Holiday Traditions

Let me start this post with Thanksgiving.

I am thankful that we have had another year to gather together (to ask the Lords blessings) sorry I just couldn't help myself.

We did gather together at my in-laws on Thanksgiving day this year. Last year we were at my parents. The boys really liked having both sets of grandparents with them at one time. I hope this is the start of a Thanksgiving tradition, having everyone together in one place. We are not a huge family, but we are a very fortunate one. We are all in generally good health and we all get along well.

This year we even added a few people that were not with us last year. My stepson, Bill, his wife and stepson were there. YEAH!

My mother-in-laws sister, Catherine, who lives in Cincinnati and Catherine's daughter, Carol, who lives in Oklahoma, were also with us.

I took a few photos but the one I want to share is of Roger with all the boys.

They are left to right: Tyler, Cory, Roger, Bill, and Jason. Are they the best looking group of men you have ever seen? I think so..........

Last night Jason and I took Claire and Bailey to the Christmas Parade here in Lexington. This is the third year in a row that I have taken Claire to the parade. I hope she has good memories in adulthood of our annual tradition. This is the "girls" waiting for the parade to start: Bailey, me and Claire. Notice the knitted hat and scarf? I knit them last winter and waited for a cold spell to wear them. Although Claire's mommy, and my best friend, Diane, wanted to know where my big furry hat was. She had bet that I would have it on when I picked up Claire. Sorry to disappoint but I had to wear something I knit.

Here are Jason and the girls just as the parade starts.

One tradition that only began last year is to get a photo of Jason that includes his idol, Ronald McDonald. Here is this years picture:
For comparison last years picture:

As you may have noticed (because I know my readers are a bright bunch) it was daytime last year and nighttime this year. This is the first time the Lexington Christmas Parade was held after dark. I liked it very much, the lights in the parade really made it memorable for me. The crowds were definitely larger than the past few years and the tree lighting was included in the nights festivities. I had never taken the time to attend the tree lighting and I enjoyed it very much last night. The Lexington Singers performed as did dancers from Town and Village. Santa was there and there were fireworks after the tree was lit. Very festive indeed!The girls were totally impressed with the tree, its size and the size of the decorations.

Even big girls like to look up at big trees. Especially beautifully lit Christmas trees.

We Don't Eat As Much As The Quilters!

I had the grand and wonderful experience of attending Shopies Knitting Retreat this weekend. A total of 48 knitters from the Kentucky-Indiana area gathered together at Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, Indiana. The setting was divine. I would highly recommend a visit to the park, for a day, a weekend, whatever your schedule permits. The park inn was beautifully decorated and the accommodations were superb. There is a restaurant on site so I didn't have to leave at all from my Friday afternoon arrival until my departure on Sunday morning.

This is the sunrise view that greeted me in the mornings. The photo was taken just outside my room. What a view.

This is just one of the many welcoming areas in the Inn with comfy seating, warm fireplaces and beautiful views. Doesn't it just look like a place for knitting?
Speaking of knitting, that is what this weekend was for. We first gathered on Friday night for informal introductions and to receive our goody bags.

The knitters closest to the camera were at my table. Clockwise from the upper left, Candie, Anita(mostly hidden), Suzy, a very fun lady that I am sorry to say will remain nameless, and Therese. (I am happy to call Therese my new friend. I enjoyed meeting her very much)

We received our bags that contained yarn, needles, a pattern book from Mission Falls, and various notions. It also contained our "number" . We were called to the yarn table to choose our yarn, in numerical order, for the project we would knit in class on Saturday.

Could you chose just one from this fine assortment? Barb, the owner of Shopies, did a fantastic job of assembling bags of beautiful colorways. I was #40 , and a little afraid that I would have to choose from the left overs. I sort of felt like the last kid chosen in grade school from the playground. I was totally happy with the selection though. Like I said, Barb did such a fantastic job that there were no bad combinations.

We also had a yarn swap on Friday night. I got a really good skein of Trendsetter yarn (Mohair)! Thanks to whoever brought it. I think it is destined to become a pair of Mrs. Beetons.

On Saturday morning we were treated to instruction from Anastasia Blaes. Anastasia is the author of Yarn Cocktails. She taught us to knit a modular purse from her collection. Anastasia is a warm, friendly, and humorous woman. She lost her voice before her arrival but she "played thru the pain" and arrived with a cheerful attitude. She did have a little voice assistance from one of the retreat participants, Paula.

(Sorry, I tried twice to upload the video without success)

We knit all day and enjoyed it immensely,(except the occasional frustration of not "getting" the technique)

At dinner we pushed our tables together, much to the disdain of the staff. One of the ladies was at the buffet when someone from the kitchen was refilling the trays. The staff asked if we were the knitters. When the answer was yes, the staff member said, "You all don't eat as much as the quilters". That became the quote of the retreat. I can envision it being repeated year after year. Thus the name of this post.

After dinner we gathered for the last time and shared our "bloopers". Most everyone said they had not kept their bloopers and had ripped them out and reused the wool. There were a few of us willing to share though.

This is a modular knitted and felted hat that we lovingly nicknamed the Marge Simpson Hat. I am glad to see this. I was planning to knit this hat. Notice the word was.

This lovely lady knit a sleeveless top that was a LITTLE misshapen and mismatched. So much so that she didn't even bother to seam it up.

This is a beautiful shawl that turned out just a little too big. Barb helped to make a few adjustments, add a collar, seam up the arms and now we have a shrug.

Meet Debbie, or Debra (depends on location and her mood I'm told). She is the only person that I have ever met who took a class from Elizabeth Zimmerman. Her sweater was beautifully knit from hand spun cotton. The problem was it just didn't fit very well. Such a shame. Blame it on the cotton.

Last years winner, this woman knit a shawl that never grew. She said that she kept on knitting and it never got big enough. It is a knitting phenomenon.

My entry in the contest, a bulky weight sweater. Just like Debbie/ra's sweater it is a perfectly good knit. The problem lies in the fact that big girls should not wear bulky knit sweaters. I not only knit one, I knit a second one too!
And the winner is.......(drum roll)............ The newly named, conjoined twin shrug. Large enough to comfortably fit two people.

I don't have pictures of the stash contest but believe me I feel so much better about my own small stash problem after viewing pictures of some H-U-G-E stashes out there.

One more picture.

The woman in orange blouse is a Master Beader. Her name is Diane and she was wearing one of her pieces. She teaches beading and I may have to take a class, watch for a beading blog coming to you soon. Don't let the beading stores know I'm thinking about this. They would surely overstock beads to sell me.

Long Time No Post

I know the 2 of you who read this blog have been wondering why I haven't been posting lately. (Well 1 of you know because I talk to you most every day)
Since the last post I have gone to a couple of craft/art fairs. Made a couple of purchases that I don't have pictures of, bought more yarn, started more projects, bought magazines and books that I want to buy more yarn and start more projects from and knit, knit, knit.
Oh yeah and I have sat in the hospital with my youngest, Cory, after he had a seizure, argued with him after he came home about his order not to drive for the next 3 months and grinding my teeth incessantly.
I have also helped move my oldest son out of the house, into his new apartment with his partner, Lindsey. I am very happy for them, they are so happy together, but at the same time I feel the loss. They were my sanity in this crazy household. I know they are just a phone call away but I will miss their company. I wish for them a long lifetime of happiness.
I also get to dog sit every weekend (as long as there are UK football games in town) Tyler comes home and brings Tyson, then he goes out to tailgate, go to friends, and generally socializing.
I have a new cell phone with a camera that I hope will take pictures suitable for blogging.

Oh yeah and I am still talking about making that craft room/den/hideaway in Tyler's old room. I have already commandeered Jason chest of drawers for my yarn stash.

I will probably be talking about that hideaway for a long time without action.

Just Another Sunday

Who Let the Dogs Out?

Tyson, the puppy Boxer/Lab, and Zedd, the Shih Tzu, came for a visit. Actually Tyson has been with us all week. Tyler had his appendix out on Monday and he along with Tyson have been here since Tuesday. We have enjoyed having both here. I do think Maggie and Max may disagree though. I am glad that everyone is getting to know each other while Tyson is a puppy, it won't be long at all before he towers over the other dogs.

(Click on the arrow to play the video)



After everyone left I got to play with my yarn. As I posted yesterday I have fallen in love with the Dream In Color yarn. I wanted to experiment with Kool-Aid dying and I had a blast. I ended up with 7 colors.

I made 7 small hanks of yarn and soaked them in plain water until they were well saturated. I then dipped them into the Kool-Aid bath. I used 2-3 envelopes of unsweetened Kool-Aid per jar.

The jars then went into the microwave for 2 minutes. I left out a portion of the yarn for the first 2 minutes then dunked the whole thing in for 2 more minutes.

After they "cooked" the color moved out of the bath and into the yarn.
You can see the best example in the center jar. The surrounding water is pretty clear.

Aren't they lovely. I had already removed the red to dry. They look like easter egg dyes to me.

I used lemonaid, pink lemonaid, grape, lemon-lime, orange, cherry and blue raspberry. I need to come up with one more color and I could knit the Dream In Color Tulip Sweater in my own colorway.

Thanks Roger for taking some of the pictures.

I Have To Go!

I finally got it!!!!! The Dream In Color Tulip Kit,

I ordered it from Lettuce Knit in Toronto. I placed the order in July, I had to think about it for a couple of months after seeing it first on the Yarn Harlot's blog. I loved it the first time I saw it. I saw it a second, third, fourth, etc. on Ravelry. It was knit in the original Knit in Color yarn that is so lovely, and on Ravelry others had knit the pattern in other yarn. While they are nice, they are not as pretty as the Knit in Color yarn. I had to order the kit. I can hardly wait to cast on, thus the post title.

I ordered this kit in July. The store called last week to inform me that the card I had used to pre-order was expired. They had a good laugh that I had been on the list for so long that I had received a new card. It was definitely worth the wait. It was mailed last week and took 10 days to arrive. I wore a path in the grass to the mailbox looking for it.

Attention all gift recipients! This sweater is going in my grandchild hope chest. I love you all but this yarn is destined to be a "hairyloom" aka heirloom sweater.

On a side note: the pattern included in the kit has sizes up to age 6. I think I will try to dye my own yarn to make a kid sized one. I'll keep you informed(if all goes well) and will keep you entertained(if all fails)

I'm off to Knit!!

PS: the stained glass in the background is my creation too.

Super Smart Overachiever!

I just had to post pictures of Lindsey's latest projects. Either she is a super smart, overachieving, awesome new knitter, or I am a super smart, overachieving, awesome new knitter teacher. (I am pretty sure it's her)

She has been knitting for just under a month. She made her first hats and dove right in to socks. I really wanted her to learn the double point method, and the magic loop method too. So, she made one each way.

Her very next project, 5th of the month, 3 hats, socks, and now this, A Mini Cardigan. It is from the same pattern as mine and looks lovely on:

It is totally this not so awesome, or smart, knitting teachers fault that the sweater was knit too small for even tiny Lindsey. She did a fantastic job on this project. She amazes me that she is not afraid to tackle new patterns, and to make it her own design. If there is a "mistake" she just turns it into a "design feature" and continues on. I am so very proud of her. She has gifted this sweater to the teeny tiny teenage daughter(say that 3 times fast), of her friend.

A Busy Week

I have been knitting like crazy this week. My husband would like a meal, company, cleaner home, etc. but I want to knit. I know I am addicted but heaven help me I can't help myself.

I have cast on and completed a Mini-Cardigan for myself.

I love, love, love the colorway, pink and green. Technically it is Raspberry and Lemon-Grass, from Lion Brand Yarn, Wool Ease Thick and Quick. I found the buttons that in my opinion complete the sweater. I am very fond of the whimsical look.

I would love to knit this in Turquoise and Purple but I am having a hard time finding super-bulky yarn in that color. I think I don't actually need another bulky sweater anyway and will knit one in worsted weight in those colors. I already have the pattern picked out. I will post it when and if I knit it.

Tyler is the proud new owner of a puppy. He got boxer-lab mix from the Humane Society. His name is Tyson, named for the boxer but also in tribute to Tyler's past team-mate and current world champion sprinter, Tyson Gay. We all think the puppy is a "cutie" and will grow to be mighty handsome. He is full of puppy energy. Maggie & Max don't quite know what to make of him. It is extremely funny to watch them scurry away with their tails tucked, from a 11 week old. I got to puppy sit last night and had a grand time with it. Mother and Dad stopped by this morning. I think Dad likes Tyson too.

It's All In The Family

This is Lindsey's first knitting project. The 2 hour hat!!!

Awesome first project MOJO.

This is also my first attempt at teaching knitting, although her grandmother was the first to teach her, I think I can count it too.

Since the first project she has knit a watchman hat, a second 2 hour hat and she is currently working on her FIRST sock.

I think I have her hooked.

We went to visit family last Sunday. I know this is a little late in posting but I have been lazy, I mean busy.

Jason, Lindsey and I went to Somerset on Sunday. They went to the farm to see my in-laws while I stayed "in town" for a visit with my parents.

Late in the day we went to the Crack House as Dylan calls it, (Cracker Barrel for the rest of us)

Can you see a family resemblence?

Dylan

Jason

Me

My Mother

My Father

My Personal "World" Record

I finished my Clapotis yesterday. I cast this on August 6. ( yes, this year)

I can't believe it myself, I knit this thing in a little over 3 weeks. The only thing I have ever knit that fast was either for a class(with a deadline looming I can knit pretty fast) or a small project, like a hat.

I adore the colorway, pink and green, yeah!

I have been calling this my movie shawl. I can envision myself wrapped in this, sitting in an air conditioned movie theater. I need a date, Roger, (cough, cough)! I know we already bought Wild Hogs (inside joke) but I am pretty certain that you could enjoy another movie too.

You know the most bazaar thing about my knitting? I am hardly ever cold, I mean it. If everyone else in the room has icicles hanging from them I can break a sweat. ARGH, menopause! Well at least I can envision myself wrapped in my knitted goodness, I hope sweat doesn't felt wool.

My "Grand Dog" Knits

I have been teaching Lindsey to knit (again). Her grandmother taught her when she was younger but she liked crochet better. That's how I started too. My grandmother taught me to crochet and that's what I did for years. Lindsey has been exposed to my knitting and I may have pressured her a bit. She knit her first hat last week, a 2 hour hat in bulky weight yarn on size 15 needles. Now she is knitting a watch cap in worsted weight on size 8 needles. She will be really good at ribbing when this is finished.

This is Zedd, Lindsey's dog. He may very well be related to Maggie and Max, likes to knit with his "mommy".

The hat is looking good too!

Do You Want to Know a Secret?

Yesterday, actually last night, I attended the Picnic with the Pops. The evenings program featured Beatle Mania.

I began the day running errands Here, There and Everywhere.
There were clothes on sale, waiting for me to purchase them. I had to get my perscriptions refilled, and pick up a fruit platter for our picnic.

I met my friends at 6pm and carpooled to the KY Horse Park for the Picnic.

(Front row:Marty, Karen, Back Row: Sharyn, Mary Lloyd, and Me)

We arrived at the Horse Park and took the Long and Winding Road to the event grounds.

(look for the road in the background)

I look forward to the World Horse Games here in Lexington, 2010. The Horse Park is a beautiful setting and the World should see it. We passed sprawling pastures and jumping venues,stables and museums. All well manicured and waiting to be used.

With a Little Help From My Friends, we made our way through the mass of cars and found a place to set up.

The sky had looked a bit menacing on our drive to the park. You know how those pop up storms can occur in the heat of August. We were afraid that we would have to beat a retreat but no, Here Comes the Sun.

It was HOT! but we survived. The sun set and the stars peaked out from the clouds.

There was Something special about setting under the stars and moon listening to the Beatles, enjoying the company of friends, and good food.

We danced and sang, or rather we did the Twist and Shout.

The most poignant moment of the night for me was when the Chimes were struck 49 times for the passangers of Flight 5191. I reflected on the loss of all, especially Cecile.

In the end we just had to Get Back, to the car, to our homes, to our everyday life.

I hope and pray the I can enjoy my friends, the outdoors, the music

When I'm 64.

She Ate My Glasses!

My FAVORITE glasses are history, thanks to Maggie. I take partial blame for their demise, I left them out unattended.

She was able to remove one lens and chew the ear pieces to bits. If x-rayed no doubt you would be able to see tiny crystals in her intestines.(yuck)
I am thinking she wants to be like me, yeah that's it. She likes to watch me knit, so she grabbed my glasses, and my knitting, ready to have a go at it. Lucky for me my husband saw them, the pugs, with my Clapotis and he saved it from paws and jaws.

On a brighter note I used my gift certificate that Jason and Lindesy gave me for my birthday. I saved it to purchase something very special. I have been coveting Prism Wild Stuff for some time but it is way to expensive for my budget, over $100.00 per skein. I was at the Stitch Niche yesterday and spotted this, much like wild stuff only less than 1/2 the price:

I paid more for this yarn than any previous purchase but it is a gift. I used my entire certificate ,exactly, and paid the tax out of pocket. I brought it home and spread out the hank:

I can hardly wait to cast on. I must find the perfect pattern for this and I spent a great deal of time searching Ravelry last night. I might knit it in a crossover scarf or a twisted scarf. I don't know, any suggestions?

Tonight I have been invited to attend Picnic With the Pops, at the KY Horse Park. I have never attended but have wanted to always. I will report on it tomorrow. We need rain desperately, just not tonight.

It's All About the Art

Yesterday I went to the Woodland Arts Fair. I try to attend every year. Most years the weather is so hot that it's almost intolerable, last year it rained. This year the weather was perfect.

I usually don't buy much but I do get inspiration. That usually means that I will spend more trying to "recreate" what I saw than if I had just bought the object. One year I saw a stained glass piece that was gorgeous, but very expensive.

This is the artist that inspired me to take a stained glass class. I spent a good amount of money on the class and the supplies to create my own pieces. That lesson learned, this year I bought these:

To go with my Clapotis. I love fused glass but I will not play with fire. I can't afford another craft. I bought them here:

If, and I am just saying if, I were to try to recreate anything from this years show it would be this:

I won't even try. That is my husband's forte, woodworking. I do like this, though I like having all my fingers attached to my hand even better.