Merry Christmas To All

Although I've been scarce I thought I would pop in here to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. I hope everyone is enjoying time with friends and family and cherishing the spirit of the season. I should be posting some awesome FOs soon! Merry Christmas.

I am not a cabochon.

Today was our 2nd anniversary. As many of you know we have been together far longer than these two years. As he is so good at doing, I was quite indulged this year. After working I had a mani and pedi, an hour and half massage and then got dressed and ready to go to dinner at The Black Cat in Boulder. Dinner was amazing, the lamb pancetta, a petite morsure was everything that lamb should be,truly the highlight of the meal. He bought me gorgeous gold earrings I have been eyeing forever as well as sexy lingerie and the romance package is awaiting us Friday night at the Westin. But the best gift he gave me were these words "You are not a cabochon". These words ring so true and came as I voiced my unease as we slid into the Bside lounge to elude the chill of Pearl street on the way to our car in the midst of bass and drum night. I was frocked in a pretty silk skirt with proper heels, my familiar LV purse and demure Burberry trench. How could I feel so out of place here when I can feel contented at a goth night dressed in red vinyl and fishnets? Because my dear, you are a gem, he tells me. You are not a cabochon. You have many facets that make you shine.

Indeed some nights I am the goth party girl, having the time of my life with the hordes of people I know in that world, but that is merely one facet. I am also the friend that would give you everything to make you happy. I bare my soul to those I love, not hiding flaws but accepting that we are all gems that are beautiful though some times we have inclusions.
I am the mother who gives all that I have to my children, my time, my love, my honesty and my humility. Each day not only do I try to be a better parent but I keep my eyes open, learning from them how to be a better person. I am many things that only my dear husband sees. I am strong, and at times I am feeble. I am impatient and impulsive, emotional and passionate. I am not perfect, I am aspiring. These words comforted like a warm blanket in a time of self doubt. So thank you dear husband for the best gift. And every day I can live knowing that I am not a cabochon and my husband loves my facets.

Just a quick funny

This is what my kids were doing tonight while I was off getting a massage.

Interesting

I lifted this from Nicole. I'm not sure what to make of the results, but the funny thing is I don't like this painting pictured here!

Your result for What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test...

Traditional, Vibrant, and Tasteful

13 Islamic, -1 Impressionist, -3 Ukiyo-e, 3 Cubist, 1 Abstract and -13 Renaissance!

Islamic art is developed from many sources: Roman, Early Christian, and Byzantine styles were taken over in early Islamic architecture; the architecture and decorative art of pre-Islamic Persia was of paramount significance; Central Asian styles were brought in with various nomadic incursions; and Chinese influences . Islamic art uses many geometical floral or vegetable designs in a repetitive pattern known as arabesque. It is used to symbolize the transcendent, indivisible and infinite nature of Allah.

People that like Islamic art tend to be more traditional people that appreciate keeping patterns that they learned and experienced from their past. It is not to say that they are not innovative personalities, they just do not like to let go of their roots. They like to put new ideas into details and make certain that they will work before sharing them with others. Failure is not something they like to think about because they are more interested in being successful and appreciated for their intelligence. These people can also be or like elaborate things in their life as long as they are tasteful. They tend to prefer geometric patterns and vibrant colors.

Take What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test at HelloQuizzy

Behind Once Again

In my defense, it has been a busy month. This whole job thing really cuts into the free time! Who was it that was complaining they were bored now that all the kids are in school all day? It couldn't have been me. I have so much I have been wanting to blog about lately but haven't had a chance to get to it so here comes a big power blog in which mosaics are my friend.

Little A had a field trip to the pumpkin patch that I had the pleasure of joining him on. I was thrilled to see several hand knits make their appearance to warm the heads of these 1st graders. Once I pointed them out little A warmed to the idea of wearing his.

Then Halloween crept up on us. I forgot how much I really don't like carving pumpkins. I like it for a little bit but man it seems to take forever and eww the guts are so slimy! However the pumpkin patch does make for some great pictures.

Halloween weekend we headed to Dallas. One of A's clients gave us tickets to the Dickies 500. While there we spent time with my friend Kandi and her adorable family. The kids were so cute in their costumes, Jordan makes an awfully sweet, I mean terrifying mummy, and Drew was a great Indy. We also visited the Dallas World Aquarium which was first rate, the Stockyards in Ft. Worth and of course the big race. It was so nice to have four days away from it all.
Back at home all the work, chores and running around is still here waiting for me. Another month has flown by and the holidays are just around the corner. Hopefully I will blog again much sooner as I have an exciting new project in the works.

Fall Refresher

Nothing refreshes my spirit like a nice fall getaway. Even better is when it includes knitting, lots of it. Once again I had the pleasure of sneaking away for a couple of days to Buena Vista to knit with friends. As I drove up with Mary Kay we were awed by the colors which were definitely at their peak. These pictures were taken during our return just a few days later and already the colors were on the decline. It was a magnificent drive and a fabulous weekend. I had so much fun spending time with some of my favorite people and I accomplished quite a bit too.
While there I finished my Creamed Spinach scarf.
It seemed to double in length as I blocked it. Overall I am pretty happy with the results and am eagerly awaiting a chill in the air so I may wrap it around my neck.
I also started and finished this delightful hat, finally adding a key knitted piece to my wardrobe. I don't know how I managed to go so long with out knitting myself a hat, but now I see many in my future. The yarn I used was hand spun for me by Amanda as part of the HHHH swap on Ravelry. I have never been gifted hand spun before and I must say a girl could get used to it.
I also started a new project, Fletcher, a Noro pattern using Iro. I can't wait to finish this and wear it all fall long.

Unfortunately this will be happening a little later than I had planned. See all this progress I had made, well it is now frogged. Upon reading the comments re: this project on Ravelry I decided to start over. Everyone was pretty much in unison in their proclamations that this thing is huge. I was knitting a small, getting gauge and my back was measuring 26". My bust is around 38" so that leaves quite bit of ease, 14" to be exact. I figure it was better to cry now and be happy with the results later so I am starting from scratch with a XS. I called Mary Kay and let her in on the sad news as she too is knitting this. So our race (we were jokingly competing to finish) is now back at the starting line.
Oh and where should one put these lovely skeins of Noro while knitting you ask. Why in a matching Atenti bag of course! Isn't this fun and funky! I happily used my Serendipity discount to purchase this bag, I see a lot of use in it's future.
Lastly, here are my weekend's purchase in clockwise order:

Lonesome Stone Mountain Feat in Shades of Plum, Red Rocks Fiber Work's San Diego (a merino/ sea silk blend) in Jenni's choice, RRFW's Steamboat (665 yards of merino silk) in a vibrant green, I am going to make the Fox Island vest out of it, 2 skeins of green Panda Wool for socks, RRFW's Aspen sock yarn in an unnamed amazingly copper colorway, three skeins of Panda Silk in red for another Shapely Shawlette, Lt. green Panda Silk for the Waving Lace Socks (out of the Favorite Socks book I also purchased), and lastly a fabulous skein of Yarn Pirate Superwash BFL in Neptune. So if you don't count the 10 skeins of Noro Iro I think I didn't do to bad this weekend.

Just don't ask my husband's opinion.

Thank God I have a stash enhancement fund, I mean job now!

Firsts

This past month we have experienced many first in our family. On the 14th Maddie participated in her first figure skating competition down in CO. Springs. We are quite proud of what a wonderful job she did not only preparing for the competition but in carrying out her desires and challenging herself to compete at a higher level. Although she did not place she did very well and showed much poise, grace and skill. I am looking forward to attending more competitions and watching her skills improve as she continues her learning with her coach.
Ian recently received his driver's license and is now driving his very own car. I know it doesn't show in the photo but he is indeed excited. Although he protests this photo greatly and proclaims it lame. He also was hired by the local events center as a food runner, which will come in handy when it comes time to pay his car insurance.
Anthony had the pleasure of attending his first Rockies game in the company of his big brother. Part of the thrill was getting to ride the RTD bus down to the stadium. The boys arrived early and luckily procured a baseball from practice which several of the players autographed for them.
And although it was not a first, Ian enjoyed attending his HS's homecoming game and dance. After the kids all headed to our house for a party, which I am happy to report did include any major incidents.

In other news, I had a lovely time being spoiled in the Yarn Thing swap on Ravelry. My partner, iamnycgirl, was wonderful. She sent me four luscious skeins of pure cashmere, some cute patterns for neck warmers which I think will be lovely with the brilliant red yarn, yummy m&ms, cute shoe gift tags, some cools mixed cds of her favorite music and some Christmas songs as well, a pretty dishcloth she knit, and lastly some hair bands. (an inside joke in the swap)

Previous to receiving my big package she also sent me these awesome books. She has an in with the publisher and really went above and beyond to gift them to me. I am already using the culinary book and Maddie is eager to make the knitted boxers in the Knit Wit book.
Oh and did I mention that she sent my gifts in this awesome shoe bedecked bag? She really did her homework on me! (Look at all the red!!!)
Up next: A lot as I am far behind, including a knitting get-a-way, finally finished objects and new projects. Oh and a bag!!!!

Feeling Batty

Last week I had to run an errand for dh, one that I am not particularly fond of. I agreed however to do it in exchange for fiber. So while in Boulder, Maddie and I headed to Shuttles to stock up on some top to card. I also bought some undyed Corriedale Cross and BFL to dye in the future. It was quite fun to teach Maddie how to use the carder and I am happy to share the results of our efforts. This first one I call chocolate cherry, it is 80/20 Merino/tencel.

Not sure yet what to call this one. I like it though and think it will spin up into some funky socks. It is 100% Merino.
And here is the Merino that Maddie carded from the top she picked out. I really like this color combo and might just have to go pick up some more for myself. She wants me to spin it up for her in sock weight so she can knit her first pair of socks. I however decided that with two wheels in the house we should have two spinners. So she is now signed up on the wait list for Maggie's beginner spinning class.
And this last one I made a couple weeks ago. I ran out of things to card so I used a roving that I had previously hand painted. It was so similar to the one I dyed for Carys' slippers that I decided to card it so it would be blended and heathery. It is Superfine Merino.
I am also happy to report that I finally finished spinning up the Denim and Diamonds batt. It is 4 oz. 2ply, 510 yards, and approx 24 wpi... it varies since I am not perfect at consistency.
I am thinking of either making the Morning Surf Scarf or the Shetland shawl. I really like knitting shawls and love the look of them, but haven't really worn the other one I made. This second picture captures the colors best.
And just in case you thought I was on the wagon, here is evidence to the contrary. DSW was giving a free tote away with purchase a couple weeks back and I also had a rewards coupon so how could I resist. I love these Franco Sarto peep toe mary-janes. They are exactly what I was looking for. I have already worn them a time or two and they were quite comfortable, except the day it was rainy and my feet swelled.
I just had to share this too. My dear Pablo is quite happy when I break out the sheet to use as a back drop. Something about sheets has my cats entranced. Whenever I change our sheets they are ecstatic, sliding and pouncing across the bed and under the sheets. It is quite amusing although albeit a bit frustrating when your back drop is under attack!

Up next...a bunch of firsts.

New loves, old loves

I have so many loves in my life...my family, my hobbies, my friends, my home...the list could go on and on. But somehow there is always room for another. Enter my new love, Anthony Bourdain. It is hard to resist the bad boy of the culinary world, with his cynical outlook and adventurous spirit. I have been obsessed with watching No Reservations on the Travel Channel. I long to live his life, eating my way around the globe. But I must settle to live vicariously through him for now. But not content to merely watch him I also have his voice permeating my head as I read his book Kitchen Confidential. You would think I have enough Anthonys in my life, but I guess there is room for one more.
Ahh, old loves. They fit like a nice well worn pair of converse. Trent has been so good to me through the years. Always there to blast on my car stereo when aggressions, sadness and other emotions need a musical representation. It was so nice to see NIN again in concert at my favorite venue Red Rocks. The concert was wonderful and sitting in the 3rd row was an added bonus.

One final love is of the fiber variety, lest we forget the theme of this blog. When I was a wee preschool child I attended a catholic school complete with nuns in habits. A nap time my favorite nun would busy herself in fiber arts. I often asked what she was making and was told it was a gift for the best napper. You can only imagine my delight when I was gifted this lovely poncho she had spent hours making as we slumbered. I still have it and treasure it dearly. I can only hope to hand down the same sort of memories with my humble creations.

Nothing says Happy Birthday like a drum carder! I was fortunate to receive this beautiful Deb's Deluxe drum carder from my loving husband. As you might have noticed I have been enjoying the beautiful batts I have purchased on Etsy. So now that I have this carder I am able to attempt to make a few of my own. I will however not abandon my favorite sellers for their batts are beyond luscious and the amount of work they put into each batt, picking the fibers, dyeing them and then making the stunning batts is incredible. First thing after dh set it up I was putting it to work, and how nice it was of him to capture the moment, pjs and all.

This is the Corriedale/Rambouillet fleece I bought at Estes. I carded about 2oz of it to break it in. I think it could benefit from an additional scour however since there is still a bit of grease in it. Dh says it looks like old lady hair, he still lacks the appreciation of the sheep. Here it is stripped into a ball of roving.
Then I made this batt, it is a 80/20 Merino Tencel blend. I really like how it turned out.
So soft, like fluffy clouds. I have a little under 6 oz total.
The last bits of fiber that were left over I ran through the carder several times, as opposed to the one time on the above batts. This produced a more heathered blend.
I gave it a quick spin on my Ashford to see how it would work up. I only have a smidge of it, but I do like it and may card some more in the future. I am definitely enjoying the carder but see the need to purchase a lot more fiber to satisfy my new addiction.
This past month I also had the pleasure of taking Spinning II from Maggie Casey up at Shuttles. I can not recommend taking a class from Maggie enough. She is such a patient and knowledgeable teacher, I feel so lucky to have her practically in my back yard. This was a wonderful class that really expanded on my basic spinning skills. We learned how to spin worsted and long draw woolen, how to count twist per in. and how to spin much more consistently, how to make a thick lofty single and so much more. Our last class I must say was my favorite. We were give the change to spin a variety of fibers, some which had intimidated me in the past. Here are the fibers, from top to bottom: Bombyx silk cocoon, tussah silk, flax (linen), adult mohair, cotton, cotton on the pod, and a wool/silk blend.
And here are those fibers spun up in the same order, left to right. I really enjoyed them all. Linen, although a bit harsh is actually quite interesting to spin and could make some lovely summer garments. And the cotton which I thought would be difficult was wonderful to spin long draw. My favorite though by far was the silks. Oh they spun so incredibly fine and smooth. I did break down and buy some Tussah after class and can't wait to spin it, I'm sure it would make a divine lace scarf.
So now we are a bit more up to date in the goings on of my world. Right now I am trying to finish some fiber that has been on my wheel since July, I'm just about done. I also am determined to finish my tank top and wear it before the weather changes.
Oh and lastly, I had the great opportunity to get together last night with some of the ladies from the Downtown Stitch and Bitch for a sit and spin night. I had a wonderful time and was thrilled to meet some kindred souls.
Happy Labor Day!