride.

A Cyd Tease

2006-09-21T21:48:00.000-07:00

Ok, this is most of Cyd, but not all. I have yet to do the ribbing around the neck and arms. So just a partial shot.

That and a very messy kitchen...

Not going to have Cyd done for the Oregon Flock & Fiber Festival... but that's alright. It looks good and the weather is cool.

Next time updates from OFF.

sproogles.

"Frisbee Style"

2006-09-13T22:39:00.000-07:00

A snapshot of Jesse in Paris.

Alert!

2006-09-13T21:07:00.000-07:00

Saturday September 16th and October 14th
@Stitches
711 E. Pike St.
Seattle

Sunday September 17th and October 15th
@Fuel Coffee
610 19th Ave E
Seattle

I just heard about this local artist sale and would be happy to go if I weren't going to be out of town this weekend.

So who's going to go for me and tell me how cool it is?

I think I can make it the next time. Who wants to go with me?

Spincycle Yarns

2006-08-09T23:32:00.000-07:00

I went to Bellingham recently to help my best friend with her wedding invitations. While there
I was sitting at an outdoor cafe having lunch and some people at another table started complimenting me on my argyle sweater. Who doesn't love random knitting attention?! They knew their stuff, even the guy knit. It turned out the woman was Rachel of Spincycle yarns. When she introduced herself an image flashed in my mind, much like this:

And I thought, I know this woman! Or more accurately I know her yarn. Gorgeous handspun, hand-dyed, locally made yarn that she and her partner Kate sell at the Bellingham Farmers Market. Well, at the farmers market they wear more clothes than this:

Rachel offered to show my friends and I her spinning studio. I love seeing artists studios of all kinds, bookbinding, weaving, anything really where handcrafting is going on. We nestled into the small space, fingering the roving, turning the carder, and asking dying questions. She was quite indulgent with all our poking and prodding. (Thanks Rachel)

The only downside was that the yarn was already packed up to go to the farmers market... there wasn't any to be had in the studio. And I had to leave early the next morning so there would be no farmers market for me. But I'm resolved to go the next time I visit Bellingham and meanwhile there is always the internet : Spincycle Yarns

I don't really know the "spinsters" as they call themselves, it was just really great to meet some people who are living the dream of making a living with your own two hands. I thought I'd post about it as a small sign of support. May they have many more years at the farmers market.

Cyd

2006-07-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

The argyle is coming along despite the record setting temperatures. Here's the pretty side of Cyd (knit in Rowan Felted Tweed from Jaeger #JB31):

and here's the ugly reality:

It's not so bad, the tangles come out and I do find it easier than undoing bobbins constantly. I'm already dreaming of autumn, finishing this vest will have me itching for pumpkin pies, mulled wine and even a return to school? Hmmm... not so sure about that last one.

Stich N' Pitch 2

2006-07-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

The Second annual Stich N' Pitch convened at Safeco field Tuesday night. I wish I'd had more time to look around at all the booths but I was busy working our Hilltop booth. Here's some of the lovely ladies kniting for the crowd.

That's Megan, Daphne and Betsy.

Here's a happy customer toting Hilltops' felted ball bag purse:

More pics in a bit.

Summer in Seattle

2006-07-11T13:10:00.000-07:00

I've been so quiet lately one might think I haven't been up to much. Well let me let you in on the last few weeks happenings, in no particular order, I've:

* been to my first Lyle Lovett concert, at a beautiful winery with hot air ballons lofting overhead. "That's right you don't come from Texas, Texas loves you anyway."

* seen Barry Bonds hit and the Mariners win.

* celebrated the birthday of one of the coolest grandmothers I know. Jesses' grandma Stella had a huge brunch with her closest friends and family. I was proud to be there.

* spent the 4th of July with fireworks, jetskis and hot tubbin'. Thanks Suzy!

* made my first trip to this local spa/hothouse right around the corner from my place. Why didn't I know about this in the winter? More relaxing than a glass of wine and for almost the same price! Thanks to JoAnne and Stacia for leading the way.

* picked up (yet another) Drivers Permit. I think this is the 3rd one, but it could be the 4th. I'm glad Nick came along with me, you know, for the moral support. And the gelatto.

* acquired a deep fat fryer. Oh no! Oh yes! Think of the possibilites, fresh fries, donuts, and tempura whenever I want. There will be a theme party around this.

And just when you think I haven't been knitting anything at all I'll let you in on a secret: I'm knitting my first intarsia. It's an argyle sweater. With 11 bobbins. Eleven has never seemed like a higher number in my life. Here's the goal:

Yep, it's summer so I'm knitting a tweedy wool argyle pullover vest. You wouldn't laugh if you've seen summer in Seattle. I think we might have broke 70 degrees today.

Seriously.

Knitting World Cup

2006-06-14T00:26:00.000-07:00

Interesting article on Knitting for the World Cup from the Guardian, UK: http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/worldcup06/2006/06/06/kick_1_purl_1_1.html