Melodye's Needle Notes

5 Years!!

2012-01-27T10:37:00.000-05:00

Five years ago today, I received my new kidney. While I have many family members, for various reasons they were not a match, so my new kidney came from a cadaver. I never met him. Nor have I ever been able to thank his family to tell them what their generous gift means to me. I avoided dialysis and lead a normal life with no restrictions. Their gift meant a new life, not only for me but for countless others. If you're an organ donor, I thank you on behalf of individuals you will never know. If you're not, please consider it. If you know a living donor, give them a hug!!!

TTYL,

Melodye

Oh well,

2012-01-23T16:24:00.002-05:00

Maybe next year. It was a good game though and maybe Flacco silenced his critics for a bit.

Go Ravens! Beat New England!!!!!!!!!!

2012-01-22T00:08:00.000-05:00

It was supposed to be brown!

2012-01-07T20:47:00.002-05:00

     In this post, I talked about recycling yarn.  A few months ago Harold forwarded an email to me from one of the local furriers. They were advertising knitted elbow length cashmere fingerless gloves trimmed in mink for $99. Well, I thought about buying them for a minute, but decided, where was the fun in that. I checked out the price of cashmere yarn (ouch!) and thought I'd check the local thrift shops instead.

    I'd been reading the Unraveler's group on Ravelry for quite a while and the sweaters these women find and the recycled items they create have to be seen to be believed. I found100% wool, silk, merino, a beautiful linen silk blend, cotton and yes, cashmere.

    Each sweater was $4.99 or less. And I had to stop buying. Between sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting and spinning I'm already way beyond S.A.B.L.E.* I thought I had a picture of the sweater, but I can't find it. Here's a shot of the unraveled yarn. It's a pink cobweb weight. The second pic is truer to the original color.

While I don't normally have anything against pink, I thought brown or beige would be more versatile. I originally tried dyeing the yarn with food coloring, but wound up with a blotchy mess. I re-dyed it with a dark brown Dylon dye from Michaels and it's purple! My all time favorite color, not quite what I was going for, but I love it. I'll knit it doubled with size 2 or needles and I'll wing the pattern. They probably won't be elbow length, but they'll be close.

Unless I quit and don't knit anything but these, I don't think they'll be finished to wear this winter. I didn't use all the original yarn, but I don't have any current plans to use the rest, just yet. Without further ado approximately 4.5 ounces of recycled cashmere.

You can't feel how soft it is, looking at the pictures, but it so soft. I think I'll cast on tomorrow during the game.

TTYL,

Melodye

*S.A.B.L.E. - Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy

2012 Crafting Goals

2012-01-01T12:14:00.001-05:00

     Happy New Year!!! I hope each of you had a happy and safe New Year's Eve and are settling down for a day of football, family, and food!

      I've been thinking about my crafting goals for 2012 for quite a while. As I've proven on this blog I get more done when I write them down where I (and everyone else!) can see them. For the past few years I've done real general goals. This year I'd like to be more specific. So here goes:

         Charitable:
          1. Complete and dress doll bodies; and
            2. Make 4 dresses for little girls and donate them.

        Quilting:
           1. Complete 3 tops from current tops to finished quilts; and
            2. Finish Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt. Not one of 3 in #1.

         Knitting and Crocheting:
             Complete 6 non-class related items from stash.

         Sewing:
            1. Wardrobe for Sister L; and
             2. Home dec items, i.e., pillows, placemats, napkins, etc.

         Spinning:
              I would love to say not buy any fleece this year, but that's not going to happen. I'm
        contacting a shepherd tomorrow about an alpaca fleece! I do need to inventory what I have,
        because other than what's in the shed I'm not sure what I have. I've bought willy-nilly and I've
        been given fibers and just shoved it into the closet so that's the first order of business. I would
        like to consistently be able to spin the yarn I want and knit my handspun.

        Of course now that I've written it, I'm re-evaluating the alpaca fleece. We'll see, it may not even be available. I did after all start this post by saying I'd be using my existing stashes.

        Well that's it, my 2012 crafting goals. This time next year, we'll see how I did!

TTYL,

Melodye

Last FO of 2011

2011-12-31T17:35:00.000-05:00

Here's my last one for the year. My niece couldn't get her around fingerless gloves until I told her that kids were wearing them to keep their hands warm while texting. The light bulb went on! "Aunt Mel, can I have them?" It felt great to have a family member actually ask for something! As soon as they were finished I gave them to her. Here's a pic:

We're staying in tonight. Fondue and a movie. Be safe and I'll see you in 2012!!

TTYL,

Melodye

A Real Post!

2011-12-28T23:25:00.003-05:00

Finally, everything aligned. Camera, computer, something to say and time! Whee!!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and are continuing to enjoy the holidays. I spent the day with my mother and sibs in Myrtle Beach. Harold was here with his daughter. We were both happy! I just realized how that sounded, but we really were. This year I really wanted to be with my mother and late Friday it all worked out that I was able to go. Harold hates short car trips. I grew up doing this trip. On more than one occasion we've driven down, just to turn around and come back the next day. Multiple drivers make the trip relatively easy.

Shop samples are done and in the shop. Participants are signing up and I'm getting psyched! I was also asked to work in the shop and I considered it for a week. I was reluctant to give up a day even though most days I'm home. I'm having so much fun, I told Harold today that they pay me to drive to the shop.

Camille shawl:

Tusculum cowl:

Skaoi fingerless gloves:

Diamond Ridges hat:

Drops Crochet jacket:

    All patterns are in Ravelry. The most challenging was the hat. It was difficult to understand the pattern as written and I couldn't figure out how to chart it. I finally sat down and deleted all the parenthetical remarks and I was finally able to "see" it.

   I spend way too much time on Ravelry. Now though I call it research for my classes! VBG!! There's a group that recycles thrift store sweaters for yarn. I need more yarn like I need another hole in my head, but I was intrigued. In a later post I'll show you some of my finds. I've spent less than $50, but I've gotten loads more yarn. I can't use most of it for samples, but I'm sure I'll find a use for it.

    That's it for now. Unless we go to church, we'll most likely be home New Year's Eve. We'll probably put in a movie, and fall asleep! If I don't get back I wish each of you the Happiest New Year! Thank you so much for being a part of my journey.

TTYL,

Melodye

P.S. Harold says this sounds as if I'm logging off for good. God willing, I'll be back. See ya!!!

Melodye

Merry Christmas!!

2011-12-23T21:35:00.000-05:00

A Drive-By Post

2011-12-03T22:50:00.000-05:00

I'm working diligently to get class samples made. Four down one more to go. I wrote once before about the powers of the internet and couldn't resist another post. I started a project knowing I was a skein short,but decided to start anyway figuring I could find the extra skein on Ravelry if I couldn't find it locally. Nothing local. Nothing on Ravelry. I decided to try getting it from the suppliers that other Ravelers had used. Webs, Cascade and Jimmy Beans. Struck out with Webs. By the time Cascade got back to me telling me they had it I found it at Jimmy Beans. I've never ordered from them, but Sharon talks about visiting them frequently. I ordered on Wednesday morning, received an email telling me it shippped Wednesday afternoon, received it this morning. Additionally,there was a free pattern printed on the envelope. I just found 4 free stitch markers! I'll order from them again and recommend them. NAVY, just a very satisfied customer! Thanks Sharon!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-11-24T09:39:00.000-05:00

Harold and I wish each of you Happy Thanksgiving! Last year Harold was recovering from emergency surgery and we celebrated alone. This year we along with the rest of the family will be celebrating with the newlyweds who are cooking!

Thanks be to God! If you're traveling, be safe. Don't forget our troops. God bless you and yours!!!

Blogger!

2011-10-24T20:08:00.001-04:00

I've been having trouble for quite a while leaving comments on other blogs. I just saw this fix and am passing it on in case anyone else needs it. Go to your sign-in page and uncheck the box that says "stay signed in". It worked for me. Thanks Shams and Gwen!

TTYL,

Melodye

Two Things

2011-10-17T12:50:00.000-04:00

Well actually three. I met one of my readers! I ran into Spinster Beth at the Grand Opening Saturday! We only got to chat for a few minutes but she is as nice in person as she appears to be on her blog. If you haven't already check her out here.

Since I an enabler extraordinare, Little Knits has their Namaste bags on clearance at half off. I bought one for my non-knitting daughter for her birthday and she immediately loaded it up with dance gear.

If you're going to be in the area this Wednesday, the Yarn Harlot will be at the Barnes and Noble on Reisterstown Road at 7. I think it's exit 15 off 695. Hope to see you there!!

NAVYY with any of the above,just passing on info.

TTYL,

Melodye

New Local Yarn shop

2011-10-14T13:06:00.002-04:00

It seems as if I said, "I'm back", just to disappear again.   I was going to the gym 5 days a week and it seemed as if afterwards the day was shot.   In my usual scattershot approach, I've been working on lots of things and finishing nothing.

Two weeks ago, after my last class I put my back out. I spent most of last week on a heating pad. I can't remember the last time I was in so much pain. This week we've been working in the yard, Wednesday we kept the two youngest grandkids and yesterday we recovered.

I am teaching Harold to spin.   I'm not altruistic I assure you. In one day I caught him trimming a plant with my embroidery scissors and he moved my magnetic place keeper on a complicated knitting pattern as he asked, "What's this?"

Every time I spin he watches me as if to say, "how hard can it be? or "I can do that."   I could only imagine coming home one day to spinning chaos. So in the interest of marital harmony I decided to teach him. So far so good or at least he's feeding his curosity by surfing spinning websites rather than seeing how fast he can make the wheel spin!!

As the title of this post says, we have a new local yarn shop. It's 30 minutes door to door for me. It's a new shop, but it has the feel of an established shop. Dianna did extensive research and surveys to determine what knitters want in a shop. And it shows. I didn't participate in the survey, but everytime I visit the shop, it feels as if I did. From the dedicated, well-lit classrooms with cameras pointed at teachers' hands so the movements are shown on the monitor behind her to the fireplace for Sit and Knits her attention to detail shows. There is a wide variety of yarn at all price points. And the yarn at the lower end of the price spectrum feels as nice as the most expensive in the shop. So if you're on a tight budget you don't feel as if you're skimping on quality. There is a coffee bar with a gentle reminder to be respectful of others, class policies are well-defined and displayed so there's no room for misunderstanding or hints of favoritism. I stopped by last night and was really too tired to knit, but it was pleasant just to sit and chat with other like minded people. Employees are nice and helpful without being intrusive.

From the first day of the soft opening there has been a roster of classes with both local and national teachers. Shop events include First Fridays where yarn representatives come in and introduce customers to their products, have yarn tastings and trunk shows. This month Cascade yarns were featured. Upcoming will be Malabrigo and Juniper Farms. There are also Fun Fridays with different activities planned.

The shop has been having its soft opening over the past three weeks so they were able to work out and tweak any problems. As a customer I can say that any problems or tweaks were invisible to me.   One of my favorite aspects of the shop is that there are several areas to sit and knit so you can drop into and out of as many conversations as you like.

To build awareness and a customer base, the blog, website and Ravelry group were up and running weeks before the shop opened. Dianna and her staff are serious about the business and are positioning themselves to be a viable force in the local yarn business.

So what's the name of this mavel of a shop? The Knitting Boutique at 910 Cromwell Park Drive, Glen Burnie, MD. The Grand Opening is tomorrow, October 15th, from 9 to 6.

In the interest of full disclosure, as of last night, I'm scheduled to teach two Intermediate Crochet classes starting in November. But I have no other affiliation with the shop and had never met Dianna prior to the opening of the shop.   I'm just happy to have another yarn choice on my side of town!

Hope to see you there if not tomorrow sometime soon!

TTYL,

Melodye

It seems like forever!

2011-09-24T12:21:00.001-04:00

I'm back in business. Of course the laptop couldn't be fixed and I gave serious thought to not replacing it, But I did. We travel and neither one of us likes being off line for long. And it's getting to the point now that we go on vacation we do the same things we do at home, just in a different location.

       But I have been busy. I finished washing all but one of the fleeces. I've decided I'm going to have that one done by a local fiber processing source. This particular fleece is a Romney and it's a gorgeous white. It's also huge. I laid it out on a a drop cloth that was 8 x 10 and it practically covered the cloth.

     Even though I don't usually knit socks, I've started socks for the little people in our lives. I really need a small project to carry along. I hate sitting and doing nothing. The next couple of hand knit projects require deep thought!!

      The kids want sweaters but they'll be done on the knitting machine. It will give me the chance to really learn how to use them. Their moms all work, so I'm not giving them sweaters that need special care. I'm having trouble finding suitable colors for boys in sportweight yarn. Also, don't you think $60 is a bit much for a child's sweater? I keep telling myself that Mom can hand it down to GS#2, but still. I don't have a problem spending more than that for an adult sweater, but then it's wool and will be hand washed.
       And finally a finished object. Well almost, it still has to be blocked. It's the Holden Shawlette. My first shawl. Knitting shawls seem to be addictive.  I spent last night trying to pick out my next one!

TTYL,

Melodye

We're Still Here!

2011-09-04T19:40:00.000-04:00

We made it through the hurricane just fine. We lost power for about 40 minutes. BUT, the computers have been acting crazy ever since. They're all plugged into good surge protectors and most were off before the power went out, so DH doesn't think that's it. In the meantime, my laptop is down so no pics as I can't figure out how to upload them from my desktop downstairs. I feel cutoff from the world. My laptop is up most of the time so I can just pop in and surf the net or read blogs.

Nothing exciting going on here and not much of anything else either. I started back at the Y last week and have been so tired and sore that I come home and crash. I took a nap Friday and when I work up I couldn't move. Spent most of yesterday stretched out, trying not to even breathe I hurt so bad!

Washing of fleece and knitting continues. The veggies have just about stopped producing. The string beans only yielded enough for about a meal and the peppers didn't do much better. To put up anything I'm going to have to hit the famer's markets. The only way to get enough here at home will be to use the yard and I don't think that's going to be an option unless the county does something about the deer population. Hoop house are against the covenant.

That's it from this end.

TTYL,

Melodye

This Proves It!!

2011-08-23T15:23:00.001-04:00

My family always tells me that I live in my own little world. There was a 5.9 earthquake and tremors were felt along the east coast. Family has been calling me all afternoon. Me - I didn't feel a thing!

TTYL,

Melodye

Retirement Can be Wonderful!

2011-08-13T21:29:00.003-04:00

I couldn't find my camera! I looked for several days only to find it today in a place I'd already looked! I wrote this post over a week ago but wanted to post the pics with it!

I've spent the past few days as I envisioned them when I thought about retirement. I've been sewing and making jelly.

But first an update on my goals. I finished both tops in a manner of speaking. The dolls:

Remember this:

It's been reduced to blocks.

I examined all the blocks and some seams that hadn't failed in the wash were fraying badly. I didn't want to put the time into repairing them so I removed the embroidered blocks and put the rest in the scrap bag. I remember being in a rush to get the quilt finished and I wasn't in love with the setting. My original intent was to set it with red, but I swear it fought me every step of the way. It obviously doesn't want to be purple either. Maybe I'll try blue next time.

I also completed the African Log Cabin top. I love Log Cabin blocks and this is one of my favorite settings:

For the curtains I've planned a valance that's 12" deep with a ruffle above the rod and embroidered sewing motifs around the bottom.. I've done the measurements and chosen the Redwork designs. Yesterday I printed them out and now I need to decide placement. I'm measuring twice so hopefully I'll only have to do this once!

I read lots of blogs. And they can be either a source of inspiration of the cause of trouble. A couple of weeks ago Araignee wrote about solar dyeing. I've got fleece, dyes, a deck and Lord knows we had loads of sunlight and heat.

Since I decided at the last minute to try it, I did three jars and one of them was plastic. I'd planned to do 2 jars, but I had dye left over. One jar has a failed dye experiment from last year. I tried to use Japanese Indigo from the yard, but I never got any color at all. I dyed it blue. The other jars have some Romney from the bags I got earlier this summer. I tried to wash individual locks, but forgot to put the locks in the netting so as soon as the locks hit the water they fell apart. I had blue dye left, but also wanted to try some immersion dyeing so I added yellow to both jars. One jar more successfully than the other. Here are the results:

Failed experiment from last year:

Since the last time I was here, I also washed 2 more fleeces, weeded the flower beds and a bunch of other stuff I can't remember.

We ran out of jelly at breakfast last week. No big deal, just put it on the list. I remembered I'd been planning to make apple jelly anyway and this seemed like a perfect opportunity. I made the "Easy Apple Jelly" from the Ball book recommended by Miss Ginny. Easy because instead of making the juice you use store bought. I had some in the fridge from the last time the kids visited. It was as easy as the title implied. What is it with canning jars? They don't last a hot minute on Craig's List and the stores seem to be selling out as soon as they come in. I'm going to assume it's because of the economy and people are looking to save money where they can. I also did salsa and apple grape jelly. I've a ways to go before I am as prolific as Miss Ginny, but I've made a start. ETA: Harold says to tell you he can't figure out which flavor he likes best.

On the sewing front, I made a top. We went out with friends for crabs on Sunday and I didn't have a thing to wear. I hate to shop for clothes and shopping was the alternative. I'm not whining about my weight today but the thought of shopping in this heat drove me crazy. Yes, I realize stores are air conditioned, as is my car, but I swear it's too hot pull stuff on and off. It's also the end of the season and there's little left in my size and it's all black. Not in this heat! This is a quick top. I bought the patterns at JoAnn's last sale. It will be a combination of two. Both patterns have the handkerchief hem, but the bodices and lengths are different. One bodice is absolutely scandalous. I know because I forgot I'd bought the second pattern for the bodice and made it. Y'all my mama's still alive, there's no way I could wear it. The second is more of a bandeau top and even then I had to enlarge it. I also added a zipper to the left side. It's cute and cool to wear.

McCalls 6113:

As usual I've written a book!

TTYL,

Melodye

What A Weekend!

2011-07-27T09:16:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I took two classes with Shirley Paden, I have been trying to get into the design class for over a year. Then I heard how wonderful her finishing class was and I had to have that too! Classes were held at Crazy for Ewe in Leonardtown. A four hour round trip. I treated myself and stayed overnight. It was a good thing, too because the Friday class didn't end until 7 and then we went out to dinner. My friend Annece decided to stay as well. We shared a room and it was like our own pajama party!

Ellen,who owns Crazy for Ewe has written about the weekend here: It was the first time I'd visited this shop and while I won't go often, I'll go back. It's a wonderful shop, lots of yarn at all price points, a wonderful welcoming staff and Ellen. If it's true that shops reflect the personality of their owners, Ellen is someone I'd want for a friend. The only downside is that it's so far away!

But back to Shirley. Everything everyone has ever written about her is true. She is a wonderful teacher. There are some people who know how and what to do, but can't tell others how to do it. No so with Shirley. Her designs have appeared in all the major knitting publications, she runs a successful hand knitting business, and she teaches all over the world. She's warm, funny and has no ego. When went to dinner after class on Friday and she was just another one of the girls.

For me, the best thing about her classes was the handouts. The older I get the more I need handouts. There's so much information, that I can't retain it all. Most teachers don't because they're afraid of others duplicating or using their info to teach or publish (or so I've been told). Shirley's handouts are extensive and detailed. They reflect her years of experience and will be great help as I work through the exercises in her book or as I finish both hand and machine knit garments. Her handouts are detailed and are indicative of her level of commitment to her students. If you ever get a chance to take a class with her, jump at it. You won't be disappointed. The only advice I'd give is to be well rested. She packs a lot of information into each class.

I'm still cleaning, putting away and throwing away. I've come to a conclusion. I have enough. Enough of everything. I've taken classes, bought materials, machines and software. But I'm not finishing things. Yes, I have needlework ADD, but it's time to get busy. I won't be making things just to use up stuff, but things I'd like to own and give. All the books and information and notes I have are just that until I use them. It's time to go back to setting goals and working towards them. First, I'll pick some low hanging fruit. This next week, I'll finish the doll and African Scrap tops. Just the tops. I'd also like to get started on the valance for my window. I'll keep you updated!

TTYL,

Melodye

UFOs (Long and Pic Heavy)

2011-07-06T11:32:00.000-04:00

Since I don’t have a large knitting stash or any knitting UFOs, my knitting friends think I’m very virtuous and/or disciplined. Little do they know.

Monday my brother and a family friend installed cabinets in my sewing room. Yes, I’m still working on putting that room back together. It’s coming along slowly and I’m the reason. I know it’s not going to be perfect, but I’d like it look as if some thought were given to putting together, rather than my usual haphazard way of just putting stuff into a room and hoping it works!

At first I thought I wanted open shelving, but then I realized that I hate seeing stuff on shelves and that from a purely aesthetic point of view I do prefer cabinets. Then I realized that cabinets would be permanent. And what about resale? Then a giant slap upside my head! Prayerfully by the time resale is an issue, I’ll be dead. Let the kids worry about it! Of course price is always an issue with me, so I shopped around for the best price. That let out the big box stores; they had what I wanted, but sheez the price. At the reuse-it stores, I liked the price, but finding enough of similar cabinets that would work was a problem. I thought I could get the size right and paint them all white. No luck there. I thought I’d found what I wanted on Craigslist, but I had to take the whole kitchen. No thanks.

Finally, my brother, who’s even cheaper (err thriftier) than I am suggested the place he gets his cabinets. They are not the best cabinets, but they are sturdy, look good and work well. For the price I got a great set of cabinets. Thanks baby bro!

Once installed, I started putting things away. I started rounding up quilting UFOs. I knew I had a couple, but boy! Back in November 2009 I showed you my finished tops and quilts in progress. Here’s the rest of the story.

I don’t make wall quilts; I don’t have the wall space. Then too, I usually do traditional patchwork quilts and my decorating style (LOL!!) tends toward contemporary ( yeah that’s the term). Disregarding everything I just said, here are two wall quilts.

I found this embroidery card on sale. It was supposed to be redwork, but I liked the taupe. I didn’t remember that I’d gotten this far. I was planning to use the individual blocks in a valance in the sewing room. All I need to do is complete the mitered corners and the top is complete. I think I even have the pattern I want to use to quilt it.

This one was made from scraps of African printed fabric, I didn't want to throw away. I need to finish the remaining blocks. I think there was a problem with the size of the remaining blocks.

This one was finished. I washed it. One of the fabrics shredded and the whole top fell apart. I took it apart then went and bought a baby gift! I need a blankie soon, maybe I can get it finished.

I have enough of the next 3 sets of blocks to make a quilt from each set of blocks. These I got from an on-line swap:

Another on-line swap:

I used to belong to the North Star Quilt Guild. I found these blocks in an antique shop.:

I have left over blocks from quilts I've made.

What's not included in the above pictures are class samples and other miscellaneous blocks. I have two sets of pieces of blocks for two other quilts - A NewYork Beauty:

and Nosegay:

I also found this. I have no clue what this is, I don't recognize the fabrics and have no recollection of ever working on it. But there are enough pieces to do something:

I also found this. It was in my grandmother's scrap bag. No clue what I'll do with it, but I'm keeping it:

And everything on the top shelf of this cabinet belonged to my aunt. She was a fantastic crocheter. On the far right are enough crocheted blocks for a twin sized bed, the beginng of a tablecloth, a couple of doilys and the beginning of an Irish Crochet bedspread. I just remembered an incomplete afghan I have upstars. She passed away over 13 years ago. I have now become the guardian of other people's UFOs!

I'm still going through boxes and bags. I'm praying that I don't find anything else.

TTYL,

Melodye

I've really been

2011-07-05T12:17:00.003-04:00

trying to post. I've been having trouble logging in and leaving comments on blogs. I decided to try today and here I am!

First - Thanks so much for all the birthday wishes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your comments and got such a lift. For those of you who don't celebrate, I can only say why not? It's fun and the day (or days) can be whatever you choose to make it. You can do as I do (some times) and make it all about me or spend the day doing for others.

A couple of answers - Yes, I do take yoga, but it's supported or chair yoga. I started after I completed physical therapy for my neck. It's great for stretching and there's a good mix of ages and abilities in my class. One of my classmates is a 94 year old woman who puts us youngsters to shame. I think I said she was 90 in an earlier post, but her DIL told us otherwise.

No I didn''t cut my hair, yet. But I am so tempted. I've worn it relaxed for years, but I'm also taking water aerobics so I'm getting it wet most days. Chlorine and perms don't mix. In the last picture I just have it braided down either side. Since then my niece has braided it for me. It's much easier to just rinse it and go. I'm trying to get my nerve up to just cut it all and go natural as I did back in the '70s.

Our container garden is producing, I'm thinking about trying to find a squash plant, but I think it may be too late. DH and I don't eat a lot of the same thing so I try to balance what I plant.

I've been to Myrtle Beach and back again. My sis and I went to do some work for my mother. We got a lot done for her but I was so tired I didn't do much else but sit and veg.

I joined the Tour de Fleece this year or Ravelry. My goal is to spin one bobbin full a day. I'd love to do more, but I'm being considerate of my neck, arms and hands so I can continue.

That's it for me, what's going on with you??

TTYL,

Melodye

It's My Birthday!!!

2011-06-06T21:42:00.001-04:00

Yep, I was born on the 10th anniversary of D-Day. I love it when there are major anniversaries of that day. It's like the world is putting on a celebration for me! I've been celebrating since Saturday and may well celebrate the rest of the week.

Saturday I had several friends over to knit. The eariliest arrived a little after 1 and the last left a little after10. My sibs thinks I'm crazy and can't image sitting around knitting and spinning all day. If only they knew! We solved all the world's problems and had loads of fun doing it. For once I listened to Harold and bought a lot of the food. No cooking marathon or the exhaustion that goes with it.

Yesterday the same sibs got together for crabs and conversation. We had a great time. We enjoy being together as do the in-laws (and outlaws!).

Tonight Harold took me out to dinner at one of our favorite restaurants. We had a really nice waitress. She relocated here from Chicago to pursue a singing career. Apparently Baltimore is a hot spot for young talent. Who knew?

I wore my Doris Chan Skirt for the first time. I just wore a nylon slip under it so it was a little warm. I enjoyed wearing and can't wait for another chance to wear it. I'd like to wear it to church, but I don't know if it's appropriate or not. Or if I'm too old (no giggling Miss Ginny!) I need to make a batiste slip, I think it will be cooler. Excuse the face, it's hard taking mirror shots.

TTYL,

Melodye

How Time Flies When You're Having Fun

2011-06-01T09:49:00.004-04:00

As usual I didn't realize it was so long since I posted. Dust, dirt and paint having been flying here at Chez Ray. Loads of summertime chores postponed since last summer are being finished. The most visible of these is the outside doors and storm doors. Four of the five have been sanded and painted to include door frames and thresholds. The front door still has to be done and we hope to get to that next week after the heat and humidity subside. Summer has arrived in the mid-Atlantic and heat records are being broken daily. We've also cleaned flower beds, planted our container garden and busted up and removed some old stumps. And that's only outside! This year my lilacs put on quite a show. I moved them several years ago and this is the first year they bloomed.

Inside, I'm trying to figure out how two people can collect so much junk! Still slowly decluttering and it never seems to end.

Lest you thnk it's been all work and no fun - I made my first mint jelly. We don't eat a lot of lamb, but it can also be used on pork (which we don't eat a lot of either, hmmm). In the side flower bed we have a boat load of mint. I'm determined not to let it all go to waste this year. It was an easy recipe found in one of the books Miss Ginny recommend in an earlier post. Or it would have been easy if I hadn't forgotten the lemon juice and had to re-do it! The jars are gelling and we hope to try them soon.

Some of the of the mint was used to dye roving. The color is not as dark as I would have liked. Right now I think I'm going to spin it as it is, then overdye it. Then maybe not, we'll see.

I've also washed my first two fleeces, but they'll be a separate post.

Sunday I attended the Eastern Angora Goat and Mohair Association's (EAGMA) Annual show about 40 minutes from here. I took the 3 hour Advanced Spinning workshop with Phylleri Ball. One of my goals was to have my spinning evaluated. It was and it wasn't. I'd hoped to get an evaluation of my overall spinning skills. Instead it was evaluated in terms of what I wanted to get out of the workshop. It was helpful in getting me to see what I can do differently. I also learned that I use the short draw. The reason my default yarn is so thin is that I learned to spin on a Canadian Production Wheel (CPW) and those wheels are designed to spin fast and thin. I wanted to learn to spin yarns the weight that I want. A larger whorl, slower treadling and (for now) spinning from the fold will get me where I want to be. I can also split my roving or fluff it a bit. The one thing we didn't get to was hands-on fiber preparation. There were only two of us in class, so we were able to get a lot of personalized attention. The big thing though is to practice, practice, practice.

The festival was very poorly attended. The overall economy and heat were factors, but also the organizers didn't do a good job of advertising to the fiber community or the general public. They have no Ravelry presence and it's only a couple of weeks since the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. The organizers hope to keep it in this area and they want a spring show. Last year there were 10 vendors, this year only 5. I'd really hate to lose this show. It's small so you get to talk to the suppliers and since the sales are direct the prices (at least for the fiber) are better than buying on-line and you get to touch. I was on a strict budget this time and only bought some dyes. There are a couple of things I'll buy from the vendors later. I didn't buy any fiber or yarn. I took a good look at both stashes before I left!

I hope I debunked a couple of myths. The general position and what's promoted on Ravelry and other spinning boards, is that you can't buy an antique wheel as your first wheel and that you can't learn on a CPW. I've done both. I didn't know how to spin period so was it harder? I don't know. It's what I had so I used it. I'd rather invest $75 to find out whether I liked spinning rather than hundreds on a new wheel. I did buy another wheel later but by then I knew what I was looking for.

Ok rant over! To end this on a positive note, we babysat GC #4. Isn't he adorable?

TTYL, Melodye

First Hand Spun, Hand Knit FO!!!

2011-05-17T13:59:00.002-04:00

Last night I finished a pair of yoga socks using my own yarn. Whoo Hoo! The yarn is far from perfect, thick and thin in spots, but once it was worked up, it all seemed to even out. I knit them using size three needles so now I need to work on spinning a thicker yarn. I'd like to make a sweater from that Sheltand I have, but I'm not enough of a masochist to knit an adult sweater on size 3 needles. I wore them today and they fit fine. They also help keep my feet warm, but I don't slip. A couple of details for me:Yellow fleece was from Cloverhill Yarn Shop and the white I bought at the Sheep and Wool Show last year from Little Barn. Two ply yarn spun on Lendrum Spinning Wheel.I don't know how I spin (worsted or woollen) or which draw. There's a spinning workshop at the EAGMA show in Fredrick in June that should help me answer these questions. I'm supposed to take 4 samples of my handspun yarn, so I'm hoping for a written critique or at least in depth enough so I can take notes.Without further ado:

Next up: First Processed FleeceTTYL,Melodye

Yes sir, yes sir, three bags full

2011-05-13T15:16:00.003-04:00

In a previous post, I mentioned I’d found raw fleece on Craigslist for $10 each. I’d originally only planned to buy one, but Harold said he wasn’t going that far to buy one fleece.
On our way home from a funeral in Richmond two weeks ago we stopped at Slate Run Farms where I picked up what I thought were 3 fleeces. Since the owners weren’t home I left the money. That evening Sven called to tell me I’d left too much money, but I could pick up the other fleece whenever I wanted. Then he said he had some others I could have for free. Now next to the names of my family members, my favorite word is “free”.
I picked them up Monday on my way home from Myrtle Beach. I was flabbergasted. This is a lot of fleece. But more importantly I think I have a new friend. Sven and I have never met in person. All our correspondence has been via email. But he was great to work with. It might be a good thing he’s a four hour round trip away! Other than being a happy customer, I have no affiliation with the farm. I like the idea of supporting small farms and am so happy to have met him. Here’s the website. http://awesomealpines.com/
As you can see I haven’t opened the bags yet, but I’ll begin processing them next week. I’d hoped to get started today but DD#2 came to visit and I sat and enjoyed talking to her. I just read that I can store them in cotton pillowcases after they are cleaned or I can buy comforter bags to store them. I’m trying to shoot for 1 - 2 one a week. They’re currently in the shed and with the heat I’m afraid the yard will start smelling like a barn. Harold is already threatening to get me my own shed! Stay tuned more pics to come as I start.
TTYL,

Melodye

Happy Mother's Day!!

2011-05-08T18:23:00.001-04:00

I wish each of you the happiest Mother's Day!

TTYL,

Melodye

It's hard

2011-05-03T09:33:00.004-04:00

to believe that I retired one year ago today. I looked over the posts from this past year and it has been fun. I accomplished more than I thought but not as much as I wanted. But that's life. This year has been revealing in lots of ways, but it affirmed one thing I've always known. I hate sitting around doing nothing. So much so that some days I've even contemplated going back to work just to have something to do. But I really don't want a job. My attempts at volunteering have not panned out and I'm not sure why. Something to look at over the summer. All in all it's been a positive change and I'm glad I did it.

To combat those days, when "I don't have anything to do" I'm going to start a list of things I'd like to do or even need to do to.

Miss Ginny, I didn't realize I sounded so bad. I didn't mean to. I've considered raised beds but I'm not sure the dreaded neighborhood covenant will allow them. There are gardens here, but definitely no hoop houses. But that would solve the problem. I'm definitely going to can this year, but planned on visiting pick your own farms and farmer's markets. You make canning look, if not exactly easy, doable. I love the idea of fresh food in the winter. Even though we have a relatively large freezer, it's almost full and I'm leery of keeping it full too long. We lost the contents a few years ago due to a prolonged power outage and throwing away the contents was painful. The local pantries were overwhelmed and they were without power as well.

On a more personal note, I'm really trying to lose this weight. I finally got the exercise part under control, but that alone isn't going to cut it. I started going to the Y in March for water aerobics and yoga and have lost a grand total of 4 pounds. Getting my eating under control is going to be a lot harder. I'm starting to cook more (sigh) and really watching what I put in my mouth. I love to eat so that's challenging. Some things fit better, but it's going to take a lot of work. I have closets full of clothes so I'm going to give this a real try before buying or making more.

For the first time in years, I won't be going to Maryland Sheep and Wool. It's Mother's Day weekend and I'll be in Myrtle Beach with my mom. The guy from whom I bought the $10 fleeces contacted me, he's got more fleece for me, gratis. I just have to pick it up so I'll have lots to keep me busy. I do need to order some dyes though. I do lave lots of Easter egg dyes, but I'd like to try some others.

I don't know if I posted or not, but my dye garden last year didn't work well. Part of it was my arms and I left the plants in the ground too long. Part of it was most likely my technique. Some of them made it through the winter, a couple of others self seeded, so I'll try again.

I think that's it for now.

TTYL,

Melodye

It's hard

2011-05-01T14:10:00.004-04:00

to write a blog post when you're not doing anything to blog about. I'm knitting, but neither piece looks like anything so there's no need to show them.

I'm sewing but I'm only doing alterations on some things for my niece.

I could blog about the Royal Wedding wedding, but what else is there to say? I loved the dresses, but adored the hats, even the fascinators. I really wish we as a society would move away from casual dress all the time. It's appropriate to dress up as yesterday showed. I'm tired of going to church, to funerals, the theater, fancy restaurants and seeing jeans and tennis shoes. I love my jeans, but there is a time and a place.

It's still too iffy to work in the yard. I'd like to have a larger garden, but I refuse to the feed the 6-foot tall rats in the neighborhood. Alright, they're actually deer but the sentiment is the same!

I did pick up two fleeces last week for $10 each, but because of the weather, I haven't had a chance to look at them yet.

So not to end this post on a down note, here is a picture of our royal couple. Thanks so much for all the well wishes. I passed them on the happy couple. Debbie, we didn't have time to make the decisions you have to make. They were married in their church, the reception was held in their home. Dresses were bought from Macy's on line (on sale!) and shoes were from Zappos. DH did the photos, I did the programs and acted as coordinator. The parents took care of the food. One attendant each. It was nice and simple just as they wanted. I'm sure that if they'd waited until next summer it would have been a lot more complicated. I will say that she was the calmest bride I've ever seen. Nothing bothered her! Or him either for that matter. In the end, they just wanted to wind up married to each other. Everything else was just small stuff. Without further ado:

What a Few Weeks!

2011-04-23T12:59:00.002-04:00

No, I didn't drop in just to drop out again. My last post was dated April 2. The very next day, my nephew called to say he and his fiancee' were getting married April 22nd. What year, I asked? 2011. No they aren't pregnant, but they bought a house earlier this year. Both families (and their minister) talked to them repeatedly about living together. They ignored us all until Nana (my mother) asked, "What would your grandfather think?" Apparently that's all it took.

They were married yesterday in a small ceremony at their church, but can I tell you how busy I've been? He's my only nephew and she's a darling girl. Their parents wanted an extravaganza. They wrested control and asked DH and I for help on the 9th. At one point I was ready to spring for two tickets to Vegas!

But it's over, it was a beautiful ceremony and everyone is so happy for them. I'm still on speaking terms with my sister and her in laws and no harsh words were exchanged. The bride and groom are so happy and so giggly.

I almost forgot to add the trip to Myrtle Beach (MB) to bring my mother to the wedding. My sister and I left Tuesday morning. The return trip Thursday entailed a stop in Richmond to visit my mother's best friend who was very ill. We returned to Baltimore just in time for me make it to the rehearsal. Whenever we go to MB, my mother has a list of things she needs to have done. I fell into bed last night with a deep sense of gratitude.

There's been knitting, but nothing to show. Wedding pics aren't available yet. Just wanted to say "Hi!" and let you know I'm still here.

TTYL,

Melodye

It's Been a While!

2011-04-02T20:12:00.005-04:00

Yes, it's been a minute as the kids would say. I've completed physical therapy and the doc has released me! I'm back to doing the things I love, but only for short periods. I'm also doing water aerobics and yoga. Lots of stretching. Between all of this I really don't have a lot of time to do anything else. I feel fine, a little stiff at times, but that could just be age. LOL

I'm going to repeat what I told CiCi, please take care of yourself and listen to your bodies. Don't sit in the same position for too long, take breaks and stretch and every so often get up and move around. If I can save anyone else from what I've been through it will almost have been worth it.

I've been doing some knitting for Colours and trying to work on some things for myself but where to start? I'm working on a fake-a-gamo for my mother (finally), a scarf for a 10 year old and her mother I'm teaching to knit; a pair of yoga socks; and the ruffled edge wrap from Vogue Knitting. A far cry from my monogamous knitting.

I've also been spinning. I received the grayish looking roving from the Spincycle group on Ravelry. As soon as I saw it, I knew what I wanted to do with it. I spun it as a single and then spun the burgundy and lavender as singles. Then I plied them together. It looks just as I thought. I think it's a bit thinner than I wanted but I won't know for sure until I knit a sample. The first picture shows 2 different batches of yarn. The one that's more gray only has the original roving and the burgundy. I ran out of the lavender and didn't have anything else that went with the other two.

I'm planning to make a shawl with the yarn in the next picture, I've got approximately 500 yards of it. The second batch, I'm not sure yet what it's going to become. I will admit to a bit of pride. I looked at it one morning, and just grinned.

As usual this way longer than I'd planned.

TTYL,

Melodye

P.S. There's a 90 year-old woman in the yoga class. She puts us all to shame. I believe she lives alone, but she still drives. I can only imagine!

New FO!

2011-02-21T20:56:00.005-05:00

I finished Jared Flood's Turn-A-Square Hat for Harold. He likes it and I'll make it again but I'll make it shorter before I start the decreases. It only took a couple of evenings so it's a real quick knit. It's made from Galway by Plymouth. It's from the stash and I originally bought it to make him a double knit hat. I'm going to make him a cowl from the gray, so I'll have to buy more yarn for the double knit hat as I don't have anything else in the stash that he'll wear.

Judith Scott-Hammerquist collects sweaters for an orphanage in China every year. I've got two started. One is hand knit and only needs the collar. The other one is machine knit but it's probably not going to get finished.

The docs have finally decided what going on with my wrists and arms. I have one injury that's manifesting itself in two places. The pinched nerve in the neck is affecting everything else. My upper arms, forearms and wrists. There's also a pinched nerve in the right elbow. The hand doc thinks once the neck and elbow are cleared up, the wrists will resolve themselves.

The neurologist has three options for treatment. Physical therapy (PT), cortisone shots in my neck and surgery. We're starting with Physical Therapy. If that doesn't work, we'll move to the shots and finally surgery. Today was my 10th PT visit and while I can't say that I see a lot of improvement, I'm not any worse. The neurologist thinks this has been going on for about 3 years and the work last summer just pushed me over the edge. In fact his exact words were, "your neck is a mess.' I wish I'd thought to ask him if that was an official diagnosis!

Up until last week I continued hand knitting, but on Wednesday, I decided I'd work on the machine. What was I thinking!!! I didn't listen to my body and worked at an awkward angle and didn't quit when my body said STOP! And as a result I paid for it. The PT says stop for a while.

No one has any idea how long it's going to take to get this all worked out, so I'm going to learn to be patient. It should be noted that I never pray for patience. It's not something God gives you, but He puts you in situations so you can learn patience.

I have plenty to do. I'm facilitating two Bible Studies. One is weekly, the other one is March 12th and I have a lot to do for both of those. I'm going to put the rest of my stash in Ravelry and marry up some yarn with patterns.

The real downside is that there is the 3rd Annual Chesapeake Fiber Arts Retreat Needlework Conference in Piney Point, Maryland, April 1-2. Final registration is due March 18th and all fees are non-refundable. This is another case of my having to have been under a rock. It's extremely reasonable, includes room and most meals and it's the 3rd one!

I had hoped to go to SOAR, but registration begins next month and classes fill fast. Once again fees are on-refundable. I wasn't going to make hotel reservations until later, but the registration fees are more than I want to lose.

The International Old Lacers will have their annual conference here July 31 - August 6 in Bethesda. I've got time to register for this one. I can at least go to the marketplace and hopefully a couple of the tours.

I hope I don't sound as if I'm complaining, I'm not. I'm tired of being in pain and will be compliant. Anything I don't get to do this year, will wait. I've plenty to do and anything I can't do, Harold can!

TTYL,

Melodye

Done!

2011-01-29T13:23:00.006-05:00

I participated in my first KAL. It was the Shirley Paden Cowl on her Ravelry board. It was an easy knit, but I had to pay attention. I have a tendency to let my mind wander and then oops! It was a KAL, but I know of only two others that participated and of this morning I was the only that posted. DH is wearing it here as yesterday was a baaad hair day.

Two Cables asked if I preferred hand or machine knitting. To be honest I don't know enough about machine knitting to have a preference. Right now hand knitting is easier because I can do it and turn out a reasonable garment. Machine knitting on the other hand is torture. It is quicker once I get going, but it takes a while to get going.

Hand and machine knitting are related only in the type of fabric that is produced. Knowledge of hand knitting doesn't help with the machine and in machine knitting gauge is paramount. Hand knitting is portable, I can take it any where. Hand knitting is limited only by the fiber you can wrap around the needle. With the machine you're limited by the yarn the machine can handle. The two machines I just got are standard machines and can't handle anything heavier than sport weight. So the part of my stash that's worsted I'll have to knit by hand. Hand knitting can be meditative, but the machine is noisy. The language is different. I guess you could say it's likes siblings - related, but completely different.

First Finished Objects of 2011!

2011-01-23T14:41:00.006-05:00

I'm already off to a faster start than last year! We were away last week and I've never had time to complete anything on vacation, much less three items. That should tell you a lot about our trip. My sister always says "everything isn't for everybody" and our vacation destination definitely wasn't for us. It was nice enough, just not what we expected. I think if we'd done a bit more research we'd have gone somewhere else. Nuff said.

I completed the two hats and the scarf. Machine knitting is faster, but finishing by hand, especially with bum hands, still takes about the same amount of time. This first hat was done using every other needle (EON) over 160 needles (80 used). I thought I'd gotten gauge but if I'd knit it as I was supposed to, I think it would have been too big. The directions called for knitting EON for a set number of rows the pulling the remaining needles into working position and knitting with all needles for a bit then switching back to EON. I forgot this small bit of direction and was happily knitting along when I realized the error. I decided to see what would happen. It fits great and I'll make a couple more of these.

For this hat I was experimenting with one of the Tuck Stitches. I'm not as pleased with it as I am the first one. For one it's a little too short to turn up. If I make this one again, I'll make it longer. It's also a little big. The next time I'll decrease the number of stitches by about a fourth. This pattern also works up into a thicker fabric, somthing to remember when I fold it up. I may also try experimenting with a plain fabric on one side and a patterned fabric on the other.

In hand knitting news, I finished the short row scarf. I'm contemplating using the last skein of yarn and making it longer, but I think I like it this length.

I've done 36 rows on the cowl I've got more hospital waiting room time this week, so I expect to have this finished later this week.

TTYL,

Melodye

I won!

2011-01-14T20:01:00.033-05:00

CiCi and Chelette at 2 Sistahs Knit Together had a GiveAway and I was one of three winners. I received the new Interweave calendar, 2 pieces of chocolate AND 412 yards of Bugga Handpainted Sock Yarn in the Dragon Millipede colorway. It is absolutely gorgeous. I'm already thinking of what to make. If you're not already reading their blog hop over and check them out! Thanks CiCi and Chelette!

In other knitting news, I can't believe I used to be a monogamous knitter. I'd work one project through til completion then I'd start another. I've been spending a lot of time in waiting rooms lately. Sitting doing nothing drives me crazy and I'm too distracted to read. I liked this scarf the first time I saw it. The plus is that it is big yarn and can be knit on large needles. I thought it was a mindless knit until I realized that when I joined the second ball of yarn my short rows were going in the opposite direction! It's the Short Row Scarf, a free pattern from Berroco. I'll tink it back to the join next week.

I finished machine knitting 2 hats, just have to do the hand work. I'll do it in the car next week.

I also joined the Cowl KAL in the Shirley Paden Ravelry group. The KAL started today and ends on the 28th. Just 14 days and works out to about 8 rows a day. It's an easy pattern with 3 rows of K3, P3 and 1 pattern row. The pattern is in her book, Design Knit Workshop.

Unfortunately, I'm beginning to feel all this knitting. I won't do anything else now until we leave on Sunday to give my hands and arms a break. I finally have an appointment week after next. Hopefully it won't be much longer before this pain is just a distant memory!

TTYL,

Melodye

Ta-Da!

2011-01-12T18:01:00.005-05:00

Here's the first sample from the Brother 930 that I'm willing show. It's been a real struggle since I started playing with this machine. I was able to locate a Mennonite owned shop about 90 minutes from me that had the sponge bar and manuals for the 930 and punch cards for the Toyota machine.

I was able to do a straight stockinette panel once I changed the sponge bar, cleaned it and replaced one of the needles. After the stockinette panel, I hit a dead end. Two of the buttons are stuck together when they are supposed to move independently. Then I kept dropping stitches. On more than one occasion I was tempted to throw the carriage through the window!

So today, I took a deep breath and decided to try one of the tuck stitches. I took it slow and easy and it worked with the exception of that tuck on the right side of the panel where the panel occasionally gets caught on the sinker posts. I think I know what causes it and will be on the look for it next time. I'd like to get several hats done for one of the local women's' charities but I didn't want them to be plain. Just because they are for charity doesn't mean they have to be ugly. I'm hoping I can get several done before we go a road trip next week so that I can seam them in the car.

The more I learn about this machine the more I realize what an awesome gift this was. I say gift because it's turning out that the $110 I paid was but a fraction of price for the garter carriage alone. I think this is a lesson for all of us. We need to leave our families some idea of what our things are worth. Some of these pieces have never been used and they weren't inexpensive when new. Then if they decide to give them away they'll at least have some idea of what they're giving away.

Oh well, I'm off to try to get a hat done.

TTYL,

Melodye

P.S. Miss Ginny, I wished we lived closer together for many reasons, but yes I could really use your help with this one.

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-05T10:40:00.007-05:00

Hope each of you are having a good start to the New Year. I'm reading so many blogs where bloggers are publically stating their resolutions. No new yarn, 11 in 2011, lose weight, exercise. I don't normally do resolutions. Or at least not absolutes.

I'm going to cut down on yarn purchases because I've started putting my stash into Ravelry. I'm about halfway through. While it's modest compared to lots of others, it makes me uncomfortable having so much stuff just sitting there. I also have it sitting out so I can see it. I should be doing something with it. And because I spin I make my own yarn. I'm learning to make yarn I can use not just yarn.

Last year this time I just wanted to do more. Since I injured my arms in May that's been difficult. This year I've written specific goals that I hope will get me there.

I've also started my Christmas list for 2011. There are several handmade items on the list so keeping the list front and center will hopefully keep me focused.

One thing I really want to do this year is more volunteer work. My youngest niece has decided that she's going to do her "own thing" regardless of what anyone else says. As a family we're working together to try to keep her on track. I'm going to be working at her school one day a week. Tomorrow I'll fill out the paperwork and get fingerprinted so I can volunteer in the city school system. Having her act out really caught us all as a surprise and this will be the most important thing I do this year. I'm thinking about teaching her to knit and we'll do scarves for the red scarf project. Have any of you done anything like this? Any other ideas?

Now for something completely different. Last year I bought a Bond knitting machine. I liked it but found it frustrating to use. It was definitely operator error. Because the machine is the most basic, stitches other than stockinette had to be done by hand. Since the movements are small and tight, it really hurt, much more than working with the the larger needles I used last week. I started looking for another machine, but wanted to do it as inexpensively as possible (as usual!). I looked at EBay but even the most inexpensive machine became expensive after shipping was added. Last Saturday, I answered an ad in Craigslist. For $100 I got everything in this picture. A family 40 minutes away was clearing out Grandmas' stash and had no idea what they had. Although to be fair, I didn't either. It had been stored for a while and there was no guarantee it was complete or that it would even work. I figured that at worst I would part it out and resell it on EBay.

I've been going through this pile since Saturday and there are two complete machines. One is a Brother 930e with the knit tracer. I sent an email thanking them for the machines and said if they found any more pieces to the machines, I'd be interested in buying them. They contacted me yesterday and I bought a garter carriage and cover for an additional $10. I have no idea how the knit tracer and garter carriage are used.

There's also a Toyota 901 and a 501 ribber. There are so many attachments to this machine, I'll be this time next year figuring it out.

I'm going to concentrate on learning the Brother since it appears less intimidating. I didn't get any manuals but I found them at a Mennonite run shop yesterday. Everyone on Ravelry tells me I got a great deal but it's overwhelming. At this point I have no idea if I'll keep them both.

The Bond did teach me that machine knitting is a completely different skill from hand knitting. It has it's own language and techniques. If keeping your brain active wards off Alzheimer's, I'm in good shape.

TTYL,

Melodye

Finished Objects!!!!!

2010-12-31T17:04:00.013-05:00

A quick review revealed that I've been less productive this year than any year since I started this blog. Of course I haven't done anything since May, but still... Grr....

Anyway, I decided since I hurt anyway I may as well do something. I finished DD#4 cowl and added a hat. It's the

Chunky Button-Up Neckwarmer and

Nik's Republic Hat:

I also made The Capitan Hat. I needed a casual cap and have loved this one since I saw it:

I also completed Elizabeth Zimmerman's Rib Warmer. It is a complete wadder and will be going to Goodwill. Since it's assembled in two parts, I think I miscounted the rows and I need to short row the back. The yarn is a Bernat acrylic and while I'm not a yarn snob, this was really difficult to work with. It's not worth it to me to frog and re-do. I started this last winter and was really looking forward to wearing it. I'll do it again, probably with a Cascade 220.

Although looking at the back, it may work if I take the seam out a bit more in the back, we'll see.

I used large needles, large yarn and took frequent breaks. My arms and shoulders do hurt, but it's manageable. I was hoping that doing these would take the itch off the need to do something. It didn't. But I'm not anymore until next week. No need to be foolish!!

I'd like to thank each of you for dropping by reading my blog and leaving comments. I read each comment and I miss you when I don't hear from you. I wish each of you the Happiest and Healthiest New Year. See you in 2011!

TTYL,

Melodye

Holiday Ramblings

2010-12-27T11:28:00.011-05:00

Christmas Day is just a warm memory. There were 11 of us. I did the majority of the cooking which surprises me. My mother wasn't with us as she decided to go home right after Thanksgiving and one sister and her husband were with her. There was only one minor squabble (started by someone who should know better) so it was pretty much an uneventful day. DD#1 didn't make it home, DD#2 had a houseful of sick kids, and DD#4 is young, single and free. And did whatever 25 year olds do when they don't come for Christmas dinner!

Everyone ate their fill and took home the majority of the leftovers!! I deliberately cooked a lot less this year. For example, I usually make three types of dressing. This year I only made two and cut those amounts in half. Everyone says they like dressing, but in reality they only eat a spoonful or two. I had about a combined cup left, so I'm calling it a win. This picture was taken as I was putting food on the table. Even though I cut way back you couldn't see the tablecloth when all the food was on the table.

Whats more problematical for me than mountains of leftovers is putting away the dishes. I can never remember what goes where. It would probably also help if I didn't have so much, but I love every piece. When we married Harold brought 3 sets of china and two sets of silverware with him, so we have loads. As of now the kids don't want them and I've gotten rid of all that I can bear to part with.

I've started using them a lot more. I've used Harold's aunt's set for Sunday dinner for the two of us. I had a book club meeting in November and used my luncheon sets. I'm on a self-imposed moratorium not to buy anymore. Most of mine have come from thrift shops, antique shops, yard sales, etc. So not to tempt myself, I stay away from the crack dens. Also, I realistically have no space to put anymore. Even after getting rid of some, the cupboards are packed.

There is only one exception. I bought these two pieces several years apart in two different cities. I love them and these are the only two pieces I've ever seen. If I ever see anymore I'm buying it all. They are not marked and I'm going to assume they're American. I've looked on EBay and in all the glass books, nothing. These can't be the only two pieces ever produced!

I bought two desserts from a local place that supplies desserts to high end restaurants, but the hit was the trifle I made. There may be enough left for a generous serving. It's easy and makes a pretty presentation. I don't have a trifle bowl, but I used a clear glass bowl. You can use angel food cake, but I used leftover pound cake. I cut it into slices and then cut the slices into cubes. Melt a jar of strawberry jam in a pan over medium heat. Make a box of instant vanilla pudding according to package directions. My bowl holds two layers so I place half of the cake in the bottom of the bowl, sprinkle with orange juice, pour half the jam over it and then half of the pudding. Repeat. Refrigerate approximately four hours or over night. Before serving spread Cool Whip over the top layer and serve. You can decorate with chocolate shavings or sliced strawberries. The first time I made this I'd made a cake that fell apart coming out of the pan. My aunt was visiting for the first time and I had to have dessert! She loved it!

Well, this post has certainly lived up to its name. I've rambled on enough, hope you all are enjoying your holidays!!

TTYL,

Melodye

Merry Christmas!!!

2010-12-25T10:54:00.003-05:00

Harold and I wish each of you the very Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest New Year!!

2010-12-20T18:33:00.011-05:00

I didn't get around to making candy today. I had an MRI this morning and I still hurt. I know I've had one before and I don't remember it hurting. But my arms and joints feel as if they're being pulled apart.

Beverly asked for the candy recipe. I used half of the one found here:

1 7/8 cup cane sugar (Domino's)
3/4 cup white Karo syrup
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons extract (I used lemon, orange, mint, and cherry)
4 -5 drops food coloring
1/4 cup Confectioners' sugar
Candy Thermometer

1.In a medium saucepan, stir together the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil. Without stirring, heat to 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 154 degrees C). NOTE: Stir just until sugar dissolves. Maybe 1 minute

2.Remove from heat and stir in flavored extract and food coloring, if desired. NOTE: As the alcohol in the extract cooks, it may splatter. Be careful. Pour onto a greased cookie sheet, and dust the top with confectioners' sugar. Let cool, and break into pieces. Store in an airtight container.

NOTE: Instead of pouring it onto a cookie sheet I used a buttered 9 x 9 Pyrex dish. Once the candy is slightly cooled, I cut it into strips about 1/2 - 3/4 inch wide. Using kitchen shears I cut the strips into pieces into a pan that has about 1/4 cup sonfectioners' sugar. Work quickly as the candy is hot. The Pyrex dish will keep it from cooling too quickly. Stir the candy in the confectioners' sugar to keep it from sticking together.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

1. I used silicon spatulas since DH can't stand the sound of metal on metal.
2. Be sure you don't stir after the initial stir. And don't scrape down the side of the pan while the syrup is cooking.
3. I bought a digital thermometer from WalMart but Hobby Lobby has a real candy thermometer. With the candy thermometer it can rest on the side of the pan without the heat affecting the temperature. If you use a digital thermometer, keep a cup of water on the counter near the stove. After you test the temp put the probe in the water. It dissolves the syrup left on the probe.
4. If you can find LorAnn Oil (Hobby Lobby once again) I think it gives a better flavor. You'll use about 1/2 a bottle, but the entire bottle is only a dram.
5. Be sure you have the extract (oil), food coloring, buttered platter and pan ready before you start. Once the syrup reaches the desired temp you have to work quickly.

As I said the entire experience was a walk down memory lane. We used the oil when I was a Scout so maybe that's why it tastes better to me.

this candy is really easy to make and I hope I haven't made it sound complicated. If you have any questions, send me an email to: mbrayfivefouratcomcastdotnet or leave a message on this post. If you make any, please let me know how you like it!

The local Dollar Store had the cutest containers:

TTYL,

Melodye

2010-12-19T13:56:00.007-05:00

I hope everyone is staying warm and at least has control of Christmas in their sights. Surprisingly enough, we're almost there. One more trip to the stores tomorrow and we're done. Part of it is retirement, the other is that we knew we were having company today for the game, so I wanted the house decorated and it became the quasi drop dead date for everything else. We're really only buying gifts for the grand kids and grandniece. Unless there's a special request our kids prefer gift cards or outright cash. My hands and arms are still bothering me, so hand made gifts were severely restricted. In fact there's only one. Daughter #4 lost her scarf and asked me to make her a replacement. Since she asked I really wanted to get it made. I made no promises, though. I knew I couldn't complete a scarf, but I made the Chunky Button-up Neck Warmer. It only had 40 rows but it took me three weeks. I've started Nik's Republic Hat, but if I don't get it finished I'm not going to stress it. I still need buttons for the neck warmer, so no pics just yet.

But I have been making candy. Back in the dark ages (the early seventies!) I was a Senior Girl Scout. We made hard candy and a peanut butter flavored candy every year as a fund raiser. In early October we'd meet for an all-day candy making marathon. A couple of Saturdays ago, I awakened with the idea that I really wanted to make this candy. I found the recipes easily on the Internet. A trip to the cupboards revealed I had everything necessary except a thermometer that measured in excess of 300 degrees. A couple of trips to the stores I had it. I've made almost 13 pounds of the hard candy so far and a batch of the peanut butter. Harold likes the flavored candy but has commandeered the peanut butter.

It tastes just as I remembered it, but it also brought back memories of the camaraderie and just plain fun we had. I've lost track of all those girls but I wonder if any of them make it now. With all the disclaimers you'd need now, I don't know if making it is even possible. Baby boomers have taken the fun out of everything!

Here's a shot of the flavored candy. Harold didn't leave enough of the peanut butter candy to take a shot. I'm making more tomorrow and will get a shot then. It's easy and takes maybe 90 minutes from start to finish.

I haven't posted because I couldn't find my camera and I refused to have another pictureless post! When the painters were here things got displaced. Yesterday I made it a priority to find it. The painters were great, it took them just one day and it looks great. Sometimes it pays to bite the bullet and just write the check.

My mother didn't get here after all. I had her room ready and everything. The week after Thanksgiving she decided she was ready to go home so my sister, brother and brother-in-law took her home. She sounds much happier at home than she did here. I wonder what that's about??

TTYL,

Melodye

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2010-11-25T14:43:00.002-05:00

Just wanted to take a minute to wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving! It will just be the two of us today at Chez Ray. Harold is recovering from emergency Gall Bladder surgery last Wednesday and I'm recovering from whatever crud is going around at the minute. Among all the other things we're grateful for this year is a new grandson born last Friday and news that it isn't carpal tunnel as first diagnosed but a pinched nerve in my neck and right elbow. As soon we recover I'll have a MRI and a treatment plan will be developed. There will be needlework in my future!!

The painting is complete and looks fantastic! I sometimes forget what a difference a coat or 3 of paint can make. The sewing room project is moving along at a glacial pace and will probably continue to do so until after the Holidays.

I'd be remiss if I didn't take a minute to thank all servicemembers who are serving far away from home to protect the freedoms we hold dear. If you're a family member thank you for your sacrifece.

TTYL,

Melodye

Update

2010-10-23T10:24:00.004-04:00

Just a quick update on my arms. My internal medicine guy says I have carpal tunnel. I'll be going to the hand clinic to determine my options. I'm going to try to exercise common sense so there's no handwork in my immediate future. Here's a question - why do they never say "no housework"? In it's broadest sense it is handwork isn't it?

I have to finish my room so I can get my mother's room uncluttered. She's in town for her round of visits. It really killed me to tell her that her room was wasn't ready! Although to be fair, she's early and we were scheduled to be away until next month so she couldn't have stayed here until then anyway. So why do I feel guilty?

We also have the painters coming so baseboards and door jambs need to be washed. So there's work in my future just no fun stuff.

TTYL,

Melodye

I've been

2010-09-29T19:35:00.005-04:00

cleaning my room so long, I've reached the point that I'm ready to just throw everything that's left in the trash can! It seems as if I've been cleaning forever and the stuff just won't go away.

I've identified seven (yes seven) machines to be donated. The only problem is that they have to be in working order before they can be donated. I bought them to learn to fix machines with the idea of donating them but I didn't realize I'd accumulated so many. The unfortunate thing is that I'm keeping almost as many. The Bernina 930; the Babylock; the Featherweight; the Singer 301; the serger; the embellisher; and the Pfaff 130.

I use the 930 for most of my garment sewing, the Featherweight for piecing quilts, I carry the 301 to sewing workshops, I embroider with the Babylock, use the serger for finishing seams, the embellisher to embellish and I just like the 130.

We're cleaning out the last storage locker and realized that what we thought was a desk is (you guessed it) another machine! That belonged to Harold's aunt.

As I was just sitting here I just realized there were 14 machines in that room! No wonder I couldn't move. The only saving grace is that with the exception of the Bernina, Babylock and embellisher they were all less than $30. I bought them over a period of years which is why I didn't realize I had so many. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

And my kids thought the crystal I collect is a sickness. They'd be ready to commit me if they knew. It's good thing they don't read my blog!!

TTYL,

Melodye

P.S. I just realized I didn't include the New Home treadle in the living room. Help, I need an intervention!

My mother was right as usual

2010-09-12T21:59:00.003-04:00

My mother always says, " a hard head makes a sore behind". In this case substitute arms and you'd have it right. Friday I completed a machine knit dishcloth, but I wanted a garter stitch edging. On the machine you have to take the piece off and turn it every row. I didn't feel like it. So I thought it's been two months surely that's long enough. Friday I picked up the stitches around the perimeter, today I knit two rows. I won't mention the weeding or the 3 melon salad I made. Needless to say I'm hurting now. Off to grab the ice packs. It should probably he a heating pad, but I have power surges. I'm so disgusted with myself. Back to the docs tomorrow. Sigh.

TTYL,

Melodye

I've been everywhere

2010-08-15T13:06:00.017-04:00

Thanks for all the well wishes on my wrists. They're better and I haven't cheated although there have been times when I'll admit I've been tempted.

I've been to Phoenix, AZ and Myrtle Beach and Sandy Island, SC. I've also seen both ends of the aging spectrum. I went to Phoenix to see a favorite cousin who's in the end stages of Alzheimer's disease. There was a brief moment of recognition and he repeated my name but for the most part he lives in a world of his own. He's in no pain, has no "physical" disease, he's being well taken care of and whatever demons have chased him most of his life are gone. He's 67.

On the other hand at Sandy Island we celebrated the 96th birthday of our oldest relative and matriarch, Cousin Onece. She's a pistol and keeps her daughters on their toes 24/7. Her party started as a small family celebration until she got involved. They finally took the pencil and paper away from her. I lost count at 80, but we know that it was closer to 100 family members and friends in attendance. She was involved in every step of the planning and we all had a ball. She uses a cane and occasionally a walker but that's it.

As I said earlier at times the itch to do anything fibery is almost too much. I'm cleaning my studio and perusing blogs. Moe bought one of these from her local Goodwill. It was 101 degrees the day I saw the post. I was hardly leaving home. But I kept thinking about it. Enter ebay. With shipping it was less than $50.

I haven't made anything yet, but I have been practicing. The best part? No pain. The ironic part? Remember that huge box of yarn I donated? I could have used it for practice, but it's really better they have it.

One challenge is ongoing. What do retirees wear? Unless, I'm doing yard work, I really don't like wearing jeans all the time. It's been hotter than hot, so I've been doing capris and shorts but winter is coming. I love the way Erica dresses, but it's way too much for my lifestyle. And oh yeah, what's my lifestyle?

TTYL,

Melodye

Ouch!!

2010-07-24T12:13:00.017-04:00

It seems that the work on the deck and my crochet marathon have wreaked havoc on my wrists. They hurt. Whenever I tried to knit, crochet or spin, I was in pain. Went to the doc Friday. No knitting, crocheting or spinning til SEPTEMBER!!! I'm thoroughly aggravated. I detest doing nothing. But I will be compliant. It's a good thing I bought this:

It's the Nook from Barnes and Noble. I'm adding this as third to my list of the best electronic gadgets ever invented. The internet is first, followed closely by GPS. This is a strong 3rd. I've got 35 free books loaded. That's right free. I'm told there are thousands out there in the universe. I can also download library books, .pdf files for portable kntting and crocheting and music from my ipod, just as soon as I figure out how. I can also connect to the net and lots of other things I haven't figure out yet. It's extremely lightweight and easy to carry. I didn't get a case for it. When I cleaned out my desk at work I found a padded, zipped portfolio that I kept. It's the perfect size. The only other accessory I'm considering is the light, so I can read in the dark. We bought it before I went to Myrtle Beach and my wrists thanked me for not carrying a bag of books.

Now something completely different. DH has had three library tables in his family for years. I love library tables, they are so practical. They were structurally sound but the finish? They were so bad they were destined for the landfill. I thought I'd try to strip them and see what happened. I stripped one to see if it would be worth my time.

The whole table looked like this:

I don't know how well you can tell, but the entire table was covered with a milky white film. After I stripped and conditioned the wood, I was so in love, I didn't refinish it, I just put several coats of wax on it. The color ls a little washed out, but it's an even brown.

The 2nd one is mahogany and has been stripped and conditioned. Waxing will have to wait until September. The third table is just a small one. Originally it probably held a telephone or lamp. I've done nothing to it and won't now until September.

Pubic Service Anouncement:

If you're in the Baltimore - Washington area and have excess needlework supplies the International Resettlement Center in Baltimore is looking for donations. They are resettling families from war-torn areas of the world. Most families arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs. The women speak little English and are unaccustomed to working outside the homes. The center has established an outlet for the women to sell their wares, but they need supplies. Fabric, yarn, needles, sewing machines in working order. I took yarn and knitting needles earlier this week. As I continue to clean out my sewing room, I'll take more. Their link: http://www.theirc.org/us-program/us-baltimore-md

TTYL,

Melodye

Needleart 2010

2010-07-18T18:09:00.013-04:00

I just returned from a quick trip to Myrtle Beach. The city named a street after my father and two of my sisters and I went for the unveiling of the sign. Since none of us had a reason to rush back we didn't. That's what I love best about retirement so far. I can come and go pretty much as I please. In every job I've had, summer was the busiest time. The first week in August, I'm off again. Phoenix and back to Myrtle Beach for a birthday party for our oldest relative.

Sunday DH and I went to Needleart 2010 held at Montepelier Mansion in Laurel. I found out about it Saturday while searching for a retailer for some embroidery floss. Neither JoAnn's, Michaels' or A.C. Moore have it. We have a local needlework store, but I am less than enamoured with them and have promised never to return. I'm not gong to mention them by name as loads of other people love them.

Back to the show. It's sponsored by Stitching Pretty Ltd and Friends of Montpelier and it's their 15th Annual Show. They have 150 pieces and the show is limited to needlework done without a machine. The following needlework techniques are acceptable:

Beading (More than 75% of work is beaded)
Needlepoint ( continental or tent stitch only)
Counted Canvas (2 or more types of stitch)
Counted Cross Stitch - Aida
Counted Cross Stitch - Linen/Evenweave
Samplers (six or more different stitches on Linen or Evenweave)
Cutwork (Hardanger/Drawn thread)
Embroidery (includes floss, silk, wool, metallic)
Other (tatting, smocking, crochet, knitting, etc.)
Petit-point

I must have been living in a bubble, this is the first I've heard of it. This show is fantastic. It's small, but the work is exquisite. Like this one:

It's ribbon work and stumpwork. The leaves at the center bottom are less than an inch. The center of the leaf is worked in stem stitch and I'm too lazy to get my embroidery book to look up at the embroidery stitches.

Here's more ribbon work:

Here I am talking to JoAnn Shepherd, co-owner of "The Brit's Gallery" in Fullerton, Va. She also teaches. The last stump work picture is one of hers. I'm already planning my trip.

Here's some whitework:

Counted canvas:

My personal favorite. It's needle lace:

It was a lovely day. If you're in the area or are planning a trip to visit other shops, please stop by. You won't regret it.

Needleart 2010
Montepelier Mansion
9650 Muirkirk Road
Laurel, MD
301-377-7818
$6 adult admission
$5 senior admission
The show runs until July 30. 11 a.m. to 4 PM daily.

TTYL,

Melodye

P.S. DH said to tell you he's not interested in needlework, just taking pics!

Decks and Swaps and Oh My!

2010-07-06T21:58:00.013-04:00

I really didn’t mean to be gone this long. I’ve written dozen of posts in my mind, but never took the time to sit and write it.

When I thought of retirement I just knew I’d be sitting in my sewing room sewing for hours on end or doing all sorts of fibery things. The reality has been lots of hard work. I told you DH and I have been working on the deck. We started the week I retired and we still have about a days worth of work. We’ve power washed, stripped sanded, decided on a color to seal it and sealed it. Some of the work was done on our hands and knees and neither of us are as young as we used to be. When we started the entire deck looked like this:

Now it looks like this:

It could stand several more coats of sealer. We still have to do the steps and the outside of the deck, so the end is in sight. I’ve worked in the front and back yards, cleaned a couple of closets and the freezer. I’m tired thinking about it.

I did manage to get into the sewing room, but it was a wadder. I’m really disappointed. I’ve loved this pattern since I saw it and have planned to make it once I got the alterations worked out.

I really didn’t feel like making this dress 3 times so I made the lining and made my adjustments to it. I think the main problem for me was that it has princess seams which meant that I was making double the alterations. The lining fit so I moved on to the dress. Argh. It fit ok but was too large. I took it in and that’s when the problems started. It has wrinkles under the arm, I need to do an upper back adjustment and there are loads of wrinkles at the waist. So I also need to do a sway back adjustment. Sigh.

I participated in a birthday swap on Ravelry and have gotten hooked on swaps. My first swap went very well. It was fun shopping for a perfect stranger. She sent me my first skein of Malabrigo, 2 skeins of Berroco Ultra Alpaca, a hand made project bag, bath soak, and all sorts of goodies. The next swap was for hand made stitch markers. I received loads of stitch markers and a really nice project bag.

I started this skirt at Easter and finished Thursday night. I’ll look for lining and block it tomorrow. It’s the Walking After Midnight Skirt by Doris Chan. I really like it and will wear it over the weekend. I don’t know where, but I’ll take Miss Ginny’s advice and make the occasion.

Details: Walking After Midnight Skirt
Amazing Crochet Lace, Doris Chan
Yarn: Vickie Howell's Love
Soy Bamboo Mix
Yardage: Approximately 1200 yards
Modifications: The pattern indicates the finished skirt is 20" inches long, a little short for me. I added about 4" inches before the pineapples start.

Difficulty: I'd say a confident advanced beginner could tackle this with little problem. I didn't work on this steadily, but if I had I estmate I could have finished it in a week.

As usual once I get started I run on. I promise you it won’t be so long next time.

Spinning and Dyeing

2010-06-04T11:15:00.021-04:00

Several years ago, I took a couple of dyeing work shops. At that time I was dyeing fabric, but we were also encouraged to bring yarn and thread. When I started spinning I dragged out my old notes and searched Ravelry for groups. No surprise there are lots of groups devoted to dyeing. There were two that caught my interest right away: Natural Dyeing (which led to Plants to Dye For) and Dyeing to Dye.”

I had been reading these groups thinking it might be something I’d try after retirement. At Easter there was a mention of dyeing with Easter Egg Dye. Hmmm, no extra equipment, no safety equipment required and best of all no noxious fumes. DH has a respiratory ailment and fumes, dust, etc. are always a concern. After I got back from Myrtle Beach, I hit the nearest WalMart and found some on clearance. I already had some plain fleece that I bought at last year’s Sheep and Wool.

I didn’t take notes and used a combination of several tutorials I found on the web. Here are the results.

I used the purple, blue and green tablets from the kit. I laid the roving on a sheet of plastic wrap and squirted the colors on the roving. Wrapped the yarn in the wrap, rolled it up and steamed it in the crockpot.

Spun singles. The colors are pretty true:

For this batch, I used the yellow, orange and red tablets. I smooshed the roving into the bottom of a 2 liter soft drink bottle. And poured the yellow, orange and red dye into the bottle. Then I steamed the bottle and its contents in a double boiler until the water in the bottle was clear. I absolutely looove this one. I get all warm and fuzzy just looking at it.

Spun singles, once again the colors are pretty true:

Finished yarn. Approximately 147 yards. I must admit that I may never knit this and just enjoy looking at it:

Needless to say I went back to WalMart, found the remaining kits marked down to $.05 and went a little crazy. Yes, the bag is full of dye kits, (sigh)

I started a small dye garden so this year so I’ll only be able to dye small lots. So far the rabbits, deer and chipmunks haven’t bothered them. Next year I’ll expand. Speaking of wild life, you’d think we live out in the country and have acreage. We live in a suburb and have lots that are at most a quarter acre. We’ve always had deer and rabbits, but this year jeez! And they’re not afraid, they watch us watch them!

I planted woad, weld, Japanese indigo and yellow broom straw. I also planted Lavender and will be making sachets to put in with my wool yarn and fleece this fall. I bought the books, “A Weaver’s Garden” and “A Dyer’s Garden” both by Rita Buchanan. A Weaver’s Garden talks about plants for spinning, weaving, tools and soaps. A Dyer’s Garden speaks mainly to dyeing, but it includes full a color picture of the plant, planting, harvesting, instructions on dyeing with the plants and colors you can expect. I use them both and am finding them to be invaluable references.

I spun this before I retired. I didn’t dye this, but love the finished yarn. The yellow came from Cloverhill Yarn shop and the white I bought at last years’ Sheep and Wool. It’s sock weight and even though I don’t make socks, I started these. No pattern, but I’m using the magic figure eight cast on for toe-up socks and the Ice Crystal stitch pattern from the Vogue Sock Knitting book. After I spun it, I lost my notes so I have no idea how much yardage there is. I have 3 other cakes the size of this one.

Yarn:

First sock. Yes, first. The only other pair of socks I made, I knit them two at a time on circulars. I decided to use DPs this time.

The first couple of weeks of retirement were an adjustment, but I think I’m finally in the groove. The best part is that yesterday DH said I cook too much. Woohoo!!!! That works for me!

TTYl,

Melodye

Susan Khaljie

2010-05-26T08:57:00.012-04:00

This past Saturday I attended a workshop sponsored by the Maryland Chapter of the American Sewing Guild (ASG). It was a wonderful day from start to finish. Good location, good food and a fantastic instructor. I also got to meet a Joyce in NC who comments on my blog and Alisa, both currently blogless. I met Alisa on the bus trip to New York last year. As always with sewists it’s like meeting long lost sisters! You start talking and it’s as if you’ve known each other forever.

Susan was the host of “Sew Much More” on HGTV; she’s an author and a regular contributor to Threads magazine. She’s also a wonderful and enthusiastic instructor. Susan brought loads of her garments (several have been featured in Threads) for us to inspect (and believe me we did!) and led us through several couture techniques. The class description read:

“You’ll learn how and where to apply the couture techniques that will lift
the quality of your garments from ordinary to extraordinary. You’ll master
the following: a range of basic hand-sewing stitches,a hand-picked zipper,
ultra-thin spaghetti straps, a beautifully controlled narrow machine hem,
perfect angled seams, covered snaps that are attached with a buttonhole
stitch, thread chains and thread bars, seaming lace invisibly and faggoting.”

Several times during the course of the day one of my classmates would exclaim, “That alone was worth the price of the class”. For me it was the covered snaps and spaghetti straps. Recently, I’ve been thinking about upgrading my sewing skills and these were two items on the list. It’s amazing how easy they both were. The snaps are a bit fiddly, but I’m hoping I’ll improve over time.

The only thing I would have changed would have been to bring a second zipper even though the class list only called for one. We did two hand picked zippers: a centered and a lapped zipper application. This meant we had to unpick the centered zipper to do the lapped one. When I finish here, I’m going to do another centered one.

After I got home, I immediately assembled a note book with my class samples and notes. I’d forgotten how much I enjoy hand sewing. Anyone else remember being a Brownie and sewing a sampler of hand stitches? I have no idea what happened to mine, but I going to recreate one beginning with the stitches I became reacquainted with Saturday.

It was a wonderful day. It was really a day to remember and one of the reasons I joined ASG: exposure and the chance to take classes from nationally known teachers. It was also very reasonably priced. I can’t wait to do it again!

Here are some pics:
Susan and me:

Joyce and Blondell (the workshop organizer:

Susan's Skinny Spaghetti Straps:

My faggotting sample:

My covered snaps:

TTYL,

Melodye

Thanks!!

2010-05-24T11:20:00.002-04:00

Thank you all so much for your congratulations on my retirement. It's been an adjustment and probably will be for a while. The best thing has been that I've never once wished I was back at work!

I hung my banner outside telling the entire neighborhood I no longer had any excuse for not doing yard work. So I've been weeding and doing some planting out front. In the back we've been stripping the deck to re-stain it. The deck is a big job, but it's tempered by a "you were right" from DH. When he put the last stain down I "suggested" that it might not be the right one. He disagreed and we've hated the deck ever since. Once we're finished we're planning a party to celebrate our retirement and life in general. However, with our track record of rain for parties it's good thing the basement is finished!

I. AM. FREE.!!!!!

2010-05-02T21:24:00.003-04:00

I was going to post this tomorrow, but I couldn't wait!!

As of close of business today, Monday, May 3, 2010, I am free. After 33 years I'm retired. I never have to go to work again unless I choose to. Hallejuah! To God be the glory for the great things He has done!!!

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

2010-05-02T20:32:00.004-04:00

Once again, I went, I saw, I shopped. It was hot, but I didn’t find it unbearably so. Of course, unbearably, means going home and not shopping! Like last year, I went both days. Harold went with me yesterday. I browsed yesterday morning only picking up drive wheel bands for my wheel, some mordants and plants for dying. Yesterday afternoon I volunteered in the T-shirt booth. Now, that was hot and my feel killed me, but it was fun nevertheless. I found out something yesterday, the proceeds from festival paraphernalia keep the festival free! So next year I’ll volunteer and buy something, too!

I didn’t see anyone I knew until Sunday morning (Hi, Annece!). I’ve seen on the boards that they attended so I have to assume they were there while I was doing my stint. I didn’t have trouble with traffic, parking or lines either day. Of course I avoided “The Fold”. There was a line out the door and down the walk at 9 yesterday morning! I also heard there was a line at Woolstock’s booth for the half off bags of yarn. She has them in her shop that’s about 30 minutes from me. I try to shop vendors that aren’t local and I don’t always go to the same ones. I’d like to go to “Tess’ Designer Yarns” but it’s always so crowded. And the prices aren’t marked! I hate asking and dislike surprises at the register.

I blew my budget. However, I remembered it"s my budget and I could get as creative as I wanted! How creative? Never you mind, it’s my budget! There did not seem to be as many bargains on Sunday this year. Last year I browsed on Saturday and shopped Sunday. But I just remembered there were rains of Biblical proportions last year. Two regrets: Tilli Thomas had raw silk down to $3 for 147 yard skeins. Today there were only 3 that I wanted. And in what had to be the dumbest move, there’s a vendor with coned yarn that had grey cotton yarn for $12 for what looked like a bazillion yards. Nope, left it as well and it was gone today. Oh well, there’s always next year and I do have website addresses!!

Ok, so here’s today’s’ haul. I’ve never bought so much at once. I tell myself that it was prompted by a major life change, but honestly I’d have bought it all anyway. See this space Tuesday for the announcement.

My first raw fleece. I intended to get it from the fleece sale, but these women were so friendly and willing to educate me. They talked with me a long time yesterday and I promised them I’d be back. Yesterday I thought I might buy two, but I still have the Shetland that Nancy gave me last year, that I’m still spinning.

Fibers for dying from Little Barn. His prices can’t be beat. I bought some plain wool, but also cotton and tussah silk. He had alpaca at $7.50 for 350 yards, but I can’t imagine wearing anything made from alpaca. There’d be nothing left of me but a grease spot!

The raw silk from Tillis’. I’d originally hoped to get enough to make a tank, but I snoozed and lost. This is enough for the 198 yards of heaven shawlette. I just liked the red and will either use it or just look at it.

The huge skein of yarn down front is actually 5 skeins from The Wool Man. It’s a silk-rayon blend and I’m in love. There’s a pattern I hope to order and pray that it wasn’t just part of the kit. If it is, I’ll skulk around Ravelry and see what I can find. I received the apron for volunteering. Under all of that is a red Sheep and Wool tote bag.

I’m also going to start a dye garden. We have rabbits and deer so a vegetable garden takes a lot of work. I’ve been reading what I can do to make a garden animal proof, if there’s really such a thing, but I’ll need muscle. I usually do tomatoes, peppers and string beans on the deck. These are just a few dyestuffs. I’ll expand next year, Lord willing.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get a skein finished to enter into the show. I had to make an emergency visit to my mother (she’s fine) and once I returned life kept getting in the way. I’ve made a good start so entering the state fair should be a snap!

See what happens when I don’t post? Monster posts!!!

It was a blast and can’t wait until next year!

TTYL,

Melodye

Shirley Paden is Coming!! - II

2010-04-28T21:37:00.001-04:00

Just a reminder. The deadline is rapidly approaching. Your check secures your place in class. Send me an email for details.

TTYL,

Melodye

It's Here!!!!

2010-03-27T19:37:00.006-04:00

Okay so I didn't jump and down like I did when I got my earrings, but I did meet the mail woman at the door and practically snatched it out of her hands. What caused such excitement?

My new (to me) Lendrum Double Treadle Complete. Isn't she gorgeous? Adele, the Canadian Production wheel still lives here and probably always will, but she's too much wheel for me. She has two speeds fast and faster. I also wanted a wheel to take to spin nights at my other local knitting shop. I originally thought I'd get an Ashford Traveller, but the Lendrum was a better buy. I'd been trying to buy a wheel for months. What brought it to a head is that Adele needs some TLC and she will get it, but I really want to enter a skein in the Maryland Sheep Wool skein competition. I have no chance of winning but each entrant does a receive a critique. For me this is quite a stretch. I've spent most of my life flying quietly under the radar. I can't tell you why I set this goal, it just seemed like a good idea.

Anyway back to the wheel. I put an ad on Ravelry and within 12 hours had an offer. Cathy in Anchorage made it happen and now we're both happy! For once in my life there's no buyer's remorse, I'm just one happy spinner.

It spins like buttah, but I'm still the same spinner, some over twisted, some not twisted enough. Practice, practice, practice. SIGH (very big grin)

TTYL!!

P.S. I just realized the carrying bag is missing from the photo. She really is complete!

Shirley Paden is Coming!!

2010-03-18T18:28:00.008-04:00

If you’re a knitter you’ve seen her designs, even if you don’t know her name. Her designs have been featured in Vogue, Interweave Knits and Crochet and countless others. Here are some photos of my favorite designs:

Shirley just published her first book and it is a design textbook. Everything you want to know about designing your own knitted garments is included. If you sew, her design principles can be applied to sewing as well.

If I sound like I’m advertising, it’s because I am. But first a little background. My friend Annece and I love Shirley Paden. We tried to get in her classes in Philly and New York. No luck, they sold out with rock star quickness. No shops in DC, MD or VA were having classes. So what are 2 desperate knitters to do? We decided to try and bring her here. Sounds crazy, right? That’s how 2 Kraz Knitters was born.

I am pleased to announce we’ve set-up a weekend with Shirley on June 4 – 5, 2010. The weekend includes a book signing and talk, Friday night starting at 6. On Saturday there will be an all day workshop with Shirley working through the principles in her book. There will be a short break for lunch and you’re asked to bring your lunch. We’ll provide beverages and desserts.

Friday evening is free, but you must have your own copy of the book and R.S.V.P. not later than May 28, 2010. I haven’t seen the book locally, but I know Amazon has it.

You may attend the book signing without attending the workshop. Once paid, there will be no refunds but substitutions will be allowed.

If interested send me an email to mbray fifty four@comcastdotnet. Don’t forget to make the appropriate conversions.

Hope to see there!!

Melodye

Colours the Yarn Gallery - Grand Opening

2010-03-13T10:59:00.000-05:00

Today 1 - 4. Fashion show at 2:00. If you get a chance, please come and join us, it should be lots of fun!

We're Baaack!

2010-03-01T20:43:00.007-05:00

Did You Miss Me?

We exchanged this:

For this:

We didn’t go for Mardi Gras, but left the Friday after. We rarely celebrate Valentine’s Day on the day. This year we had two airline tickets that had to be used by the end of the month. I let Harold choose where we’d go and he chose our favorite city. We think this makes our 5th trip including our honeymoon. That’s just how much we love this city.

The town was still dressed for Mardi Gras and boy are they ever crazy for dem Saints! We arrived Friday afternoon and after checking into our hotel we went to:

New Orleans is the adult Disney World. You can have loads of fun just people watching. We ate at Sammy’s and I told Harold that it would be unseemly for a grown woman to whimper over a meal and proceeded to do just that. I had the seafood pasta with shrimp, oysters and crawfish in a white wine sauce. Then we just walked the Quarter reacquainting ourselves with it.

Saturday we did some sightseeing and I visited two knitting shops. But we had the most fun at the 2nd line for “the Curse”. We’d both heard of the curse, but a local explained it to us. 40 years ago a disc jockey Buddy Dii said the Saints would never win the Super Bowl. Fast forward 40 plus years later and they do. The second line was complete with casket, mourners and jazz band. It was like being caught up in a human wave. Surprisingly, no one was hurt and there were no reports of violence. N’awlins knows how to throw a party!

Sunday more sightseeing, but that evening we went to Olivier’s’, a Creole restaurant in the Quarter. On our honeymoon, the owner of the B&B where we stayed recommended it to us. If I whimpered Friday I was almost in tears. For starters we had fried eggplant with shrimp, crawfish and chicken andouille sausage in a pepper sauce. I’m so glad the waitress didn’t bring the rolls until we were done. I’d have embarrassed my parents and sopped up the gravy! I had the broiled, stuffed catfish while Harold had the salmon crab cakes with a green onion aioli. He’s still talking about it! I can truthfully say I’ve never had a bad meal in New Orleans and Lord knows I’ve tried.

Monday another knitting shop and home. It was the perfect midwinter break. I can’t wait to do it again!

TTYL,

Melodye

Ice Age

2010-02-06T12:16:00.007-05:00

I didn't post during the last storm, but this one is historic. I've never seen so much snow in one place in my life. We're not planning any more parties. In July 2008 we planned a 4th of July Cookout. It rained so hard, the appearance of the ark seemed imminent. We've been planning a Super Bowl party for what seems like forever. So this storm was probably a foregone conclusion. The official total at Chez Ray is 27" inches. Without further ado:

The picnic table on the deck:

The deck:

The front:

And finally, Queen of the Mountain:

TTYL,

Melodye

Colours the Yarn Gallery - Grand Opening

2010-02-01T21:01:00.002-05:00

Saturday, February 6, 2010
9956 Liberty Road
Randallstown, MD 21133

Inside Kings Point Square Shopping Center @ Entrance #3
1 -4 , Fashion Show - 2:00

410-701-8686

Personal Knitting Content Soon, I promise!!

Three Years Ago

2010-01-27T20:35:00.003-05:00

Three years ago today, I received my new kidney. While I have many family members, for various reasons they were not a match, so my new kidney came from a cadaver. I never met him. Nor have I ever been able to thank his family to tell them what their generous gift means to me. I avoided dialysis and lead a normal life with no restrictions. Their gift meant a new life, not only for me but for countless others. If you're an organ donor, I thank you on behalf of individuals you will never know. If you're not, please consider it. If you know a living donor, give them a hug!!!

TTYL,

Melodye

Reflections

2010-01-26T23:36:00.002-05:00

It’s good that I have this blog. If asked, I’d have said I got very little accomplished last year. I took some time today and reviewed 2009. I was surprised. Here’s a recap:

1. Harold’s sweater

2. 2 pair of pants

3. I learned to spin (3 skeins!!)

4. White suit

5. Soleil

6. My niece’s dress

7. Green skirt

8. Yellow dress

9. Irish Hiking Scarf

10. Burgundy garter stitch shawl

11. Taught my first knitting related class (with all the prep work and samples to include a baby sweater)

12. Sample scarflet for the shop

13. Crocheted baby sweater for couple at church

I accomplished more than I did last year. I even had some labor intensive projects and my sewing room has been out commission since August. Last year my goal was to: "Use the machines that are sitting around gathering dust. Sew more." I think I accomplished it. The New Year will bring loads of changes for me. I’m going to be teaching at the shop more so I’ll be knitting more. I want to learn to spin better. I’d originally hoped to enter a skein into Maryland Sheep and Wool and unless I do nothing else until then, it’s probably not going to happen. I still want to, "Use the machines that are sitting around gathering dust. Sew more."

TTYL

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-26T21:06:00.003-05:00

I don't know what I did, but for some reason my delayed post, didn't post. From those of us at Chez Ray, here's wishing you all the very Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of New Years'.

TTYL,

Melodye

Changes

2009-11-20T11:09:00.002-05:00

Thanks so much for all the comments on my quilts. I enjoy making quilts and it was nice to finally be able to get pictures of them. One note of clarification, that's not my sewing room. It's going to our new family room. As of yet, no furniture or t.v. so the empty space is perfect for photos.

The title refers to the yarnshop in Randallstown. There's been a slight name change: It's now Colours: The Yarn Gallery. The winter hours are Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday 10- 5. Mondays 10 -7. Closed Sunday and Wednesday.

But the biggest change? I'll be teaching a Basic Finishing Class, December 12, noon - 2. The offer to teach came out of the blue and I'm ecstatic! If you're interested contact the shop for details and to register. 410-701-8686.

End of Commercial

There's not a lot going on around here, except cleaning and purging. How do two people collect so much stuff??? It's past time for a good clean. In 2007 I had the transplant, a second surgery and my father died. Last year I spent the last 6 months with a broken ankle. This year we've had construction. So I'm cleaning windows, washing curtains, baseboards and anything else I can. I considered hiring it out (and still may do so!) but in a strange way I'm enjoying it. So we'll see.

As infrequently as I post this will be my last one before Thanksgiving. We'll be in Myrtle Beach with family for the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving to each of you. Be careful and enjoy your day with family andfriends. When I count my blessings, I'll be thanking God for each of you. Thanks so much for stopping by, I read each and every one of your comments. They make me smile for days!!

Thanks again,

Melodye

My Quilts - Part 2

2009-11-10T11:36:00.001-05:00

Ok, this is the last of them. At least those that have made it to the completed top stage. The only true UFOs I have are quilts. One day I’ll get brave enough to take stock.

This first one was made for DD#1 as a wedding gift. Unfortunately the marriage didn’t last. This almost a queen sized top. I think I’m going to send it out to have it machine quilted. I want feathers in the light sections and I’m not accomplished enough to do it, but I most definitely would be in the end. Now that the renos are complete, I’ll get my sewing room cleaned. I may have enough room to do it on a regular machine, but it’s going to be a bear.

This one belongs to DH because he said, “You haven’t made me a quilt.” When I saw the original pattern, it reminded me of piano keys, so… I titled, it “Harolds’ Melody”. This is huge, if I remember correctly it’s larger than king size! You’ve seen the size of my quilt fabric stash. With the exception of the music note border for this quilt all of the fabric for this one and DD#1s’ wedding quilt all the fabric came from my stash. The pictures you saw were taken after these were finished.

I graduated from college 29 ½ years after I finished high school. To celebrate I bought myself an embroidery machine. This quilt was made not too long after I bought the machine. When I got to the final border I ran out of fabric. Then I looked through my stash again. A co-worker cleaned out her stash and gave it to me. In her stash was the same fabric but a different dye lot. If you look close you can see the difference.

I don’t normally make wall quilts. I make quilts to be used and truthfully I don’t have a lot of wall space. But I have made these. This first one was from a pattern I saw years ago and thought I’d try. My machine piecing was atrocious, but I did finish it. The hexagonal one was from a group exchange. I’ve lost contact with those women, but whenever I see this quilt it brings warm memories.

So there you have it, my quilts. I’d really like to get these finished, but as I’ve said before I need an extra set of hands and a couple of extra days a week. I really do suffer from fiber ADHD. I’ve never been able to settle down to just one pursuit, but I’m having fun and no one’s ever gone hungry!

Oh DD#2 does have a quilt, but it's on her bed in her apartment and she's not giving it up! If I remember, I'll ask her to get a picture of it and I'll post it.

TTYL

My Quilts - Part I

2009-11-06T22:24:00.013-05:00

Awhile ago I promised that I would show you my quilts. My earliest memory of quilting is being home with the measles or mumps and wanting to quilt. I asked my mother for some scraps, a needle and some thread and she gave them to me. I have no recollection of what happened to that first one, but here are some that I’ve made and kept track of. Most of these are tops that NEED TO BE QUILTED!!

This is the first quilt I completed. Anyone else remember Holly Hobby? As best I can remember I started quilting in 1980 or 1981. I know for sure that I only had one child. DD#2 was born in 1982 and I was quilting a lot then.

This belongs to DD#1 and is the first bed sized quilt I finished. It’s for a twin bed and has been loved to death. She asked me to fix it, but it’s really beyond repair. It’s a sampler quilt from a class I took at the Fort Meade Recreation center with Barbara Schafer. With the exception of the borders and binding this quilt was machine pieced and quilted. The second picture is of the back.

Grandmothers’ Flower Garden was the first bed-quilt I started. I've worked on this quilt for years and it’s still not finished. Pieces of the colored blocks were cut and placed in baggies with their paper cores. It’s easy to piece as each hexagon is basted to a paper center. Then the hexagons are stitched together to form the larger hexagons. Then individual hexagons are stitched to muslin hexagons. Sounds way more complicated than it is. As with most things worked on over time, this holds a lot of memories for me. I would cut a bunch of blocks and carry them with me where ever I went. I stitched in doctor’s offices, dance lessons, basketball games, you name it. The most poignant memory is working on this with my mother and sister (niether of whom quilted), in a hospital waiting room waiting to see if another sister was going to live. She did, so there are no bad memories associated with this one. I’ve started hand quilting this one, but it’s been put away for awhile. Maybe I’ll work on it over the winter.

This one has the most pathetic story attached to it. I only worked on this on New Years’ Eve night for several years. As a single mother, even before my divorce, I never went out. One year I decided that I’d start a quilt and only work on it on New Years' Eve. The first year, I selected the fabric and cut the strip sets. The following year I made the blocks and so on. On what I though was going to be the last year, I selected the final border fabric and sewed it on, only to discover that I sewn the final border on upside down! The next year I fixed the final piece of the border. By the next year I’d met Harold and while we normally don’t go out, I’m not alone either! I’ve got mixed emotions about this one. Every time I pull it out to finish, the memory of those years surface and I put it away again. Maybe I’ll finish it one day, maybe I won’t.

So this post doesn’t end on a somber note, here’s a class sample. Years ago I taught Beginning Quilting workshops. One of the biggest thrills I’ve ever had in my life was to attend a quilt show and see a student’s completed full sized quilt. She gave me credit for teaching her the block and said how much she enjoyed the class!

As you can see, I normally make large quilts. Until now, I haven’t had a space large enough to display them for photos. I can do it now because, THE RENOVATIONS ARE FINISHED!!! We’ve lived here for eleven years and it’s taken us til now. But it’s done and paid for so we’re both happy campers!

TTYL

Thanks!

2009-10-09T10:41:00.001-04:00

I love this blog. I know it's mine but it helps me think through things. I'm going to rip out the baby sweater. I don't like it. Why would I give someone something I don't like?

Titles are hard!

2009-10-07T08:33:00.011-04:00

I assure you, I have not fallen off of the face of the earth. I’m still here doing whatever it is that I do.

First though, thank you all for your comments on my dress. Still haven’t worn it tho and not for lack of trying. Lately, it seems that DH and I are rarely in the same place at the same time. He’s gotten into photography and has been working on weekends or babysitting. But, Miss Ginny, I promise I am going to make an occasion.

And for those of you who visited Colours, thank you so much. Thelma was tickled pink. I’m just sorry I missed you, maybe next time.

So what have I been up to? I believe I told you I ordered the Click N’ Sew software from Wild Ginger. I’m working on a sheath (sound familiar??). Once I get it finished I’ll do review of it and the software, but right now you’d just be looking at muslins gain.

The basement remodel is well under way. There’s been one major disappointment, but I’ll live. We’re looking at a mid-October finish, so DH will be able to watch the Ravens in style. Once it’s finished, there will be a major purge. I’ve been holding onto stuff for years waiting until the basement is finished.

I’ve been knitting. I finished the shawl for my friend; it just needs to be blocked. But I’ve got to find a space large enough to do it.

I’m also working on a baby sweater for friends from church. I’m using the sock yarn I bought from Colours. I’m not really in love with the yarn or the pattern and I’m not sure why. I’ve invested too much time to quit and I’ll be finished by the weekend. As I type this I think it may be because there’s nothing babyish about it. It looks like a miniature adult cardigan, not a baby sweater. Next I’ll make a vintage pattern that I made for my kids. I absolutely love it and have made it several times. If I have time, I’ll try to get one more done. When I drop them off, I’ll also drop off a meal. When I had my youngest, some friends dropped off a complete meal and it was the best gift.

AND, I’ve been spinning. I’m getting consistent singles and will begin plying once I get another bobbin full. I’m going to have to find patterns for all this yarn I’m spinning. I’m also considering another wheel. There’s a spinning group in Catonsville and I’d love to go, but this wheel isn’t portable. I work from home most Fridays so leaving it in a parked car isn’t an issue, but setting it up and taking it down is.

AND I bought a Singer 15-91. From the Craigslist post, I wasn’t sure of the model and said I’d only buy it if it was a 201. I was only fooling myself. The machine itself is gorgeous. The cabinet needed work and I didn’t feel like doing it so it went to the Salvation Army. These old machines are workhorses and virtually indestructible. It only does a straight stitch, but it’s a beautiful stitch. I’ve got the manual and accessories. These old machines speak to me in a way that newer ones don’t. I'm thinking of giving individual sewing lessons and this machine will be ideal. You can't mess it up!

I’m an amateur historian and women’s history is tied up in the machines we use, be it sewing machines or spinning wheels. There was work involved in the machines but it was so much less than doing it completely by hand. Think about this for a minute. Prior to machines, every item of clothing and household linen was made by hand. We know that there were domesticated sheep in ancient times. The sheep were shorn; the wool cleaned, carded and spun using a drop spindle and then woven manually. Think about the Nativity Scene. Mary, Joseph, Jesus, 3 Wise men and a couple of shepherds. Someone made each of those outfits from scratch, by hand. My head hurts thinking about it. It gives new meaning to the phrase, “woman’s work is never done”. I reread Proverbs 31 yesterday. A virtuous woman, indeed.

TTYL,

Melodye

Working

2009-09-09T20:35:00.002-04:00

I made a dress last week. I don't know if I want to wear it. Or even if I'll get the chance. It's this one.

It's comfortable. We just don't go places to wear it. It's casual enough but at the same time it's too dressy. I think I'll call it "Conundrum". I make clothes for the life I wish I lived rather than the one I do. I was originally going to make the tunic, remember? I still have enough left to make the shorter tunic.

I finished the Irish Hiking scarf.

As with most scarves, I reached a point where it seemed as if it would never end. I tried cabling without a needle on part of this. I'm not sure I like it well enough to do it all the time, but it's nice having it in my repertoire. I'm still working on the scarf for my friend, but it's not take-along knitting. I'm using size 19 needles and they get caught on everything! Unfortunately, I don't sit enough at home to get it done.

For take along knitting, I'm working on a couple of baby sweaters for a couple at church, who are expecting their first child. They are such a sweet couple. I may have a shower for them as well.

The bathroom is finally complete. The tub apparently came from Siberia. Once it arrived the contractor finished in two weeks. I absolutely love it. There was only 1 small hiccup. I selected the wrong color paint and he had to repaint. Didn't even complain. I actually kept the house looking as if real people actually live here. I like it this way. DH had better watch out!

I realized something recently. I've known for a while that I tend to be a "black and white" person. I hadn't realized that that rigidness carried over into my sewing. I've got a skirt pattern that I can work with, a darn good pants pattern. I could have been sewing pants and skirts all summer and picking up tops and twin sets. But I didn't, I obsessed on the fact that I can't get that dress to fit and used it as a reason not to do anything else. I have no more excuses for not sewing. I have a heck of a commute, so do lots of others. My kids are gone, DH can be pretty self-sufficient. Maybe now that I've realized it, I can get past it.

August was rough. Friends of ours 25 year old daughter died. She was a college graduate, professional musician, and a middle school music teacher; just a good kid. No drugs or alcohol, no life threatening disease. Just a dumb, stupid accident. She fell and hit the back of her head. Her father was maybe 10 feet from her. There was nothing he could have done. They are just devastated. Hug your kids and tell them you love them every chance you get.

TTYL,

Melodye

Yarn In Randallstown

2009-09-03T20:20:00.002-04:00

Anonymous asked for more details:

Colours: The Yarn Haven is located inside the Kings Point Square Shopping Center, 9956 Liberty Road, Randallstown, MD 21133. The phone number is 410.701.8686. The shopping center is located on the right hand side coming from Baltimore City traveling to Randallstown. Pass Tiverton Road and look for Marriottsville Road also on the right. The shopping center has Food Lion on the right, which is the first building on the at Kings Point Square Shopping Center. Colours is located inside Kings Point Square Shopping Center; turn into the parking lot.

Coming from Carroll County, after crossing the Liberty dams, pass Deer Park Road on the left, Kings Point Square Shopping Center is located on the left hand side. Turn left into the parking. Colours: The Yarn Haven is located inside of the shopping center.

The shop is open 10-6 except Sunday and Wednesday, when it is closed. Open til 8 on Mondays.

TTYL

Melodye

We have Yarn in Randallstown!!!

2009-09-01T18:57:00.005-04:00

No, not my stash, but a real live yarn shop. In the King's Point Shopping Center, in Randallstown! Thelma's the owner and it's been a life long dream of hers to open her own yarn shop. It's called "Colours A Yarn Haven", closed Sunday and Wednesday. She's open late on Monday, other days til 6. It's so close, I can walk. Today was the first day the shop was open, so I stopped by on my way home. And I didn't have to go out of my way. It's a nice shop, she carries Noro and Cascade. There were others, but I don't remember which ones. If you're in the area, stop by. As usual no affiliation, yada, yada, yada.My first purchase. Cascade Heritage:

Musings 2

2009-07-24T10:42:00.003-04:00

I’m putting aside my struggles with that sheath for a minute. Last night DH and I went to hear friends of his play at a nearby restaurant. Well it turns out this restaurant has live music most nights, but jazz on Thursday. I didn’t tell you DH was a jazz musician, did I? He no longer plays, but he complains all the time about the dearth of live music. Guess where we’ll be going on Thursdays?

I was woefully underdressed. I had on black pants, this Sandra Betzina top and a pair of flats. It was a Thursday night. I really didn’t think people would take the time to get dressed, but they did. So this weekend, I’ll make a pair of white linen pants, this dress as a tunic and wear it with white heeled sandals. This dressed on a Thursday night. I must be getting old.

I’ll have time to sew this weekend, because…. The contractor just called. The tub won’t be in until the first.

TTYL,

Melodye

Musings

2009-07-24T09:15:00.003-04:00

There’s nothing going on. It’s so busy, I’m about to lose my mind. Those two statements reveal how schizoid my life is right now. There’s absolutely nothing to show for this post.

Sewing – I’m still working on the muslin. I haven’t gotten back to do any more fitting, but it’s on my mind a good deal of the time. I can’t figure out how to adjust the bodice. Heck I can’t even figure out how to describe the problem. I originally added a dart to the side, but that changed the armhole. Bad move, I then have to adjust the sleeve cap. I decided to rotate the dart to the shoulder, but the dart is so huge it changes the top almost into a princess seamed top which I didn’t particularly want. Too, the darts in the side front are offside. Most dress darts are in the dress in some relation to the bust. The front side darts in this one are almost pointing to the armhole. The ones in the back were strangely located too. I’ve been poring over my fitting books and haven’t found anything yet. I was reading Lisa’s blog and she mentioned Threads’ fitting series they ran over several issues. I’ll go pull those out and see if I can find anything. It maybe that I have to scrap this one and start over using another pattern. At one time that statement would have caused me to run screaming into the night. Now, I figure it was a learning experience and the experience was not wasted. It may just be a poorly drafted pattern.

Knitting – The two youngest daughters lost their scarves last winter and both asked for replacements. Now, I realize I should have offered to teach them. But silly me was so flattered they actually wanted to wear something I made, I agreed. I’m doing the Irish Hiking Scarf for one. When it’s finished, there’s a red scarf on the cover of an old Vogue Knitting that I’m going to make. This will be the extent of my holiday knitting this year!

Spinning – I rented a Schacht Ladybug. I was having so much trouble with my wheel, I decided a quick way to diagnose the problem would be to rent one and see what happened. I’m still over spinning, but I’m making yarn. There’s a spinning group that meets at the LYS, so I’ll take my wheel there and see if someone there can help. Why not buy the wheel I’m renting? It’s $600. Not in the budget right now.

Speaking of budgets, last Saturday I was cruising Craigslist. Bad move, it’s like going shopping when you have no money. I found a mint Singer 301 in a cabinet for $30. It was gone. I would have been all over it like white on rice. Yes, I have a 301, but not mint, not in a cabinet. Besides, I could have used another end table. (VBG)

I found not one, but two Ashford Traditional Spinning Wheels. $200 and $350 respectively. Sanity prevailed. Well that and two car repairs in the last month.

Then I found 2 looms. No, I don’t weave, but why should that stop me? Ever since I saw that yarn made from recycled saris, I’ve been obsessing over a shawl woven from those yarns. I also have no place to put it, unless I convert the Living Room to a studio. It could happen. That room just gathers dust, we use it so rarely.

Bathroom renovation- Cross your fingers, it’s supposed to start Monday. I’m tempted to say that if I’d known how difficult and time consuming it was going to be, I’d have never started. But it hasn’t been updated since the house was built in the ‘70’s. I’m talking avocado green fixtures. As much trouble as we’ve had, you think it was going to be something extravagant and over the top. Not. I didn’t have a good grasp on the entire process. And while the contractor comes highly recommended, he’s just starting to do jobs this size. I don’t remember my parents having this problem, but then my father and uncle did most of the work. Before we were married DH told me he was no Mr. Home and Garden. He’s does a great job, but this was beyond him. I should have paid more attention to HGTV!

Oh, ladies, please, how could my paltry stash make you feel better? I know at least one of you stores your stash off-site in a storage locker. (VVBG) It’s not even the whole closet. I’ve got other stuff at the top! And if you want to see stash, go look at Carolyn’s. Hers makes me feel better!

TTYL

Melodye

Fitting

2009-07-17T20:44:00.008-04:00

Thank you all so much for comments on my struggle to fit myself. Some of you have spoken of my determination and my stick to-it-tiveness. Here's why:

and

We won't talk about the 3 or 4 bins that I put in the shed this week. If I don't get it right, there will be one heck of fire sale.

Sewing is such a solitary undertaking. It helps knowing I have a cheering squad.

Thanks again,

Melodye

By George, I think I've Got it!

2009-07-15T17:29:00.003-04:00

My doctor's appointment today didn't take as long as I thought, so Ive been working on this since I got back. I've lost track of the number of changes I've done and undone today. But here's the back. I think the upper right still needs to be narrowed a bit, but unless one of you sees something, I'm calling the back done. The front still needs some work. The darts point no where near the bust point and I need to re-do the darts I added. Then it's on to the sleeves. While I don't remember the number of changes, in the end this is what I did:

1. Raised the hip another 1/2", and
2. Added 1 inch to the shoulder seams, then made a fore ward shoulder adjustment.

Grrr!

2009-07-13T19:29:00.004-04:00

I just made muslin #8 and totally messed it up. I tried to do a minor narrow back alteration. Bad move. It deepened the wrinkle at the underarm. Upon reflection, it makes sense. The directions for the first narrow back alteration cautioned against making an alteration of more than one inch. I am so frustrated. I'm going to go ahead and make another muslin using the full length of the dress. I shortened the back at the waist (it makes sense - I did it on my skirt sloper) and went back musln #6. I think that's the best one so far. At this rate, I'll have a dress to wear for Christmas. Sheesh! Scheherazaad recommended tweaking the back at the zipper. I'll incorporate that change too. Stay tuned!

TTYL,

Melodye

Waiting, Waiting

2009-07-12T21:05:00.014-04:00

I feel like the hour glass icon. I've been trying to get back to fitting this muslin for what feels like weeks. Fixtures for both bathrooms have been chosen, the contractors start the week of the 27th. The basement still needs work, but it's started. My significant accomplishment this weekend was to photograph my shoes. Either tomorrow or Tuesday, I'll put the photos on the outside of the shoe boxes. No more trying to guess which shoes are in which box!! After a weekend of housework, this evening I got back to the muslin. Two more in fact. I'm not cutting a complete new muslin each time, but adjusting the previous one. After I've gone as far as I can, I'll cut another and proceed from there. I'm getting close. I cut across the back perpendicular to the side seam and the zipper. On #6 I took out 3/4" tapering to nothing at the zipper. Better. On #7, I doubled it. Better yet, but I still have diagonal lines near the shoulder blades. I don't want to over fit it, but the lines are driving me crazy. I'll also need to make a forward shoulder adjustment then I'll proceed to trying it in fashion fabric.

Number 6:

Number 7:

TTYL,

Melodye

Muslin Number 5

2009-06-29T20:08:00.004-04:00

Two posts in two days. Ya know I'm up to something. Tee commented that the upper back looked two wide. I was originally going to pitch this pattern and work with one that had a wider size range. I have 8 shoe boxes of patterns. Not one sheath pattern included both 10 and 14-16 in the same envelope. Of course I hadn't thrown out the changes from yesterday so I went to work. Using Singer's "The Perfect Fit", I made the alteration on page 85 for a narrow back. When this all over, I'm going to post a copy of the original pattern and compare it to my altered one. There's quite a difference between the two. Anyway here are today's changes. The back looks better, but it still needs work. I think I need to remove more from the width and then work on the side seams. Unfortunately, I probably won't get back to them before the weekend. There's a three day weekend, but holiday stuff will intervene. I'm not posting the front. I have on a different bra and the front looks different today. Bras really do make a difference! Onto muslin no. 6.

NOTE: Yesterday's alterations also came from the Singer Book.

Muslins

2009-06-28T11:15:00.010-04:00

Hey y'all. It's hard to believe it's been so long since I've posted. I'm still here. Thanks for all the comments on DN's dress. She's a sweetheart and I enjoyed every minute of it. According to her, she had the only custom made dress. I hope I haven't created a monster!

I have been busy. First, I made yarn. The more I use my wheel, the more I love it. The bobbins I ordered came, but I had to return them. I've been talking to the owner and she couldn't be nicer. This skein was spun from what we were given in class. It's wool, but I don't know which breed of sheep. I haven't been able to spin since I returned the bobbins and if I hadn't been so busy, I'd be in withdrawal. The last time I spun, I took my wheel out on the deck. Just me, my wheel and the birds. It was so peaceful. I'm looking forward to more lazy days this summer.

We're also doing some remodeling. It's long overdue and needs to be completed before I retire. Sorry Marie, I'm not adding a yarn closet, but in a pinch I could turn one of the two remaining bedrooms into a yarn haven. I've been busy choosing fixtures and tiles for the hall bath. Due to a misunderstanding on my part, I had to start all over again. I still need to order the granite countertop and the mirror, but everything else for that room is done. I've an appointment in 2 weeks to make selections for the new downstairs bath.

I've been sewing. I made a slim skirt from MY OWN PATTERN!! Last summer the Sassy Sewer started helping me fit a sloper, using the Butterick Fitting Shell. We finished the skirt, started the top and I broke my foot. I just haven't taken the time to go back. I traced the skirt onto a piece of exam table paper and pegged the hem. The skirt sloper was wider than I thought, so even though I pegged it a total of four inches, it's still not quite a pencil skirt. Here it is on my dress form.

Carolyn of A Diary of a Sewing Fanatic has developed a series of tried and true patterns that she uses all the time. She incorporates details into them or uses them as jumping off points for Ready to Wear (RTW) knockoffs. Lisa of Sew On and Sew On, blogged about making 11 muslins to perfect the fit of a dress. I've been channeling them both this past weekend.

For the skirt I made a couple of muslins. And I could have gotten away with just one. But I've got a slim skirt pattern that I can use from now on just as it is or use as the jumping off point for other skirts. But now I am trying to make a sheath dress. I used this pattern (Butterick 3987)once before, but I wadded it up it never saw the light of day. The fit was horrible and that was before I knew what constituted a good fit.

Alterations so far: (FRONT) Full Bust Adjustment (FBA). I used a size 14 pattern to get what I hoped would be a good fit through the neck and shoulders. I did the FBA to add the additional inches needed between the size 14 and 16. Then it fit good through the bust, but there was this huge fold going from the bust point to arm pit. I made the remaining adjustments to the right front only. I'll translate them to both fronts in the next version. I added a dart to take out the excess fabric and did what Nancy Zieman calls a major sloping shoulder adjustment (see below). There's a slight pull line from the neck to the bust, but I'll let out the neck seam, then redraw that seam line.

On to the back. I really hope that when I was sewing right of the pattern envelope, the back of my clothes looked as good as I thought they did. Because right now, the backs are a hot mess. Alterations so far: 1) Completed the FBA; 2) raised the hip to eliminate the fabric that pools just above my rear; and 3) a sloping shoulder adjustment. I cut the "L" from the middle of the shoulder seam to just under the armscye. Nancy Zieman calls it the major adjustment for sloping shoulders. AND IT'S STILL A MESS! The shoulder width looks good now, the fabric pooling across the tops of hips is gone. The horiztonal lines tell me I need to increase seam allowances at the sides, an easy fix. But the area near the shoulder blades, ugh. I can see the problem, I just can't figure what to do about them. I think I need to start over with a size 12, complete the FBA, fix the hip and the sloping shoulder. Increase seam allowances at the sides. It looks too large through the upper back - the back darts are too far to the outside. That's a relatively easy fix in and of itself, but I think it points to a larger problem. What do you thnk?

I'm only up to 3 muslins on this sheath. If Lisa can do 11, I can do as many as I need. Otherwise there's going to be a heck of a firesale.

TTYL,

Melodye

Pictures, I promised Pictures

2009-06-07T11:41:00.011-04:00

Thanks for all the birthday wishes. It was a good one. Without further ado:

My haul from New York:

Other than planning to sew it up this summer, I have no concrete plans. I'm in the process of inventorying what's in my closet for summer and will use these pieces to fill in.

Kashi of Metro Textiles:

Kashi is just as nice as everyone says he is.

My "new" baby:

Still haven't had time to play with it yet, maybe next weekend. I've got a four day weekend and hope to get some things done. I'll try to get a bit done in cleaning up my room in the evenings this week.

My nieces' dress:

There are several reviews of this pattern on PR. The dress was relatively easy to make. My niece wanted a combination of two views. We essentially made view A and added the overdress from view F without the ruffle. Imani is 13, and has definite ideas about what she likes and what works for her. She's also quite modest so even without the restrictions (sleeves, no halters and no plunging backs or fronts)on what the female graduates could wear we would have made this dress. I had a couple of problems but I'm convinced that if I'd read the instruction sheet and thought through the process, some of the problems/challenges could have been avoided.

1. Challenge #1 - zipper. When we bought the fabric, I couldn't find a zipper to match or even one close to the color so I bought an invisible zipper. This zipper gave me a fit. After I finally got it in and the lining attached, I broke the zipper opening it. And then had to cut the zipper out of the lining. If I were a cussing woman, the air would have been navy blue. I removed it and went to the closest JoAnn's. I found one almost the exact color and inserted a centered zipper as called for by the pattern. I also created a label to cover the hole. Lesson Learned: Check several stores and locations for the appropriate color notions.

2. Challenge # 2 - Without the ruffle the hem had to be completed differently. I'd originally thought I could finish the bottom of the dress as 3 discrete layers. The pattern has you treat the fabric and the overdress as one piece. The ruffle is added last. I used lace hem binding on the two pieces and treated them as one for the hem. I simply serged the hem on the lining.

3. Challenge #3 - My niece orginally asked me to make this dress at the end of March. At that time I told my sister that I needed everything as soon as possible since I knew May was going to be extra busy. Needless to say, I got the fabric late and then felt rushed. Lesson learned - set deadlines and stick to them. I'd hoped to deliver the dress on Memorial Day. I delivered it about 1 hour before she left.

But it was worth it. She was adorable and is quite grown up. She received several awards so she got to showoff several times. VBG

I've got daughters, but it is always fun to watch girls at this age. One minute they're still little girls and the next you see a glimpse of the women they're going to be. Some of them are wearing heels for the first time and even though they've practiced walking in them the relief on their faces as they successfully negotiate the aisle is priceless.

One last shot of the happy graduate.

TTYL,

Melodye

Happy Birdy to ME!!!

2009-06-06T20:03:00.002-04:00

That's right 55 years ago today Andrew and Laura were blessed with their first bundle of joy. Me. The Lord has blessed me beyond measure and I am grateful. I have also reached retirement age. Starting today, I'm working for me. No big plans just normal everyday stuff and that's a good thing.

TTYL,

Melodye

What a Month!!

2009-05-31T19:35:00.003-04:00

This month has been a wonderfully, fibery one. I started the month by going to the Sheep and Wool Festival, last weekend I shopped New York and Friday I went to the Mannings for an all day Beginning Spinning Class. It was a gorgeous day for a drive, the weather was good as was traffic.

I debated as to whether to take my wheel or not. In the end I decided that since it's what I would be using at home, I'd take it. The class was limited to 6 and it was a perfect size. It allowed the instructor time to devote individual attention as necessary without anyone being overlooked and without it interfering with the flow of the class.

We started with a demo on washing wool straight from the sheep and dying it. Thomas Knisely (the instructor) discussed the different types of fiber to be spun and talked a little about the history of the wheel. We also carded and picked wool that we later spun. Lunch was on our own. There's nothing close to the school.

We spent the afternoon working with our wheels. I'm really glad I took my wheel. The instructor knew nothing about my wheel, but was able to work with me on it. The first thing he did was oil it. l could not believe the difference oiling it made. Not only was it markedly quieter, but it was also easier to operate. That's not to say, I'm spinning really great yet, that's going to take practice. I was able to ask questions and got feedback on what I was doing wrong. These wheels were used to produce yarn for weavers to use and were designed to spin a lot of yarn fast. Some say that it's the worst wheel to learn on, but it's what I've got. But I Will admit that while I was spinning Friday night, I was so frustrated that I really considered buying a new wheel. I still may at some point, but I want to be sure I'm going to continue spinning first. I did find out yesterday that Cloverhill Yarn Shop rents wheels for $10 a week. Once I get a quiet week, I'll rent one to see the difference. It was a great day and I won't hesitate to take another class from them.

While at the MDSW, I ordered bobbins for Adelaide. My wheel finally told me her name. I wanted them early enough to take to class, but the were waiting for me when I returned home on Friday. I'm having trouble getting them to work, but it may be operator error. I won't get a chance to spin until later in the week.

I've also been working on my niece's dress. I like it. She was here today and tried it on. I wanted to be sure it fit before I added the zipper and the lining. I've promised delivery on Wedneday, so I'll be sewing like the wind tomorrow.

And to end the month, I bought a Viking Felting Machine. I was in JoAnn's yesterday and they were having a clearance sale. I've been watching them for over two years. I got it for less than half price, so I'm ectastic. But I can't play with it until after the dress is finished.

My room is a mess. It needs a major clean and reorganization, and I can't put it off much longer. My room is the embodiment of trying to fit 100 pounds in a 50 pound sack. Logically I know that I need to get rid of stuff. BUT I DON'T WANT TO!!! About 5 years ago, I went through and got rid of a lot of stuff, fabric, patterns, 3 30 gallon trash bags of yarn (my aunt's stash), book, etc. Since I can't get anymore space, I'll have to do something. I'll figure it out. Sigh...

So that's my wonderful month. I'll pics later of my fabric, my nieces' dress and my new baby.

TTYL

Melodye

Soleil

2009-05-22T13:47:00.004-04:00

It's done. I like it. It's way too small. I thought it might be but I pushed on. I'll give to my youngest. I hope she enjoys it. I love this top, I'll probably knit it again. But not now. Here it is:

Looking at this picture really makes my need to diet real!

Soleil is from Knitty.com, so it was free. I used CotLin from Knit Picks. It was a quick, easy knit. The lace was charted so for a first lace pattern I'd say it's a go. Let me also thank Sarah from Ravelry. I thought I was going to run out of yarn. She had some for sale. The transaction was completed quickly and painlessly.

Tomorrow I'm going fabric shopping in New York. I had a huge car repair bill earlier this week, so my discretionary funds are more than a bit depleted. That will curb my fabric buying for sure. It will be fun spending the day with like minded folks, so I'll still have fun.

Next up is a prayer shawl for a friend from church. I'm taking it tomorrow. It's all garter stitch on size 19 needles so I'll be able to gab and knit at the same time.

TTYL

Look what I got!!

2009-05-15T09:40:00.005-04:00

Isn't it gorgeous? One of my co-workers and I were talking one day. She noticed my knitting. While she knits, she prefers spinning. With fleece from her own sheep. She's originally from Michigan and owns sheep. She asked me if I'd like some fleece and of course I said yes. It came this week. I'm not touching it until I learn to spin a lot better than I do now. It's a shetland fleece and the donor's name is Annie. Thanks again, Nancy. I don't have any pictures of Annie, but here's a look at some of her relatives from last week.

TTYL,

Melodye

Potpourri

2009-05-11T08:16:00.009-04:00

I hope everyone had a Happy Mother's day. Mine was quiet with no expectations that I do anything. I was originally going to see my mother but she'll be here Tuesday and we'll celebrate then. My youngest DD, niece and nephew took my sister, youngest niece and I to brunch. The three of them are all grown and working now. It's been a joy watching them grow. They've turned into a nice group of kids.

I got to spin yesterday! It's hypnotic and addicting. The yarn I spun isn't great, but I'm not ready to quit. I don't know if I have to take my wheel to class or not, but if I do, I'd like to at least be able to use it. It's a production wheel and it spins fast. By the end of the day I was spinning relatively more consistent singles and my drafting was better. This morning I remembered it's possible to convert it to a bobbin lead wheel. I'm going to try it and see if that will slow it down some.

On the knitting front, Soleil is heading into the home stretch. If I knit during lunch and my commute this week, I should be finished by the weekend.

I've also been sewing. My youngest niece graduates from 8th grade June 5th. She asked me to make her dress and being the doting aunt, I said yes. We went to JoAnn's and she chose the patterns and the fabric. Chances are she'll only wear this once so no need to invest a fortune. I'm a little concerned that it's too dressy, but her mom's fine with it. I made the muslin Saturday and she tried it on yesterday. I added an inch to each seam and that's the only alteration needed. We'll be using this fabric:

to make this
We're making the dress in the upper left hand corner with the overlay similiar to that shown on the red dress. Since the dress can't be sleeveless we'll be adding this bolero in the solid.

With all this fiber activity, you know something's not getting done. And if you guessed housework and yardwork you'd be correct!!! It's not raining right now so I'm going to weed the front bed, then do some housework. I'd like to get the dress cut out this afternoon and if I'm really moving at the speed of light, I might get back to the spinning wheel.

Oh, DD#2 gave me this. Does she know her Mama or what?

TTYL,

Melodye

Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival

2009-05-03T17:17:00.003-04:00

I went. I saw. I shopped. And I stayed well within my budget! We had a wonderful time. Last year I was so overwhelmed, I don't think I bought anything. I know I didn't blog about it. This year I had a game plan. Yesterday, I just went to look, really didn't buy anything. Just looked around while DH took pictures. I also went to the Ravelry Meetup and met 2 Sistahs Knit Together. I ran into Marie and Rhoda (both blogless). I also met Marilyn from Bona Fide Knitter. I only bought things that might be gone today. I picked up some past issues of Vogue Knitting and Threads magazines and some mohair yarn for a prayer shawl for a friend from church who has some serious health issues.

I worked at home in my office on Friday. That cured me of any plans I may have had to buy yarn. Every time I looked up from the laptop, my yarn stash stared me in the face. Today I bought a second skein of the mohair for a shawl for me and what was my only impulse purchase a skein of yarn from Aisha Cecila because she has the same first name as my eldest DD.

I'm taking a spinning class at the end of the month from the Mannings so I concentrated on fiber to spin. I bought several types to spin, bacause the shops here don't carry a huge selection. Once I work my way through this, I should be proficient enough to make a decent yarn and have a good idea of what I like and don't like. And most importantly, whether I want to continue or not.

Only one mini rant. I absolutely hate kits. I fell in love with a shawl pattern. The yarn cost $28. I couldn't buy the pattern unless I bought the kit. The kit was $49.95. Now I know vendors need to make a profit and I don't mind. But never in my wildest dreams would I pay $21 for a pattern. I'll look around the net and see if I can find one like it and then order the yarn. She's located in Baltimore County, shipping surely won't be $21, will it?? Okay rant over!

I also wanted to see if I could find someone who could turn bobbins. I found 2 vendors, neither of them local. I ordered 3 from one vendor and will order a couple more from the other. I'm too lazy to get up and get his card right now but the guy from the Vermont Spinning Wheel Co (I think) knew a lot about my wheel. It is a French Canadian production wheel and is supposed to be sweet to spin. He's fashioned his wheels after Canadian Production Wheels. He corrected my pronunciation; it's pronounced pair-a-dye. When I order the bobbins I'll also ask him about a footman. I'd still like to have the Hattons work on it, but this way I don't have to do a 10 hour round trip to drop it off and another to pick it up. There's also no idea how long it would take. The vendor I ordered it from made a drawing and took my CC info and will call before it ships in a couple of weeks. The guy in Vermont only needs a measurement.

Speaking of spinning. Wheels were flying out of there like crazy. I didn't see any festival pricing, so I'd have to assume they were full price. I don't know how if the economy affected sales in general, but I didn't see women leaving with huge bags of yarn or anything else as I did last year.

Without further ado:

Hey and Thanks!

2009-04-30T20:50:00.002-04:00

Wow! As the kids would say, “it’s been a minute” since I’ve been here. First, thanks for all the comments on the suit. I enjoyed making it and have been planning another one. However, yard work is taking all my free time. I’d much rather be sewing, especially since summer paid us a visit this week and I realized just how inadequate my work wardrobe is in its present state. Hopefully another two weekends will see the bulk of the yard work finished. Trying to cram it all in after work and on Saturday is the pits.

If you’re in the area and are interested in a New York fabric shopping trip, check out www.dressed2aTee.blogspot.com. She’s got a trip going and needs at least one more person to fill the bus. But even if you’re not interested in the trip, check out her blog anyway. She’s a fantastic seamstress and really gets the most out of the Pattern Maker Boutique software.

Anyone else going to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival? I’m getting excited. I kept my pledge of no new yarn until the Sheep and Wool Festival. It also helps that I’m the world’s slowest knitter and that I stayed away from the crack dens. I’m really only looking for fiber to spin, and some cute yarn for another sweater for DGD. For some reason lately, I’m feeling guilty that I don’t knit for the other 2 grandkids and great niece. So I’ll probably add some yarn for them. And some silk lace weight for a shawl for me. Not only do I need 30 hour days, another set of hand would be nice, too.

Right now, I’m working on Soleil, from Knitty. It’s my first introduction to lace and it’s also a quick knit. I started it about 2 weeks ago and if I did nothing else, I’d get it finished. Hopefully, by my birthday!

TTYL!

Butterick 4691

2009-04-05T16:32:00.012-04:00

It's done. I wore it today and despite sewer errors, I'm pretty satisfied with it. There were no reviews on Pattern Review for this pattern and I'm not sure why. I loved the collar and still do. I think it's the perfect spring suit and while the collar makes it a bit too distinct to make several times, I'm pretty sure, I'm going to make it again as a pant suit.

If you've read this blog for a while, you know that like most sewists, I can no longer make patterns directly from the envelope. The first alteration I made was a full bust adjustment. I'd never made one in a princess seamed garment before so this was a first. After making the adjustment all the way across the bust, the inside of the jacket drooped, so I pinched out almost all that I'd put in. The adjustment on the jacket front looks like two "vees" kissing. The instructions didn't mention doing anything to the back.

I spent a couple of days trying to figure out the next adjustment. There was a problem with wrinkling across the shoulders and the back was a mess. I tried to pinch them out thinking it may have been a slopiing shoulder problem. That cleaned up the front but didn't do anything for the back. The armholes in the back were huge. Gaposis does not begin to describe it. I kept trying to figure out how the round back adjustment would work and just couldn't see it in my mind. Finally, I decided it's just muslin. And I needed this suit. There are no words to describe the joy I felt when I made that adjustment and the back fell into place. I was so excited. It still didn't fit perfectly, but I slipped in a pair of shoulder pads and it looked good. This shows the gaposis, it doesn't look quite so bad because I'm reaching across myself to take the picture:

I made a quick muslin of the skirt and raised the hip a total of 2 1/4". Made a note to add 4 inches in length and I was ready to start.

My choice of fabric could have been better. I was originally looking for a piece of crepe, but since I was still wasn't full of self-confidence, I didn't want to invest a fortune. It's almost like a handkerchief linen, but it's polyester. I threw it into the machine and that beefed it up some. I decided to flat line it with some batiste I had on hand. It worked, but it slowed me down considerably, as I had to baste both layers together. I really like the weight of the fabric with the batise and the lining. I also took Anne R's (Artisan's Square) advice and basted the entire jacket together before I sewed it. This took a lot of time, too, but there was no ripping with the seam rippper due to mis-sewn seams.

The collar was relatively easy. But my duck billed scissors got a workout. I considered just doing a rolled hem on the serger, but I was so enoying the process, that I decided to do the hem the long way. Maybe next time.

Due to computer problems and lack of time, I didn't get the blouse made. I bought a black and white hat and wore a black camisole. The suit was quite comfortable to wear and I didn't get hot, which is always a bonus. I had one mishap. I took a "vee" shaped cut out of the skirt with the serger. It wasn't as disasterous as it could have been since it was near the hem. I made the skirt a little shorter and it was fine. This was taken after church and brunch, so please excuse the wrinkles.

Looking at the back now, I still see some areas that can be improved the next time. The twisting in the sleeve may be due to the lining, but I didn't feel any pulling when I had it on. But this is so much better than the first muslin. The best thing about this suit is that it gives me the confidence that I can do the needed alterations. I am so happy!!

All in all, it was a fun project and once again, it was fun in the sewing room. I don't know when I'll get back except to clean it, though. I've got to find a dishwasher this week, do some much needed housework and get out into the yard. We removed bushes last year and lost a tree in the ice storm this winter, so there's a lot to do. Times like this make townhouse or condo living look good.

TTYL

Its Been a Good Week

2009-03-27T08:06:00.005-04:00

I love to sew. I've never had a bad day sewing even when whatever I'm working with winds up in the trash. So this week has been great. I've done something sewing related almost every day and it's only a muslin. I need a white dress for Palm Sunday. Butterick 4691. I didn't have enough fabric suitable, and I didn't like the fabric I had for the pattern. Made the trek to Hancocks and found something I can live with. DH was in Utah last week so I was been able to work conscience free. Monday and Tuesday I made pattern adjustments. Thursday I put the first muslin together. I have several adjustments that need to be done. Since I have my own personal atmosphere, I need to wear three pieces so I can remain decent and not embarass anyone else. Right now, I'm planning to make my own tone-on-tone embroidered fabric for the tank top. I wish I didn't have to work. But duty calls. There was some heavy duty sewing this weekend! For once I actually thought this projet through before I started. I didn't want to run out of anything once I got started.

I owe BeeBee a long overdue word of thanks. She nominated me for the Sisterhood Award. Despite the fact that it's taken me so long to post, I was elated. She likes my lists! I didn't have one last weekend and got absolutely nothing done of any consequence. I'm still working on my nominees and will post them once the list is complete.

TTYL

Thank You!!!!

2009-03-22T15:11:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all of you for your comments on Harold's sweater. I'm floating on air. Harold's grinning too. Thanks again!

TTYL

Why Is it...

2009-03-17T17:58:00.002-04:00

that regardless of the amount of fabric, needles, patterns or yarn that I have, when it comes time to make a specific project, I either don't have enough or don't have the right size??

Cobblestone Pullover -Complete

2009-03-17T13:05:00.003-04:00

My first post about this sweater was July 10, 2008. I completed it and ripped it out August 30, 2008 and first blogged about the latest incarnation January 9, 2009. But it is finished. DH wore it yesterday and says he received several positive comments to include requests. He loves me so he tends to exaggerate. I’m just glad to be finished and that he likes it. My original intent was to make another out of more expensive yarn, but right now I don’t know. Here he is in all his Cobblestone glory:

Now for the review:

Pattern: Cobblestone Pullover from Interweave Knits,
Yarn: Bernat
Does it look like the pattern: Surprisingly yes
What do I like about the pattern: Honestly, right now nothing. I was originally attracted to it because it looked like an easy knit. Enough details so I wouldn’t get bored, but not so difficult I’d quit in frustration. In retrospect, it was an easy knit. Any problems were mine, due to inattention, failure to consult the pattern and lack of experience.
What don’t I like: As I write this, I realize the things that attracted me to the pattern are still hold true. Even though it seems as if it took me forever, it really didn’t. The first one took 6 weeks, this one roughly 8 weeks.
Will I knit it again: Maybe, I won’t rule it out.
Would I recommend it – Yes, with the caveat to pay attention to the pattern and to use stitch markers as recommended.
New Technique – The correct way to make short rows. I still need practice, but the ones in this sweater are much better than in the first one.

Next up on the knitting front: a baby sweater for Judith at Mrs. Hammer’s house. She’s collecting baby clothes for an orphanage in China. It’s due April first. As for sewing, I’ve found I can get into 2 suits I already own. I’ve worn them both once. They were end of season purchases two different years. Either of those will work for Easter, but I do need a white dress for Palm Sunday. My niece has also asked me to make her graduation dress. I know I have a pattern for my dress, but I need to check the white fabric stash. I do have off-white, but they want white. We’ll see. I don’t look good in white; vanity may prevail.

San Diego Shops

2009-03-17T13:04:00.000-04:00

This was my second visit to San Diego, both work related. I’ll have to go back on vacation, to see how I like the city. Since I’m in workshops all day, I don’t get to do much touristy stuff unless I play hooky. But I’ve gotten to visit some neat shops both times. The first time I visited Ethnic Quilts and Fabrics. I would have loved to get back there, but just didn’t have the time. This time I visited the Bonita Knitting Shop and the Needlecraft Cottage.

I initially learned about the Bonita Knitting Store from Tania at Tania Knits Too and it was further recommended by Susan at Knitter’s Delight. It’s a small shop, but well stocked. The staff was friendly and fun to chat with. It was here I learned of another knitter who was also having “fun” with the Cobblestone Pullover. I didn’t buy any yarn this trip, but I did buy Tania’s neck warmer pattern, a sweater by White Lies Designs, the Ellemyra shrug, the Baby Surprise Sweater by Elizabeth Zimmerman and a purse hook. I also got to meet Tania when she stopped by. She’s as nice in real life as she is in her blog. If you’re ever in San Diego, stop by.

I saw the Needlecraft Cottage on our way to breakfast Sunday morning and had to stop in after we finished eating. I felt as if I’d died and gone to heaven. This takes nothing from the Bonita Knitting shop. Each shop is different and special in its own unique way. The Needlecraft cottage appears to be a small converted house. Each room is devoted to a different needlecraft with knitting and crochet dominant. Counted cross stitch, needlepoint, beading and tatting. I thought I’d died and gone to heaven. I don’t needlepoint, but if I did I could have gone crazy. Out behind the shop proper is a small outbuilding dedicated to needlepoint canvases. Across from that outbuilding is another outbuilding reserved for guild meetings! Back inside there’s loads of yarn (since I wasn’t buying any I don’t have any particulars, sorry), patterns, needles, notions, beading and tatting supplies. I’m not really into beading but I’d love to learn to tat. I was strong; I didn’t buy any tatting supplies to supplement the ones I already have. I did get Knitting Workshop by EZ, the latest Piecework magazine and a pair of size 9 circulars. I also spent a bit of time talking to the owner. This is a second career for her; she’s retired Navy and doesn’t get a chance to work on her own projects. It was a very friendly shop, I felt at home and welcomed instantly. This was the only shop I visited twice. The second time solo, so I got a chance to enjoy it alone. Once again, if you get a chance stop in, you won’t regret it.

FINISHED!!!!!

2009-03-14T22:57:00.002-04:00

No, that was not an earthquake you felt on the east coast at 8:54 p.m. That was me snoopy dancing, I wove in the last thread. DH's sweater is finished. It's not perfect, but I can live with it. DH just got my laptop running, details and pics tomorrow.

TTYL

I"m Back!!!

2009-03-05T19:30:00.002-05:00

Just returned from San Diego this afternoon. Bags unpacked, first load of laundry in the machines. It's so good to be home. I got a chance to visit a couple of shops and will write those up this week. Even though, I really didn't get a chance to work on the sweater (or even feel like) the desire to finish it has returned. I found out what I've been doing wrong with the short rows and am debating picking back again, butI'm pretty sure I'm going to. Although, I no longer feel so bad about all the ripping, I'm doing. At one of the shops I visited, I was told about a woman who also knitting this sweater. She comes to their clinic every Saturday and rips back a good part of whatever she knit that week. Sound familiar? LOL

TTYL

Sheesh!!!!

2009-03-02T09:01:00.003-05:00

That's to all my east coast readers who are enjoying a snow day. I've been waiting for this storm all winter so that I could have a snow day! That's right when it's too bad outside I stay home! I've had my day planned for months. Feed DH, put on a pot of chili and spin. I need dedicated time at the wheel and I've so been looking forward to it. But where am I? In San Diego and working everyday. There's just no justice. Picture this - tucked cosily inside with the snow falling, a fire in the woodburning stove, dinner in the crockpot and me spinning at my wheel. Reality - I'm in San Diego, where yesterday it was 75 degrees. Today, as soon as I post this and get dressed, I'm co-delivering a presentation on Strategic Planning to conference attendees. I am not happy, I'd rather be spinning.

Weekend Update

2009-02-23T21:12:00.002-05:00

Well, I got three of the four things on the list complete. Anybody wanna guess which one didn't get completed? That @#$ sweater. It's driving me crazy. I want it to be hand knit, not homemade. I realized I wasn't going to get it finished about 6 last night. I was tired and rather than stop, I pressed on. Well I knit when I should have purled and there was no way to fix it. So I ripped it back. Since I was already ripping it back, I ripped back to the two mistakes I figured I could live with. So instead of almost 8 inches of yoke, I've got maybe an inch and a half.

I am so ready to be finished with this sweater. I tend towards project mon*agam*y so I don't have anything else to work on. It's not like I don't have the yarn or patterns. I'm afraid that if I start something else, I'll never get back to the sweater. I really want to get it finished. DH is a sweetie and I want him to have it.

Just call me Penelope.

TTYL

Weekend Goals

2009-02-20T19:30:00.001-05:00

In my travels through the blogosphere, I’ve noticed lots of people make goals. Then something happens and they don’t make the goal. And then get upset for not making the goal. My take on making goals is this: It’s a plan. It’s a roadmap.

For me it provides a framework of what I’d like to accomplish. I suffer from whatever the craft equivalent of ADHD might be. If’s it’s shiny and pretty and new, I’m going to chase it. My goals keep me focused. This is what I want to do. Yes I can do other things, but if I do, this is the cost. So often, I come home Friday with several things to do and go back to work on Monday and I haven’t accomplished anything at all! I’ve been busy and run all over the place, but I’ve gotten nothing done.

But, if my goal is to get in the sewing room and whatever I’m working on isn’t finished, that’s okay. I’m further along than if I hadn’t started at all. But, if I don’t plan to get into the sewing room, and I goof off all weekend, I’ve got nothing. If it’s my goal to get in the sewing room and DH wants to go to dinner, chances are I’m going with him. It’s okay to make a conscious choice to do something else, but I’ve got to know what my choices are. Goals also make me think about what I’ve got to get done and prioritize them. I also suffer from CRSS (can’t remember stuff syndrome), so if I don’t write it down, chances are I’ll forget it before the thought is finished!

For this weekend I choose:

1. Get to the bank

2. Pick up Turbo Tax

3. Finish DH’s sweater. At this point the only reason this sweater’s getting done, is because it’s for DH. Otherwise it would be a ball of yarn!

4. Begin packing. I’m leaving for San Diego (for work) next Saturday. If I don’t start now, I’ll be up all night Friday. I know me.

Now of course this is only four things, and there are other things that need to be done (housework comes to mind), but these are the four I need to get done. In the strictest sense of the word, they’re tasks, but it’s my list. I’d really like to get to the bank and Staples this evening. If I do, I don’t have to leave home tomorrow. Once I leave home, temptation abounds.

So far, this is working for me. If it doesn’t work for you, don’t do it. Of course, the most important reason not to beat up on ourselves is that this is our hobby. It’s supposed to be fun and a distraction from the everyday. We’re getting beat up at work, the news is horrible and as much as we love our families they can be needy. If we keep beating ourselves up over not meeting self-imposed goals, it takes the fun out of it. It becomes something else we have to do. Let’s keep our hobbies fun. There’s little enough fun in our lives already!

TTYL

The View from Our Hotel

2009-02-17T21:12:00.004-05:00

Sunday Dawn:

Sunday Afternoon:

My Weekend

2009-02-17T20:38:00.012-05:00

Thanks for all the comments on the tidy –up. But be warned, that is only one closet. And after looking at it, I can’t believe I actually put it on the net. My mother would be aghast. Although she did say, “You have everything you need for retirement”.

We visited her in Myrtle Beach this weekend. And for the most part the weather was glorious. There are no fabric stores and I didn’t get a chance to get to either yarn shop. BUT, before we left we went to Sam’s Warehouse in Fairfax. They have an advertised Going Out of Business Sale. This visit was so not my fault. DH saw the ad and pointed it out to me. 100% woolen fabrics $4 a yard. When he picked me up Thursday afternoon, since it was later than we’d planned to leave and he hadn’t eaten all day, I suggested, we skip the visit. He said. “No, they may be gone soon”. The first time I got in line, he said he hadn’t sat in traffic for over an hour just for me to just spend $x. So with such provocation, what’s a woman to do? Here’s what I bought.

This looks and feels like a linen blend. I think I have enough for 3 pieces.

A sheath dress and jacket:

Another suit:

Pants for DHH. A 1st for me.

Pants for me:

A Michelle Obama-esque coat and dress:

I'm not sure yet. I just liked it.

Sam’s Warehouse, Fairfax, VA. Fabric is in pieces, but they will cut it for you.They give generous cuts. I got roughly 5 – 10% more on each cut. No affiliation, just a satisfied customer.

On a related note re: the stewardship post. DH notwithstanding I only spent money I’d budgeted for the trip. It wasn’t as hard as I thought.