Sunday, May 04, 2008

A few adjustments


I don't know where I've been, either. Sitting here on a quiet Sunday afternoon could make me think - almost, but not quite - that life is the same old same old. Or that all I have to do is the usual laundry, knitting, and puttering. No, but I wish it were so.

I am stopping by to visit my other life for a minute, to say hello to the blog, to the portal to the world I feel detached from. There is nothing about the state I am in that I can express, so I don't write. This isn't an especially or a completely bad state; it's just that it's got all my attention and I can't seem to turn away long enough to visit this life.


My job is demanding. Me, I am also demanding. My knitting is demanding. I rise to the various occasions, and I make adjustments, but I don't write about them.

One good thing I can tell you: I am sitting here writing on a little MacBook, a birthday present to myself, and a needed upgrade from my aging Dell laptop. I am infatuated, as many people are when they take it out of the box and open it up. There is so much to get used to, and yet so much that is familiar, so the transition doesn't seem all that daunting. I'm not a Mac vs. Windows person - I just want the tool that will work the best for me. And that it is so sweet and has so many bouncy, happy, clever things going on in its operating system? More fun is not a problem.


All, literally all of my knitting is Stealth Knitting. All of it. I have the Ember over Flame shawl and the Mossy Hedgerows, and a few other things, still in various states, but the Stealth Knitting comes first. Yarn keeps arriving at my feet, most of it from the yarn enchantress Sundara. Fiber rolls out of boxes, too (though it's not yet photographed), from Jen at Spirit Trail Fiberworks. Annabelle rejoices at every rustle of tissue paper (she loves it so much that I have to wonder about her), and I take in the bounty.


So that's my story, for the time being. In a few minutes Judy and the Beautiful R's will be pulling into the driveway. They're bringing dinner, and Sock Model R has another birthday present for me, and we'll end my birthday week the way it began - with a little party and lots of laughter!

Yarn photos are: Sundara Sock Yarn in Tangier Night, Rhubarb Crisp, Green Twig Tea, and Sea Green over Willow. The final photo is three skeins of Sundara Yarn Aran Silky Merino in Ruby Port, which is the final shipment of the Autumn Seasons Club. I think I see a Tuscany Shawl from No Sheep for You.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

At last

Random thoughts: It feels like Spring at last.


Posting about my mom's birthday made me whip into action. I made these sweet little face cloths in just a couple of evenings, and sent them off this morning with a bar of handmade goat's milk soap. Gig is going to love them.


Jennifer of Spirit Trail Fiberworks sent me this beautiful Ixchel Prime Alpaca, and I'm designing a scarf pattern that I hope to have ready for her booth at MDS&W. I know there's not much time. Humor me.


Did I mention that it finally feels like Spring around here?

Sunday, April 13, 2008

G is for

Gig!

My mother's name is Gloria, but her family nickname is Gig. All of her grandchildren, and even her children, call her Gig. It suits her.

Here she is in 1971 with her first grandchild, Melody:


And here is Gig with her first great-grandchild, Melody's little boy. This picture was taken in 1995:



Sitting here, I can hear our voices -- five children, twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, family, and friends* -- as we say her name. It always has a happy sound.

This is my mother's birthday week. She's doing well, and I hear she's enjoying the warm weather. I'm sure she'd like a visit from her wayward knitting daughter, and I hope I can get to see her soon.

Happy birthday, Gig!

*I counted three times. I hope I didn't miss anyone!

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Bliss




I'm finally making myself a pair of Hedgerows. This is Sundara Sock in the Seasons Club Autumn color "Mossy." It is incredible. I am a very happy sock knitter. Thank you, Sundara!


I haven't been able to part with the original pair, though they are meant to be, need to be on the feet of a Dear and Remarkable R. Now, I think I can let go.


This is the square heel of a Wishbone Sock. Sweet. I think I'll do more of these.

There are many reasons why I could be flying off in all directions, but instead I am in a good, good place. It's very warm and peaceful, here in my knitting. I have so many plans, and ideas, and ...