Leslie's New Works and Thoughts

2012 Art Journal Project

2012-01-31T14:56:00.000-07:00

Here are the two page spreads I have done for the month of January from my personal year long art journal project. I also have done some single pages for the month, but thought I would just share two of my favourites thus far.

To those that know me, YES, I am using all those bits and bobs that have been gathering dust all the while. Except for certain print outs, I am using the enormous collection of found objects, ephemera and such to create the pages for this project.

2012 - A New Year

2012-01-05T20:46:00.001-07:00

How did that happen? Another year, yikes!

However, this year, as of two days ago, I have been cancer free for ELEVEN years.

What are the goals for this year? I haven't a clue.

What I shall do is finish projects that started last year. Yes, of course. I might even finish them before I start another new project. Hah, those that know me will be rolling on the floor in laughter.

I do know that I will make every effort to learn something new EVERY day.

For Auld Lang Syne

2011-12-31T13:13:00.000-07:00

In many ways this was a great and wonderful year and in others, not so much.

My daughter, Erin finally got married!
Mimi changed positions at work and is much happier.
All my kids were together for Erin's wedding.
Rebecca moved to Illinois, boo!
I went to Minnesota and met up with Hunie after a 7 year absence and got to meet Amanda and Hannah who are both a hoot and a half.
Anne was diagnosed with cancer, more boo!
Jann and I enjoyed each others company more.

Things were accomplished, things were learned, things were left undone. More shall be revealed.

Happy Upside Down Christmas

2011-12-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

...for those that need extra room under the tree, just saying...

Lovelies of Winter - Minnesota Style

2011-12-21T21:05:00.003-07:00

Damn the Gods

2011-12-04T17:54:00.005-07:00

One of my dearest etherwebs people has been diagnosed with cancer. She's an artist, a style maker and makes me laugh all the time.

I have literally been there and done that. It's no fun and makes me so damn mad when I hear of another diagnosis.

I am going to light a candle and pray. I would jump on a plane tomorrow to go help if she needed me to. I really know what that means.

I love you Anne, prayers for you and yours. Thank the Good Lord we have our faith to sustain us. Now, commence kicking cancer's ass.

Another Missing or Stolen Quilt

2011-12-02T14:18:00.004-07:00

This quilt went missing in Houston after Quilt Festival. It was made by my friend Sharon L. Schlotzhauer from the Piecing Partners Quilt Guild here in Colorado Springs. She would love to get it back. If you have any information, please contact me.

Sarah and Wendy's Lost Quilts

2011-11-21T13:38:00.004-07:00

PLEASE help get these quilts home! This past summer, Anne Copeland of the Fiberarts Connection curated the exhibit “Then and Now” that was on display at the Mancuso shows in New Hampshire (World Quilt Competition) and California (Pacific International Quilt Festival, PIQF, Santa Clara). The Mancuso show folks returned all the quilts to Annie, who in turn packed them up to return to their owners. All but four have made it home; alas, it appears that two of Sarah Ann Smith's quilts and two of Wendy L. Starn’s quilts are currently lost and unaccounted for since about October 11th. That's over a month. If you see these quilts for sale anywhere, PLEASE let me know!!!!!!!

As far as can be figured, Annie shipped out most of the boxes on October 11th at an Office Depot near her home in Lomita, California; they are a postal acceptance facility. Those quilts were packed in Flat-Rate Medium USPS (US Postal Service) boxes; all of those for which she has a receipt and tracking numbers were delivered. Several days later Annie made two trips to the US Post Office in Lomita. One trip was for the international shipments (to Canada and the Netherlands) and another was for domestic mail. Annie had tracking numbers for six of seven boxes known to ship that day, and all are marked as delivered according to the USPS Tracking and the seventh box the recipient has said she received her quilts. Of those who answered my e-mail, everyone had opened their boxes and received only their own quilts (and with the size of the box it would be pretty hard to fit in extras).

That leaves the four quilts – as shown in these small images above that have gone missing.

Anne, Who Brings me Love, Laughter and Art

2011-11-14T15:51:00.004-07:00

Audrey says it best:

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Our Friend Anne

...I see that the word is out that it is our dear Anne that is in need of our love and prayers. We all know what a trouper she is ~ a fighter ~ a survivor!! She will fight hard and we will fight with her. We, as a community of bloggers and sisterfriends, have united as one to pray for Anne. She has been there for all of us, it seems. I've read comments this evening that I could have written myself about how she reaches out, listens, understands, and makes us laugh. She is talented in many ways beyond her artistic abilities and God has to be pleased with all the majestic stoles and banners she has made over the years. There is no one else quite like her. She is truly our friend. We all want to see her well, happy, and creating in the studio she loves. God is good. He will listen to our unified prayers.
We love you, Anne. Be well.

♥ audrey

This post is from Leslie with love and prayers from Colorado...

15 June - Fan of Quilting

2011-06-15T06:35:00.006-07:00

I am a fan of quilting. Today is quilt guild day at the Piecing Partners Quilt Guild.

Be it quilts I have made or quilts made by others, I appreciate them all.

My granny, Virginia Smith Blair was a quilter. I still have 2 of the quilts she made. One is a bible quilt, it was made when I was a wee child. The original wore out and she remade it. It has polyester double knit for some of the applique pieces. There is also a applique dogwood. She was into applique more than piecing. Her's were traditional.

I also own an antique quilt made in South Dakota that I found at a yard sale.

I have made and own both pieced and applique. Mine tend to be arty rather than traditional.

My girly, Rebecca does AMAZING crazy quilts. My friend Luana, owns e-Quilter. Nearly half my friends on Facebook are quilt related.

I like making traditional quilt blocks with a twist. Things like log cabins made from batiks or skewed/wonky traditional blocks.

I also have WIPs and UFOs that are quilt related, piles of them in fact...

Currently on the pile of UFOs are a Steampunk themed, a sheep grazing by a Henge, and a Japanese influenced one about Peace.

Most of my quilts tend to be small, more for the art of them than as a bed cover. I also use unusual embellishments on my quilts, such as nuts and bolts, scrap metal, etc. I use quilting in wearable art as in appliqued shirts, quilted vests and the like.

Where are the pictures you might ask? Well, they are mostly on my external hard drive and not accessible at the moment. If you scroll thru my older posts you'll see some of the ones that I have made and/or own,

10 June - Fan of the Colorado Renaissance Festival

2011-06-10T08:57:00.003-07:00

I am a big fan of Ren Faires. They are seriously anachronistic and down right silly at times, but fun none the less. Of course there is also drama, intrigue and love connections... It'll will also be the 1st season I will have attended without our Scot/Viking/Roman/Renaissance Man Norman, who we sadly lost this year...

I worked at TRF near Houston for a season or so, demoing spinning and dying long ago. We had a lovely building with a balcony where we (Susan, Sara and myself) were wooed by the Three Musketeers (who were actually oil field explosives boys, dressed to play).

Now I am a playtron myself. I get dress up in whatever garb suits my mood and go play. The upside of costuming is showing off my skills at sewing and design. The downside of being in costume is that the other guests expect you to know where the loos, ATMs and drinking fountains are...

Tomorrow I will likely be wearing the gold with red and green stripe split skirt over a gold embroidered satin petticoat and matching ribbon tied doublet. It's a take on a riding outfit. Depending on the weather I shall either wear my new wee red hat with the silk rose and feathers or my big sun hat with the feathered hatband. Hopefully someone will get a picture as I am usually the one behind the camera.

9 June - Knitting Fan

2011-06-09T09:37:00.003-07:00

I am a fan of knitting, as you might know.

This year I have knit a Feather and Fan CYA sweater and a pair of Feather and Fan socks.

I have also knit a Zigzag Pullover. (just needs to be stitched together)

I am working on a Water's Edge Cardi. (waiting for the last skein of yarn to be dyed)

I have just cast on for another shawl.

8 June - Sewing Fan

2011-06-08T16:19:00.005-07:00

I am a fan of sewing. I have been sewing since I was a wee child and I have been on a re-newed kick recently. I remade some things, repaired somethings and re-vamped some other things

I have made or re-made the following items in last couple of months.

From Folkwear:
Prairie Dress in blue and cream calico
Victorian Walking Skirt in dark brown faille and taupe crepe-back satin
Big Sky Skirt - in black crepe and black and grey pinstripe satin
School Mistress' Waist - in burn-out velvet
Edwardian Skirt - in dark brown twill
Prairie Keyhole pocket apron in blue and brown calico
Prairie Keyhole pocket apron in muslin with a pinner bib

From Butterick:
White Linen Chemise - Handkerchief weight
Yellow Cotton Chemise - Calcutta Cloth
Corset (hand sewn eyelets, what was I thinking)-pink and cream satin with
2 layers of canvas

From Simplicity:
Bow tied at the knee knickers - dark brown chenille
Victorian long tailed coat - cream and rusty red satin
Bustle to match the Edwardian Skirt - multi-coloured plaid

From Kannick's Korner:
Women's Linen Caul from 1740s - white handkerchief linen

From no pattern:
Two opened sided skirts (where pockets would be) - green twill, cream
and rose print
Front Split Over Skirt - gold with green and red stripe and cream shields
Lace trimmed linen hankie - white linen
Denim work apron
Ikat cotton apron

5 June - Albannach Fan

2011-06-06T16:45:00.004-07:00

On the 1st of June, I listed some of the Celtic Bands that I am a fan.

I stated in that post that I am a fan of Albannach, however I am really a fan of Jamsie Johnston from Pitlochry, Scotland, who is one of the drummers in the band...

He was assaulted by a fan last night after the Glasgow Highland Games in Glasgow, KY and is currently in the hospital. Prayers for healing and fast recovery as he and the band are scheduled to play here in Colorado in July at the Colorado Irish Festival and in September at the Long's Peak Scottish/Irish Festival and Games ...

5 June - (I am a) Fan

2011-06-05T06:09:00.003-07:00

I am a fan of:

Art - it feeds my Spirit.

Renoir, Manet, Manet, Picasso, Anne Huskey-Lockard, Rebecca Halley, the Celts, the Egyptians

Music - it feeds my Soul.

Classical, Opera, Rock and Roll, Celtic, World, Liturgical

Literature - it feeds my Mind.

History, classics, romances, childrens, fiction, non-fiction

2 June - Fan(s)

2011-06-02T12:15:00.002-07:00

1 June - Fan

2011-06-01T09:08:00.004-07:00

I am a fan of Celtic Music.

Here are some of my favourites in no particular order:

The Indulgers

Great Big Sea

Albannach

Seven Nations

Gobs O'Phun

Solas

Young Dubliners

Skean Dubh

Hadrian's Wall

Ashley McIsaac

Leahy

The Elders

The Wicked Tinkers

Brother

Then there is Flogging Molly, The Chieftains, Natalie McMasters, and so many more...

31 May - Maybe

2011-05-31T06:44:00.002-07:00

Maybe:

It's the last day of May.

The sun is shining.

I will have a new subject to be blogging about tomorrow.

I am half way thru the front of the Zigzag Pullover.

We will find out when we get the car back.

The tomatoes got potted in their big pots and are out of my bathroom window.

30 May - Maybe

2011-05-30T07:54:00.004-07:00

Maybe:

I will remember the men and women who died in service of this country, that I might live free.

I finished the back for the Zig-Zag Pullover last night.

I cast on for the front of the Zig-Zag Pullover this morning.

I will get to the last day of Territory Days and hear a full set from Arvel Bird the Native American/Scot I really like and discovered last year.

29 May - Maybe

2011-05-29T16:14:00.006-07:00

Maybe:

It's Sunday and I forgot to post yesterday.

I had fun with Rebecca and Mary Beth at Territory Days in Old Colorado City, instead.

I got my picture taken with a Buffalo Bill Cody re-enactor.

I used some of my gift certificate from Mary Lou at Green Valley Weavers.

I bought a Polish Pottery spoon from Ginger Pokrant at the celebration.

I went to church this morning and looked at the gardens for the first time in weeks. Wowser!

I cast on for a Zig-Zag Pullover sweater in two shades of LBY Fishermen's Wool (brown and natural) and one of Paton's Classic Wool in Leaf Green today as I am at a stand still on the Water's Edge sweater due to lack of blue spots, as yet, on the very last skein of my custom dyed yarn that I need for it.

The month is nearly over and I might almost be back in the habit of writing to my blog again.

27 May - Maybe

2011-05-27T05:47:00.002-07:00

Maybe:

I'll never get off Facebook now that the Quilt Mavericks have a group there.

It'll warm up some. Hoodie and wool socks on for the morning.

I will sleep in my own bed tonight.

I will miss Cosi and Dexter, but I will have the Saki-Bomb under my feet again.

26 May - Maybe

2011-05-26T08:19:00.003-07:00

Maybe:

I ordered a new straw hat from JAS Townsend yesterday.

I also ordered a spoon made from horn.

I got some sleep thanks to finding that electronic chirp and silencing it.

I will go to the Spin - Out at Green Valley Weavers for Territory Days on Saturday.

I will finish up Alyssa's skirt.

25 May - Maybe

2011-05-25T11:11:00.004-07:00

Maybe:

I missed posting yesterday cuz I am not at my home and then the 'puter froze at the home I am dog sitting at.

The shawl for my spoilee is blocking finally.

The car is in the shop again, sigh.

I am hanging with Cosi and Dex.

I found the right battery that was chirping ALL THE LONG NIGHT and I will get to sleep thru tonight...

23 May - Maybe

2011-05-23T15:37:00.001-07:00

Maybe:

I got some sleep last night.

I finished the yellow chemise.

I finished my Pinner apron.

I got Darla's Pinner cut out.

I stuck a needle into my finger and it hurts like hell and I can't find my favourite thimble pads anywhere.

I start sitting for the shepards tomorrow.

22 May - Maybe

2011-05-22T16:20:00.003-07:00

Maybe:

The 21st of May was a non-event.

I still feel like crap and got no sleep.

21 May - Maybe

2011-05-21T12:45:00.004-07:00

Maybe:

The Rapture will occur at 6:00 pm this evening.

I will stay behind.

The potato salad will be a hit at Jes' graduation/going-away party.

It won't rain on said party.

We will not all feel so broken and can stay for a decent length of time at the party.

Merlin will have a fabulous birthday today.

20 May - Maybe

2011-05-20T18:16:00.005-07:00

Maybe:
I got nothing done today.
The washing machine is finally fixed.
I bought some new knitting needles and a skein of yarn whilst waiting for Erin to see the dentist.
I found a lovely blue teapot for my ownie-oh.
I had a wonderful supper of London B with Parsnip Potatoes and an Artichoke.

19 May - Maybe

2011-05-19T09:06:00.004-07:00

Maybe:

The dentist in Pueblo will have a cancellation and Erin can get in sooner rather than later.
I will cut out my new linen chemise.
I will sew up my new Folkwear Patterns Victorian Walking Skirt.
My back will stop hurting.
The soil will warm up enough to get the tomatoes into their big pots.

18 May - Maybe

2011-05-18T06:16:00.004-07:00

Maybe:

Quilt guild will be a great learning adventure today.
Rebecca will be ready when we go to pick her up.
The photography class this afternoon will be very helpful to Erin's business.
I will get the tomatoes planted.
I will not take an afternoon nap.

17 May - Maybe

2011-05-17T06:51:00.003-07:00

Maybe:

I will get into the shower as soon as I get this posted.
I will get to knit today at the LYS.
I will remember to get Size 3 circs to finish Katte Beth's mitts.
I will get the hems on my new chemise done.

16 May - Maybe

2011-05-16T06:30:00.002-07:00

Maybe:

I missed posting yesterday. Again!
Certain plans are FINALLY coming together.
I will get my room re-do finished today.
I will get the BOMs for the Piecing Partners Quilt Guild meeting on Wednesday done.
I will get over this dang cold.

14 May - Maybe

2011-05-14T07:00:00.001-07:00

Maybe:

I will get my bedroom rearranged.
I will like the new dresser I am going to get.
I won't wear myself out trying to do the above.
I will get my tomatoes planted.

13 May - Maybe

2011-05-13T18:26:00.006-07:00

Maybe:

It's Friday the 13th.

Blogger fixed it's issues.

I can get back on track to posting every day therefore.

I am finally feeling better.

I found someone to fixed the washer, so I don't have to drop the better part of a $20.00 bill at the Wash-a-teria again.

I will finish cutting out the new chemise and put the last hand stitching into my new costume for the Renaissance Faire whilst watching the Season Finale of Blue Bloods.

8 May - Maybe

2011-05-08T11:00:00.001-07:00

Maybe:

This will post whilst I am sitting in St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, Denver, CO for the Kirkin o' the Tartan with the rest of the Blair Clan.

7 May - Maybe

2011-05-07T07:51:00.001-07:00

Maybe:

This post will automatically post itself while I am sitting and spinning at Fort Lupton.

6 May - Maybe

2011-05-06T06:48:00.002-07:00

Maybe:
I will sleep like the dead whilst camping out at Fort Lupton (I always sleep better when it's cool).

I will get all of the mohair spun.

I will start to get pictures posted to my blog.

5 May - Maybe

2011-05-05T05:58:00.006-07:00

Maybe I missed posting yesterday...

Maybe:

I will get my laundry done today.
I will get the packing finished for the weekend at the Heritage Fair at Fort Lupton, CO and the Kirkin' o' the Tartan at St. John's Cathedral in Denver.
I will sew the buttons on my new blouse.

It's the Revenge of the Fifth.
Happy Cinco de Mayo.
Good luck to Guy Grandison in in his first election today.

3 May - Maybe

2011-05-03T06:14:00.002-07:00

Maybe:
I will go to knit group this morning at the Yarn Outlet.
I will finish packing my kit for the Heritage Day event at Fort Lupton on Saturday.

2 May - Maybe

2011-05-02T07:27:00.004-07:00

Maybe:

I will go to church to say a prayer of Thanksgiving that the #1 terrorist is gone and buried at sea and that our Seal Team got the job done with no casualties except for a helicopter.

The PTSD I have suffered from for the last nine and one half years will lessen it's grip on me.

NaBloPoMo - Maybe

2011-05-01T19:32:00.003-07:00

The NaBloPoMo Suggestion for the month is Maybe...

As in, MAYBE I will try to post to my very neglected blog daily this month.

Here's to 1 May.

Thoughts on MAYBE:

Maybe it will warm up soon. However, we had snow flurries off and on all this day.
Maybe I will get to my friend Sharon's knit group tomorrow.
Maybe I will finish the hem and put on the buttons of my newly made Prairie Dress sooner rather than later.

My Apologies - Olio

2011-04-01T14:01:00.005-07:00

Obviously, I have not posted in aeons. FB has fulfilled the need so often to express myself or vent, that this wee blog has suffered as a consequence.

I have been to England since I last posted. Istill need to sort out the photos. However, I have sketches for two new quilts. I have started the quilt based on a section of floor at Winchester Cathedral with the Stonehenge Line to mimic the slabs of stone used in the section I sketched. I also am planning a new quilt based on a section of Stonehenge. I made one with Hale-Bopp in the evening sky already. The new one will be a fall tree colour in the daytime...

Been making costumes for Steampunk events,here's the Wiki Link explaining it. Steampunk. I have also beeen knitting on many various items, some of which are even complete.

I bought a new spinning wheel this year as well. It's the Thurmaston Suitcase from Timbertops. We are still getting to know each other however.

I finally finished painting the wheel of my Louet with a Celtic Knot and thistles. I think it turned out well.

For a gal who had only one spindle up to three years ago and who now owns two wheels and 4 spindles, I'd say I've been bitten hard by the spinning bug.

Have been busy as well helping out the dear daughter with her yarn business. I have also been nick-named the Mama Minion but the other minions.

We went to Garden of the Gods with the Judd Family the other day and it was a treat as always.

I am sure that there is lot's more I should tell you about, but that will be left for the next post.

How about that, this is a post with NO pictures taken by me, LOL

Montone at the Movies

2010-09-02T14:30:00.003-07:00

On Tuesday, Erin and I went to see Shrek IV. In order to avoid the top coating of our parking lot and the accompanying odor of creosote, on Wednesday, after a visit to Mountain Shadows Restaurant for brunch and Green Valley Weavers, Mimi, Erin and I went to see the Prince of Persia and Montone went with. In the background of this photograph is one of the Kilt Stockings I am knitting for my Da to wear to Erin's wedding in October.

Pikes Peak or Bust, the Alien has Landed

2010-08-26T07:45:00.004-07:00

Yesterday, three generations of my family finally made it to the top of Pikes Peak. We drove, which was an experience in itself. There were no guard rails and numerous switchbacks on the narrow, very winding gravel and sometimes paved road. It was lovely and cool at the top. The views were amazing. I only wish there had been more signs giving us information regarding the environment and the weather station located up there like there is on Mount Washington in New Hampshire. However, going to the top of Pikes is now crossed off all our Bucket Lists.

I'm Versatile, According to Margi

2010-08-12T07:32:00.007-07:00

WOOT!WOOT! I'm a Versatile Blogger, thanks to Margi from Maverick Crafter! How kewl is that and what a great way to start the day! Thank you so very much!

Here are the responsibilities that come along with the award:
1. Thank the person who gave you the award. (Margi at the Maverick Crafter is the bomb.com!)
2. List 7 things about yourself. (SEVEN?)
3. Pass on the award to bloggers you've recently discovered. (Official rules say 15 - I managed 8)

My 7 things:

1. I have never had a nickname. Closest I ever came to one was being called Lessis by my sister's kids because they couldn't pronounce my name.

2. I am passionate about everything I do including the very few people I let close into my world.

3. I'm a huge fan of Celtic music and all things related to my Scottish heritage.

4. I constantly have my nose in a book (or two or three at a time) and it doesn't matter the genre, fiction or nonfiction, I'll read it.

5. My favourite place to be in America is Canyon de Chelly (Canon de Tseyi), going to the UK this fall and will probably have a new favourite place to be.

6. I am a Scottish Heavy Athletics, ice hockey, AAA baseball and roller derby fan!

7. I played softball when I lived in Texas and New Jersey, I was never any good at it, however I played on some winning teams and made some key plays in the playoffs to get there.

I am passing the VBA on to the following and therefore making them Versatile as well.
Herewith:
Tala at http://corvustristis.wordpress.com
Rebecca at http://danceswithpitbulls.blogspot.com
Anne at http://elmilagrostudio.blogspot.com
Frewen at http://feltingneedle.blogspot.com
G-Girl at http://g-girl-knittingadventures.blogspot.com
Diana at http://otterwise.blogspot.com
Nic at http://nicknits.blogspot.com
Rima at http://intothehermitage.blogspot.com

The Aegis of Supper - Take 2

2010-08-08T17:50:00.005-07:00

Again, many thanks to my friend, Helen for the largess from her garden. Tonight supper featured home-grown lettuce and zucchinis from Helen's garden and tomatoes and lemon thyme from mine. I made a salad from Helen's lettuce and some parsley and from my own tomatoes. I marinated some chicken tenders with lemon juice, lemon thyme, garlic powder and fresh ground pepper. Then I grilled it on the George Foreman. I steamed up the green zucchini and warmed up some corn tortillas and wallah!

The Aegis of Supper

2010-08-07T18:17:00.010-07:00

My dear friend Helen and her lovely daughter, Molly joined me this morning for the Daughters of the British Empire luncheon and brought me some lovely veggies from their home garden today. Lettuces, cilantro, spinach, zucchinis and a yellow squash along with new red potatoes picked this just this morning.

So, along with herbs (rosemary, parsley & lemon thyme) and tomatoes from my wee patch, I made Shrimp Florentine and Oven-Roasted Brussels and Potatoes for the supper. There are NO left-overs...

I am going to save the lettuces and cilantro for a salad tomorrow.

Part Trois - Tour de Fleece 2010

2010-07-26T09:41:00.006-07:00

Here's the last installment of photographs of what I got done during the Tour de Fleece 2010.

The green is my 3rd and 5th attempts at chain plying. Feel better about the 5th attempt, still need more practice to feel really comfortable with the process. The purply grey is the 80/20 Merino/Silk single, that I will make my shawl from to wear to Erin's wedding.

Part Deux - Tour de Fleece 2010

2010-07-25T19:32:00.011-07:00

Here tis, the end of the race. All in all, the challenge to myself was incredibly helpful and fulfilling as I really concentrated on my consistency and learned to chain ply (Navajo Ply) better. My last two skeins of two ply yarns also were more balanced they my two plies have been in the past. So little by slow, I am getting better at this still new to me pleasure. I have only be spinning with this wheel for little over a year.

There are a few stray pictures that need to be rounded up as yet to complete the collection of what I did spin-wise this month during the Tour de France. There are also 2 skeins of 80/20 merino/silk drying and therefore still setting twist that I need to photograph as well.

I also have started spinning some cinnamon alpaca. This may be the last alpaca I ever spin as it is the grubbiest fiber I have ever spun. Not as dirty as the last alpaca I spun back in the Fall, but full of vegetable matter (VM) and foxtails. It's going to take me ages to get it all out before I can spin it, if I continue to hand card it. Going to check into borrowing a drum carder tomorrow in hopes of speeding that process up.

Spinning for Tour de Fleece

2010-07-17T07:49:00.003-07:00

Here's some of my spinning. The Tour de Fleece is going well. Still have lot's to learn about Navajo or chain plying, tho. Below is my second attempt at chain plying, it's better than my first attempt but I still need to get better at consistency and not get my finger caught in a loop, OUCHERS!

No Pictures but Something At the Least

2010-07-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

"Are ye traveling your neighborhood? Do you have plans to go somewhere soon?

Yes, I am travelling my neighbouhood. Currently, I am in Broomfield, dog sitting for the Labs. Will head to Elizabeth for the Celtic Festival, Saturday evening and judge the Bonny Knees contest. Home to spend the night with the doggies and then back again for Sunday in garb to be a Ren Scot. Then it's home for a few until the Rocky Mountain Highland Games and Festival.

Sew Expo - I Actually Sewed Something

2010-07-08T19:19:00.008-07:00

Today I met my friend, Judy Wisehart in Denver for lunch and to attend the Rocky Mountain Sew Expo. It's become a regular thing for us to meet up there and walk through and view what the vendors are flogging. Normally, when we go, it's too crowded and hectic to really see anything due to the crowds. We usually attend on Friday, however, this time we both able to attend today and it was perfect timing on our part. We ate lunch without waiting forever in line and actually got to see what the vendors had to offer. Judy scored some trims and tulle for making dresses for her granddaughters along with a super duper spiffy ironing board cover.

I also ran into my friend and customer from Great American Quilt Factory where I worked for 3 years. It was kinda of odd tho as she was the only person I ran into today, unlike past shows where I would get lost from Judy because I was talking to yet someone else I knew. That's Sharlene and me.

I also did a Make and Take of a table runner on gridded iron on backing. It was really simple to use. I definitely think I will buy more of the grid to make some table runners as gifts. The other picture is of the few goodies I bought. Mulberry silk yarn for Erin to dye up along with silk sari waste to spin into some woolen yarn for a novelty. The photo includes the table runner top and some cherry pins. I also scored some hook and loop tape to close some 1700s period jackets that I intend to make later on. I found yardage of one of the fabrics in the table runner but there wasn't enough for the size of napkins I want to make to go with the runner, so I will order it from the website of Contemporary Fibers.

The strawberry buttons and the novelty hooks and eyes came from Denver Fabrics where I stopped on my way out of town. I need to find a warm grey fabric to make my Mother of the Bride dress and thought I might luck out there, but alas no. The one fabric I found that was the right colour and weight was very short on yardage, sadly and there was no more to be had. The strawberry buttons are for an Outlander Swap over on Ravelry. Strawberries being one of the symbols of the Fraser Clan, which is the clan of the main male character in the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.

I did actually spin today as well for the Tour de Fleece... Again more shall be revealed...

Tour de Fleece 2010

2010-07-07T14:59:00.008-07:00

Every year fellow Ravelers do various projects for the Tour de Fleece. The goal is to spin every day during the Tour de France bicycle race. We get to rest on the rider's rest days and spin more or challenge ourselves on the hard mountain days.

I have been spinning everyday and my challenge has been to learn to be a better spinner and also to get better at plying my resultant singles. I am practicing chain plying, which is also called Navajo plying and also double plying with more balance to the twist.

This is the result of spinning a henna hand dyed Corridale and a natural coloured Corri and then plying them together. This yarn is called Fort Yellowstone in honour of the natural single being spun at Fort Lupton, CO during Heritage Days and the dyed single being spun at the Yellowstone Highland Games in Billings, MT.

This is a Corridale sheep in Natural. This other one is a Blue Face.

More shall be revealed. I am waiting on a chain plied dyed Blue Face Leicester to dry as well as some custom dyed pink merino.

Missed a Day Cuz I Wasn't Saved by the Bell

2010-07-06T19:23:00.005-07:00

Got to talking to my friend, Katte's cousin, Clint today about music and such. We talked about our love of the high seas and how he wants a Ship's Bell.

I told him about my favorite Celtic Rock bands, which includes Great Big Sea. The band is from Saint John's, Newfoundland and they perform a fair number of seafaring songs due to their proximity to the North Atlantic. They perform John Barbour, which one of my favorite songs.

This photo was taken during the Uprooted Tour's stop in Vail. Our wildest dream come true as three of our favourite bands were touring together that summer. They were Seven Nations, The Young Dubliners and the aforementioned GBS.

Happy 4th of July

2010-07-04T15:53:00.007-07:00

These flags are courtesy of Bryn Hughes, an Urban Sketcher of my interwebs acquaintance. I so hope to meet him this year when he comes to visit his daughter, Anna here in CO.

We girls had a small celebration here at the house. I made oven roasted sausage sandwiches and my famous potato salad with blueberry/strawberry shortcakes with REAL whipped creme for the dessert. Geek that I am, the shortcakes were cut in the shape of the contiguous United States. I also gave Jes a lesson in biscuit making as she was having some serious fails in that department. I think I got her on the right track now.

We also had our own stitch and bitch. Mimi, Erin and Jes each started a new project. Erin's making a scarf in Field of Poppies from Fresh from the Cauldron to go with her Gretel. Mimi is making the Multnomah and Jes is learning to crochet by making a baby blanket. As for me, I tried out one of the new bobbins I just got for my spinning wheel. It's a different ratio than I am use to but I think I am spinning with it just fine.

Happy Fourth of July to all, be safe.

Saved - Garden Lovelies

2010-07-03T14:05:00.006-07:00

Chocolate Iris and Dianthus from the McWilliams Parish house garden. We, the Grace Gardeners are trying to save as many heritage plants as possible from the garden in preparation for the restoration work about to begin there. We were awarded a grant to repair the facade and the work commences shortly. Hopefully the heritage roses can be rescued as well.

Saved - Where am I in the Numerical Sequence, I Wonder?

2010-07-02T07:24:00.006-07:00

Post #2 for July, maybe I can get back on track... Saved - the needlework skills handed down from my mother, Jeanine. In this picture: Last month's block of the month for the quilt guild and a summer-weight Ishbel which I am wearing and a felted wool messenger bag on the table.

Saved - My Blogging Reputation, Maybe?

2010-07-01T13:01:00.004-07:00

Saved As Well - The skills from the Past.

This is a wagon train spotted on I -25 heading north in Wyoming near the Oregon Trail tracks as we were heading to Billings, Montana for the Yellowstone Highland Games. Where I was going to demo spinning which is also a skill we are trying to save from the past. On the bobbin, a lovely glitzy fibre that my dear friend, Gina sent me from the New Hampshire Fiber Festival. Thanks again!

#106 of 365 - Farewell to the Gypsy

2010-06-05T16:52:00.005-07:00

In Loving Memory of Our Dear Jeannie. A new bright light has entered into heaven. I shall miss her wit and art and her comments and encouragement on what I am trying to do with own my art.

"Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy." Author Unknown

#105 of 365 - Leslie and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

2010-06-04T18:31:00.005-07:00

otherwise known as the Cat Attack.

#104 of 365 - New to Me and Painted New to Me

2010-05-15T18:07:00.005-07:00

Here is the start of the painting of the big wheel on my used but new to me Louet spinning wheel that I got last year. There are still thistles to come, but I discovered that I don't have the paint colours I need. Can you believe that, with a bucket o'paints we have, Erin? However, the irony continued as the drive band broke last night on the wheel, which meant no spinning, yikes! Fortunately, Table Rock had one in stock, so I am happily spinning again.

The photo was taken with my used but new to me Sony Cyber Shot camera with a Zeiss lens that I got yesterday.

I am so much happier now.

Just a note: Sadly, Louet has discontinued this model with it's lovely painting surface.

#103 of 365 - Isn't it Ironic

2010-05-09T18:57:00.003-07:00

I finally upgraded to a digi camera about 6 or 7 years ago. Such a deal, it even came with a printer. I was really happy with it, but for the fact I couldn't get extra photo cards for it. I mean to say, no matter how many I tried or the different brands of cards I tried, none of them could be read by my camera. Even Target gave me my money back on an electronic (which is normally against their policy, read the fine print) as the employee in the electronics department couldn't get one to read either. So for years, I muddled along with one card and downloading every picture I took as soon as possible. Then I mentioned my plight to our Rebecca (who apparently is officially old now). She say to me, she says, I have a few cards from Jack's old camera, want to try them? So we trade off and lo and behold 2 out of 3 WORK! Happy, happy, joy, joy!

Then my camera died.

#102 of 365 - Wee Dancer and her Seamstress

2010-05-02T14:58:00.004-07:00

Today was the Kirkin o' the Tartan at Saint John's Cathedral in Denver, CO. Herewith is a picture of our little Bella, who debuted both as a dancer and wearing a Dress Blair kilt, no less!

The fabric arrived last week and I put my head down and whipped through the sewing to ensure that she was able to wear her dance kilt for the Kirkin' today. I must say, it's a challenge to get 180 inches of fabric down to 22 inches with the aprons.

#101 of 365 - Watch Tower or A Day Spent Rallying Around the Town.

2010-04-21T18:20:00.009-07:00

The first thing we did this morning was to head south to pick up Rebecca and the BOM pattern for guild. Then far out to the east of town for the guild meeting. Met our Cheryl's lovely mother, Violet whilst there. Then after, a quick trip back to Rebecca's for some packages she needed to mail. Then we headed back to the west and downtown Colorado Springs for a sushi lunch at Yoo Mae and then a wander along Cascade heading north to look at the sculptures all along the streets as we went. We saw 34 thousand plus Helios, a snowman with rocks in it's head, giant metal koosh balls scattered across a lawn next to the giant Spanish dancers on the lawn by the Money Museum.

Also there were stone plinths, metal and glass figures, stone carvings, bronze sculptures and Patrick Dougherty's woven wood sculpture on the Colorado College campus.

During the wander, we saw bulbs about to spring into bloom, checked out an herb garden behind the McAllister House and found out that I qualify as a senior citizen at the Money Museum. Le sigh... I showed Rebecca the climbing roses we, the Grace Gardeners planted yesterday along the ugly chain link fence on the south side of the church. Then it was back down Tejon to Poor Richard's Book Emporium to meet up with Erin again. We also noodled through the goodies in the front part of the store. Rebecca and I felt up some kewl journals, no, really we did. We talked yarn with one of the clerks after she admired my Summer with Ishbel. I also saw the coolest pair of half chaps that would so work as part of a Steampunk outfit.

We walked east back to the parking garage which is over the bus depot. Which is when we got a closer look at the Watch Tower, which I am looking through in the above photo. There were black Suburbans and dark sunglasses abounding when we got there. The exit to the depot was blocked off by a bus and there were ARMED TSA agents littering the sidewalks. We still don't know what was up with that. Erin could only say, Mother, you would leave a baggie of bay leaves on the front seat of the car, hah, hah, hah...

In the end, Rebecca and I had a loverly day of art for art's sake...and by the way, Rebecca, I was right, it was a hawthorn.

Erin and I hit the Sunflower and saw a red fox just chillin' on a neighbor's lawn on the way there. Spooked the USPS guy right out...

#100 of 365 - Big Weekend and a Big Kilt

2010-04-13T19:03:00.010-07:00

You all, dear readers will just have to forgive me for not posting since last week.

It all started on Friday afternoon with finding the shoes for both the bride-to-be and the MotBtb for the wedding in October. Whoo-hoo, another task off the wedding to-do list (a really big one, as shoes are difficult for the both of us).

Then the last regular season Avs game at the Can (the Pepsi Center, thus the nick-name). This was the last opportunity for Erin to see an NHL hockey game in an arena before she leaves for the UK this summer. After the game, we went and spent the night at Castle Judd and heard some really hopeful news on the home front.

From there, I segued to the Colorado Tartan Day celebration in Arvada all the long day on Saturday. Curtis, Boo and I were dressed in our garb as Ren Scots and out the door by 7:00 am. The village was up and operational by 9:00 am. Sadly, as my camera is now officially dead and not replaced as yet and I am the only one that is remotely regular about taking photos, there are no photos of the event for me to share with you.

Then it was back home to the Springs and the item referenced in the title of this blog. I made a big kilt and I made it all by myself without Judy's help and I think I did a pretty great job on it, all in all. I just came up for air today as the kilt is FINISHED and going into the mail overnight tomorrow to the Carolinas.

This is a picture of the kilt I made for my Da, but you get the idea...

#99 of 365 - Big Shawl to Be

2010-04-08T16:00:00.007-07:00

So, yesterday I frogged a shawl that wasn't growing to my satisfaction. It was a simple triangle in Stocking Stitch, made be increasing at the beginning and end of every row, but I could see that it would be dragging the floor before it was a wide as I wanted it to be. I had been more and more getting to the point of decision, press on or frog. Frogging won, sigh! No pictures of what it looked like as I neglected that part. Oh well.

After my daily perusal of the blogs I read on a regular basis, I discovered the Mini Weaver's shawl on my friend, Judy's most recent blog post. I cast on for the new one yesterday. Here was the beginning of it as of last night.

Here I am as of today.

It's all scraps and skeins of these two yarns with some mystery yarns thrown in. The two yarns are Reynold's Lopi and Brown Sheep's LambSpun. They are blending together quite nicely. The weight and the shape of this shawl will make me very happy next winter.

This is a replacement big warm shawl for me, as Erin is taking the fringed triangle shawl (which is currently living with Rebecca) with her when she moves to England. It was made from the remainders of some Manos from projects of my dear departed Mum and therefore is sort of a family heirloom now.

#98 of 365 - Big Pizza

2010-04-07T19:41:00.006-07:00

Tonight was Pizza Night.

I made a fresh tomato and Brussels sprout pie for me. I used fresh herbs from my "garden" which lives in pots in the bathroom as it gets the most sun. It's still too cold for them to go out. Nevermind the fact, that there was 5 inches of snow on the ground when I woke up this morning. It was yummy tho, nom!

#97 of 365 - National and State Tartan Day

2010-04-06T09:53:00.006-07:00

For as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom — for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.

From The Declaration of Arbroath 1320.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

April 6th is the national and state designated celebration of the contributions of persons of Scottish descent to the founding and settling of America. This date was chosen, as it was the date the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320. Some of the wording of this document was used in creating our own Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Arbroath was sent to the Pope in Avignon to tell him that the Scots were tired of being oppressed by the English. Obviously, that is a problem that still hasn't been fully resolved, even today.

I have been involved with the Colorado State Tartan Council for many years and this morning I attended the State House of Representative's reading of the State Proclamation. Lovely to see John Wallin, the Sargeant at Arms of the House of Representatives decked out in a Colorado kilt and carrying a two-handed Scottish Claymore. Most of the attending Representatives also were wearing either a Colorado State Tartan tie or sash. Even if you have no Scottish or Celtic heritage, as a citizen of the United States you are entitled to wear the Saint Andrew's or American Bicentennial Tartan as your national tartan. If your state also has one, you are entitled to wear it as a resident of your state.

Here I am helping out visitors to one of the State's celebrations, decked out in my Scottish attire which includes and arasaig (shawl) of Old Blair tartan.

As an aside: Scotland has co-opted our National Tartan Day and as of 2003 has started to celebrate Tartan Day.

#96 of 385 - Challenge of Pictures

2010-04-05T17:46:00.005-07:00

It's a challenge to find pictures to use when I am out of town and my camera is not cooperating. Ah well, here tis today's. Red again.

#95 of 365 - Happy Easter

2010-04-04T12:04:00.004-07:00

Today I learned why eggs are dyed red in orthodox tradition. I also got a red egg whilst at church. The red egg is based on the story of Mary Magdalene telling Tiberius Ceasar about Jesus' resurrection and he scoffingly saying it was about as true as the chances of the egg in her hand turning red. Well the egg did turn red in her hand, thus the tradition of dying eggs red was born.

I wore Summer with Ishbel and got many compliments on it. I discovered however, that I won't ever make it in a micro-fiber again as the points aren't holding. Synthetic fiber has it's own mind. I may try wet blocking and steam to see if I can get this yarn to hold the points. Still looks lovely and drapes on the shoulders nicely.

#92 of 365 - No Photos of SnB Today

2010-04-03T17:46:00.005-07:00

No photographs were taken today as certain persons got cranky about having their picture taken. So here is one of me taken the other day... I am wearing my Spring green Saint Patrick's Day handspun 198 Yards of Heaven shawl made from the yarn I got in the swap and a green tee shirt. How did that happen?

#91 of 365 - Big Sky or Big Pile O'Yarn

2010-04-02T19:45:00.005-07:00

April's Blog theme is big. How about that big sky? Or how about that big pile of yarn that is just a week's worth of projects for me to work on whilst sitting for the Labradors?

#90 of 365 - April Fool's Day

2010-04-01T10:36:00.002-07:00

HAH HAH! Fooled you, no picture of me today!

#89 of 365 - Pinning Out Summer with Ishbel

2010-03-31T17:43:00.003-07:00

My turn! I wetted and blocked my Summer weight Ishbel this morning. The yarn it is made from is a micro-fiber, so I shall be interested in seeing how it blocks out and whether it stays blocked out after the pins are removed.

Apparently, Pan Kitty only likes to roll on wetted wool as he has ignored my Ishbel all day and just couldn't leave Erin's alone yesterday.

#88 of 365 - Pinning Out Erin's Ishbel

2010-03-30T16:50:00.003-07:00

We pinned out Erin's Ishbel today. I really thought we would get my Summer one pinned out as well but we used nearly every pin we have on Erin's. I want to get it pinned tho as I would like to take it with me when I leave to dog-sit.

#87 of 365 - Two Days Later

2010-03-29T16:34:00.007-07:00

Erin and I turned out the lights Saturday night for one hour for Earth Hour. Here's photographic proof, much to Erin's dismay. I just realize that I wear that sweater pretty darn often. It makes it into nearly every other photograph of me. Thanks, Mum for your efforts, oh, those many years ago.

P.S. We did cheat and kept the TV on as we were trying to finish up a DVD that needed to go back to the library. The computer and all the lights however, were dark. Guess what, we actually talked to each other! What a concept... Now, maybe for a game of canasta and more talk, what do you think about that?

#86 - 365 - Slept Right Through It

2010-03-29T09:54:00.003-07:00

I missed posting yesterday because, indeed I slept right through it. I did, however, make these palm crosses yesterday before church.

Erin made an awesome lasagna for the supper, which is what put me to sleep.

#85 of 365 - Gonna Have Happy Feet in Green Eventually

2010-03-27T17:59:00.006-07:00

Sorry that the picture is out of focus. It's due to operator error on the part of the photographer. She said it herself, so don't get mad at me for it. Its craptastic, so sorry about that. I went to Lamb Shoppe in Denver to knit with the girls after stripping palms at church this morning. I had totally forgotten that I was to get a birthday discount as my birthday falls in March when I decide to go today. I mean, after all, it's nearly a hundred and thirty miles round trip to get there just to knit. However, the next time I would be able to get to the shop would be next Saturday. Of course, that would then be in April. I therefore, took advantage of the discount today. I bought some new sock yarn for me to make a pair of green socks. It's Zauberball Magic Ball in greens.

I also learned to strip palms to prepare them for Palm Sunday tomorrow and also how to make a palm cross. I took to heart what my Granny used to say and learned something new today.

#84 of 365 - Really Happy Feet

2010-03-26T18:38:00.006-07:00

I have been missing ONE of this pair of fraternal socks nearly all winter. I was sad about that and worrit that it had fallen behind the stacked washer and dryer when I used the top of the stack to lay out the drying sock collection back in December. The laundry set is in an alcove and therefore it's inaccessible by little ole me, as there is NO way I can move them out by me own self and Erin's is often too broken to ask for her help. Normally, I lay the collection out on a towel on the floor and let them dry there. However, when this one went missing, Erin's young man, Guy was here from the UK and my Da was also in town to meet him. It was the only place I could think of that was absolutely out of the way of anything. We have a teeny tiny townhouse and between Erin and I, we have TOO much stuff...

So, imagine if you would, both my dismay and delight when the washer and the dryer failed yesterday and I needed to dump out my laundry basket so Erin could cart a very wet load of laundry to the laundromat to get it dried. In the upending of my deep laundry basket, the missing sock miraculously appeared. Since we are having snow, yet again, my feet are glad of the wash and wear warmth of my Encore Scrap Socks. Also in the picture, my oldest pair of clogs, which I will be very unhappy to see go when they finally shuffle off this mortal coil, as it were. I am thinking that they are going on their 25th year of service. So, I certainly have gotten my money's worth, don't ya think? I just spent $20.00 on repairing them, so who knows, maybe I'll another 25 years out of them, if I live that long?

#83 of 365 - Another Hat that I Wear

2010-03-25T13:16:00.006-07:00

I really want Spring to be here so I can pull out the straw hats and short sleeve shirts. Been a long winter, it has. Finished the Summer with Ishbel, just needs to be blocked into shape and I can wear it.

#82 of 365 - Obligatory Spring Snow Storm Pictures

2010-03-24T16:01:00.004-07:00

We had our first Spring snow storm last night. Woke up to the drifts blocking the doors and grey skies. Wild weather which prevented Apryll from coming to visit last night and Erin from going to the gym this morning.

#81 of 365 - Heaven Is Spring Green

2010-03-23T12:56:00.002-07:00

Here is a full view of the 198 Yards of Heaven in the lovely Spring Green handspun I received as part of the Saint Patrick's Day swamp. I used every inch of the yarn I received and 9 inches of my own handspun to finish the cast off. I could have tinked back a row and cast off earlier, but I wanted to used ALL of this yarn and I had a handspun of my own in the approximate green.

#80 of 365 - Sunny and Gorgeous, a Page from Rebecca

2010-03-22T16:47:00.004-07:00

Today, windows open, sun shining... Tomorrow?

What I am working on now, a Summer weight Ishbel, hurry Spring and Summer, please...

#79 0f 365 - Hmmm, What About Today?

2010-03-21T14:04:00.006-07:00

Anita and me knitting at the Lamb Shoppe of a Saturday. Today, I am wishing that the Lamb Shoppe were closer (it's in Denver) so I could knit there more often. However, I will get there the 3rd of April when I am dog-sitting once again in Broomfield. Until then I will be a knitting at the Kove, which is where I met Anita in the first place...

Today, I am yet again working on a 198 Yards of Heaven. Which is what I am likely working on in this picture as well. Erin and Rebecca kinda think I am mad for making so many of them. Since I have more than a few skeins of handspun which are for the most part 250 yards and under, it's a perfect fit. I find it to be a lovely little pattern and a great way to use those special yarns. I have spun a few of them myself or they have been spun by someone else and been gifted to me. I would do them honour by knitting them up and showing them off.

#78 of 365 - Two More Join the Pile

2010-03-20T17:48:00.006-07:00

I finished another 198 yards of Heaven yesterday. This one is in a lovely variegated light green hand spun I got in the most recent Saint Patrick's Day swamp.

I also finished, FINALLY, my Citron, such as it is. I had a hard time with the instructions on this on. So this is my take on it. It hasn't been blocked yet but it's size it is more like a scarf than a shoulder cover. I also made the last ruffle really, really ruffled.

Again, it sucks getting old. Rebecca had trouble with the 198 and I had trouble with the Citron. I guess either we are tripping down Old Timers Lane together or some knitting instructions could be better written.

#77 of 365 - Obligatory Last Snow of Winter Picture

2010-03-19T16:41:00.004-07:00

Of course, the snow is done coming down, is now trying to melt and the sun is also trying to break through as I type this.

It dropped over 40 degrees in temperature since yesterday. So, here's Erin and Pan getting warm together...

I say this is the last picture of snow in Winter, as believe it or not, Spring starts on Sunday and we are done with snow for the moment...

#76 of 365 - We Was Pretty in Pink

2010-03-18T16:17:00.006-07:00

Today I went to Rebecca's house to felt the comet bag I have been making for her. She has a top loader and I don't. Top loader are supposedly better for felting knitted items. Besides, I was letting her washer fill up with the lint, not mine, LOL... Actually, we put the item in a zippered pillow slip for the felting process. It surely contain a great quantity of the fluff inherent in the process, I must say. Here's a photo of me, seaming the bag prior to washing it. Hopefully Rebecca will read this and get a photo of the bag which is now pinned down to her carpet and drying.

As a general rule, knitted wool tends to reduce by 30 plus percent in length and about 10 plus percent in width. We got the 30 percent but not the 10, so Rebecca is going to cut off a section and make a clutch from the remainder as she wants a messenger bag not an over-night bag. Most of my felted experiments are by guess and by golly, but so far there has been only one fail in the felting department and that was a piece that just never felted to it's own company specifications.

Whilst we waited for the washer to do it's thing, Rebecca gave me a gift of her musical talent. Basically, my own private concert, how kewl is that?

Bleah, I have cropped this photo twice, but it still didn't take, so you get to see a corner of the shawl that Rebecca is borrowing from me. It's a basic bottom up triangle in garter stitch on large needles, done in 4-5 colourways of Manos de Uraguay yarn that was left over from some of my Mum's projects. It's post over on Facebook in the Garden of the Gods Album, if you want to see it and the one that Rebecca was wearing for that photo as well.

In reference to the title, again great minds think alike as both of us had pink on today.

#75 of 365 - Happy Saint Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T13:17:00.005-07:00

Again, it's that time of the month, NO, not that time, but quilt guild time.

This month's block is a pieced block called Colour Triangles. It uses colours from the previous months blocks, so if I make one extra block each month I will have a 9 block top at the end of the season.

The reason we only end up with 9 blocks at the end of the year, is that we don't do a block in November (holiday party) and we are on hiatus in December.

Of course, it being Saint Patrick's Day, I am wearing green. The theme of the meeting was going green and we encourage everyone to wear green and be greener by bringing their own coffee cups. I have been doing that for a while and it's a no brainer and saves me from sending hundreds of paper cups into the landfills every year.

Slainte to all. (To Your Health in the Gaelic).

#74 of 365 - Irish Soda Bread in the Making

2010-03-16T19:44:00.006-07:00

Twas the Night Before Saint Patrick's Day and all through the house...the scent of caraway and buttermilk permeate.

...I promised that dear daughter of Eire, my wee lassie, Erin that she would have the Irish Soda Bread to the supper. I also promised my friend, Marie that she would have it at quilt guild tomorrow which coincidently happens to fall on Saint Patrick's Day.

The remains of the day or rather the first round of the Irish...

Now on to the Boiled Supper also known as Corned Beef and Cabbage..

#73 of 365 - Missed A Day, Hates Getting Old

2010-03-15T10:09:00.008-07:00

I missed blogging yesterday due to being sore and tired from the parade waiting and walking and from standing at the GBS show to be able to see something, anything of the show on Saturday. I had one of the Twin Towers in front of me who insisted on talking to the person next to her EVERY five minutes so I could never find a place to peek thru, so I stood up for most of the show.

However, that said, it was a fabulous show! The music was great, old favourites, show tunes and some new ones from Allan and Sean. Tis Sean and Bob in this photo.

and Allan and Bob in this one.

Even tho most of my friends went Friday night, there was still a number of my friends there Saturday along with Erin there were Helen, Lisa, Linda, Pat, Dave and Marty and Tom. Definitely, a must see band, in my opinion, you can't not enjoy them and yourself.

#72 of 365 - Home from the Parade

2010-03-13T13:43:00.006-07:00

Home from the parade and out of the hot woolens. Absolutely gorgeous day for marching thru downtown Denver. Here's our boy, Ryan in his Blair kilt that I made last week. Good looking that he is, in it. Here's our Judy as well in her Clan Shirt.

Here's me, clothes changed and ready to head to Boulder for supper and Great Big Sea...

#71 of 365 - and So It Begins

2010-03-12T19:15:00.004-07:00

The beginning of a weekend adventure. First, the evening at the Judd Castle. Then tomorrow, the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Denver, then onto Boulder and Great Big Sea. We shall be swimming in a sea of green for the next few days.

That's our Boo, eating the supper, last one to leave the table he was.

#70 of 365 - Going Green

2010-03-11T16:04:00.005-07:00

Going green isn't just for Saint Patrick's Day. I try to be as green as one can be.

I usually carry my own coffee cup, to quilt guild, church and stitch and bitch. It's funny that this picture doesn't show my green travel coffee cup, but I did have it with me, even so. I also recycle water bottles, either by refilling them from my Pur pitcher or as ice for my cooler in the summer (pop in the freezer with 1.5 inch of headroom for ice expansion). I also keep my own chopsticks (coloured green, even) to hand, in case of eating out at a Japanese or Chinese restaurant. No splinters for me...

I also use fabric shopping bags, many of which are recycled from other things. I have used jeans, UFO (unfinished objects) quilts and those give-away bags you get at certain events.

Tea bags and coffee grounds get used as dye for fabrics that need it or into the garden pots to amend the soil.

Tins and cans get made into containers for knitting stuff, scissors, pencils and such. Either painted or covered in fabric or poly-clay.

Sweaters can get unraveled, if not felted. The yarn is soaked and hung out to dry (TIC) to get the kinks out. If they are felted, they are cut up and made into various types of bags.

Still trying to figure out how to convince our complex get us at least one recycling station for papers and such.

#69 of 365 - Birthday Supper

2010-03-10T21:20:00.004-07:00

Erin made the birthday supper. Tuna steaks, sweet potato chips with rosemary and tomato, mozzarella and spinach salad. Yum, and I didn't have to cook. Perfect present!

#68 of 365 - Won't You Be My Neighbour

2010-03-09T16:34:00.006-07:00

My friend Judy gifted me with a new/old cardi. She and I appreciate good woolens and we are always in search of them when we hit the charity shops. As we keep our house really cold, sweaters are very welcome and are worn by me often whilst in the house.

This one is made by Pendleton Woolen Mills. It's got pockets, which are always a necessity for me.

It also puts me in mind of Mr. Rogers.

#67 of 365 - The Perils of Pleating

2010-03-08T18:12:00.002-07:00

Nuff said?!

#66 of 365 - Knitting yet Again...

2010-03-07T21:03:00.006-07:00

Busy, busy weekend. Knit with the girls at the Lamb Shoppe yesterday afternoon, saw The Rising also known as Mohr Phun which was a concert presented by Angus Mohr and Gobs O'Phun, thus the name, last night.

Also met the Judds' new family edition, currently sort of nameless... I fell for her and she for me. she tried to hide under my skirt and go with when I left the house this morning. Then to church at my church home away from church home, Saint Thomas. Then it was Kiltmaking 202 with Judy this afternoon.

Now watching the Oscars and hand stitching pleats in. Ryan Blair WILL wear this kilt at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Denver on the 13th (next Saturday, don't ya know)!

Basically, I hung out all the weekend with various iterations of my Denver,Aurora and Broomfield friends.

#65 of 365 - Offline Yesterday

2010-03-07T13:15:00.003-07:00

Quilting, traveling, knitting, music, friend's new puppy, in that order.

#64 of 365 - I Sat in A Garden Today

2010-03-05T18:09:00.004-07:00

I would really wish that I had the space to garden this way. This is a raised bed with salad and herbs and gnomes, even. This is the garden I liked the most of all the display ones, it was done by Hardings. We got mixed flower seeds from them as well. Then there was the white bison from BBI.

Rebecca found her home on the road and we also found the tub we will be using in our old age... The last picture is Erin blanching at the price of the cookware we watched being demoed. Yikes!

#63 of 365 - Really! I Still Do Make the Odd Quilt

2010-03-04T17:05:00.002-07:00

Can't say much about it. It's a Super Secret Quilt, but yes, I do make the odd quilt now and then..

#62 0f 365 - and Another One Done Redux

2010-03-03T19:20:00.009-07:00

This post is about a number of things.

Among them are Deborah's finished Skully Blanky for
one of her grandsons. Kewl blanky and
very kewl granny that made it. If you look closely you will see the illusion skull and crossbones she borrowed from Ysolda Teague.

I also found the heavier weight yarn to make the kilt hose for my Da to wear with his kilt. He plans to wear the kilt and hose for the DD's wedding next fall. They will likely look something similar to these. I will do the foot part in a fingering weight and the cabled part in a sport weight to make them really comfy and so the cables stand out. I was ecstatic to find two blacks that matched in two different weights and that are both washable. Woot!

This shawl is done! but for the blocking that is. With all the yarns (5 different ones), including a cotton chenille, the drying process for this will take at least two days, so you'll have to wait for the finished picture. Again, this is a 198 Yards of Heaven. This one done on big needles and I made some changes to the last lace section, because I could, LOL.