Monday, August 30, 2010

TEXAS ARTIST

This past weekend we were in Dallas visiting friends and family. Our first stop was to visit my husband's aunt and uncle. His aunt, Margaret Fly, is a wonderful and very talented artist who paints mostly oils. She has recently moved into an apartment and has many of her paintings hanging. Below is one of her snow scenes.





She has converted a second bedroom into her studio complete with walkin closet and floor to ceiling windows letting in the most beautiful light. Below is her easel set up with a painting in progress.



This is a long wall in her living room where she hangs many of her favorite paintings. She has some wonderful western landscapes. I love the way she has displayed them together on this wall.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

...............MORE SOCKS

Here are my latest socks. The pattern is called "Wiggle Worm" and it's from the Big Book of Socks by Kathleen Taylor. I'm using a Dream in Color Classy worsted weight sock yarn in a color called "Wisterious". It is a superwash Australian merino wool so it can be washed. I'm using size 4 double ended needles. The pattern is an easy to memorize cable pattern. I changed the heel around a little to make it more durable and decided not to continue with the cable pattern on the heel because I thought it would be too bulky. I really like how it is turning out. So far I'm pleased with the Christmas presents I have made so far. I'll be on an airplane on Thursday and hope to get the second sock made at that time.


Here is the finished sock I showed partially finished in the previous post. This rib pattern will be really warm on cold nights this Winter!

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

MORE YUMMY SOCKS

First off, I FINALLY received my camera (Canon Rebel T1i) back from 1st aid at Canon. Back in June, I walked outside, tried to take a photo and it locked up on me. I ended up having to send it back to Canon and they had to replace the complete shutter. So, it's like getting a completely new camera. After one complete month without my camera I'm so glad to have it back. Voila!

A new pair of socks on the needles in this Textured Adult Pattern from The Big Book of Socks by Kathleen Taylor. I'm using a Dream in Color yarn with a little speck of silver that I purchased from my lovely yarn shop, The Whole Nine Yarns in Woodstock. Can't wait to wear these for Christmas. The silver gives it just that little extra oompf of sparkle to make them stand out.


And the pair below is knitting up so soft and cushy I want to definitely keep them..........but I'm not. They are another Christmas present. Pattern is a K3P1 rib using a Dream in Color worsted weight yarn in yummy ocean colors I purchased from The Whole Nine Yarns, again. These will feel so warm and cuddly on a cold night in front of the fireplace, curled up reading a book and drinking hot chocolate. Come on winter.........................


Monday, August 16, 2010

FALL LACE SOCKS

This is my first attempt at making "lace" socks. It's taking a little getting used to the small needles and lace weight yarn, I feel like Edward Scissorhands knitting with 5 needles! I love the Fall color combination of orange, avocado, grape, raspberry & mustard. I was knitting this sock on the plane to Las Vegas a few weeks ago. The flight attendant kept walking by and looking at me. Finally, she stopped and asked "WHAT are you making? It's SO small!" At that point it did look like a little sweater for a small dachshund. I'm still working on the foot and then to the toe. Almost finished!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

CHRISTMAS PRESENT # 1

I've finished one of my Christmas presents. My plan is to make all the girls a nice warm pair of socks for those cold winter nights. I took a sock class at the Whole Nine Yarns and love making them. The yarn is Boomerang. Off to pair # 2!


Saturday, August 7, 2010

Happy 4th Birthday Tai!

My great niece Tai, on the left, celebrated her 4th birthday tonight. She is pictured here with her best friend, Gracie. Hot dogs and hamburgers by the pool, bouncy slide, cotton candy, a million little kids and presents, friends and family = one great night!