Edge of the World

The Post Office Made Me Laugh

2011-04-05T15:28:00.002-04:00

Today at the post office I overheard this conversation between the clerk and a elderly female patron.

Patron: who do I make this check out to?
Clerk: USPS, but the next one make it out to "Randy" (the clerk's name)
Patron: Oh goodness, that was my last check, but I would have been generous.
Clerk: Keep talkin' like that and I will follow you home!
Patron: oh my, I have a fiance' ! I am engaged to Jesus!
I have had two earthly husbands and I am done with teaching!

Elderly Male Patron standing in line: so, you lookin' for a Spiritual Man.

This made my day, my week and I hope to never forget the wise words of this woman.

Potholders and Colour Work

2011-03-16T13:29:00.004-04:00

After seeing all the wonderful Potholders Swapped last year on Ravelry.
I decided to take the plunge and toss my name in the hat.
Crocheting is not my forte having very limited experience and being self-taught.
But I admit, I am enjoying making these very much. Am using Thaki Cotton Classic and Elan Sonata, and believe working with the abundance of colours available make the process even more enjoyable.
I have 4 completed out of the 5 required. It will be such fun to see what will be received. Part of the fun has been seeing all the incredible holders being hooked.

I have also recently completed my first Stranded Colour-Work. This is a gift for Meg's B-Day later this month.
This project was a challenge at first but persevered and am mighty pleased with the results.

Gifts for Liam

2010-03-19T11:54:00.003-04:00

It has been pure enjoyment to hand-knit a few items for a new baby.
Can't make enough of these baby booties, such a fun pattern to work.

Pattern:Blue Steps
Needles: Size 1
Yarn: Lornas Laces Shepherd Sock
Colorway: Forest

Pattern: Master Charles Ear Flap Hat
Needles:Size 8
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Rialto held double.

Great pattern, great price, and quick project.

I Want to Be a Mermaid

2010-02-09T14:52:00.004-05:00

While on Holiday last month, I revisited Weeki Wachee, one of those old, tatty, endearing, Florida Tourist Venues.

I have a great fondness for Weeki Wachee, for when last visited was 7 or 8 years old and fascinated by the lure of the "mermaids".

Having been one of those fortunate kids to grow up in the 60's and 70's with a backyard pool, my sisters and I practiced our Weeki Wachee somersaults relentlessly.

At my best I could achieve 10 rotations. I was 9.....

...I still want to be a mermaid.

A Dozen Dishclothes

2010-02-04T13:47:00.003-05:00

Yes, I am knitting, just haven't felt like blogging.
Since these have been given to the recipient will post a wee bit about them.

I have never been a fan of handknitted dishclothes, disliked the wet noodle feel.
Prefer heft and scrub-ability when washing and wiping.
I searched all the databases looking for a pattern which would obtain the hand feel I was after.

Loved the Linoleum Dishcloth immediately. Quickly fell in like with the BallBand Dishcloth.

Decided to try both but downsized to a size 5 needle.
This created the feel I was looking for. Yes!

Other cloths were worked with stitch patterns from Harmony Guide Knit and Purl, always with a garter stitch border.

Pattern Source: Mason Dixon Knitting, Harmony Guide Knit/Purl Stitch Guide
Yarn: Peaches-Cream, Sugar-Cream, Lion Cotton
Needles: Crystal Palace Bamboo 5
For: Friend Jill

Take this and Add 17 more inches!

2010-01-04T15:43:00.004-05:00

It has been snowing for 4 days.

We shoveled the drive twice this am, just to get to the office.

Thank goodness it waited until after the annual New Year's Day Shopping Trip to hit.

Hiding the "Stash"

2009-11-03T15:49:00.000-05:00

Looks like an ordinary shoebox...but is it?

Oh my, is that possibly ....gulp....YARN!
Look at all that squishy, colorful, yarnyness.

I'll admit it.
I can not pass up a good deal and WEBS is fueling my addiction.

They had closeout pricing on all this Araucania Bulky and it begged to be worked up into hats for the nieces Christmas presents.

Don't all the girls you know want big, slouchy, tam style hats this season?

Though, I distinctly remember saying, I wasn't going to make knitted gifts this year.

After swearing Wendy to a blood sister pack to assist in the stashing , she whisked it home, swifted it into nice little cakes, and returned it in disguise.

You have to get fairly inventive regarding hiding your newest stash...when you live with a skinflint!

Ella

2009-09-13T17:33:00.003-04:00

This is Ella, she is a Fawn Doberman Pinscher puppy and she belongs to Junie and Will.

They have opted for the humane treatment and are not getting her ears docked.

She is the most gangly, coltish puppy I have ever seen. She doesn't seem to understand that she will someday soon be 60 or so pounds and will not be able to curl up on Junie's lap.

Am not sure who will be the most disappointed....Ella or Junie?

Junie requested a photo shoot today so Ella photo could be proudly displayed next to Pearl at the shoppe.

Will had worn her out early in the day, so we only got very sleepy puppy photos.

No Jill, I wasn't in Wisconsin

2009-08-20T14:33:00.009-04:00

We just returned from our annual vacation at the cottage.

How I wish we got up there more than once a season.
Counting the last 5 days I have been there at total of 8 days this summer.
Doesn't make sense when you pay the mortgage each month, to only spend that much time there.

Some new traditions this year included falling out of the hammock!

And Knee Boarding....yes, I did try it.
Got up and rode for oh.....1/4 of the lake.(all of 5 minutes, felt like an hour).

I just like to keep it real for the kids.

We didn't forget the old traditions though...
Plenty of "duck butting"

and a trip to the cottage would not be complete without at least 1 tow back to the dock.
We were having so much fun trashing the boys on the tubes, we....hummmm...ran out of gas!

Thank goodness of great lake neighbors.

This kind gentleman saw us stranded at the far end of the lake, came from his house and towed us back.
He didn't even bother to uncover his boat completely.

Of course, my favorite past time was shooting pics of sweet kids.

They are growing up so fast, Dan and I just hope we get to spend at least a few more vacations with them, before they figure out we are just not all that.

Photo Shoot 2009

2009-08-12T14:02:00.002-04:00

Girls/Photoshoot Weekend 2009

Ok, I may be biased but doesn't she take a great photo!

I think we shot 127 of them.

This could be my favorite!

Roadtrip to Texas

2009-07-17T15:48:00.008-04:00

Every 5 years or so Dan's mother's family holds a Family Reunion.

This event was held in Texas this past week.

Did you know that Texas is in the midst of a heat wave, that they haven't had any significant rainfall for 3 years.
Did you also know that in the Texas Hill Country temps can reach 110 degrees in July.

You have now been forwarned regarding the perils of traveling to Texas in the summer

We decided to roadtrip from Michigan, we both love roadtrips, we pack the car, pack the cooler and head out early in the morning.
We tried to leave before dawn (it reminds us both of those childhood roadtrips) but we got away just as it was breaking.

It was my choice to what route we would follow.
I routed us via Springfield, IL so we could stop at the new Lincoln Museum.

This museum is worth the stop, it chronicles Lincoln from a small boy,

through his White House days.

We then grabbed a quick cooler lunch and hit the road to St. Louis.

My father has slides of the Arch being built, it was great to be able to stand under it.
It was in the high 90's and at least an hour wait to go up, so we opted out.

My photos of the Arch are my favorite of the trip.

The first night in Texas a party was held at the 4 Season in Austin to celebrate the the 50th Wedding Anniversary of the Boothbys and LaCourts.

One of the Texas cousins lives high up in the limestone hills of Wimberly, the photos don't really convey how steep, rocky and hilly this is. The bridge connects the house to the swimming pool and basketball courts for there is no flat lawn areas.

Texas Longhorns, what can I say. You're in Texas you must find some Longhorns to photograph.

It was a fun trip and great to see everyone, the Texas families were wonderful hosts.

And I loved catching up on my reading and sleeping on the way home.

p.s. Can I tempt you with a Texas dashboard taco? Anyone.... Greggy?

Arrowhead Wrap

2009-06-24T17:14:00.002-04:00

No excuses for not updating since June 8th.
Let it just be said, the summer is not conducive to blogging.

I have started a new knitting project and here is a tiny peak.

Project Details:
Arrowhead Shawl,originally published by Interweave Knits, Spring 2006
Available as a free download from Knitting Daily

Yarn: Reynolds Sea Wool in Colourway 1030
Needle: size 8

And oh yeah, it is 90 degrees today with no breeze and a heat index of 96 degrees, summer has finally hit and with a vengeance!
Perfect for knitting with wool!

Busy Times

2009-06-08T18:23:00.010-04:00

Allium bulgaricum
Syn: Nectaroscordum siculum.
Clusters of pendant, greenish-white florets, strongly flushed purple and edged in white. height 36". Hardiness Zones: 6-10.

The Spring goes so quickly when you are busy running a small garden shoppe.

Most customers assume that I have wonderful flower gardens, and I hate to disappoint them, but I always have to say....I used to.

I spend on average 60 hours a week between the shoppe and the greenhouse. I have several clients that I do custom container plantings and that takes up most evenings.

The last of the custom works gets delivered next week and the schedule opens up a tad more.

But never enough time to garden in my own backyard.

Insert "Big Sigh" here.

The above photo was snapped last week when all the alliums were blooming in what is left of my Perennial boarders.

Thanks goodness for the bulbs I planted years ago before I owned the shoppe.
While other perennials have been choked out by crabgrass and thistle, the bulbs always hold their own.

Happy Sweet 16!

2009-05-27T19:17:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday Little Miss Em and Em
Though I am telling you, you should still be 5 years old! 6 at the most!
You know the older you get, the older I get Little Missy!

Hmm....I think you look about 20 here in this photo.
Oh My!

Connor's Graduation BBQ

2009-05-24T18:18:00.005-04:00

Random Shots from Connor's Party.
It was a great afternoon we had perfect weather, wonderful food and good company.

Connor with the 1st of his gifts, a computer bag.

Em getting Bare Essentials from Nana for her birthday.

Just a great snap of Gracie and Drewsey.
Grace has been a lifesaver this last week at Green Wellies, don't think I could have made it without her. Happy Birthday Gracie!
Yes, we have alot of B-Days in May!

The first of which is this guy's who turned 77 on the 4th.
Happy Birthday Papa!

Sad, Hard, Week

2009-05-15T18:18:00.004-04:00

We lost a dear friend this last Sunday, he was a kind and gentle man who loved his girls immensely.
We are all trying to recover, but don't know if that is ever really possible.

Please keep this dear child and her sisters in your thoughts and prayers, and maybe she will once again be able to breath.

Blooms.....No Stitches

2009-05-07T18:18:00.006-04:00

There are many things I appreciate about my hour commute each day

1. Time in the am to prioritize my day.
2. Time in the pm to zone out.
3. The only time I have to talk to best friends and sisters/niece without being interrupted with "do we have any ketchup?"...."do you know where______ is?" Not that he doesn't try!
4. NPR...love, love, love, NPR
5. Choices...I have several routes I can travel. I can mix it up and not get stuck in the same routine.
6. The Countryside...it always offers up something new. Last week it was this...Peach, Cherry, Pear and Apple trees in Bloom!

Am back at the shoppe full time, I believe I was there 14 hours yesterday. That is "spring rush" in the garden shoppe business.

So, no knitting, though I still carry it with me everyday thinking I may have 5 minutes to pull out the needles.
But, alas, the same 3 rows of my newest project have been in my bag for the last 4 weeks.

Feast your eyes on these spring blooms instead.

Ira Glass

2009-04-24T09:40:00.003-04:00

We went to the live broadcast of "This American Life" last night.
This was a live presentation of my favorite PRI radio show that was shown in movie theatres across the country.

It was the best and quickest 90 minutes I can remember ever having.
I did not want it to end.
When Ira Glass was ending the show with the credits I looked at Dan and said....I don't want it to be over.

It was announced that they will be rebroadcasting it on May 7th.
go to This American Life for more info.

Don't miss it!

Ira Glass, what can I say. ummm....tasty!

Hello Bunnies!

2009-04-13T17:01:00.003-04:00

After their photo shoot the bunnies all found new homes.

This one reminds me of 'Rabbit' from Winnie the Poo. Something about the expression and the elongated body. Papa always called Mallory, Mallory Rabbit when she was a wee one so, this went home with her.

Just a few of the eggs.

Happy Easter everyone!

Bunnies Revisted

2009-04-08T16:32:00.006-04:00

After the great success of the Von Tropp Family of Easter Bunnies last year, I decided to make bunnies again for the nieces.
Different pattern, different style, I think just as fun.

I wanted them decidedly different from last year. This pattern allows for 2 bunnies, one sitting and one standing.
As of last night 2 sitting bunnies are finished.

A little embroidery, a little beading, a little needle felting and the bunnies come to life.

This guy is a little timid and didn't want to face the camera early in the morning.

New Knitting Friend

2009-04-02T17:42:00.007-04:00

Last Friday Cali and Cody came into work with Wendy.
They had no school for some reason and during tax season Dan can not function with out Wendy, so the kids come into work with her.

Wendy sets them up in the conference room with dvd's to watch and usually something crafty for Cali.

Dan (whom Cali thinks never says no)always buys pizza for lunch.
So it is a fun day for all of us.

While eating lunch, Cali found her way back to my office, (is it because it's the only place not strewn with papers, or that my desk is always clean of clutter?) we ate our lunch, chatted, and knit.

Cali has been knitting for a couple of months now, she hasn't wanted to purl yet, but the child has the knit stitch down.

She was making wrist warmers, and was at the point to cast off. I showed her how to do the 1st 2 stitches and she completed the cast off all by herself. She is a fast learner that Cali.

Monday morning I received this little package.

It said: to: Leisa, love Cali, I hope you love it!, I did it by myself!
Clue: It is Knitted!

I love a girl who knows when to use an exclamation point!

In the package was this cute little basket.
She had the yarn with her on Friday and I had commented that it would make a great Easter Basket.

My work here is done.

Sleeves...we have Sleeves...Attached!

2009-03-30T11:01:00.004-04:00

Finally.

Added little simple wooden buttons.

oh, and a hat to complete the ensemble.

so glad this is completed, because I then was able to whip out these little lovelies.

My first cupcake from the wonderful Julie at Little Cotton Rabbits, a order for 15 has been placed for a certain 9 yr old's upcoming birthday.

And then my Coopers Flock bird.
Please click on the icon at the top of my blog to read more about Cooper.

Guitar Sonata Complete

2009-03-26T16:19:00.004-04:00

Many weeks ago I gave a preview of a pair of gloves for Ben.

Guitar Sonatas are now complete.

They have actually been finished for quite some time, I just needed to sew the top and thumb

flaps on to the mittens, add the button and crochet loop.

I finally just sat down on Sunday afternoon and finished them up.
I really hate works in progress (wips). I am definitely in the camp of don't start something new until the current project finished.

I do this with everything....to much clutter, clutters me up.

Chaos creates Chaos, this is my mantra and I am sticking to it.
I know that many natural creative types crave that clutter and chaos, but not me, no sir, no thank you ma'am!

So does that make me not a natural creative type?

I don't know, but I know I just need it to be clean and organized to allow me to think and process.

I have told this often to the very messy man I live with.

You Might Think This is a Yarn Shoppe

2009-03-19T14:08:00.002-04:00

But we are actually working today at DML, CPA, PLLC!
It's Tax Season you know!!!

Since beginning my ever growing yarn stash, I have dreamed of owning my own swift and ball winder.

Wendy, my co-worker and friend at said office has also recently caught the knitting bug, and she found a great sale on swifts and winders at Joanns.com

After a mere 2 seconds of discussion, we decided that if we split the cost we would both be out a mere $32.00.

I know!

That is just the cost of 1 skein of Hand Maiden Yarn

.

So while the big boss man was out of the office doing all sorts of "tax season" business, Wendy made a lunch hour trip to Red Purl and we spun our 1st cake of yarn!

Squeals of Delight were forthcoming and abundant!

Baby Sweater Update

2009-03-17T14:16:00.004-04:00

The sleeves that were....are no more.

With the advice of a knitting friend who has many sweaters under her belt, I frogged the sleeves.

I will be knitting new sleeves with a larger percentage of increases to achieve a wider base in which to attach.

Francie said I could probably make the sleeves fit, but it would require stretching them quite alot, envision the medieval rack or tying the sleeves between 2 tractor trailers. I felt more comfortable with reworking them to the proper size.

I question still is...if everything was knit to the proper size, why should I have to rework?

Baby Sweater Horrors!

2009-03-16T12:37:00.005-04:00

See that lovely photo in the pattern book, see all that lovely stockinette stitch, see a 75% completed baby sweater?

If I do not figure out how the sleeves fit, tomorrow you will see this project frogged!!!
Ok, here is the deal, I followed the pattern with no deviations, I blocked all the pieces exactly to the schematic. I joined the shoulder seams. I picked up the edge, and neck bands, I garter stitched.

Everything was going fine, until.......the sleeves!
There is no possible way to fit them in the space allowed, it appears to me that the sleeves should be at least 3" wider. Or, do I attach the top of the side seam to the bottom of the sleeve, yikes, that just doesn't seem correct.

Will have to call in for re enforcement...the saga will continue.

Yarn Quest

2009-03-09T12:46:00.016-04:00

My fellow gardening and knitting friend Ardie, and I decided to have a Yarn Quest this last Saturday. Our goal was to visit as many local yarn shops as possible within an hour or so drive from home.

We planned on stopping at Needle in a Haystack.
We found out that Needle did not open until 11a, we had alot of ground to cover and had to move on.

So, our 1st stop was a old favorite Lizzie Ann's Wool Company.
Imagine our surprise when we walked in to this.

Carding machines, bats of roving, bags of roving, drafted roving, handspun yarn, and 9 very nice, gracious, helpful, fun spinners!

You might guess what came next.....

Yep, I'm spinning in heels! (cue Carrie Bradshaw).

First you learn to "treadle" which sounds and looks simple, but not so much. You have to pedal with both feet to keep your wheel spinning the same direction and not back upon itself.
The easiest way to describe this is; Your right foot does most of the work and your left foot holds the tension.

Note to self: easier without the 2" heels.

Then you learn the important terms; pinching, drafting, predrafting, orifice, feeding, bobbins, and many more I am sure I have forgotten.

See how that wheel is turning!

The ladies were most encouraging and after 2 hours,I ended up taking home a pitiful little skein of my own spun yarn. Unusable, but a memento all the same.

Many thanks to Lindy, CJ Kopec Creations, and Yarn Hollow.

Onward to our next stop Threadbender.
We found Threadbender to have many nice yarns, but a rather dated feel to the shop.

I did indulge in 2 skeins of Noro Silk Garden.

Still working on our spinning high we head further north to City Knitting in Grand Rapids.

City Knitting being just within our parameters of 1 hour 10 mins from home is well worth visiting!

Ardie and I spent the rest of the day there and picked up several wonderful yarns.

We finished our day with a late lunch/early supper at The Green Well, and a stop at my friend Amy's shop, Art of the Table.
A wonderful wine and tabletop giftware shoppe.

I came home tired but oh so happy, and ready to plan the next excursion.

Next time we will head south and west so we can be sure to fit in my very favorite LYS, The Red Purl.

Fruits & Veg

2009-03-04T15:41:00.003-05:00

In an effort to downsize before the Garden Shoppe opens, I went looking for some healthy snacks.

The first thing that caught my eye were these perfect pears.

Red Grapes, Kiwi, mangoes and bananas soon found their way into my basket.

Now to the freezer for backyard grown veg.

I feel healthier already.

Guitar Sonata

2009-03-02T12:55:00.008-05:00

Niece Mallory's boyfriend Ben is a fantastic guitar player, musician, and songwriter.
Ben is not seen very often without his guitar, Mallory is not seen very often, not at Ben's feet while he is playing.

Mal asked me if I could knit a pair of fingerless gloves for Ben so he can keep those fingers warm and still continue to play. They had 1 request, make the gloves convertible so he could flip up a mitten to keep the whole hand warm, and to also make a thumb mitten.

Found the perfect pattern 'Pink Sonata' in Vogue Knitting Fall 2008.
Now had to find the yarn. Mal and Ben gave me little to work with on yarn colour, just a adamant not "navy blue".

As I was finishing up the the Cabled Socks realized I had most of 1 skein of yarn left. Knew that my yarn stash had several other skeins of Claudia Handpainted.

Ben's Gloves will be worked with Butter Pecan and Black Walnut.

Love the way these two colours look together. Earthy, masculine, fun.

The first glove is complete except for weaving in the ends and working up the mitten caps. The caps will be worked in the darker Black Walnut. I should have the caps completed by tomorrow and will post more photos.

EZ Snail Hat

2009-02-23T11:37:00.004-05:00

A classic pattern from Elizabeth Zimmerman.

The Snail Hat was fun and easy to knit.

It was enjoyable to take a break and knit a easy project that can be finished in one night.
Especially if said project looks much more complicated than it is.
And that my friends, is the joy of Elizabeth Zimmerman.

I keep thinking that my grandmother used to receive her newsletters, wouldn't it be a hoot if I could find them!!!

Next EZ pattern to try....the ever popular Surprise Baby Jacket.

Small Hat: worked as written on size 11, Rowan Big Wool, 18 rounds worked before decreasing.
Large Hat: worked as written on size 13, Rowan Big Wool, 18 rounds worked before decreasing.

Side Slip Complete

2009-02-20T14:28:00.002-05:00

Say "hello" to Ethel, our new recylced glass head from Pier I.

Ethel will be invaluable for blocking all those hats created during the on going hat fever.

And she was a steal at only $15.00!

Hat Fever

2009-02-19T12:08:00.004-05:00

I don't know if it is the never ending winter or just a love of knitting hats.
Or, is it the talented patterns in Boutique Knits that is driving this rage?

Saturday I cast on for Side Slip Cloche.
Worked pattern with a new to me yarn.
Mirasol Tupa a 50/50 merino silk blend, colourway 810 Deep Auburn, a rich, deep, earthy brownish red.

This yarn is luscious to work with great stitch definition.

Finished last night and hat is now blocking to achieve that desired Cloche look.

It will reside in the stash of Christmas Gifts to give this year.

Hat Swap

2009-02-16T16:36:00.005-05:00

Ok, how fun is this.
Red Purl my favorite LYS, hosted a hat swap this last Friday.
I believe there were at least 12 participants.

I swapped my Sideways Grande even though my intentions were to make an entirely different hat while in Florida.

With the pattern in mind I searched for the right fibre, but alas could not make a match.

I also wanted my hat fibre to have been purchased at Red Purl. Amy generously hosted this successful event and she should have reaped some benefit.

Or is this just the small retail shop owner shouting out?

Anyway, it was great to see all of the different hats rendered by some wonderfully talented knitters.

This was my first time attending the Friday night knits at Red Purl, and you can tell that group has gotten to know each other well over the last year. I felt a little out of place, but it was still a fun time.

I was so envious of the EZ Snail Hat (back row 3rd from right) rendered by Amy that I purchased fibre to make my own!

Unconditional

2009-02-12T11:04:00.007-05:00

This old girl is 13 today, a little more gray than that day 13 years ago,when we discovered her in our garage.

13 years ago my father decided that I was in need of an additional dog, my former black lab (Daumier) was struggling at the age of 17. So, he picked up Daumier for a lunch at the local fast food burger joint and returned her along with a new 9 week old puppy.

Daumier was pretty weak in those days and had to be moved to a lush apartment in our garage, when arriving home that evening I spent time with her, having no idea that there was a small black bundle of fur residing in her bed.

The next morning when Dan left for the office at 400am (tax season) he stepped in dog doo and had this little puppy attack his foot. He came into the bedroom to wake me with "there is a puppy in our garage, I have no idea where he came from, and I'm going to work".

As I lay in bed I knew exactly where that dog had come from, my father was the only one I knew who would do such a thing. In the coming days he tried to deny it but the truth came out in the end.

Dan continued for several weeks with the mantra..."we can not keep her, we don't have time to train a puppy, do not name her, no, I am not go to hold her".

He held true to his word, when all she wanted was for him to pay attention to her. The breakthrough came the day she fell in the water garden when he was doing spring clean up and he had to fish her out.

I like to say that she loves me best, but truth be told she is all Dan's and I blame him for all of her many neurosis.

Happy Birthday Toulouse(aka Toulousee Bella Vista, Lousee Girl, & Bella V), thanks for 13 years of unconditional love, you ol'foot lickin', high jumping, toast eating, black log of a dog.

Holiday

2009-02-09T09:26:00.011-05:00

When I first arrived on my annual Holiday with Jill it was very chilly down here in the south.
We did not let it hinder our fun, we still made our trips to Crate and Barrel, Anthropology, DSW, and IKEA.

Jill has also introduced me to her Wii and she has had great delight in my inability to drive in Wii land.
Also on board we are trying to knit a pair of slippers to be felted.

We explored Lake Lotus Park which is actually within walking distance, and biking at Turkey Lake with Paige.

Yesterday we spent the day in Melbourne(up at 530a!) for Paige had a crew event. The weather was beautiful and the beach was gorgeous.

Sideways Grande

2009-01-30T15:06:00.005-05:00

Sideways Grande is a hat from the wonderful new book "Boutique Knits" by Laura Irwin.
I had some trouble gauging this and after reading on Ravelry I don't think I was alone.
Overall, I love the pattern, but I needed to cast on 10 less stitches, for a perfect fit.

Sideways Grande
worked in: Malabrigo Chunky (less than 2 skeins)
needles: 10,9,8,7's
rating: easy
satisfaction: ok, will wear, is super warm, fit not great.

I will be jetting off on Monday where I won't be needing this very warm hat.
And I can not wait!

p.s. It is extremely difficult to take a photo of yourself in a hat!!!!

New Knitting ...New Knitting Books

2009-01-22T13:27:00.006-05:00

I had to give myself a little break after Christmas to rest my hands and wrists. This did not stop the knitting obsession though for arriving daily in the post are wonderful new knitting books.

The above are just a few that have arrived.

I am in love with Boutique Knits!
I can justify buying a knitting book when there are more than 2 patterns I would actually knit. Let me just say I would knit most everything in this lovely little gem.

I began last night the Double Pleated Purse.
The pattern is quick and well written.
I opted away from the Rowan Denim for the recipient is not a really navy blue type.
Am subbing Reynolds "Saucy" cotton in a great taupey, khaki color.
This little purse is worked in 2 pieces and I completed the front last night.
Should have it completed by Sunday with all it's embellishments.

I can't wait to finish it and give it away. How fun!

On the Knitted Front

2009-01-19T12:26:00.005-05:00

Double Cabled Socks worked on 2 Circular Needles
Needle size: 2
Yarn: Claudias HandPainted Sport
Colorway: Butter Pecan
Pattern: Double Cabled Sock from Kalamazoo Knits

This is the sock I will be teaching at the Red Purl beginning this Thursday.
I am looking forward to showing how easy it is to knit socks with 2 circs.
This sock took me only 3 evenings to finish.
I loved working in the Claudia's Sport, it makes for a beefier sock, but still with a nice hand feel.

Class participants will complete one sock by the end of the 3 classes.
Learning the easiest heel turn and heel gussets and leaving the class wanting to buy up all of Amy's wonderful new sock yarn.

I also think this colorway goes quite well with "Squeak".

Brrrrrr!

2009-01-15T13:58:00.006-05:00

These are shots from my car on the way into the office today.
We are in the middle of a winter storm, 12-15" of snow, arctic temps, -15 tonight, and wind.
For those of you in sunny climes, add wind to 15" of dry snow, and you get WHITEOUTS.
The road I most travel on is two lane through farm land. Lots of open fields and orchards.

But, I always come to this spot in the road and everyday, no matter what the weather I say to myself, this has to be the prettiest spot on earth.

If you look really hard up the hill to the right....you can just see the "edge of the world".

Masterpiece Theatre

2009-01-12T16:30:00.004-05:00

"Did it ever strike your mind that what every woman says some women may feel"
Tess Durbyfield in "Tess of the d'Urbervilles"

When watching tv (and knitting) I most look forward to Sunday evening and Masterpiece Theatre.
The last 2 Sundays were spent deeply engrossed in "Tess of the d'Urbervilles".

If you missed this wonderful production, you can watch for a limited time on http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/tess/watch.html

And this Sunday a new edition of "Wuthering Heights".
Masterpiece Theatre and the BBC ....they are good things!

Two Weeks Off

2009-01-07T10:39:00.005-05:00

Wonderful things happen when you get 2 weeks off for the first time in 14 years.

Getting to spend time with your families for the holidays, and shopping with your grown up nieces!

I am not a shopper by any account, I rank it up there with getting your annual physical. But, when the girls needed hair supplies and I needed yarn, and everything is so deeply discounted due to the economy and stores overbuying, we jumped in the car and went for it. (how is that for a run on sentence)

Mallory, Gracie and I first hit the local shopping area in South Bend, got both set with all the professional hair products they wanted. Though Mallory has since decided she wanted what Gracie got. Big Sisters that's all I can say.

We also hit Barnes and Noble twice, (thanks Dan) and the Super Target. By that time I was shopped out .

Lori, Em and I did our annual trip to Grandville on New Years Day. I tried to find clothes for Dan, and did buy a few, but alas, will be returning most of them. Did I mention I hate returning items more than shopping for them? We had a great time, especially at Gap Body.

Then a good friend of ours had his first baby on 12/30 and I had to start right away on a knitted baby gift.

Gracie and I headed to Holland, I found yarn at Lizzie Anns and then another stop at Barnes and Nobles to look for a pattern.

While standing in the Knitting section, I struck up a conversation with a fellow knitter. She told me about a new yarn shoppe in South Haven. How thrilled was I, it is just 15 minutes from my house!

Gracie and I were able to make it there before closing, great little shoppe, wonderful owner and scrumptious yarns. Of course, many soft, squeezable, luscious, glowing yarns came home with me.

Two weeks off, pure heaven!

Holiday Gifting

2009-01-05T11:36:00.007-05:00

Yea, yea I know this is a little past due, but this is my first time in front of the computer since 12/22.
Thought I would share photos of some knitted gifts, now that the recipients have received them.

Caitlin in her "Lavish Hat and Mitt's"

Gracie in "Cabled Beret and Fetching Mitts"

Mal Paige in "Ana" by Perl Grey and " Rumpled " by Handmaiden

Mal is still in her scrubs for she had to work Christmas day, she arrived 4 minutes after she clocked out.

Em in "Textured Wrap" and "Calorimerty"

The boys in their Hats

More details on all projects can be found on Ravelry under Leisa.

Cabled Beret

2008-12-16T16:31:00.001-05:00

I have long been a fan of Debbie Bliss, her patterns and her yarn.
So I was happy to find the 1st edition of her magazine at my LYS this fall.
A few patterns were chosen immediately for gifting, with the 1st pattern worked the "Cabled Beret".

When I first began knitting I had old fashioned ideas about cables. It conjured up old pilly, scratchy ski sweaters and the 1960's, I don't know...I didn't like them, I believed I would never knit anything with a cable.

I have since seen the error of my thinking.
I love fat, juicy, squishy cables! They are fun to do and do not give that old fashioned look I dread at all.

I can not share photos of the completed Beret for it will be a Christmas Gift.
The colour of this yarn is really a deep plum colour, and is a alpaca silk merino blend. It is just really scrumptious. I hope the recipient will be as pleased as I am.

Snow Rollers

2008-12-15T16:22:00.006-05:00

I have shut down the shoppe for the 1st winter season in 14 years, but have been helping Dan out at the office. Last Friday I decided I needed a day at home, for I have been fighting the 2nd cold of the season.
The day started out great not too cold, but cold enough to feel good about curling up in my chair.

It started to lightly snow as I trudged out to feed the cats. (yes, I now have a mama cat and two baby kittens, more on that later) .

It continued to snow all morning, it snowed all afternoon.

Everytime Dan called I told him how much it was snowing, he continued to pooh-pooh my weather comments. It was not snowing in Berrien.
At 300pm I went out with my trusty yardstick and we had gotten 8" of snow! By nightfall it was 10"!

Saturday morning it started to warm up and then the winds started to howl.
I have lived in this area all my life and I have never seen what happened next.

"Snow Rollers" !

The wind was blowing so hard that the 10" of snow was being rolled up in cylinders.

We had hundreds of these all over the yard.
It was difficult to photograph but it was the most unusual thing I have ever seen.
They only lasted til Sunday morning, when we began to get rain. Crazy...I'm just sayin'

I promise a holiday knitting post tomorrow. I am very behind again this year. I am blaming it on being sick for 3 months.

Class at Red Purl

2008-12-03T08:39:00.002-05:00

December 8th, 6p-8pm and December 14th, 1p-3p.
I will be teaching a class on how to take an ordinary Christmas bulb and turn it into an extraordinary "beaded knitted ornament" !

This is a fast project and is perfect for your left over fingering weight yarn.
This class will also teach knitting in the round with 2 circular needles and my favorite technique for beading.
You will have plenty of time to make several before the holidays.
What a great gift idea.
I know several people who will be receiving them.
Come join us at Red Purl on the 8th and 14th.

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T17:51:00.004-05:00

We had a very quiet and small gathering this year for Thanksgiving. I guess that is what happens when the kids get older and have other priorities.
My oldest sister's family didn't make it again this year. Mallory was with her boyfriends family eating at a Cracker Barrel in Kentucky. (don't get me started). And Drewsey left us after a token hour to spend the day with his girlfriend!!

I was thankful Connor, Em and Gracie were there.
The girls and I entertained ourselves taking photos of their wonderful shoes. We do love our shoes!
Con took advantage and slept most of the day, no Drewsey to play video games and or/guitar with. I don't think he was interested in the shoe photo shoot.

We did have a wonderful dinner and a great time with all that were there, my sister and her husband were gracious hosts.

two pretty brown haired girls.

Why I love the Internet and Why I Need a Laptop

2008-11-16T10:44:00.007-05:00

Ok, here's the deal.

I knit. I love to knit.

When you are knitting you are first creating something, most of the time for someone else.

My niece Mallory taught me the basics, knit and purl, I must admit I got the knit right off, but I think she had to teach me purl at least 10 times before it stuck.

Then I took a few classes which increased my confidence and taught me how to read "Greek" a.k.a knitting patterns and terms.

Being self employed I don't have a lot of time to run to my local LYS. Though Amy at Red Purl is brilliant with her "working women" hours.

Enter the Internet....if you are stuck on a knitting term and the graphic isn't enough, more than likely you will find a video on YouTube showing you how to do it!

Even better...you can e-mail a designer of a pattern to ask a question.

I did this for the 1st time though I hated to impose.

While working the Aran Isle Slippers I just could not get how to decrease and keep the seed stitch true. I knew it had to be simple, I just could not see it. (it was so, so obvious).

I bit the bullet and emailed Jennifer Lang the designer of these wonderful slippers, and she was so kind to answer me promptly and set me straight on the obvious answer. Thank you Jennifer.

Now I would not do this often, can you only imagine as a designer getting tons of emails asking questions? I can see how this could snowball!
But, I sure appreciated Jennifer's help, she was so kind.

This is why I love the Internet!

And why I need a Laptop with wireless high speed, so in the middle of the night during a knitting marathon I can log on and get the answer if I need it.

Aran Isle Slippers

2008-11-13T15:53:00.004-05:00

Aran Isle Slippers in the Holiday Interweave Knits Magazine.

I am thinking perfect for Christmas giving.
I am thinking I want a pair for myself.
Second thought....I don't like my feet to be hot.
Gift Giving it will be.

Emileigh's Runway Debut!

2008-11-10T17:18:00.009-05:00

Emileigh wearing Deanna Ansara’s Avante Garde garment

My niece Emileigh was in her 1st runway show this past weekend.
She modeled for 5 Designers of the House of Moda.
The Designers are all student designers of Western Michigan University.
The show was far from amateur, these designers put countless hours and effort into not only their designs, but the overall look of the show.

Emileigh received first hand knowledge of what goes into a fashion show, lots of hurry up and wait, and then pure chaos!

Great Job Em!

She had a great time and I know she enjoyed all the designers she worked with.

Turn A Square

2008-11-05T16:17:00.005-05:00

a pattern from Brooklyn Tweed and the inspiring Jared Flood.

I have now worked several patterns from Brooklyn Tweed and love the ease and perfection of his patterns, I still feel as if I am a fairly novice knitter and Jared's patterns make sense.

Patterns still throw me sometimes, I want to begin this dress, and looking at the photo

it seems straightforward, reading the pattern though, confusion sets in.

It will still be my next big project.

Back to the Caps, these are wonderful for gift giving for they only take a few hours to stitch, I love the jogless striping, thanks Jared for the hint, and that the 4 raglan decreases make a square pattern.

Double Cap Revisited

2008-11-03T10:24:00.008-05:00

Keanee's Double Cap

Worked flat as stated in pattern.
Hated having to seam this as you can tell I just don't do it well.

Keanee was by far the hardest model I ever tried to take a photo of.
This child just does not stop moving.
We all blame his mother for she drank caffeine through out the pregnancy.

Let this be a warning to all expectant mothers!

I miss seeing Keanee though, he is at daycare all day, not like his house cat brother Ian.

Click on photo to enlarge and check out Keanee's eyelashes, why do cute little boys always end up with these?

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T12:07:00.007-04:00

Ian's Double Cap is done
I am not sure about this pattern, I find that it really needs to be longer from cuff to crown, it looks best when the cuff is not folded.
Do like the Cat/Bat Ears though.

Have whipped out a few more hats in the last few days will share when blocked.
Hint: love Brooklyn Tweed patterns, they just work!!

Oh, have a great Halloween, don't eat too much cheap candy!

This says it All

2008-10-26T15:42:00.004-04:00

I have accomplished nothing on the knitting front, feel like I am a month behind on Christmas gifts.

But you can't do much when one of your knitting hands is constantly reaching for either a tissue or the NyQuil.

This will eventually be a Double Cap for Ian if I ever feel well enough to finish it.

Treats for Me

2008-10-19T11:14:00.003-04:00

A week or so ago I discovered these on my pillow as I was going to bed.
You may not be able to see it clearly but it says "treats for my mom" up in the right hand corner.
These were obviously a present from my dog "Toulouse".

They are my favorite thing to have with a cup of strong hot coffee.

I first discovered these treats as a child at my grandmother house, she and my grandfather always had bowls of Brach's candy at the ready.

As much as love the artisan truffles at The Chocolate Garden, there is just something about Maple Nut Goodies that remind me of happy childhood times.
And, I made this bag last 5 days.

The last time I had them was in Feburary at Jill's, she knows my weakness for cheap candy and all the horrid stories that go along with them.

Boston Baked Beans anyone?

Venezia

2008-10-09T14:17:00.002-04:00

Can I just say.....

how fun this was to knit!

Back to cast on more!

On the Needle & Wire

2008-10-08T17:19:00.003-04:00

Today I began knitting with wire.

This is something I have wanted to try for quite some time.

My inspiration is Rosemary Hill.

Her designs with wire and yes, with yarn are stunning. So looking forward to receiving her book that I preordered on Amazon today.

So I have strung the beads and now it is just a matter of finding the right tension to actual knit.

How fun!

Cali's Recorder Case

2008-10-06T17:53:00.004-04:00

Cali is our secretary's daughter and is learning the Recorder this year at school.
After carrying it around in it's basic vinyl case, she asked her mom if she thought I could make her something pretty.
Cali is also known by her good friends as "Princess Cali".
I had her come into the store and we talked about what colors she would want and took some measurements and after a week or so I came up with this.

I think she is pleased! She even played me a couple of songs on the recorder.
I told her to tell all her friends that it is a one of a kind and could not possibly be duplicated.

I told her mother, she will have a rude awakening when she figures out that I am really not all that.

You know my lot in life....that my greatest fans are little girls and old men!!!!!

Pattern
Any Worsted Weight Yarn
I used Malabrigo and Cascade
Gauge: not important
Finished Size: 4" x 14"
Cast on: 30 sts....or what you need to obtain 4"
Knit in st/st until piece measures 28" ro 29" inches
Fold, seam with mattress stitch both edges
Pick up sts on both sides and knit 2 rows
Bind of with Picot Bind off - bind off 6 sts, *place last sts back on left needle, c/o 1 sts with cable cast on, bind off 5 sts* repeat between *.
Strap: c/o 4 sts work I cord until desired length
Flowers: c/o 3 sts work I-cord until desired length, form into simple daisy shape and sew with beading thread.

The perfect thing for all those Recorder playing Princesses.

Koolhaas - A Hat by Designer Jared Flood

2008-09-22T09:42:00.002-04:00

Worked with Cascade 220
size 6 / 8 needles

Pattern looks more difficult than is. After 2 rounds you pretty much have it down.
I did run in to difficultly in the decrease rounds, my fault not the pattern. I finally got it and am fairly pleased.

Thanks Andrew for being the hat model

Views of the Holiday

2008-09-16T17:51:00.010-04:00

We have been vacationing on Mackinaw longer than I like to admit. For some reason we do not tire of it.

I started out this trip planning to take photos of all the things I was NOT going to do.

Such as .....I did not run the Mack Race 08.
I enjoyed it just fine from the porch of our lovely inn with several cups of coffee. Thank you very much.

Though I did ride my bike everyday around the island, up through the island, downtown, uptown, you get the idea.

This is a great new bike path past the Grand Hotel which takes you to Arch Rock. It also gets you out of the way of all the carriage tours, and need I say... horse apples.

I also did not have anything do to with gardening.

But, aren't these impatients spectacular, in the right setting I still never tire of these old standbys.

I quickly got side tracked, and stopped taking photos of things I wasn't doing and took way to many of trim and shutter colours on houses. I have been trying to pick out a new shutter colour and can I just say... nothing is working for me.

And of course all the quirky bikes you see.
Many of hours of knitting were done, the first Christmas gift is in the bag!
It was a very peaceful, stress free holiday.

See, even the guy with the gray beard is smiling.
How in heaven did we get so old?
And why do I always have lipstick on my teeth!!!!

Self portraits with a digital camera aren't they lovely!

Christmas Gift Number One

2008-09-04T17:09:00.004-04:00

With Christmas just around the corner and wanting to avoid the knitting rush of last year.

I have begun the 1st of many knitted gift projects.

This is Koolhaas Hat by Jared Flood of Brooklyn Tweed.

I found one error on pattern, the photo shows k2, p2, k2 for brim and I didn't realize until into lattice pattern that the lattice is not vining from ribbing. Now, do I rip and start over or continue. I'm thinking rip.

Will be on holiday for the next 9 days.

Away from phones, business, and computer and the blogs.

I will be waking up to the sounds of horses and the feel of wonderful lake breezes.

And will have bike butt by tomorrow afternoon.

You know that wonderful feeling you get when riding your bike for the first time in several months.

Yikes!

Finished Projects

2008-08-31T11:22:00.003-04:00

Ces's Spine Pillow
The child is just so spiney she says it hurts to sit in her school chair.
A Spine Pillow to the rescue.

Worked with Rowan Big Wool, 1 skein each of black and hot pink.
Size 13 needles
Cable Scarf Pattern from Tahki
Folded in two (one side pink-one side black), stitched together, stuffed, attached button and loop to attach to chair.
Fun to do, because I know it was for the "Green Bean Girl"!

Eliese's Beanie

Eliese requested this at the cottage, she saw one at the Art/Craft Fair and her mom told her I could probably knit one for her.

Worked in Malabrigo Moss/Marine

Size 8 Needles

Pattern: KnitSmiple Magazine Fall 2008

Fast, Easy, Fun Knit!

The girls stopped on their way to dinner at the grandparents yesterday.

Grammy said that Cesiley had to have her pillow attached to her dinner chair and Eliese never took her beanie off.

I guess they were a hit.

But it's Tradition!

2008-08-24T10:54:00.015-04:00

Dan's nieces and nephews have been coming to the cottage since they were wee ones.
When the twins were little, Eliese loved being out in the boat it was even her preferred place to nap. Cesiley didn't want anything to do with it, so for a couple of years she and I stayed on the dock and made "pizza pies". This consisted of lake sand in buckets.

Cesiley has grown up and now is content to go on the boat as a first mate. Her true love though is turtle catching. She will take the paddle boat down to the lily pads and catch turtles all day.
This is "Todd", her first catch of the season. She was very sad when it was time to let "Todd" rejoin his family.

Another tradition involves lots of bubble gum.

After a long day of sun and water, there is always the night of the "biggest bubble" and "bubbles within bubbles" contests.

Always 2 pieces of bubble gum, "double bubble" or "bazooka" all of the kids and me piled onto the loveseat.

I'm not sure how long we have been doing this but I know it started with Ethan, who is the reigning champ. Watch out E, the girls are catching up!

Eliese and Cesiley will spend hours during the week just spinning around the dock poles.

This child has no fun in life, can you tell?

This was a shot of Water Trampoline "Gladiator".
Very intense, lot of screaming, shrieking and being thrown in the water.
Not sure who won.

The morning after...all the towels dry on the line for another day of fun!
It's Tradition!

Yogini Bolero

2008-08-20T19:24:00.005-04:00

Yogini Bolero Pattern by Wendy Bernard.

This pattern got off to a quick start and then vacation got in the way. I finished it this last Monday.

I had such great hopes for this, but I think I am a tad bit too "Busty LaRoux" for this sweater.

I may try again but with some additional shaping in the bust area. In it's current form it gaps, and truly just makes me look more busty. There is "common courtesy" but I draw the line at wearing a sign that says ...look at my boobs! That is what I feel like with this on!!!!

It was an enjoyable knit and I loved working with Blue Sky Skinny Dyed Organic Cotton.

Thanks Heidi and Ruthie who had to go to great heights to achieve these photos!

Climbing up on a old potting table, which promptly broke, Heidi took her life in her hands to obtain the only angle worth shooting. Thanks again.

While the Rest of Us Have Fun...

2008-08-17T11:50:00.011-04:00

Dan usually has a project to complete while at the cottage. This year it entailed steps down to the dock. Not only was the truck filled with lumber but so was my car!

First Step - get truck and car as close to hill, those beam(steps) were heavy! And yes, I helped to unload them. Dan, who reminds me often that he gets paid to think, devised a way to carry the beams down the hill. Sleds! We were able to load 2 kids sleds with 5 to 6 beams and send them on their way. Dan got so good at aiming most ended up where he needed them.

Second Step - he then placed them approximately where they would end up. I did not want a straight line, I wanted to follow the path that had been worn in the hill.

Third Step - the digging and placing begins.

Fourth Step-Lets walk them 100 times to make sure the rise is correct.

Fifth Step - after securing with rebar and back filling the steps are complete and perfect enough for a "big Brother" piggyback ride!

We are all very thankful for the new steps, but it would have been nice to spend "family" time with Dan.

While he was busy working on this project for 3 days we were all doing this....

Oh well, the choices we all make!

Cottage Holiday

2008-08-13T18:26:00.009-04:00

Cam's first dock start of the year.

There is a place I love more than any other. A place where I feel most at peace.
It is know by many names, but the one used most often is "the cottage".

My parents purchased this property when I was a teenager, and I purchased it from them 14 or so years ago.

It is far enough away from our busy lives, that we can not make quick return.
Our cell phones don't have service (pure heaven), the air is cleaner, bird calls not as familiar, the light is brighter, and the nights are truly dark.
If you are really lucky you awaken to loons calling.

I don't spend as much time as I would like there, but over the last 14 years traditions have been established.
Several weekends ago I spent time there with my sister and her daughter.
Next year we have to make it a week, Em!

Em on the dock, undercover from the bees.

This last week with Dan's Family.

Photo Shoot on our last day.

As the kids get older I hope that they will continue to want to spend part of their summer vacation at "the cottage".

I have funny stories and too many photos to share. So prepare for a play by play of the Cottage Holiday.

No knitting was completed on this holiday, but not from lack of trying!

At the Cottage

2008-08-01T16:30:00.004-04:00

Just a pretty photo of one of the many water lilies currently in bloom at the shoppe.
Not a lot more to say...for tomorrow I am heading north with 2 of my "favorites"(one of them being the person I have laughed with the longest) for a weekend of sun, lake, knitting and lots and lots of laughing.

Dan will not be along, he has much to much to do as always.
It will be a carefree "girls" weekend.

And these kidlets come up next weekend...
Oh how I love the month of August!

Lucky Cows

2008-07-29T13:42:00.007-04:00

Lake Michigan viewed from Wisconsin

Several weeks ago, we had to make a last minute trip to Wisconsin.
I actually closed the shoppe for 1 day in the middle of the week, in the middle of summer! Gasp! Unheard of!
Well...it was prompted only due to the fact Dan offered to drive his Father over for a funeral.

I was able to visit a dear friend, her husband, and her two adorable new puppies.

Nothing sweeter than bare puppy bellies.okay, 2 bare puppy bellies!

It was great, for it has been close to 2 years since I have seen her. They recently relocated from Washington DC, to the land of the Big Woods (reference to Laura Ingalls Wilder). It just so happens where they now reside is only 20 minutes from Dan's Father's hometown. It is such a small, small world.

On our 8 hour drive, we decided to get off the highway and see what "Our Lake" looks like from the west side.
I must say it was spectacular, what I loved most was the lack of development, there were cottages, and I mean cottages not McMansions. I wanted to move right in to several of them.
They all had the look and charm of being generational. You could imagine all the tales those little stone cottages could reveal. Would have taken photos, but am somewhat hesitant about invading others privacy.

But the kicker on the whole experience....

See Lake Michigan in the distance...Lucky Cows...They didn't know what
to think of me.
These dairy cows live, graze, eat all while enjoying breathtaking views of the Lake!!
Unbelievable!

For my Friend

2008-07-27T16:12:00.004-04:00

Oh my, remember the Tuesday nights we used to spend at this Mexican eatery?
Oh my, remember the amount of Margaritas we consumed?

It has been years, years I say, my friend since I enjoyed this tart, slushiness.

The first sip brought back so many memories of being young(er), hot summer days and nights, laughing hysterically and good, good friendships.

I drove Dan crazy waxing nostalgic.
Wish you could have been there.

yep, that's how I left it, bone dry!

Annie Modesitt

2008-07-22T09:29:00.009-04:00

Earlier this year I found out that Annie Modesitt would be teaching this last weekend in Ludington. I desperately wanted to attend, but with the upheaval of employees leaving me short handed this summer didn't think I could commit.
Then at the last minute we made a quick trip to the cottage.(just a few miles from Ludington)
As we were approaching the exit I mentioned to Dan about the classes at Nautical Yarn and how I wished I could go.
As we pulled off the exit, instead of turning to the cottage, Dan headed to Ludington.
To make a long story, short...I popped into Nautical Yarn, they had 1 spot available for that evenings class and I took it!

It was wonderful!
Annie is witty, saucy and a great inspiration. I love a class that gets me excited about knitting. If you are unaware of Annie's techniques, she knits in combination style, which is a blending of western and eastern style. It makes for a very uniform knit.

The class was great, over too quick, tho I don't imagine she could keep up the banter more than 3 hours.

That evening, I casted on Wendy Bernards Yogini Bolero and am knitting in combination style.

All and all a wonderful weekend, knitting class with one of my favorite designers, a new pattern from another, and knitting on the dock at my favorite place.

where did that double chin come from?
oh well, the knitting buzz continues!

A Bowl of Cherries Anyone?

2008-07-16T09:41:00.009-04:00

Cherry Season began last week, my number 1 employee Meg belongs to a local farming family and it has been her job since age 15 to run the Cherry Pad. For 3 years I have quizzed her relentlessly on what exactly is the Cherry Pad. After a particularly long quizzing she said just stop by on your way in tomorrow. The child begins her day at 5am, and works for me from 12n - 7p.
Let it not be said that all young adults have no work ethic!

The above photo shows all the metal bin boxes she moves and fills with clean cold water. The bins are then transported to the orchard. Brought back full of just shaken cherries.

This show the what the bins look like straight from the orchard.

Then as Meg continues to flush the tanks, beautiful jewel like cherries appear. You can't help but scoop some up.
These cherries then make their way to market.

So we all can enjoy this!

Mallory's Fingerless Gloves

2008-07-14T18:28:00.002-04:00

I had made a pair of "fetching" gloves for Mallory last fall. She has requested several more pairs, but also wanted a pair of actual gloves.

She requested a long cuff and fingers with just the tips off.

Here they are...Happy Birthday Mal Paige!

and thanks Meggie for another great modeling job!

Dan, Dan the Gardening Man

2008-07-07T13:42:00.004-04:00

Dan...what is he good for?

Growing wonderful produce...he pulled the 1st Walla Walla from the garden this last weekend.

I promptly whipped it up into this delicious stir fry.

Because, you know that's what I am good for!

Can you say "fresh beer batterd onion rings" YUM!

Ribbed Lace Bolero

2008-07-04T10:28:00.001-04:00

First Summer Knitting Project Completed.
I may actually wear this, it helps to hide my "gramma arms" !!!!

Frightful Skies Last Night

2008-07-03T14:27:00.005-04:00

This was the sky last night as I was driving down I94 Eastbound at 630ish last night. The sky was so incredible that I rummaged around my bag for the trusty camera and snapped these at 70mph.

Needless to say shortly thereafter these skies opened up and dumped on us.

I love Thunderstorms!
Wish Toulouse felt the same she spent the night glued to my leg under a blanket shivering!

"I am not a wus...I just prefer bright sunny days"

Citrus Parmesan Couscous

2008-06-29T14:27:00.006-04:00

This recipe is adapted from Heidi Swansons http://www.101cookbooks.com/.

Served this at Heidi's (not Swasons) 40th birthday party a couple weeks ago, it all just came together and a few folks have requested the recipe so here it is.

2 cups Israeli Couscous
4 1/2 cups boiling seasoned water (I used McKays Chicken)
1 cup fresh peas (blanched, chilled), or frozen if not in season.
Goat Cheese
Slived Almonds (I toasted them)
1 Medium Orange, zest and juice
1 shallot, chopped
1/3 cup Parmesan, freshly shredded ( I used more )
2 TBLS rice wine vinegar
2 TBLS honey
1 inch of peeled fresh ginger, finely minced
1/2 cup good quality olive oil
several big pinches of sea salt

Add couscous to water, cover until all broth is absorbed.

For Dressing:
Combine orange juice, zest, shallot vinegar, honey, ginger, and Parmesan in bowl, whisk in olive oil, taste, season to your taste.

Fluff couscous, add peas, and crumbled goat cheese, add dressing, Toss in Almonds, Chill, and Enjoy.

I suppose any fresh green veggie could be substituted, this is fast, easy and delicious.

On it's Way to Someone Special

2008-06-24T17:51:00.004-04:00

Remember the "Fling" I had several months ago? Well, that one "Fling" turned into 2 "Flings" and that 2nd "Fling" is heading west to a very important friend.

I hope she enjoys it as much as I did.

Beaded Frenzy

2008-06-20T16:52:00.003-04:00

While Jill was here I added to my beading frenzy.

She left with me, 3 Icicle dolls and 2 Dotee Dolls to embellish.

Trips to the bead store was a must. My yarn stash is much more complete.

I added substantially to the bead stash, and completed 1 of the Dotee Dolls while she was here.

Question? What is more addictive beads.....yarns?

"Holiday Friends" Here and Gone

2008-06-19T19:09:00.004-04:00

Jill's Perfectly Pedicured Feet
Leisa Quote at beginning of our friendship....
"if I could have any part of your body it would be your feet"

Jill and Paige came north from Florida to surprise Heidel for her 40th. Dan and I were lucky to have them stay with us. We were able to laugh and cook and create for a whole week, it really doesn't get much better.

This is how perfect a friend she is...Dan calls her today on her way out of town to ask if she misses him yet? You know it was fun if he could deal with all the upset to his strict schedule and enjoy it.

They left this am....goodbye "Holiday Friends" I can't wait for our next adventure.

Paige remember .....Paco is your not,boyfriend!

This Child Turned 15!

2008-06-04T13:00:00.005-04:00

this one right here...she should still be 4 as far as I am concerned. She is the youngest of all the nieces and nephew and she was never supposed to grow up!

I took the day off on Friday picked her and her brother up at school and spent the rest of the day with them.

During one of my fast dashes into a shop to pick up special orders for customers, she grabbed the camera and shot many self portraits. She has been doing this as long as I have had a camera, it is always fun to upload and see what she has been up to.

We had a fun day and are looking forward to many fun days at the Cottage this summer!

Happy Birthday little Miss Em & Em!!!!

Ian Be-In has left a Trail

2008-05-26T12:53:00.004-04:00

Ian, aka Milkweed loves to visit us at the shoppe. A week or so ago he came with many matchbook type cars in tow. He stayed, he played, he snuggled, he even took a little nap on the birdseed bags. We all had a great time.

Several days later while potting up a custom container for a customer. We found this buried in the Geranium. Ian loves to place his cars in the plants, he says they need a home.

We found several more over the next few days. We will return them as we find them - one by one.

A Trunk filled With Hibiscus

2008-05-14T13:48:00.003-04:00

Last week my good friend and I made a quick trip to Kalamazoo to visit some of our favorite annual growers. We were both desperate to be inspired for the upcoming(now here) gardening season.

We were both having a hard time getting excited, was it the long winter, is it the cold, rainy spring, or are we both just overworked and tired?

So the quick trip was born, up at the crack of dawn, at the Nursery as they opened the gates.

Inspired we were, good deals were negotiated and a trunk full of Hibiscus followed us home.

Flowers Yes...Knitting No

2008-04-30T18:04:00.003-04:00

Just a few random shoots of blooms picked from my yard....before this happened

22 degrees out this morning.
This insult added to the "Earthquake" of last week.
And no time to Knit!

Women vs. Men

2008-04-21T17:43:00.004-04:00

In the 11 years of owning a retail garden shoppe, I have always enjoyed these 2 tried and true mottos.

1. Any 2 women can do anything a man can do.

2. We don't need no stinkin' men.

I certainly didn't start out thinking that I would only employee women. My newphew Drew worked for the last 2 summers and that is the only "boy" we have ever employeed. It was great the 1st summer, but by last summer he had totally lost interest and it began to be problematic to work for your aunt.

Which brings us to today...

It was my plan to add additional plant shelving to our courtyard. We began with 56 cement blocks, which Paula and I unloaded, carted and set up. We then hauled out of the warehouse some 1x6's all of various lengths, and colors. As we were laying the 1x6's , I was marking how much needed to be taken off each to make our new shelving even. Then I got the hand saw.

Paula remarks, "You are going to saw those off, why not just find some guy with a circular saw?"

I proceeded to saw each board to it proper length.

I then attached some electrical conduit to the wall with a screwdriver and she remarks " Aren't you going to wait for Dan to do that with a screwgun?" I just looked at her, proceeded, job done in less than 1 minute.

Paula has a lot to learn. I'm just sayin'!

1st Day Back at the Shoppe

2008-04-16T17:31:00.002-04:00

It was my first day back full time at my shoppe. Tax Season officially over at 12M last night. I am still trying to understand why after 21 years, I had to be included in the tax season madness...not my cup of tea...I'm just sayin!

So, 62 degrees, gale force winds, shoppe that has been somewhat neglected and the spring gardening season upon us.
We had dirty ponds to clean out, random leaves to get out of nooks and crannies, but we also had time to enjoy the Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Dove Bars that my little friend "Milkweed" brought by. (thanks Heidel!).

Please don't notice that I have chocolate all over my face. Remember gale force winds, tax season , pond scum!

Fling Ended

2008-04-14T14:55:00.003-04:00

My weekend Fling has ended.
This was the 1st time I have worked with fine mohair/silk, I think I may have found yet another addiction. Cons of this project - casting on 325 stitches, with very slippery mohair. Yikes!
So worth it in the end, a very long narrow scarf, which has endless possibilities.

Fling

2008-04-13T17:59:00.004-04:00

Just a little glimpse, of a little Fling I had over the weekend. Love that Rowan KidSilk Haze and Cheryl Niamath Designs yes, yes I do.

Tax Season

2008-04-11T11:48:00.002-04:00

Only 3 more work days left in this tax season. Notice the furrows on Dan's brow.

When I am bored and he is being particularly snarky, I find I can amuse myself by counting them. He of course does not find this particularly funny. His dreaded "11" between the eyes has become 11,111.

This photo was snapped during the photo shoot (term used lightly) Seed Starting 101, on my other blog www.welliesinthegarden.blogspot.com

He soon tried of me giving direction so I could get the photos I needed.

I had no recourse other than to continue to snap photos of his furrrowed brow.

It makes me laugh!

Travelers Pocket - # 3

2008-04-08T16:05:00.004-04:00

Well, I am almost pleased. My tension was all over the place and even with blocking it is still a tad wonky.

Am sure I will do more stranded work in the near future. Possibly mittens?

Still need to line bag and attach strap.

1st Fair Isle/Stranded Project Complete.

My Signs of Spring

2008-04-07T10:30:00.003-04:00

Crocus, Snowdrops and Narcissus Buds

Flip flops and Painted Toes!

Speechless

2008-04-02T15:08:00.003-04:00

I made the mistake of asking Dan to gather his coffee cups so I could wash them.

It is not his all time record, which is when he brought me 27!

The test is still in progress, for I have not washed these, I put them in a box and suggested that it was time for him to take care of his own dirty cups.

2 weeks later......cups still remain in box.....still dirty. Speechless.....

Travelers Pocket # 3

2008-03-26T10:59:00.003-04:00

Don't know yet if I am loving this or hating this. I am hoping once the technique becomes more fluid I will at least like it. I am working on the last of the 3 patterns. Absolutely abhorred the 2nd pattern, had to frogg it 3 times, for I kept working a stitch out of place. Find after working 4 rows of 3rd pattern it is going much smoother.

Not liking the way the bottom is flaring out, I started this on 1 #4/16" circ, but I now see that I was probably pulling the fibre too much, am glad I switched to 2 circs. Blocking after completed will hopefully rid the wonkiness. You will find me tangled up in 4 skeins of yarn, 2 needles and a clipboard till this is mastered.

Easter

2008-03-24T14:03:00.006-04:00

We had snow 12"-24" deep the evening of Good Friday.

This child came prepared.

Until you noticed she was sporting New Shoes!

p.s. she will be returning to DSW to pick up a pair in 7.5 for her favorite aunt!

Travelers Pocket #2

2008-03-21T09:57:00.006-04:00

I believe I must call this Stranding Work and not Fair Isle for I was informed that Fair Isle is only worked with 2 colors. Anyway, this completes the 1st of 3 patterns on this pocket bag. Pattern 2 adds a additional color. The work has begun to flow a little easier, but I still need to concentrate on the pattern more so I do not have to backtrack. (yes I have had to take out a few rows now and then for the pattern gets off a stitch.)

This is how the back of the work looks, I am supposed to weave every other stitch, but at this time can only weave with my left hand working yarn, so in some areas the is more stranding visable.

The Pattern being worked is "A Travelers Pocket" from Piecework Magazine summer 2004.

First Fair Isle Project

2008-03-17T14:41:00.002-04:00

I have been wanting to try colorwork, stranding, Fair Isle or whatever you want to call it, for awhile now.

So, I am taking a class at "Red Purl" with Amy the owner, whom I have decided could be a kindred spirit. The class is fun and very laid back, which I appreciate. Past knitting classes have made me "overheat" when learning something new, but not at Red Purl. Love the shoppe, loved the class.

Now on to my ability to do colorwork. Let me put it right out there, I will conquer this, but I am so not left handed and I will have to work at correcting my tension when picking up with my left hand. Amy says it will come with time, but so far I do not like the look of this sloppy knitting, but do like the colors. Completed this project will be a small pocketbook, with 3 different colorway patterns. OH MY!

Will also be working this week on some felted Easter Eggs, (never too early, always too late), when my left hand just wants to give up and get back to just holding the needle.

Like Rabbits!

2008-03-13T15:39:00.014-04:00

What they say is true! To one girl bunny, add one boy bunny.

you will eventually have additions to your Bunnies Brood.....

Louisa....

Gretl...

Brigita...

And Kurt...

Guacamole

2008-03-12T09:47:00.001-04:00

Maybe if you ate it with in your wonderful wraps you have been making. Yum....I'm just saying.

Busy Weekend, New Recipes, New Knitting Project

2008-03-10T13:30:00.011-04:00

Saturday Morning Breakfast Orange Pecan Scones

or should I say Brunch, for we got around to having these about 11a. It is our only day off, and the only day in the week we spend together, not work related, so it is always a lazy type of day.

This was a new Scone recipe I tried at Dan's urging. I was very reluctant to try it, for I love the Scones I have made for years. Dan wanted to try these for they are made like puff pastry and baked individually. He wanted them more like bakery scones. I have to admit they were wonderful, but different. They looked so pretty I had to share.

Speaking of sharing, this dog, promptly ate a scone off of Dan's plate when he left it on the table to get more coffee. After 11 years of no people food the spell is broken. They must have been some mighty good scones! Notice her morose face, she is being severly reprimanded.

Saturday Night - Homemade Pizza

sorry no photo, we ate them that quickly, plus the kitchen was mess! Another new recipe and another success. Please check out the 101 Cookbook blog (in my favorites), that is where I obtained the recipe. Well worth making! An added plus, the recipe makes enough dough we have 4 more servings in the freezer!!. It bakes up as a thin chewy crust, pizza 1: tomato, mushroom, red pepper, cheese. Pizza 2: olive oil base, spinach, red pepper, mushroom,feta (my favorite)

Yum! That's all I have to say.

Saturday - on and off

Dan's brother Greg called last week and wanted to know if I could knit him a hat. He wanted it, his words, like a Jewish hat but a little bigger. This is what I came up with, in the requested Rockford School Colors. It took me 7.23 hours (Dan made me keep track) and he is billing Greg $300.00. I keep trying to tell him, we don't knit because it is cheaper, we knit, because we love to create, and it keeps us sane when we have to live with scone stealing dogs, and people who do "math".

Whew! That was my weekend!

As requested the scone recipe can be found here:http://www.americastestkitchen.com

Bunnie No. 2 "Frederick"

2008-03-06T10:53:00.005-05:00

These are fun and should I say rather addictive? 2 tries on the Top Hat, my best critic, Dan advised that the 1st attempt was too short and rather girly. I'm fairly pleased with the 2nd attempt.

I keep leaving off a mouth, for I have not been happy with any attempts. Sometimes less is more, correct? Thoughts, comments, directions, critiques, all are welcome!!

Easter Basket Felted

2008-03-03T14:31:00.001-05:00

Easter Basket moving towards completion. A perfect home for Liesle and her friends.

Leisl

2008-03-03T13:41:00.005-05:00

Oh, these are so fun to make! The first bunny will be completed once she is stuffed.

Isn't she sweet.
I have named her "Leisl" for she is a teenage bunny, you know 16 going on 17.

Easter always reminds me of the Sound of Music for some odd reason, so all the bunnies will be named after the Von Tropp Family Singers.