Getting More Exercise

But for a different reason than the usual.

When we re-carpeted and freshly painted our bedroom and bath, we changed up some things in the bath.  Much of the 'decor' (and I use the term loosely) did not return to that area, which left some bare wall space.

And when Wonderful Guy opted for landscapes over flowers for the photos in the bedroom, I decided that the empty wall spaces in the bathroom could be filled with flowers.  Well, photos of flowers...

There were spaces for 3-8x10s.  The task, as I saw it, was to purchase frames with mats, and choose three likely candidates, and print them off myself.  I choose printing myself so I will feel free to change them up as I feel the need, or choose others if first choices didn't work, or for any other reason that wouldn't leave me committed to the investment of having the photo lab paid to do it.

I had in mind one photo, a pinecone photo taken in Yellowstone, which drew a raise eyebrow from The Guy when I told him.  'Pinecone?'  He doesn't always see the 'big picture'.

I continued...undaunted.  Found the frames on sale.  Located my pinecone photo, and while ditzing around the Yellowstone folders, found several likely wild flower photos.

Hmmm...I was sort of thinking of my yard flowers....but I followed my instincts here.  One I liked needed some tweaking, being a bit washed out in color, but I was able to pull out my minimal Photoshop skilz and a presentable result was produced.

The chosen photos were printed, and amazingly, matched what I was seeing on my screen, and I didn't run out of ink halfway through any of them.  I was patient enough to let them dry before slapping them into the frames to see how they were going to look.

And (here's a big one) the frames had two hangers for the horizontal mode, so when hanging...I had to use thinking (!), measurements,  and a level to make sure they hung straight.

Here's where I am getting more exercise.  I am pleased with my efforts.  So pleased, in fact,  that I run upstairs to use that bathroom just to admire the results.

The Pinecone

The tweaked Sunflower

Polemonium

And more of a perspective...

This fills me with all sorts of joy at having figured something out that works.

Things Finished

Pretty Thing (The Yarn Harlot) out of Aarlen (a gift from Martha, the Quilter).

Linux, the Penguin, for Professor Niece, out of Brown Sheep Lambspride, Red Heart Wintuk, LionBrand MicroSpun.

Just A Little Under-Shirt, for Grandbebe The Fourth, by Robin Orm Hansen, out of Tahki Cotton Classic.  #2 is underway.

A closer shot of the crazy-making crochet...(clicky to biggy)

Calorimetry, by Kathryn Schoendorf (knitty, 2006), finishing up the last of Aarlen (the very last, with absolutely NONE leftover.) (None. Zero, Zip, Not. One. Inch...) (It was 40% cashmere after all.).

A close up of the button I used, from my 'tin of old buttons found in an old cellar', most of which are off of flannel workshirts, I think, but this one was not, and perfect for the job.

The little projects just keep coming, while the quilting and spinning progresses.

Lessons in Humble

The ‘Just A Little Under Shirt’ knitted up just swimmingly.  I loved the stripes.  I loved the cotton.  I love the teeny-ness of it.

I loved it all…until I hit the finishing up part of it.  Single crochet around the arm openings.  Double crochet around the neck.  I-cord or crochet chain for the tie.

(After observing the photos of the finished objects on Ravelry,I preferred the look of the crochet chain to the bulk of the i-cord.)

Ya’ know…I do lots of things well.  I can knit cables, lace, socks.  I can (most of the time) hit gauge.  I can cast on both provisionally and magically.  I can cast off half a dozen ways.  I can knit with the loops of magickness.  I can felt.  By hand even.  I can spin (intermediately!).  I can dye yarn and wool with out muddying the colors (too badly) (and if I do, I know how to overdye!).  I can clean raw fleece, and card it for spinning.

This does not mention talents outside the fibery realm, like gardening or baking chocolate chip cookies, or writing an understandable sentence.

But I do not crochet without much uncertain effort. And the finishing up of the 'Just A Little Undershirt' was truly a lesson in the humble.

Thirty minutes it took for the 26 inch crochet chain.  I claim slippy cotton yarn…partially...

Actually, the double crochet around the neck lies better than the single crochet around the armholes.  But I am not daunted.  I do not think my bebe girl will pass judgment on what her Grandmama knit for her (yet)and decline to wear it.  I have yarn for more and I feel that with practice will come progress. (Never give up!  Never surrender!)

More Little UnderShirts are in the works.  Come hell crochet or high water ribbing….which is an option I found that others have used while perusing those that have knitted the same...others that, no doubt, can crochet no better than I!

Quilt Progress

When moving the hoop again, I assessed how many blocks have been quilted.  I am about halfway there.

With the blocks and inter-pieces.  After that, the sashing and binding will remain.  My hope is that Grandbebe The Third will have her quilt by her 2nd birthday, end of summer. I don't think that is so terrible.  It's not like it's her 21st birthday...

This time, instead of quilting til I drop, I am shaking it up a bit with some spinning in the evenings, and knitting at lunchtime.

Keeps Iron Needles from becoming a dull girl.  Or, at least, bored.

And I think that this is the crux of the matter...to feel that I am a knitter, a sewer, a quilter, and spinner.  All of that, equally...in no particular order.

Not that I am a knitter who sometimes sews, and has a quilting project that she is trying to finish.  When I think of it that way, it somehow is more burdensome.  It somehow takes time away from other things.

But really...the quilting doesn't.  I like the quilting.  I have some ideas for some projects.  I have another grandbebe quilt to work on, too.  And lawd knows, Dearest Sister is already making plans for quilt numero cinco.

Since the first of the year, I have been breaking up my evening down time with spinning or quilting, occasionally knitting (Remember, I knit over lunch..). It's not a marathon, nor a chore.

It's just part of what I do.  I quilt.  I sew.  I spin.  I knit. (and garden...and prep fiber...and felt wool...and dye yarn...)

Exercising My Shopping Talents

In preparation for the trip requiring a current passport later this year, I require a new swimsuit (that won’t be in danger of the spandex giving up the ghost upon hitting the chlorine of the pool…) and new dressy (sort of) shoes.

I thought I had the shoe thing already covered but alas, I was informed that my go-to strappy sandals had been 'judged' by those more in the know than I. Oh yes they had, and not in a good way.

A dress was also on the list.  When one has given birth to the bride, one must look…something.  And in this case, the something is described as ‘beach formal’.  I think I lived in a state that was not land-locked once, but that state was Texas, and I was living in the panhandle...which is a land-locked state, really.  I do not know this beach formal...

So shopping I went.  I first looked on the internet for likely targets of my suit shopping, as it has been umpteen years since last I ventured into a dressing room with full length mirrors, bad lighting, winter pale limbs, and an armful of the stuff of which nightmares are made, working their way off the hangars on which they were never meant to hang.  I was hoping to avoid the whole experience.

Then reality struck.  When have I ever bought a swimsuit sight unseen?  The answer would be never.  And for good reason…

And the suits I was looking at don’t seem to be carried in the brick and mortar stores for a look-see and a try-on, and also, very expensive.  Too many strikes, me thinks.

Girding my loins, I headed to the local shopping mall, took a deep breath and headed for the ladies swimwear.  I was almost overwhelmed immediately with first choice…which was size….I don’t know!?...and my word, it was the 2^nd week of March!  How can they be sold out of some sizes already?

Why must this be so ha-arrr-rd!

But being determined to ...pretty much just get this over with…I grabbed three suits I thought might work, and headed to the dreaded dressing room, where, believe it or not! I really liked the third one I tried on. It amazingly fit the bill…or the bod….the old, pale, flabby bod, in this case.

And upon checking out?  It was 20% off. I started flexing my shopping muscles, and headed to shoes.

Where I struck out.

But newly determined, I set my sights on the local DSW for Saturday.  I had been there once, and upon asking about narrow sizes (I have a very narrow foot) (a very narrow foot), was told that no…sorry, nothing but mediums, so I shrugged and left.  I thought I had a few other options, but my other options apparently have quit carrying anything by mediums as well.  I really hate shopping for shoes other than, you know, athletic shoes, or the outdoorsy type sandals we folk wear in Colorado...and sometimes that is a challenge.  One store did carry some narrow shoes.  But suffice it to say the dissed upon strappy sandals would be a better choice.  We are talking old lady shoes to the max!  I don’t need supah stylin’, but I still have some pride.

So I thought I needed to revisit DSW and actually…you know…try some on.  Some manufacturers run narrower, and I might find something.  And I did.  First thing I saw, first thing I tried on.  Problem was, I saw the shoe in blue, which I loved.  But then thought the camel would be far more practical, you know…but I loved me the blue ones, and kept coming back to them.  I looked through all the other sandal-y espadrille styles, found a pair of flat t-straps that will work, too.  Then came back to the big decision.  Blue? Or practical?

Well, I followed my instincts.

And they match a dress I already have just perfectly.

Totally awesome.

Shopping…done.  I am ready to go!

Crocus

I was outside this week more than usual.  It was pleasant and warmish for the season.

I spied a crocus about ready to bloom! Need I say more?

But I will anyway.

I planned to remember to take a photo!  The promise of Spring.  A blog post in a week lacking of time for posting!

Then the wind blew.  Then the rainy snow came.

I don't know what happened to the bloom.  I never saw it.

I know the chill weather is not a done deal, but there was a promise in that bud!  And maybe the bloom.  That I never saw...

Red Rocks and Pointy Plants

Wonderful Guy and I took a mid-winters break, and with a long week-end, traveled south to Sedona, AZ, mid-February.  There, for two blissful days, we enjoyed blue skies and 70 degrees (F…25C), made all the sweeter by the sub-zero temps we suffered through earlier in the week.  No coats, and a tank top for me!

We sported a bit of pink skin tones upon our return to the more northern climes.  It was a really wonderful break, even if the temps at home were hovering around the unseasonably toasty 60’s!

Ah well…so it goes for where we live, and one of the reasons we love it here.

We were not in Sedona long, but saw some spectacular scenery, and hiked a bit, and tried to capture some of the landscape in a photo or two.

One afternoon, we took in the tourist strip of shops, and came upon a plaque outside a restaurant called ‘The Cowboy Corral’ (or Cowboy something or other).  Seems this place was a local watering hole back in the late 50’s-early 60’s when Sedona was just a wide spot in the road.  There were more than 50 westerns filmed in the area around there and many of the stars wet their whistle, after the days work, at this local tavern…personages like John Wayne, et al.  After the heyday of the western, the tavern declined until it was bought and restored and all fixed up maybe 10 or 15 years ago…

Now I will admit I am a bit fuzzy on that last part, because after reading that part about filming the western?  I was all Heck, yeah!  I knew all this looked sort of kind of familiar.  I could just see those guys on horse back in all their stereotypical gear, being filmed riding at the base of the towering rocks, by a camera crew panning back.

Because we flew out at the crack of dawn on Monday, we drove to Phoenix on Sunday.  We decided to drive down early enough to take in the Desert Botanical Gardens.  Glad we did so in February.  I bet that place is an oven later in the season…well, like most of Arizona is, I reckon.

The founders of the Phoenix gardens, back in the ‘30s, decided to be a Desert Botanical Garden, so it is all desert plants, cacti, agave, desert sage, and such.  Very different, and very interesting.  There were some blooms, and we saw some critters…lizards, ground squirrels, and a hummingbird…it was a neat place to spend the afternoon.

Agave

Saguaro

Bird on Organ Cactus

Artsy Aloe

Spring is Springing (for now...)

Because it is Colorado, and snow will fly again…but we had 3 days with temps in the 60’s this past week, and on Wednesday, I walked the 2 blocks to Bunko (yes, I filled in this month again, and I was a winner again) and home.  It felt like spring, walking home at 9:45p, with a bit of humidity (for us) in the air, and the stars out, and all of that.
And while I know we will have more cold and chill, we have reached that point where I think the warming up days will out number the cold days.  That’s an important thing for me!
This past week also brought Wonderful Guy’s birthday, and we celebrated with the local offspring this weekend.  I looked forward to maybe…just maybe...cooking out. Alas, it did not happen.  The forecast misfired, and it was chilly.
Next month marks two years temping at the place of employment.  I do not know what the future holds for me there, but I am thinking the 2 year mark is some fixed line in the sand for temp employment.  HR back east has been contacted, though, but I don’t know anything for sure, and the holding pattern is getting tedious. My hope is that I get to continue collecting a steady and regular paycheck.
I need it, see, for a trip coming up that requires passportage.  Eldest Daughter is getting hitched out o’ country, and I need a new swimsuit, a new dress, and new shoes (apparently!).
Yes.  I get to shop for a swimsuit.  A dress.  And shoes.
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens…these are not my favorite things to do.  I will endeavor to be successful, because I am so looking forward to The Event.  It’s going to be a good time, I do believe!
I was reminded this week that we have a time change coming up in this weekend!!!  What the heck?  I am just now getting adjusted to the last adjustment.  Well, perhaps that is a mild exaggeration…for artistic license…but only a mild exaggeration.  I am serious! It takes me a long time to adjust.  Could it be...gasp...age?
I have quilted 15 nights since mid-January.  That translates into real progress on Grandbebe the Third’s quilt.  Which is good, because (as predicted) DSis is getting all antsy pantsy about planning Number FIVE!!!  I haven’t even started piecing Grandbebe Four’s…she always wants me to be behind her.
Always.

Photos (framed)

Wonderful Guy and I wanted new, bigger photos for our newly painted and carpeted bedroom.  We thought that some that I had taken with my smancy fancy camera would to the trick.

I thought maybe some close-up of some flowers.  He was thinking landscapes.  Landscapes won for now.

I picked out these shots of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone from our trip this past summer, looking toward the lower falls, and then on downstream.

Enlargements at Jax.  Mats from Hobby Lobby.  Frames from Aaron Brothers. (clicky to biggy...)

Show and Tell

At the Guild this morning, I think I will participate in Show and Tell. For the first time.

I am very pleased with this, and I want to show it to like minded folk.

Narrow Brim Style Hat, by Bev Galeskas (Felted Knits)

Flowers and Leaves from Paton’s Felted Posy Bag (both rav linkies)

I might…might….also include the yarn I was spinning at the Fun Fiber Fest, as those who saw it being spun seemed quite taken by it.  I had collected, quite ignorantly, lots of small quantities of merino. Seven different colors, between 2 and 6 ounces each, and not really enough to do anything with any of it.  I started spinning the colors together, randomly, and when I had two bobbins full, I plied those together, again, randomly.  Then, I started all over again, filling up two bobbins.  It’s made for some very colorful, yarn, and it’s all spun worsted, too.  Actually there’s quite a bit of worsted-spun, colorful yarn, enough to knit something quite….unique…and soft…

Any ideas?

Spinning My Way Back to You, Babe…

I have written of joining the Northern Colorado Weavers Guild, where spinners are also welcome.  And knitters, too.  And felters…and any other fiber artistes, really…

One of their missions is sharing knowledge and skills in all aspects of the fiber arts.  One of the ways that is done is through demonstrations, such as happened this past weekend at a 4-H Fun Fiber Fest.  Some of our group taught a class in beginning weaving, and others of us peopled a booth, demonstrating with our wheels and looms and spindles (….ohmy!).

I volunteered to go and spin. And I did, spin, that is, and I had a really good experience.

And while that may not seem like all that big of thing to some, it is huge for me on several counts.  I volunteered by myself…I went by myself….I did sort of know where I was going, but I had to find exactly the right place.  I knew, in general, the guild members are a friendly, kindly bunch, but I didn’t know any who would be there, and that is really pretty freaky for me, and often grounds for me to chicken out.  AND…I would be spinning with who knows who.  What if I wasn’t good enough?

Really.  I know….but I have been spinning for only three years, and it seems everyone I meet has been spinning WAY longer than that.  Especially at the guild and?  Back in the day?  I would still be apprenticing!

But on Saturday, I forged ahead, braved the final frontier, and packed myself and Molly, the Marvelous Matchless to the Fest.  Where we had Fun.  With Fiber....

I spun, and I didn’t spin badly, and had an awesome time.  I got to know some of the Guild members better, was able to tell some of those who happened by about what the Guild offers, and answered some questions about spinning in general (without being too intimidated!).  I also made a pretty big dent in the merino I am trying to get past.

And I was able to purchase some needed black yarn (perhaps for a penguin?  For a certain Professor Niece?  Hmmm???), and found a couple other excellent bargains, as well as a truly wonderful CVM/Romeldale fleece from Black Pines.  Which was neither a souvenir, or bargain priced, or needed, but of really excellent quality. (I am a queen of rationalization.)  (It is true.)

Legacy Lace from Brown Sheep (bargain!)

70% Wool/30% Silk (bargain!)

CVM/Romeldale Lamb (neither a bargain, nor souvenir....but really yummy!)

Guild meets this Saturday.  I am looking forward to it.  I am glad to be a part of this group, and look forward to getting to do more with, and know more about, them all.