On the road to Eugene

Taking a break and checking the camera... 

Does it get any better?

I certainly don't think so!
Wow, the Black Sheep Gathering in Eugene this weekend was just fab.
The fiber, fiber and fiber!
I didn't get into trying spinning wheels because I ended up ordering a new pair of glasses, but I did touch all the fleece I could.
All these places that I had seen online were there. I bought small amounts of everything I wanted to try, so that if I wanted more of it, I could order from the dealers online or by phone.

It was more exciting than I thought it was gonna be, and interestingly enough, I found the baa-ing of sheep do be quite calming. I take that as a further sign...as if I need any! 

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful

 

Me and Gaby at Black Sheep Gathering

 

Rosewood Drop Spindle

It occured to me that I might need something small and light to work with silk.
I spun up this single last night to try it out. So pretty.

Shiney Taupe Ribbon Tunic

This got designed while I was knitting it. I used some eyelets and ribbing under the bust/at the waist for detail and shaping. This stuff was like knitting with dragonfly wings! Exciting and dangerous for these fast hands. 

Sari Ribbon Edging

 

Another Kind of Spinning Wheel

Man, this was SO MUCH FUN!
I really wanted to go on the ferris wheel, was a little scared, but before I downed any junk food, we all got on.
We we flying! It was wonderful.
Then came the cotton candy and now I'm flying on a sugar high that is due to end any moment now...
Thud!!
Okay, time for bed. Someone pull me off the computer. 

View From the Top

Portland in all it's Rose Festival Glory 

My Cohorts

Madame X (just a blur), Carly and Jeff 

Reeling and Wheeling

 

The Vest I Finished Yesterday..

...and wore today.
I didn't have anyone to take a picture, and I wanted to show it on, so here is my weird collage. It's handpainted bulky cotton from Over the Rainbow Yarns. Designed it as I went and found just the right stoneware buttons for it on Saturday.

I am on a mission to finish projects right now. 

Statuesque Birthday Greeting

I got together with my knit buddies today to celebrate my birthday a little early. Nana made this great card for me, depicting me as no less Lady Liberty. Liberate with knitting! (I just know they all see me as a bit consumed with the knit-life, but I think this image is great and flattering as an idea.

We went to Dim Sum and then onto a knitting store that I hadn't been to yet, Abundant Yarn. It was really lovely. We were there for hours and had tea and such. Another gift from Elizabeth, Carly and Nana was the yarn of my choice for a pair of socks. I picked some terracotta color Louet Gems.

It's wonderful being with people who really "get" you. I am so thankful for my friends and their support and creativity. 

Wool Sock Washing Day

This wet pile represents all the socks that I've knit for myself that I actually wear. I guess you can see that I put off washing them until it's dire. Superwash? What's that? I'll make socks out of almost anything, often to my frustration when it get's this bad in the bottom of the hamper. 

Cat Naps

Although this was taken a couple of months ago, it pretty much depicts my life of late. I don't know if it's the pollen, or what, but I've been joining Brahms in many of her afternoon naps lately. 

Her Name is Louisa

Yes, and Lou Lou for short.
We have a lot of things in common, like Alpaca.
And weather that's not too hot (Lou Lou has not haircut appointment on the books in the future).
And, looking good next to green....grass...yarn...those green with envy at her luxurious coat.

Thanks for all your suggestions. I must admit I led you on. I knew I'd be doing the naming of my new maskot unless some remarkable name was presented. And MOST of you realized she was a girl because she had no horns. For those of you who didn't, well...there's a learning curve, I suppose. 

Missing Cat

Today I thought that Brahms was missing. From 11am on, I proceded to lose my mind as I scoured the apartment, then the neighborhood.

You see, I found a knocked over vase next to an open window (three flights up) and thought that she has made a really big mistake. Not to mention the mistake that I made in leaving the window open and leaving the room.

I brought out the tuna, the catnip, sent the other one to look for her. Nothing.

Then I decided I had to eat something because I was getting hysterical and went to the store two blocks away. On the way home I looked in every hedge and called her name. Nothing.

Then I came into my apartment and there she was, with tuna on her breath.

I think I just used up a REALLY HUGE favor from the universe.
I love this cat like no tomorrow. She has been with me for 13 year and is my soul-mate, or as another puts it, my familiar.

Thank you, Universe above. 

In Search on More Buttons

My local extensive button shop has these lovely buttons that I have bought. I pretty much bought her out of the small selection she has.
So, I have been looking on the Net for more buttons of this nature, but whenever I find some, they seem to be in these really cutsie shapes. I am looking for more like the ones I've photographed here. Anyone who can point me in the right direction?

I have a huge antique button collection, but I'd really like to use this style on some of my sweaters this year. 

Buttons 2

 

Buttons 3