Lost Control -Well not completely

When I sat at the computer today to write a post, the first thought that came to mind was that I just have too many projects started....I lost Control!

Some items in the photo are just a few steps from completion -- weave in a strand or sew on buttons. Others are half finished and some are really just me designing- make a sample swatch or knitting a shawl as I design it.   There is crochet and knitting in the mix.  Charity and gifts.

And did you notice the lovely bags to hold my projects.
(Thanks Katie and Brenda)

Now I could beat myself up about this situation, but the truth of the matter is I need diversity.   I need to have different skill level projects to meet the needs of knitting gatherings..you know it's best to have a mindless project when you knit at Murphy's Pub.  You understand, just in case a cool beer or Margarita fits the bill that day.   

(as an aside, this has been the hottest summer ever).  

How many projects do you have started?   

I have 9. .  No wait, where is that beautiful chevron scarf with the Spanish Yarn????

Wedding Ring Quilt Class @ Broadway Quilts

It's been a while since I took a sewing class.  Although I counted on my retirement as being a time to take many classes, seems like so many other things are happening that there isn't the time.  

When I walked into Broadway Quilts and saw the Wedding Ring Quilt hanging on the wall, my dream of making this quilt pattern came true.  Well at least learning how to do it, Judy Niemeyer style.

The class was informative and intense.. My fabrics are cut and ready to be constructed.   This is a formative project..need to make the time to complete it.   I'll keep you up to date as the project progresses.  

Wedding Ring Quilt, I aspire to....

It's

Knitting on the Douro River Portugal

2015 & 2016 were eventful years for me.   After my surgery I was more determined to travel and spend time enjoying life and the wonder around us.   Fortunately I had the opportunity to take a river cruise on the Douro River in Portugal.   We staying in Lisbon for 3 days, and as is my practice I visited a yarn shop and found a variegated merino yarn.   So as the ship cast off, I cast on a top down shawl.    The voyage was amazing, mountains, vineyards and so much history.  

 Slowly working on this piece.

Massive vineyards

Knitting and travel break

Tiny mountain top fortress of Rodrigo

getting further along on my shawl.   

Alpaca Visit to Brookfarms



Brookfarms, Glen Ellen Ca

My visit to Brookfarms was wonderful.   It's amazing how beautiful and gentle the Alpaca is.   What beautiful eyes, large round, gentle and kind .
The added treat was spending a lovely Fall (95 degrees) day in the Valley of Moon, Sonoma Valley.  The other night driving home there was the most amazing moon rise--yes "moon-rise" The moon was huge, golden, red and orange -coming up from the mountain. 10 minutes of absolute wonder and then somehow 10 minutes later, the moon shrunk and floated up into the night sky!!!!

This area is heavenly- "Another day in paradise"

Alpacas in Wine Country

Sept 25 and 26 is  National Alpaca Farm Days & Weekend Brookfarms in Glen Ellen is having an event.
Knitting and spinning demonstrations, yarn and  roving  for sale.  Alpaca is a gorgeous yarn and it seems that the number of alpaca farms in the US has increased greatly over the last few years.   Why even one of my physicians has alpacas as pets!!!