#31 of 365 SnB and Burns Supper

Yesterday was a fun filled day as we started of with a free bagel and schmear from Einsteins'. We then went on to celebrated 3 birthdays at the Lamb Shoppe's Saturday afternoon Stitch In. Happiest of Days to Sheila, Molli and Betty-Anne.





I really want to make one of the shawls that Sheila is wearing in the picture. Anita got the yarn, which is a Summer Sunrise dyed silk and wool, to make one as well, whilst we were there. I picked up the black sock yarn to knit my Da's kilt hose and Erin scored some gorgeous merino/silk in greyish tones. Nummy!

After knitting, Erin and I headed to Chez Blair in Littleton for our 2nd Annual Burns Supper. Torin did a bang up job of reciting the Ode and a lovely time was had by all.

# 30 of 365 - Again with the Schmear

Today we are off to the Lamb Shoppe in Denver to meet up with our knitting, crocheting and spinning girls. Pictured are Sheila and Sue, who we will meet up with at the Shoppe. We will also introduce my Seven Nations friend, Tracey to the joys of knitting. Even Erin is coming today! First, though we are stopping at Einstein Bros. for another free bagel on the way out of town.


After knitting Erin and I shall be attending the Clan Blair Society of Colorado 2nd Annual Burns' Supper at Chez Blair in Littleton. Erin and I are joining the rest of the group along with Katte and Curtis and their 3 littleuns, it will be quite the moil as Jim and Adoree, our hosts have 3 kids in town with all their attendant littles...

Torin Blair will again give the Address to A Haggis, that master of the pudding race. I am bringing the Colcannon, which is a traditional Scots and Irish side dish. Erynn Blair Shyrack has usurped my master position of shortbread maker and is bringing the shortbread.



I would wish I was wearing these stockings as, again, baby it's cold outside... However they are no longer in my drawer as a friend of mine fell in love with them and bought them from me.

# 29 of 365 - Shawlettes, I Have Many

This is me at SnB at Knitter's Kove last year in my silly little green shawlette that I get SO many compliments on. I think the whole thing cost me about 6.00 to knit as the 3 skeins of the green wool/mohair blend were on clearance at Michael's aeons ago along with the fun fur and ladder yarn that I did the edge in. I own a number of these as they are handy as scarves in the winter as well as shoulder covering in chilly houses. One of them, I even spun the singles, plied the singles and knitted up the resulting yarn. About the only thing I didn't do was dye the yarn myself. Here's a picture of the beginning of the project and my yarn.



These are pictures of Deborah and Rebecca, my friends that I made at the SnB. Deborah was here this morning whilst biding time til she picked up her grandson. She was also wearing a very kewl knitted cowl, which I may have to knit too. The other picture is our Rebecca in one of her infamous Doofy Hats. She's the reason I post a picture a day, so you can blame her as it's all her fault.

#28 of 365 - Another Hat that I Wear or FB is Kewl for Free Stuff

If you are a fan of Facebook and Einstein Bros. Bagel, then you know that you can get a coupon for a free bagel and a schmear... Erin and I took advantage of it this morning. Of course, the child would take the picture whilst I was stuffing my face, sigh.














This is what the trees looked like as we drove about. Lovely they are, all dusted with rime.

#27 of 365 - The Misty Moors

I love yarn, if that isn't already obvious to you, my dear readers. I chose this yarn because the name was so evocative and it has every colour that I love all in one strand.

I found this great sock yarn from . It's a colourway called Misty Moor (scroll down for the colourway). I was going to make Cheryl Oberle's Highland Triangle Shawl (scroll down to the Folk Shawls book) from it, but even with 800 plus yards, it's not enough. So instead, I am going to make Ysolda Teague's Ishbel with it. It is one of the shawls going towards my 10 Shawls in 2010.

Since I own shirts in every colour in the yarn and since the Ishbel won't use both skeins, I will make a pair of socks with the remainder. Then I will have a set, either to wear together or apart depending on how chilly it is. I will likely use this pattern Zokni, since I liked it so well when I knitted them up for Erin.

#26 of 365 - Olio

This Moleskine spread says a lot about me. I haven't had a round robin Moleskine to work on in QUITE some time. I miss the incentive to make art when I don't have a deadline to create to.
Now for a completely different subject, this is the yarn that Erin dyed for me to knit my Bellatrix from. These stockings when finished will be a welcome addition to the "Kewl Sox" collection.

#25 of 365 - A Fire in the Fireplace and a Nap on the Couch

I built a fire this morning because it was cold in the house. I love fires to watch but they certainly require some maintenance. This I know, because I almost immediately took a nap on the couch and when I woke up, the fire had gone out from lack of feeding of fresh wood. Erin had chosen not to maintain it whilst I was sleeping, sigh... Since I rarely take naps except when not feeling well, the title might tell you something about my day...

#24 of 365 - National Pie Day

January 23rd is American Pie Day and Erin's father's birthday. Long story short, I ended up in the ER whilst trying to make an apple pie for his birthday celebration one year long ago.

Yesterday, being American Pie Day, I wanted to make a pie, since there was no fresh fruit and little in the way of frozen fruit, I decided to made a savory quiche. I used the leftovers of the pot roast, we had had earlier in the week. So, how do you make a pie for American Pie Day when your only pie tin is in the back of Curtis' Red Beast (that would be his truck)? To that end I made a pie for our supper in a glass casserole dish.

After all, what is a quiche, but a cheese pie? I therefore, got out my trusty Joy and looked through the recipes for quiche. In the end, I used two recipes from the Joy for our pie, Pate Brisee for the crust and the Cheese Pie recipe for the filling. It turned out pretty yummy. If I hadn't been too lazy, we would have had crudite of cauliflower, carrots and green peppers to go with, but I didn't want to go to the effort, but this would be a great complete meal with a green salad and/or raw veggies as a side dish.

#23 of 365 - Sock Loving Girl

I am one of those persons that have never had a nickname that ever really stuck. Granted, people call me names all the time, but most are not repeatable, LOL. About the closest I have ever come to having a nickname is being know for my "kewl sox" and it stretching out to be what to call me if you couldn't remember my name right off the bat as in "You know, the one with the cool socks". I have been famous (or is that infamous) since middle school for the interesting socks that I have owned and worn over the years. Even after 29 years, the first person from my high school that saw me at the all class reunion, lifted my pant leg to check my socks and stated, yet again, "Cool Socks". As my daughter's father stated a few years ago about me, "Some things never change". So this is "Kewl Sox" signing off for the day...

#22 of 365 - Where's My Hat?

I was asked yesterday, "where my hat was"...

As some might guess from this post, I am a fan of the Firefly/Serenity series and movie by Joss Whedon. Erin and I found the show when it was first aired and tried to stay with it as it was preempted numerous times and then finally cancelled. However, it did take on a life of it's own if the Browncoats of the world are anything to go by.

The series did, however, has some VERY kewl knitted and crocheted pieces in it. There is Wash's sweater, River's tunic and of course the very cunning hat that Jayne's Mum had made for him and then sent to him in the 12th episode of the series.

This is the version I made for my future son-in-law, Guy and also for Erin, as Erin has an issue with wool. They are made of cotton and acrylic instead. They have the feel but not the itch factor.

I didn't use a pattern per se, as I can conjured up pretty much anything in the way of knitwear, but if you want one for your own and need to use a pattern, one can be found here. Please respect the copyright, if you would be so kind. Heather's Pattern for the Jayne.

Ooh, shiny... Sure wish that Captain Tightpants had had a kewl knitted item, tho.

#21 of 365 - Don't Know What the Direction Will Be

But I think I am heading West...

#20 of 365 - What I do the 3rd Wednesday of the Month for 10 Months

From January to October, the hat I wear is the Block of the Month coordinator for the Piecing Partners Quilt Guild here in the Springs. This is what I put together every month for guild members to see how the selected block is put together and what colours to use for the chosen block. No matter how much information I give the ladies, someone ALWAYS chooses to hear a different drummer. Hopefully, with the new plan I have implemented for 2010, at least they'll get the size right.

#19 of 365 - Retro on My Mind

I am the Block of the Month (BOM) coordinator for my quilt guild her in the Springs. To that end I choose a block design every month and choose colours and pattern and fabric types for the design I pick. This month I picked a retro block of cherries which is probably based on one from the 30s. I am not terribly into retro per se, but I have to appeal to a VERY diverse audience. So, I used batiks and tonals instead of 30s reproduction fabrics. Here's one of the sample blocks for your edification.



What got me to thinking about retro at all is that on Facebook it's been Retro Picture time. I therefore dug through the archives and found one of me from high school, way back when. Here I am back when I had crooked teeth and far less wrinkles on a hillside in Morris County, NJ.

#18 of 365 - My New Toy

A part of the Ren Scots tradition includes a Chinese Gift Exchange. Often there are hard fought battles in order to try and get the gift you most would like to have. I got lucky. This is the gift that I got and was able to hold onto as the only other likely suspect to snag it was unable to make it to the party. It is a hand-made and hand-painted drop spindle made by our Darla. I now have the start of a collection of spindles as I also have another one, made I believe, by Darla's husband, Mark, lang ago. It also came with some of the same fiber that I have for my other spindle. I might actually get some yardage then...

The DD and I went to see Sherlock Holmes again with her friend, Jess. We also saw it last week with my friend, Rebecca. We didn't mind seeing it again as we wanted to see more of the details that we missed the first time around. I still say the costuming was FABULOUS! Couldn't resist this photo op. Likely will not see the movie itself as remakes of Good British Movies are so few and far between, sadly.

#17 of 365 - Mountains above Bailey, CO and Skully Hats

Here's a photo of me on the deck of the Evans Family home where we had the Ren Scots AGM and Fortnight Party last night. A million dollar view doesn't even begin to describe it!



Here's Celton and Meggie Judd in their new Skull Caps and I am wearing Jenna's Hot Pink one, all of them knitted by my dear friend, Rebecca. Thanks, my dear! Our dear Meggie is also playing at being the Pretty Princess with her tiara on as well.

#16 of 365 - Off to Bailey for the Ren Scot Fortnight

As many of you dear readers know, I belong to a historical re-enactment group called the Renaissance Scots Living History Association. This is the group where I learned to spin, both with a drop spindle and a wheel and can talk about weaving with a reasonable amount of intelligence. I also learned the importance of costuming approriately to convey our time period and how to adjust for modern convention and still look fabulous!





We ostensibly en-act the Clan McLeod of Skye. Therefore, we have a Clan Meeting every year as close to the 12th Day of Christmas as is reasonably possible. Fortnight is the name of the evening in January when we gather to eat, drink and be merry without too much conflict with other holiday and family events. We do a potluck meal, with some associated Scottish foods. For instance, we'll have a Haggis and a Black Bun this evening. We also do a Chinese Gift Exchange, which has been a battle for the kewl stuff (dirks, targes and the like) and is enjoyed by all, except those that get the hot dog shaped candle...

...and do go check out Tristan's giveaawy. Way kewl stuff and his blog is a hoot and a half.

#15 of 365 - She's Alive (Sorta)

Recovered, sorta. Had a bunch of errands to run today that somehow all involved yarn... Gee, I wonder why that is?




And now a word from the Mav Crafter, thanks Margi!

ConKerr Cancer - Calling all Quilters!

Pillowcase Donations for ConKerr Cancer


The mission statement: "ConKerr Cancer is blessed with a simple, clear mission To make life brighter for children with life changing illnesses and injuries."

If you can, please make a pillowcase and send to them or get a group, your guild, your sewing/knitting/quilting buddies together and make a bunch of pillowcases to make a young ones life a little easier with a smile!

And check out the "Hotdog Method" for constructing a pillowcase! How fun is that!

Public Service Announcement

This blog has been interrupted by an important announcement from the all mighty Pan.



Ahem.
To my loyal subjects...
A travesty has occurred today. An act so unspeakable, that I cannot but hang my head in shame.

My "mother" as she likes to call herself neglected to fill my bowl all day. True there was still food in it, but tisk. I only eat the freshest of.. this food which she calls dry science diet.

This, I could have overlooked. After all my mother is notorious for not filling my chalice till the end of the day, when I've had to remind her constantly.

No, instead this "grandmother" person, minion... subject... decided to be sick all day and not turn on the water in the bathroom sink for me. Not once. Yes my mother filled my water bowl with purified water... but that is not acceptable. I demand fresh water from the tap any time I wish. Whether I drink it or not is completely up to my discretion.

There shall be retribution. I think I will provide a special gift for my mother to find with her bare feet in the middle of the night.

Now subjects, you can go back to adoring me.
Pan
The Ruler of all he surveys and member in high standing of the Q Continuum.





Today's post brought to you in truth by the "Darling Daughter". Mum is under the weather. Posts to resume shortly.
Same bat time, Same bat channel.

Putting on Another Hat - #13 of 365

Here is another of my hats. and one I truly love. It is from Swan Lace Clothier, a vendor at the Colorado Renaissance Festival. It has an Irish lace crown, so it vents my hot head very well. The other great thing about this hat is that it is SO packable, as it lies flat and I don't have to worry about crushing it. The big brim keeps me from sun poisoning as I am photo sensitive (for the rest of my life) due to chemotherapy. This hat does create a challenge, however, as trying get a photograph of my face by reason of the big brimmage is difficult.

With me in this photo, is my Dear Daughter Erin, in her favorite Faire hat from New Terradyctal Leatherworks (no web presence that we can find, sorry for that). Her's is leather and weighs a ton. However, it looks awesome on her and has a host of wonderful embellishments which change frequently.

In this picture, I am also wearing my silk and wool Clan Blair plaid, custom woven by Mark Riehm and Darla Landfair of Boulder. Erin is wearing her silk and wool handwoven Colorado State Tartan, which was woven by herself.

And yes, Diana, that is even MORE amber that I am wearing. Wait'll you see the suite of amber set in gold...

Another Hat that I Wear - #12 of 365

I am pretty well known for the fact that I wear hats. If I don't have one on, frequently people who have known me for years don't recognize me. I look for hats everywhere and have bought them everywhere from Nordstrom's and the ARC. The blue bowler in my Blogger Profile is from Nordy's and this brown one is the latest addition to my collection, which I found at the ARC.


I am still knitting away on the Shawls for 10 Shawls in 2010.

However, I frogged the original #2 (the Lacy Prairie from Cheryl Oberle's Folk Shawls in LBY Fisherman's Wool) and started it anew. I also started a cotton lace stole from a leaflet I got at Michael's. I did, as is fairly usual, amend the pattern to add an extra repeat so the stole is a bit wider. It's being knitted from Sugar and Cream Confectionary in the Plum Pudding colourway. It's a worsted weight yarn but done in the lace pattern, it will make it loose and light-weight. The lace pattern is an eight row repeat on fairly large needles, so it's a pretty mindless knit.

I also took delivery of two skeins of Cherry Tree Hill Misty Moor sock yarn yesterday for one of the 10. Though, I keep changing my mind about which shawl it's going to be. More shall be revealed.

Monday, Monday - #11 of 365

I am brain dead from processing to much information over the week. Read too many patterns and tried to learn to tat, sigh.

This photo is of the socks I actually have on today. Fern Clog Socks they are called. The pattern is, of course, available on Ravelry.

#10 of 365 - Distaff/Roc Day

We had quite the turn out for our first ever personal celebration of Distaff/Roc Day. What a variety of wheel styles there were, even an electric one that Tam brought.

So many lovely spindles were there too, including some made by Darla and one made by Sue. I brought along my Ren Scot produced spindle as well. Schelli brought her Navajo style spindle and Darla brought her new one from Gypsy Wools in Boulder. Katte had her first experience with a drop spindle, I believe that she will be way more successful at spinning then I will ever be at tatting which I tried to learn today. Sigh. I went back to my lace knitting as that makes more sense to me...

#9 of 365 - Distaff Day

Today is the day that most fiber related business are celebrating Distaff Day or otherwise known as Roc Day. The actual date is January the 7th. Distaff Day is the day that the spinners would go back to work after the Twelve Days of Christmas. This is a photograph of me prepping fiber to spin on my Louet S15 wheel. It was taken last June in Gillette, Wyoming at the Wyoming Celtic Festival.


Those photo also features another one of my hats of which I have MANY!

Dipping the 1st Shawl of 10 in 2010 - #8 of 365

As many of you are aware, I belong to a social network for fiber fanatics called Ravelry. It is a major enabler in my fiber habit and passion. There is a group for ever one, everything and every interest, sometime more that one. I joined the 10 Shawls in 2010 group and cast on my first shawl on New Year's Day. Here is the finished shawl.

I wanted a working shawl, as it were. As you can see, I can cross the front tails and tie them to the back so that the tails are out of my way when spinning or doing some such other activity.

















For instance, I could have been wearing my new shawl whilst I was dipping the candied orange peel and pretzels in chocolate this morning...

My Favourite Heel - #7 of 365

I only learned to knit socks two winters ago or rather I finally learned to turn heels then. Here is my foot in the heel turn I use the most. It's from the Bellatrix Stocking which I will eventually knit a pair of. I keep starting the Bellatrix and then I frog what I started as I decide I want the yarn I chose for something else... I really just want a pair of black stockings in this pattern. I am thinking of using a kettle dyed black yarn (kettle dyed has subtle variegation due to the dying process) to get the effect I see in my head.

I finished the first shawl for the 10 in 2010 challenge. It's blocking now.