Peace Love & Yarn

Foggy With a Chance of Clarity

2012-01-30T09:02:00.001-05:00

Our landscape was overtaken by fog so quickly that I barely had a chance to take this image. We were engulfed in the pea-soup variety in under a minute, then it raced off to blanket another nearby hill. I was struck by its swiftness, which then made me think how quickly the month of January has passed.

My trip to Vogue Knitting Live was 2 weeks ago, and I enjoyed being part of The Yellowfarm & Company's booth. It was great to see so many KRR friends, and thanks to everyone that stopped by to say hello! I've been planning for upcoming fiber shows, teaching a spinning class at The Spinning Room, and pondering colorways for our newest yarn "Stone Soup". This yarn is a 50/50 blend of light grey Romney and white alpaca - spun for us by Battenkill Fibers in Washington County, using locally sourced fiber. This line will be rolling out online in the next couple of weeks.

It's been a very mild winter for us up to this point. Each day that passes is a day closer to spring. I'm looking forward to the emerging colors, and am trying to devise a way to make the most pleasant moments of the day linger. All relative, as Einstein would say.

On The Road!

2012-01-10T20:13:00.000-05:00

This weekend, I’ll be heading to NYC to Vogue Knitting Live where I’ll be selling my handpainted yarns at the Yellowfarm & Company’s booth in the Marketplace. The booth (1016-1018) is on the first level, near the Yarn Tasting lounge. I’m really excited to have this time to meet with people, talk fiber, and spend time with friends. Peace, Love & Yarn will be offering fingering weight yarns in a rainbow of color, great for socks or (my favorite) lace!

There will also be a teaser of our new DK weight yarn. This has been in the works for a while and we're really thrilled with the result. Battenkill Fibers in Greenwich, NY has custom spun a blend of 50% alpaca/50% wool for us - all fibers sourced locally. This line is called "Stone Soup", for my favorite folktale, in which the whole is greater than the sum of its parts - a perfect analogy for this yarn.

Our new offerings tie in with the focus of the Yellowfarm's theme of "Local". Virginia owns the Yellowfarm and raises prize-winning Wensleydale and Teeswater sheep. Locks, roving and yarns from the farm will be in abundance. Cece raises of flock of Jacob sheep and has created beautiful hats (and kits) using lockspun yarns created from the fibers of her own sheep and from Virginia's flock as well. She will be demonstrating spinning throughout the weekend. And there will be other goodies as well...

We hope to keep the “Buy Local” spirit alive and well. Small farms, fiber mills, indie dyers and artisans of all types rely on the connections we make locally and out on the road to sustain our businesses.

Please stop by to say hello if you’re attending this event - we'd love to meet you! And you never know what new things we can add to your fiber addiction!

Another Trip Around The Sun

2012-01-03T10:15:00.000-05:00

This is our barn kitty, Mr. Fluff. He has been with us for 6+ years, and has taken the leap this past fall to venture into the house for 5 minutes at a time. This is big stuff, considering his first visit indoors a few years ago ended with him trying to climb up the curtains and escape out the (closed) window. As the winter goes on, I'm sure the visits will lengthen, and he may even come to appreciate the ~~overwhelming heat~~ warmth of the woodstove.

I never thought I was a cat person, but I am. Some would consider cats aloof, but I prefer to think of their attitude as the pinacle of independence - everything on their terms. My goal for 2012 is to move out of my own comfort zone, in my own quiet way - to dare to do things and not overthink the results. I'm taking inspiration from one of my favorite poems, "Fog" by Carl Sandburg:

THE fog comes
on little cat feet.

It sits looking
over harbor and city
on silent haunches
and then moves on.

May your New Year be filled with peace, happiness and health!

Randomly, on Friday

2011-12-09T15:34:00.001-05:00

Wednesday night into Thursday morning, we had 2 inches of snow. This was enough to topple transmission lines, and we were without power for 17 hours. Not so bad, we have a fabulous woodstove that keeps the house warm. The downside, once the sun goes down (4:30), it's dark. Candles are very helpful, but not helpful enough if you want to knit or read. Hoping to crank along on Christmas knitting while watching Gosford Park this evening. I think I may be able to squeeze in another project (or two) before the gift-giving begins. Delusional? probably. Will I try anyway - YES! I give New Year's gifts as well.

Thankful

2011-11-28T21:01:00.001-05:00

I continue to be amazed how the time between Halloween and the New Year seems to go by at warp speed. A week ago, I had the good fortune to attend Knitter's Review Retreat (again!). I am grateful to have had this weekend away - it's the right mix of leisure and learning, with good food and fabulous conversation. A special thanks to my mom who was able to entertain Alex, Alison and Pepper (the dog) while I travelled westward. Bob had last minute travel plans, so this was extremely helpful.

Thanksgiving was low key - just the four of us at home, picking through the afternoon on the way to dinner. Is it a terrible thing that my favorite part of the day was the brie en croute (which I seem to have consumed the lion's share of?) I spent the balance of my time working on an addictive pattern (Prana) from Clara Parkes' new book - The Knitter's Book of Socks. If you know a sock knitter (or any knitter, for that matter) and are looking for a holiday gift - this is the ticket. I love this book (and I'm not just saying that because I have a signed copy...)

This evening we enjoyed the remains of Thanksgiving in the form of turkey soup (I think Bob is sighing with relief). And now begins the journey towards Solstice and the holidays. I love the Winter Solstice for it's promise of brighter days. And once I click a couple of buttons to order some special gifts, I can settle into my knitting projects, destined to warm a person or two this Christmas.

And lastly, I'm thankful for what's been a very mild November, and sights like these that close out the late afternoon.

Walk of the Zombies

2011-11-15T08:17:00.001-05:00

The past 2 weeks have been a blur. There were so many things to organize for Bob's trip to China, Alison was in the last week of rehearsal for the drama production (which went off beautifully this past weekend), the new website is up, yarns are being dyed... Now I'm getting ready for the Knitter's Review Retreat. I've looked forward to this event for months - it is an oasis of fun and a place to unravel (seriously, there's a lot of frogging, untangling and skein winding going on). I have lists and more lists so that I don't miss anything this week.

This morning's adventure involved Alex giving an oscar winning performance of "not feeling well". I was going to suggest he try out for the drama club next year, but thought better of it. In a move that should net me the "parent of the year award", I handed him a Tums, a glass of water and shooed him out the door. It's not that I lack sympathy - I really know about not feeling well, but it wasn't in my plan to have him home today. His "unwellness" did not stop him jogging down the driveway.

I expect the school nurse will be ringing in any moment.

Night Out

2011-11-04T08:19:00.000-04:00

Last evening I cooked a pot of stew for my family, then headed out the door to a dinner/knitting get- together hosted by a friend. The food was spectacular and the conversation involved a lot of laughing. Knitting didn't necessarily take a back seat, but projects sat waiting for more stitches to be put on as their creators became more engrossed in the stories being told.

When there are so many things that keep us busy - work, children, the never ending list of chores, it's great to spend an evening out with friends. As the holiday season approaches and things get even busier, I hope you make time to connect with friends and enjoy their company. It's good for the soul. (Thanks Diane!)

Post-Rhinebeck

2011-10-18T21:08:00.002-04:00

Every year I look forward to the NYS Sheep & Wool Festival in Rhinebeck. I love the buzz and buildup among the sheep and fiber people, and the event never disappoints.

As the years go by, we find ourselves at different stages with the kids. We are currently in the "how can you be in two places at one time" stage. (The answer, by the way, is that you can't.) With a XC Invitational in Saratoga for Alex and drama rehearsal for Alison, Saturday was out as far as making it to Rhinebeck. That helped build the anticipation for Sunday.

On Sunday morning I got ready, picking out only one handknitted item to wear - a fabulous black cardigan with silver buttons, knit in a bulky weight yarn by my grandmother about 50 years ago. I stole this sweater from my mom about 25 years ago... It seemed fitting to wear this as a tribute to the person who taught me to knit (although my family now thinks of my knitting and fiber obsession as some sort of illness).

I thought we were all just grabbing coffee and heading out the door, but someone decided food was in order - bacon, in particular. Then it became clear that I am the only one who knows how to cook bacon, All was looking good and then Bob called me over to the computer to show me a very funny clip from the BBC. In this brief span of time, the bacon went from being "at least 5 minutes from being done" to "burned to a cinder". That's a new one for me. We were successful on the second attempt...

As is typical around here, we never seem to get out the door when we think we will. I'm almost over the sensation of building tension when I'm ready and no one else is. Because in the end, we had a great day. I ran into a lot of people I knew and was really excited that a neighbor won Supreme Grand Champion for one of her Wensleydale sheep! The shot above is one from her flock - gorgeous, no?

And so, another festival come and gone. Can't wait for next year!

Rhinebeck Around the Bend

2011-10-12T19:46:00.002-04:00

This is the lovely Deirdre DeSantis, new owner of The Spinning Room in Altamont, NY. Deirdre will be at The NYS Sheep and Wool Festival this coming weekend, Oct. 15 & 16, in Building A, booth 25. She is bringing along a selection of our handpainted yarns (which are hanging about right next to her in this photo). I feel there is good karma in this shot, as the yarns are flanking "The Knitters Book of Yarn" by Clara Parkes. This is an amazing book, and it has a brand new sibling, hot off the presses, entitled "The Knitters Book of Socks". Clara will be at the festival along with many other esteemed authors, signing books and chatting with all of us wool junkies.

I hope those of you travelling to Rhinebeck this weekend will stop by and say hello to Deirdre. Enjoy!

While I was at a XC Invitational...

2011-09-24T21:02:00.002-04:00

A few of my skeins were enjoying the Sharon Springs Harvest Festival. This event is continues tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 25, if you are in need of something fun to do. Please stop by this tent:

to support our local fiber farms. You can purchase raffle tickets for a terrific basket of fiber-related goodies. Proceeds will benefit those impacted by the recent flooding in Schoharie County. Thanks for stopping by!

Come Out and Support

2011-09-21T21:27:00.001-04:00

Our local farmers at the Sharon Springs Harvest Festival this weekend, September 24 & 25. Information on the event can be found here. This is a free event (except for farm tours, which I believe are already sold out) with vendors and displays through the village.

I wanted to direct you to the Schoharie Valley Fiber Producers table, where you can purchase gorgeous fibers either grown or dyed locally for spinning, knitting, weaving or felting, AND also buy raffle tickets for a basket of fibery goodness. Proceeds will go towards flood relief. As many of you know, our area was particularly hard hit by the flooding caused by hurricane Irene. We are committed as a community to helping our friends and neighbors get back on their feet. Please come out and support this event!

Feels Like Autumn

2011-09-16T07:48:00.000-04:00

The trees around here are still quite green - a hint of color here and there, but you wouldn't suspect that Autumn begins next week. Cooler temperatures at night are the first reminder that Summer is departing for another year.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth at the Madison County Historical Society's Craft Days last weekend. My kids enjoyed coming along and were a huge help in setting up and breaking down. We missed our favorite food vendor - eclairs and half-moon cookies, but still found plenty to eat!

And further thanks to Lynn De Orio of the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum who invited me to demonstrate handspinning at their site. There are several museums along the Erie Canal, each representing a different aspect of history along this important waterway. Their site was where barges were built and repaired, and the work that has gone into the buildings is truly amazing.

Now it's time to get into that Autumn groove - Cross-Country meets start up this week for Alex, Alison just secured a part in the drama club's production of "Oliver Twist", apples will soon be harvested by my neighbor (meaning it's time to bake!), and the dyepots will be cooking up deeper colors.

Enjoy these sunny, crisp days!

Catching Up

2011-09-02T23:44:00.000-04:00

How the summer has flown - we're into September already, and next weekend (Sept. 10/11) I'll be at the Madison County Historical Society's Craft Fair. I hope you'll stop by to say hello if you're in the area. There are lots of new yarns for you to look at and I'm looking forward to this event - it's always a lot of fun.

I am in the process of renovating my website - it's been a summer filled with a lot of distractions, so the changes will be forthcoming. It will allow me easier posting of current yarns and payment will be via PayPal.

More photos and info will be in the next post. Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!

It's Hot

2011-07-22T13:59:00.000-04:00

These daisies look vibrant and fresh. I, however, am wilting in the shade. To say it's been hot has been a gross understatement. It was 95 in the shade and my husband decided to check the temperature in the direct sun, on the concrete. It was 117.9. Holy smokes!

So many of my conversations begin with comments about the weather. In the winter, everyone wants it to be summer and swears that they absolutely will not complain when it gets really hot (they do). And on these blistering days, thoughts turn to the cool, crisp days of autumn. It seems that we can never be content with what is.

I'm trying to look at the positive aspects of this heat and appreciate it while it's here. The garden has gone wild - so much nicer to have an abundance rather than plants ruined by too much rain. And, wool dries really fast in this weather - that means I should be taking advantage and conjuring up some new colorways!

You Can Never Have Too Many Friends

2011-07-09T11:31:00.000-04:00

I love birds. Every spring I look forward to hearing the Red-winged blackbirds return with their distinctive song and I know that despite the cold days and potential for more snow (like this year), we are out of the worst of it. The feeders have attracted larger and more varied groups each year. This has worked to my advantage as the "regulars" know who I am.

A pair of Eastern Kingbirds decided to nest in one of our pine trees this year - the tree that is closest to the driveway. The tree that you have to pass to get the mail, go to the barn, get to the road. Eastern Kingbirds are apparently very protective of their nests as their young are getting ready to fledge.

On a trip to get the mail, I heard one of the Red-winged blackbirds carrying on and looked up to see it hovering 6 feet over my head. A second later, I realized what he was doing as one of the Kingbirds dove at me. Had it not been for his warning, I think I would have received a puncture wound.

My friend stuck close each time I headed down the driveway, and by the end of the week, the Kingbirds had departed, their babies having fledged safely. The moral of the story - make friends wherever you can!

Another School Year Completed

2011-06-26T21:11:00.000-04:00

First, thanks to everyone who stopped by our booth at the CNY Fiber Show. It was great to be able to talk to so many lovely people. And the pen of Border Collie pups in our tent made the weekend for Alison - it helped take the edge off of losing two pets in the course of a week. It will take some time before we consider another cat or dog, so I've told her to give her extra love to Pepper (our Jack Russell).

The last 2 weeks have been packed with end of school activities. Part of me is delighted to have a break from the continuous stream of sporting events, music events, and everything in between. The other part is mourning the loss of quiet in the house for a ten week span. I try to keep in mind that in just a few short years, there will be lots of quiet as they head off to college or other adventures.

I think the rain has finally taken a break. Maybe tomorrow I can take the photos of the latest yarns I've been hoping to shoot outdoors.

Hoping your summer is off to a good start!

On The Road

2011-06-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

Just a quick reminder that we'll be at the CNY Fiber Showcase this coming weekend, June 11-12, in Bouckville, NY. The event will be held at the Butternut Hill Campground on Route 20. Drop by to say hello if you're in the area - we'll be in Tent D. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather!

Stronger

2011-05-22T15:51:00.000-04:00

I recently finished the "Eiki" (strength) shawlette, and really love how it came it. I knit this up with my own handpainted yarn, a BFL 4 ply, colorway "Paris" and I added a few beads at the edging for some extra zing. Fittingly, I am feeling better every day, almost back to some sort of normal. While I don't relish the thought of the follow up surgery, I am going to put it out of my mind until the time comes. Right now, it's one day at a time. This piece serves as a reminder to me that people go on every day despite overwhelming loss - my own mishap pales in comparison to those caught up in the natural disasters these last few months.

I'm gearing up for the CNY Fiber show on June 11 and 12 - the dyepots are in action, and there will be lots of new colorways available. I am looking forward to this very much, and perhaps by then, the sun will decide it's okay to stick around longer than 5 minutes.

I've also been knitting up blocks like this:

which are from the very excellent Kay Gardiner, the pattern is "Mitered Crosses Blanket". You can purchase a copy of it here. These are very addicting, so be warned!
I'll post additional information about the fiber show in an upcoming post. Hope you'll drop by to say hello if you're in the area!

Highs and Lows

2011-05-01T12:03:00.000-04:00

In early April, our family had the wonderful opportunity to visit Rome, Italy. It was an amazing trip where even glitches in the plans turned out to have far more rewarding results than anything we could have hoped for. The weather was perfect - sunny, and 75 - 80 degrees every day (I think it was a little above normal for Rome, but how lucky for us!). We walked miles and saw ancient and modern Rome coexisting side by side. At every turn, there was something architecturally fascinating to see. The food was fabulous, although I am still in awe of how Romans sit down to multi-course meals and everyone is trim and chic. We met a lovely older couple who effectively adopted us. We stayed in their rental apartment, just upstairs from their own, in the building that they have lived in and owned for some 45 years. They cooked for us, showed us the "real" Rome and made us feel like family rather than tourists. I am so thrilled we had this experience and it makes me dream of future trips!

Upon our return, I was excited to have a week to prepare for a fiber show at Clermont State Park. With tubs packed and the booth setup clearly mapped out in my head, I felt prepared and ready for a fun day. As luck would have it, my body conspired against me and I wound up having emergency surgery instead. Ugh! A ruptured abscess in the abdomen is not a good thing, so I spent a few days in the hospital, and have been home almost a week now trying to get back into some state of normalcy. There will be follow-up surgery, but that's down the road a bit. For now, I'm happy to be here, and extremely grateful this event did not occur while we were travelling (always look for the silver lining).

I had started knitting Janel Laidman's lovely "Eiki Shawlette" pattern (Eiki meaning strength in Japanese) as we started out on our trip. This pattern can be purchased from Janel's blog or through Ravelry and the proceeds go to assist with Japanese relief efforts. It somehow seems appropriate to be working on this project right now - to remind myself to be strong, and also to be aware that no matter how difficult things may seem, there are always others in much more dire circumstances.

As long as the healing process goes well, I'll be at the CNY Fiber Artists and Producers Annual Showcase "From Animals to Art". This event will be held on June 11 and 12 in Bouckville, NY at the Butternut Hill Campground. I'm looking forward to something new, so if you're in the area, I hope you'll stop by.

More updates to follow!

Sentry

2011-03-28T17:55:00.000-04:00

This is our old guy, Shackleton, asleep in his favorite spot, waiting for spring. Luckily, the snow has melted and I'm hoping that was the last of it for this season. Now that it is officially spring, I have high hopes that it will actually warm up and that green things will sprout from the ground. The stark reality, however, is that it could still snow, and things don't really start growing until May.

In a burst of optimism, we did purchase our vegetable seeds a couple of days ago. Soon we'll have seedlings all over the place, and in late May, they'll be in the ground. I am most looking forward to zucchini flowers, stuffed with goat cheese and herbs, battered and gently sauteed in olive oil. Anticipation can be a wonderful thing!

Back in Black

2011-03-14T08:53:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend, the red-winged blackbirds returned. If you look really hard, you'll see a black speck in the choke-cherry bush - that's him, our first real sign that spring is on the way. I'm not even worried about the snow that is falling as I type this. Not only were these guys back at the feeder, but the cardinals, robins, nuthatches, blue jays, chickadees and the ever present crows were socializing outside my kitchen window. Maybe they're all happy I changed to a different birdseed this week.

Today is "Pi Day" (3.14). Math fans already knew that, but if you're not a math fan, please take the opportunity to celebrate by having a slice of pie, and jogging your memory to remember that pi is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter, approximately equal to 3.1415. Alison insisted we make a chocolate cream pie (we did), and Alex had a homework sheet devoted to questions relative to pi. I can't say I remember this much fun surrounding pi when I was in school - it was just something you had to remember...

My broken glass-topped stove has been replaced with a shiny new gas model. It is beautiful and I love how the oven temperature is really the oven temperature, and not something higher or lower like on the old unit. Now I will have to change my habit of stalking the cookies - checking every 30 seconds to make sure they are completely cooked, but not on their way to being overcooked. How I will use this new-found freedom, I'm not sure.

Off to plan meals for the week - not because I want to obsess over my new toy, but because it is a week full of practices and performances and family coming to visit. A little planning, even if it gets shuffled around, will keep me from serving potato chips for dinner.

Uncle

2011-03-07T19:48:00.000-05:00

If you notice the white space around this post, it looks identical to what it looked like outside today. White. Everywhere. Blizzard conditions. And after almost all of the snow had melted. Yesterday.

My "look on the bright side" is being tested in a big way. It has been the winter of our discontent, where Murphy's Law has reigned supreme. So things can only go up from here.

There was a flower catalogue in the mail today - I'll take that as an good sign. And the robins are visiting the feeders - if they came out on a day like this, spring cannot be far off.

Wishing you all sunny skies to chase away the winter blahs.

Let's Move On To Spring

2011-03-02T10:01:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you, but I am more than ready to see Spring arrive. There are glimmers of hope - robins are emerging from the woods, and I've heard (but not seen) the songs of birds not heard since last September.

In a series of roadbumps last week, we are striving to get back to "normal". One child sick with the flu for a solid week is now regaining her energy; the second child who could win an Academy Award for dramatic portrayal of the common cold is also making great strides thanks to nighttime cold medicine; my kidney stone is gone and all side effects from the removal thereof are also thankfully gone; the ice that has been damming up on the roof and leaking into my utility room has stopped for the moment (can't tell if all the ice has actually melted, or if it has just frozen up again); and a new gas range will be mine next week after my glass-topped stove shattered the other night (a sturdy lid from a soup pot slipped out of my hand, but I was surprised, nonetheless, that it would result in such damage). Now that I've documented all of our problems, you're probably thinking your week wasn't nearly as bad as you thought. You're welcome.

This Saturday, March 5, I'll be at a community event - Duanesburg Day - held at the Duanesburg High School. I'll be showing off some of my hand-dyed yarns and will probably bring along some spinning to go along with one of the knitting projects I have in process. The event runs from 10 to 3, there is no admission charge, and it is a great opportunity to see what people in our area have to offer (not to mention a chance to socialize after a long winter!). If you are in the vicinity, drop in to say hello.

And now I'm off to concoct another spring-colored dye for some Bluefaced Leicester yarns!

Finished Object

2011-02-22T11:32:00.000-05:00

This is Lava Flow - a really terrific quick knit. An example of it was at my LYS, and I knew I wanted to make one right away. I could have completed the other projects I have on my needles, but this was a lot of fun and kept me entertained and distracted during an adventure with a kidney stone. The stone is gone (surgically), and I know that I knit too much when told the size of the lodged intruder - a 5 x 7mm jagged object. That's a size 8 to 10 (US) section of needle stuck in the works! Maybe it was the "Flow" part of the project name that subliminally drew me to it.

Hoping this will be the end of my health issues for a while - maybe I could just get a cold like everyone else.

Moving on...

Another Week, Another Storm

2011-02-03T14:50:00.000-05:00

We were spared the 18+ inches originally predicted this week. Instead, the snow turned to sleet and then blew around. So there are spots with 5 foot drifts, and other spots with just a few inches. With so many violent storms around the globe, I feel very fortunate that removing snow is a mere inconvenience when contrasted against the incredible damage so many are faced with.

While I am not a very talented seamstress, I have been stitching away at a royal purple dress that will be Alison's costume for her class play. If I do say so myself, it's coming along quite nicely. Photos after I hem it and add any "embellishments" she may want. And she has decided to stitch the muslin apron that will cover a portion of the skirt. Maybe there is fashion design in her future...

Sun at Last

2011-01-20T10:21:00.000-05:00

Ah! The sun is out today - a welcome sight after so many grey days. The birds have come back to see what's new in the feeders and the Bluejays, as usual, have bullied their way in first.   No matter, there's plenty for everyone and they are all fun to watch from the kitchen window.

The sun has improved my motivation, and as I write this, there are 2 dyepots cooling down on the stovetop. Some of this motivation may also be the result of the kids being off to school today with no ominous signs on the horizon of cancelled activities after school. Tomorrow may be another story, but for today, I'll make the most of getting things done.

I've picked up the Echo Flowers Shawl again and actually knit a couple of rows. I've committed to only knitting on this, however, when no one is around. I don't concentrate as well as I used to and it only takes the slightest interruption for me to lose track of what I'm doing. And then it's 10 minutes of counting stitches and checking things over... Better to just work a little at a time in the quiet.  A slower, more deliberate pace wins the race for me when it comes to lace knitting.

Hoping your skies are sunny today!

Deep Winter

2011-01-15T14:11:00.000-05:00

We have been spared much of the heavy snow here so far. But it is gray and bitterly cold. The oil line likes to freeze up in the morning - must be just enough water moisure to form ice crystals. Fortunately, a teapot of hot water frees it up. I can't say how thrilled I am to have our woodstove - it keeps almost the entire house warm and for once in 15 years, I don't feel a sense of dread about heating disasters.

The Wayfarer scarf is finished, I've been spinning some great fiber from Persimmon Tree Farm, and have started a pair of opera-length fingerless mitts (making it up as I go along) using String Theory Caper Sock yarn.

I'm looking forward to some sunny days - hoping it will spark my energy. In the meantime, I will run up my electric bill just a little by turning on some more lights.

Stay warm everyone!

Happy New Year

2011-01-07T13:11:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, and Happy New Decade. As with each year, there are ups and downs, but as this year dawns, my goal is to let optimism have the upper hand. There is no reason not to think positively about everything - what does it hurt? And it's surely more fun than to be negative.

I'm already off to a good start. Instead of bemoaning a return trip to the dentist, I'll consider it an easy fix vs. something "big" down the road. Same with my car. (I love my old car and don't feel at all underprivileged that I didn't get a Lexus for Christmas!) While I didn't anticipate a major repair when I thought I only needed an oil change and inspection, I am grateful to have fabulous neighbors (who happen to be our mechanics) that keep me safe. How lucky that I didn't break down (or worse), especially if the kids were with me.

And risk-taking should be a part of the picture this year, too. I don't mean skydiving or some extreme sport, but acting on ideas that I may have previously set aside. If the last couple of years have taught me anything, it's this - if you don't take a chance on your dreams, you may never get the chance.

One of my favorite holiday songs is "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" (Irving Berlin). So I'll take that advice into the New Year, but I'll keep track of the sheep as well. Wool, you know.

Peace & Love

Trying to Focus

2010-12-07T15:26:00.000-05:00

It's been a crazy several weeks. Lots of kid/school related activities, Thanksgiving (hope yours was great), and the typical "getting ready for the holidays" sorts of things.

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend the Knitter's Review Retreat in November, and had a great time. I picked up some really beautiful yarn from String Theory to knit up the "Juneberry Triangle Shawl" designed by Jared Flood. But before I begin that project, I have Christmas gifts to complete. Fortunately, progress is being made, and if all goes well, the shawl will be under way by the new year. Of course I am also working on the Wayfarer Scarf (also by Jared Flood). I love this pattern, and it works up quickly. The trick, as with everything, is to put the priorities first.

The skies are gloomy here and attempts at photos are not yielding very good results. Next time there should be plenty to show off. Until then, wishing you success in completing your holiday knitting!

A Joyful Heart

2010-10-12T11:24:00.005-04:00

It might sound corny, but autumn really makes my heart swell. The colors are astounding, and I have to watch that I don't veer off the road while marvelling at a really great shade of red on an oak. The evenings are brisk and clear, although I do regret the shortening amount of daylight. And one of my favorite events, the NYS Sheep and Wool Festival is this coming weekend.

We have been going to this event for 20+ years, and even the kids look forward to going (no small feat considering the array of other choices that do not involve the viewing of farm animals). Having grown up in a house filled with wool, spinning wheels and knitting needles, I guess this just seems like a normal extension for them. This year, I'm really excited to say that some of my yarns will be in attendance. They can be found at The Spinning Room's booth, located in Building A, spot 25. I hope you'll drop by to support this great local yarn shop!

Many of the new yarns haven't made it to the website yet - some have been sold out before they got there, and others were delivered to the shop. This is one colorway that was inspired by the fields of goldenrod against a cloudless blue sky:

I hope you are enjoying as much time as you can taking in the colors and the crisp air. Soon we will be firing up the woodstove, but then, each season has its own particular joys.

Peace & Love

Almost Fall

2010-09-21T09:14:00.002-04:00

We're only 2 days away from the official start of Autumn. This is my favorite season. As you might have guessed, it's the colors that really top the list. But there's also the apples, cooler nights, mums, pumpkins... And the knitting! I have a few projects going, all in various states of completion. I was all set to take some photos, but the battery has died and I'll have to wait for it to recharge.

I wanted to take the opportunity to thank everyone that stopped by our booth at the MCHS Craft Fair. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces, and I appreciate your patronage.

The dyepots are simmering again - some of the colorways sold out entirely, so it's time to replenish. Next in the pots is a lovely DK blend of merino, cashmere, and nylon. It's got a great springiness to it and is super soft. Heavier weight socks, arm warmers and neck warmers would be perfect with this yarn.

Pictures coming soon - in the meantime, get your fingers limbered up - it's knitting season!

Peace & Love

Zoom zoom

2010-08-18T17:55:00.004-04:00

My summer is feeling like a Mazda commercial - zooming away... Three weeks until school starts for the kids, and the days will return to some form of routine. Despite feeling like a social secretary for them, I will miss their company when they are gone for 7+ hours out of the day.

There's been LOTS of dyeing (see wild purples above), as I'm preparing for the 46th Annual Craft Days in Oneida, NY on Sept. 11 and 12. If you're in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello - I'm in spot 305.

At the beginning of the month, I joined my LYS's knitalong for the Mythos cardigan. Progress is slow but steady (see social secretary note above). While I haven't made it to many of the support gatherings, knowing that there is a group of us working on the same project is an impetus to not lag behind on this.

And I also decided to join in the August wool-a-long which is part of the Knitter's Book of Wool group on Ravelry. The August breed is Shetland, which ranks among my favorite breeds. I also love Finnsheep, Icelandic, North Ronaldsay and Romney. Truth be told, I love sheep of all kinds.

In need of some Shetland, I immediately thought of my friend Eileen, who has a flock of sheep, including Shetlands. And she often has roving. Lucky for me, she had some beautiful silvery gray which has "lace" written all over it. I've got 4 ounces spun - isn't that beautiful stuff? Eileen and her family have had a booth at Rhinebeck for several years - it's Weston Hill Farm, Bldg. A, spots 32-33. Stop by this October and check out her beautiful rovings, and their farm raised herbs, garlic and honey!

Hope your summer is going well.

Peace & Love

Finis (Sort of)

2010-07-25T13:12:00.004-04:00

Last day of the Tour de Fleece (and Tour de France as well) - my spinning progress was good, but did not entirely meet my overly ambitious challenge. A week of vacation in Maine, and a week of running kids back and forth to camp cut into my activities a bit (not to mention to regular day to day things that also had to be done). My family indulges my obsession with knitting/spinning/dyeing, but they also think I should cook for them on a regular basis...

I was happy to finish spinning a pound of Bluefaced Leicester/Angora blend. It's got a brown base, with red, yellow and lavender bits of angora slubs which make for a tweedy looking yarn. I spun singles and will probably use this for a shawl of some sort. There are approximately 1200 yards here.

While on vacation, I used my drop spindle to spin some very pretty dyed merino. There is still some left to go, but today's activities mean that I will have to make this my official count for the challenge. There are roughly 100 yards spun here:

Also accomplished in this time period was a version of the "Annis" wrap found in the last issue of Knitty. That still needs to be blocked.

Not too bad. It was nice to have the challenge, which is always good incentive to work on things. And now I'm off to an All-Star Little League game...

Tour de Fleece

2010-07-06T20:05:00.006-04:00

I have 3 bobbins full of this BFL/Angora blend. I've had the roving in my stash for quite some time - had started it, then put it away. The Tour de Fleece gives me the perfect opportunity to finish spinning it. When that's done, I'll move on to some North Ronaldsay that I have, and maybe finally get around to a few ounces of Finn that still needs to be carded...

Having a reason to spin every day puts more urgency on it, rather than spinning when the mood strikes. I'll be switching to my drop spindle when we head to Maine. That will slow things a bit, but I also like the portability of the spindle and maybe I'll take a break from biking to spin.

To wrap things up, here's our cat on a hot tin roof. He was up higher, but got himself down to this shed-roof where I was able to pluck him off. Every day a new adventure.

Peace & Love

Summer's Here

2010-06-25T14:41:00.006-04:00

Wow, what a fast couple of months! Baseball has concluded and the kids are out of school for the summer. It seems that every year goes by quickly, but this one was particularly so.

Here's the latest:

A sampling of my yarns can now be found at The Spinning Room in Altamont, NY. I love this shop and the owner, Liz Cassidy, is fabulous - so warm and friendly. The place just oozes with good karma, so head on over if you're in the area.

Here's another shot of the shop -

I tell my kids that you learn something every day. Here's what I've learned about my knitting over the last few weeks -

At this moment in time, I am not a cable-knitter. I attempted a very lovely scarf found in A Fine Fleece, but I discontinued my efforts after the sense that I wasn't making swift progress. I just couldn't get my fingers to function while working with the cable needle, and before I became completely disillusioned with the idea of knitting cables, ripped it back to start something new.

My present mode of thinking finds cables "fiddly", so I have reverted to lace (I know, a lot of people think that's fiddly with all the counting and charts...). Here's a quick knitting scarf in a yarn I dyed:

It's nearly done, so I'll snap another shot once it's blocked.

Happy summer! Hope you are enjoying some time outside.

Peace & Love

May update

2010-05-17T08:42:00.008-04:00

May is always crazy - lots of important dates, coupled with the start of Little League season make for a fast-paced month. As each year passes, I find this quickened pace to be more disconcerting. Or perhaps it is not the pace of time that has changed, but my own slowing down that gives me the sense that I am not keeping up. Anyway, here's what's new:

Opening day of Little League season, complete with skydivers. For the first time in a long time, the weather was glorious - tee shirts and shorts (and sunburn). That was Saturday. By Thursday, we were back to parkas (really), and gale force winds.

Moving right along to Mother's Day - this year abdicated in favor of our anniversary. (Last year abdicated in favor of Alex's birthday - the first time since he was born to have the dates fall together again). Actually, we sort of abdicated everything to make it a "get out of the house so we don't have to listen to the godawful wind rattling the house and window screens".

Next day, Alex's birthday, in which he received the much sought-after iPod Touch. A pooling of gift money and the balance being contributed by us. I was leery of the addictive qualities of these devices, but must admit it's pretty cool. And he is doing a pretty good job of putting it down in favor of outside pursuits. It's only been a week, so I can't fault him too much.

In between these activities, and the other stuff I like to refer to as "things that must get done" (or work), I have been dyeing many new colorways:

I'm really happy with the results - watercolor effects on organic merino. Reskeining still underway; superwash merino sock yarn in the pipeline - those colors will be much more saturated.

And the final update - this past weekend's activies in which Alison's birthday gift was secured. She is now the proud owner of 2 gerbils. Regretably, the first pair we brought home had to be returned due to tiny mites that we had not interest in letting into our home. Luckily, we found a locally owned pet shop on Sunday - Benson's Pet Center - that had gerbils. This is a wonderful store and if you are in the Albany area, this is the place to go for your pet needs. Pictures to follow of the latest additions. They are cute...

Peace & Love

Quandry

2010-04-21T12:14:00.004-04:00

Now that spring is here, I am like a deer in the headlights, not knowing which way to go. Suddenly, the grass is growing, which will mean cutting it before it gets out of control. This can happen overnight - one minute the blades of grass are 3 inches high, the next day, they're 10. There's a garden plot to get ready, the filling in of ruts made by tractor tires, and a grocery list of other chores to get underway. Add in the start of Little League season, and school related activities, and you've got yourself a packed calendar.

I must remember to follow my own advice - prioritize first, act second. It is so easy to be overwhelmed with the amount of things to be done. Viewed individually, they aren't so bad. And my attitude has changed a lot on what's really important. Enjoying the company of a friend takes precedence over cleaning the house any day. I could spend half my life picking things up around here, only to have "tidiness" for half an hour before the clutter process begins again.

Here is an example of what I clutter the house with:

This is the Tibetan Clouds Shawl from "The Knitter's Book of Wool". I am making slow progress (because I've picked up two other projects to work on at the same time), and am anxious to see the yarn "bloom". I'm using Harrisville Design's Shetland, kntting off the cone. This yarn is more compact, and when it is soaked, it will plump up a bit and develop a bit of a halo.

The dyepots are also kicking into high gear. I'm dyeing organic merino wool, and the results so far are making me happy. One batch reminds me of the lichen found in the woods - olive green, a hint of blue, a bit of gray/brown... Some seem so easy to name, and others I feel I should just give a random number to, like "X-29" for the batch that has varying shades of orchid and blue.

Onward to outdoor pursuits, and ignoring the dust. (It just aggravates my allergies, so better to leave it undisturbed)

Peace & Love

Blocked

2010-03-29T16:44:00.003-04:00

I love how a lace shawl transforms from a crumply batch of stitches into such a graceful looking piece. I'm really happy with the results.

A pair of socks using Cat Bordhi's personal footprint technique made their way to my Mom. It's easy to knit up socks or mittens or a hat for her because if it fits me, it will fit her.

The Tibetan Clouds Shawl, from The Knitters Book of Wool is underway. I'm enjoying "paying attention" to this project as I did the previous shawl. Where I will wear these, I'm not sure. If any glamorous dinners pop up, I'll be ready!

Spring is on the way - this may be the first Easter in a long time that we will actually be able to wear spring clothes. I expect it will snow again shortly thereafter...

Happy Spring to everyone!
Peace & Love

Spring!

2010-03-22T08:44:00.003-04:00

Spring officially began this past weekend, and it actually felt like spring in our neck of the woods. In fact, for the last week it has been lovely - sunshine and temperatures above 50. There is still snow in the fields, but with the rain that is expected this week, maybe that will finally disappear.

Finished the Aeolian shawl, although I have not yet blocked it. This shot is the "off the needles" version. After many errors on my part, I finally got into the swing of the pattern and found that I truly enjoyed the symmetry of the design. I have just cast on the Tibetan Clouds Shawl, found in Clara Parkes' "The Knitter's Book of Wool" (which is a really great book!). If you want to knit this, be sure to check the pattern errata - there were a couple of omissions to the chart in the book. Happily, I was only puzzled for about 5 minutes before I decided to check for updates. As the pattern is a mirror image on either side of center, it isn't difficult to catch something that doesn't match up.

We've been basking in the sun - taking advantage of getting outside to do some chores while the getting is good. Our hill, while beautiful, lags behind in temperature and growing season. Plans for a vegetable garden are unfolding, and we'll work on it as conditions allow. It's risky to put things in the ground before Memorial Day - we've had wet snow in mid-May before, killing the tomato plants that I was sure were off to a good start.

Hoping you are enjoying a bit of a lift - I'm happy to bid winter farewell.

Peace & Love
Liz

Olympic-sized storm

2010-03-01T19:21:00.006-05:00

Over the last 5 days, we've had unrelenting snow. 3 plus feet fell, and required Herculean efforts by DH to maintain access to the outside world. The photo above shows the birdfeeder that is typically 5 feet off the ground. The crows were seen walking over to it to investigate if any seeds were left. I'll need the snowshoes to get to them with a refill. And Alex was able to walk onto the barn roof...

As for the Aeolian Shawl - my Knitting Olympics project - I have not completed it yet, but I'm midway through the edging. I'm really happy with my efforts, though.

Here's what I think about the challenge -

It was a great motivator to commit more time to finishing up one of the many knitting projects that resides in my home. While other obligations took precedence over knitting, I tried to get in at least 1 row a day. While I didn't win a medal, I enjoyed the process and being part of the "team" of knitters who also embarked on the challenge.

I thought a lot about what this knitting addiction is, and what I came away with was this - it is a sustaining force in my life. It has been with me through thick and thin - happy moments and sad, and everything in-between. Hats, mittens, socks, scarves, sweaters - they are a chronicle of the events of more than half a lifetime. Each piece has its own story, and like photographs, conjure up their own special memories. I hope your projects do the same for you.

Peace & Love

Olympics - 5; Knitting - 2

2010-02-16T16:11:00.002-05:00

I've watched some part of the Olympics since the opening ceremonies Friday evening. But I have not knit on my project every evening. My excuses include: too late; too dark; too tired. A daytime (Sunday) attempt to work on the Aeolian shawl resulted in discovering another error, then ripping back 6 rows to the lifeline. I have added a ton of stitch markers in an attempt to not lose my place entirely when someone yells "Hey, Ma..."

It is an interesting phenomena that everyone in the house will be engaged in some absorbing activity until I sit down to work on this shawl. It is the same sort of thing as my dog hearing my eyes open in the morning and needing to be let out RIGHT THIS SECOND!

My second day of knitting was confirmation that I seem to (finally) be able to progress through the chart with a minimum of difficulty. Just like those skiers (skaters, snowboarders) picking themselves up after a fall and carrying on.

Knitting awaits (and everyone seems occupied at the moment)!

Peace & Love

Winter (and Knitting) Olympics Begin Today!

2010-02-12T17:19:00.003-05:00

This is a completed scarf, worked in brioche stitch with Sundara Yarn in "Mint Julep". I loved working this - it was quick and easy, and had terrific results.

I decided to join the Knitting Olympics - I needed the support (peer pressure) of others and the knowledge that I was not alone in this endeavour. My commitment to myself is to complete the Aeolian shawlette that I cast on months ago. It has been ripped back at least a half dozen times (I apparently have counting issues), and my aggravation with myself made me put this project aside. But it is so lovely, and is certainly not out of the realm of knitting possibility for me. So I will be carefully and methodically working to complete this piece before the closing ceremonies. Wish me luck! It's entirely possible that I will have to knit this in a closet (with a very bright light). If you know my children, just remind them not to speak to me within the next 17 days if I am knitting...

Peace & Love

2010-01-10T12:59:00.002-05:00

These are Alex's socks - completed earlier in the week. He is very happy with them, and I'll be curious to see how they fare...

Working on a brioche stitch scarf - simple and straightforward to work on while "watching" television. Alison is making her own pair of socks (with some help) - she's a natural, just needs some refinement and a longer attention span. I'm glad she thinks knitting is fun (she even wanted to know when we'd be going to the yarn shop again). I predict a lifelong interest, which will insure that I will have someone to drive me to the yarn shops when I am old and in need of sharper eyes.

The weather seems to be the only news event around here for the past 3 weeks. *Cold, wind, snow* repeat again and again and again. The wind has been particularly trying - I have a real phobia of it. Thought for sure we'd wake up in Oz one morning. There's just a light breeze today, bringing the wind chill to about 5. Looking forward to a warm up into the 20's. In the meantime, there is wool!

Peace & Love,
Liz

Happy 2010

2010-01-04T19:09:00.003-05:00

The holiday rush is over - I am always stunned by the flurry of activity leading up to Christmas, and then that odd sense (anticlimax)of having it all over in a day. Not so this year. First, I did not overwhelm myself with as many activities (card writing, baking, school functions) as I have in years past. Second, we celebrated for a week with friends and family, so it was not just one day of festivities, but many.

The picture you see above was frozen fog - that was the scene Christmas morning. It was a beautiful scene. I wish I could say that the weather has been kind to us, but it is still windy as I write this. Being on top of a hill, with little in the way of trees around us, the house has been battered by the high winds that have been the ongoing story here. I know it's been unpleasant everywhere - maybe the storm systems will let up now that they have reminded us all that we are very small indeed, compared to the forces of nature.

In knitting news, I am nearly finished with Alex's socks. He is dying to wear them, though I fear that they will not be long for this world with what he does to socks. I think he can wear a hole in the toes and heels just by looking at them. No matter, they are meant to bring warmth and love.

More pictures soon - the holiday knitting didn't get photo'd for fear of being seen by its recipients.

Hoping this finds you well and in good spirits. Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.

Peace & Love,
Liz

A New Home

2009-12-04T17:23:00.002-05:00

Time for something new! This will be my new blog home, and I'm looking forward to telling anyone who will listen why knitting and other fibery pursuits are so worthwhile (along with whatever else is going on...) Hope you will share your comments as well.

Peace & Love