THE DAILY FIBER

2012-01-31T03:43:00.000-08:00

King sized quilts are not my forte. I won't tell you how many hours I spent over the weekend preparing and attaching the binding for my daughter's quilt (which was supposed to be ready by Christmas!).

It's a big bear, a giant of a quilt! Now that the binding is on, I can turn to the meditative process of hand stitching it into place. I enjoy this quiet final bit of sewing.

I've made my peace with garter stitch.

Discovered and fell in love with Tina Givens and her beautiful repertoire. She has sent me back to my sewing machine, which is a very good thing, indeed!

going with the blue moon ...

2012-01-28T17:15:00.000-08:00

Hexipuffs knitted from leftover sock projects ..

Koigu which straddles the line between sport weight and fingering ...

Blue Moon Fiber Arts Medium weight - perfection. When it's right, it's just .... Right.

hexi-puffs

2012-01-28T11:30:00.000-08:00

The Beekeeper Hexi-puffs are multiplying. I've run into a small problem though; one that I think I have almost resolved. The smatterings and snippets of sock wool that I've been using are lovely, yet varied. It's the variations that have me bothered - the different sizes and textures of the woolens have not endeared themselves to me yet. Nowhere was this more apparent than when I broke out the Blue Moon Fibers.

Gorgeous. Terrific stitch definition. Colors that defy description. I have some Koigu coming and when it arrives I will be able to make a decision - to go with the motley crew of leftovers, or open the purse and buy only Blue Moon medium weight wool. What to do ..

lovely snow and hexagons

2012-01-21T10:21:00.000-08:00

The inside-out pajama trick worked!

The snow has been falling since early morning. Love it.

The cardinals have returned to the feeders - although this image, taken from indoors, is too dark to discern the scarlet beauties. You'll have to take my word for it.

On a different note - I discovered (late to the party, as usual) the Beekeeper's Quilt from Tiny Owl Knits. I've already fallen in love with this pattern on so many different and potent levels!

First of all - I'll have the chance to use up all of my small leftover sock stash and PURCHASE MORE!!!!

Secondly - this project may promote the finishing of the 1/2 dozen socks that are lying about waiting for their mates(so that I can use up the leftovers!!!)

Third - I'll get to use my favorite Wendy basket that I've had for at least 15 years - I plan to fill it to the brim with yarny goodness before I even begin the construction of the actually 'quilt'.

Fourth - more sock yarn (did I already mention that?)

There's lots of other reasons - all of that leftover poly fill that I haven't been able to part with will finally realize it's destiny! And this is a totally portable project - small enough to carry about and keep on hand. And hey, a shout out to my sock-knitting friends - join me? There's a group on Ravelry for support! You could also choose to decline and instead send me your small sock leftovers! Oh Pauline, don't you have a little of that glorious yellow stored away?????

Have to go now, onion soup to prepare and hexagons to knit!

the face of love

2012-01-19T16:39:00.000-08:00

I'm already looking for another holiday. The space between New Year's and Valentine's Day is filled with peril. Cold days, dark nights, chapped skin, flu bugs, bad news.

This morning I was standing at the sink and I found myself humming that little ditty from White Christmas. "When you're troubled and you can't sleep, count your blessings instead of sheep .." you know the one. I do count my blessings, at least twice a day. I offer up prayers and go over my gratitude list in the frosty dawn when I take the dog outdoors and again at night, under the stars - always with the dog. And I've decided that his is the face of love.

He's always happy to see me, joyful, really. He never gets mad at me or holds a grudge. He overlooks my shortcomings and tries to engage me in play when I am sad. He would never make fun of my bed-head or be embarrassed to be seen walking with me when I have on my purple pajama bottoms. He doesn't mind bad breath or insolent cats. Any shoe is a good one to carry around and his biscuits don't have to be of the green variety. He's not wild about his Nutra dog food for overweight dogs, but who really LIKES diet food? He is my protector and my companion and his middle name should be 'Loyal'.

In the spirit of canine worship - I've knitted a few snoods for my sister's little cavaliers. They have those long silky ears and short snouts and a snood comes in real handy, especially after they've been newly-groomed.

I've been having fun with my knitting - nothing too serious or complicated. You wanted another look at my snoods?

And the outdoor shot with good lighting -

Can you believe the green boxwood in the background? Indecent without a covering of snow!!! I am wishing for snow. Maybe I'll wear my pajamas inside out tonight.

weekends return

2012-01-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

Mandatory overtime draws to a close. Good packages arrive in the mail.

Knitting into the wee and tender hours of dawn return -

How can one sleep with these delicacies in the cupboard?

what's missing

2012-01-10T07:46:00.000-08:00

I will admit that I went back to bed this morning. I was tired from waking at 3:00 am, when sleep eluded me entirely. I wasn't feeling well - too many back-to-back days at the job without a break had worn me out. So I laid there in the dark and waited for sleep to find me again.

This house is winterized as much as an old 1860's structure can be, but if you lie quietly you can hear the animal sounds tiptoeing in, slipping under the drafty window sills; an owl hooting to the dawn, a dog howling at the disappearing moon, an opossum family brushing against the dried hydrangeas shrubs and triggering the motion lights in the shed. Something is missing.

The sound of the snow plow. We have not seen a single flake of the white stuff since our freakish October storm. These abnormally warm days are unsettling. Where is the snow? I feel cheated.

There hasn't been a lot of time to spend with the things that I love. That's about to change. I've made Resolutions.

My 2012 list grows daily. Bind Hilary's quilt. Finish Sandy's daughter's present. Cast on the exquisite Quince & Co worsted. Finish socks. Finish Chrissy's hat. Finish Scott's socks. Deliver Christmas gifts to MIA friends. Walk Harley longer and faster. Remain calm in traffic. Pray for snow.

Stay away from the fabric store, the online fiber shops, Amazon books and the Sundance catalogue. Spend more time with family.

BE HAPPY.

all that glitters

2011-12-30T12:34:00.000-08:00

New Year's Eve approaches. What better fiber to bring in 2012 than this?

Nope, that's not snow -

ArtYarns - beads. Unspeakably beautiful ... but no snow. We're still waiting for the white stuff -

Green grass in late December. The Arctic Circle is sounding better and better to me. Did you finish all of your Christmas projects? I didn't. Luckily, the friends who have to wait are patiently understanding!

And this -

And more to come!!! (it's hopeless!)

christmas 2011

2011-12-26T04:50:00.000-08:00

Christmas came, without the snow that we longed for. It brought our loved ones together - safe, close for those moments, real. This is what the holiday is about - nothing matters as much as this connection - cousins embracing, sisters laughing together, the Matriarch smiling from her rocking chair. And because we are a family that adores dogs, it was dogs that shared our special day.

Clementine and Pippa warmed our laps and made us laugh. It was hard, this one. They say that the first holiday without one's loved one is always a challenge. We missed our father. We had each other, good food, memories. We are blessed, and we know it.

My beautiful niece Hadley - wearing her new mitts! (alpaca)

Onward to the new year!

looking, listening

2011-12-15T18:03:00.000-08:00

I can't hear Christmas, or feel it. So I assigned myself to listening.

When you stop talking to listen for something in particular, you will hear curious, wondrous, sounds.

Overheard: "Mario wears girl's glasses, wears his pants belted under his belly. He is balding, Italian, but doesn't look it. (hesitation) I think he may be a little gay."

"She's living out her mental illness diagnosed, but untreated."

"You may not have noticed this, but you are not exactly the center of love and kindness."

And today's favorite -

"Where the hell is the snow? It's freaking December, for Godsake. Did you read my horoscope? I'm in for astrological stormy weather."

Christmas, where are you?

Did you come in on silent feet with this pretty bouquet?

Were you signaling to me from the monkey ornament aisle? (these little guys jumped in my basket and came home)

Have I been walking past your subtle light without noticing?

I think that I felt your spirit today when I began my last minute Christmas knitting.

'When you really look for me, you will see me instantly - you will find me in the tiniest house of time'
-Kabir

time to finish

2011-12-11T16:57:00.000-08:00

Have been working along steadily, attempting to finish all Christmas projects.

Mittens waiting for their thumbs -

Mittens waiting for their mates -

Socks waiting to dry -

Another pair of mitts, waiting to meet one another!

A chocolate Wishbones - with scarf and mitts to follow. I'd like to create something that would make your hearts quicken! Something that would send you to your stash, to your needles - your heads bent over your work, nodding, smiling, unable to pull yourselves away. It's coming!

pauline's heart

2011-12-07T04:11:00.000-08:00

A box arrived from New Hampshire. Pauline certainly knows how to surround a loved one with joy, with delight. First of all - socks.

A dedicated sock knitter myself, this gift is even more precious and rare, and oh so treasured!

The detail is so scrumptious - it's hard to put these socks away. The color, never fully realized with my point and shoot camera, is divine. . . think beaten egg yolks in a quiet early morning kitchen. Pauline, thank you. I will be lifting my pant leg, my skirt, to gaze at your gift. People will whisper and point and snicker and I won't be in any way fazed!

There was another carefully wrapped bundle in scalloped tissue -

Let me introduce my little elephant. He has machine quilted hearts on his flappable ears. His body is encased in my favorite gingko fabric. The little braided orange tail -

Love at first sight. I wish that there was a way that I could describe Pauline's creativity. Her life is her work of art - she never ceases to amaze, she never tires in her pursuit of beauty, of joy. She is the most generous woman that I've ever known; if you admire her work, she offers it to you, happily, genuinely. In the words of Julia Cameron-

"God is in the details."

Whenever I have been fortunate enough to spend time with Pauline, I have experienced the most intensely creative bursts of productivity. She is one of those authentic spirits who brings out the extreme best in anyone blessed to know her. She is my Muse.

Anything is possible. Doors open, ideas pour like wine from vessels, freely, abundantly.

knitting memories

2011-12-05T18:05:00.000-08:00

when I spent my time color stranding ... many years ago -

Large projects were tackled enthusiastically. Time restraints simply did not exist - the seductive nature of color knitting, of stranding to create designs, was captivating, mesmerizing. Everything, complete, nothing more needed than just this - to sit with the fiber, to pull the colors, to feel the fabric gain and grow beneath my needles.

Where did all of that courage and discipline disappear to? Today I am profoundly uncertain. I sit with a growing mountain of designs, of charts, of ideas jotted quickly upon note paper. Instead of granting my authentic dreams the space in which to grow - I tackle yet another project designed by a stranger - something quick and tested to be gratifying. The small voice within clamors to be heard - I am listening, I am listening. Perhaps this will be the year - the one in which I emerge with confidence - my dreams alive, in fiber.

I told Scott that I was leaving, that I could no longer live in a house that was crumbling. (I do tend to lean toward the dramatic). I want to see my hardwood floors again, I told him. They've been covered under some kind of board for too many years - protected from plaster wall excavation, long over. God bless that man, he heard my heart. (he likes my cooking too well!)

It's the age old story of the Shoemaker whose children go barefoot. Scott possesses a gift that is so unique and special. He can build the house of your dreams. He will get it right - down to the last detail. His houses are magnificent, resplendent, and he has built for the ordinary guy as well as for super stars. But when it comes to Home Sweet Home, he resists - there is a total lack of motivation. Lately I think that we are beginning to make some kind of progress. I hope so. This hallway speaks to me. It tells me that COLOR is needed. Any ideas?
Baby steps.

monkeys like banana (yellow)

2011-12-03T05:37:00.000-08:00

First of all, we received our first Christmas card. It made me so very happy!

If you read the Thanksgiving post, you know that these two little dogs have stolen my heart. . . so much so that I have taken to perusing Cavalier breeder sites! Unfortunately, this puppy doesn't line up with my budget! One has to dream!

I'm a closet monkey admirer. Silly, I know, and I've kept it under wraps for years. Somehow, my devotion to elephants doesn't seem as sophomoric! It's even acceptable or understandable to plan a retirement that includes working on an elephant sanctuary. But monkeys? I had to come out of the closet this year because that scoundrel sock monkey made his debut with fabric companies and suddenly - monkey themes abound! When yarn poses with monkeys, curious things happen!

Christmas mitts from Morehouse Farm seem more festive when paired with that monkey.

Another Ysolda hat and mitts are coming soon - this lovely pea green theme seems to be emerging all around the place! I love to see bits and pieces of bright green tucked in with traditional holiday colors.
I have promised a baby sweater to a friend.

It needs a washing and a blocking and then it will be off! But not before posing with the monkey!

Harley wanted to remind everyone that monkeys are ridiculous!

this lovely long weekend

2011-11-26T18:41:00.000-08:00

Are you enjoying this long weekend? Here in the northeast we are being blessed with the most extraordinary weather- warm and windy and dry. I've had clothes on the line for three days running - all of those quilts and comforters and sheets and towels that will capture and hold the scent of these November afternoons, basking, in the sun.

Thanksgiving in Connecticut was wonderful. My sister sets the most elegant table -

And the food was nearly diminished by all of the lovely crystal and porcelain and sterling - we had such a feast. There was laughter and love and I believe that everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, even Hilary, who was nursing a horrendous cold.

I couldn't take my eyes off of the chandelier - it was wearing such finery! The afternoon light streamed through the windows and the combination of sensational food and loved ones was PERFECTION.

One of my blogger friends has complained that I never post any photos of myself, and she's right about that. I have gained weight over the last several years and am never happy with any photos except, perhaps, THIS one ...

There's my girl, Clementine. I am so thoroughly in love with this girl, and I'm not alone -

She has something special going on with my son. We are all hopelessly in love. (There may be cavaliers in ALL of our futures!) These little dogs are incredible - they totally bond with their "people". Sweet, unassuming, a joy to be with, this, coming from people who have always had retrievers! It's a conspiracy!

I wandered around my sister's home and found so many beautiful nooks and crannies. An orchid that welcomes one as one enters -

A favorite photo of my father - making faces in order to send his grandchildren into fits of laughter -

The front room - so elegant and peaceful with the fireplace lit .... and, oh! My sister creates the most exquisite needlepoint pillows! She has honored all of her beloved dogs, loved and gone onto the happy hunting grounds -
First - Sally. She came from a Millbrook kennel and was truly, a remarkable lab.

There was Lola - she completely stole my heart and passed on way too soon.

Of course, we cannot forget Mr. March and Lily and the unsinkable Nick -

I think that she liked the newest addition that I brought along -

I hope that you all had a blessed joyous holiday!

quietly busy

2011-11-23T10:19:00.000-08:00

The first year that we moved into this old farmhouse, Scott created a beautiful harvest table - large enough to seat our families. This is where the tradition of having Thanksgiving in New York began. There is a change in place this year, and the pressure is off! We've been invited to my sister's home in Connecticut. Instead of preparing the feast, I am responsible for just a few delicacies! We are really enjoying the quiet pace of this day - so much so that my sou chef is napping without regret!

I am making a cheese roll - the recipe originates from the Red Lion Inn in Sturbridge, Massachusetts. They don't know how to prepare anything that isn't exceptional.

Delicious herbs and cheeses make up the batter and after a 24 hour refrigerated nap it is rolled into a log and sliced accordingly. The parchment paper should make the actually rolling easier.

These unexpectedly beautiful tomatoes are making it possible for me to concoct a family favorite - Spinach Rockefeller. The spinach mixture is scooped onto thick tomato slices and heated quickly. Mouth-watering. The original old recipe (1973) actually called for MSG!!!!! Thankfully, we've discovered that this is not an ingredient that one wants to include! I've also put up a Salmon Mousse which will be served with pumpernickel toasts. This recipe comes from my favorite, The Silver Palette cookbook. There will be an applesauce cake, made from neighboring apples that I picked myself. The cheesecake is relaxing in the fridge - there isn't much more to do.

I did finish the pillow for my sister. I'll slip upstairs to her bedroom and leave it on the bed where she will find it long after we've left. I'm happy with the end results even though my machine quilting leaves a lot to be desired! Also, I punked out on the double welting ... sssshhhh, don't tell.

Ruth McDowell I'm not! Her machine quilting is sensational, but nothing can compare to my friend Linda Hibbert's work. The paper pieced Cavalier is only one of many beautiful creations that Linda offers. If you haven't already, be sure to visit her website at Silver Linings Originals.

I've used many different paper-piecing patterns over the years and can say, without hesitation, that none can compare to Linda's. There is a painterly feel to the patterns, a flow that is so intuitive one hardly checks the schematics.

I've always wanted to create my own designs - in quilting, in knitting, sewing and beading. I think that I resort to the use of other's designs because I am (a) lazy, (b) insecure, and (c) totally without mathematical acuity and addicted to instant gratification. Phew! Glad I FINALLY got that off my chest.

I always wanted to become a painter. I began taking life model drawing classes in my teens and worked with a local artist well into college, where I majored in studio art. There was never a time when I was not drawing, illustrating, doodling and creating. Where I lacked confidence in myself, my work, I found that fiber play was just that - PLAY, and fun and undemanding. There was no one standing by to critique my quilts, my sweaters. There was lots of praise for items that could be cuddled up to, worn happily. But the work was not original. At best, it only morphed from an original design into something that I went off the rails with!

Here is one of those happy collisions -

It began as another Honey Cowl and when I tired of the slip stitch pattern I added stitches and my favorite k6 p2 rib to the end. Tomorrow I will give it to Hilary and take some photos of the finished piece. It's really nice - and I'm thrilled with it. I've started another in my leftover Epiphany from Cascade.

Perhaps this is the first of many baby steps that I need to take before plunging into Original Territory. The journey is such a wonder to me that I probably don't even need to know or understand where I'll end up. It is said that if one does what one loves, the success will follow. How I would love to quit my "day job" to pursue such a sentiment!!! Meantime, I'll keep creating.

There are so few things that can compare to this kind of satisfaction. . . It might be time for a nap - imagine that on the day before Thanksgiving!!! What are you all doing today? I hope that you and yours enjoy a safe, joy-filled celebration. And for those who do not celebrate Thanksgiving, safety and happiness and as much family connection as you can get!

the holidaze draws near

2011-11-19T09:06:00.000-08:00

With less than a week to Thanksgiving, I find myself scrambling. This project needs to be finished today, wrapped and ready to deliver.

I'm stalling because the double welting that would finish this so nicely is daunting. I need you, Pauline. No one does welting like you do.

This is the little hat knit to wear with the baby shower sweater that I last posted. It's about as cute as I can stand. Into the mail it goes! I can imagine an entire box filled with these little gems (in assorted gumdrop colors).

I frogged an old project to cast on a second Honey Cowl. It's going to be plump and gorgeous. I can envision someone tucking their chin into this loveliness on a cold wintery day.

My cashmere Avery is finished and it is my favorite 2011 knit. I want one in every color, as long as the fiber is cashmere. Obviously, I'll have to be satisfied with this piece alone! Another view - and an opinion: MAKE ONE FOR YOURSELF!

We had bad news this morning - an old friend has unexpectedly and suddenly passed away. This event gives one pause. I see by my mother's expression that the upcoming holidays are dragging on her heart. And I cannot stop thinking about my father.
I wake up every morning at 2:00 or 2:15am, the time that my father passed on. It's futile to attempt sleep after this. Insomnia is not good.

I made this little piece for my father and it hung next to his bed in the nursing home. You know, you think that you are moving through your grieving process with dignity and a modicum of grace and certainly with reflection and prayer. But the dreams - the dreams tell a different story.

My dreams, when they come, are vividly colored with small details that I'd overlooked - often dating back to the time when my children were very small, and then even further - to a time when I was a child. It's impossible to make any sense of it, difficult to shake the remnants, the longing, that these dreams produce.

Maybe it's just the "Silly Season", the first without my father, without my good dog Jack, without our friend Glenn.
I think that it is important to give in to the holiday season - to honor it in one's heart, in one's private authentic way. This can be a task, especially when one is bombarded by Christmas jingles long before the Thanksgiving turkey has been consumed! I begin by pulling out the projects that need to be finished -

What do you do to stay in the spirit, the true spirit of the upcoming holidaze?

baby shower, etc

2011-11-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe that my daughter's friends are having children. Where did the time go to? It seems like only yesterday that these lovely pony-tailed girls were piling into the back seat of my car - giggling, vibrant, ready for anything. And of course 'anything' is life, and life marches on in a natural order, mostly. Today's baby shower, or 'sprinkle' is to celebrate the upcoming birth of Michelle's second baby. Hilary is Godmother to her first, Julia, and there is an 8 year span between the children.

What would equal an Elizabeth Zimmerman classic for this baby?

Softly knit in Classic Elite Wool Bam Boo - a little delight for a precious new life.

I was hoping to make a hat, but didn't have time. This baby is due in late February so I will be able to complete a hat or two before then and send along.
I am coming home in the darkness now and have to fight the urge to hit the couch after dinner. Luckily, my knitting calls to me, so there have been a few projects that are moving right along.

My wonderful friend and hair dresser, Mary, saw the Kauni yarn in my knitting bag and went slightly ga-ga for it. I plan to make a Newton Scarf for her Christmas gift. I love the color changes in this yarn, but wish that it were less wooly, or scratchy. It's definitely an out-side-the-coat knit!

Hilary bought a chocolate brown Calvin Klein coat and needs a hat - another Wishbone knit from Carol's extraordinary Nirvana fiber. Dreaminess.

I wear my red Wishbone cap every single morning when Harley and I have our walk.

He's waiting for me right now. What a face! All of this knitting gets on his last nerve. Throw the ball! Chase me through the house! Gimme a biscuit! We all make sacrifices, but he's not interested in my 'knitting time'! It's a theme that has gotten too much play of late. Since I love him to stupid excess, I'll end this with one more little tidbit.

Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. Part One of an adorable layette. Suddenly, everyone is expecting babies!

how much is that doggie in the window ...

2011-11-11T03:08:00.000-08:00

Now THAT's a sweet puppy! I am longing for a puppy - a furry bundle of joy that will make me laugh and give Harley a run for his money!

This guy could come home with me without a single hesitation. I found a breeder of Corgis in Albany, but they had no available pups.

This, of course, will always be my favorite breed.....oops! Someone didn't appreciate that comment -

What kind of a post about dogs would this be without mention of a dog trainer? This is my friend Dan Lussen - someone who knows a great deal about dogs. If you are in the market for a trainer who knows his stuff, check out danlussen.com. He's really talented and nice and easy on the eyes!

wool and cashmere

2011-11-03T15:48:00.000-07:00

Such a WONDERFUL concept! Kate Davies of the Needled blog (textisles.com)has put together a month long celebration of wool. Do go over and have a look. I have been an admirer from the first read - she is the consummate knitter and scholar! If I ever run low on inspiration or gratitude I hop on over to Needled. The world shifts back into view.

Wool has always been my first choice, and since we are celebrating wool this November I am hard pressed to talk about my current project. I'll whisper. cashmere ... cashmere from Lobster Pot.

It was time to break out the cashmere that my mom had brought back from Nantucket for me this summer. It is so delicious that I can hardly stand it.

Like Delisa's (Dances With Yarn) cotton balls growing in her Georgia fields, only more sublime. I keep wondering how I ever passed over cashmere ... oh, that's right - the ~~outrageous~~ prohibitive cost! It's worth every darn penny.

If only you could lean in and touch this. What am I knitting, you ask? If might be my favorite for 2011.

I fully expect to live in this piece ... sleep in it, walk the dog in it ... go to the market and maybe to work in it!

And believe it or not, there is another cowl being shaped. This pattern is one of those wonderful staples that you can carry with you and pick up and not have to worry about counting - it's the perfect knit for when you are waiting on a line or perhaps sitting with your colleagues in a ~~boring~~ meeting ... you get the picture! Honey Cowl found on the Madelinetosh website - FREE!

Miss Babs has colors in her repertoire that are just astonishing!

We love this 'dahlia' with black or grey.

How pretty this is when paired with the blueberry bushes!

So many people in the northeast have been hammered with this past storm - our cherry tree lost a huge branch, but we never lost our power. Fall has slipped away - my sister says that the baton has been passed. So sad. No leaf peeping, no lovely foliage.

snow in October

2011-10-30T15:43:00.000-07:00

It's so exciting to live in the northeast where we have WEATHER! What could be more boring than to live in a place where the weather never changes? It's been snowing for a few hours and the roads are lethal. I've been outdoors with a broom, attempting to beat the heavy snow from my tender trees and such. It may be a losing battle.

An image taken through the screen. Here's another - the bird feeder, which seems very popular with our feathered friends.

And the trusty flamingo is disappearing under a veil of white ...

But there has been knitting - all kinds of knitting! First up - a headband for my daughter who cannot tolerate these nor'easters!

I love the cables on this piece. And I have a cashmere cowl for my mom-

So pretty - wrapped in the last lavender of the season -

It's indescribable - a whisper, a floating warmth - my friend Becky says that wearing cashmere feels like a hug.

The Miss Babs Yowser arrived in this delicious shade called Dahlia. Cowls. Mitts. Hats. Gorgeous when paired with grey or black or cream. I'm involved in a serious affair with these fibers from Miss Babs. Have I mentioned that they remind me of the early Rowen DK's? That's right.

The Halloween quilt didn't slide under the deadline that I set for myself. I've decided to keep plugging away until it's finished. I especially like these two blocks in the left corner... the background fabric is precious to me.

Scott brought cottons back from his Australian trip several years ago, and I've not been able to bring myself to cut into them. They are so beautiful and unique, but wasting away in the cupboard! Stashing fabric has lost its appeal for me.

This ladybug and the elephant below are the beginnings of a baby quilt. More to come ...

old and new

2011-10-27T06:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I forget that I have a second camera. My children gave to me and it's a dandy, a Sony Cybershot. It takes really clear images and it's very portable. There were some nice shots in its memory that I'd forgotten to unload. Socks that were completed in June -

One of the last photos taken of our dearly departed Jack -

His sister, Bella-the-Terrible -

My sheep - the all-time favorite gift from Scott, hands down. Seriously. And the story behind the sheep is very entertaining as well. I promise to share it with you soon.

This is Pamela Tan - the best boss and friend that our office has ever had the good fortune to know. She left us too soon, but we understand. The forces that ushered her away are in for some bad karma. We love and miss her terribly. All the time!

The seasons are changing; fall is handing the baton over to winter. We are expecting snow this evening which means that I need to round up the outdoor plants and bring them in. There were turkeys on the front lawn this morning- a huge gaggle of them, perhaps 18 or 19 strong. I couldn't get to the camera in time.

Leaves - everywhere.

One final image of the gigantic castor bean plant before harvest. I've never seen one reach these proportions.

The final scallion and swiss chard -

Sauted in good olive oil with garlic slivers and sprinkled with balsamic vinegar ... YUM!

It was a good year for all of my peppers. I can honestly say that not one was wasted or left behind!

Here is the new - the first completed set of mitts for my coworker with the coldest hands - little "Butterbean".

Cupcake Mittlets. So sweet. I think that my friend likes them a lot. She's always cold - maybe she needs an eternity scarf to accompany her mitts. (I am always looking for a reason to try out a new yarn, a new pattern ...)

I like this simplistic lace design so well that I am trying out a design that will incorporate it. And the yarn - Miss Babs' DK is my newest favorite.

rhinebeck 2011

2011-10-18T14:03:00.000-07:00

Sheep and Wool is over and I, for all intents and purposes, nearly missed the party. My dear friend Chrissy drove us there early Saturday morning, as I had been up all night drowning in my, well, cold. I was in no shape to drive, let alone walk around the fairgrounds. Chrissy was her sweet patient and tolerant self. She made me laugh (which may have resembled the sound of a beluga whale snorting) and didn't seem to mind that I had to stop every few feet to honk and pant. Enough about me. I just want to warn you - there will be no adorable animal shots. I saw the joey in his momma's pouch, and along with thousands of other knitters, I swooned. But the camera was too much effort. I had to save myself for the yarn.

We found our way to Sanguine Gryphon moments after the show opened. The line was formidable. We moved on.

The koi pond outside of the horticultural building was deep and serene. We really enjoyed magnificent weather - the kind that you pray for when visiting this event.

Chrissy is the kind of person who totally ABSORBS her surroundings. She takes in small details that others (myself included) miss. I know that I hurried her in and out of the buildings. I'm sure that I made her a little crazy in my mad pursuit of one vendor. . . to say that I DRAGGED her to bldg C might be an understatement. But in my defense, bldg C housed both Miss Babs AND Signature Needle Arts!

Northumbria DK - Luna, in granite.

Skeined and ready to be gauged ... this may become my new go-to yarn. The Buddha approves -

There was a lengthy wait at Signature. I used the time to mentally balance my check book... another purchase was possible ...

The maiden voyage of my brand new Signature DPN's!!!!!! OMG. I am so stoked about these needles that I haven't got the language. They. Are. Brilliant.

The completed Wishbone cap by Carol Sunday - the weather was so fine that I didn't have to use it. But I discovered that Chrissy loved it, so I ordered some of Carol's gorgeous Eden yarn to make one for my friend. After all, it's the least I can do for someone who endured my nose-blowing crabbiness. And listen to this - she went back to the show on Sunday with some friends and picked up SIgnature DPN's in size 5!!!! OMG OMG OMG. Just what I need for this hat. I cannot understand why Carol Sunday has not been invited to participate in Sheep and Wool at Rhinebeck. Can anyone explain to me how the jury process works for this event?

One little postscript... I usually make haste and visit Chris at the Briar Rose booth FIRST. It's the only way to see her before the mob moves in. I got there a bit late on Saturday morning (what, with the nose-blowing and all) and I could SEE her, but I couldn't get inside the booth. I turned to walk away and bumped into Anne Hanson. I was wearing my Hillflowers shawl knitted in Chris's Briar Rose fiber. The Designer, the Fiber Magician and the Knitter. This is what it is all about. I wanted to jump up and down and point and twirl. I somehow contained myself.

an untimely cold bug

2011-10-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool cometh (tomorrow) and I have a cold, sore throat, misery.

But I refuse to be kept down. Tonight I will put aside my non-pharmaceutical convictions and take the night time cold remedy. I'll be good and ready to walk the fairway by tomorrow morning. I'm not missing the sheep and the goats and the alpacas and the fiber! Today is a low profile day, filled with honey lemon tea and knitting. I have a new bag. It makes me smile.

It's a great size for a sock project or maybe a hat -

Not just any old hat - a Carol Sunday hat - Wishbones. I started this project last winter. It MIGHT be ready to tuck into my pocket tomorrow.

I am a dedicated Sunday Knits fan. All of Carol's patterns are so beautifully designed - it's clear that she understands garment construction. And she knows her fibers! I like her line very much. You should go take a look ...

Meanwhile, I'll get out the VapoRub and knit on. OH! The monkey cuteness is from Three Bags Full. They'll be at Rhinebeck too - Bldg C, booth 42. I've got my eye on some elephants ...

mitts

2011-10-11T16:13:00.000-07:00

The area where I work is always cold and sometimes dank. The administrators like to call it the "Garden Level", which is code for Freakin' Basement. Ok? (sigh) I have been listening to my coworkers complain about their hands and feet being cold for many years. This year I've decided to go on a MITT CAMPAIGN! Everyone with cold hands is getting a pair of mitts. First up - Punta Space Dyed ...

This is an extraordinary fiber from Uruguay. Knitted on size 6 dpns, one would think that the end result might be bulky and coarse. Oh no. Oh, HELL no! Light - like a butterfly! And so beautifully colored. Akin to wearing q-tips on one's hands.. just that soft. And ever so warm.

This is a beautiful little pattern called Fetching by Cheryl Niamath. SO much fun to knit!

My plan is to score a great huge VAT of aran weight fiber at Sheep & Wool this weekend. In grey. And then, everyone in my office will receive a pair of mitts - different patterns, same wool. I'll be on a mission.

He's given me his paw - he approves of these pretty mitts.
It's so curious - Sheep & Wool is a really big deal for me. I wait all year long for this event to roll around - right into my backyard. I think about what I need, what I want, what I will see. This year I downloaded a map of the fairgrounds and carefully plotted out the vendors that I MUST visit! I have the location and booth numbers and I'm ready to roll! I am not the kind of person who usually plans this carefully, but last year found me floundering! I was unable to get close to several of the booths that I wanted to see.
Miss Babs. Sanguine Gryphon. Signature Needle Arts. Briar Rose Fibers. Spirit Trail. Into The Whirled. Foxfire Fiber. The Wool Room. The Rams Horn. Green Mt Spinnery. Crippenworks. Go Monkey. Jennie The Potter.
Once I get my new sneakers, I'll be ready. See you there.

heat wave - still knitting

2011-10-09T05:54:00.000-07:00

These are the golden days - when it's almost 75 degrees by mid afternoon. It won't last, but we are outdoors as much as possible to savour every moment!

This guy is always ready for a game! When he tires he will sit under a tree and keep an eye on me while I knit. He doesn't realize that it works the other way around!

To some, the cleome may seem weed-like. To me, it's particular devotion for late flowering is perfection. There are only a handful of autumn blooms lingering in the garden now, and they are cherished.

The perennial geranium - early up, late down. And here's a surprising discovery-

The pumpkins are not ready to say good night! I wonder if the chipmunks and skunks are keeping these tender meals on their radar. There has been knitting! A much awaited book arrived last week -

That's right - it's the new Starmore book of charts and it was worth waiting for. I highly recommend this one.

When I first started knitting 20-something years ago, I was fascinated by stranded color work. Back then, the selection of available fibers was bleak. Today we have a virtual potpourri to choose from and I am inspired to return to this knit-form!

New mittens. Does anyone have any ideas about lining these? I've never lined a mitten, but this yarn seems to be asking for some additional warmth. The lace cuff poses a few problems, yes? Help.

I'm also working on a design of my own! I had a good amount of Classic Elite Dutchess in (my signature color -ballet slipper pink), and it was calling to me. I wanted something chunky, yet soft. There will be pom-poms.

Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool commences next weekend. I've started a list of the vendors that I absolutely cannot miss this year - Sanguine Gryphon, Miss Babs, Briar Rose ... which reminds me that I MUST buy a new pair of sneakers! I plan to be on my feet for many hours.

trouble

2011-10-02T14:25:00.000-07:00

Do you remember Clementine? She is the sweetest little girl and she lives in Connecticut with my sister. Her world recently changed. Introducing - PIPPA!

A new addition to the Cavalier clan. OMG cuteness abounds!

There is something about spaniels that just reduces me to fluff. It's in the blood - being the granddaughter of a spaniel breeder and all. Growing up - we always had one or two springer spaniels to love. But these Cavaliers - they are in a category all by themselves. My sister seems to think that Harley would love to have a spaniel brother or sister. How can I argue this?

On the knitting front - I jumped ahead in my East/West socks book. Sometimes I just HAVE to cast on before I finish an original project. This explains why my UFO list never dwindles.

'Chouwa', or Harmony sock - number two project in the I'll-knit-my-way-through-this-book project. I cast on and couldn't put it down. Now I have to go back to Sock One before I can continue through the book. I'm in trouble here. Sheep and Wool is right around the corner and I don't have a sweater to wear. Have spent too many hours on socks. I CANNOT get away with wearing my new Gap questionable- blend sweater (even though I LOVE it!). Wearing a commercially knit sweater to Rhinebeck is akin to taking a baloney sandwich to a banquet!

peach and orange

2011-10-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

Fiberphile offered a beautiful sock yarn last March which they called 'Sakura'. Some of its proceeds went to Japan Earthquake Relief which further sweetened the deal, so I sent for a skein. The fiber is squishy and wonderful and although I dragged my feet finishing, I did enjoy this knit.

These will get tucked away for warmer weather as they are so lightweight. And truthfully, they are almost too soft to wear!

The giant pumpkin made it as far as the front porch. It weighs several hundred pounds!

Harley laid down beside it for a reference in size - remember that he weighs over 90 pounds himself!

Autumn seemed to skip into the valley this afternoon. I had to close all of the windows as the temperatures dropped swiftly. I spent time in my sewing room, pushing myself to finish the Halloween quilt before the end of the month.

It's not going well - elements were added and subtracted - I've hit a wall, but will persevere! It's always so curious to me how productive I become - how I manage to shift gears after I return to my day job. When I come home at night I find myself wanting to work on my projects, weariness aside. Time takes on a new meaning. During the summer I have no problem crashing and burning in the evening! I guess that this is what sets holiday apart from the normal work week. I posted on Fbook last week that I want to be a Stay-At-Home-Someone! Truly. But I am too young to retire.

Do you tie up your ornamental grasses in the fall? Mine are falling over and lying on the ground. I've noticed that the grasses at the college are sheared to the ground. They look like a row of bad haircuts!
Did I mention that I had company in the sewing room today?

Woman's Best Friend.

one sock down ...

2011-09-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

Konnichiwa was a quick finish - it's twin is on the needles. It wanted to pose - showing off its girly side ...

as well as the masculine nature of the knit - sturdy and strong!

Such instant gratification - who knew that a sock could be completed in one evening! I'll confess that I cast on the second knit from Knitted Socks East and West - ' Chouwa' which could loosely translate into something close to harmony. I'm using Lorna's Laces 'Solemate'. Merino and Nylon and something called 'Outlast'. Harmony for sure.

Total sucker for this, or any yarn that hints of the pond-scum green that I so dearly love.

Here it is, resting on my last pumpkin of the summer garden. If you look closely, you will see the green mold that is coating the steps. Dangerous stuff - what great falls are made of! Really, this is the only time that I'm not thrilled to see my color. We need to replace these steps entirely. There's been some talk about a deck with a hot tub. Be still my heart!

And of course the Halloween fun continues!

saturday shuffle

2011-09-24T08:37:00.000-07:00

There were wild turkeys on the lawn this morning. MANY turkeys. Harley nearly lost his mind. I couldn't capture any images, but believe me when I tell you that one unnamed golden retriever ran the entire flock out of town! Turkeys scattered to four corners when I let him out- to the roof, the pergola, the trees and the garden. He did not know which direction to turn to! Mad funny stuff.

I have made the decision to knit my way through this exceptionally gorgeous book - actually my hand (or foot) was forced after seeing my physician this week. My foot has not healed properly from the bad fall that I took this past summer. For the moment, sensible shoes are mandatory. (yuck) Sensible shoes require gorgeous socks.

It seemed fitting to begin at the beginning, and so I give you Konnichiwa, which, according to this book, is the Japanese greeting translating into 'good day'. I remember hearing this expression as a child when my father, who served in Japan during the war, would practice his Japanese expressions at the dinner table!

I am deeply in love with this book. I chose Blue Sky Alpaca for my Konnichiwa socks and I made them one repeat shorter than the original pattern required.

I've never used size 6 dpn's for socks - what a speedy experience! I imagine that I will be reaching for these 'house' socks quite often this winter. I've also pulled out my Anne Hanson Caterpillar Socks. They've been languishing long enough!

This was a collaboration yarn/sock design that I purchased as a kit a few years ago. The yarn came from Adam who was known as Yarn Nerd. I cannot find him anymore! I wonder where he disappeared to.

The late pole beans are arriving - the last of the garden bounty.

It's a brave woman who goes out there, whether she is walking the dog or picking the beans. It's a fight trying to avoid the marauding blood-sucking clouds of mosquitos that materialize the very moment that one leaves the safety of the house. We have had such rain soaked weeks that the blood-sucker population has exploded. I am praying for a cold snap and blessing the army of bats that congregate each evening at dusk. They are magnificent to watch - a symphony in the sky! I know that my sister would not agree, but one can hardly blame her. She once startled a sleeping bat in her clothespin basket and was forced to have the series of rabies shots. Not nice. Still, my bats are not aggressive, simply hungry. I welcome them and watch from a safe distance.

The hummingbirds are still with us and feasting on what is left in the gardens - nicotiana, canna, buddleia. I have tried endlessly to capture them on film. I think that a zoom lens might be called for. I have the fragrance of fresh dill and zinnia to knit by - and small signs of the upcoming season are beginning to appear around mi casa.

My first week back to work was hard, but I survived! Now it's time to go upstairs and poke around in fabric. Happy Weekend All!

garden clips and knitting at work (sssshhh)

2011-09-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

One remaining melon - Scott picked the others. They were not ready! I'm still chapped about that.

This big guy is safe since neither of us can even lift it!

It's been a prolific season for all of the tomato varieties. We never grow tired of them, consumed in any form!

The swiss chard seems more flavorful in late summer. And there HAS been knitting, of course. Knitting at work. If I show you, I'll have to kill you.

We'll pretend we didn't see that Monday Morning Cardigan.

Orange cardigans, black cats. It's coming- my favorite season ...

these golden days

2011-09-14T08:40:00.000-07:00

Quiet time here - working on projects and enjoying these lovely golden days of september. My linen vest turned out well. I love the kimono silk lining and I made a special tab for the back.

When I hold this piece up to the light I can see the two different shades of red silk and am reminded of the long hours spent disassembling the kimono. Some sewers might think it silly to take a seam ripper to an old piece when silk is easily purchased. But I disagree.

Time stood still while I worked on this project.

And as always, my faithful friend was nearby. . . practically sitting on my feet!

He and I will miss one another when I return to work next week.

company

2011-09-10T15:19:00.000-07:00

We had some company today. I was upstairs sewing when Harley started his barking-that-turns-into-wailing song. This particular sound alerts me to the fact that we have company. And not just 'people' company. DOG company. Aaahhh...

John Patrick Reilly (known as Reilly) and Ollie. Such good dogs, but faster than greased pigs. Every attempt that I made to capture a group photo turned into a disaster. I finally gave up and held the damn dogs in place! You can see how successful this idea was.
So I did what any self-respecting amateur photographer would do - I brought out the treats!

Reilly has his treat where he likes it - and apparently there is no question about sharing. He's a lovely chap. We had a long talk about adoption and what kind of dog would be happiest here with Harley.

BOSTON. TERRIER. That's all, folks!

2011-09-08T06:43:00.000-07:00

Raining again. No gardening yesterday or today.

Cooking, when all else fails. My gorgeous plum tomatoes are lending themselves to a flavorful sauce. This is a noodle-less lasagna recipe where eggplant is substituted for pasta. The secret is in the slicing of the eggplants - they must be cut lengthwise and paper-thin. Sharpen your best knives!

Everything is coming up tomatoes! These are my tomato breads and even though the one on the left is kind of wonky, trust me when I tell you that the flavor is magnificent! The recipe is labor intensive, but well worth the trouble. I also made a pot of our favorite chowder because the local corn is so delicious this month. This one freezes well and is a special treat deep in December when the flavors of summer are only distant memories.

Fresh corn, crab and shrimp. Oh, and some poblano chilies. Speaking of food, I had the happiest discovery recently. About 15 years ago I lost my favorite cookbook. This was a traumatic event! Everything that I'd cut my teeth on, every great recipe that I'd gathered and had success with when newly married, was in this small volume. I looked for it in every bookstore I visited for years. Last week I went on ebay. EUREKA!

Well-worn, a bit shabby and fragile, (parts of the plastic binding actually collapsed as it came out of the box) but all mine! Leafing through - there it was - the recipe that I had wowed the family with one memorable Christmas celebration in Millbrook. Even after all of these years I can call up in detail the white linen on our Charles Webb dining table, the black woven placemats, Waterford crystal and sterling, fresh sorbet, my little baby nephew Matthew - the first grandchild to arrive on the scene! It's amazing how one small book can stir the imagination and trigger happier times.

Can you believe that this one actually called for monosodium glutamate! Times have changed. Mary Anne, if you are reading this - what would one substitute for MSG? (LOL)

While waiting for breads to rise and soup to simmer, I sat with a vintage silk kimono that my cousin had given to me long ago. Taught by Pauline how to disassemble a kimono (and there IS a proper way to approach this, believe me), I gave over my afternoon.

These kimono are stitched entirely by hand. One finds silk thread as well as a sturdier cotton thread throughout the construction, impeccably placed stitches - the kind of work rarely seen in this country, truly mind boggling. Sometimes you'll find a piece of paper or a twig in a pocket which begs the questions ... who wore this garment? What were their dreams and hopes?

My plan is to line a navy linen vest with some of this scarlet silk. Just staying busy on a rainy day!

belated birthday

2011-09-06T03:10:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we went to wish my father a happy birthday . And Hilary brought balloons which we released into a splendidly blue sky. Mom, my lovely daughter and I stood for the longest time, watching the balloons bob and float, growing smaller and smaller, until they were nothing more than tiny specks in a vast heaven. Then gone.

The balloons were entirely Hilly's idea - one to represent each of us - a collective happy birthday salutation. I was so touched by this that I wanted to share it - a bittersweet memory. Thank you Hilary - your thoughtfulness made your Nana's day so much brighter. Your light never ceases to amaze me. xoxox

the calm after the storm

2011-09-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

My Harley dog is sick. He has some unspeakable problems that involve his nether region. Our vet is out of town, so we went to the stand-in guy and unfortunately came away with ZIP for answers - even after intensive tests. It will be a very good thing when our vet returns. He is a Prince. He explains everything. And there is nothing that he will not do to make a difference, to ensure that our beloved animals are being treated and assisted. So, we have been taking it very easy this week. Antibiotics, special food, rest.

I have to say this - Harley is a gentle sweet soul. But he was MUZZLED at the request of the stand-in vet. His eyes went dark, he growled and carried on. What was THAT about? It was heartbreaking. He attempted to climb into my lap (all 94 pounds of himself!) and he tried to scale the wall. It made me ponder ...

When we returned from having Jack euthanized last month, Harley spent a lot of time sniffing our clothing as well as the blanket that had last encased our little terrier. When we arrived at the vet hospital yesterday, Harley put on the brakes! He tried to slip his collar - he wailed - he was not going inside! I wondered if he was being informed in some special way - a voice from the grave reminding him that THIS could be a one way ticket! I know. I NEED to get a life. But it was so ODD for Harley to behave in such a fashion. Anyway.

Since my dog needs to be kept quiet, I made bread. It's one of those activities that does not seem to incite the sensitive olfactory glands of my boy - unlike hamburgers on the grill or a roasting chicken. Bread does not move the dog!

These are my Oatmeal Honey loaves, preparing to slip into their long bake.

Gorgeously delicious. If Scott doesn't get home soon he will find a kitchen full of bread chards and a 300 pound partner! I also made a kettle full of butternut squash soup - straight from the vines!

Waiting for this to cool down enough to whip it into a saffron-colored, thyme and cumin scented feast! I have nearly a dozen squash in the garden awaiting their turn! The roma tomatoes are out of control -

I keep picking, washing and giving them away! I'll make some sauce for the winter months this weekend. I've been sewing and quilting - this is a nice light weight shirt for the fall.

I have grandiose plans for a new raincoat and a velveteen tunic as well as others - this is a rayon challis two piece that is almost finished!

I am working on a tutorial for my friend who wants to learn how to paper piece. It's exciting to go back to the basics to attempt to present this method in a way that will be understandable.

I plan to begin with a maple leaf. My friend is a genius and I know that she will be on the floor laughing when she realizes the simplicity of this method! It will throw open the doors and windows for her - I fully expect to see some astonishing results!
And Lori - I am working to get this witch to you FINALLY!

And Amy - thank you for tracking me down to make certain that the hurricane didn't annihilate us! We are all safe and semi-sound. I'll call you this weekend!
Here's a shot of Harley and his beloved Andrew -

Life is good.

irene, or - a river runs through it

2011-08-30T04:05:00.000-07:00

Irene turned our road into a running stream.

She brought down huge cherry tree limbs.

She created 'instant' trees - this is a branch that landed in the hosta beds and perfectly resembles an existing maple!

Her relentless winds blanketed the place with leaves.

Those same winds toppled my bean poles and revealed a tender crop, ready for the picking.

They are so pretty!

The giant pumpkin slumbered, undisturbed, throughout the storm. We read and I knitted and the power held.

The Monday Morning Cardigan moves along slowly. One has to remind oneself that the knitting encompasses front, back AND sleeves - all in one! I really appreciate the strong kink-less cable of the signature needles for a heavy project like this one.

After Irene pushed through the sun came out, the air lifted and we enjoyed a spectacular summer day - blue skies, no clouds.

My prized castor bean 'tree' survived, and with it, the seed pods for future generations of plants! What a relief. All in all, we sustained very little damage - unlike my poor sister and her family in New Canaan, Connecticut where a huge tree fell on the house. She is still without power, but the roads have been reopened. Coastal living is enviable until the big storms move in.

the calm

2011-08-25T06:23:00.000-07:00

This is the way that it goes; when I spend endless hours tidying the gardens, a storm will follow. And rumor has it that this one will be of the hurricane variety! After watching the news last evening I decided to take some images of my efforts. When and if 'Irene' comes ashore she'll probably trash the place!

Nicotiana does not do well in a high wind.

The potted canna should be fine, but I may have to take the dahlias into the potting shed. Same goes for my antique wagon with marigolds!

I like the look of a freshly clipped edge -

The lonicera which has blanketed this lattice for over 10 years is beginning to thin and appear sparse (it reminds me of a certain someone's hairline!). The climbing hydrangea has ideas of its own - I'm noticing that it is inching in on the honeysuckle. Nature has the final word. The gardener learns to stand back and simply observe!

Notice the pile in the wagon - I take no mercy on ancient lilac or marauding maples! The tractor may have 'expired'. Someone is going to be irritated. Someone stronger than me will have to deal with it when he gets home.

All is calm in the ginger bed -

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this state of affairs remains. We don't do well with gusty winds as our trees are mostly elderly. Ever since a large portion of the maple landed on the house last summer, I have a massive aversion to storms, period. I don't find lightning and thunder thrilling on ANY level.

We'll just have to follow Harley's lead. We'll just have to wait it out. Of course, there will be knitting, even if done by candle or kerosene light! I have some Cascade 220 in a vibrant color - you know that shade that you often see in jumpsuits being led into a courtroom, or perhaps on a road crew waving a flag - or in the fall, on the heads of deer hunters trying to outwit and avoid one another ... and especially on this guy -

Monday Morning Cardigan by Laura Chau - my feeling is that if I have to be at work and wide awake, why not spread the joy? What says GOOD MORNING better than orange?

This yarn was gifted to my by my BFF - she'll be happy that I am knitting something in it! Oh, and a few last thoughts about the hurricane -

These are the fellas that I am most worried about in Irene's path - they JUST bloomed last week and the honeybees are delirious with joy. When the winds come there won't be anything that I can do to save them.

But this guy, along with his siblings, knows what to do when the storm begins -

TAKE COVER! Be well, and safe. Go get some bottled water and toliet paper - it's good advice.

2011-08-22T07:14:00.000-07:00

Saturday found us in Scranton, visiting Scott's youngest daughter. She has graduated from her nursing program at Marywood and joined the working world! AND she has her first real apartment which needed the bed that we were transporting for her. The ride from NY to PA was pleasant - it's always a treat for me to be the passenger. I had my knitting in my lap (of course) and I succumbed to a nap or two! After we got the bed settled and lunch taken care of, it was time for a quick visit to the only yarn shop in Scranton - The Electric City Yarn Shop on Ash Street. Small, bright, friendly and MOST important, the carriers of Lorna's 'Outlast' yummy-ness!

The addition of Outlast is supposed to provide some kind of temperature control for the feet - it's reported that NASAR uses it! Well, they had me at the colors ... one for mom, one for moi.
I was reminded that my BFF's daughter will be giving birth very soon. Time to pull out the hoodie that I started in KnitPicks Simply Cotton Worsted -

This is a sweet baby sweater and it knits up quickly and beautifully in the cotton. I hope to finish it this week and start a blanket and a quilt. I also have "back to school" sewing which I've neglected until now. It seems as though my vacation is screaming toward its end! (sniff)

Scott is still working in the city. On Sundays I round up vegetables to send with him for grateful city friends. I also sent along a 'scrubby' to help with some of that city dirt!

The scrubbies are quick, inexpensive and very useful! I buy bridal tulle on the 6" roll and cut it into 2" strips. I knot together these long strips and knit them right along with the cotton... bumpy, funky and fun!

Cast on 18 stitches and knit every row until piece measures about 5 inches. Bind off and enjoy! They would make great pot scrubbers and rumor has it that they work exceedingly well on rough tired feet!

A stack of them would be a nice gift for someone who washes dishes (yes Virginia, we are a rare and disappearing breed, but we DO exist!) When you can finally afford copper, Le Crueset or All Clad, you hesitate to jam them into a dishwasher! Still, there are times when I long for a nice Viking dishwasher ...

The last daylily is stretching out its swan song in such a beautiful manner -

Summer is moving on - one can feel it in the cool evening breezes. There's been a lot of activity in the sky as the Canadian geese seem restless now. Can the harvest be far behind?

red shoes

2011-08-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday I took a header on the wet, leaf covered patio stones. It was a vicious fall which involved one foot turned back and mashed under my butt, one palm savagely crushed into the pea gravel and the finale - the back of my head smacking the flagstone (which was the last sound that I heard). It happened so quickly that I couldn't reverse the chain of events, but I do remember thinking (as I was slipping into oblivion)- oh crappers, I've broken my ankle! When I regained consciousness I found Harley sitting beside me, panting. Or no, that was ME doing the panting! How did this happen? I was chasing the dog as he was chasing a chipmunk as the rodent was heading for the road. And I was running in flip flops. In the rain. With the leaves. And the wet stones.

The flip flops were of the inferior kind that you pick up at the nail salon when you've forgotten to bring pedicure sandals. They are made in Taiwan and thinner than a slice of deli cheese. You know the kind. If you step on a pebble while wearing them, the pain can take you to your knees. People, throw these suckers out. Immediately. And then get on line and buy these:

Crocs. Rubber shoes with traction. If you find yourself feeling a bit antiquated wearing these, or worse - (obsolete, timeworn, old hoary fossil) remind yourself of days gone by - your twenties and thirties and early forties when you could freaking RUN in heels! It'll be alright. (How about those bug bites? Mosquitos cannot resist my ankles and feet)

In keeping with red things - first crop in before the storms.

Some of my plum tomato plants toppled over and the fruit was grazing the soil so I harvested them, although I dislike picking vegetables prematurely. They'll ripen on the sill and be perfectly eatable.

The green tomatoes will lend themselves to salsa - my cilantro is almost ready to pick! The last few days we have been experiencing violent summer bursts of lightning, and of course thunder, and driving rain - not so good for the vegetables. But the castor bean seems to think that it is starring in a Jack in the Beanstalk series - one could almost climb into its limbs! It's well over seven feet tall now!

I wandered out after the rain to survey the damage, as there had been talk of hail. The mimosa was soggy, but tropically gorgeous. It always amazes me to see it's delicate fronds in this northeast setting when I imagine it in the caribbean with its palmy sisters and brothers - sand and salt and sea.

I talked about the Cascade Epiphany last week and my plans to knit the Hanson Leaving cardigan. I was quite a way into it before I realized that the lovely bloom of the cashmere/alpaca blend was obliterating Anne's clever design work. What is the point of knitting something so exquisite when one cannot make out the details? So, I need some help. Truly - I need suggestions. I want to make a sweater - I have at least 2500 yds of this yarn, maybe more. I am considering Vitamin D by Heidi Kirrmaier. It looks delightful, but I worry that it might emphasize my less than svelte mid section! All comments gratefully accepted and considered!

monday, monday

2011-08-15T14:11:00.000-07:00

We woke to the sound of rain tapping on the copper roof. At 4:00am it's too early to let the dog out, especially since the warning appeared in the paper about roaming coyotes. But one wants to go to the garden to view the magic - a magic that only appears after 24 hours of gentle summer rain. What was miniscule yesterday today reaches the fence. What was shoulder height two days ago now towers over my head. The rain is the magic-maker, the shape shifter.

Little plump globes that fattened overnight. More importantly, these vines have finally scaled the pergola and can begin their nesting and settling in. It was a heady climb and we held our breath through every punishing storm.

A sister wisteria begins her ascent on the other side...the promise being a shady canopy to sit beneath one day, a place to listen to the hum of the bees and nod away an afternoon. I wanted a giant silver linden or a copper beech. There were delicate negotiations. We decided that we may not live long enough to see such exuberant shade, so the grapes must suffice. We will have, one hopes, many years together (from my mouth to God's ears).

I have my fair share of fence hangers this year.

What can we say about this configuration?

Give 'em an inch - they'll take the fence! I haven't figured out how to harvest this one yet.

Here's the giant pumpkin that you didn't see before - this starlet is not anywhere NEAR to being ready for it's close up. If wishes come true, it will become a contender for the county fair weigh in!
I've talked about my great affection for the deadly castor bean plant. Last week it was sensational, but today, after the rain, it's head is in the clouds!

It's an instant tree, for crying out loud. The shade that it casts across the pond has already encouraged wildlife. I have two frogs and one sighting of a turtle. Or maybe I imagined the turtle. The heart wants what it wants. The imagination follows. Sometimes it leads. Never mind.

I'm quite happy with my little pond. It will never aspire to the pages of House and Garden, but it makes me smile and there is something so bewitching and charming about the sound of its waters tripping along while one is weeding and poking about in the garden. Knowing that I have the option of easing my tired feet into its depths is soothing. Thank you, Scott. Thank you for my mini pond.

a good day

2011-08-13T09:54:00.000-07:00

Saturdays that include cooking dinner for the firemen, planting the last of the marigolds, finishing a terrific book, seeing a movie with friends and MAYBE sneaking in some knitting on Leaving, are the best.

Along with this, freshly sliced COLD sugar baby watermelon and poppy seed cake. That's right guys, we appreciate all that you do! There was a huge fire yesterday which kept our firefighters at work for hours. Nothing is too good for these men.

I know that august seems late to be planting anything, but I have leftover marigolds saved to accompany small mums for a fall display. My pumpkins are slumbering mightily, awaiting their debut... no images allowed!

Wandering around my Saturday gardens - feeling unquestionably at home in this world, my resident nomad sleeping, silent.

The gardens, this place, sometimes curb my appetite for wandering and getting lost. I am missing the ocean this season, and hoping against hope that the opportunity will present itself to dip my toes in the Atlantic again. I'll be ready to go at the drop of a hat, or whatever it takes! I'm keeping the gas tank full.

My window boxes are juicy after all of the rain. They'll be fine without me when the ocean calls.

Knitting on Anne Hanson's wonderful Leaving sweater can only be done in daylight. (This is my newest preoccupation). I have discovered another knitter through our splendid Ravelry network who is knitting this sweater as well. She's much more advanced a knitter than I, so I hope that she will not object to the inquisition that might develop! Just kidding, ArtLady. You should go and ~~drool over~~ view her work - stupendous!

I love the Cascade 'Epiphany', but it doesn't love me when the light fades. That's my signal for this - a good read, one that has comforted me so much. (thank you, Chrissy!)

This book is a kind of spiritual treasure for anyone who loves and loses their canine companion. It takes patience to learn deep love over time. And patience to heal when the love departs.

trouble

2011-08-11T15:11:00.000-07:00

Someone got into trouble this morning because he forgot his manners. In his defense, things are massively quiet around here, what with Jackie Boy passing on and Scott in the city all week. For the most part, we don't get a lot of company. It's easy to understand someone's ~~bad dog behavior~~ enthusiasm when a friend turns up for coffee. Long story short, someone was scolded. And then he disappeared, skulking away to sulk and devil the cat.

It just kills me when I find him on the sofa. He rarely parked his big self on the furniture until Jack died. Maybe he's assigned himself to filling Jack's 'paws'.

Speaking of paws -

You can't make this stuff up! He was sitting there, perfectly poised - one 'dainty' paw over the other - "I'll show HER good manners!" I adore this beast. There's been some whispering going on to which he cocks his head whenever the word 'puppy' is spoken. 'Rescue dog' doesn't register, and he makes no distinction between Corgi or Jack Russell OR Mutt. He's lonely and we are getting ready to remedy this.
I'm waiting for the bread to rise. Upstairs in the sewing room it appears that a bomb has gone off!

Lotsa shakin' and movin' and creatin' going on. I'd love to see your work spaces in action. Nearly no one posts the beginning, middle or aftermath of a really jazzy project. The messier the space, the better the work.
My sister is going to celebrate a significant birthday later this week. Translation: she's now older than dirt! (it's fun being the baby of the family, a fact that I rarely miss rubbing in) Anyway, I've been making something for her big day. Jayne, don't look!

Little Clementine. I mean to add her name and perhaps a swallowtail butterfly sailing overhead. Some beads would be nice as well as a bit of quilting. I need to shake a leg! I wonder if the bread has risen ... this is the maiden voyage of a gluten-free recipe I am testing for my daughter. Living a gluten-free lifestyle can be challenging, especially when one has to pass up the bread! Can you imagine? I can't. Keep your fingers crossed ...

thinking ahead

2011-08-09T05:55:00.000-07:00

Halloween is my all-time favorite holiday. The inky skies of late fall where a crescent moon rides through the clouds; the spooky spine-tingling sound of the cornfield when the autumn wind rustles through the brittle stalks; the elongated shadows that seem to crawl across the pumpkin patch; the little goblins that appear at my door, barking for goodies ..
There is only one thing wrong with Halloween - it is much too fleeting. Here for one day, and gone - a sour sweet candy that dissolves too quickly across the tongue.

The season began with a discovery - a small embroidered piece that popped out from storage. A Lorry piece.

She loved her embroidery machine and generously handed out samples to our quilting group. This honey bee made me think about fall and the harvest and a natural procession issues - Halloween!

I have scavenged the orange fabric bins. It's easy to get lost amidst one's favorite colors.

A dilemma presents itself - I am torn between the images of the harvest - the scarecrow, the blackbird, the produce, and the icons of All Hallow Even. Can they join hands and coexist? Is synergy even possible?

I'm all over the place. I may have to resort to a sampler (groan).

The one thing of which I am certain - this is the year that I WILL finish a Halloween quilt!

old friends

2011-08-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

There was a time when I worked as a gardener at Vassar College - and Marty was my supervisor. We go back over 20 years, and the friendship that grew out of those early days is as strong and as vital as ever. We live about two miles apart, with Marty being on the river side, while I am on the hill. This is the view from his patio -

If you look at the bottom of the image you'll see the outline of the train that passes below the property. I can hear that mournful whistle late at night.
Marty invited me over for dinner the other night and we sat outdoors and listened to the cicadas and ate delicious food and watched the antics of this one -

That's little Angie and she suffers from terminal cuteness and too-smart-for-her-own-pants-ness! She is very vocal and likes to join in any conversation.
When you make a living designing and maintaining gardens (not to mention upkeep of several greenhouses which contain, among other plants, precious orchid collections), it would seem that your own gardens would be hugely splendid. Marty has always kept his personal gardens small and delectable.

He's the one who got me started with figs -

as well as so many other kinds of plants, truly, I owe a good portion of my education as a gardener to Marty's careful tutorage. He allowed me free rein with the Shakespeare garden at Vassar and I'll always have wonderful memories of our times working together. Except for the spraying. We were all certified in pesticide application, but Marty always made ME suit up and go into the 100+ degree greenhouses to spray. I loathed it. I think that he did this because I knit on every break. And then I taught my coworkers to knit. He liked to call me Madame DeFarge.

A gardener after my own heart! I wonder if this Buddha would like to come up to my hill and keep my Hotei company!

Marty raises canaries whose song will give you goosebumps! (or, as Scott says, 'God bumps'!)

This is an unusual breeding and as soon as Marty explained it all, I promptly forgot. Once you've heard these birds sing, every other thought and sound slips away.

connecticut afternoon

2011-08-04T06:57:00.000-07:00

Mom and I went to New Canaan yesterday to have lunch with my sister. A visit to our fabric mecca, Banksville Fabrics was also on the agenda. If you sew and love really exceptionally fine fabrics, go to Banksville in Norwalk, Ct. Bring your checkbook AND your plastic!

There is a subtle, yet significant change in the landscape as one leaves Pound Ridge, NY and travels into New Canaan, CT. The country road narrows and is lined with the kind of lush foliage that we do not see here. Trees are not cut away for power lines and homes are framed with exquisite fences, mostly stone, that go on for miles. The homes, many of which are gargantuan estates, stand sentinel, exuding wealth and entitlement and absolute beauty. Horses and tennis courts dot the landscape. It's hard to be the driver when one wants to press one's nose against the glass and take it all in, again. I adore this part of Connecticut. Our loved ones were waiting for us to arrive -

Do you remember Clementine? She is the original Velcro Dog. I want to smuggle her into my car and bring her home.

Since her separation anxiety rarely allows my sister to go to the washroom without her, I suspect that we'd have some problems with adjustment! She is the dearest little girl. Lunch was ready - my sister always treats us to something delicious.

Fresh cool pea soup with yohurt, heavenly croissants stuffed with egg salad and fresh tomato. There were cookies and cake for dessert - YUM! And then it was time for a stroll.

If you've stopped by my sister's blog, jayneonweedstreet.wordpress.com, you know that she is a gardener par excellence. This lovely, Agastache (Hummingbird Mint) caught my eye. She has three varieties, all potted in the most gorgeous Italian terra cotta pots. The deck is comprised of three levels, all of which are dazzling to the eye.

Her Agapanthus is magnificent - I'm pretty envious as mine are still in the basement wondering, "where in the hell is the gardener"! (will we ever see the light of summer???)

Every where one looks - a small bit of paradise -

She has created the kinds of exterior 'rooms' that make one want to sit and knit away an afternoon! No time for that today, as beyond the decking lies another small garden and the best (in my opinion) feature of the property.

The resident woodchuck has wiped out these vegetable plots three times this season! I brought squash and swiss chard, onions and pesto from my garden and they were gratefully received!

To my way of thinking, there is nothing that can compare to a water feature on one's property.

Moving water, fed from a fresh source, one that continues on its way to the Long Island Sound. This pond is teeming with life. I wanted to put on my wellies and wade right on out! I could have spent the afternoon in the water!

A muskrat family, frogs, fish, ducks, dragonflies, and yes, I've saved the best for last -

You have to look very closely - do you see him?

A snowy egret, leisurely fishing for an afternoon snack. Be still my heart! Jayne tells me that she has has visitations from entire flocks of these magnificent creatures. Deep sigh!

It was a splendid afternoon in Connecticut. I didn't want to leave.

We enjoyed every single moment! You'll have to excuse me now - my shabby gardens are calling. And I wonder if its too late to bring up the Agapanthus!!!!

the original orangina

2011-08-02T09:13:00.000-07:00

For a few short years I was lucky enough to know Lorry. We met through mutual friends/quilters when I was asked to join their small round robin circle. In fact, we called ourselves the birdies, or robins. The combined talent of the group was mind-boggling. (This is a post for another day). Today, my heart is full of Lorry. She passed away earlier this spring and I miss her. When we met it was immediately clear that we had everything in common! We were, as Lorry liked to joke, twin sisters, separated at birth. Never mind that she hailed from an authentic Yankee family in New England while I was raised in New York; or that we were more than 20 years apart in age. We were soul sisters!

We shared the love of gardening. (this was one of her gardening hats) She was a Master Gardener. She grew tree peonies the likes of which I've never seen before, or since. She claimed that the mushroom soil she imported made all of the difference. (it did) She once bought a sugar shack in Vermont and had it trucked to her property where she created the most enchanting potting shed that you could ever imagine.

We both loved sunflowers - in any form! What's not to love about a sunflower?

We both adhered to the belief that going out without a scarf was akin to being undressed! A closer look at that old aran sweater? Why not! I'm proud of this creation.

This was a gift that I knitted for mom, at least 12 years ago. She lost a lot of weight during Dad's illness, so she gave it back to her chubby daughter. It's so much fun to see the old work - this was a Green Mountain yarn - I don't remember the pattern. I digress...

Lorry left behind a wealth of talent and an unspeakably gigantic STASH. Much of her fabric was distributed to the original members of the Robins. I was really overwhelmed with what I was given.

I've already started working on some small projects, such as these little seed packet prints. I think that they would make wonderful hot mats, but probably would be unable to bring myself to use them! So I'm playing around with other concepts. Lorry was very advanced in machine embroidery. She made exquisite dish towels for her Robins. And once again, I just cannot use them - but I keep them out where they can be admired.

Lorry and I shared a passion for color. Have you figured it out yet? We instinctively reached for the color ORANGE. It was our neutral, our go-to color.

And, this will come as no surprise - our favorite holiday was Halloween.

I think of Lorry every time I walk into my sewing room where I have started a new orange quilt in her honor, using her wonderful cottons.

Lorry was the real McCoy. She rode horses in her seventies and made quilts for SPCA organizations around the country. She travelled, she lovingly tended to her Tasha Tudor-like gardens, her beloved corgis and her friends. She was generous to a fault. When she passed her round robin name 'Orangina' down to me, I was touched and proud to carry that torch. Lorry, I didn't have enough time with you. But I am so very grateful for the time that we did have together.

impasse

2011-07-31T12:53:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning porch knitting finds me at an impasse with these socks -

Let's lighten this up -

Much better! I am such a novice when it comes to photography. Anyway - this sock started its existence as Ann Budd's Diagonal Cross Rib Sock as seen below -

Her patterns just WORK for me! I used a heavier yarn (Blue Moon Fiber Arts Heavyweight) than called for and shortened the length of the sock. I want to add that this yarn is special, and if you are thinking about a dense, yet soft boot sock, you might want to check this fiber out. The colors are incredible - it's really really REALLY hard to choose from the extensive selection. (I plan to go back and get something [s] for leg warmers).

I found myself at a knitting impasse this morning - a kind of a dead zone - a no going back place while struggling with the need to move forward. Thinking about other projects. Getting up and leafing through other patterns. Walking around and pawing through alternate yarn. Have you ever been there? Maybe a change of scenery would help. Maybe I need to get out more! Make new friends ...

Go places -

Perhaps a "to do" list would help me manage this deadlock. So, next week I must;
(1) get sewing shears sharpened
(2) make pesto while basil is primo
(3) ~~unload~~ stop by the office with excessive squash
(4) work on secret test knitting
(5) get Harley to the groomer
(6) take mom to Pegasus for new Birkenstocks
(7) send H quilt to the machine quilter
(8) WEED, WATER or WEEP
(9) work on sister's 60th birthday gift
A good start ... let's see if it helps to keep me in line!

the aunties (and uncles)

2011-07-30T16:11:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of making lunch for two of my aunts and uncles on Friday. It's always good to spend time with my mother's brothers and sisters, but this was special as we had Aunt Francis, from North Carolina, whom we rarely see. The first to arrive was my Uncle Billy, who brought flowers. Such a sweet man!

Don't they look wonderful? They have each lost their spouse, but they are happy to be together, trying to go forward and enjoy life on life's terms. And the flowers were delightful - zinnias and sunflowers, down to earth, nothing exotic, simple and beautiful -

I made that solitary bouquet into three vases of loveliness -

Soon after, Aunt Francis arrived with Aunt Carole and her husband Uncle Ronnie.

Aunt Francis is the oldest sibling -

She always reminds me of my mother - kind hearted, funny, stubborn and quirky. Aunt Carole is the youngest daughter and she is just a peach, always willing to help, and laughter at the ready!

Her daughter is Lori, my artist cousin that I often write about here.
Anyway - I made a good hearty lunch. We had cucumbers (from my garden) in sour cream and dill, mom's incomparable German potato salad, baked beans, a glorious antipasti sandwich and an authentic nicoise salad. I won't even tell you how hard it was to find those nicoise olives - but well worth the trouble.

Leftovers - tender new red potatoes combined with steamed green beans, red onion, tomatoes, hard boiled eggs, tuna and anchovies, nicoise olives, parsley - drizzled with homemade vinagrette. Delicious. But what I really want to talk about is that sandwich - that amazing antipasti boat! I have no pictures as it was eaten so quickly,but let me tell you about it.

First off, you make the bean paste - cannellini beans in the food processor with good olive oil and fresh lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper and two cups of the bread that you have scraped from your french loaf. TRY not to sample that concoction! Then you begin to layer the sliced loaf. A zucchini from the garden, sliced unspeakably thin and salted and drained. 1/2 pound of the best baked ham. 1/2 pound of glorious prosciutto - nestled between the ham slices. Fresh parsley, marinated artichoke hearts, pepperoncini, shaved parmesan and roasted red peppers. And believe me, there is NOTHING like the peppers that you roast yourself!

Everything goes together and is sealed in saran and weighted down in the refrigerator for a few hours. You could substitute any kind of meat that you like - or go vegan!

We finished with a Barefoot Contessa lemon loaf - with a scoop of raspberry sorbet and fresh raspberries. This is all that was left to bring home to Scott!

I am especially fond of Ina Garten, the Barefoot Contessa. She goes a little heavy handed with the butter and cream, but her recipes are divine and I just like her vibe. My mom and I used to watch her in the afternoons, while sitting with my dad at the nursing home. Her show was comforting, and inspiring. She always gave me something simply hopeful - the reassurance that life went on, despite the horrors of old age and disease and memories lost. In that small room we leaned forward and listened and watched as she created magic with dollops of creme fraiche and scarlet fleshed salmon and exquisitely tiny asparagus stems. Bon appetit!

lifting

2011-07-27T21:22:00.000-07:00

If my heart were a garden, it would be ablaze with gumdrop colored zinnias and azure hydrangeas and lots and LOTS of castor bean plants. That's right, castor bean.

I love this plant, adore everything about it - from its statuesque height to its furry crimson berry sacks. I noticed that my solitary plant was sending out new leaves today.

So crisp and shiny - almost artificial in appearance, but truly spectacular. In years past my gardens boasted hundreds of these goliath plants. But this year - I am down to one, which I treasure. It shades my tiny pond, providing late afternoon relief from the sun. We had a particularly treacherous late July in the northeast, and shade plants are paramount to the health of the pond.

Scott is working and staying in Soho, so my load is considerably lightened. These days Harley and Bella and I eat on the fly. . . multigrain toast with sauted swiss chard, topped with fried eggs and parmesan. . . crisp cucumbers picked, peeled and covered with salt, pepper and balsamic vinegar . . . steamed squash and boiled beets drizzled with butter and ground pepper - all of these goodies picked and dug from the garden and carried into the kitchen.

And I have been working hard to finish projects -

Pretty Monkey socks in a Cascade yarn - a project that has been languishing long enough in the knitting basket!

Do you give yourself permission to start a new knitting project just as soon as you complete one? I do. My sock drawer is not nearly as lonely as it has been in the past.

Wandering out to the garden I find that the sugar baby melons are beginning to peep out from their protective coverings -

Watermelon is, hands down, my favorite summer treat. I keep a vat of it in the cooler, cut and ready to go. There is absolutely nothing on God's green earth that comes closer to pure refreshment than that of cold sliced watermelon. And my MD tells me that it has benefits for lowering blood pressure. That's enough for me!

The leeks have gone to seed, but Scott likes the look of them, so I weed and mow around them (cursing and sputtering) until fall. They are attractive to all manner of bees, which elevates them in my estimation! I am not seeing or hearing so much the comforting sounds and sights of the honey bee as I have in years past. This worries me more than I can say. It should worry ALL of us.

But back in the sewing room, things are moving right along - bees, or no bees.

My plans include a plethora of place mats.

Such a fun way to use those batik scraps that have been hanging around! I also finished a duet of face cloths for my daughter. I went for her favorite motifs - flamingos and palm trees!

Gifts from the heart - satisfying AND practical!

a finished quilt top

2011-07-26T14:31:00.000-07:00

My friend Elaine invited me over to her studio where she ~~did all of the work~~ helped me calculate borders for the H quilt. I had found a delicious Kaffe Fassett print and was ~~scared~~ reluctant to cut into it without Elaine's expertise. Many thanks to you Elaine - I couldn't have managed without you! Your generous nature and amazing cutting table turned this UFO into a completed top! Yay!

This image was taken moments before the skies opened and let loose with a wonderful torrent of rain! Harley was not asked to pose - he simply appeared for this photo! After all, he was the one who sat out all of the cutting and pressing and piecing of the quilt - what better closure than to lend his good-looking self to the beauty shot?

I plan to send this piece, my FIRST king-sized top, to a machine quilter. I am in Wanda's debt for introducing me to this joyful block - thank you, my friend! I follow your blog religiously and you never cease to amaze me.

One always hopes for lighter days to follow the dark ones. These colors lift me, help me to focus on the positive aspects of this one life. And, as always, I've returned to my favorite - ORANGE.

A carotene table runner! My carrots never came up this season, so I made a giant fiber substitute! I'm still wondering what went wrong with those seeds.

I like this piece a lot. Orange continues to be my neutral - my inspiration, my obsession.

When the rain stopped we took a stroll outdoors, shaking off too many days and nights of artificial air. Don't get me wrong - I am pathetically addicted to, and grateful for, and LOST without, the central air conditioning. But there's something so powerful about that green-ness, that SMELL of the earth when it rises to meet the rain after so many days deprived of its goodness.

I'll get back to the herb garden with my new plan to replant the herbs and flowers that I'll need for the moth/mouse repellant that I want to create. (please don't look at those weeds!)

A finished quilt top and a healing summer rain...perfection, except for what is missing and how we continue to miss him. On the morning that Jack died, my Madonna lily bloomed.

Pristine. Fragrant. Breath-taking.

Signs in the universe. All is unfolding exactly the way that it is supposed to.

a sorrowful day

2011-07-20T11:57:00.000-07:00

We had to say good bye to Jack Russell this morning. He was a good faithful dog and Scott's best friend for over 14 years.

I just don't know how to sum up nearly a decade and a half of love and devotion. He was Scott's dog. There was never any question about that, not ever. In the early years he went to work with his Master every day. The truck was his home away from home. Wherever Scott was, Jack wanted to be.

He wasn't much of a water dog, but he went swimming with Merrilee four summers ago and seemed to enjoy the lake.

He tolerated the addition of the Harley dog and they became friends. As Jack's health began to deteriorate this spring, Harley became very gentle and tender with his old buddy. Sometimes he even allowed Jack to go outside first! But not too often.

He was a sprite - a vivacious and energetic force - a wiry little porcupine who slept in our bed every night of his life. He knew that he was loved. We buried him in front of the barn, under the mimosa tree where his grave is protected by the fairy roses. His spirit permeates this place. You'll never leave our hearts, Jackie Boy.

You enhanced our lives in ways that words cannot express.

You were one of a kind.

A legend - a companion, the mexican jumping bean. Brave, determined and true. Rest well until we meet again.

intentions

2011-07-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Monday morning intentions may be the purest of the week. Renewed energy and vitality coming off of a satisfying weekend can make for enormous plans. I'll weed this garden, run hoses to that garden, fertilize the daylilies ... until I step out into an early morning pea soup that attempts to pass for breathable air. The Hudson Valley humidity must be climbing to at least 500 %, and this, at only 6:30 am. It's just damp and hot and wretched and I'm reminded why I hate the tropics.

The sewing room is the only sensible place to be today. I've been cleaning it out in stages. The magazines have been deviling me - why is it so hard to part with Quilters Newsletters from the 70's? Before I can discard even one magazine, I feel inclined to ~~study intently~~ leaf through each page, check out all submissions. Before I knew what had hit me, I was sewing strips.

This is a fun project whose pattern I've held onto since 2006. It should be ready for its debut tomorrow -

Orange slices - irresistible! I'm keeping this little fabric wreath out so that I can add strips to it as well. Sometimes I find that multi-tasking in the sewing room is the only thing that works for me.

I'm all about process. To that end, here are two projects that are zipping along - my Hug Me sock in Jawoll and -

(can this one pose, or what?!)

then there is this solitary creature who refuses to inspire me much at all ...

But I'm not giving up on her because I KNOW, in my heart of hearts, that this little vanilla pattern is a keeper!

discovering treasure

2011-07-15T03:37:00.000-07:00

My BFF stumbled onto a treasure, which she immediately shared with me. She's like that, generous to a fault. On the outskirts of New Paltz there exists a magical place called White Barn Farm. There is much to say about Paula and her farm, but you should probably just put down whatever you are doing and GO THERE yourself. Right now. Summarily.

This merino sock yarn by Bluestocking Yarns is dreamier in person, and so very soft - I found myself petting it. Paula didn't seem to mind. I love that she is featuring the work of local artists.

This skein was locally grown and hand dyed just down the road from White Barn. It's a generous 200+ yards of muted juicy wool from Full Moon Farm. I'm thinking hat.

Paula also stocks commercial yarns-to-die-for. This little gem jumped into my bag -

I had to leave so many of its brothers and sisters behind, but I'm reconsidering. I might have to take another drive over to White Barn Farm and adopt some of the Jawoll siblings!

I've been thinking about how important it is, and gratifying, to shop locally. I want my neighbors to fall in love with the amazing resources found in our own backyards - to help sustain and bolster, to protect our riches. To that end I am proudly displaying this sentiment on my vehicle - a first for me (I have always preferred the un-adorned bumper)

We can make a perceptible difference. Paula's own cormo fiber will be available in a few months and I can hardly wait! Luckily, I have projects to keep myself occupied with until then.

We haven't had any rain. The hoses and I are reestablishing our abiding relationship-

And as always -

My efforts are rewarded!

beating the heat

2011-07-13T07:45:00.000-07:00

It's been too hot to garden. It's almost unbearable to stand outside these early mornings with the hose, keeping the plants hydrated. It was time to pick the yellow squash -

Nothing too remarkable about yellow squash except when you consider that I didn't plant any this year. This particular plant hunkered down under the compost and slept all winter. I tried a new method this season which involved not tilling the compost in, but rather - laying it on top of the existing soil. The tilling comes only in the areas that one actually plants. I have more than a few returning plants - very cool!

After harvesting, I jumped in the car and head south to check out a yarn shop that I'd heard of. My sense of direction has always been keen and I trust it. But somehow I ended up in the southwest corner of a county that I wasn't supposed to be in! Circling back, biting my lip, trying to enjoy the ride - ending up in terrible traffic, getting hopelessly lost in a detour and finally - driving over Storm King mountain. And back. Two hours later I found the little shop and made a few hasty and sweaty purchases.

Cuddly cotton by KFI. Wash cloths.

Aqua and seahorses - there's a theme emerging here.

When I got home I called my daughter to tell her about my harrowing trip. She calmly reminded me that she had downloaded a GPS app on my Iphone. Maps and directions in an instant. I'm a technical idiot.

sunday morning garden stroll

2011-07-10T04:39:00.000-07:00

Renee, this one is for you!

The East Garden, which has not felt the ~~sting~~ strength of my weeding hand!

The lacecap hydrangea is my favorite and it is thriving w/o me! I haven't touched my gardens yet. The weeds are colossal.

The Fourth of July swags come down today - I'll miss them! They'll be back on Labor Day.

This is probably as close to the blueberries as we can get - each season the chipmunks and birds make off with the entire crop! Notice the thistle growing beneath the bushes - I always hope that its thorns will deter our hungry critters, but it isn't so.

We finally managed to ~~force~~ encourage the grapes to climb the mighty pergola! One of my friends has dubbed this structure the "Tappan Zee" - which is, as all New Yorkers know, an expansive bridge! I asked for a smaller version, I swear that I did. (Scott has always moved to the beat of a different drummer!)

The daylily border is monopolized by weed and suffering a shaggy edge. It's too late to edge and mulch without harming the bloom. Sometimes you just have to let it go!

The vegetable garden is shaping up nicely.

Shallots and 'Sugar Baby' melons coexist peacefully.

Basil, beets and the giant pumpkin vines make good neighbors.

This is a good looking tomato crop! Roma, plum, cherry, grape, big boy, beefsteak, etc!

Broccoli and beans - squash bringing up the rear. It isn't ALL work -

Harley has a wading pool -

And there have been pink bird sightings in the hosta border.

Have a beautiful day!

summer begins

2011-07-08T03:59:00.000-07:00

For some, summer arrived last month. For me, it begins this evening at 4:30 (to be precise!) t

We woke to heavy rain which shattered much of the hydrangea bloom. It will take more than rainfall to dampen my summer enthusiasm! And besides, I made cuttings last night, thus capturing this special summer treat for a few more days.

we like long weekends

2011-07-02T14:38:00.000-07:00

Today is Scott's birthday. He isn't very enthusiastic about celebrating in any unusual ways. After a full day of helping others, he is taking a break before dinner -

Oooooh - he's gonna be MAD if he finds out about this photo! Listen, a birthday is a reason to celebrate... whether you take a nap while watching Westerns or mow your lawn! There will be poached halibut for dinner with freshly picked snowpeas. And arborio rice.

One of Scott's contractor friends sent over a very lovely bottle of wine. I thought that it deserved a shot with my hydrangeas and current reading.

I've frogged the Cricket yarn and am working on my own design for a long vest with lace edging. It seems to be going well - I have one front done and am casting on for the second.
My BFF called and needed a bit of help moving some office furniture. We flexed our girl muscles and got the job done in under three hours. She tried to reward me with $$$, but I wasn't having any of it. Of course, when she whipped this out, I buckled -

Noro sock ... what can I say? Who could blame me?

what the fuss is about

2011-06-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

Signature circular needles. Sundara Black over Violet.

Damson by Ysolda...meditative and serene.

KnitPicks DPN's. Cascade Heritage hand painted socks.

A second pair of Monkey's found on Knitty.com. Brilliant. This is Sunday-morning-knitting-on-the-porch at its best. The finest materials and tools in my hands. Woman's Best Friend at my feet -

pickin' peas

2011-06-23T15:26:00.000-07:00

The sugar snap pea season is hauntingly brief in these parts. Neglect to plant by St Patrick's Day and you'll regret this indiscretion all summer. There is nothing to compare to the taste of a pea, sweet,tender and amazing - right off the vine!

We'll be feasting on these tonight with our grilled and marinated flank steak. We still allow ourselves beef - once a month, maybe twice.
The most wonderful book arrived today - this is a Keeper -

Two chapters in and I'm HOOKED. This, coming from a knitter who is trying to ween herself off of Amazon. I am stoic for days at a time. But I always crumble!
I brought hydrangeas into work this morning and saved some for the kitchen table -

The winter was hard on my Endless Summer shrubs. The blooms are vibrant, but small.

My all-time favorites.
This blog seems to have been limping along throughout the early spring. Truly, it's been a difficult time, punched through and through with one emotional roller coaster after another. Summer has officially arrived and with it, renewed energy and hopefulness. Thank you for hanging in there. I mean it.

Fruit Salad socks completed and ready for soaking - Onward and Upward!

father's day w/o the father

2011-06-19T15:21:00.000-07:00

My father was odd when it came to presents. He always seemed to struggle with gift-giving - ours, not his. For whatever reason (s), he felt that our money was best spent on ANYTHING other than a gift for him!!! And so, when a gift was presented it was often received with a "why'd ya spend your money on this for?" instead of, "thanks, that's great." The last decade found me presenting the perfect gift - something that he could neither criticize or minimize. Father's Day fell in late June - just when my romaine lettuce came in. I always brought him a head or two of perfectly grown lettuce! He was content; I was relieved.

And now he is gone. Mom and I visited his grave site today. It is a beautifully serene spot with a clear view of the river. She left rocks gathered in Nantucket and red roses. It was not as hard as I'd anticipated. The suffering is over and the memories move us forward. Mom brought something else back from Nantucket (I ended up staying behind this year for various reasons) - something quite scrumptious ...

What can I say about cashmere that hasn't already been said?

Absolutely nothing, and entirely everything.
Wandering around the gardens I found both lavendula and hungarian poppy in bloom - how did I miss them?

The Golden Dog and I sat outdoors for awhile and contemplated a perfect June afternoon, complete with knitting and a rawhide chewie.

We hope that your Father's Day was excellent in all ways.

under the weather

2011-06-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Have been feeling a bit under the weather. Added to that, Blogger has irritated me so much that I cannot express my disappointment. Each time that I have a post readied, Blogger craps out. Something has to give.

The 'Fruit Bowl' superwash from Knitting Notions is really wonderful fiber and has done a lot to improve my grumpiness. I have a new fav sock pattern as well - it's Spring Forward by Linda Welch and you can find it at Knitty.

The tea cloth that you see my sock resting on was made for me by my wonderful cousin.

Everything she creates makes me smile. I am reading -

It hasn't grabbed me yet - never a good sign three chapters in.

peas and carrots

2011-06-11T12:46:00.000-07:00

'Me and Bubba is like peas and carrots' - do you recognize this line? It's from Forrest Gump, one of my all-time favorite films. I like to think that me and my knitting are like that, peas and carrots.

I've been knitting like a maniac, completely avoiding the garden. The russian kale awaits, the purple cabbages. If the peppers don't get established this weekend, well, who knows? I've lost my garden mojo. I wish to reclaim it, but have no idea where it went.

A small sleeve - the beginning of an Inky Dinky cardigan - so hard to put this kind of magic away. I can hear the tractor puttering around outside the window. Scott is still cleaning up branches and debris from this -

I fear that we will have to take some of the ancient trees down before the next storm catapults them through the roof. I worry about this stuff. I worry about my animals being alone in the house during a severe storm and having a tree impale the roof - injuring and/or freeing my street-unwise beasts! Scott says that I worry too much. Look at this face and tell me what you think -

How could I ever forgive myself if anything happened to this guy? I adore him. I love him so much that I don't even flinch when he runs through my hosta bed.

Now THAT'S true love!

cooling off

2011-06-10T06:41:00.000-07:00

We've been suffering. The temps have hit and stayed in the high 90's this week, that is, until last night. Around 5:00pm the house grew spooky dark, as if a heavy sheet had been thrown over its head! In the next moment the kitchen door sprang open with a crash! (which scared the living beJesus out of myself and the canines!) Two seconds later the big party commenced - howling winds, swaying trees, the sound of wood splitting, the terrible hammering on the roof.

Here we go again. The early morning fog cleared enough to reveal our damage - the entire top of the maple stand is now lying on my herb garden.

Harley seemed mystified ... hmmm, where did THAT come from? The front of the house is wearing huge conifer branches on its roof, but somehow,(miraculously) we never lost our power. This early summer storm cleared away the weeks' heat and humidity. The sound of chain saws will destroy our weekend peace.

I finished the Blue Moon Monkey socks - they need a good soaking bath. Cookie is a brilliant sock designer and I understand that she has a new book published ... I wonder if I can get it through Amazon (a true addiction).

I know. It's juicy, yes? Knitting Notions - a first for this knitter, another Anne Hanson referral. She has never once steered me in the wrong direction and this is no exception - I am going to adore knitting this merino sport as much as I already love its name - 'Fruit Bowl'! One more glimpse? Ok, ok ...

There's a new project in the works - one of my high school pals is about to become a grandmother. Y'all know what THAT means! I'll have something delicious to show you tomorrow. IT'S PIZZA FRIDAY! Around our house this means delivery=knitting time!! YAY.

simplify

2011-06-01T04:58:00.000-07:00

'Year by year the complexities of this spinning world grow more bewildering and so each year we need all the more to seek peace and comfort in the joyful simplicities.'
-Woman's Home Companion, 1935

Peonies before they shatter - delicate soapy fragrance, unmistakable.

A new 'Monkey' knit in Blue Moon cotton - scrumptious in vanilla.

Navy beans soaking, dreaming of molasses and brown sugar.

Tomato plants waiting patiently to sink their toes into the soil.

The happy knowledge that my homegrown gourds have been discovered and occupied.

memorial day

2011-05-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

I wore my 'We Will Prevail" tee shirt all day long. I am a very patriotic sort. There are all kinds of red, white and blue images dotting our interior and exterior scapes.

A crazy storm blew in around 4:30 am, shattering the fragile peony blooms. Consequently, the house is awash in color and fragrance. It's just wrong to leave those blossoms strewn on the ground!

My favorite peeps came over for food -

When this child smiles the sun peeks out from any cloud, but there is no competition - she is THAT luminary! And my mom, a new widow - making her way - simply extraordinary in her 80's -

uh oh! Caught in the middle of a fruit salad! Mom, you are gorgeous and a complete power of example to your family. We are making our way into this strange new land without our patriarch.

As Father's Day approaches we steady ourselves and think of better times. For me, the old nightmares return in a relentless parade - my father, alone in his hospital bed, left for so many days, weeks, months, even years, in a nursing home - slowly freezing into place. He was a veteran and I think of him today. And always. And then I remember that life persists and goes forward and that the proof is in my back yard -

Where girls and dogs congregate and smiles are plenty. Reasons to be grateful.

Those lost to us are never far from view -

Scott and his brothers are taking turns housing 'dad' - he's already been on a golf trip this year with a fishing excursion to follow. This is what we have - the memories, the happy thoughts, the backward glimpse of what was. Scott and I are learning to make our way through this terrible terrain. We are discovering that it is not only ok to weep, it is cathartic. So we spend more time sitting together at the end of the day, speaking the quiet truth of a good day, a not-so good day.
May your Memorial Day be memorable. With the good over-riding the not-so-good!