SIDETRACKED

All week I planned and schemed and plotted - I had grandiose ideas about ALL of the UFO's I would complete this weekend.  With time to spare.  (clears throat) Well.  My trusty old electrolux decided that it was time to hang up its hoses.  As in - Saturday morning DOA.  Now, in a household such as ours, where terrier hair competes with retriever hair competes with skanky cat hair - one cannot be without a vacuum cleaner.  So .. I did what any red blooded knitter/quilter hater-of-housework would do - I sent the Can-Do-Guy off to Lowes and he returned with this:

Check out its pedigree:

Can-Do-Guy assembled this bad boy and ran it back and forth over the dining room carpet and let me be the first to say - Mr. Dyson, I adore you.  You are my Hero.  That's all I have.

DARKNESS COMES EARLIER

When I arrive home at 5:00pm the light is already gone.  There's not a trace of sunset's brilliance left in the western sky, or a slant of light filtering through our pretty stained glass windows.  Darkness.  I take the dogs out with a flashlight and pray that the coyotes haven't crept onto the property.  This weekend I plan to campaign for motion sensor lights.  I don't like surprises in the dark - especially the kind that have the potential to hurt my good dogs.


One of the other annoying things about this early nightfall is the limitation that it places upon taking decent photographs!  I have nothing to show - lots of work, no images.  I have a little something on the needles which involves Briar Rose coupled with silk Noro .... it is pleasing in its early stages.  I am not knitting monogamously, but I AM holding true to the commitment I made toward finishing old projects.  Really.

SEW ON

This is my sewing table - I cleaned it off so as to impress those of you who might actually believe I work in a tidy environment!  It only takes about 3 seconds for this to become unmanageable.  I've spent a lot of time in this space over the weekend.  I've done a good deal of soul searching.


 I think that I have substantial gypsy blood moving through my veins because I've been considering a move.  I've become too sedentary, too resistant to change.  I'd like to see more of this world, meet new people and I'm serious about seeing the Serengeti before it and I both disappear!  For the immediate moment, I am tied to this area due to family obligation.  But it's never too soon to start to formulate a plan.  Sometimes dreams, lofty or slight,can be the force that move you through your day.

COME HOME

You left, You saw, You conquered.  Now come home, please.


 Missing The Bean.  The holidays are coming and nothing feels good this year.  A warning - this will NOT be a chirper entry!  I had strange and unsettling dreams all night and woke with a grievous and despondent attitude.  My family feels disconnected - my father is dying, my mother is depressed (that's putting it mildly) my son is insulating, my sister - I don't talk about her.  And as you know, my daughter moved about 1500 miles away in January.  How can Christmas arrive without The Bean here?  I know, this is the talk of a selfish mother.  But I miss my oldest child in ways that words cannot express.


I woke to the sound of rain on the roof.  All of the leaves are on the ground.  Grey skies.  As I sit here, I am fighting the impulse to pack up the car and head north toward Cooperstown where my cousin lives.  There's an open invitation waiting for me there, that, and her good heart, her wicked sense of humor, and multiple cups of tea.  We can walk the dogs for uninterrupted miles and she will point out the old Huron burial sites. We can ride the horses, or go to her husband's multiple gravel pits and look for fossils (it's fun, really).  There is always an astonishingly eclectic auction to attend where they practically GIVE the goods away - really, you'll keep looking over your shoulder as you walk your treasures out of the building!  We can walk along Glimmer Lake and pretend that we are Natty Bumppo and Chingachgook (no one wants to be Wah-to-Wah because of her unfortunate young demise!).  We can do what we always do when we are together - dream of creating some unspeakably beautiful and valuable art that the entire world will recognize and embrace and pay millions of dollars to view.  And then we'll skip off to Nantucket or Block Island to fill our days with art and kids and dogs and the ocean.  All of this involves wearing great hand-knitted sweaters.  Of course.


Cancel that order.  I have a weekend unfolding in front of me.  It was what I waited for, what kept me going at the day job all week long.  Escaping is not in the plans.  Maybe another cup of coffee and upstairs I go.  I'm pretty sure that I hear the Christmas Tree piece calling my name.  If anyone is out there - how do YOU combat the seasonal blues?

LAPCATS

The new avatar is a piece that was nicknamed LAPCATS by Linda Hibbert whose quilting signature is all over it!  This quilt was created to raise money for a local animal shelter.  It hasn't been auctioned yet, but I suspect that it will be instrumental in the fund drive as it is quite remarkable (if I do say so myself!).  The patterns are all Linda's and can be purchased through her site.  Two of my quilter friends each did a block and I embellished the borders with hundreds of drop beads.  It was really difficult to let this one go!

It received a little attention at a local quilt show.  For the most part, my quilts are not well received locally.  It's a mystery to me.  There are so few people doing the paper piecing in this area - the judges just skim over my entries.  Maybe they don't consider mine to be "real" quilting - what IS real quiltmaking?  Would these older blocks qualify?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUBBHA!

It's Bubbha's birthday - he's given his family seven years of absolute joy and delight.  (May we have MANY more!) You've never met such a fine fellow - he embodies all that is good about the canine world.  Mostly, he teaches his humans about unconditional love - a lesson that we need to relearn, over and over again. He is a patient teacher.  He never writes us off when we have a 'moment' over the dirty clothing on the bathroom floor.  He doesn't think less of us when we have a hissy fit upon reaching the automated messenger at the doctor's office.  When we stay away too long and forget to leave a light on, when we inadvertently leave him outdoors and it begins to rain (and he has to throw himself against the door to remind us to GET HIM!) - he never holds our less than noble moments against us.  He is cheerful and glad to see his people, No. Matter. What.  Let's be more like Bubbha.

Happy Birthday, you wonderful gentle soul.  Thank you for your love and your light in the world. 

UFO's

 There are many UFO's lurking within the rooms of my house.  I have committed myself to the completion of two quilt tops and a Christmas tree skirt, and perhaps I'll toss in a few knitted items that have been languishing about - all of this before the new year arrives.  I'm telling myself that this is a GOOD thing - that I have always worked best under pressure.  We'll see how it goes.

This vintage vest started out as a contender.  But, no matter how long and hard I've searched, I cannot find the yarn to complete it!  It's a mystery.  Sad too, because I like this old Rowan pattern and my stranded workmanship was really fine!  (I'd forgotten)

This piece is a real heart breaker.   The yarn is MIA - where could I have stored these lovely old skeins?  I am sorely tempted to send these two pieces to Morna over at Bittersweet  to see what kind of amazing creations she could fashion them into.  Have you seen what she can do with felting?  Totally extraordinary stuff.  Go ahead -take a skip over there, I'll wait...

Onward and upward - here's something that you don't hear a lot about in quilterly circles - this next piece is, (gasp) HAND quilted!!!  That's right, this was the LAST piece that I hand quilted.  It's a pivotal piece, deeply sentimental in a profound way - so much so that I have been unable to bring myself to finish it.

It is, without question, heavily influenced by Gwen Marston.  It is also the first quilted piece that I ever embellished with beads.  Which leads me to my discovery of Janice, over at idreamofbeading.  I walked into her brand new sparkling shop with this bad boy tucked under my arm.  I explained that I was there for the beads!!!  She nodded, with her cheshire-cat smile, and introduced me to the world of beading.  It was like learning Italian or salsa dancing or finding one's 'wind' when running.... unforgettable.  Janice gurl, I miss you!  When are you coming over for a brewski, I mean, beading session?

Anyway, I made this piece for the Can-Do-Guy's youngest child who is now in her second year of college, working toward a nursing degree.  She'd probably like to have her quilt before she graduates and it is ear marked as one of the pieces that will be finished before the New Year!  Hang in there, Bren, it's coming!  Check out this hand quilting ....

I used to really enjoy the process of quilting a large piece - and I do miss that quiet self-absorbed activity... the quick little sharp needle pushing through fiber like butter, the small evenly spaced stitches, the satisfaction of completing a hoop's worth - you hand quilters - you know of what I speak!!!  I think that there is another quilt in my future that requires my hand - I'll show that to you when I get the layers together - it's the second piece that I have committed to completion this year.


P.S. found a photo of my Janice vending at a local quilt show (do you recognize my pumpkin banner in the background?)  I tell her that I just want to back my SUV up to her booth and load it up!

ANOTHER MISHAP

Debby Bliss, can I just say that your yarns and patterns and books are seductively irresistible?  But I am almost ALWAYS disappointed with the outcome.  Help me out here knitters - what, or HOW would you fashion as a closure on this baby sweater? Buttons and buttonholes were not part of the design.  Obviously one cannot use anything that might stick into tender skin or end up lodged in a tiny throat.  I was thinking about those huge industrial-strength snaps that I've seen in the fabric stores.    I think that Ms. Bliss and I are about to part company forever.  

SILLY SEASON

There are ways to avoid the raking of the leaves - hiding out in the sewing room is a really good choice. This one got a really really REALLY long and good walk first -

And then I got busy. Pulled out the Christmas project that wants to be completed, but never makes it. In me there exists a sentimental place that envisions Christmas quilts on every bed in the house. So far, I've only ever accomplished one, but that is about to change. This piece is moody - just as those deserted gas stations are at night, with their Christmas trees bundled together under the cold lights, forgotten. I hope to enliven it with those old fashioned colored bulbs, stranded around the borders. I saw this quilt in a magazine quite a few years ago and want to attribute it to Alex Anderson, but I hesitate - I'm just not sure about that.

What I AM sure about is that the "silly season" is upon us and it already feels like a stone in the shoe. I am beginning to understand how desperate people become even more so when the holiday tugs at every fiber - sending that message that one HAS to be jolly - that peace on earth is a possibility, etc., while their own lives tell a very different story. I know that this sounds morose, but it has to be said:

When I was walking Harley in the orchard at dusk, he suddenly threw himself forward and started baying at something between the rows. Frankly, I froze. And then, in that half light I saw movement - and something in me panicked because one NEVER expects to see anything other than wildlife out there unless it's picking or pruning time. It was a man, shabbily dressed, coming toward me with a strange expression - I asked him not to proceed as the dog was now foaming at the mouth. He explained to me that he was picking up the 'drops', and that there were so many. I could see that the pockets in his old coat were bulging with apples and I suspect that the smile I offered was churlish, at best. (In that moment I lost my manners, my civility, almost my bladder!) I was frightened and like a tour guide, walked backward until I couldn't see that man, and then Harley and I both ran the rest of the way home.

People are hungry. People are having difficulty feeding their families. There is a lot of poverty and suffering all around us. It's hard to view the Christmas decorations (BEFORE Thanksgiving, for Godssake) with this knowledge so present. The only thing that I know how to do is to knit warm hats and sew warm quilts for the homeless. That's what I do. I am without the kind of discretionary income that would make a difference, but I know that being warm on a cold December night is a comfort to a homeless soul, so that is what I do. There's a great group out there called Margaret's Hopechest CHECK THEM OUT, and maybe you'll want to help, too.

Can you believe that I STILL have poppies blooming in November? It's true, the photos don't lie.

I'M READY FOR MY CLOSE-UP, MR. de-MODA

There are two things that I'd like to accomplish before I leave this mortal plane - one is to write something exceptional, unspeakably beautiful and poignant enough to interest, say, Houghton Mifflin. The other is to design a line of fabric for a company like, let's say, MODA!!! If anyone out there in blogland knows how to get the attention of such a superior fabric concern, I'm all ears.

So here is the almost finished baby quilt, made in mostly-Moda. I need to finish the binding and wash this before i can send it to live in Baltimore. The light was good tonight - this first turn-those-freakin'-clocks-back, Sunday! It always takes me a while to readjust to the time change - how about you?

BELATED TRICK OR TREAT

Missed you all. Have been struggling with the text editor - who knew that this was going to be my own personal "trick or treat"!
Check back with me later because I'll have some UFO's to show completed! (I hope!)

HELP

i need help - when I came here to post today, my font was gone along with my photo button. I am one second away from ditching Blogger forever. Can anyone advise?
Thanks in advance!!!

SOCKS

Remember those Bed Socks that Patty made for my birthday?  Here is an image, and I just wish that you could reach in and touch these lovelies because they are THAT soft and delicious ... thank you Patty, you are the best.

Made from an alpaca and merino blend that she found at Sheep & Wool last year - really special and appreciated!  I love socks.  I really enjoy what you are all making out there in Sock Land.  My fantasy is to open my sock drawer on any given day to glimpse DOZENS of pairs of hand knitted socks.  It never happens.  Here is a pic of the last pair that I started ...

Fantastic fiber, exceptional design .... what the heck?

I need help.  Inspiration.  Buds to knit socks with.  I feel lonely!  Alone with my knitting - an island. Does anyone out there have advice - some kind of formula that will help me to move forward and beyond this sock block?  When I look at Miss Baa Baa Blacksheep's blog, I swoon.  She is THAT good.  I am not worthy ...


I have another piece of knitting that I am working on - it is Anne Hanson's 'Hillflowers' and I am knitting it in Briar Rose delicious-nessssss...

There are many many fibers out there to choose from, but I must say that Chris's fibers are really spectacular - in every way.  Not only are they incredible to work on, but the colors are dreamy and the fiber smells amazing!!!!  It really does - it is a total turn on.  You know what I'm talking about!  Non-commercial yarn is sensual.  Am I wrong?

This is what I have - what I will continue to strive toward - that, and making (completing) SOCKS!

CUCURBITA LOVE

Musquee de Provence, Long Island Cheese, Lumina, Rouge Vif d'Etampes, Atlantic Giant, Connecticut Field, Jack Be Little, Winter Luxury Pie, Kumi Kumi, Yokohama, Futtsu, Paw Paw .... the names are every bit as fascinating as the pumpkins and gourds that I adore.  It's a long love affair, I assure you, and one that never fades.  Ask the Can-Do-Guy about the year that I 'encouraged' him to roto-till half of the property to plant pumpkins!  Or about the time that I brought the last 'cinderella pumpkin' of the season in to grace the Thanksgiving table and it stayed on through April - never even hinting at rot or softening!  (we really MUST turn the thermostat up this winter!)


Pumpkins make me happy.  I love their dependable and robust growing habits - how they trail all around the garden, visiting the rhubarb, making their way over to see the cabbages ...  the way their leaf foliage stands at attention and holds the pose up until frost ... the unexpected pleasure of their orange skins, or the ghostly white luminas, shimmering under a harvest moon.


No small wonder that when I first laid eyes on this Moda fabric, I squeaked with happiness!  I held onto these panels for a long time.  Last year I started pulling my favorite fabrics for Chinese Coins and somehow the coins and the panels came together.

Some favorite reading with the favorite quilt ...

And because I NEED for you to understand what a truly exemplary machine quilter Linda Hibbert Silver Linings Originals is - I give you the flip side of this piece ...

Choosing which side to show is always a problem.

WINDS OF CHANGE

It's clear that we have crossed over to autumn, without the obligatory Indian Summer.  There is a snap in the air which defines and sets the stage for that white stuff.  It's coming.  You know what I mean.  Harley and I sat outside for a long while this afternoon, just taking it all in.  (Until I saw a deer tick climbing on his head.  Lovely.)  It had rained all day and all night and this morning the leaves  had created a new blanket to cover the lawn.  Someone, quickly!  Hide the rakes!

 This is a knitting/quilting blog, but since I believe in the adage that knitting art truly imitates life, I feel justified in writing about anything that looks like, sounds like, tastes like and feels like life/knitting  - it is all fair game.  


I was thinking about how much has changed in my life these last six months.  At some point I realized that I was starting new projects in an almost frenzied manner - much like the events that have been occurring since April... unending, never anticipated, charging forward without reflection or pity.  Now, I am faced with a slew of knitting and quilting projects - all clamoring for closure.  It's overwhelming, daunting - depressing.  (not unlike all that leaf raking to come...)


And closure is what I'm after - I have to believe this.  The mind wants silence and success - hard to come by when every basket in the house is stuffed with fiber.  If I were to complete each project, one at a time, I would have enough subject matter to keep this blog active through the new year.  Instead of fussing and fixating, I made a promise to myself today - that I would work on what I have here, in this house, in these baskets, on these shelves.  (gulp)  I can do this.  And perhaps, if I complete this lofty aspiration, perhaps THEN I will feel less swept away by these strange winds of change.  (and maybe I'll actually go out and use the rake!)

This is the Halloween banner that I made several years ago when we grew and sold cinderella pumpkins and gourds.  Now it spends the season hanging in a doorway where I can admire all of that handwork!  

Many years ago I made this quilt, using the Pierre Deux cottons that I had hoarded for the better part of a decade!  Of course i didn't have enough to fashion an entire quilt, so this became a combo of french and american cottons.  It makes me smile to see it - I had not learned the technique of making snugly crisp bindings yet, and my piecing left a lot to be desired.  But it was a testimony to my unsurpassable partner, and there was nothing contrived about those feelings.  

Unless I'm mistaken, this was the beginning of my Gwen Marston period.  Her book, 'Liberated Quiltmaking' had a profound effect upon me and how I came to view quilt making.  It not only freed me, it gave me permission to throw caution to the wind, while keeping tradition in my sights.  And, most importantly, it brought joy and newly discovered delight to the process for me.


I leave you with my front door ornamentation - if you look closely you will see actual cat hairs on this beauty as Bella-the-Ingrate knows no boundaries.