Standby...Go

A Lesson in FIT

2012-01-13T15:39:00.000-05:00

This month, I’ve had a break-through. I’m finally knitting sweaters that FIT! It’s been a long journey with some trial anderror, but I’ve succeeded on my quest.

The Dark & Stormy sweater began it’s journey lastwinter. I fell in love with the pattern,as did a few other gals in my knitting group. We started it as a Knit-A-Long. As I worked with the larger sizes in the pattern, I realized there werea lot of things that just didn’t seem right. I made some major revisions to the pattern to suit my liking.

But, after wearing it all last winter, I couldn’t bringmyself to pull it out this time around. I came to terms with the fact that it was just too short. It hit my body where the pattern indicatedthat it should, but I just wasn’t comfortable with it. The sweater was about 2 inches shorter thanmy undershirts. So, after much thought,I ripped out the button-band and the bottom of the sweater and went aboutlengthening. I’m delighted with theresults. Overall, it isn’t a hugedifference in the sweater, but it feels so much more “right.”

The Mash-Up sweater is another story entirely. This beautiful bright green alpaca yarn wasjust begging to be knit into a comfy cozy sweater. But the yarn proved difficult.

I had 3 false starts with 3 different (beautiful) sweaterpatterns. I wasn’t happy with any ofthem. Because the yarn is so drapey, Idid not like the fabric when knit with larger (size 6 or 7 needles). It just felt flimsy. The sweater patterns themselves were not toblame, they just didn’t match well with the yarn.

I finally decide to make up a pattern as I went along. There were a few characteristics that I knewI wanted in this sweater.

1. It needed to be top down. Top down sweaters are great. They can be tried on as you knit the sweater,so you can really determine how it’s fitting and make any adjustments as you goalong.

2. I wanted a bit of interest on the sleeves, anice chunky cable (borrowed from the Millwater pattern) would be a great touchwithout making the sweater too busy

3. I wanted a nice big cozy cowl neck

4. I did NOT want ribbing at the bottom. I wanted to find a bottom edge that was neatand clean but did not pull in or tighten.

Here’s the sweater I came up with:

I couldn’t be more happy with the results. The sweater itself is knit with relativelysmall needles (the yarn recommends sizes 6 – 9, I used a size 4). The cowl neck was knit at a looser gauge withsize 7’s.

I did a turn under edge with a sewn bind off. Nice and stretchy and a very clean line.

This is a huge step forward from my first sweater I everknit. I hesitate to even share thephoto. Looking at it now with a morecritical eye, I am aware of all the flaws. The sweater itself is just toobig. It tend to ride up and theshoulders droop. The sweater could standto be at least 3 inches longer. Andthose sleeves! What was I thinking? All they do is get in your way. How many times can you knock over a cup ofpencils or a diet coke, or get caught up in your binder in just one day ofwork. They sure are fancy, but make thesweater pretty much unwearable.

I’ve come a long way since then. That first sweater is finally making it’s wayto the frog pond. I’m sure some day ittoo can become a beautiful and practical piece that I love. But for now, I just want to dance andcelebrate because… THIS SWEATER FITS!

Emma's First Knitting Lesson

2012-01-03T15:21:00.002-05:00

This year for Christmas, I gave my 5 year old niece, Emma, a ball of yarn & knitting needles with a promise to give her lessons. Today was lesson #1.

I started by prepping the yarn. I cast on 15 stitches, then knit two rows. Since she is so young, I decided not to complicate things by teaching her how to cast on. We'll focus on knitting first, then once she has that down, I'll work on beginnings and endings. I also went ahead and wove in the tail end of the yarn and cut it short - this way she wouldn't get confused about which piece of yarn to work with.

We started slow and broke the stitches into 4 steps. Step 1. Put your needle through the loop from front to back. Step 2. Wrap your yarn from back to front. Step 3. Bring your needle to the front left of the loop. Step 4. Slide the stitch off the left needle.

This video explains the way I taught the stitch:

Emma is a natural and picked knitting very quickly. In about an hour, she had knit 5 rows and was remembering step-by-step what to do. Here is her video toward the end of our knitting session:

After the first few rows, we took a little break. She "taught" her mama (Prasti from Here to There) how to knit which was great fun. We did a couple more rows then put the knitting away. We finished off the afternoon with a Henry & Mudge book. She already has plans for her first scarf (I won't tell just yet :-)

A Knitted Year in Review

2012-01-01T20:05:00.005-05:00

Well, it's official. Another year has past and my knitmeter has reset back to "I haven't knit any this year." It's a time to look back on what these over-worked fingers have produced and look forward to those projects in the wings.

This year, I've knit 17,985 yards of yarn. That's 10.2 miles. I've knit:

41 hats in all shapes and sizes. I've knit Fair Isle hats, and Berets, Chunky Hats, and Super-Striped Hats that I designed myself.

My venture into knit-design didn't stop there. With my new Beaded Bracelet pattern, I worked up 37 bracelets, including one for every stocking at the Cleveland Knits West holiday party.

I knit 3 stockings - one tiny and two big enough to fill with Christmas Goodies.

I knit 5 sweaters, and 4 pairs of socks.

I knit 8 shawls, 2 baby blankets, and 2 squares to add to a couple of very special baby afghans for a certain lady who's about to meet 2 very special new additions.

And last (but certainly not least), I knit 2 stuffed animals and a pretty flowered pin-cushion.

That's a whole lot of knitting. But, as always, there is more on the needles. Still in the WIP (work-in-progress) file:

2 scarves

1 shawl

1 sweater

1 bag

3 pairs of socks

and one hat for a certain Leading Lady.

Some of these may be frogged and the yarn set aside for another use. But most will soon be finished. Looking forward to getting my hands back on the needles!

Remembering my roots

2011-04-12T23:12:00.004-04:00

Like so many who have made a career in the arts, I fell in love with the theater at an early age. My parents have always encouraged this love. They come to my plays. My father even played in the pit orchestra for my high school musicals.

My senior year of high school, my mother took me to see Les Mis. This was one of the biggest shows of the time and I was thrilled. It was one of the first professional productions I had seen (we traveled all the way to Toledo to see the tour - ha!) and it was magic. I sat transfixed throughout the production.

My mom had worked a late shift before the show and nodded off during the "bridge scene." She has always regretted missing that scene. So, when she saw the tour was coming through Cleveland, she made plans to go.

Tonight, my parents and I went to see Les Mis again (my father's first time.) Years have passed, and there weren't as many stars in my eyes this time around. I'm more aware of the "how" behind the effects, I notice the small mistakes. But the magic was still there, and I still found myself lost in the story.

It was a good night. It was good to remember what inspired me then. It was great to share the experience with my parents again. Tonight, during the bridge scene, Mom took my hand and held on tight. Thanks for a wonderful night.

A balancing act

2011-04-04T19:13:00.003-04:00

I am an incredibly lucky aunt to 5 awesome nephews and 2 beautiful nieces. I live within 5 minutes of them all. Being that close, it's hard to believe how little I've seen them the last month.

A fact for those of you not in "the business": we work incredibly strange hours. What other profession actually looks forward to Mondays (our One-Day-Monday only day off)? It's an incredible amount of time and dedication to work in the theater. And more often than not, we sacrifice much of our outside lives because of our jobs. I've missed weddings. I was sitting in an airport on a layover in Salt Lake City during my grandfather's funeral. I've been hundreds of miles away for the births of 4 of my nieces and nephews.

I've missed Easters and birthdays, band concerts and picnics all because of my job. The older I get, the more I realize just how much I have to give up in order to continue to do what I love.

I'm trying to embrace what time I have available to me. A week ago, I took advantage of a later rehearsal call to spend some time with my older brother and his family. I got to read a hysterically funny story to my niece (enjoy the smell of the world!!) and hold my brand new nephew.

This past weekend, I took advantage of a half day off to have lunch with my younger brother and his family. I got to spend some quality time with my niece, Ellie.

We all enjoyed a nice walk to a local diner for lunch. The boys especially liked sampling my "tech cookies" to make sure they weren't poison.

This afternoon brought 3 generations together as my mother, grandmother (Mamaw) and I all got together for a bit before my class.

I don't know if I've mastered this balancing act between work and life. But I do know I'm trying. And sometimes, my crazy work schedule is just what is needed. Who else in my family would be off an entire week to watch the boys while proud Momma and Poppa were bringing home a new baby girl? How lucky to have a day off when my older brother called to say Prasti was in labor and they needed someone to watch the kids. What a blessing to be able to take a vacation with my mom every January around her birthday.

So, my tight rope walk continues. And so far, I haven't fallen off.

The Month of Selfish Knitting

2011-02-07T21:22:00.002-05:00

The last few years, I've proclaimed January "Selfish Knitting Month." With Christmas presents occupying these nimble fingers for the last few months in 2010, it was time to reward myself!

I started by completing a pair of socks. These socks were made in memory of Sabine. The lovely and simple sock pattern, Paw Tracks, can be found on Ravelry.

The big project for January was my Dark & Stormy sweater. A few of the gals from my knitting group suggested a Knit-A-Long (KAL) for the sweater. We all cast on for the new year. I used the beautiful brown wool I received as a gift from my secret santa (thanks Bill!)

There were a couple of false starts and a bit of frogging / re-knitting. But I'm so proud of the finished product! (I also have to give myself credit for realizing I have both a tripod and a camera that has a self-timer. I took these photos myself.)

So what is on the needles now? Another sweater, 3 pairs of socks, and a baby blanket for a certain little yet-to-be. February, here I come!

The Gift

2011-01-15T22:44:00.001-05:00

I was given a gift today. A family friend recently got in touch with me. His mother has passed on. As a knitter, she had accumulated a stash of knitting supplies, yarns and books. The family wanted these to go to a “real knitter.” I qualify.

I was given a gift today. In a year where I plan to knit only from stash, I was given a bounty more to knit with. But this gift was more than just the yarn.

It is a gift to learn a bit about this lady through these utilitarian objects. The colors she preferred, the textures, the softness. She liked cotton blends and wools. There were many saturated colors – deep reds and bright blues. Some pure whites, a tangerine colored mohair, a royal blue lace weight yarn.

She was a sweater-knitter. Most of the stash was in sweater quantities. A good portion of the books were sweater patterns and books on sweater designing.

She was meticulous in her note-taking (something I could stand to learn.) There are two overstuffed binders. Divided into sections (by person) were her notes on the sweaters she made. Diagrams, measurements, swatches of yarn. She had made notes on the covers of her knitting magazines – notes on what she found valuable in each one (finishing techniques, patterns, etc.)

There were uncompleted projects and projects she had only swatched but had yet to begin.

The swift I discovered was made by her husband. It’s a wooden design with adjustable arms, well worn and lovely in it’s simplicity. It glides easily as it spins.

I was given a gift today. And I hope I can pay this gift forward. As I begin, stitch by stitch, to transform this yarn into a completed project, I will remember a woman I’ve never met. And though our paths never crossed, I will know that we shared a love of craft. Of turning something as simple as a piece of string into something beautiful. A sweater that can keep you warm as you walk in the snow. Or a blanket just waiting to wrap you in its comforting folds. A project to keep, or give to a loved one. A project to pass on to someone else I’ve never met but who needs it just the same.

Yarn represents possibilities. It is both a physical representation of new beginning and a legacy. You see, when given a knitted item, the giver isn’t just saying “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations.” They are saying “I love you. I have thought of you hour by hour as I worked stitch by stitch to create this for you. I’m giving of myself because you are important to me.” Thought goes into each project, from picking the perfect texture, to the perfect color, to the perfect project for the chosen recipient.

I was given a gift today. And I am grateful.

A Knitted Year in Review

2011-01-08T11:53:00.002-05:00

2010 has been a year filled with yarny goodness. I've gotten quite a bit accomplished and slightly exceeded last years tally.

In 2010, I knit:

16,397 yards of yarn. Which is:

49,191 feet or

590,292 inches or

9.31 Miles.

The 46 completed projects included: 15 pairs of socks, 2 sweaters, 6 scarves, 6 shawls, 10 hats, 2 pairs of fingerless gloves, 2 cowls, 2 toys, 1 bag, and 1 baby blanket.

Some of these projects were given to charity. Most were gifts to family and friends. Some were kept for myself.

I learned how to fair isle.

I created my own pattern for baby socks and for the west side market bag.

It's been a good year and am looking forward to the miles of yarn ahead of me in 2011. What's next for this knitter? My goal is to use stash yarn for 2011 instead of purchasing new. (I know I'll break this rule for some projects, but I have so much wonderful yarn waiting to be used. I bought it all for a reason: the color, the feel, the weight. It's time to remember why I picked each of those skeins and use them!) I'm hoping to take a cue from my friend Pretty Knitty Jewelry and create my own project of the month club. It won't be all socks, but it will help me to organize and plan what I'll be knitting. I'd also like to advance to a couple of more complex lace projects using the Estonian Lace techniques.

Happy Knitting!

Christmas Knitting

2011-01-02T17:58:00.005-05:00

I began my Christmas Knitting in September and have quite a list of accomplishments:

For Friends:

Two Cowls:

A Scarf:

Two pairs of "manly" fingerless mitts:

For Family:

One Shawl:

A Hat and Scarf set for Emma:

A Scarf for Sam (modeled by Ben):

A Hat for Tyler:

A Sweater for Gibson:

And Socks for Dad, Prasti, Jon & Jenna, and baby Ellie:

Still on the needles: A pair of socks for Aaron. They'll be off the needles and on your feet soon, I promise!

The Happiest of Holidays

2011-01-02T14:17:00.003-05:00

Once I had finished spreading Christmas Cheer to the residents of Cleveland, I headed down to spend some time with family. It was good to be home and to have Jon, Jenna and the boys here as well.

The holidays begin for us on Christmas Eve. We all packed up and headed to Dad's church for the Christmas Eve service. We enjoyed all the music, the decorations, the people, and of course lighting the candles during "Silent Night."

After church, Jon continued the tradition of reading "The Night Before Christmas" to the boys before it was time for bed.

With most of the family asleep, Mom and I partook in another tradition: staying up until 3am wrapping presents, stuffing stockings, and getting the house ready for the morning.

Christmas morning began with stockings and continued to opening presents. Everyone was excited with their gifts. Dad hasn't been able to put down his new Kindle. The boys have loved playing with their new sandbox (even without sand). I'm looking forward to trying out my new headset.

Mom also managed to totally surprise me with a self-portrait of an elephant! An elephant sanctuary in Thailand has taught some of it's elephants to paint. Proceeds from the sales go to the elephant care and upkeep. The video is definitely worth watching. Mom and I had seen it a couple of years ago and were both amazed. I had forgotten all about it until I opened the gift.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing and enjoying eachother's company. We had a wonderful breakfast and managed to stay in our pajamas the whole day!

Sunday was my chance to see my friends Ryan and Josh. We've made a point to see each other whenever they are in town for the holidays. We had a wonderful time enjoying Michael Symon's food at Lolita's. It was great to see them both and wish we could get together more often.

New Year's eve, I had the opportunity to see my Dad in concert. The Brass Band of the Western Reserve was performing at Akron's First Night. I don't often get the chance to go to a concert (I tend to be in performances myself). It was a fun concert filled with a lively variety of music from Christmas classics, to Sousa marches to Auld Lang Syne. It was standing room only by the end of the concert and everyone had a great time.

I rang in the New Year with my Mom, Dad, Mamaw, and my Aunt Lorrie. We enjoyed some snacks and watched National Treasure before switching over to watch the ball drop.

New Year's day was another family-filled extravaganza. My older brother, Aaron, and his family came down for the afternoon. We had a wonderful lunch (homemade pierogis, ribs, sugar cookies and more). It was great to see them all and spend the afternoon with them.

We've got just one present left. The newest addition is on her way and we cannot wait to welcome her into the family!

Cookie Day 2010

2010-12-17T23:47:00.002-05:00

Unlike in previous years, the women in my family did not get together for a huge baking day. Schedules and "life" made us decide to take a year off. However, Jenna was still interested in getting some baking done. Today, with the help of Ben and Sam, we did our own mini-cookie day.

Donning our aprons, we jumped right in. First up was making the Sugar Cookie dough. Ben was a big help. After we measure out ingredients, he would dump them in the bowl and help stir and mix. "I can do it!" he declared.

As the sugar cookie dough chilling in the fridge, we moved onto Chocolate Chunk cookies. By this time, Ben was ready to do some decorating (even if the cookies weren't ready for him.) He discovered the can of sprinkles and wanted to jump right in. Why not? We decided to add festive sprinkles onto the chocolate chunk cookies before we baked them. They are holiday cookies after all.

Sam was excited about the sprinkles too. On his turn to help sprinkle the cookies, he would take small handfuls and aim them toward the tray. I'm not sure how much ended up on the actual cookies, but he was quite proud of the job he did.

As the last batch of those came out of the oven, we finally got to roll out the sugar cookie dough. Rolling the dough and using the cookie cutters was great fun for all. We had airplanes and Christmas trees, snowmen and stars, ornaments (balls) and hearts.

At this point in the day, we lost our helpers to nap-time. Jenna and I finished up in the kitchen and moved into decorating mode. Using homemade buttercream icing, we began with our tried and true system. Jenna started base-coating and I began piping on top. The cookies turned out beautifully (even the special one for my baby brother.)

Thanks for such a great day Jenna! And thanks for being such good sports and so much help Ben and Sam! Love you all!

Becoming a Runner

2010-12-06T19:36:00.002-05:00

If you would have told me 3 years ago I would start running at 33, I would have said you were crazy. But, after a few months of working my way up, I am now proud to call myself a runner (even if the truth of the matter is more along the lines of a slow jogger.)

I've run 2 more 5K's in the past 2 weeks. The first was Thanksgiving morning. My brother Jon and his wife Jenna ran with me and my dad walked the 5k. I have to admit this was a hard race for me. It felt like I hit a wall of exhaustion about 1/2 way through. We slowed down a little and kept going. My time wasn't much better than my first run and I was a little disappointed. But I was still proud of us all.

Last Saturday was the Reindeer Run. This was my first run without rain. Jenna ran with me, as well as a friend from church, Sean. This race felt good and I succeeded in running my best times to date, coming in at 37 minutes, 55 seconds. This is our last race of the season and I'm glad to have finished on a high note.

Running seemed like an attainable goal these past few months with gorgeous weather to ease me into the routine. I've just begun to realize that the honeymoon is over and now the hard work has to begin. That hard work starts with being able to convince myself that I need to go out when the temperature is in the 20's and it's windy and snowy. Today, I headed out to the sporting goods store to gear up a little for this winter running.

Into my cart went a pair of fleece pants, fleece gloves and neck warmer, along with YakTrax. These are grips that go onto your shoes with coils that help grip in snowy conditions. I've heard great things from friends of mine who had used them and was eager to try them out.

Tonight I went out in windy and slightly snowy conditions. There were clear and snow covered sidewalks on the run. I have to say I was impressed with the YakTrax. I felt sure-footed throughout the run and did not feel the need to slow down to steady myself.

Winters in Cleveland are long affairs and keeping up the running efforts will be a challenge of willpower and dedication. Here's hoping my will lasts longer than the snow.

I've had more than one person tell me I've been an inspiration to them - to start running or rowing or just getting out and moving more. I am proud to be this inspiration and love hearing others get as excited as I am. It motivates me to keep moving. It also makes me remember my own inspiration. My sister :-) Jenna has been such an amazing motivator for me. She's stuck with my both physically (running by my side every step of the way even though she could easily pass me by) and emotionally cheering us on. I'm so lucky to have her in the family and thankful for all her support.

So, to all of you out there, get off your butts and get moving! I'll see you out there.

Saying Goodbye

2010-11-10T20:54:00.002-05:00

It's amazing how quickly our animals become part of our lives. They love us unconditionally. They trust us. With that love comes responsibility. To feed them, to shelter them, to care for them when they are sick.

There also comes a point when you have to decide to say "enough." Today was that day for me. Sabine has had ongoing health issues for years now. These past few months, she's taken a turn for the worse. She dropped to just over half her weight, she almost stopped eating. She had surgery, she had medicines. Each time she got well, the next bout of sickness seemed to come just a little bit quicker.

Last night she fell asleep on my lap and stayed there for over an hour (for anyone who knows her, this is highly unusual. She has never been a lap cat.) Today when I woke up, she didn't want to be held or touched. I could tell how uncomfortable she was.

Today's visit to the vet is one of the hardest decisions I have had to make. I know it was the best for her, but it doesn't make it hurt any less.

Goodbye, Sabine. You are already missed.

Silver Seascape

2010-10-25T15:42:00.002-04:00

Some knitting projects I can finish in a day. Some take me a bit longer...

This is my second time using the Seascape Shawl pattern (the first was finished in January.) It's a beautiful but time consuming lace project. I estimate this shawl took me close to 75 hours to complete. I finished it and blocked it last night (you know you are a crazy knitting lady when you sleep on the couch so your F.O. can block in your bedroom away from your cat.)

This shawl used 1,100 yards of silver silk yarn. I'm so happy with the results!

When life gives you lemons...

2010-10-12T18:11:00.003-04:00

Last month I began pulling out my fall and winter clothes and putting away the more summery looks. One of the things I enjoy most about "jeans and sweatshirt" weather is getting to wear my handknit sweaters. Imagine my dismay when I discovered a hole right in the middle of my favorite one!

Seems some little bug thought this luscious turquoise wool was his own smorgasbord.

Now I've heard stories of the dangers of fiber and bugs but had never experienced it myself. Mentioning my sad story at knitting group, one of the ladies asked me where the hole was. When I explained it was dead center of the front, she suggested making it into a cardigan. Brilliant! This process involves "steeking." Basically, it's cutting a handknit and catching / sewing the edges so that it won't unravel. It's a terrifying idea to cut into something you've worked so long to create, so this has been on my "to-do" list but hasn't gotten done.

Today was the day. Let me start by saying I have awesome friends. How cool is it to know people who work in costume shops and sew / fix things for a living? My friend Anji wanted to learn to knit and we struck a deal. She'd help me fix my sweater, I would teach her to knit.

So, an afternoon of crafting, a sweater with a hole, a zipper and some thread later, and this sweater has a new lease on life:

A Run in the Rain

2010-10-03T16:55:00.003-04:00

Yesterday was the Nature's Bin 5K. I awoke to see overcast (but dry) skies. I was hopeful the rain would hold out until the race was finished. Alas - no such luck.

The rain started about a half hour before the race did. We bravely donned our running gear and headed down to the park. We had quite the group with Jenna, Courtney, Betsy (another first time runner - way to go!), her neighbor Lisa, and Leah (who joined our group about halfway through the run. She was running by herself and needed some encouragement to keep it up. We were happy to help).

I'm proud of all of us who ran. It was quite a crowd. It was amazing to reach that 1st mile marker and see people already headed back to the finish line. The rain itself wasn't so bad. After we heated up from running, it felt wonderful.

By no means did we finish first or even early, but we did manage our best time yet (Okay, this was Betsy and my's best time. Jenna and Courtney could have easily finished earlier but stuck with us and encouraged us the whole way). And even though no metals or awards were won, it felt like a victory to me!

46 miles

2010-10-01T09:51:00.002-04:00

The journey from couch potato to "runner" has been a quick one for me. Thanks to MapMyRun.com, I was able to keep track of my training time. In September, I was moving for 46 1/2 miles. 32 1/2 of those miles were jogging.

Today is a rest day.

Tomorrow morning I run the 5K.

There are times now when I wake up or stand after sitting too long and feel move like a very stiff 80 year old. This has not been a pain-free transition. But, it feels good to be out and I'm looking forward to keeping this up. October, here I come.

Take me out to the Ballgame

2010-09-28T21:54:00.003-04:00

I don't often think of my job as glamorous. However, every once in a while, I get an opportunity to experience the royal treatment. Last night was one of those nights. The Great Lakes Theater Festival company members were invited to spend the evening watching the Cleveland Indians from the owners box. (Since I was the one who made the sign-up sheet, my name landed in spot #1).

It was a wonderful evening full of great food (from stir fry and fresh fruits and veggies, to hot dogs and nachos) gracious hosts, and great friends. We all had an awesome time.

And the best part of the evening:

I am a Girl. I wear Glasses!

2010-09-20T20:38:00.003-04:00

Came across this blog post and thought I'd join in on giving this little girl some confidence. So, without further ado, I am a girl who wears glasses!

Tiny Toes - A Pattern

2010-09-20T09:54:00.004-04:00

The more I knit socks, the more leftover sock yarn I accumulate. Seems these days plenty of my friends (and family :-) are having babies. I've discovered those leftover bits of sock yarn are perfect for making baby socks. This is a quick and easy toe-up baby sock pattern. I don't worry much about gauge, as they'll fit the baby at some point as their feet grow.

Tiny Toes

Yarn: fingering weight (between 100 - 120 yards)

Needles: Size 1 (2.25mm) DPN's

Magic Cast on 12 stitches.

Toe:

Row 1: knit, dividing evenly onto 4 DPN’s

Row 2: Needle 1: kfb, knit to end of needle. Needle 2: k to the last stitch, kfb. Needle 3 & 4: repeat directions for needles 1 & 2 (a total of 4 stitches increased)

Row 3: knit

Row 4: Needle 1: k1, m1, k to end of needle. Needle 2: k to last stitch on needle, m1, k1. Needles 3 & 4: repeat directions for needles 1 & 2 (a total of 4 stitches increased)

Repeat rows 3 & 4 until you reach 40 stitches total.

Foot:

Knit 10 rows

Gusset:

Gusset Row 1: Needles 1 & 2: knit. Needle 3: k1, m1, k to end of needle. Needle 4: k to last stitch on needle, m1, k1 (a total of 2 stitches increased)

Gusset Row 2: Knit

Repeat Gusset Rows 1 & 2 four more times, for a total of 10 stitches increased.

Turn Heel:

Knit to the end of Needle 2. Heel will be worked over sts on Needle 3 and Needle 4, starting on Row 1, below.

Row 1 [RS]: K all stitches on needle 3, K 6 stitches on needle 4, m1, k1, wrap & turn

Row 2 [WS]: P all stitches on needle 4, p 6 stitches, m1p, p1, wrapt & turn.

Row 3 [RS]: K all stitches on needle 3, K 4 stitches on needle 4, m1, k1, wrap & turn

Row 4 [WS]: P all stitches on needle 4, p 4 stitches, m1p, p1, wrap & turn.

Work 1 round over all sts on all needle, when you first reach center of the heel m1, ending at point between Needle 3 and Needle 4 (center of heel). When you encounter a wrapped stitch, pick up the wrap and place it on your left needle, then knit it together with the stitch which it had wrapped.

Heel Flap:
K 9 sts on Needle 4, ssk. Turn work; do not wrap stitch.

Next Row [WS]: Sl 1, p all stitches on needle 4, p 10 stitches on needle 3, p2tog. Turn work.

Next Row [RS]: [Sl 1, k1] 10 times, ssk. Turn work.

Repeat these 2 rows, ending when you ssk the last stitch on needle 4.

Next Round: Work all sts on Needle 1 and Needle 2; k2tog, k to last 2 stitches on Needle 3, k 2 tog, k to end of round. 40 sts.

Cuff:

Work 1x1 Rib for 20 rows.

Loosely bind-off

Now a pattern on Ravelry.

3 Miles

2010-09-18T10:04:00.003-04:00

This morning, Jenna and I ran 3 miles. It's a new record for me. 2 weeks from today is the 5K. It doesn't seem so daunting anymore.

Tomorrow, our goal is 3.1 miles. Baby steps.

Thanks, Jenna, for getting up so early to go with me. And for all the encouragement.

PS. You know how you mentioned those Rocky steps? That's how I felt climbing back up to my 3rd floor apartment!

I'm Home!

2010-09-14T23:32:00.003-04:00

Okay, for most of you this is old news as I arrived back in Cleveland a couple of weeks ago. But I thought I'd make it official out here on the blog-o-sphere.

Reasons it's good to be home: (in no particular order)

1. I got to sleep in my own bed

2. I got to spend some quality time catching up with the family on Labor Day.

3. I got to see some of the ladies of Cleveland Knits West and am looking forward to seeing the rest this week.

4. My cat.

5. Angelo's Pizza

6. Quality time hangin' with my nephew Sam.

7. Getting to see all the wonderful people again at Cross Point Church

8. Aladdins (haven't gotten there yet, but will soon)

9. Getting to wear all the clothes & shoes I left at home

10. Seeing the first signs of the change to fall weather.

It's good to be home. As for what I've been up to, let's just say I'm keeping busy!

Othello rehearsals are in full swing. I'm looking forward to getting this up and running. Can't wait to see it with all the technical elements added in.

I started running! Okay, let's call it a slow jog. But I'm doing it. And my SIL Jenna convinced me to sign up for the Nature's Bin 5K on October 2. She will be running with me. So far, my longest run has been 2.28 miles. Add another mile on, and I'll be good to go.

I got my hair cut. Woo hoo! I've been looking forward to this for a while now.

Storm on the Horizon

2010-08-09T02:55:00.001-04:00

Lake Tahoe boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year. This summer has been beautiful with wonderful weather. However, occasionally, we end up with a day like this.

Yesterday saw both rain and hail just before the show was about to start. With no end in sight, we had to cancel the show. Tonight, the rain came again, but we persevered. We began to dry the stage at 6:45pm. By 7:36, the show began.

It was a cold evening, but the audience was warm with their support. Looking forward to sunshine tomorrow.

Stuff on my Feet

2010-08-04T17:38:00.002-04:00

Ah yes, yet another "stuff on my feet" post. But there's so much new to tell! Where to begin??

I will start with my WIP (work in progress). I enjoyed getting to explore a couple of new yarn shops here in Lake Tahoe and in San Francisco. The show I'm working on isn't too cue heavy during the first act, so I can get some knitting done as long as it's simple.

So, I picked out colorful yarn that didn't need a pattern to go along with it, just a straight-knit sock. I've called these my Simple Sunset Socks because the colors remind me of the sunset over the lake.

One is done and I've finished the toe and started the foot for #2.

I've also been working on the CKW Love socks. What does CKW stand for you may ask? It stands for the awesome group of ladies who I knit with: Cleveland Knits West. One of those awesome ladies gave me this yarn as a going away present and said to knit it over the summer and think of them. I've certainly done that, and have taken my time finishing these socks (I began them the end of May and finished them August 2.)

You may have noticed a new pair of shoes in that picture as well. That is exciting! A few months ago, I was surfing the Dansko website and found a contest to fill out. It basically asked how you wear your Danskos in the summer. I filled out the survey (talking about going from rehearsals to the shows in my Danskos, comfy enough for all day wear and dressy enough to be presentable to an audience.) I also attached a picture of me in them with hand-knit Sinuosity socks:

About a month later, I got an email saying I won! I'm proof that they actually do pick winners and not just make up names. I picked a pair that were cute but not what I would normally buy for myself (not the most practical.) I haven't worn them out yet. Sand and Dansko don't seem to mix well. But I'm looking forward to wearing them come fall.

I also mentioned in a previous post about going down to San Francisco for a day. While there, I got to try on a pair of the Vibram Five Fingers. I had done a lot of research about them online (including some research into barefoot running) and was intrigued. As soon as I put them on, I was sold. They are quite possibly the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn. They fit like a glove (pun intended) and cradle your foot. I've had them on at the shows as well as walking and a little jogging in the mornings.

They may look a little funny, but I'm okay with that fashion risk. They feel great.

The Adventure Continues...

2010-08-02T23:09:00.002-04:00

Up...

And Away...

Vacation Re-cap

2010-08-02T17:34:00.003-04:00

Mom and Dad came out to visit last week and we had a wonderful time. It was great to have them here. We had plenty to do here in Tahoe. From time at the beach, to seeing the show, to massages and hiking. We also had a chance to drive out to parts of the country we hadn't seen before.

Here are some highlights:

Our trip to Yosemite:

Hiking with Dad:

San Francisco:

Thanks for coming out Mom & Dad! Love you both!

We're Adventurous...

2010-07-22T15:49:00.002-04:00

My friend Andrew has decided our motto for the summer is "We're adventurous."

We began listening to Craig Ferguson's American on Purpose a few weeks ago. I highly recommend this read. He's quite a good writer and speaks openly and honestly about the good and bad of his life. He's funny and had me laughing out loud at parts. At one point in the book he said if he had to choose between safety and adventure, he chose adventure.

While I like safety and keep that in mind, it's been fun to push myself and try new things. This has included chair lifts and mountain hikes, drives to destinations unknown and a night spent at the Craps table (granted most of that night I spent watching my actors and director play.)

Today's adventure was Jet Skiing. Andrew and I were enjoying some time on the beach yesterday and I could tell he was getting antsy. I asked what he wanted to do and he asked if I wanted to jet ski. I think I sat there a minute with my mouth open then agreed. We did some research and booked appointments for this morning.

I woke up full of nervous energy. I've never done this before. After donning our life jackets and getting the briefest explanation of do's and don'ts, we were off. It was scary at first as I figured out how to handle the machine but soon enough, I was off and fast. What an amazing feeling with the wind in your face, the sun on your skin and the water all around. I got up close to 50 mph a few times, but felt most comfortable in the high 30's.

No photos of course, but it was a great morning. I really did feel like I was on an adventure today and enjoyed every minute of it.

Next up: Parasailing. I hope.

The Land of Sand and Mountains

2010-07-21T14:07:00.002-04:00

I know, I know, I've been M.I.A. this summer. But at long last, an update...

I arrived in Lake Tahoe just over 2 weeks ago. I thought Boise was beautiful. It's nothing compared to this.

The place I'm staying is lovely. A little small, but a working kitchen (that I've gotten plenty of use out of). The best amenity: a private beach for the residents. I've spent a lot of time on that beach these past 2 weeks. It's wonderful, quieter than the public beaches and just steps from my doorway.

I've enjoyed it during the day:

And at sunset as well:

It's amazing to see such beautiful water and sandy beaches surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine trees.

I've not neglected those mountains, spending a great afternoon last week hiking to the top with my assistant, Andrew. I'm proud to say we made it to the top of that mountain and the views were stunning. (the new picture at the top of my blog is part of that view.)

While enjoying the view, a family came through geocaching. I know a bit about it, but have never done it myself. We watched trying not to laugh as this typical family went about their search (from the youngest begging to give up and go back to the mother who asked her daughter to "toss" her the GPS. needless to say, that ended badly on a mountain, to the father borrowing Andrew's tweezers to pick splinters out of a child's hand.) It was the youngest boy who found the prize and soon enough they were on their way.

Once gone, Andrew and I could not resist the lure of that metal box. We opened it and checked out the trinkets and things inside. Though we didn't take or leave anything, we did sign the log book with a little plug for the Shakespeare Festival.

Monday was a spectacular day spent on the water. One of the founding board members of the festival took the company out on a catamaran. The water and views were stunning. Using my trusty SPF 70, I enjoyed the afternoon without facing any consequences later in the day.

I finished my traveling woman shawl just in time to bring it with me out on the water.

All for now. More updates to come!

Happy Anniversary!

2010-07-03T10:32:00.001-04:00

I Love You BOTH!

A Day at the Capital

2010-06-28T20:25:00.005-04:00

It's officially my 6th year visiting Boise and today I did something brand new. I checked out the state capital building.

My friend Matt has set a goal for himself to see all 50 capital buildings in 2 years. He is well over half-way there. Today, we checked out Idaho's.

The building is beautiful both inside and out. Full of beautiful details. Filled with marble, it's remarkably light and airy. Here are some photos of our visit:

And being in the building made both Matt and I imagine what it must be like to be part of the legislative body. This is how we imagine our day in the house of representatives would be:

Happy Fathers's Day!

2010-06-20T10:46:00.004-04:00

Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

I'm so thankful to have such a wonderful loving dad. Wish I could spend my day with you and am looking forward to seeing you next month!! Love You!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-08T22:42:00.005-04:00

Happy Mother's Day, Mom!

I'm so glad we are so close. So thankful we enjoy each others company, from vacationing together, to shopping, to watching Dave. It is a blessing to have you in my life!

And to the other mothers in the family (Mamaw, Grandma, Jenna, and Prasti) ... Happy Mother's Day to you too!

A Skirt for Spring

2010-04-27T19:11:00.005-04:00

Having accomplished sewing a mostly straight line with my project bag lessons, today I decided to branch out and try my first piece of clothing.

A quick trip to JoAnn Fabric left me with the materials needed:

And with a search of the web, I found some great tutorials. I first created a pattern using Sew, Mama, Sew's pattern draft tutorial, then followed her construction tutorial to make my fabulous skirt. I have to say this is a fantastic pattern as it's totally adjustable in both size and length. All you need to do is measure your waist and do a few simple calculations.

From start to finish, the project took me about 2 1/2 hours. That included making the pattern, re-learning how to thread the machine, and watching a video on how to sew a buttonhole.

The results: a 2-in-1 skirt perfect for the warm weather to come!

West Side Market Bag

2010-04-20T21:58:00.003-04:00

Today is my sister in law's birthday.

Inspired by the amazing West Side Market, I set out to make a market bag as a gift for her. I'm very happy with the results and thought I'd share the "pattern."

West Side Market Bag

Materials:

Approx 315 - 350 yards of worsted weight cotton yarn

Needles:

Size 7 Double Pointed Needles

Size 7 16” circulars

Size 9 16” or 24” circulars

Size 10 1/2 16" or 24" circulars

A note on the multiple needle sizes: I wanted the bottom of the bag in a tighter knit so it would hold up to heavy market items. The body is on size 9 needles, allowing for some stretch. The linen stitch at the top of the bag creates a tight woven "fabric." It's possible to to do the top of the bag in size 9. It will not have as large an opening.

Directions:

Bottom:

-with smaller double pointed needles, Cast on 4 stitches, divide stitches over 4 needles, join being careful not to twist

-Row 1: kfb into every stitch (8 stitches)

-Row 2: k

-Row 3: repeat row 1 (16 stitches total)

-Row 4: k

-Row 5: (kfb, k until last stitch on needle, kfb) over each of the 4 needles

Repeat rows 4 & 5 until you have 30 stitches on each needle (120 stitches total)

Knit 4 rows

Switch to size 9, knit 4 rows

Body:

-Row 1: (k2tog, yo) throughout round

-Row 2: k

Repeat until body measures 10”

Switch to size 10 1/2 , work in linen stitch

-Row 1: (k1, bring yarn to front, slip 1, bring yarn to back) repeat until last 2 stitches, k2tog (119 stitches total.

-Row 2: (bring yarn to front, slip 1, bring yarn to back, k1) throughout round

-Row 3: (k1, bring yarn to front, slip 1, bring yarn to back) throughout round

repeat rows 2 & 3 until top of the bag measure 1 1/2 inches

Bind off, leaving 4 sections of 8 live stitches (evenly spaced)

Working with one set of 8 stitches:

Row 1: (k1, bring yarn to front, slip 1, bring yarn to back)

Row 2 (wrong side): (p1, bring yarn to back, slip 1, bring yarn to front)

repeat rows 1 & 2 until strap is desired length. Attach to second set of 8 stitches. Repeat. Weave in ends.

Cat Nap Interruptus

2010-04-18T20:19:00.003-04:00

Sinuosity

2010-04-16T09:59:00.003-04:00

I have enjoyed getting to know the ladies (and gentleman) of Cleveland Knits West. They are such a multi-talented crew. Since I've found them, I've been encouraged to branch out and try new things, from sewing, to more difficult knitting patterns, to (hopefully soon) dying my own yarn.

One of those talented ladies, Knitting Nonstop, has designed quite a few knitting patterns. I just tried my first with great success. I joined a knit-a-long of this pattern and enjoyed seeing everyone working this up in different yarns and colors.

The pattern is Sinuosity, a cuff down sock pattern filled with tiny cables. This was my first top down sock and I really enjoyed the project. The pattern is very clear and the results are wonderful.

The yarn is Blue Heron Sock Plus in the Hot Pink colorway. Gorgeous color. Just perfect for those chilly spring days!

I was lucky to wake up early enough to take some photos before the rain started. Perhaps today is the day to wear these socks...

Signs of Spring...

2010-04-14T13:22:00.002-04:00

The green starting to show on the trees...

And the little visitors enjoying this beautiful weather...

Another Opening, Another Show

2010-04-11T12:56:00.003-04:00

Last night was opening night for Bat Boy.

This past week was a long one. As always with tech rehearsals, I spend more time at the theater than away, I spent my dinner breaks cleaning up my script and analyzing / practicing complicated cue sequences, I spent a lot of time saying "hold please" and working things over and over. That's not to say my job is the only hard one. Everyone, from the actors, to the designers, to the stage crew and orchestra had their work cut out for them.

I'm still amazed at how quickly a show can come together, with so many different elements working in sync to make it happen. I'm thankful to everyone for keeping their cool and staying on task. The show went well last night, and I hope it's the beginning of a successful run.

A few highlights from the evening:

Purple was the color of the night, with both of my assistants as well as the music director sporting the color. It wasn't planned, but we looked good!!

My brother and sister in law came to see the show tonight. As always, Aaron was sporting the kilt and they both looked great. I think they had a wonderful time. This is Aaron's favorite show (has been since he saw it at Cain Park in 2003), and I know they loved coming to see it again.

Of course, with opening night comes the celebration of all the hard work. With my recent ventures into lace knitting, I decided to knit myself a shawl for the event.

I found the Wa Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Bat Shawl which seemed to be perfect for the occasion. Done in a fingering weight wool / silk blend, this was a relatively easy and fun project. I started it during rehearsals and finished it this past Wednesday. I estimate it took between 30 - 35 hours of work. The hardest part for me was the border. Their were a few errors in the pattern I had to solve.

The shawl started with the bottom point and was worked up the the top, with the border added last.

Blocked measurements were 75" across the top, and 38" from middle of the top to the tip.

Think Spring

2010-03-08T11:08:00.003-05:00

Living in Cleveland, it's been cold and snowy and generally gray for MUCH too long. It's always March where I begin to think it should warm up. Of course, Cleveland winters last through March and there's usually a snow or two in April as well. But, the last couple of days have been lovely. A little warmer (in the 40's!), the snow has started to melt and the sun has come out to play. Not sure how long this will stay, but I'm soaking it in.

So, with thoughts of spring in my head, I present my Clapotis shawl. The colors are just the thing to brighten up the day and my mood as I'm waiting for warmer weather that lasts.

Clapotis is one of the most popular projects on Ravelry. There are currently 14,382 projects using this pattern! I've named my project "Bridge Jumping" (as in if all your friends jump off a bridge, would you jump too? Apparently the answer is YES if that bridge is a new and cool shawl)

This shawl starts in a corner and is knit diagonally to the far corner. Throughout the knit, you "drop" stitches. This is normally something you try to avoid at all costs, but the results are the ladders of yarn.

The yarn is a fingering (sock weight) yarn called Zauberball. The yarn is dyed with long and bright color repeats that are a joy to see. This shawl used 2 balls and measurese 80" x 20"

Perfect to brighten up black clothes and to make me smile.

Thank you Prasti for once again being my photographer!

Father Daughter Bonding

2010-03-07T14:38:00.003-05:00

While visiting my parents a few weeks ago, my dad and I sat down to watch the Opening Ceremonies of the winter Olympics.

Enjoying the show, my dad commented that he liked the hats the American athletes were wearing. "Could you make something like that?" It just so happened that I was taking a class to learn the technique the following day.

After a quick search on Ravelry, I discovered someone had already taken the time to chart out a pattern. It was a great project to reinforce what I had learned in class. Back in the city, I went to my LYS for yarn and went to work.

My hats are slightly different from those Olympian hats. I made the trees taller and added a few snowflakes. This helped eliminate some very long strands of color on the inside of the hat. Made Dad's first, a few more adjustments then made one for myself. They were fun to make, and more fun to see us in our matching Daddy-Daughter hats.

A Crafty Girls Day Out

2010-03-03T14:49:00.003-05:00

There is something special about aunt / niece time. I remember some special times as a kid with my aunts, one in particular where I got to spend a week at my Aunt Janie's house. I couldn't have felt more special.

Today, my niece Emma and I had our first auntie / niece outing. Emma is a crafty girl. She loves to color and cut and have her craft time. So, today we decided to make necklaces and bracelets.

First stop was the beading row at Pat Catan's. "Oooooh!!" said Emma as she examined all the different kinds of beads. It was hard to narrow down the choices. She finally settled on some pink (seashell) flat beads and turquoise round beads for one set (it matched her outfit). Her second choice were 2 different brown beads. Brown is currently her favorite color. These beads had sparkly bronze glitter in them, and some of them had flowers too. She was quite pleased with both choices.

Next, we headed to Panera Bread for lunch. We had a delicious lunch, soup and salad for me, mac and cheese and yogurt for Emma. She was also excited to have some chocolate milk with her lunch.

Once lunch was done, we started working on beading. I used a thicker waxed ropey thread for the brown beads. The thread itself was stiff enough that Emma was able to get the bigger beads on herself. I helped with the smaller spacer beads in between. Working on the brown beads first, we made a bracelet and then a necklace. They were "big girl" necklace and bracelets with clasps to put them on rather than just pulling over her head.

She helped me string a few of the blue and pink beads, and then contented herself playing with some of the fishing line the beads came on while I finished up. I asked if she'd like that necklace on too. She laughed and said no. "Two necklaces on? That would be silly!"

We arrived back at her house just in time for her nap. She suckered me into reading her a story (I was a pretty easy sell) and our afternoon was over.

I had a great time today with Emma. Prasti and Aaron, thanks for sharing her with me! I look forward to our next time together (and will need to start planning some time with my nephews as well...)

Look Ma, I'm sewing!

2010-02-25T15:00:00.002-05:00

As a little girl, my mom offered to teach me many things. She offered to teach me to cook, to sew, to play piano. I had my own ideas. I did not want to learn ANY of these things. I've always had a stubborn streak and refused to learn.

As an adult, I've regretted these decisions. I've developed the ability to cook and still wish I could play piano.

This past month, my mom gave me my first sewing lesson. Today, I took out my new (gently used) sewing machine and got to work.

I was able to get it out of the box, get thread onto the bobbin and thread the needle.

My first stitches did not look great:

After closer inspection, I realized the needle I was using was bent. Got the needle changed and went to work.

Today I made a knitting WIP (work-in-progress) project bag. It's based on a drawstring bag used to pack shoes when traveling. This one is 17 inches wide and 15 inches tall. It is big enough to fit a medium sized project (sweater).

Mom, it took me a while to recognize the usefulness of the skills you offered to teach me. I'm excited to be getting to them now! Better late than never.

Family Matters

2010-02-24T22:19:00.002-05:00

This week, I've enjoyed getting to spend some time with my brothers and their families. The kiddos seem to be growing so fast! I love their individual personalities and styles.

Sunday, I got to hear my eldest nephew, Tyler, play his coronet. He made his debut in church playing with his dad during the praise music. He sounded awesome!! He certainly has skills as a musician. Quite proud of him!

Monday, I helped Jenna conquer her fears of crafting. She had a gift certificate to Pat Catan's to use up, but did not know where to even begin in the store. Being the crafty person I am, I volunteered to be her tour guide.

We concentrated on the seasonal row as well as the row of kids crafts and got a lot of great stuff. Fun projects for her to start with Ben and a lot of ideas. I'm looking forward to seeing what they create! Afterward, we enjoyed a delicious lunch and some more time together.

Tuesday, I headed over to babysit the boys while Jenna had an appointment. I have to admit, I was a little nervous watching the boys, but it was great. We had fun playing cars and watching some Veggie Tales. Ben helped cook lunch (he counted out the correct number of nuggets to bake and gave his approval to the amount of fries on the tray). Sam wasn't feeling 100% so he enjoyed some snuggle time. Have to admit, my arms were a little sore the next morning!

Yesterday was also my big brother, Aaron's birthday. They invited us over for dessert. Nice spending time with family and celebrating. Sounds like Aaron had a great birthday!

Mother - Daughter Bonding, part 2

2010-02-16T11:15:00.003-05:00

My mother loves me. How do I know this, you ask? Well, of course she tells me all the time, but also: My mother went with me to a yarn festival.

Let me clarify: my mother knows how to knit, but she's not a knitter. She's an embroiderer. So, while I was completely in my element, she was a bit out of hers.

This past weekend was the 6th Annual Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival. My awesome brothers and their families purchased me a ticket and a class for Christmas. How cool is that?

Mom and I headed out bright and early in the morning, leaving while it was still dark. Arriving at the hotel, we got in line and waited to register. My class was first thing (registration opened at 8:30, my class was at 9am.) Got through and settled in my class.

The class was a learn to Fair Isle class. This is a stranded knitting technique using 2 colors of yarn in each row. Eleanor Swogger was an amazing teacher. She began by teaching us all how to knit continental. This is knitting holding your yarn in your left hand (I learned to knit American, with the yarn held in my right hand.) Once we got the hang of that, we began with the fair isle pattern. This is accomplished by using both Continental and American techniques, using a different color of yarn in each hand. Sounds complicated, and it felt wonky at first, but after I got the hang of it, it made perfect sense. I was so excited to walk away with a new technique.

I continued working on the hat that night and finished it the following morning. The "right side" of the hat shows off the pattern beautifully. The "wrong" side is stranded, carrying the yarn that isn't used in each stitch behind it. This adds an extra layer of warmth in the hat.

While I was at my class, Mom settled down in the lobby to embroider. She was only asked once about embroidering at the knit festival.

With my class over, we switched places. I took up residence on the couch while Mom went off to a learn to crochet class. The class was quick and the teacher went a little too fast, but Mom came away with a swatch of different stitches, a ball of yarn and a crochet hook.

After having some lunch (at the advice of others who have been to the festival before, we packed a lunch. Great recommendation!) we headed into the market place. The whole set up took my breath away. So much yarn, so many vibrant colors, amazing textures, sights and sounds! There were 50 booths with so many different wares on display. Mom and I had a great time walking through and looking at everything. I walked away with some amazing sock yarn that I can't wait to work with.

After the festival, we made a side trip to IKEA. Had fun looking through the store, although by that point my nerves were a little fried. I'd been surrounded by people all day and the store was so crowded that it was a bit overwhelming. We had a few great finds, some dinner in the cafeteria, then headed home.

It was a great day. Thank you Mom for spending it with me!

Mother - Daughter Bonding, part 1

2010-02-15T11:10:00.004-05:00

Every year, mom and I try to spend a few days together enjoying each other's company. Past trips have included Niagara on the Lake, Washington D.C. and Florida. This year we decided to stay closer to home.

A couple of weeks ago, we headed a couple hours west to the little community of Lakeside. It's a lovely place with a mix of summer cottages and houses equipped to be lived in year round. Through friends, we were able to stay in a beautiful 3 story house.

Day 1 was a beautiful drive. We stopped for lunch in North Olmsted to wish my baby brother a Happy Birthday. Dad drove up to meet us for this part of the day. We had a fun time and a good meal. Ben was very excited to sit by Gram, and also to help me pour a sugar packet into my coffee ("do you need another one?")

After a quick stop at Birds of a Feather for blocking wires I had ordered, we were off. We enjoyed listening to a book on tape throughout the drive and the rest of the trip. I highly recommend this to anyone traveling!

We quickly unpacked our things from the car and went out for a few essentials. Where you might ask? A wonderful store called...

Cheese Haven!

The staff is wonderful and very helpful. Quick to provide descriptions of the cheese as well as samples. We walked away with snacks enough for the weekend.

Spent the rest of the evening in. Baked a pizza and just hung out. Mom spent some time embroidering and I worked on a Clapotis I've been making. This was different from past vacations. We didn't feel the need to see all the sights, do all the attractions and run ourselves ragged each day. We spent the time enjoying each other's company and relaxing.

Day 2 we took a trip in to Sandusky then Port Clinton. Did some shopping and running around. Spent some time at the Marblehead Lighthouse looking out at Lake Erie. Beautiful!

Were planning to go to a nice restaurant that night. When we got there, we discovered it was closed and boarded up. We ended up at a wonderful little Irish Pub with delicious food and great service.

Day 3, my Aunt Lorrie (Mom's sister) joined us for the day. We went to a few local shops including a beautiful Yarn Shop. Quite different from others I've been to, this shop is set up around color. They have walls of blue, of pinks, of yellows. Yarns are mixed together and sorted by color. It takes a little more searching to find the worsted weight or fingering in the mix, but it's beautiful to see all the weights and textures and colors playing off each other. Their are definitely some jewels in the mix.

On our way to the gift shop across their parking lot, we were greeted by the animals in residence. So friendly and happy to get a little snack from us (their was a gum ball machine filled with their snack mix). We had a great time getting to know them, although my hands felt frozen by the end.

Day 4, Mom and I took a trip to the Arctic Festival. Sounds great, right? Had to laugh at just how little it was. There were a few ice sculptures outside, and a trip in to the Maritime Museum. We had a good time, but it was definitely not all we were expecting it to be.

Day 5 was packing up and heading back home. We did enjoy a lovely brunch at Mon Ami winery which was a lovely end to the few days together.

I have such a good time hanging out with my mom, and count myself lucky that we are so close. Looking forward to next year, Momma!

Good, better, best...

2010-01-29T10:03:00.003-05:00

Never let it rest...

'Til the Good is Better...

And the Better is Best!

After a couple of weeks of on and off work, the puzzle was finished today! Note to self (and anyone else contemplating a puzzle of their own): I'd recommend NOT picking one with such a large section of black background. We finished everything but the black in about a week, then it became trial and error. No clues other than shape to help us. No color variation, shading or textures. And about 200 pieces left to put in. It did become easier as we went along, but it ceased being fun and felt like more of a chore. Looks awesome now that it's finished!

The Red Scarf Update

2010-01-27T15:17:00.002-05:00

I posted a couple of weeks ago about Craft Hope Project 6. This project teamed with the Orphan Foundation to donate red scarves for kids who were aging out of the system.

I can't begin to imagine what these kids are preparing themselves for. I remember going away to college, but still coming home when I needed a good meal or to use the washing machine or to just be around a family who loves and supports me.

How scary it must be to step out into the world as an "adult" at 18 without knowing you have a family ready to pick you back up if (when) you fall. I hope that the care packages the Orphan Foundation put together will, in some small way, show these kids they are loved, they are important, and they are ready for their next big adventure.

Weekend Fun

2010-01-25T00:07:00.003-05:00

What happens when you get three generations of women together for a fun filled weekend?

Seascape Stole

2010-01-20T16:26:00.000-05:00

Victory!!

I started my first "real lace" project back in August. I've learned so much along the way and am so proud of the beautiful shawl I've created

I started with a 1,200 yard ball of yarn (It's a hand painted silk / wool blend) and paired with the Seascape Stole pattern.

After 75 hours (a conservative estimate), the shawl was complete. I set about blocking the piece. It grew from 7 feet to 8'6" long, 24" wide.

Thanks to my sister-in-law, Prasti, for humoring me with my photo shoot!

This piece makes me wish for a daughter. Truly an heirloom piece to pass down.

Craft Hope

2010-01-18T09:38:00.000-05:00

I know I've mentioned Craft Hope in previous posts. It's this amazing little home-grown charity that calls crafters to give the fruits of their talents to those in need.

The latest official project is the Red Scarf Project (project 6). From the Craft Hope Website:

The Orphan Foundation serves thousands of foster teens throughout the U.S. They provide college scholarships, connect them with mentors and internships, send them care packages, and testify for them before Congress. Each year 25,000 students ‘age out’ of the foster care system and the Orphan Foundation is committed to helping them become tomorrow’s successful citizens. They launched the Red Scarf program in 2005 to send red scarves to warm the hearts (and necks) of college bound youth. They began taking these donations to include in their Valentines Day care packages.

I'm about 4 feet into a scarf using the wonderful One Row Handspun Scarf pattern. I'm so fond of this pattern. It lays nice and flat and is very classy.

Craft Hope has also felt the need to do something to help the relief effort in Haiti. Their answer, set up their own Etsy Shop. They've asked crafters around the world to donate hand crafted items to sell. All proceeds go to doctors without borders. In 2 days, they have already raised $7000. The donated items are amazing, in all price ranges and with a large variety, from hand knits to jewelry and sewn items.

So, if you've got a someone you are needing something special for (birthday, Valentine's Day, Friday...) check out the site. Or if you are a crafter ready to donate for the cause, you rock too!

I haven't Knit ANY this year.

2010-01-01T19:52:00.000-05:00

Earlier this year, I added a "Knit Meter" to my blog. This neat little website helps to keep track of how much you've knit (in a month, in a year, etc). It lets you calculate by the foot, yard, or mile.

I've had fun seeing my total keep increasing throughout the year. And it amazing to think how much yarn has passed through my fingers in the past 365 days. (My Dad has asked how much all that yarn costs. That is something I'd rather not think about :-)

Today, for the first time, I saw "I haven't knit any this year." This entire year!!! (well, that's not exactly true. I finished up a pair of baby socks last night, but left the bind off for this morning. So, technically, I've knit about 1 yard so far in 2010.

So, for the total? I've knit:
16,001 yards. Which is:
48,003 feet, or
576,036 inches, or
9.09 MILES of yarn.

And what has all that yarn become?
64 projects. Some as small as baby socks and coffee cozies. Some as large as sweaters and afghans. A few for me. A lot for others. All made with lots of love.

It's been a good year for knitting. It's been a good year for life.

I'm looking forward to 2010. I'm looking forward to seeing that knitting meter total go back up again.

But today? Today I'm giving my fingers a rest. Tomorrow, who knows what exciting project I'll start.

Happy New Year everyone! I pray this year brings joy and love and contentment.

Deck the Halls

2009-12-07T21:44:00.001-05:00

Okay, so maybe its not my house that's decorated, but I did get into the Christmas Spirit today.

I spent the afternoon picking out a Christmas tree with my mom and dad.

Good:

Better:

Best:

And of course, we can't forget the stockings hung with care:

It was a lovely afternoon. The tree looks beautiful, the family time was wonderful, and it left me remembering what Christmas is really about:

So much to be Thankful for

2009-11-28T00:02:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was a wonderful day spent with people and things I am so thankful for:

God who provides all these gifts.

My family, who I love and was so thankful to spend the day with. We're incredibly lucky to live so close and get along so well:

Food, and plenty of it:

A Day off work to relax and recuperate.

A warm cozy house and no snow outside (yet).

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Getting Organized

2009-11-04T12:42:00.000-05:00

Some people are what I call monogamous knitters. I am not one of those folks. At any given time, I have anywhere between 3 and 8 or 9 projects going at once. One reason for this is I have too many ideas in my head. (I blame this on Ravelry. With all those amazing patterns to choose from, how can I remain focused on just one!!??) But, I also try to have an assortment for my different moods. They range from the easy mindless knitting to the turn off the TV and the radio and just watch the pattern lace knitting. Some are done on tiny needles, some are on larger sizes. If my hands start to cramp up on one size, I'll switch to something else.

Of course, all these projects lead to a coffee table that looks like this:

Assortments of yarn and needles and notions and patterns all scattered around piled up. Today, I decided to remedy that situation. With a quick trip to Target and Staples, a few moments putting things together and now, my projects look like this:

Each bin can hold the project, extra yarn, needles, and the pattern (of course, larger projects like sweaters and afghans will need a different storage solution, but it's a start!) Index cards cut in half and binder clips (in assorted pretty colors :-) make it easy to see which project is where. Each project is now self contained. I can take out the basket for the project I am working on and easily put the others away.

Total cost for the project:
Bookcase: on sale for $16.00
Bins: 9 @ $1.00 each $ 9.00
Index Cards $ .50
Binder Clips $ 2.50
----------
Total Cost: $28.00

Having a coffee table I can see again: Priceless.

BYOP 2009

2009-10-24T23:07:00.000-04:00

Tonight my brother and his family held their 5th annual BYOP (Bring Your Own Pumpkin) party.

As always, the evening was filled with good food (of the pumpkin variety - soup, bread, and pie), good friends, lots of laughs, and LOTS of pumpkins.

The carving table was full and everyone enjoyed making their one of a kind creations. This year, I decided to base my pumpkin after my tattoo (a little of art imitating art.)

As the evening wound down and most of the guests headed home, Emma took it upon herself to entertain us with a little singing, then invited me to join in.

Then, a bit later, she asked her daddy if it was time to go to bed yet. "Do you want it to be bed time, Emma?" "Yes! I want Aunt Corrie to tuck me in." Sigh, I don't think I'll ever get tired of that, and I happily obliged.

Thanks, Aaron & Prasti for a lovely evening!

Fiber Arts Friday - Making Scraps Beautiful

2009-10-23T15:01:00.000-04:00

The more projects I complete, the more random small balls of yarn I end up with.

What to do with these scraps? They aren't enough for a project of their own, but it seems wasteful to just throw them away. Enter the Scrappy Lengthwise scarf. This has become a favorite pattern. Using the linen stitch, the scarf ends up tightly knit and smooth, almost like a fabric. This is the 3rd time I've used this pattern, but the first that I've actually made a scarf. The first two were (not so scrappy with yarn purchased specifically for the project) baby blankets.

The brilliance of this pattern is that it gives you the opportunity to use up all those little scraps of yarn, and incorporate them into a beautiful project full of color and texture and life. With the baby blankets, I used 3 rows of color, then 2 rows of black to get a regulated precise pattern.

This particular scarf is made of various wools, a few different shade of green, a couple of browns, a grey, and a black. I swapped colors randomly for each row. The end product: a very cool and (I hope) manly scarf.

Find more Fiber Arts Friday here.

Fall Colors

2009-10-21T08:27:00.001-04:00

Wanted to share my view with you. This was the tree out my window this morning. Such beautiful oranges with hints of brown, yellow and green. Seems we are firmly planted in fall and I welcome it. Fall is my favorite season - I love the chilly (but not yet frigid) air. Perfect jeans and sweater weather. The colors of the trees from those still green to those in all their colored glory. I'm looking forward to "falling back" on November 1 and having an extra hour of sleep. I'm just plain enjoying fall.

PS. wouldn't these colors look great as a yarn?

Let there be light

2009-10-20T19:08:00.000-04:00

Today I changed 5 lightbulbs. 5.

They all burned out in the past week. Each were part of multiple bulb fixtures, so it wasn't pressing to change right away. I have a 3 bulb lantern lamp in my living room. 1 bulb was out. There is a 4 bulb vanity style light in my bathroom. 1 bulb was out. There is a 3 bulb overhead fixture in my bedroom. 1 bulb was out. There is a 2 bulb fixture in my hallway. 1 bulb was out. Finally, the 2nd bulb burned out in that fixture and it was time.

5 new lightbulbs. Phew.

A Very Hungry Caterpillar

2009-10-18T23:17:00.000-04:00

Last night was my nephew Sam's first birthday. Like his brother and cousin earlier this year, I set out to get him a book and knit a toy to go along with it. The book I chose for Sam was The Very Hungry Caterpillar . What a cute book!!

I had fun knitting this little guy. I found a generic caterpillar pattern that I highly modified so it more resembled the storybook.

I like the fact that this is long and thin (easy for little hands to hold) and Sam seemed to think the antenna were pretty tasty. Overall, I think he's great!

Milestone

2009-10-17T21:38:00.000-04:00

My nephew Sam had his first birthday party today. Jenna made some delicious pizza to share with the family (you did good, Jenna!) then friends came over for cake. It was a lovely evening, full of laughs and kids running around.

Sam seemed to enjoy himself, even partaking in a little "smash cake" of his own.

It made me laugh to see all the other kids wanting to help open the presents. They are so hard to resist!

Happy Birthday, big boy!

A special post to my Big Brother...

2009-10-16T15:29:00.000-04:00

My friend Mo discovered Malley's (the local chocolate shop) was selling Bacon Bark for Sweetest Day. She took it upon herself to gift some of this delicacy to the sweeties in her life (Thanks Mo!)

Aaron, of course I immediately thought of you. What's not to love with chocolate covered bacon? I'll make sure to bring some for you to try out this weekend!

Tis the Season for Secret Knitting

2009-10-16T14:53:00.000-04:00

After a glowing shout out on Melissa's blog, I decided I'd do my very first Fiber Arts Friday Blog post.

Although I've been happily knitting away the hours, a lot of my current projects aren't ready for public consumption. With Christmas coming in no time (along with a certain nephew's 1st birthday party tomorrow) I've kicked back into the silent gift knitting mode.

There are a couple of projects that I am happy to share progress reports on. I'm just over half finished with my first real lace project. This beautiful shawl is done with Mountain Colors Winter Lace yarn. Lace projects take a lot of brain power, so it is slow going. Can't work on this too late at night or I'll make mistakes. Lots of focus, but the end project is going to be worth it. I love the feel of the yarn and how light and airy the shawl will be.

I'm also getting close to being done with my first knee-sock. This is a pattern I've created myself, a toe up sock pattern with a horseshoe cable running up the back of the leg. It's done in Wildfoote sock yarn. This pattern is serving as a test run for a larger project - my first pair of kilt hose (which my older brother has requested). I wanted to try out cabling and leg shaping and creating my own pattern before taking on a project for him.

There are a few finished projects that I am happy to share:

The Airplane for my Nephew Ben's 3rd Birthday:

The cable knit alpaca hat to thank a co-worker:

A pair of socks for myself (with zauberball sock yarn given to me by my Daddy):

See more Fiber Arts Friday at Alpaca Farm Girl

Mr. Hanks follow-up (just 'cause.)

2009-10-13T13:51:00.000-04:00

We got to meet and have coffee with Tom Hanks this morning before he left.

Meeting Mr. Hanks

2009-10-12T21:16:00.000-04:00

Some days my job is awesome. Today was one of those days.

One of Tom Hanks' first acting gigs was with the Great Lakes Theater Festival. This weekend, he was back in town to support the Festival. He gave a talk this evening that I stage managed.

He's an incredibly gracious and funny man. The evening was entertaining, the audience loved him. Even the stage hands (a notoriously hard group to please) seemed taken with him.

I have always been a fan of Tom Hanks the movie star. Today, I became a fan of Tom Hanks the man. The person who remembers his roots and make other people remember too. The man who asked for the acting company to be onstage when he was introduced and connected with each of them as he came onstage. The man who took the time to thank the crew and take a couple of photos. The man who told me I did a good job today. Yup, he's pretty awesome.

Too Cool Not to Share

2009-10-06T00:52:00.000-04:00

I found this video over at Cleveland.com. A little taste of what Great Lakes Theater Festival does as a repertory theater. A few times a week (including between the 1:30 and 7:30 performances on Saturdays), the set is changed over from one show to the other (performing one show in the afternoon, the other in the evening.) This is a compressed video of the process.

Surprises in the Mail!

2009-10-05T12:50:00.000-04:00

It's official: I (heart) surprises. Makes me remember writing letters as a kid and getting a letter back. How exciting that was! This is something we've lost in our routine life. It's just not as exciting to see a new email or text message. I miss pen pals.

But, I digress...

I got my package in the mail from Pretty Knitty Jewelry's contest. And what a great surprise it was!

The yarn is just beautiful. I've been wanting to try my hand at fair isle and this yarn paired with a black wool may be just what I've been looking for!

The row counter is very cool and clever. I have to admit, I never really understood row counters beyond my hash-marks in my notebook. Seems like I'll have less to carry and my knitting will look pretty from row 1.

My "surprise" in the package was a beautiful knit bracelet (you read my mind! I had been looking at your etsy site and admiring those bracelets!) I've never knit with wire and it is so very cool. I've already showed it off at work.

Thank you again!

My Dad...

2009-10-01T16:16:00.001-04:00

...called me today to tell me he was wearing his hand-knitted socks.

I think that is pretty cool.

I'm a winner!!

2009-10-01T13:51:00.001-04:00

I wanted to give a shout out to Pretty Knitty Jewelry with a big thank you.

I found her blog through Ravelry when she posted she was offering a contest (complete with yarn and one of her cool handmade row counters). I went to her blog to check it out and entered.

Today, I found out I won! I'm very excited for the prize of course (I haven't ever used a row counter, so I'm very intrigued.) And I'm happy to have "met" another local knitter. I'm looking forward to going and checking out the knitting group and meet some more locals.

Another opening, another show

2009-09-28T08:47:00.001-04:00

After a busy couple of weeks stuck in the theater, Saturday brought the opening of The Mystery of Edwin Drood.

It was a great audience and a fun show. Hoping this marks the beginning of a successful run.

While unpacking after coming back from Boise, I re-discovered some crystals that had been sitting unused for years. My grandmother had given them to me, but the cord had snapped and I never really wore them.

A trip to Pat Catan's and with the addition of a few clear glass bead and a couple of smaller crystals, I was able to restring them into a new necklace. I whipped up some earrings to match. Cute and classy if I do say so myself. They really dressed up my simple black dress.

Opening was fun, but I'm looking forward to some time to myself again.

Home Again Home Again

2009-09-14T09:23:00.000-04:00

I've been home for two weeks now, and seems I've jumped straight into busy. Rehearsals and teaching are in full force. I go into tech this week. But I have managed a little time out for the family.

I got to meet my newest nephew, Gibson

And got to spend time with the others...

(Tyler seems to always be on the move! Wish I had gotten a shot with him.)

Cowgirls Unite

2009-08-21T18:02:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, a group of gals took our annual trip to the Rodeo. We went to the Caldwell Night Rodeo on Tough Enough to Wear Pink night (which raises money for breast cancer research. I think the last I heard last night. they had raised over $30,000). It's a great cause, and so much fun to see those cowboys all decked out in pink!

We, of course, couldn't pass up the opportunity to join in with our own sweet outfits.

(Hannah personalized her and Kris' shirts to say "Tuff Enuff")

It was a fun night. Too hot, but it is Idaho after all. Here are a few photos:

The "Tough Enough" flag - it auctioned off for $2,000.

The Gals:

Cowboys

Barrel Racing:

I did realize I don't really enjoy bull riding. It scares me too much (I saw a bull last night head butt one of the rodeo clowns. He got up and kept on with his job, but it left me cringing.) The rest, though, if exciting and I am amazed at what these talented and fearless people do.

A recommendation (or maybe an order.)

2009-08-11T17:57:00.001-04:00

If you have not already done so, go see Julie & Julia. 'Nuff said.

Black Hat Brigade

2009-08-09T16:09:00.000-04:00

Black Hats

2009-08-08T04:54:00.000-04:00

Earlier this summer, Knit Picks had a sale that was irresistible. Unfortunately, I didn't read closely enough and ordered worsted weight black yarn instead of sock yarn. What to do with all that un-planned for yarn? Hats. And lots of them:

Claudia:

Nottingham:

Black Squirrel:

Hawk Hat:

Macho Rib:

Christmas in July White Elephant August

2009-08-04T15:28:00.000-04:00

Last night, some of the tech crew got together for a "Christmas in July (in August) White Elephant Party." It was a chance to get together and hang out, eat good food, and exchange goofy gifts.

It was a progressive party of sorts, starting with dinner at Paul & Meghan's, then heading over to my place for dessert and gift exchange. We had a great turn out and lots of fun.

Everyone was very creative with their gifts this year. There were two ducks (a giant pirate rubber ducky as well as a motion activated talking duck decoy), a pirate in a bag kit (complete with skull bandanna, beer glass & beer, and pirate booty gold coins), a fiesta in a bag (sombrero, margarita glass & mix), a mini crock pot, a moo mixer chocolate milk mug, a scary big hunting knife (complete with band aids and gauze), lava lamp, a wallet & deck of cards, and a DVD. (More party photos on flickr).

I ended up with a very cool bubble tea party kit. Excited to try out since bubble tea is one of my favorites!.

My contribution was a hat (this is the third hat I've done and they are always well received.) This one was basic black (good for anyone) with a twin tree design like on mom's afghan. Leah ended up with the hat.

As darkness fell, we all headed out to the parking lot for sparklers. Fun to feel like a kid again.

Back to work today, and I have to admit, I'm looking forward to it.

10,000 yards (or admitting my obsession)

2009-08-01T18:41:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Ravelry and the Knit Meter, I can now not only keep track of all my projects, but also know how many yards (or feet or miles) I've knit this year. This week, I reached a milestone. I hit the 10,000 yard mark.

10,079 yards is 30,237 feet (362,844 inches).

10,079yards is 5.726 miles.

10, 079 is a LOT of yarn. I admit I have an obsession with knitting (although I'm not willing to admit I have a problem. I can quit any time!)

So, halfway through the year, I'm looking back on what I've accomplished.

I completed my biggest project in my Tree of Life Afghan

I conquered my fear of socks, from socks for me

to teeny socks

to Daddy socks.

I had my selfish moments with a new sweater

and thrummed mittens.

I discovered the fun of knitting toys

And the joy of knitting for Charity.

All that (and more) in just 7 months. The possibilities for the rest of the year have my fingers aching for yarn and needles.

Dad asked how much money 10,079 yards of yarn is. I don't even want to know, but I'm ready to buy more!

Wishing You Were (Still) Here

2009-08-01T01:58:00.001-04:00

It's been a wonderful week with Dad. One of the goals of the week was to not do so much that it felt like we needed another week of vacation to rest up from vacation!

Wednesday, we headed up to McCall for the day. It's a beautiful little resort town. The drive itself was worth the trip. It's amazing to see the scenery change from the brown foothills into beautiful green mountains. We enjoyed looking through the shops and spent some time on the beach. The weather was perfect, not too warm and a cool breeze.

Yesterday, we took in the Boise Art Museum. They had a few very cool exhibits. The first was Devorah Sperber's "Threads of Perception." She takes every day objects (spools of thread, pipe cleaners) and does amazing pixelized pieces, from "The Last Supper" to "Mona Lisa."

Second exhibit was Ann Weber's "Corrugated." Tall sculpture pieces made of cardboard and staples. Substantial and weighty, it's amazing to see it up close.

The third was a local artist, James Castle, who was born deaf. He never learned to read or sign. He spent his days creating pictures and boxes and books. His main tools were found objects (pieces of cardboard, etc) and soot with saliva.

All three exhibits were powerful and very cool to see. No photos, but if you are in Boise, I recommend checking it out.

Today was an easy afternoon, a couple of games of Scrabble and a good lunch. Dad got to the airport with plenty of time. After a couple of delayed flights and a race to catch his connecting flight, he made it home.

It was a lovely time and a little taste of home. Looking forward to getting back to see the rest of my family.

P.S.

2009-07-29T01:12:00.000-04:00

I Won! I beat my Dad at Scrabble for the first time (granted, it was my highest score of the week, and his lowest, but it's still a solid VICTORY!)

Vacation Update

2009-07-28T22:49:00.000-04:00

Dad and I have been enjoying our week together. Last night, we headed downtown to the historic Egyptian Theater. It's a beautiful old theater that first opened in 1927. Full of gilt and Egyptian design. It's a movie theater now. We saw Terminator Salvation. Movie was okay, theater was gorgeous.

Had dinner at Bardenay that night. Weather was beautiful. Not cool, not warm. We enjoyed the patio and some great food.

Today, we headed out to float the river.

We rented a kayak and headed out. With my water-proof bag in hand, I was willing to take my camera out on the river. Success! It was another beautiful day and we made the trip without flipping.

Afterward, we headed over to Donnie Mac's for a late lunch / early dinner. This was one restaurant Mom wanted to make sure I took Dad to. It's "Trailer Park" cuisine, which is surprisingly delicious. We sat at a table where we could feel the misters.

In for the night. Heading out to McCall tomorrow. Week's going by too fast.

The latest bug

2009-07-27T02:36:00.000-04:00

Seems this is the summer of bugs. Here's the one I met today:

I've Got Company!

2009-07-27T02:20:00.000-04:00

Dad arrived on Friday and it has been a wonderful couple of days.

So far, he's gotten to see both of my plays (the closing night of Comedy of Errors as well as two performances of The Mystery of Edwin Drood). We had a lovely time at the Saturday Morning Market and got to church this morning.

Dad has creamed me at Scrabble twice. He's finished reading one book, I'm almost finished with his second sock. We're having a good time.

I've got a few days off for the rest of the time he's here. We've got no definite plans (although there are a few things on our list). Sounds wonderful to me.

Card Sharks

2009-07-24T01:56:00.000-04:00

Almost every evening, a few of the tech staff gather behind the dressing room building to play cards before the show. It started with rummy and gin rummy, then progressed to eucher. A few weeks back, we added the game 500 to the repertoire, and last week I taught everyone pinochle.

Today, we all came in to work early for a card playing potluck. Delicious food, great company, and some competitive spirits. We all had a great time.

Today was not a winning day for me, but yesterday, I found all these beautiful cards in my hand:

Less than a day until I Daddy arrives. Looking forward to it.

Before and After

2009-07-22T15:58:00.000-04:00

Before:

After:

My friend Hannah came over last night to do my hair for me. On opening, she had the cutest curls in her hair. I wanted to know her secret. Well, it's fleece.

She uses strips of a light-weight polar fleece (around 2 inches x 8 inches). Then, with wet hair, you roll small pieces of your hair into the fleece then tie them. You only need to tie them once (no knot) because the fabric is a bit stretchy and will hold. Sleep in them overnight while it dries, and you've got curly hair.

This is basically an updated version of the old pink foam rollers. These, however, were a lot more comfortable. The hair wasn't pulled as tight, and the fleece is a lot more comfortable to sleep in than the old-school pinks. I think it would be a great idea for kids.

Taking it out today after 12 hours, I was overwhelmed to say the least. I've always wanted curly hair, but don't know that I was prepared for it. How the heck do you style it?? Well, a few bobby pins and one fabric belt later, I got my answer. It took a while to get used to, but I think I'm digging my new retro look.

Tomorrow, back to normal, but I have a feeling this new "do" will be showing up again.

My Funny Kitten

2009-07-22T13:39:00.001-04:00

I am a creature of habit. I am well aware of this. One of those habits is where I sit when I'm relaxing.

This apartment is furnished with a lovely sofa and love seat. I also have a table and chairs. But, I always sit on the right side of the love seat. Why? It's not in the direct sunlight. I have my computer set up there. It faces the TV. And it's just where I sit.

So, I had to laugh today. After some time spent knitting in "my spot," I got up to grab some water. Coming back a minute later, I found Sabine laying in my place. She looked at me with those "what?" eyes. I gave in. So, she's sleeping on the love seat, and I'm trying out a new spot on the couch.

A WHAT bug???

2009-07-22T02:18:00.000-04:00

This being my 5th summer in Boise, I thought I was used to the landscape, vegetation, and even bugs out here. I remember how surprised I was to see huge dragonflies and the beautiful butterflies, along with the deer, feral cats, and other animals that call our outdoor theater home.

But this week, I've discovered two new bugs I've never seen before. Not knowing what they were, I took photos to see if I could figure it out.

The first specimen I noticed a few days ago. There were a couple of dozen bugs, about the size of a fingernail, congregating around one bush in my apartment complex. From a distance, they looked like flat, black, tear-shaped bugs with a red edge. When I got a closer look through the photo, I discovered the shell / back is actually bumpy with ridges.

One of the actors at work suggested it looked like a stink bug. Sure enough, once I googled "Black red stink bug" images, I found a picture right away. Interesting little bug. Looking closer at it's back, it reminds me of a warrior face / mask.

Today, while sitting at the picnic table backstage, I noticed a bright colored insect crawling around at top speed. This one was bigger, probably 3/4 of an inch long and wouldn't stop moving. FAST. It kind of freaked me out. The colors itself - the bright angry red, not to mention it's fuzzy appearance - seemed to be a warning to stay away. Grabbed the camera. Not the best photo because this bug wasn't willing to stop and pose, but you get the idea.

This time, I typed in "Red black ant" into google. I discovered this guy was a Red Velvet ant (which is actually a type of wasp - the females don't have wings) that is otherwise known as a "Cow Killer." YIKES!!!

Craftin' Hope

2009-07-20T18:00:00.000-04:00

Today, I shipped out a baby blanket and little hat to Craft Hope.

It was a great project that I really enjoyed doing. I saw today on their website a tally of how many blankets, etc. they have received so far. It's amazing how a "home grown" charity project can grow so big. And how wonderful that there are so many wonderful people out there willing to give just a little of their time and talents for these babies.

I feel blessed to be a part of it in my own little way, and hope my contribution keeps one wee babe feeling just a little more loved and secure.

Overheard at the Post Office...

2009-07-20T14:20:00.000-04:00

"Honey, would you like to open the door?"

little girl runs over and pushed the handicap button to open door automatically.

"Hey mom? Do you remember when I pushed the button and it was the fire alarm?"

"Yes, honey. I do remember when you pushed the fire alarm. That was NOT fun."

A (much belated) update...

2009-07-18T17:42:00.000-04:00

After much time away from the blog, I figured I owed my (few :-) loyal readers an update.

The summer is moving along in potato-land at top speed. I've finally gotten both shows up and running and am now into the easier part of my summer. I am so thankful to have some down time!

Yesterday, I spent a leisurely couple of hours floating the Boise River. This was only my second time floating and my first time this year. Last year, I got an unexpected dunk due to the deadly tree of death, but I survived and faced my fears! This year we avoided the tree and had a grand time. Thanks to Cassie, Marly, Paul, and Meghan for letting me tag along!

This morning I headed for a quick trip to the market. After getting some beautiful and fragrant fresh basil and tomatoes along with my favorite bread (the High 5 Fiber Bread from Great Harvest) I decided to work one of my favorite summer salads into a sandwich.

Here's what I ended up with: I spread some yummy, tart goat cheese on one slice of bread, topped it with sliced tomatoes, a little sweet onion, and some mozzarella. Then, topped that with a home made creamy basil dressing (made with some balsamic, EVOO, a little mayo, salt & pepper, and of course, fresh basil). I also made a balsamic reduction sauce on the side. The sandwich was so tasty, but I definitely need to eat it with a knife and fork. It was a beautiful plateful of summer.

I've also spent some time knitting (surprise surprise!) My blanket for Craft Hope is about 75% done. My goal is to finish tomorrow, and have it washed and in the mail on Monday. It's been a fun little project. I also did a baby sized hat to send along.

Looking forward to next week when I'll be getting company!! My dad is coming out to spend the week. Not sure what we're going to be doing while he's here, but I'm sure there will be pictures and news to come. Wish Mom could come out too, but I'm looking forward to some father-daughter time. We don't get too much of that!

Daddy, Sabine is already planning for your visit:

Happy Anniversary!

2009-07-03T13:09:00.000-04:00

To the wonderful parents of three, the wonderful grandparents of five. We all love you so very much! Happy Anniversary. I hope you have a wonderful day today! Here's to many many more years together.

I love you!

Daddy

2009-06-21T12:04:00.001-04:00

Happy Father's Day!!

I love you so very much. Missing you and Mom and wishing I could spend today with you. Thank you for all your support and love.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

xox
-corrie

Craft Hope

2009-06-19T00:07:00.000-04:00

I heard about the Craft Hope page from The New Domestic's blog. What a beautiful outreach / charity project.

To quote Craft Hope, "Craft Hope is a faith-based, love inspired project designed to share handmade crafts with those less fortunate. It is our hope to combine our love for crafting and desire to help others into a project to make a difference around the world."

I fell in love with the premise from the moment I first went to their site. They do one project at a time, collecting specific items to send off around the world. The project they just finished was home made dolls that were sent to an orphanage in Nicaragua.

The project beginning now are home made baby blankets, hats, and booties to send to India. I've just signed up to make a blanket and hat. Items have to be in by July 25th.

So all you crafties out there, check it out and join in! This project is great because it's so versatile (items can be knit, crocheted, sewn, quilted, whatever. Just hand made!)

Now, to find time to get yarn for the project!

What's cooking...

2009-06-14T18:37:00.001-04:00

I spent most of this afternoon in the kitchen. Tuesday begins the busiest part of the summer. I'll be rehearsing all afternoon and in performances in the evening. With the long days looming, I decided to do some bulk cooking to freeze and have for later.

I ended up making 3 things. The first is a veggie pizza. A few months ago, one of the ladies brought this to bible study. It's so good, and I've been craving it for a couple of weeks. This one won't freeze, but it tastes so good!

The spread is a mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and dill. I topped it with carrots, tomatoes, broccoli, and red peppers.

The second recipe on my list today was corn chowder. This is one of my favorites. A nice creamy soup that is very easy to make.

I made a double batch of the soup. I had a bowl for lunch and have portioned out 6 individual meals. I'll freeze most of these and pull them out as I want them. (I love freezing in individual portions. It makes it so easy to deal with later!)

Finally, I made lasagna. Again, instead of a big pan, I made 5 loaf pans. This is 10 delicious and hearty portions. I added carrots, orange peppers, and onions to the meat to add some crunch. Looking forward to trying this for dinner.

So, the fridge is stocked, the kitchen is clean, and it's time to sit down and relax!

Knitting News

2009-06-13T15:06:00.000-04:00

I've been secretive lately with my knitting projects because I've been working on some gifts. But, now that they've been given, I can share a little!

I started this month with a new baby blanket for my new little nephew. Because I started the blanket before I knew he was a boy, I went with a neutral idea. I ended up with a rainbow colored blanket, but went with black in between each color (I thought this made it a little more cool and less obviously a baby item.)

The linen stitch is one of my new favorites. It creates a nice sturdy flat fabric. Thinking it would be good for the floor because it's not a holey blanket.

My next project this month was a market bag. I improvised this design, doing a basic stockinette square bottom and carried it up an inch of the side (to create a solid base for anything that's in the bag). Switched to a simple lacy / stretch stitch for the side, then completed the bag with linen stitch top and handle (less stretch and more sturdy.) This project was done in a sturdy cotton.

The last project (and perhaps the most fun) was a sweet little knit elephant. This was actually the 2nd elephant pattern I started. I was halfway through when I found this little guy who I loved. This is such a great pattern. The instructions were very clear and the shaping detail is amazing. I'm already hoping to make another of these for myself.

This little elephant went to my niece, Emma, who turned 3 yesterday. I paired it with a book called Yellow Elephant: A Bright Bestiary. She's big into books, so I wanted to add to her library. (Prasti, thanks for putting up pics of the play by play of her opening her presents. So fun to see!)

I've still got a couple of projects in the works that I'll have to tell you about later. But I'm quite pleased with my accomplishments so far!

Happy Birthday Emma!

2009-06-12T18:08:00.000-04:00

Happy 3rd Birthday to my favorite niece!!!

I love you and miss you tons!

Frustration

2009-06-11T21:58:00.000-04:00

Some days I dislike my job. Today was one of those days.

I spent today re-doing a lot of things I had already done earlier this week. Discouraging work. Stayed until 7pm, but at least it's done and I can start fresh tomorrow.

Victory!

2009-06-08T03:03:00.000-04:00

Tonight, I was bound and determined to get through an entire show. I put on my new opening night dress (the one that I vetoed wearing last night because of the rain) and headed out to work.

Beautiful, clear skies with small white puffy clouds were all I could see when I arrived. Alas, the dark ominous clouds followed. About 10 minutes before show time, it started to sprinkle. But just sprinkle. We did what we could with towels and rain burn and pressed on.

The drizzle lasted for the first 15 minutes of the show but didn't accumulate into anything bad. Then, the sky cleared! The rest of the evening was a bit cool, but beautiful.

We made it through the show. The audience seemed to enjoy themselves. I know we did too (it felt so good to actually get to do our jobs!)

Here's to more blue skies ahead!

Rain Rain Go Away!!!

2009-06-07T00:47:00.001-04:00

Well, this week has been miserable for outdoor theater. We've been outside. In the weather. (and by weather, I mean in the rain.)

It's been touch and go all week. We've had a few nice hours and a few heavy downpours. What, you may ask, do you do at an outdoor theater when it rains? Well, the quick answer is: it all depends. If it's a light mist, we tend to keep going for a while. But, for a downpour of if the light mist doesn't let up, we stop and wait. Once the rain is calming down, we'll put on a "rain burn" (all the lights onstage on to help dry and warm the stage) and take out giant squeegees and towels. For the most part, it's such a dry climate that we're back up and running rather quickly.

Alas, this week, we haven't been so lucky. Yesterday was our first public performance of the season. Today was opening night for Comedy of Errors. Last night, we got through 12 minutes of the show before we stopped. We waited another 45 minutes to see if the rain would let up before the show was canceled. Tonight, the show was canceled before it even began. The downpour started around 7pm. By 7:40, it was still going strong with no end in sight. So, the show was called. Audience will re-book tickets for other nights.

Sad start to the season. Here's to actually getting through one tomorrow...

Oh, and did I mention...

2009-05-22T00:26:00.000-04:00

That I have a beautiful new nephew??!!!

Congrats to Aaron, Prasti, Tyler, & Emma! And welcome to the world Gibson Marshall! I can't wait to meet you!

(photo by here to there)

Stuff on my Feet...

2009-05-22T00:22:00.000-04:00

Well, my "new addition" may not be quite as exciting as my beautiful new nephew, Gibson Marshall, but I think they are pretty cute!

One Week

2009-05-18T00:27:00.001-04:00

Well, it's been just over a week since I've arrived in Boise, and I've gotten a lot accomplished in this week!

Boxes are all unpacked. Things are all put away (although it already seems my apartment is in need of a clean up).

Started work on Tuesday. Most of my paperwork is done, rehearsal rooms are ready to go, contact has been made with actors, and I'm ready to jump in with "play practice" on Tuesday.

Got to the library and signed up for my library card. An important part of my life whichever city I'm in.

Got to church today. Went back to the Vineyard church where I felt very welcome. I was happy to be back. In the middle of the worship music, fire alarms went off. Seems they were starting BBQ grills for a lunch after service and the prevailing winds carried smoke inside. Things quieted down quickly, and the service continued uninterrupted. Sermon was on Ruth today (cool because the Ladies Life Group at Cross Point just finished up a study on Ruth).

I've also been busily working on a special knitting project. You may or may not know that I'm going to be an aunt again next week! That means working on a baby blanket to present to this new little 'yet to be.' I'm very excited about how this blanket is coming out, but have avoided blogging about it or posting pics so it can be a surprise. So, I've decided to do an Extreme Close-Up of the stitch. You can use your imagination about what this blanket is going to be. I'll post the big picture pics once the gift has been given.

So, that's the update on my first week. Missing you all, but doing well!