I've debated investing in a dressform for a couple of years now. I've even considering making one but dreaded the thought of asking someone to wrap me up in duct tape (example here). So, you can just imagine how thrilled I was when mom called to say she went to an estate sale and they just gave her this very retro form for F-R-E-E. She was making another purchase but I guess it pays off to go to sales on the very last day at closing time. I picked it up and found that all the critical areas are adjustable to fit my own measurements and then sewed up a nice, coordinating jersey knit cover. I have named my new clone, Norma.
I can't believe I'm going on a month at my new job. I've enjoyed setting up my office and this is my desk view. I found some great Keeper of the Plains prints at DPI that take up one corner of my office while golf pictures hang on the wall behind me. I'm thinking an orchid plant would look pretty by the window (to my right) but I haven't historically had good luck keeping them alive so I've settled for fresh flowers in a vase.
Spring is here and I've got riding on my mind. I guess that's what motivated me to make these felted bags just the perfect size for a pair of sunglasses or riding goggles. I got the idea from a kit and used my own worsted wool, a 7" zipper and sewed on some patches I had laying around. These will work great to protect my eyewear when they are tumbling around in the saddlebag.
When you step into Twist Yarn Shop, to your right, you'll find the most beautiful skeins of kettle dyed Manos del Uruguay 100% wool hanging from the wall. No two skeins are alike so they recommend alternating every two rows from different skeins. Really, not as cumbersome as you'd think and I finished this vibrant vest from the book, 12 Months of Knitting, in just one weekend.
The old familiarity of working downtown came back as I drove in for my first day at my new job. (The 7 mile drive from my house isn't all that bad). I like this location much better as it sits on Douglas Avenue and my 8th floor office overlooks the Century II fountains and the Arkansas River. I was so caught up in decorating my space and getting settled in that I didn't take a break or lunch all day. Also, I am grateful to be working with two positive and funny coworkers from a previous employer.
Went to Aspen Traders yesterday and purchased a pair of earrings with multi-colored stones and decided to make a similar pair of my own in turquoise. I always get great jewelry ideas from there and catalogs such as Silpada and Sundance. Made a trip to a couple of bead shops for head pins and a few more turquoise beads to add with my own collection and made up these earring sets. I'm going to share one set with a special someone that likes turquoise just as much as I do.
I got to hook up with some of my old friends tonight for dinner and cocktails. Karen, my old boss (middle - who I affectionately have started calling her pioneer woman because of her cowgirl lifestyle) and I drove out to El Dorado, KS to meet with Tolli (left). Tolli has opened a new coffee house, Scooters, as well as a wine shop. She's one smart business woman who I swear knows everyone in town. (We go WAY back and at one time used to work together). Right across the hall from Scooters you'll find the Pink Saloon clothing boutique run by her friend, Brooke. But I caution you, hold on to your pocketbook when you enter this shop. There's a pair of very pricey, rhinestone True Religion jeans in there just calling my name.
Hitched a ride with Laurie for a day trip to Kansas City with shopping on our minds. We made a big loop of the city starting off at her daughter's awesome loft in the Farm & Art District, Manny's for a margarita, through the Plaza and finally ended up at Oak Park Mall for a shopping fix. In the mall, the sky parted and the sun shone in on a sign that literally made me yelp with excitement: Bare Escentuals is coming in April. Imagine, a whole store devoted to the greatest cosmetic line and brushes ever made! Yeah, I know....it's hard to wait. I'll be going back soon, for sure.
18 years ago today husband and I got married at St. Anne's Church. Life together has been such a wonderful journey through the different jobs we've had and and the hobbies that we've shared along the way. I am truly grateful to be married to my best friend and to celebrate every day as an anniversary.
Confession: I am a 40+ year old, married woman who still sleeps with a teddy bear known as Vinnie Bear. Vinnie serves more as a body pillow of sorts but he has been with me since junior high. The history goes something like this: John Vinroe was an older high school boy who gave me this bear as a friendship gift so I named him Vinnie Bear. Vinnie used to have a velvet 3-piece suit but it has long since disintegrated over the years and he desperately needs some new threads.
Twist's Sock-of-the-Month Club is Charade in recommended Lang Jawoll. You'll find a surprise inside the skein - a coordinating reinforcement spool of sock thread. I opted to use it on the heels and toes of my sock. It gives more bulk in those areas but that's okay for my black, more utilitarian sock. It will hold up to miles of shoe friction.
The Wichita Women's Fair is an annual event at Century II with all kinds of shopping and exhibitions geared towards women. I got to spend some time with Shelly at her Twist booth on Saturday and I enjoyed talking to women about the joys of knitting/crochet and the classes the shop provides. Repeatedly I heard, "I just don't have the time" and "I don't have the patience". At this I feel like I have some sacred secret about my hobby and our shop and think to myself if they only knew what they were missing out on. Those who share my hobby know very well how it teaches you patience and you make the time for it - every opportunity you can get!
My Grandpa and Aunt Tami share 20 acres 20 miles outside of Dallas, TX. It's always a nice weekend getaway for mom and I to drive the six hours there for a visit. This time was a little more challenging with the limited visibility combined with the agonizing 40 mph drive all the way to Oklahoma City but we were determined and made there. The temperature heated up in the 70s and we got to take in the GIGANTIC 1st Monday Flea Market in Canton, Texas but I didn't buy much this time around. My favorite thing to do is to get up early with Grandpa and drive to the Yellow Rose Cafe for coffee and small talk for hours with all the old (geezer) cowboy friends Grandpa has there on the lake. 
I love to read and I love to knit but I can't do both at the same time. When I read I feel like I'm cheating on my knitting time but this is a really good book. The author shares her journey in finding balance in life. Isn't it ironic that I feel conflicted about reading about balance when I could be knitting, working when I could be knitting, cleaning when I could be knitting -- the list goes on and on. I guess I need to work on my knitting balance.
Wow. It's been two weeks since my last post. Work has been demanding alot of my time with long hours, travel and stress. Usually knitting balances my stress but this project of cables only seemed to add to it all. I started this dress back in October and I'm relieved it's finally done. I'm not a fan of cables - or was it the fact that this huge project seemed like I was knitting two afghans with no end in sight?? Remember, I debated the yarn choice (Lion Brand Wool Ease) but I'm so happy with the results and it washes well and will wear well to-boot. This is a favorite.
Making picture ornaments is a family tradition handed down from my Grandma Penny. For many years now, I have made an ornament for each year that passes with pictures of us, our pets or here recently, our vacation road trip Christmas card. You too can start a new tradition for your family. I keep the supplies in a tin and get it out every year with my Christmas things. You'll need the following:
3" styrofoam ball
While husband is occupied in the garage modifying his kick-start HD Shovelhead with an electric starter and new belt drive, I'm looking forward to four days off from work with nothing better to do than to lounge by the fireplace, sip some wine and work on my latest knitting project. What a great weekend to rejuvenate and reflect on the passing of 2007 and new goals for 2008.
A cowgirl apron from Mom I picked out almost a year ago in Canton, TX. Funny, it matches my reconstructed luggage...
I woke this morning to thunder then came rain, sleet, snow and now a blizzard. We put the truck in 4-wheel drive and navigated across town to take care of (our horse) Duke. Hope you're staying in today, Melanie, Ford Mustangs don't have a chance in this kind of weather! I counted four that were stuck in the snow and thought of you. I just love this kind of adverse weather and we braved the blowing snow and limited visibility to have a breakfast lunch at Riverside Cafe and a quick stop at Twist for an emergency supply of yarn. It was a fun adventure for the day and now we're warm and cozy by the fire. Sheba's watching the snow fall and you can see how much snow were getting -- this is just what's blowing in under the patio cover. I'm hoping it stays around a while for a White Christmas.
Living in the Midwest allows us to wear wool about 5 months out of the year. This may help explain my love for Noro but lately I've discovered classic pure virgin wool skirts from Pendelton that go great with my Born Whitley boots. Pendelton has been around a long time and they have an interesting story about their Northwestern woolen mills and Indian blankets. (I found many of these blankets for sale in the Portland, OR airport). Although my skirts were constructed in El Salvador, it's good to buy an item that at least the label reads, " Woven in our USA mills." You can buy Pendelton products on-line or find a wide selection of women's wear at Dillard's-Towne East. Nothing is more cozy than a handknit sweater, a great wool skirt and boots!
My dear knitting friend, Lia, has been talking about moving for months to Spokane, WA and we've all avoided discussing it in detail because it's just too sad. But there's no getting around it now that she's there today searching for a new home and will be moving away in a couple of weeks. The Wichita KIP (Knitting in Public) experience has gifted me with many friendships over the years and with that comes the sad realization that nothing ever stays the same and people move in and out of your life. Fortunately, for us, we have the blogworld and will be able to keep tabs on her great adventures - just like we do with Allison.
There's something very magical to me about horses and snow. They are so majestic just standing there braving the elements. (Of course, our old boy gets to lounge in a warm stall covered in hay in bad weather). I like to coax Duke out into the field with an apple and then get him to run in the field of snow - he's just so beautiful like that. Then he'll get excited and fall down to roll in the snow. I must give credit where it's due -- while all this magical frolicking is going on, husband is shoveling poop and doing the not so enjoyable things that it takes to care for a horse.
This is how you safely wear flip-flops in the winter! Using J.Knits superwash/nylon wool on #1 dpn's, I followed the Retro Rib pattern from Interweave Knits/Winter 2004 to the toe shaping then switched to the Japanese split sock Tabi pattern from Not Just More Socks. A great way to add warmth to your favorite flip-flops.
Sleet, snow and falling temperatures didn't stop us from driving to Kansas City for husband's Christmas party over the weekend. I don't get many opportunities to be a passenger in a car so I was excited to have many hours of uninterrupted knitting time. This year we all gathered at Ruth's Chris on the Plaza for exceptional steak dinners and a variety of delicious wines. It was a cold evening that followed as we walked along the Plaza with our friends John and Tammy (pictured) taking in all the Christmas lights. A trip to the Plaza will do wonders to get you in a festive holiday mood and a stop at Cabela's on the way home finished up my Christmas shopping list.
And then there was knitting -- and lots of it. In fact, I managed to finish the Bettna jacket in Noro Silk Garden in a record setting week thanks to work road trips and overnight hotel stays. Talk about multi-tasking! Now if I can only get my Christmas cards sent out...
Shelly asked me to knit up this sweater for the shop. It's a Colinette kit of Taos silk and Pariseinne mohair. I found the mohair to be pretty tricky and way too easy to drop stitches. I guess that's just how mohair is and almost impossible to undo if you make a mistake and have to tink (knit backwards!). Good lighting and deliberate stitches was mandatory for this project.
I met Angelique at Yoga Central this morning. It was my first time there and I thoroughly enjoyed the change of scenery. The smaller class was much more intimate than the classes at the "Y" and offered more challenging strength poses. From now on, I'm going to call Angelique "My Little Pretzel." She's so tiny and has wonderful flexibility with awesome form.
My new felted hat came in pretty handy for today's temperature of 32 degrees. Duke sniffed around on the wool of my hat and tickled my ears with hot air from his nostrils. We fed him grain and locked him in for the dropping temperatures tonight. I'm hoping we get snow from our 50% chance later today.
for being married to my best friend and making every day special
for the good or improved health of my family
for financial security for my mother and my father being able to live the retirement of his dreams
for having some really special girlfriends in my life to spend time with
for having a good job that is building my financial retirement goals
for emotional happiness and the material things I have worked hard for
and finally
for Twist and Ravelry for providing an outlet for creativity, sharing and the balance that knitting has brought to my life
The anticipation is building for the Thanksgiving holiday. I'm about 99% sure I have everything to fix our holiday meal. This year I'll be cooking for my husband, mom, father-in-law, sister-in-law and her husband. The pressure of fixing a perfect turkey and meal used to make me real nervous but I've pretty much got it down now. I'm looking forward to a long weekend of burning the fireplace, knitting and taking in a few yoga classes to burn off the extra calories.
'Tis the season to wear hats for warmth and I like to wear them to keep my hair back. I sported my beret to breakfast and the grocery store this morning. I made Le Slouch in stockinette with an 8" slouch from Classic Elite's Waterlily from Twist. This merino yarn has a mottled suede look just perfect for a casual day.
This hat made from Noro Kureyon is my first pattern project idea from Ravelry. I like the bands of color and the hat but it's taking everything I have to resist felting it into a bowl. Noro = Love
Winter's around the corner and felting's in the air. Thank you Lalana Wools for the inspiration to make this felted Winter Cowboy Hat. This is my most favorite finished knitted project EVER. I absolutely love this hat. I have several cowboy hats but this one is so special and hard to believe handmade. While in New Mexico in July, I found this pattern and selected Lalana Wools' hand dyed worsted wool in walnut (to match my favorite boots) and indigo for the hatband and trim. The indigo is a combination wool and silk that gives a nice contrasting sheen and dimension. This hat makes me want to thrown on a duster and ride a horse through a mountain of snow.
The Tree Jacket is complete and not quite what I was expecting. Don't get me wrong, I like it but I was going for a more snug fit, especially in the arms. I should have knitted the chest circumference in small instead of medium and I probably wouldn't have ended up with such roomy arms. It's all good and I will wear my labor of love, just in a different way than I had originally planned.
