tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21270674950104665352013-08-27T17:47:45.260-05:00Regina's Fiber ArtA blog about my daily life & adventures in fiber art, knitting, weaving, etc.Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-36594002917847474912013-08-04T14:54:00.001-05:002013-08-04T14:54:19.924-05:00The Reason I Have Been Absent from the Blog<div style="text-align: left;">I realize I have been missing in action from the blog.</div><div><div style="text-align: left;">I should have posted a quick blurb explaining why ..... But I didn't. So what follows is the condensed version. </div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">I Moved My Studio!!!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">I am now located in the back of </div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.fibercloset.com/" target="_blank">The Fiber Closet</a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">"The Yarn Shop on the Square"</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">120 S. Market St.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Rockville, IN 47872</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="tel:765-569-2953" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true">765-569-2953</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="tel:765-569-2953" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWqh9M8B1dE/Uf6quo4GzmI/AAAAAAAAEio/joeThLVjSqM/s1600/2013-06-14+11.56.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UWqh9M8B1dE/Uf6quo4GzmI/AAAAAAAAEio/joeThLVjSqM/s320/2013-06-14+11.56.30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="tel:765-569-2953" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="telephone" x-apple-data-detectors="true"><br /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">This came about rather abruptly when Cheryl moved The Fiber Closet from her home to the new location on the square. As I way of helping her out and increasing my productivity, I moved my studio into the back room. All classes and activities that were located in my former space are still available in the new studio.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">As an added bonus, The Fiber Closet is currently open 7 days a week. This works out well for me because if you wish to purchase any of my products, chances are you can make it into Rockville much easier than you could catch me at the home studio. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAWAb3UEg5E/Uf6pvtB9QzI/AAAAAAAAEiM/S4SlsTWmO8I/s1600/2013-08-04+15.16.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gAWAb3UEg5E/Uf6pvtB9QzI/AAAAAAAAEiM/S4SlsTWmO8I/s200/2013-08-04+15.16.48.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpCSCQnZfr4/Uf6p0bsT7-I/AAAAAAAAEic/pjf2H66Vpfo/s1600/2013-08-04+15.17.27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PpCSCQnZfr4/Uf6p0bsT7-I/AAAAAAAAEic/pjf2H66Vpfo/s200/2013-08-04+15.17.27.jpg" width="150" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been crazy busy helping her move & set up the new shop. So far I have only moved 2 looms in but expect to get the rest in this fall. I seem to be much more inspired by being located near all the fiber. I especially love dye days when I can watch all the magic happen from my desk.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Also during this time frame I attended TNNA. The National Needles Arts summer show was in Columbus, OH in mid June. As always, I had the best of times. I love seeing all the new products coming out soon. I took a couple of classes and attended a few events that I will tell you about soon.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We made a trip to SanFrancisco to visit Emily & Chris. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fX4x__HWQiU/Uf6s2mPunYI/AAAAAAAAEi4/3rqt6dYXvSo/s1600/2013-04-27+14.53.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fX4x__HWQiU/Uf6s2mPunYI/AAAAAAAAEi4/3rqt6dYXvSo/s200/2013-04-27+14.53.47.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qhls-fz3M4A/Uf6s3myS8eI/AAAAAAAAEjA/7fdxIDtU9Oc/s1600/2013-05-01+16.13.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qhls-fz3M4A/Uf6s3myS8eI/AAAAAAAAEjA/7fdxIDtU9Oc/s200/2013-05-01+16.13.31.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Required trip to ImagiKnit</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fpLhiyGAzA/Uf6s420knTI/AAAAAAAAEjI/DWts9ReN30c/s1600/2013-05-03+20.19.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7fpLhiyGAzA/Uf6s420knTI/AAAAAAAAEjI/DWts9ReN30c/s200/2013-05-03+20.19.29.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ_K86dod4c/Uf6tjMIiqyI/AAAAAAAAEjY/VuoBUn0q4Qg/s1600/2013-08-02+20.19.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZ_K86dod4c/Uf6tjMIiqyI/AAAAAAAAEjY/VuoBUn0q4Qg/s200/2013-08-02+20.19.13.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx0qJrhwWYk/Uf6tgnrxN1I/AAAAAAAAEjQ/wJQH8zW-eCo/s1600/2013-07-05+16.14.09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cx0qJrhwWYk/Uf6tgnrxN1I/AAAAAAAAEjQ/wJQH8zW-eCo/s200/2013-07-05+16.14.09.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">We celebrated a couple of very important birthdays in July. Lily (4) and Liam (2) each got to spend a special day with Nana & Pop Pop. There was toy shopping, special dinners, movies. I am not sure who had more fun, the kids or us. I do know who wore out first.....me!</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, That was the short ( haha) recap of my life recently. Hopefully I will be back soon with more details on TNNA, the TKGA show in Indy and Stitches Midwest in Schaumburg</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the needles:</div><div style="text-align: left;">A vest for The Fiber Closet KAL</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">A Duo Shawlette</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Swatches for several upcoming classes</div><div style="text-align: left;">Various UFO projects currently in hiding</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Be kind! Be tolerant,</div><div style="text-align: left;">and as always......</div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;">Live a creative life!!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-79211885516871902112013-03-10T10:15:00.000-05:002013-03-10T10:32:57.258-05:00Baby Surprise Jacket ChallengeI work much better under pressure. Otherwise, I tend to spend too much time on the internet, reading, dreaming or just generally wasting time. So I created a nice little challenge for myself. Let me start at the beginning.<br /><br />I made a sweet little blue & white with blue teddy bear buttons <a href="http://schoolhousepress.com/" target="_blank">Baby Surprise Jacket </a>(BSJ) for Max.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7WKNlXtLx0/UTyR_2wHseI/AAAAAAAAESs/TfcbptuOmYw/s1600/2013-03-07+10.12.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k7WKNlXtLx0/UTyR_2wHseI/AAAAAAAAESs/TfcbptuOmYw/s320/2013-03-07+10.12.39.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I tried it on him he looked so adorable!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mqvJ2GFuJs/UTySH5SX7gI/AAAAAAAAESw/LV5A6f3Q_8s/s1600/2013-03-07+00.02.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--mqvJ2GFuJs/UTySH5SX7gI/AAAAAAAAESw/LV5A6f3Q_8s/s320/2013-03-07+00.02.21.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99AVAgxkBck/UTySIJt1oII/AAAAAAAAES0/2KXvAmIPK4Y/s1600/2013-03-07+00.03.07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-99AVAgxkBck/UTySIJt1oII/AAAAAAAAES0/2KXvAmIPK4Y/s320/2013-03-07+00.03.07.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9y6oMCXusg/UTyUVQQ2isI/AAAAAAAAETA/nrVIamSxWDs/s1600/2013-03-07+10.11.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s9y6oMCXusg/UTyUVQQ2isI/AAAAAAAAETA/nrVIamSxWDs/s320/2013-03-07+10.11.08.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While I was cooing over him....Liam looked at me with those big beautiful eyes that said "Nana, where is my sweater?"</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTGxlloPsBc/UTyUzaZZb0I/AAAAAAAAETI/0cWmp2H1opo/s1600/2013-02-27+17.34.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TTGxlloPsBc/UTyUzaZZb0I/AAAAAAAAETI/0cWmp2H1opo/s320/2013-02-27+17.34.47.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />Lily even wore Max's sweater around like a little shrug. <br />Then she insisted on wearing my sweater around for a bit.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So naturally I told them I would make them each one too. I mean sweaters for grandkids are a must, right??<br /><br />This is where my crazy kicks in. I thought...."Oh, how cute would they look in matching little BSJ's for Easter pictures." I knew I could get the same yarn in pink & green at <a href="http://www.fibercloset.com/" target="_blank">The Fiber Closet</a>. BSJ's are quick, fun little knits. So this would be a piece of cake. Somewhere in the back of my mind the sane part was trying to tell me that Easter is early this year but I am very good at ignoring her.<br /><br />So I decided I could totally do this but I might need a little help focusing. That's where you come in. If I post this all over Facebook, Twitter & the Blog.....I will have to be accountable. I will have to finish on time!!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ncIIFfnHeE0/UTycXR4GYOI/AAAAAAAAETU/qsMCsZUDHuc/s1600/2013-03-10+09.43.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ncIIFfnHeE0/UTycXR4GYOI/AAAAAAAAETU/qsMCsZUDHuc/s200/2013-03-10+09.43.25.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mira Shawl by Michelle Miller FickleKnitter<br />Yarn is LaJolla by <a href="http://baahyarn.com/users/awp.php?ln=713388" target="_blank">Baah Yarn</a></td></tr></tbody></table>You will be there in the background (or in my face) saying .... "Put that <a href="http://shop.fickleknitter.com/collections/new/products/fickle-mystery-jkal-with-jknit-instant-download" target="_blank">Mira Shawl</a> down. You didn't finish the <a href="http://www.jakrosoft.com/jknit.html" target="_blank">JKnit</a> / <a href="http://www.fickleknitter.com/" target="_blank">FickleKnitter</a> <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/michelle-miller" target="_blank">JKal</a> on time so why are you trying to knit on it now. Get back to the business at hand!" (Here is a quick pic of it...more on this in a separate post) <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />or<br />"This is not the time to organize the stash! Quit stalling"<br /><br />or<br />"Why are you playing around on the internet? Don't you have baby knits to finish?" You see, it is all about making myself accountable.<br /><br />College Basketball March Madness is nearly upon us. I plan to spend lots of time watching & rooting for my favorite teams. A BSJ is certainly simple enough for me to knit while watching sports on tv. See how this is all coming together? It's like it was meant to be. <br /><br />So I am off to knit a bit. I started yesterday....twice. Seems I can knit just fine but have trouble counting??<br />I will keep you posted on my progress and if you see me on FB or Twitter too much....Tell me to<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Get back to work!"</div><br /><br /><br /><br />Edited to add: Feel free to knit along with me. Don't you have someone who needs a BSJ?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-25630144887152245522013-01-13T11:08:00.001-06:002013-01-13T11:08:42.628-06:00A Dreary, Drizzly DayYesterday it rained & rained & then rained some more. <br />The south field is beginning to<br />look like a large pond.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dApi9CPD8BU/UPLdenBEIOI/AAAAAAAAEPs/URVviyUW3bc/s1600/2013-01-13+09.58.53.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dApi9CPD8BU/UPLdenBEIOI/AAAAAAAAEPs/URVviyUW3bc/s320/2013-01-13+09.58.53.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br />Today it has turned to a freezing drizzle. Hopefully the ice build-up will be minor. We have enough electrical problems around here recently without Mother Nature adding to them.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZKDev4ABR4/UPLde5qcZbI/AAAAAAAAEPk/yw665g6zpLQ/s1600/2013-01-13+09.59.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cZKDev4ABR4/UPLde5qcZbI/AAAAAAAAEPk/yw665g6zpLQ/s320/2013-01-13+09.59.20.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSlem5NMe_A/UPLgc3UgR9I/AAAAAAAAEQs/uFQzqCezLtQ/s1600/2013-01-13+10.21.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KSlem5NMe_A/UPLgc3UgR9I/AAAAAAAAEQs/uFQzqCezLtQ/s200/2013-01-13+10.21.21.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />The only way to deal with this type of day is soup & knitting. I put a huge kettle of beans on to simmer. Great way to use up that Christmas ham bone that was taking up space in my freezer. (To all friends who don't eat meat, pork or beans, don't look!) My recipe for the beans: Soak them overnight, drain & rinse, cover with a few inches of fresh water, add the seasonings you prefer (I just use salt & pepper), diced onions and a ham bone. Simmer all day on low. I usually make a huge kettle full with about 4 lbs of dry beans. I then freeze the soup in gallon zip bags for nights when I am in a hurry.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0AUkBiw-jo/UPLevdz_79I/AAAAAAAAEQM/QFr2U2I0_3s/s1600/2012-12-13+22.27.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X0AUkBiw-jo/UPLevdz_79I/AAAAAAAAEQM/QFr2U2I0_3s/s320/2012-12-13+22.27.16.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />I am working on a new design series.<br />I hope to be able to share details with you soon. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />In my spare time (hahahahahah) I am working on a couple of personal knitting projects. One is a KAL with a favorite designer of mine, <a href="http://www.fickleknitterdesign.com/" target="_blank">FickleKnitter</a>. I will share more on that the next time. She deserves a post of her own. I also am planning a future blog about the <a href="http://www.jakrosoft.com/jknit.html" target="_blank">Jknit app</a>. I have become a fan.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzS2GIDdGJA/UPLkwNcFSjI/AAAAAAAAERU/jPu2nyat0BM/s1600/2013-01-06+12.25.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VzS2GIDdGJA/UPLkwNcFSjI/AAAAAAAAERU/jPu2nyat0BM/s320/2013-01-06+12.25.55.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yarn is La Jolla by <a href="http://baahyarn.com/" target="_blank">Baah Yarn</a>. Lovely colorways.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I got on a hat kick during the holidays. I made this for my grandson Liam.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCosEVui2gg/UPLcxuBZBpI/AAAAAAAAEPc/av-OY0ZN5UE/s1600/2012-12-18+10.55.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OCosEVui2gg/UPLcxuBZBpI/AAAAAAAAEPc/av-OY0ZN5UE/s320/2012-12-18+10.55.39.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>His PopPop liked it so much he requested one too. I need to take a picture of the two of them in their matching train hats.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> I will probably have the pattern up on Ravelry soon. <br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aul1KMrt_ak/UPLh13270eI/AAAAAAAAERA/SmR7G1aAdAM/s1600/2012-12-20+16.26.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Aul1KMrt_ak/UPLh13270eI/AAAAAAAAERA/SmR7G1aAdAM/s320/2012-12-20+16.26.30.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiber Closet knit group X-mas party.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />I run everything by my<a href="http://www.fibercloset.com/servlet/StoreFront" target="_blank"> local knit group</a> & if they<br />seem interested, I deem it worthy to go ahead<br /> with the pattern.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I am feeling the pull from my knitting nest by the window so I will close for today with a picture of my<br /><div style="text-align: center;">" view from the knit nest".</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FAKhsemK5gA/UPLdezpj4WI/AAAAAAAAEPo/YBtLey1QU6Y/s1600/2013-01-13+10.00.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FAKhsemK5gA/UPLdezpj4WI/AAAAAAAAEPo/YBtLey1QU6Y/s320/2013-01-13+10.00.52.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Peaceful Sunday to all!!</div>Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-61781804968814961772013-01-12T18:02:00.001-06:002013-01-12T18:02:58.311-06:00A New Year....A Renewed FocusWelcome 2013.<br /><br />This past year has been full of wonderful family & fiber events. I fully expect 2013 to be just as awesome.<br /><br />The last few months of 2012 were so very busy for me. We had graduations, trips and some minor family emergencies that just seemed to keep me on the run and away from the studio.<br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vZCjdrM4nWw/UPHx_QKhaZI/AAAAAAAAEOI/my9FkioGFjQ/s1600/Winter+Cardinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vZCjdrM4nWw/UPHx_QKhaZI/AAAAAAAAEOI/my9FkioGFjQ/s320/Winter+Cardinal.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bright spot in the day</td></tr></tbody></table>However it is now the "dead" of winter. I wonder where that phrase comes from? Anyway, Jan & Feb are usually the time period that I hunker down here on the farm. I love to work near the window and watch the winter rains, snows, winds and wildlife. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Living in central Illiana you are never sure what you will see outside!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tTCoFoNWvHQ/UPH1tYdnd3I/AAAAAAAAEOs/Q6Pkvu5gsq0/s1600/Duke+in+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tTCoFoNWvHQ/UPH1tYdnd3I/AAAAAAAAEOs/Q6Pkvu5gsq0/s320/Duke+in+tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat won the race. (late summer)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />There may be snow, wind & near white out conditions for a day or two<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Av6J2xA8GZo/UPH1tP7rjQI/AAAAAAAAEOo/TU4y0Rs6ih8/s1600/Ambushers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Av6J2xA8GZo/UPH1tP7rjQI/AAAAAAAAEOo/TU4y0Rs6ih8/s320/Ambushers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambush in the planning stages</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-el_gW1nznKc/UPH36jXxM-I/AAAAAAAAEPI/whbtBN5Eilg/s1600/winter+trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-el_gW1nznKc/UPH36jXxM-I/AAAAAAAAEPI/whbtBN5Eilg/s320/winter+trees.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beauty in a gray day.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />followed by near 60 degrees, balmy breezes, which in turn usually bring a thunderstorm with heavy rains. <br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LiJOnX1AZoo/UPH1TZNkfQI/AAAAAAAAEOc/DzyfQ8TQk9o/s1600/Rainbow's+end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LiJOnX1AZoo/UPH1TZNkfQI/AAAAAAAAEOc/DzyfQ8TQk9o/s320/Rainbow's+end.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken in the early fall</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />This makes it a lovely time for me to get in some designing, work on projects for the spring fiber festivals and recharge my batteries after the frenzy of holiday gatherings.<br /><br />I hope you have all had the best possible end to 2012 and may you start 2013............<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Refreshed</div><div style="text-align: center;">Revived</div><div style="text-align: center;">Recharged</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHZ-xaZa--8/UPH1tO3QB2I/AAAAAAAAEOk/6t4Zmd_1ITk/s1600/Frosty+Morn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yHZ-xaZa--8/UPH1tO3QB2I/AAAAAAAAEOk/6t4Zmd_1ITk/s320/Frosty+Morn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> and most of all............ filled with renewed inspiration for life! Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-419818418041088902012-10-02T11:52:00.000-05:002012-10-02T11:52:54.598-05:00Deadlines!When I am on such a tight deadline....why oh why do I always suddenly find myself enthused about all the wrong things. Instead of finishing the weaving projects I have going, the photos I need to get done for the patterns, the yarns that need dyed for the kits, etc. I find myself suddenly obsessed with..........sock knitting machines. I know, how strange is that? Luckily I am not buying any just watching lots of YouTube videos and such.<br /><br />I have got a bit done. I finally blocked the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-baah-one-skein-shawl" target="_blank">Baah Shawl</a>. It is a really fun pattern by Michelle Miller of <a href="http://www.fickleknitter.com/" target="_blank">FickleKnitter</a> fame. I love her one-skein shawls. I used <a href="http://baahyarn.com/index.html" target="_blank">Baah Yarn</a>, La Jolla in Chocolate Latte. It turned out great. Here are a couple of pictures. Better pictures will be posted ( probably on Ravelry ) when it's not rainy & dreary outside.<br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVReIAJU6GQ/UGsSciub58I/AAAAAAAAEGM/A-Jl2TEpXMs/s1600/2012-10-01+12.47.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yVReIAJU6GQ/UGsSciub58I/AAAAAAAAEGM/A-Jl2TEpXMs/s200/2012-10-01+12.47.26.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love blocking wires!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbMrmcG4xkI/UGsSefiCgaI/AAAAAAAAEGU/KIABK9SEKGo/s1600/2012-10-02+11.09.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbMrmcG4xkI/UGsSefiCgaI/AAAAAAAAEGU/KIABK9SEKGo/s320/2012-10-02+11.09.25.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blocking works magic on lace shawls!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I spent a good 30 minutes searching for my blocking wires. When I finally decided to just forget it & pin the crap out of it, I grabbed my <a href="http://www.bagsmith.com/products/Block-n-Roll.html" target="_blank">Block n Roll Mat</a> and imagine my surprise when the tube of blocking wires fell out of the center of the roll. <br />It's a great place to store the wires as long as you can<br />remember that you put them there.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br />In the midst of my push to get things ready for the Covered Bridge Festival....I decided I absolutely must practice my spinning. So out came the wheel, which needed cleaned & oiled just so I could decide.... "No, I do not have time for this".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1r2uPUmcP2s/UGsTiCI3VwI/AAAAAAAAEGg/jg1a-dWd59k/s1600/IMAG0070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1r2uPUmcP2s/UGsTiCI3VwI/AAAAAAAAEGg/jg1a-dWd59k/s320/IMAG0070.jpg" width="190" /></a>But it does look lovely now.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kyBodppzCGU/UGsWiLikOkI/AAAAAAAAEG0/drbC1Mpze3Q/s1600/2012-10-02+11.26.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kyBodppzCGU/UGsWiLikOkI/AAAAAAAAEG0/drbC1Mpze3Q/s320/2012-10-02+11.26.58.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />I have a scarf on the loom that I am determined to finish today. The yarn to the side is the next one up. I am so in love with these scarves. They are so soft and luxurious with subtle stripes provided by the Noro yarn. I wish the lighting in here could show you how beautiful the colors are.<br /><br /><br /><br />Well, time is flying by so check back soon to see what else I have accomplished in my deadline crafting.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q0-Ze2Rx2E/UGsaaHvq_-I/AAAAAAAAEHI/8PdWzPCCPJc/s1600/Covered+Bridge+Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Q0-Ze2Rx2E/UGsaaHvq_-I/AAAAAAAAEHI/8PdWzPCCPJc/s200/Covered+Bridge+Logo.png" width="200" /></a></div>And don't forget to visit me at <a href="http://www.coveredbridges.com/" target="_blank">the Bridge Fest</a>! <br /><br /></div>Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-85528237644387086222012-09-28T22:40:00.001-05:002012-09-28T22:40:52.822-05:00New Focus?So, here's the deal. I seem to really suck at having to write about specific events.<br /><br />This is obvious by how much I didn't write about over the summer. I could have told you all about the <a href="http://www.hoosierhillsfiberfestival.com/" target="_blank">Hoosier Hills Fiber Festival</a>, my daughters wedding & PhD ceremony, TNNA, family celebrations, the birth of a new grandbaby, designing, knitting, weaving, etc. Now I had no one telling me what I had to write. I just thought that was the direction I wanted to go. Apparently I was wrong.<br /><br />Therefore, I think I am going to just start putting up random daily posts about whatever crosses my mind while I am typing. That way ya'll can see just how wacky & crazy my daily life is....or how boring.<br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OXUixNzkF80/UGZlFy5zJMI/AAAAAAAAEFc/z6mEzgJmHEE/s1600/clip-art-cleaning-385513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OXUixNzkF80/UGZlFy5zJMI/AAAAAAAAEFc/z6mEzgJmHEE/s200/clip-art-cleaning-385513.jpg" width="189" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">This image is pretty accurate on my feelings about cleaning.</span></td></tr></tbody></table>So on with the show for today.<br /><br />Today I cleaned and organized myself a bit. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The annual <a href="http://www.coveredbridges.com/index.php/covered_bridge_festival" target="_blank">Covered Bridge Festival</a> in Parke County Indiana starts 2 weeks from today. I have a booth there (behind the <a href="http://www.fibercloset.com/" target="_blank">Fiber Closet</a>, in Rockville). So far I don't have that much to display/sell in it. I need to put in some serious crafting time to be ready. Today was about getting my self ready for the big push to get everything done. I always say I work best under pressure. We will see.<br /><br />I hope to just post a little something everyday. Maybe a bit of a countdown to the start of the festival. Let me know if you are enjoying any of it.<br /><br />It should be a fun time. <br /><br />Gina<br /><br />Ps. You are NOT off the hook on all those pictures & stories about my summer. It's just that you will get to read them when that is what my mind is thinking about. But here are a couple of tidbits that were on my mind today.<br /><br /><u>Easy Peasy Mac & Cheese</u><br /><u><br /></u>Layer these in order in a 9x13 pan<br /><br />2 cups of dry macaroni<br />1 stick of butter/oleo cut into pats<br />1 handful of mozzarella cheese<br />2 handfuls of shredded cojack cheese (or your favorite)<br />About 5 cups of milk<br /><br />Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.<br /><br />Perfection!!<br /><br /><br />Pictures of a recent lunch outing with Liam ( 1 yr old )<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9uUDFvI160/UGZqMm0fGfI/AAAAAAAAEFw/FFMx7PVX-fw/s1600/2012-08-29+13.58.39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9uUDFvI160/UGZqMm0fGfI/AAAAAAAAEFw/FFMx7PVX-fw/s320/2012-08-29+13.58.39.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Really Nana, We're at Steak & Shake & you gave me crackers??"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uz3nabb3I1w/UGZrIsxdt2I/AAAAAAAAEF4/9OPsVLKjZq8/s1600/2012-08-29+14.02.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uz3nabb3I1w/UGZrIsxdt2I/AAAAAAAAEF4/9OPsVLKjZq8/s320/2012-08-29+14.02.31.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I will smile for chili & fries!</td></tr></tbody></table>Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-14878233938450104212012-09-24T17:57:00.001-05:002012-09-27T09:14:35.136-05:00Summer Part 2Next up I was at <a href="http://www.thefiberevent.com/" target="_blank">The Fiber Event</a> along with Cheryl Moreo from <a href="http://thefibercloset.com/" target="_blank">the Fiber Closet</a>.<br /><br />The Fiber Event in Greencastle, IN is a favorite for me as it is close enough to drive home every evening. It's also usually the first bigger show where I can visit & catch up with other vendors to find out what they have been up to over the winter and what their new products are. It's always fun to meet up with Carol Wagner of <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleyfarmwoolenmill.com/" target="_blank">Hidden Valley Farm</a> and her cohort. This is also the first show where I have the opportunity to spend way, way too much money ( if that's possible ) while visiting with Kimber & Ellie. Kimber is the owner of <a href="http://kimberbaldwindesigns.com/" target="_blank">Fiber Optics Yarn & Kimber Baldwin Designs</a>. Her yarn comes in the most vibrant, exciting colors. You have to see them in person to get the entire "retina searing" effect.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zI6FfrU19Go/UA2GqNe8w1I/AAAAAAAAEFA/CSJz7hqBAec/s1600/GrapeEscape-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zI6FfrU19Go/UA2GqNe8w1I/AAAAAAAAEFA/CSJz7hqBAec/s200/GrapeEscape-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YP9vJByzHHY/UA2F5ckArMI/AAAAAAAAEE4/ATPiKyFwt7A/s1600/Extra_Yarn_300_wide.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YP9vJByzHHY/UA2F5ckArMI/AAAAAAAAEE4/ATPiKyFwt7A/s200/Extra_Yarn_300_wide.png" width="200" /></a><br />I also picked up a copy of "<a href="http://www.macbarnett.com/extrayarn.html" target="_blank">Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett</a> from Kimber. This is a wonderful picture book for children. My granddaughter absolutely loves it. We read it every time she visits. It's a nice addition to any fiber person library whether you have children around or not.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The year the weather was pretty good for Indiana in the spring. Just 1 quick shower. No floods, snow, wind etc. Nice change from recent years. The Fiber Event is a fairly large show. It has three buildings of fibery fun, lots of interesting classes and a very nice mix of products. This year I added KnitPicks needles & notions, dellaQ bags, Soak wash & Heel foot cream to my line of handwovens, hand knits and felted items. This gives me a broader base for the shows where the average customer is more interested in making their own fiber crafts than purchasing ready made items. It was a good show for us this year. We plan to be back next year. Look us up!Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-138156150763622572012-07-01T15:39:00.000-05:002012-07-01T15:39:25.191-05:00Summer Review - A Visit with "The Yarn Harlot"Sorry for the long delay. I have been a wee bit ( tongue in cheek) distracted by my life. Oh, where to start?? Let's just back up to the beginning of the summer.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wYInC_cfN5k/T_Cw-_CjegI/AAAAAAAAEEI/4FsC9V8m0gE/s1600/2012-05-10+12.38.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wYInC_cfN5k/T_Cw-_CjegI/AAAAAAAAEEI/4FsC9V8m0gE/s200/2012-05-10+12.38.25.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://thefibercloset.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl</a> and I had the unexpected opportunity to take a class with the <a href="http://yarnharlot.ca/" target="_blank">Yarn Harlot</a> herself, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. It was a full day class at <a href="http://www.knittingtoday.com/" target="_blank">Knitting Today</a> in Wolcottville, IN. Rather than leave at an ungodly time of the morning, we decided to drive up the day before. We made a couple of yarn shop visits along the way. Seriously, you know you all think that way...."How many yarn shops are between home & where I am traveling to?" First up was <a href="http://www.knit-stop.com/" target="_blank">Knit Stop</a> in Indianapolis. This is a very large yet lovely & inviting store in the Clearwater Shoppes area. While we were there we ran into <a href="http://www.spinningdaily.com/members/Kate-Larson/default.aspx" target="_blank">Kate Larson</a> from our <a href="http://www.swiftindiana.org/" target="_blank">SWIFT</a> group. It turns out she teaches there. It's a small world we knitters live in.<br /><br />We next traveled to Fort Wayne where we discovered <a href="http://www.knittingoffbroadway.com/" target="_blank">Knitting Off Broadway</a>. We had a nice time visiting this quaint shop run by a mother & daughter team. Then it was on to Kendallville for dinner and finding a hotel. We spent the evening searching <a href="http://ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> for patterns to complement the yarns we bought during the day. Then it was an early turn-in so as to be fresh the next morning, which was the whole point of this day before trip. Stop that laughing! Really, it had nothing to do with buying more yarn.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEjDgKzytgM/T_CxEKuF_pI/AAAAAAAAEEg/U19gM1702xQ/s1600/2012-05-10+15.51.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HEjDgKzytgM/T_CxEKuF_pI/AAAAAAAAEEg/U19gM1702xQ/s200/2012-05-10+15.51.43.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such Concentration!</td></tr></tbody></table>The class we took was titled, "Knitting for Speed and Efficiency". Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with nice, slow, peaceful knitting. I quite enjoy that at times. However, to steal Cheryl's line...."It would be nice to finish something before I get bored & want to start 10 new things." So perhaps a bit of speed is in order for me. The morning session concentrated on the history of knitting, knitting as seen through art, various techniques through-out time, So many things I had never really thought about. A person as obsessed with knitting as I am should know much more about the subject than I do. <br /><br />We broke for a lovely buffet lunch provided by Knitting Today owner, Lea-Ann McGregor then got busy in the afternoon learning different techniques to speed up your knitting whether you are a picker, thrower or lever knitter like Stephanie. We had varying degrees of success. Some knitters gained speed, others lost a bit while practicing new techniques and some were so completely over-whelmed they nearly forgot how to knit at all. But after personal attention to each knitter from the talented instructor, everyone came away with so many tips and tricks that we can't help but be better knitters.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLByPWb32Pw/T_CxA9V5LbI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/Y5rdJwXOQrQ/s1600/2012-05-10+15.26.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VLByPWb32Pw/T_CxA9V5LbI/AAAAAAAAEEQ/Y5rdJwXOQrQ/s200/2012-05-10+15.26.00.jpg" width="119" /></a><br />Stephanie recommends practicing a bit everyday to build your muscle memory. This is good advice for any new technique whether knitting related or not. I would suggest if you ever get a chance to take a class or attend a lecture with the Yarn Harlot that you not pass it up. She is so very entertaining ( even when ill & hoarse from the dreaded plague). I can promise you a good time was had by all in attendance. A special thank you goes out to Lea-Ann and her family for welcoming us to their delightful shop.<br /><br /><br /><br />As a final note....at every stop on this trip I shopped for the perfect pattern & yarn for a special wedding gift.<br />More on that next time.<br /><br /><br />Happy (insert your favorite fiber art addiction here)!!<br /><br />ReginaRegina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-57058871005650657212012-05-16T15:12:00.001-05:002012-05-16T15:30:26.048-05:00Knit Circus Spring Retreat 2012 - Day Three<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Sorry for the delay. I wrote several posts & set them to publish on a schedule. Didn't happen. Probably operator error. Happens a lot around here. </b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>DAY THREE</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Today was my do anything, relaxing drive home day. HA! Never tempt the powers that be with a statement like that.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First up I visited <a href="http://www.brennansmarket.com/blog/" target="_blank">Brennan's Market</a> across the street from my hotel. I wanted to pick up some lovely cheese & produce to take home with me. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amy.detjen" target="_blank">Amy </a> (at least I think it was Amy) recommended their cheese that has grill marks on it? Have to tell you....that one is delicious! After you warm it in the microwave for a few seconds....it sort of tastes just like the baked, gooey cheese on top of my homemade lasagna. I picked up several goodies, including possibly the best oranges I have ever had & moved on to the next stop<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SMusTIwN-QQ/T7P29LcZxqI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/Hedl1oGEy60/s1600/2012-04-15+11.08.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SMusTIwN-QQ/T7P29LcZxqI/AAAAAAAAD_Y/Hedl1oGEy60/s200/2012-04-15+11.08.38.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DN3Ast-6Hj0/T7P258p1LWI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/5M-1DnNrvsI/s1600/2012-04-15+11.08.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DN3Ast-6Hj0/T7P258p1LWI/AAAAAAAAD_Q/5M-1DnNrvsI/s200/2012-04-15+11.08.11.jpg" width="200" /></a>....T<a href="http://www.wisconsincraftmarket.com/" target="_blank">he Wisconsin Craft Market</a>. Oh my goodness....What a store!! I do believe they have every color of Cascade there is. I was quite overwhelmed. It is worth the visit just for this, let alone all the other yarns, tools and supplies.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style="text-align: left;">With an eye to the sky, I decided to start for home. There were numerous reports of strong storms heading my way. I hit the interstate heading south. The radar looked ominous so I just kept driving. I quickly learned not to watch the rear view mirror too closely. Lightening & wickedness were right behind me. I began to feel a sense of relief as I thought I was out running the storms. I thought a quick visit to Sam's Club in Champaign would be fine. I ran in got a couple things, came out and the world was green. That eerie, creepy, calm green like some major bad mojo was about to descend on us. Once again I was on the road and once again I was lucky enough to stay ahead of the storms. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I cruised into the garage and made it to the house just as the rains began. I think that was a first for me. I outran the storm from Madison Wisconsin all the way to central Illiana, 315 miles! Crazy luck huh.....hmm, I probably should have bought a lottery ticket.</div><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b><br /></b></div>Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-57534657094753478052012-05-03T13:00:00.000-05:002012-05-03T13:38:56.085-05:00KnitCircus Spring Retreat 2012 - Day TWO<br /><div style="text-align: center;">KnitCircus Spring Retreat 2012 - Day TWO</div><br />Class time. I was up & ready without out needing any alarms. Isn't that always the way it works?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GoJ_fJJXBaU/T6FmpmFe0NI/AAAAAAAAD2c/8WQKNVYut2Q/s1600/2012-05-02+11.50.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GoJ_fJJXBaU/T6FmpmFe0NI/AAAAAAAAD2c/8WQKNVYut2Q/s200/2012-05-02+11.50.48.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Upon registration we each received a scrumptious swag bag filled with goodies including yarn. Woohoo! Who doesn't love free yarn?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6QdYOaKSEg/T6FmZU0G85I/AAAAAAAAD2U/XWKGVLWx66c/s1600/2012-04-14+16.08.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p6QdYOaKSEg/T6FmZU0G85I/AAAAAAAAD2U/XWKGVLWx66c/s200/2012-04-14+16.08.00.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Stephannie, Amy & Jaala</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br />First up was the Knitting an Entrelac Tam Class with Amy Detjen. I have to say Amy is such fun. If you ever get the chance to take a class or even just visit with her, I highly recommend you jump at the chance. She is so personable. It is like jumping right into a discussion with an old friend you haven't seen in ages. There is no awkward, getting acquainted stage. We share a love of purple, a whatever gets the job done attitude, and evidently a penchant for singing loudly in the car. The class was great, everyone was excited to learn that elusive backwards knitting technique. Here is a picture of my still unfinished tam<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2gsG1VZvh0/T6Fo9R2J0-I/AAAAAAAAD20/XzrnCKE7d18/s1600/2012-05-02+11.56.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g2gsG1VZvh0/T6Fo9R2J0-I/AAAAAAAAD20/XzrnCKE7d18/s200/2012-05-02+11.56.44.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1mNrnXZ0TY/T6F4o3-7RoI/AAAAAAAAD3s/3rST82bVRoM/s1600/knittingwithtwocolors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U1mNrnXZ0TY/T6F4o3-7RoI/AAAAAAAAD3s/3rST82bVRoM/s200/knittingwithtwocolors.jpg" width="160" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autographed in PURPLE, of course!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br />I am also now the proud owner of Amy's new book - "Knitting With Two Colors by Meg Swansen & Amy Detjen". This is not a pattern book but a technique book. Review to follow someday soon.<br /><h3 style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> </h3><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We broke for lunch & shopping. There was a delightful little lunch served by the hotel. Sandwiches, salads, some lovely local kettle chips, and an excellent chocolate dessert. Not a one of those thing should I be eating but....it was a special weekend. <a href="http://www.sunvalleyfibers.com/" target="_blank">Sun Valley Fibers</a> had a small booth set up. We sort of overwhelmed her I do believe. I scored a few skeins of her luscious yarn in beautiful colors. One I have already given away but the other two I have projects in mind for. I also bought one of her Yarn Buddies. I have often wanted to try one & this seemed like a good chance. I bought the single in a lovely darker wood. Alas I have no clue what type of wood or color you would call it but here is a picture of it for those interested.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIe8ZfnHkxw/T6FoqdsP_MI/AAAAAAAAD2s/iNF4gk_bu3w/s1600/2012-05-02+12.00.20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIe8ZfnHkxw/T6FoqdsP_MI/AAAAAAAAD2s/iNF4gk_bu3w/s200/2012-05-02+12.00.20.jpg" width="200" /></a> <br /> I knit a lot of lace & so far this is working out fantastic for keeping lace weight yarn nice & neat. I love that. I am also thinking about getting the double to use for warping the smaller looms, and doing colorwork knitting.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My afternoon class was with Stephannie Tallent on Knitting Beaded Motifs. What a delightful person!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfkJ19LsHi4/T6Fp6vMK2SI/AAAAAAAAD3E/-Y2QNyvGUQA/s1600/2012-04-14+16.04.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfkJ19LsHi4/T6Fp6vMK2SI/AAAAAAAAD3E/-Y2QNyvGUQA/s200/2012-04-14+16.04.18.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /> She had everyone feeling right at home & knitting our little beaded cuffs in no time. Beads were flying across the tables & onto the floor but everyone had such fun. She shared lots of designing tips. We talked about her process for creating beaded works, writing, different needles and notions. She made sure each student got individual attention & no one left unsure of the techniques needed to add lovely beaded accents to your work using fair-isle motifs.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oGgibariMg/T6Fpc2dJhoI/AAAAAAAAD28/ne7ChhDWDQc/s1600/2012-05-02+12.02.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6oGgibariMg/T6Fpc2dJhoI/AAAAAAAAD28/ne7ChhDWDQc/s200/2012-05-02+12.02.01.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Small beaded cuff from class</td></tr></tbody></table><br />No one seemed quite ready to call it a day so after a bit of chit chatting in the lobby. A few people made their way over to<a href="http://www.rpadlers.com/" target="_blank"> R.P. Adler's</a> for dinner. Everyone insisted I could not be in Wisconsin without trying the fried cheese curds & Spotted Cow beer. Now I am not a beer drinker but I have to say, that was perhaps the BEST beer I have ever had.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A343E4ZkndE/T6FqNoICL8I/AAAAAAAAD3M/LSITFuGc6_o/s1600/2012-04-14+17.48.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A343E4ZkndE/T6FqNoICL8I/AAAAAAAAD3M/LSITFuGc6_o/s200/2012-04-14+17.48.48.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> It was great to unwind from such a fun-filled day. I made many new friends and everyone was encouraging and friendly in the way of knitters around the world. <br /><br />The KnitCircus Retreat is certainly a great event. If you ever find yourself able to work it into your busy schedule. You should. It is well worth the time & money.<br /><br />PS. I hear that <a href="http://the-panopticon.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Franklin</a> is teaching at the Fall Retreat. Keep an eye out for that.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Tune in tomorrow for my adventures in storm racing ( the opposite of storm chasing)</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Peaceful Knitting Everyone!</div><br /><br /><br /><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-32138172441739980172012-05-02T12:35:00.000-05:002012-05-02T12:35:16.350-05:00KnitCircus Spring Retreat 2012 - Day ONEA couple of weeks ago (that's how far behind I am on blogging) I attended my very first KnitCircus Spring Retreat.in Madison Wisconsin.<br /><br /><br />I love listening to the <a href="http://knitcircus.libsyn.com/" target="_blank">KnitCircus Podcast</a> with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1427139718" target="_blank">Jaala</a> & <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amy.detjen" target="_blank">Amy</a>. Since Madison is a fairly short drive from here in Central Illiana....I thought the time was right to check it out.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Day ONE</div><br />To start with, I attended by myself. No friends, cohorts, knitting buddies, etc. I can't believe how much I enjoyed the alone time. I think I needed that. I had a leisurely six hour drive up. I stopped whenever I wanted, listened to my favorite guilty pleasure music, sang loudly & mostly off key all the way. That by itself was quite fun.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDIbdj4A8OU/T6FjQMueMZI/AAAAAAAAD10/rNKy8FZJo8U/s1600/welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vDIbdj4A8OU/T6FjQMueMZI/AAAAAAAAD10/rNKy8FZJo8U/s200/welcome.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from www.knitandsip.com</td></tr></tbody></table>I checked in to the hotel, freshened up & headed to <a href="http://www.knitandsip.com/" target="_blank">The Sow's Ear</a> to meet up with Jaala & her Retreat guest, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/stephannie-tallent" target="_blank">Stephannie Tallent</a>. Stephannie shared her new book, <a href="http://www.cooperativepress.com/shop/california-revival-knits/" target="_blank">California Revival Knits</a> in its pdf form. (more on that later). I met several of the local knitters, had a bit of dinner there. I love the idea of a combo tea/sandwich shop and a yarn store.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgtcX6m4BPY/T6FjsWUfp3I/AAAAAAAAD18/DSbHjDG59wk/s1600/stephcat-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgtcX6m4BPY/T6FjsWUfp3I/AAAAAAAAD18/DSbHjDG59wk/s200/stephcat-cover.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />While chatting with Stephannie I realized I missed an email about the class. I had HOMEWORK! This naturally meant I should purchase new yarn & needles for this. Who cares that I travel with an entire arsenal of needles, notions, etc. Doesn't everyone travel with a yarn swift & ball winder in the trunk of their car?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fpxsebjibg/T6FkHv-dC2I/AAAAAAAAD2E/fCbaoUEQ96k/s1600/2012-04-13+16.17.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Fpxsebjibg/T6FkHv-dC2I/AAAAAAAAD2E/fCbaoUEQ96k/s200/2012-04-13+16.17.41.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />I purchased a set of ChiaGoo Circulars & some Alicia Goes Around Bison in a lovely shade of purple. Which I will tell you all about as soon as I find the ball band. I seem to be cursed with ball band issues. I have every band from every yarn I have ever used....however, I can never find it when I need it. I hear there is something called "organization" that helps with this problem. I should give it a try sometime. <br /> ( I ended up not using this yarn for the cuff. It deserves it's own project.)<br /><br /><br />Then I headed back to the hotel with only a minor detour. I really am not a fan of "round-abouts". I felt like Chevy Chase in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Lampoon's_European_Vacation" target="_blank">European Vacation</a>. I only went around a couple of times while trying to remember the name of the road I needed to get off on. I guessed wrong and had to try it again. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPKegPf2mt4/T6FuiSkGz0I/AAAAAAAAD3Y/224URuweryo/s1600/wa_roundabout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iPKegPf2mt4/T6FuiSkGz0I/AAAAAAAAD3Y/224URuweryo/s200/wa_roundabout.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from CAltran</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />Back at the hotel I started the cuff for the class. I will admit that the steel cable on the ChiaGoo Circs are not to my taste. I am sure they have lots of fans (or they wouldn't still be making them) but I like a bit more flexibility in a cable. Just my preference, not meant to be a criticism. So I switched back to my KnitPicks dpns, whipped out a cuff, made an error somewhere along the way, ribbing was off, turns out I can't count, ripped that out & re-knit it. All done .........oh, wait I forgot I hadn't finished the homework for the other class & it was first. Better get that done before I sleep, might not get up early enough to take care of that.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ta9Xo6LXAUs/T6FvrXLGBlI/AAAAAAAAD3g/6ese3C0D5QQ/s1600/Clocks001.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ta9Xo6LXAUs/T6FvrXLGBlI/AAAAAAAAD3g/6ese3C0D5QQ/s200/Clocks001.gif" width="151" /></a></div>I set the alarm on my phone, turned in for the night. Hmm, what if it didn't go off. I should set the hotel alarm clock too. Ok, done. Go to sleep! No wait, I have never used this alarm before, what if it doesn't even work. Better get a wake up call just to be safe. Ok, now I can rest....not actuallly sleep because the couple in the next room is having quite a loud disagreement. It seems they have been married nearly 60 years, you would think after that long they would have run out of things to fight about?<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwafGh-TyLI/T6FlLi1cUKI/AAAAAAAAD2M/MXHiIQtmHwo/s1600/0060-0807-2020-5408_A_Man_and_Woman_Arguing_clipart_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NwafGh-TyLI/T6FlLi1cUKI/AAAAAAAAD2M/MXHiIQtmHwo/s200/0060-0807-2020-5408_A_Man_and_Woman_Arguing_clipart_image.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">That covers Day One. Tune in tomorrow when I finally talk about the actual "Retreat"! </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">See you then</div><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-35880204494126026512012-04-24T13:17:00.000-05:002012-04-24T13:17:10.750-05:00SWIFT -Spinners & Weavers of Indiana - Fibers & TextilesI recently attended the annual meeting of <a href="http://www.swiftindiana.org/" target="_blank">SWIFT</a> ( Spinner & Weavers of Indiana - Fibers & Textiles ). It was held at <a href="http://www.connerprairie.org/" target="_blank">Conner Prairie</a>. north of Indianapolis, IN. If you have never visited Conner Prairie, you don't know what you are missing. If you are ever in the Indy area, I highly recommend fitting it in your plans.<br /><br />There was a very nice turn-out. Lots of spinners, weavers & fiber artists gathered in one place for fellowship, food & sharing of ideas, projects and inspiration.<br /><br />This was the first meeting I was able to attend. I enjoyed meeting new people & I especially loved the presentation from Kate Larson, Susan Markle and Ann Reaves, who were part of a tour led by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nancy-Bush/e/B000APETTI" target="_blank">Nancy Bush</a> to Estonia last June. It was a fascinating glimpse into the daily life & beautiful work of the Estonian fiber artists.<br />I am quite convinced I am not cut out for that life. Although according to their customs, I am good wife & mother material. I am "stocky" enough that I don't have to stuff the calves of my socks like many of them do. Evidently that is a positive feature there. Not so much here in the good ole USA.<br /><br />I also learned some interesting facts about the youth Sheep to Shawl team that competes at the <a href="http://www.in.gov/statefair/fair/contests/livestock_barns.html" target="_blank">Indiana State Fair</a>. What talent these young folks have. I was quite impressed.<br /><br />I wish I had remembered my camera that day. But if you go <a href="http://www.swiftindiana.org/?p=838" target="_blank">here</a>, there are pretty pictures from the day. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7Va64NVPqM/T5bsf3q5szI/AAAAAAAADyM/7ik8nHizal0/s1600/estonian+lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t7Va64NVPqM/T5bsf3q5szI/AAAAAAAADyM/7ik8nHizal0/s320/estonian+lace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> This is the only picture I managed to take with my phone...it does not do it justice.<br /><br /><br /><br />Many thanks to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/fibercloset" target="_blank">Cheryl Moreo</a> from <a href="http://www.fibercloset.com/" target="_blank">The Fiber Closet</a> for attending with me. It was a great day from start to finish (sepecially the finish....<a href="http://www.maggianos.com/EN/Indianapolis_Indianapolis_IN/Pages/LocationLanding.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1" target="_blank">Maggiano's</a> tiramisu)<br /><br /><br />Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-39853689453081689272012-04-23T15:07:00.001-05:002012-04-23T15:07:49.918-05:00Super StealthJust popping in to say hi!!<br /><br />Much more to follow later about the <a href="http://www.knitcircus.com/" target="_blank">KnitCircus Spring Retreat</a> in Madison, WI and the<a href="http://www.thefiberevent.com/" target="_blank"> Fiber Event</a> in Greencastle, IN. For now I will just tell you that I had a wonderful time at both. They deserve much more detail than I can give them today. But, I promise to fill you in on both by the end of this week.<br /><br /><br /><br />I have started a super stealth mystery project. I will keep you updated as I go without giving too much away. But I can tell you I am super excited about it.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TbeyLYeaM4c/T5WzB6Iy8FI/AAAAAAAADxI/yG32Qiyb6Uw/s1600/2012-04-23+10.33.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TbeyLYeaM4c/T5WzB6Iy8FI/AAAAAAAADxI/yG32Qiyb6Uw/s200/2012-04-23+10.33.05.jpg" width="119" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yarn is <a href="http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/Fyberspates/_346735/1/Scrumptious%2520Lace" target="_blank">Scrumptious Lace</a> by <a href="http://www.fyberspates.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fyberspates</a> <a href="http://www.sunvalleyfibers.com/whats-a-yarn-buddy/" target="_blank">Yarn Buddy</a> is from <a href="http://www.sunvalleyfibers.com/" target="_blank">Sun Valley Fibers</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XP-P0dOctlI/T5WzDYv_6SI/AAAAAAAADxQ/HxUWFhF1ZT0/s1600/2012-04-23+10.34.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XP-P0dOctlI/T5WzDYv_6SI/AAAAAAAADxQ/HxUWFhF1ZT0/s200/2012-04-23+10.34.14.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I even swatched.....sort of. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wlaZSnyV9E/T5WzE_3qiBI/AAAAAAAADxY/_JtQYDs2fBY/s1600/2012-04-23+13.20.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2wlaZSnyV9E/T5WzE_3qiBI/AAAAAAAADxY/_JtQYDs2fBY/s200/2012-04-23+13.20.33.jpg" width="119" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started with a provisional cast-on. If you need a tutorial on this...I highly recommend the one </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://knitfreedom.com/cast-ons/provisional-cast-on" target="_blank">here</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">by Liat Gat from <a href="http://knitfreedom.com/" target="_blank">Knit Freedom</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ok, that is all I have time for right now. But look out, I am a knitter on deadline & flying by the seat of my pants.....whatever that means!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy, Peaceful Knitting to all!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-50668856521678664822012-04-07T15:24:00.002-05:002012-04-07T21:25:51.855-05:00A New Store!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am venturing into the realm of coding while building a new store hosted here on the blog.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I alternate between giddiness at the joy of it & beating my head on the desk.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The store front will be open periodically this weekend as I work through adding products. I am adding the commercial products first. So far I am carrying a few high quality products that I love.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sxn0q-QSINI/T4Cb0IhanjI/AAAAAAAADog/OltN_DiaE24/s1600/heel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="67" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sxn0q-QSINI/T4Cb0IhanjI/AAAAAAAADog/OltN_DiaE24/s200/heel.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oSg2ah8GzUE/T4CbOw9POdI/AAAAAAAADoY/Epp1KqrkXxE/s1600/knit+picks+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="85" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oSg2ah8GzUE/T4CbOw9POdI/AAAAAAAADoY/Epp1KqrkXxE/s200/knit+picks+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfwNJ_K9ql0/T4CarJGl3TI/AAAAAAAADoI/uwJMA-UEIrM/s1600/logo_main_1002_dellaQ_7-22-10.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfwNJ_K9ql0/T4CarJGl3TI/AAAAAAAADoI/uwJMA-UEIrM/s1600/logo_main_1002_dellaQ_7-22-10.gif" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z82rq7GZ8zU/T4Ca9XbiVcI/AAAAAAAADoQ/S7p8BoIhBs8/s1600/soak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="65" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z82rq7GZ8zU/T4Ca9XbiVcI/AAAAAAAADoQ/S7p8BoIhBs8/s200/soak.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After I<strike> take care of</strike> work out the bugs, I will start adding the fiber art pieces.</span></div></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Le9Lo81ESWE/T4CeeB0mt9I/AAAAAAAADow/iQjtKNRAfVE/s1600/manwithbuguh5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Le9Lo81ESWE/T4CeeB0mt9I/AAAAAAAADow/iQjtKNRAfVE/s200/manwithbuguh5.gif" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you see something that you want to order & you have issues doing so...send me an email at reginasfiberart@gmail.com.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Or as always, the studio/shop is open by appointment (see contact tab above) and I will be at various shows in the Midwest starting in mid April.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hope to have a calendar up on a tab at the top of the blog soon. It will list the shows & events I will be attending.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Back to work now. I think I will move to the deck to work for a while. That should make it seem like a holiday weekend right??</span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aAT1wJOFzHE/T4Cfr6cjdwI/AAAAAAAADo4/kvRU7gQmsec/s1600/easter-basketth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aAT1wJOFzHE/T4Cfr6cjdwI/AAAAAAAADo4/kvRU7gQmsec/s1600/easter-basketth.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hope you all have a beautiful, relaxing weekend. </span></div>Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-82701707322509022092012-03-20T18:18:00.000-05:002012-03-20T18:18:56.417-05:00Baby Hat Cuteness!!Just popping in for a quick update.<div><br /></div><div>Still feeling a bit under the weather.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>But.......... on to cuteness that would make anyone feel better.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa7MeZ0drhA/T2kKz8MRTOI/AAAAAAAADds/xbuwJrNxv9g/s1600/IMAG0714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Fa7MeZ0drhA/T2kKz8MRTOI/AAAAAAAADds/xbuwJrNxv9g/s320/IMAG0714.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Liam modeling the "Created Under Cold Meds" hat. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Turned out pretty well, I think.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Don't you just love the "thoughtful" pose?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNfHFHj0jH4/T2kLKIVqZ9I/AAAAAAAADd8/QyGlavWPkp0/s1600/IMAG0716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xNfHFHj0jH4/T2kLKIVqZ9I/AAAAAAAADd8/QyGlavWPkp0/s320/IMAG0716.jpg" width="188" /></a>It could just be the model though.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div> I am a bit partial to the boy!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>It still needs a blue pompom on top but I just couldn't wait to post these pics.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyvHZ1TDMYg/T2kK_dFCefI/AAAAAAAADd0/W-X8KKT4lKs/s1600/IMAG0715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oyvHZ1TDMYg/T2kK_dFCefI/AAAAAAAADd0/W-X8KKT4lKs/s320/IMAG0715.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PS. Notice the yarn. Can't start them too young!</td></tr></tbody></table><br />The pattern will be posted soon. Keep an eye out for it!<div><br /></div><div>Since I am still on the stranded color-work kick...here is a sneak preview of the item on the needles now.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue6GUvVkGAs/T2kOyh2dbGI/AAAAAAAADeM/dL-8UkZtKuM/s1600/IMAG0722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ue6GUvVkGAs/T2kOyh2dbGI/AAAAAAAADeM/dL-8UkZtKuM/s200/IMAG0722.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div> Road trip tomorrow so I hope to make good progress.<br /><br /></div></div>Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-87663796688522348252012-03-17T23:34:00.001-05:002012-03-18T11:30:35.919-05:00Sickness & Fair Isle...What a combo!Hello Blogosphere. Unfortunately, I have caught the same nasty virus that every one else on 3 continents has. So don't get too close. It is powerful enough that it very well could be contagious through the internet. It has certainly laid me a bit low this past week. So just a quick note before I am back to my puny, futile attempts to kick this thing.<br /><br />I have been knitting. I swear I have. I am just not getting anywhere.<br /><br />I started out to make a simple slip stitch baby hat.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhqLihpYjXI/T2VaHnPeCeI/AAAAAAAADbE/9pCjmgi9mDQ/s1600/IMAG0706.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhqLihpYjXI/T2VaHnPeCeI/AAAAAAAADbE/9pCjmgi9mDQ/s320/IMAG0706.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I had my swatch ------------><br /><br /><br />The hat would include at least one, maybe all three of these patterns.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCUsizkyHCQ/T2VbFlgPTWI/AAAAAAAADbM/bpn1-MGvtT0/s1600/200+Fair-isle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rCUsizkyHCQ/T2VbFlgPTWI/AAAAAAAADbM/bpn1-MGvtT0/s320/200+Fair-isle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />But then .......<br /> <---------------<a href="http://www.amazon.com/200-Fair-Isle-Motifs-Directory/dp/1596684372/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332042408&sr=8-1" target="_blank">this</a> arrived in the mail.<br /><br />This incredible book is<a href="http://www.amazon.com/200-Fair-Isle-Motifs-Directory/dp/1596684372/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpt_1" target="_blank"> 200 Fair Isle Motifs: A Knitter's Directory</a> by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Jane-Mucklestone/e/B0058QMT00/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1" target="_blank">Mary Jane Mucklestone</a>. More on it later.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />And since the ribbing was already<br />done for the baby hat,<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVGuRdJl5qs/T2Vdxq3qaaI/AAAAAAAADbc/_gqcIfR4CaA/s1600/IMAG0708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cVGuRdJl5qs/T2Vdxq3qaaI/AAAAAAAADbc/_gqcIfR4CaA/s320/IMAG0708.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>it quickly turned into this-------------------------> <br /><br />I am not even sure who the hat will be for, just that I needed to start knitting something stranded immediately. A quick look through the book found several motifs that would work with the stitch count I already had on the needles. <br /><br />I always forget from one project to the next how much I love Fair Isle!!<br /><br /><br />I fear this one beautiful book will fuel my obsession for months to come. It is chock full of motifs, patterns, tips & tricks for working with and combining Fair-Isle motifs. It truly takes the mystery out of stranded color work. Remember .... you are only knitting with two colors at a time in any row. The book has the most vivid beautiful color photos of every motif. There is a simple break down of the <span style="font-family: inherit;">motif chart, columns to illustrate the color changes and clear photos of each swatch. The motifs are arranged by stitch count and row count making combinations so very easy to put together to take your Fair-Isle knitting to the next level.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ok, that's enough for tonight. Back to my knitting nest on the sofa. Only one more day to kick this before real life takes over again.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Till next time..........May your days be fun & filled with fiber.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>~~~~Regina~~~~</i></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">PS: Finished hat will be modeled next week when I am well enough to have the grandkids over.</span>Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-54806286660697460762012-03-02T10:15:00.001-06:002012-03-02T10:54:05.056-06:00Mischievous &^*%$# Yarn Elves!!That's a bold title....right? Let me start at the beginning to explain why & by the end I am sure you will agree that I used incredible restraint in composing it.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxn6RJhBfDs/T1DSS4Uhf4I/AAAAAAAADXw/K4jMA7peNpI/s1600/Malabrigo+Atardecer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="129" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fxn6RJhBfDs/T1DSS4Uhf4I/AAAAAAAADXw/K4jMA7peNpI/s200/Malabrigo+Atardecer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Once upon a time I bought 2 skeins of <a href="http://malabrigoyarn.com/sub_yarn.php?id_sub_yarn=15" target="_blank">Malabrigo Silky Merino</a> in Atadecer .<br /><br />Isn't it just lovely? The softness, the colors, it is magnificent.<br /><br />I quickly cast on a project. (You didn't think I could wait, did you?)<br /><br />The pattern I chose just was not doing justice to the incredible yarn so<br />I ripped it out & decided to think about a better pattern choice.<br /><br /><br />Meanwhile, <a href="http://aneuroknitter.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">my daughter</a> was home for a visit. Since she is just wild for Malabrigo & these are her colors...I gave her the untouched skein as a gift. She immediately decided she must knit another <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/PATTclapotis.html" target="_blank">Clapotis</a> (pattern by Kate Gilbert). I naturally told her "go right ahead, If you need it...I have another skein".<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfdNe80ATfA/T1Do2slDr5I/AAAAAAAADYw/4ArowSE8_nQ/s1600/Em's+Skinny+Clapotis.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfdNe80ATfA/T1Do2slDr5I/AAAAAAAADYw/4ArowSE8_nQ/s200/Em's+Skinny+Clapotis.JPG" width="198" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Em's 1st Clapotis</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br />Did you catch that??? Those simple words are like a gauntlet thrown down to the "Yarn Elves. It was a call to action & little did I know tiny, mean-spirited elves were gathering in the stash room. (No pictures allowed in the stash room...could be incriminating).<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />So as was bound to happen, Em called & said she was going to need that second skein. I naively told her "No problem. I will mail it right out"! I went to get it & it wasn't where I thought it should be. Now unfortunately this is not really uncommon so no worries yet. I searched a bit more but was kind of busy so thought I will find it later. If I had stopped to listen I would have heard fiendish elf laughter in the background.<br /><br />Fast forward a bit and Em calls again..."Mom, did you mail that yarn?" Time to get serious. I proceeded to tear the stash room apart looking for it. It is simply not there. By now I am beginning to question my sanity. I even called <a href="http://www.klosekniturbana.com/" target="_blank">Klose Knit </a> where I purchased it to find out if I truly did purchase two skeins. I did & they don't have anymore of it....it <i>has</i> been a while. <br /><br />So I did the only thing I could. I went online to buy another. You know what's coming next right???<br /><br />NO ONE has any left!!! Finally I found ONE skein at <a href="http://jimmybeanswool.com/" target="_blank">JimmyBeans</a>. I bought it so fast it it would make your head spin. They shipped it directly to Em. So that problem is solved.<br /><br />Naturally, I called my friend & LYS owner <a href="http://www.fibercloset.com/" target="_blank">Cheryl</a> for re-assurance that I was not really losing my mind. She said, & I quote " You know....Now that you bought more you are going to trip right over that lost skein." <br /><br />More snickering from the stash room as a plot is hatched to see how far they can take this nonsense.<br /><br />The very next morning, I get up and <strike>drag myself</strike> cheerily make my way toward the kitchen where the lovely "caffeine elves" live. As I passed through the dining room, I stop dead in my tracks. Laying right in the middle of the floor ............THE FREAKING BALL OF MISSING MALABRIGO. I truly did nearly trip right over it. Right there in the middle of the floor where I had just vacuumed the day before. Thank you so much Cheryl for helping them in their plan to drive me completely insane.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ2vi8PdFaA/T1DvEY1XJtI/AAAAAAAADY4/ZMyMkFUFug8/s1600/IMAG0678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MQ2vi8PdFaA/T1DvEY1XJtI/AAAAAAAADY4/ZMyMkFUFug8/s320/IMAG0678.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guilty by association ball of Malabrigo trying to look all innocent!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />If you listen very carefully you can hear the echoes of maniacal fiendish yarn elf laughter punctuated by the sound of me beating my head against the desk. Sad....Just so sad.<br /><br />PS. If you need me, I will be in the stash room <strike>plotting my revenge</strike> trying to appease the<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"Mischievous &^*%$# Yarn Elves"</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-42059138701524218472012-01-31T18:19:00.001-06:002012-01-31T18:19:52.049-06:00Part 2 Issues Plus Fun Pictures of Babies & Knitting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br />While writing this blog, I have found that I am really not very good at "Part 2". I have written several entries that I decided to break into separate posts. As you may have noticed, I rarely get back to finish them up. This also seems to be the way my mind works nowadays. It moves from one thing to the next at warp speed and tiny bits are flung off and lost.<br /><br />I have decided to go back and revisit the posts that are languishing in my draft file. So hopefully within the next few weeks I will catch up with my life & can fill you in on everything.<br /><br />In the mean time, here are a few random shots of some cuteness & knitting fun!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHmCq40jRhw/TyhvoZYWzjI/AAAAAAAADW8/unC7rIaEbfA/s1600/IMAG0637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pHmCq40jRhw/TyhvoZYWzjI/AAAAAAAADW8/unC7rIaEbfA/s1600/IMAG0637.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Miss Lily with another favorite hat.<br /><br />It is the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fair-isle-gaiter-and-hat-combo" target="_blank">Fair Isle Gaiter/Hat Combo</a> by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/ann-druce-hoffman" target="_blank">Ann Druce-Hoffman</a>.<br /><br />Super quick & fun to knit. <br /><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEvYk0iMRc0/Tyhv1w_RJVI/AAAAAAAADXE/FGptWdJRJmU/s1600/IMAG0638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dEvYk0iMRc0/Tyhv1w_RJVI/AAAAAAAADXE/FGptWdJRJmU/s320/IMAG0638.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam being his adorable self.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYaO2sgXmdk/Tyh28vNLIQI/AAAAAAAADXk/qpt_R13zgvM/s1600/IMAG0642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AYaO2sgXmdk/Tyh28vNLIQI/AAAAAAAADXk/qpt_R13zgvM/s320/IMAG0642.jpg" width="320" /></a>My <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/helix-scarf-2" target="_blank">Helix Scarf</a> by<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/stephenie-gaustad" target="_blank">Stephenie Gaustad</a>. This is a very relaxing knit. I pull it out when I need to knit in times of stress. It's also a great project for knit groups & knitting in public places as you can never really lose your place. I am using <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/ella-rae-lace-merino" target="_blank">Ella Rae Lace Merino</a> in color 103 purchased at <a href="http://www.fibercloset.com/" target="_blank">The Fiber Closet in Rockville, IN</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6IMmMQUNg0/Tyh1GhYUEuI/AAAAAAAADXc/0rLuRQT2aX0/s1600/IMAG0644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n6IMmMQUNg0/Tyh1GhYUEuI/AAAAAAAADXc/0rLuRQT2aX0/s320/IMAG0644.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a new yarn I recently purchased. <a href="http://texturedyarncompany.com/9BFI.html" target="_blank">Florafil Super Soft Cotton Yarn</a> by Textured Yarn Co.,Inc in their American Wildflowers Collection. This color is called Blue Flag Iris. I am not sure what I am going to make with it yet but it is a truly scrumptious bulky cotton yarn. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is recommended that you treat this as you would a hand painted yarn and alternate between two skeins every few rows to assure an overall blended effect. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is your knitting tip for the day!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tx8bJvE7QGA/Tyh0184JftI/AAAAAAAADXU/vqDXjP_Bicc/s1600/IMAG0643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tx8bJvE7QGA/Tyh0184JftI/AAAAAAAADXU/vqDXjP_Bicc/s320/IMAG0643.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is a mystery warp on the <a href="http://www.schachtspindle.com/our_products/cricket.php" target="_blank">Cricket Loom by Schacht</a>. I am just playing around with it and making it up as I go along. I would love to tell you what the yarn is but I can not find the ball band at the moment. And.........I can't find the second skein that I need to continue weaving.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Which sort of sums up my life lately!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-4704965794925328762012-01-04T11:33:00.000-06:002012-01-04T11:33:02.254-06:00A Bright & Shiny New YearA bright & shiny New Year....the possibilities are endless. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lmqFsee6zdU/TwSCqr1eJnI/AAAAAAAADVA/CQtoMOlRgMM/s1600/New-Year-Wallpaper-2012-Free-Happy-New-Year-2-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lmqFsee6zdU/TwSCqr1eJnI/AAAAAAAADVA/CQtoMOlRgMM/s200/New-Year-Wallpaper-2012-Free-Happy-New-Year-2-150x150.jpg" width="200" /></a>This is why I love the New Year holiday. 2012 could be my absolutely best year ever. Probably not, but I am the eternal optimist. Even knowing that things will go wrong, I will get behind, stressful situations will pop up that I don't deal with in the best way, I will get my feelings hurt, I will hurt someone else's feelings, I still love the fresh start.<br /><br />The pessimist I live with always tells me "You just set yourself up for disappointment by believing everything will be wonderful". I can't help it. I love to expect the best from myself & others. I wouldn't want it any other way.<br /><br />So here is my list of things I am hoping for in 2012.<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>Reduce the drama/stress/turmoil in my everyday life</li><li>Keep up with daily chores that I dislike</li><li>Organize the compartments of my life so I don't neglect any particular section</li><li>Be positive</li></ul><div>That's it, just those <b>four</b> things. Seems simple enough, right? So how do I accomplish them? </div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Well, I started with Facebook. I have tons of friends, acquaintances, business contacts and family on my Facebook friend list. I have found that just reading about other peoples stress & drama affects my mood quite a bit. Seems like a simple solution for that....just don't read it. Easier said than done. So I have been unsubscribing from friends who habitually make these type of posts. I don't wish to deny them their right to post anything they care to but I also have the right not to have to see it. By unsubscribing I am not deleting anyone from my friends list. They were on there for a reason. I can still visit with them, check out their pix, play games etc. I am just not <b>too</b> involved in their daily life. I do love that Facebook allows me to connect with friends & family everyday but I probably don't need to. I wouldn't dream of calling all my friends & family once a day to find out what's happening in their life. So my Facebook time will only consist of the parts I want it to contain now. ps. If we are Facebook friends and you urgently need to contact me......Facebook wall posts are probably not the best way to do that. Direct message me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GinaM813" target="_blank">Facebook</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/ReginasFiberArt" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, text me, or call me. (HaHa, You didn't think I would be crazy enough to post my phone number on my blog, did you?)</li></ul><div><br /></div></div><div><ul><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1a6Z2UvOE4/TwSHSXt_KOI/AAAAAAAADVM/ErhiwiY7L9s/s1600/flylady.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1a6Z2UvOE4/TwSHSXt_KOI/AAAAAAAADVM/ErhiwiY7L9s/s200/flylady.gif" width="137" /></a><li>On to keeping up with chores. I have never been a fan of housework. There are always so many other things I would rather be doing. So to inspire myself, I have been utilizing the free <a href="http://www.flylady.net/" target="_blank"> FlyLady System</a>. She offers a series of emails/posts etc that break chores down into 15 minute segments. I can do anything for 15 minutes, even if I despise it. She also stresses how de-cluttering can be done quickly & efficiently so you don't get behind. Hopefully no more "CHAOS" for me. (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome)</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Next is organizing my life better. I felt like this past year in order to accomplish something in one part of my life, another part suffered. Now that I have cut back on clutter & am getting my chores done more efficiently ( see how this is all tying together) I should already have more time to devote to other segments of my life. I have 3 main compartments of life: Household, Family, & Business. </li></ul></div><div><ol><li><b><i>Household</i></b> can be further broken down into cleaning, cooking, caring for relatives, paying bills, anything that has to be done to make the household run smoothly.</li><li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Family</i> is quality time spent with all my family. Time spent just relaxing, visiting, playing without being so focused on everything I have yet to do.</li><li><i style="font-weight: bold;">Business</i> involves everything to do with my fiber arts business. It needs to include first & foremost, time spent in the studio without distractions making the actual products to sell. Followed by dealing with all the lesser parts that together add up to make or break the business. These include everything such as promotion work, blogging, taxes, paperwork, scouting shows and vending at shows.</li></ol><div>Theoretically, since there are 24 hours in a day I should be able to devote 6 hrs each day to a compartment of my life & still have 6 hrs for sleep. They obviously wouldn't be 6 consecutive hrs (except the sleep part). Now I know everyday is going to be different. I am not going to need 6 hrs of family time everyday, some will be much shorter and some days (like when the grandchildren are here) will require more. Likewise I won't need to clean 6 hours everyday but occasionally I will have heavier chores that will require lots of time. The business part will usually require all the time I can allot to it. I am still finding my way in this new adventure. I haven't built up my inventory to an acceptable level and I have so much more to learn about having a successful, creative business.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpWPzBn6wvA/TwSJFf81hLI/AAAAAAAADVk/EkQOLXLSUFg/s1600/5-Free-Summer-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Happy-Smiling-Sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fpWPzBn6wvA/TwSJFf81hLI/AAAAAAAADVk/EkQOLXLSUFg/s200/5-Free-Summer-Clipart-Illustration-Of-A-Happy-Smiling-Sun.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><ul><li>The last goal is to <b>BE POSITIVE!! </b>I normally don't have much trouble being positive. I wake up every morning expecting my day to go great. Now many times it certainly doesn't go that way but I think as I achieve the first 3 goals, then staying positive should be much easier. </li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>These are my goals for 2012. I believe they are attainable. I am quite sure I will need to refer back to this post occasionally as a reminder but hey..........</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>It's a bright & shiny New Year</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_xB8hjxYTo/TwSH1OrrJJI/AAAAAAAADVY/wRQbcwrC8bA/s1600/New-Year-Wallpaper-2012-Free-Happy-New-Year-2-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_xB8hjxYTo/TwSH1OrrJJI/AAAAAAAADVY/wRQbcwrC8bA/s1600/New-Year-Wallpaper-2012-Free-Happy-New-Year-2-150x150.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-76064731987967956282011-11-30T16:17:00.001-06:002011-11-30T17:03:33.508-06:00A New Generation<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The next generation of fiber artists and great cooks </span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">in our family </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">is well on its way.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEn6yfZymc4/Ttatmf6TssI/AAAAAAAADUQ/JeB3z2v6lB0/s1600/IMAG0554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oEn6yfZymc4/Ttatmf6TssI/AAAAAAAADUQ/JeB3z2v6lB0/s320/IMAG0554.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing her favorite fuzzy needle-felted hat.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gkv0cFkfyvo/TtauO1AW61I/AAAAAAAADUY/BwdLAvnR9No/s1600/IMAG0555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gkv0cFkfyvo/TtauO1AW61I/AAAAAAAADUY/BwdLAvnR9No/s320/IMAG0555.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why are these treadles so far away???<br /><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjNxT-cMfts/TtaueAf18-I/AAAAAAAADUg/ciEiqcME5cA/s1600/IMAG0556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hjNxT-cMfts/TtaueAf18-I/AAAAAAAADUg/ciEiqcME5cA/s320/IMAG0556.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps I should spin instead.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FFFo5N3BeYs/TtaupsqX6UI/AAAAAAAADUo/JQcAkDa6V4k/s1600/IMAG0569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FFFo5N3BeYs/TtaupsqX6UI/AAAAAAAADUo/JQcAkDa6V4k/s320/IMAG0569.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making the Thanksgiving noodles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4mhG8yyhfo/Ttau3Lv7DVI/AAAAAAAADUw/wXaKS58oYLs/s1600/IMAG0570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4mhG8yyhfo/Ttau3Lv7DVI/AAAAAAAADUw/wXaKS58oYLs/s320/IMAG0570.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nana's best helper. <br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>I rest my case!!</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table>Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-38086199213982455572011-11-07T13:35:00.000-06:002011-11-10T10:23:02.340-06:00Weddings, Doctors, and Family Vacations - Part OneI can't believe it has been over a month since I posted! Where has the time gone??<br /><br />Well.....In my defense, it has been an incredible month for our family.<br /><br />My youngest daughter got married! It was a lovely, small, intimate wedding with just their children, siblings and parents. It was beautiful. My eldest daughter flew in for a whirlwind visit and to be "Maid of Honor" to her sister. It was an incredibly special weekend for us all. Here is a picture of the bride wearing a shawl made by Momma after the ceremony.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Nf-_UakEec/Trv0-QZFqKI/AAAAAAAADT4/wtVEzTmEyB8/s1600/IMAG0483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5Nf-_UakEec/Trv0-QZFqKI/AAAAAAAADT4/wtVEzTmEyB8/s200/IMAG0483.jpg" width="119" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ScQ0PEegUAk/Trv1OTM6mJI/AAAAAAAADUA/DS5aRiJD7qM/s1600/IMAG0486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ScQ0PEegUAk/Trv1OTM6mJI/AAAAAAAADUA/DS5aRiJD7qM/s200/IMAG0486.jpg" width="119" /></a></div><br /><br />There will be many more pictures to follow. I decided to not spend any of my precious time with family taking pictures. There was a <a href="http://www.hawkshollow.net/" target="_blank">photographer</a> recording the entire day. I left it up to her and I just enjoyed myself. However, there are hundreds of pictures to sort through. Look out folks when I get my disc. I am sure you will be crying ....Enough! I am so pleased that the day went perfect for DeeDee & Todd. We have considered Todd & his boys family for years.......but it is nice for it to "official".<br /><br />At the end of the weekend, we loaded the entire family up & headed to the airport for a trip to California. It is important to note that a 2yr old & a 3 month old handle the red-eye flight much, MUCH better than Nana & PopPop. However, we survived the overnight flight & landed at John Wayne Airport early the next morning to be met by Emily & her fiance Chris. (This is the same eldest daughter that just flew to IL for a 30 hour visit). We found our rental van. It is another entire story on how difficult it is to find a minivan with 8 seatbelts! Regardless we were all in Southern California for the next big family event.<br /><br />Which brings us to......Our daughter....The Doctor!<br /><br />To be continued...........................<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-67371125824000049352011-10-03T11:49:00.001-05:002011-10-03T12:33:56.422-05:00Time Conspiracy, Festivals, Family & ObsessionsI have never thought of myself as a believer in "Conspiracy Theories" but.........IT'S OCTOBER ALREADY!!<br /><br />There has to be some conspiracy theory out there that explains how it can possibly be October already. I mean seriously, where did September go? For that matter, did I sleep through the end of August?<br /><br />I have a serious time shortage if I can't find a way to turn back the calendar. I have major festival & travel plans for the last two weeks of October. If I work round the clock until then....maybe......Nope, I can not be ready.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.coveredbridges.com/">Parke County Covered Bridge Festival</a> is rapidly approaching. This year it runs October 14 - 23. It is headquartered in Rockville, Indiana. Shops that are in Rockville year-round are gearing up for big business and the myriad of vendors will soon be moving in. The variety of hand-crafted items and delicious food is just amazing. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LQnJSN49PuY/TonY5gksrVI/AAAAAAAADJs/uLUKIx7xdlU/s1600/bridgeton-bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LQnJSN49PuY/TonY5gksrVI/AAAAAAAADJs/uLUKIx7xdlU/s200/bridgeton-bridge.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br />While you are in the area, you need to visit Bridgeton, IN to check out <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bridgeton-1878-House/102376943146316">The Bridgeton 1878 House</a> and all the fabulous crafts & food in that area. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgwJ8ia4xTY/TonXw7962lI/AAAAAAAADJo/-a7tJwwrf2g/s1600/36646_102380176479326_102376943146316_12216_6151711_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cgwJ8ia4xTY/TonXw7962lI/AAAAAAAADJo/-a7tJwwrf2g/s200/36646_102380176479326_102376943146316_12216_6151711_a.jpg" width="183" /></a></div><br /><br />October 14th, 2011 is <a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/i-love-yarn">" I Love Yarn Day"</a> sponsored by the <a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/">Craft Yarn Council</a>. Locally we will be celebrating at <a href="http://www.fibercloset.com/servlet/StoreFront">The Fiber Closet</a>. Cheryl is hosting a "Yarn-a-bration" celebration. There will be spinning, weaving, knitting, crocheting, etc......and refreshments! While you are visiting the Covered Bridge Festival, be sure to stop by & visit with all your friends at The Fiber Closet.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNXSOOAmmgk/TonfEu86ScI/AAAAAAAADJw/zjtG6z9mq7s/s1600/iLoveYarn_banner_1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="56" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QNXSOOAmmgk/TonfEu86ScI/AAAAAAAADJw/zjtG6z9mq7s/s320/iLoveYarn_banner_1.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />I have been busy in the studio this week. These little felted nesting bowls have been my obsession of late. I have made several sets of them. What's your current fiber obsession? Leave a comment and let me know!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-18uhc76cJGg/TonIbD-FghI/AAAAAAAADJQ/uryJGaibDTY/s1600/IMAG0453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gBa8TkdkA7o/TonImj_KxyI/AAAAAAAADJU/wr5mmsNniHg/s1600/IMAG0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gBa8TkdkA7o/TonImj_KxyI/AAAAAAAADJU/wr5mmsNniHg/s200/IMAG0454.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Halloween set</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-18uhc76cJGg/TonIbD-FghI/AAAAAAAADJQ/uryJGaibDTY/s1600/IMAG0453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-18uhc76cJGg/TonIbD-FghI/AAAAAAAADJQ/uryJGaibDTY/s200/IMAG0453.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_mt9Odk7P1o/TonI68BXPvI/AAAAAAAADJc/ysNyuNNRDYg/s1600/IMAG0456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_mt9Odk7P1o/TonI68BXPvI/AAAAAAAADJc/ysNyuNNRDYg/s200/IMAG0456.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fall colored bowls</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzhuvIj2ABk/TonJEjAP5BI/AAAAAAAADJg/Kt1HiHnRaKA/s1600/IMAG0457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VzhuvIj2ABk/TonJEjAP5BI/AAAAAAAADJg/Kt1HiHnRaKA/s200/IMAG0457.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A baby set</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9egef71E0c/TonJRvZMe4I/AAAAAAAADJk/l-tgzpI9DuU/s1600/IMAG0458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y9egef71E0c/TonJRvZMe4I/AAAAAAAADJk/l-tgzpI9DuU/s200/IMAG0458.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />Wouldn't these be cute holding cotton balls, Q-tips & such?<br /><br /><br /><br />A Christmas set or two are on the way. I have just been having the best time making these!<br /><br /><br /><br />I will miss the last weekend of the Covered Bridge Festival as I have a family wedding to attend. Much more about that in an upcoming post.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_v0omV4KLk/TonxUJqSnII/AAAAAAAADJ0/pSOqFiBBSp4/s1600/ReMIND-title-for-Web-10.1.2010-300x152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="101" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H_v0omV4KLk/TonxUJqSnII/AAAAAAAADJ0/pSOqFiBBSp4/s200/ReMIND-title-for-Web-10.1.2010-300x152.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Then we are taking a family trip to California to attend my eldest daughters' <a href="http://neurobiology.uci.edu/">PhD Defense</a>. So excited for Emily (aka <a href="http://aneuroknitter.blogspot.com/">The NeuroKnitter</a>)....and that we will all be there to help her celebrate.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H9j4b_XcDic/Tonxz7nMb-I/AAAAAAAADJ4/EKZ98AhtcPs/s1600/logo+-+uci.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="33" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H9j4b_XcDic/Tonxz7nMb-I/AAAAAAAADJ4/EKZ98AhtcPs/s320/logo+-+uci.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Well that's it for now as suddenly the yarn is calling my name. Back to work!<br /><br /><br />Happy Crafting!!!<br /><br />I look forward to reading your comments.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-12763033988050911762011-09-15T22:52:00.000-05:002011-09-15T22:52:26.467-05:00Ramblings.....Courtesy of BenadrylIt is the peak time for my allergies right now in the midwest. Therefore, I am on medication. This causes some minor inconveniences to my life such as.....I can't concentrate!!!<br /><br />As my mind wanders all over the place, I sometimes come up with good ideas. Such as this example. I think it turned out well. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UJyGhjsVsE/TnK3CYZKbwI/AAAAAAAADI4/3_LvLaaBO9s/s1600/IMAG0392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5UJyGhjsVsE/TnK3CYZKbwI/AAAAAAAADI4/3_LvLaaBO9s/s200/IMAG0392.jpg" width="119" /></a></div><br />And this idea, which doesn't seem to work quite as well as envisioned while under the influence of anti-histamines. What! It doesn't look like an up-side down fluted-edge bowl to you. Hmmm. Maybe you need some allergy meds too?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DM29XUUSCdY/TnK50a6voDI/AAAAAAAADJM/J5us_q5iW_o/s1600/IMAG0437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DM29XUUSCdY/TnK50a6voDI/AAAAAAAADJM/J5us_q5iW_o/s200/IMAG0437.jpg" width="200" /></a>Maybe it is a hat for a stone goose?</div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iUwzTEaNqdY/TnK5aDpq9CI/AAAAAAAADJE/SLmEj48jrwA/s1600/IMAG0428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iUwzTEaNqdY/TnK5aDpq9CI/AAAAAAAADJE/SLmEj48jrwA/s200/IMAG0428.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I also seem to think I am capable of producing a vast quantity of finished products for the "Creative Friends" booth at <a href="http://www.nevasstore.com/">Neva's</a>. When in actuality I am moving in super slow motion. The annual 10-day <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Parke-County-Covered-Bridge-Festival/144015872282567">Covered Bridge Festival</a> is coming up soon. This gives me a definitive, set in stone deadline to get things done. I always say I work best under pressure. This will be a test of that theory, but don't bet on me........because...<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yed_Z9zWlhM/TnK5J7KfmfI/AAAAAAAADJA/MCKRAfGLtjo/s1600/IMAG0419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yed_Z9zWlhM/TnK5J7KfmfI/AAAAAAAADJA/MCKRAfGLtjo/s200/IMAG0419.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I have been a bit distracted by these little creatures.<br />Have you seen them yet? They are called "hexi-puffs" and are the invention of <a href="http://tinyowlknits.wordpress.com/">Tiny Owl Knits</a>. Look out folks, once you start knitting them it is difficult to quit. The knitterly world is becoming obsessed with <a href="http://tinyowlknits.files.wordpress.com/2011/07/dsc_0260-copy.jpg?w=640&h=429">The Bee-Keepers Quilt</a><br /><br /><br />By the way, I found my notes on the Hoosier Hills Fiber Arts Festival. Hopefully, I will have the much delayed post about that up soon.<br /><br />In the mean time, I wish you a life filled with happiness & art.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /><br />Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-71600435587894058042011-08-30T20:59:00.000-05:002011-08-30T20:59:06.427-05:00A Good LifeI was recently fortunate enough to be invited by Brigitte Pieke of <a href="http://www.klosekniturbana.com/">Klose Knit</a> in Urbana, IL to attend a "meet & greet" with Stephen West aka <a href="http://westknits.com/">WestKnits</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utRqBaUwDQA/Tl2KgSw9O3I/AAAAAAAADIs/XQCSWyRjr_A/s1600/IMAG0375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utRqBaUwDQA/Tl2KgSw9O3I/AAAAAAAADIs/XQCSWyRjr_A/s320/IMAG0375.jpg" width="191" /></a>I carpooled with Cheryl Moreo of <a href="http://www.fibercloset.com/">The Fiber Closet</a>. We headed of to Urbana for a wonderful fibery excursion. After a delicious early meal at <a href="http://www.couriersilvercreek.com/couriercafe/">The Courier Cafe</a> where they still serve old-fashioned "Green River Phosphates", we moved around the corner to Klose Knit. This is a truly lovely yarn shop owned by Brigitte. It is warm, cozy and full of every fiber you could hope to find. Brigitte was a gracious hostess making sure everyone felt welcome and had time for a personal chat with Stephen.<br /><br />Stephen West is a delightful young man. His designs are fresh and fun. You can not help but be cheered by his smile. It is wonderful to see this designer gaining popularity. After his recent mention by <a href="http://www.yarnharlot.ca/blog/archives/2011/08/29/beguiled.html">The Yarn Harlot</a>, I expect his fame to soar in the knitter world..<br /><br /><br />Hopefully I will soon have a picture or two of items made from his unique patterns. I am thinking about starting with <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/loxley">Loxley</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/transatlantic">Transatlantic</a> or maybe the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boneyard-shawl">Boneyard Shawl</a> just because I love the name. The new book, "WestKnits Book Three" is scheduled for an October release. Look for it in your local yarn shop.<br /><br />While at Klose Knit, I also met designer <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/todd-gocken">Todd Gocken</a>. We had a very nice chat about yarns, pattern writing, publishing, sales, etc. He offered many fine tips. His "Brigade" sweater and "Norwegian Snowflake" hat and scarf are just beautiful. Check him out on Ravelry.<br /><br />On a more personal crafting note, work continues on the "stealth shawl pattern". I have projects on 2 looms and several UFO's hanging out around here. The spinning is coming along. I actually spun some beautiful yarn from Jacob roving.......for about 2 yards. Then I was back to thick & thin. But I am making progress. <br /><br />Life has been busy here with grandchildren, canning vegetables from the garden, and crafting when possible. <br /><br />But, it is good. Definitely a good life!Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2127067495010466535.post-84581325332528978812011-08-20T20:05:00.000-05:002011-08-21T21:42:29.222-05:00Babies, Fair Results, Spinning, Klutziness all covered here!So sorry I have neglected the blog for a bit. Life sometimes gets so busy. So to catch you up a bit....<br /><br />My shawl got 3rd in its' division at the fair. I was disappointed for bit but it was a good learning experience.<br /><br />A couple of new pieces were added to the booth at <a href="http://www.nevasstore.com/">Neva's</a>. They are hand-knit beaded necklaces from <a href="http://www.aneuroknitter.blogspot.com/">The NeuroKnitter</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSI_yIl07VM/TlBAeCwb8LI/AAAAAAAADHo/_lxKrwZFePY/s1600/IMAG0356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jSI_yIl07VM/TlBAeCwb8LI/AAAAAAAADHo/_lxKrwZFePY/s200/IMAG0356.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVp3CFZT34g/TlBN2MEiR6I/AAAAAAAADH8/vds3YkXcgdw/s1600/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVp3CFZT34g/TlBN2MEiR6I/AAAAAAAADH8/vds3YkXcgdw/s200/photo+%25282%2529.JPG" width="200" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a><br /><br /><br /><br /> I think they are quite lovely!<br /><br /><br /><br />I got caught up in a bit of horse trading this week. I traded my 1st gen iPad for an <a href="http://www.ashford.co.nz/newsite/spinning-wheels/12/spinning/joy-single-treadle/moredetail.html">Ashford Joy spinning wheel</a>, and bought a new iPad 2. I am sure I came out on the better end of that deal.<br /><br />Today I had my first spinning lesson. I should have warned my teacher, Cheryl from <a href="http://www.fibercloset.com/">The Fiber Closet</a>, in advance but thought "Who knows, I might be a natural at this". Wrong! I am still a klutz. This may require more coordination than I have. We will see. We went over parts of the wheel, some basics and she turned me loose. I am sure it was quite entertaining for her. That she kept a straight face while watching me fumble all over the place is quite the feat. But, at least I got started. You can't learn a thing if you don't try. Klutziness aside, I quite enjoyed it. I have visions of spinning some lovely yarn this winter. Wonder if that is over-ambitious?<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTTei8qh44U/TkvgyindvoI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/Ca_scrjFDco/s1600/Liam-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QTTei8qh44U/TkvgyindvoI/AAAAAAAAC_Q/Ca_scrjFDco/s200/Liam-5.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlPfBBbpkpw/TlBP-5Vs9EI/AAAAAAAADIA/dPsZ9TgwDYI/s1600/0817011648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlPfBBbpkpw/TlBP-5Vs9EI/AAAAAAAADIA/dPsZ9TgwDYI/s200/0817011648.jpg" width="150" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; color: black;"></span></a></div><br /><br />I spent a lovely afternoon with Dee & her college friend, who also just had a baby. The babies bonded, Lily guarded her Nana from the intruders, and we had tea & cake prepared by my favorite chef!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wswhagfdedM/TlBW5haPM6I/AAAAAAAADIQ/sf-HL6Bb2vA/s1600/IMAG0352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wswhagfdedM/TlBW5haPM6I/AAAAAAAADIQ/sf-HL6Bb2vA/s200/IMAG0352.jpg" width="119" /></a></div><br /><br />The stealth pattern has progressed from writing to test knitting. It took a late night re-writing session in which I had to break out the big guns, namely chocolate & highly caffeinated tea. I love it when a vision starts to come together.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJaeoxX7scY/TlBYSpfuAlI/AAAAAAAADIU/MxAXFzDjiwA/s1600/IMAG0346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="119" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJaeoxX7scY/TlBYSpfuAlI/AAAAAAAADIU/MxAXFzDjiwA/s200/IMAG0346.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br />I will leave you today with a few random questions:<br /><br />1. Do you have any favorite apps, crafting or otherwise, that I might be interested in for the iPad or Android?<br /><br />2. Which is your favorite method for a left-leaning decrease?<br /><br />3. Do you have any recommended books/websites on pattern writing, publishing, teaching?<br /><br />4. What is on your needles, loom, wheel, etc?<br /><br /><br />Regina's Fiber Arthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11170437476456413765noreply@blogger.com0