Road Trip: Gove, KS

Today was a vacation, road trip, therapy day. I packed a thermos of Godiva coffee, snacks, knitting bag and an audio book CD and hit the road for one destination: Gove City Yarn and Antiques. I had seen a billboard for the shop once coming back from Colorado on I-70 and have been itching to check it out ever since. Although we now have an awesome LYS, I still enjoy traveling to other shops and getting motivation and new ideas from yonder places. Thankfully, after the 250 mile drive there, the shop met all my expectations.

I was inspired by a vest design by the owner, Betty Lou, called the ShagKet and I purchased yarns in shades of brown and tan to complete the project. You tie assorted yarns (or scraps) together leaving tails and carry it along with a base (wool) yarn following the vest pattern. I can see mine as a croppped vest with maybe short rows to make the back a little longer. It makes a very unique creation. Betty Lou told me a man once offered her $900 dollars for one she had made out of denim strips. It was beautiful. The shop was crammed full with yarns, books, patterns and antiques. If you make the trip, plan to spend a couple hours taking it all in -- you won't be disappointed.

Sock Tree

I've been feverishly working on miniature socks for a year-round sock tree and here it is in all it's beauty. All 12 socks made from Rowan Denim and I added a garland of wood buttons and spools to go with the theme of my room. Nowdays, ornamental trees are not only limited to christmas green and this kahki color matches my newly remodeled craft room perfectly. The room is coming together nicely and I'll be revealing it soon.

Seaming for Greensburg

It was a cold, rainy day as I drove to El Dorado, KS to participate in the seaming event for Rebuilding Greensburg Block by Block. Laura (and her church, El Dorado First Baptist Church) was the most gracious host with food, drinks, sweets and prize drawings as we seamed and marveled at the uniqueness and generousity of those who knit and crochet. Tables of women filled the gymnasium and as each group of 4-5 completed an afghan of 56 squares, we would ooh and aah at each completed work of art. My group was thrilled to complete two afghans. Laura has over 4,000 more blocks to go so if you're looking for an opportunity to participate or contribute watch for her postings. Good job, Laura!!

Denim from WIN

This is my third handmade denim item I've purchased this year that supports a great cause and thought I'd share this one in particular. I came across these handloomed products from WIN (Wichita Women's Initiative Network) and wanted to let everyone know about this great program that supports Wichita women in transition. You can find some of their items for sale at the Spice Merchant but I visited their location on E. Third street and was impressed by the many looms and sewing machines they provide for women to use in their program for the sale of their handmade products. One of the staffers told me these crafts/occupations are therapeutic to many of their clients and I can sure relate to that! You can find more info at this link and keep in mind WIN accepts donated denim and sewing machines.

These are going to look great in my soon to be remodeled craft room. More to come.....

Ready for Some Football

Opening game and I was ready for some football but our KC Chiefs were not -- I think they forgot to send their offense to Houston as they lost 3-20. Anyways, it was still good to kick back to watch the game with Subway sandwiches and my knitting. I started on Rebecca from Debbie Bliss Cashmerino. (It's actually a childs sweater that I'm knitting in the largest size. I fell in love with the sample at Twist). I had a rocky start until I figured out the "yarn forward" is what I know as a yarn over. I found a great tutorial on line after I started over about 3 times.

Tilted Duster

Although I've neglected my knitting and blogworld due to way too many home improvement projects, I somehow managed to find some extra time to complete a winter sweater. At first glance, I didn't care for the lines of the Tilted Duster from the Fall 2007 Interweave KNITS but it grew on me. I opted for the suggested Berroco Peruvian wool (find it at Twist!) in Marron and finished it off with 1 1/4" coconut shell buttons. The only change I made was to add a few extra rows at the neckline so it would fit more like a turtleneck and a few extra rows for longer sleeves. It fits great and I'll post a modeled picture later after I wash and block it.

Hedera Socks

The Hedera socks are my first completed project from yarn purchased (Panda Cotton) at our new LYS, Twist. The cotton and stretchiness of the yarn appealed to me and worked well with this lace pattern on #0 dpns. Once completed, I rolled them up and put them in a drawer devoted to hand knit socks only. Honestly, they spend more time in there than wear time on my feet!

Home Improvements

After living in our home close to 15 years we had to face the realization it's time to bite the bullet and invest in some major interior home improvements. The fun began with a trip to Sherwin Williams to pick out neutral paint colors for the walls and white ceiling paint. I went with 3 shades (Bagel, Cream & Biscuit) on the same color card to work with throughout my home. Star came out and installed new flooring in the bathrooms and new carpet will follow in two weeks. In the meantime, we're tackling the painting room by room so I'm sadden to report I'm not getting much knitting done.

Bathroom:

Sand Creek Station Golf Course

Where has the year gone? I cannot believe this was the first time in 2007 that I've been able to get out on a golf course. My good friend from work, Jamie, and I played in a Health Underwriter's tournament at Sand Creek Station in Newton, Kansas. (Why yes, that's my Nike running skirt!) It's a new course with some pretty holes worth checking out. My game has suffered due to my lack of practice this year. So many hobbies, so little time.....

3 Days in Sturgis = PRICELESS

We're back from our quick trip to my 10th year at the Sturgis Rally. It's a long haul so husband and I stopped overnight in Cheyenne, WY and had a nice soak in the hot tub followed by an awesome steak dinner. We woke to have coffee at Starbucks and walked around the state capitol plaza.

From there we rode a couple hundred miles to main street in Sturgis for some shopping and biker action.

Then we spent the next couple of days riding around in the Badlands and Spearfish Canyon.

Since our mountain lodge in Lead was just outside of Deadwood, we also spent some time hanging out in town at the restaurants and casinos. Deadwood fills up with bikers and is a great, low-key place to sit and watch the bikes cruize by.

Before we knew it, our 3 days at the rally were over and it was time to make the long trek home. We rode straight from South Dakota to Kansas for a long day of 15 hours and 893 miles of hot riding.

DIY: Reconstructed Levi Handbags

Our long-time good friends, Matt & Melanie are opening a new, bigger motorcycle shop in Galva, Kansas. M&M Choppers will now be right on Highway 56. They are going to have so much exposure due to their new location and I'm sure they will have more business than they can handle. Melanie takes care of the decorating and clothing line and wanted to have some handmade items in the shop so she turned to one of her BFF's (ME!) to make some denim purses to sell out of a stack of old Levi's she had piled up. And you know, I'm no stranger to Levi reconstruction! I added a little motorcycle/biker flair with the linings in skulls, flames and barbed wire. Only got another stack of jeans to go but will send these off to the shop on Monday. Just gotta love denim!

DIY: More Skirts

Instead of knitting, I was sewing and I couldn't stop. I somehow managed to crank out 4 - count 'em - 4 skirts this afternoon. I made a Sunday plan to complete some of my uncompleted projects and now I'm done with skirts for awhile. It was fun while it lasted but I've got to move on.

Sheep for Shelly

Every knit shop needs some wool sheep so I made a Flock of Sheep for Shelly's new shop opening. Which by the way, is TOMORROW!! The big one is from two strands of worsted wool and the small one using one strand.

Sleepover

My little darling, Harlee, spent the night and we went to Riverside Cafe for breakfast this morning. While in the area, we played in the fountains in Riverside Park and then checked out the newly constructed Keeper of the Plains that overlooks our city.

I liked this picture of me because you can see the Arkansas River and our city skyline in the background.

THE YARN IS COMING!!

I almost can't stand the excitement for our new yarn shop, Twist, to open. I got to offer a "helping hand" and see a sneak preview of just some of Shelly's inventory. You just wait -- Wichita has not seen this type of knitting selection of yarn, bags and notions before. We have SOOO many project ideas and it's going to be such a creative hot spot in the Delano District of our fair city.

Beaded Bracelet

My bracelet says it all.

Loom Beading

Where do I find the time to resurrect yet another old hobby? I have so many craft skeletons in the closet! Usually I'll be in the middle of one project and then get distracted by a creative idea to start something else. Am I normal? Taking a break from knitting to obsess over meticulously counting and stringing seed beads on a loom with aspirations of a custom (self-expressive) bracelet. We'll see how it turns out.....

Monkey Love

I love this monkey. The lace pattern is addictive to work and looks so pretty. I made a change to the pattern for sl sts on the heel for more reinforcement since I really plan to wear these. Now on to a mate for my monkey.

Knitting Mystery Novels

To All My Knitting Friends: I must share my secret. I re-joined the Mystery Guild and received all of these hardcover books for free (but paid $14.96 in shipping costs). What a deal and great way to get caught up on knitting mysteries and novels. The only obligation is to purchase 3 more books. I feel so clever since I discovered I can read while putting in time daily on the Eliptical cardio trainer at the Y. Talk about multi-tasking!

Texas Weekend

Packed a bag, grabbed my hat, favorite cowboy boots, a black rented Mustang and headed south to Dallas for a long holiday weekend with family. Caught up with torrential downpours and flooding in Texas but my fast pony pulled me through to a yarn shop stop at Jenningstreet Yarns in Fort Worth. I bought some more sock yarn -- can you say Monkey socks?!? Had a great visit and came home with a little homegrown piece of Texas.

Farm Day

My father-in-law has a few acres close to Haysville where husband and I have "farm days." We do all kinds of chores such as plowing and mowing with the tractors, caring for the horse, Duke, and cutting trees from the fence for the burn pile. I enjoy riding the tractor but had some anxiety when I mowed over a nest of baby rabbits. They were so tiny and scampered around everywhere. I hope they all find their way back to their momma.

DIY: Easyrider Skirt

I haven't had the opportunity to start up any new knitting projects because I'm still collecting fabric for and sewing up skirts. I wear them to work on casual days with sandals and weekends with flip-flops. I'm smitten with the comfort of cotton and the easy, low-waisted fit. I have found so many have-to-have fabrics including the skirt I completed tonight in an Easyrider desert motorcycle theme. I strategically placed the cool women riding choppers in bikini tops on the front of my skirt. Been there -- done that!!

Father's Day Catch

I couldn't think of anything I'd rather be doing on Father's Day than fishing with my dad. I have so many childhood memories and fun times spent on the water with him and my mom.


Our catch on this Father's Day was 2 bass and 2 wipers. It was cloudy all morning but the rain held off until we left the reservoir.

DIY: Tree of Life Skirt

I'm still working on A-line skirts from Sew What! SKIRTS. Brought back this fabric from Taos depicting the Tree of Life from the New Mexico Museum of International Folk Art. Instead of buying my souvenirs, I bring back supplies and make my own. If you recall, last year I brought back sock yarn from Albuquerque in the same colorful scheme that reminds me of my trip every time I wear them.

Destination: Taos, NM

RECIPE FOR FUN

11 women
9 motorcycles
1 pickup truck
4 beer coolers
6 days vacation

Mix together for 1,250 miles of fun and adventure in Taos, New Mexico. Add in some shopping, sun, beer stops, tattoos and a lot of mexican food and you've got some pretty great road stories and pictures to share with your grandchildren (or Winnebago Club) some day.

The Yarn Shop

While in Taos (or anywhere for that matter), I do like to make a point to visit yarn and fabric shops on the Square. While the other girls shopped, I slipped into The Yarn Shop and had a very interesting conversation with "Granny G." She shared with me hats that she's designing and helped me purchase yarn for the sampled Swing Tank (all pictured). I do love shop samples!!

She was the most interesting woman and out of the blue asked my birth date. I wasn't sure if she was quoting Tarot or horoscopes as she made two comments about me based upon my dates:

1) I find comfort in having money in the bank. This didn't use to be the case in my early years but has been very true the past few years and has made me so much more content with life.

2) I will have my own business in less than one year. I often think of having my own boutique knitting shop but don't see that dream coming anytime soon.

Granny G gave me her home phone number and sent me on my way with a hank of yarn and a warm spot in my heart.

LaLana Wools

I packed a small knitting project with me on the trip but I never once had the opportunity to pick it up -- although I can always find the time to buy more yarn.

From our Lodge in Taos, I walked a few blocks down to LaLana Wools on a cloudy afternoon. I wish I would have asked the lovely lady in the shop her name but I did learn she's a mathematician who worked for designers like Liz Claiborne designing garments. Now she designs patterns for LaLana Wools and adds a great spirit to the shop. I was thrilled to find a pattern and sample for The Winter Cowboy Hat and settled on purchasing the shop's wool in dark walnut and dark indigo silk trim.

I just couldn't stop there and also left with a Contessa Moebius Scarf kit in red with black trim. Enough damage was done to the wallet in that short hour I had in the shop prior to closing and I walked back in a downpour.

Early Morning Walks in Taos

So Cool It's Criminal

LOOK GREAT! RIDE SAFE! PLAY NICE!

I found the coolest (MOST WANTED by Rousseaux) denim "biker" jacket at the ROT Rally over the weekend and it has a great story to go with it. Not only is it handmade but this garmet was manufactured by inmates of the Nevada State Prison - Las Vegas. Profits from sales are used to relieve taxpayers for prisoners' incarceration and provide contributions to victim's funds.

ROT Rally 2007

I'm back......We left Friday on our motorcycles for the Republic of Texas rally in Austin, Texas. It rained on us both ways but it was clear and HOT on Saturday as we took in the rally at the fairgrounds and then hung out all night on 6th street where I did see a few people who are living the city's trademark "Keep Austin Weird". It's lined with bars and restaurants and my favorite hot spot, Coyote Ugly. I was fond of this police officer who blocked traffic so I could park in this awesome spot.

I was sad to leave our motel this morning and head back to Wichita. It's hard having only one full day to spend in Austin.