Gone Knitting

Have You Heard About James?

First off I must tell you that James is really a kick to have around he wants me to knit him a cocoon!

My nephew, James, is a musician; he just produced his debut album this past January completely by himself! He even recorded part of it while living in his brother's bathroom in London! He's in a major online voting contest right now through Airwalk called, The Airwalk Unsigned Hero Contest and he was selected as a top twenty finalist out of hundreds of bands worldwide. He's the only solo musician on there and needs online votes to have a shot at winning this so if you get a free moment and you want to vote for him here's the link: www.airwalk.com Scroll over to his profile, James Lanman, and enter your e-mail address(es), then click "Vote".

There are only three days left to vote and it would really help him out! Here is his myspace if you want to listen to some of his music www.myspace.com/jameslanman Thank you!

Croatia

We drank wine that was made by the man across the street. At lunch we drank white and in the evening with our light supper we drank red. Lunch was served at four O'clock it was then that we gathered for our main meal of the day. Fresh Fish grilled on the open fireplace. Grapevines were the wood of choice to get just the right flame and smokey aroma. An abundance of fresh vegetables were served they don't taste like what is offered here in the states. Such flavor, with a lot of garlic and olive oil it was divine! The kids ran free and swam endlessly in the Adriatic Sea. You see islands when you look in each direction. We visited a few Trogir, Hvar, and Brac. The stone laid to pave the roads was white which gave a spectacular glow. The yachts in port, ice cream parlors, cafe bars, and wonderful restaurants were occupied by many Germans, Russians, Italians and a few Americans. It is a fabulous place to visit ~ I highly recommend it.

Knitting... A little of the Lady Feb. Sweater...

Here's the Haps

I am getting ready for a trip to Croatia. I am determined to keep it simple I was advised to bring 4 cotton dresses and just wash them as needed. Okay that is pushing it because I don't want to spend my time doing laundry there. I will bring 8 simple dresses, bathing suits, a few pairs of shorts, a couple tees, a Luluemon sweat suit various neutral cardigans, and some Bernardo sandals. Oh and of course a couple knitting projects. I actually love my new Jenny cardigan see below.

Here's the haps in the knitting dept.
My Drops Jacket will definitely be a staple in the fall. I have one sleeve and the collar to go. I knit the sleeve in the round for it is always my preference to have as little seaming as possible. Yarn- Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Aran Color- Thorny

I finished the Jenny Cardigan by Sarah Dallas in RY Classic Yarns Luxury Cotton DK and I love it! I knit the body in one piece which worked out well.

Next up on the needles is the Lady February sweater for Chick-y in Queensland Collection's Kathdandu color 400.

Remember These?

Well I finally got them recovered. Now it makes me see how badly I need a new rug. Oh well that isn't going to happen anytime soon. Hummmmm unless Ikea has a good simple one?

Pre-Season is Knitting Season

On the side lines of Passing League and Scrimmages you will see me knitting away. I'm draped with wool and steaming up in the California heat. Really but what a better way to spend the afternoon!

1. My son 2. My Drops Jacket in progress done in Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Aran 3. The QB getting the plays 4. The well-know Drops Jacket 5. My Rowan Jenny Cardigan 6. My friend Kristenlynnea's Jenny Cardigan. She was my inspiration. Check out her collection of sweaters on Ravelry they are spectacular.

Summertime and the Living is Easy

God has blessed me with everything I need. There is so much beauty and goodness around me and I want to take the time to enjoy it every day. Although I am struggling I have faith that God has a plan for me. It isn't always what I want when I want it but it is on God's speed.

I'm Back

I have been reading blogs while I have been away. I didn't feel like knitting or blogging for the longest time but certain individuals and their projects have inspired me. I thought this photo meme was a good way to start up again it's a fresh start.

Want to play too?
a. Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr Search.
b. Using only the first page, pick an image.
c. Copy and paste each of the URLs for the images into fd’s mosaic maker.

1. What is your first name?
2. What is your favorite food?
3. What high school did you go to?
4. What is your favorite color?
5. Who is your celebrity crush?
6. Favorite drink?
7. Dream vacation?
8. Favorite dessert?
9. What do you want to be when you grow up?
10. What do you love most in life?
11. One word to describe you.
12. Your Flickr name.

1. Gina 2. Lime Popsicles 3. Miraleste 4. Green 5. George Clooney 6. Lemon Drop 7. At a house in Tuscany
8. Boysenberry Pie 9. Mother of Three 10. My babies 11. Peaceful 12 My NieceToday

1. Gina Art, 2. Popsicle, Lime, Cold. Yum., 3. mira-latteretro, 4. Green, Green, Green..., 5. My cousin George!, 6. Another Crown, 7. Return to Tuscany, 8. A Tough Decision, 9. Kiss by the River, 10. bless from above, 11. Meeting the pregnant princess of the forest, 12. DSC03732

Pre-Formal Party

"A"'s pre-formal party was huge success! They are such a great group of kids. So polite, full of life and giggles and smiles! What a pleasure!

Homesick

I am in Puerto Vallarta and boy and I am homesick! Ten days here is just too long! Shopping is not interesting and the town smells! We are staying in house that is nice, we have cooks that prepare our meals. Carlos makes great margaritas and Rosa's homemade chips & guacamole are to die for. I can only eat so many chips and drink so many margaritas. All the floors are mopped daily and our bedroom and bathroom are clean. However, I need to ignore how dirty the utensil tray is and the gigantic ants that habitat the kitchen. Really I am not a snob but I like a clean kitchen! The upper living quarters to the house is all open air and bats visit each evening! I am looking forward to a detox and my own pillow when I return home.

Leslie, what a friend! She saved my day by helping me out with the pattern directions for the simple cable hat. From Cables Untangled. So, I am happy and on my way with knitting the hat. It is my first cable hat it is a learning experience.

Just for the fun of it...

I made this little sweater ornament for my mother in law and she did the embroidery. My mother in law is a very interesting woman; she is the foremost American Indian art dealer in the country. Each Christmas she is invited to a party given by a famous Indian couple, which are known for their jewelry. Everyone invited is to bring a handmade ornament and they do a swap. My MIL makes a beautiful needlepoint ornament each year but my little sweater was for her husband to bring. I am always curious to hear about the handmade ornaments that people bring to this party. Considering some of the Indian artists that attend the ornaments really can be treasures and potentially valuable important pieces of art. Someday I hope to go to this party with her.

I got this from Nantucket Knitter. Like Kaet said just because it's fun!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags
Wrapping paper...

2. Real tree or artificial?
Both a real tree and a German feather tree.

3. When do you put up the tree?
We buy the real tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. The feather tree I put up right after Thanksgiving.

4. When do you take it down?
The weekend after New Years.

5. Do you like eggnog?
Yes, but I never buy it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child?
My pony Bleu.

7. Do you have a nativity scene?
Yes, ours is kept up all year. It is more folk art-ish made by an American Indian artist. Of course a gift from my MIL. Maybe I will take a photo in the am to show you.

8. Hardest person to buy for?
My Dad and my Husband

9. Easiest person to buy for?
My best friend Jackie.

10. Worst gift you received?
A instant meat marinating device

11. Mail or email cards?
Mail every year except this year I am emailing a card.

12. Favorite Christmas movie?
Hands down “It’s a Wonderful Life” I just watched it this evening.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
September but if I see something perfect in my travels I will buy way ahead of time.

14. Have you ever recycled a gift?
Yes Wine…

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
My grandmother’s homemade raviolis. She died 20 years ago and no one in the family can make them like she did.

16. Clear or colored lights?
Clear

17. Favorite holiday song?
O come all ye faithful

18. Travel or stay at home at Christmas?
Home

19 Can you name all the reindeer?
No I am too tired and I am lucky to remember all my kids names at them moment

20. Angel or star on top of the tree?
Neither, this year it’s Marie Antoinette

21. Open Christmas eve or morning?
Morning

22. What’s the corniest tradition you miss doing?
Sitting on Santa’s lap!

23. Most annoying thing about this time of year?
Falling into the commercial side of Christmas and putting too much stress on myself.

24. What’s the worst thing you’ve seen related to Christmas?
The stores write Happy Holidays and try to eliminate Merry Christmas in their ads and paper bags.
That the schools replace the word Christmas in the Christmas songs at the recitals.
I think it is better to keep each Holiday true to it’s meaning and not reinvent it. Sing Chanukaha songs
And sing Christmas Songs.

25., Which looks best, theme trees or homey trees?
I like both. We have a all glass tree for our main tree, then I have another tree with antique and
vintage inspired homey ornaments.


26. Gingerbread or sugar cookies?
I do like both they are my favorite sweets. I prefer them to chocolate believe it or not.

27. Do you like fruitcake?
No, I don’t understand the attraction at all.