Purple Fuzzy Mittens

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

Canada geese over the May Arboretum, Reno on Thanksgiving morning.

House Matters

2011-11-04T14:52:00.000-07:00

I love my home. It is small - a whole 1210 square feet according to the official records (and some of that taken up by hallway and heater closet), but exactly what I need. The more I customize it, the more it becomes an extension of me. Although it is not as small as the homes showcased by the Small House Society, it is only a few steps from anywhere to anywhere. Over the few years I have owned it, I have carefully considered the optimum use and utility of every nook and cranny. Over time I have concluded that I don't need a guest room (the trailer can serve that duty) but I do need a library. I don't need a front hall coat closet, but I do need a pantry. I don't need a bathtub, but I do need a waterproof place to keep a very large litter box. And I don't need a dedicated dining room space, but I do need a large table for messy art projects. A friend once suggested I get rid of all the bookcases in the living room so I could put in a second couch and have more folks over at a time. She meant well, but didn't understand that I would rather be surrounded by books 100% of the time than be visited by a crowd 5% of the time. I love my friends, but a few at a time is sufficient crowding. I can pull in a few kitchen chairs on the rare occasion that I need to seat more than the 5 the living room currently accommodates.

My goal to get rid of at least something everyday of 2011 is still in force. I don't think I have missed a single day, and hope to keep it up until the end of the year. For those who don't know about this project (or don't remember my nattering on about it before) every day from January 1st on, I have gotten rid of something that has been cluttering up my house. In many cases it has been a lot more than one something. The rules are simple:
1. It must be a long-term clutter thing - not just normal taking-out-the-trash stuff.
2. I can give it away or trash it, but I can't just replace something.
3. Although I can't get to Salvation Army every day, once it goes into the "give away" bin (or trash) it does not come out.
4. No building up - once it is identified to go, it counts only towards that day. Even if I get rid of a mountain of things on Monday, I start again on Tuesday.
5. I do not count days when I am traveling.

I honestly did not think I would still be doing this in November, but now it has become a bit of an obsession. It took months before I saw much difference in my home's environment, but it is really evident now. The house is by no means austere, but the items I love are far more evident when not surrounded by all that other stuff. As the year went on and I had to become more choosey, I came to a better understanding about what I value vs. what is just mass-produced, and what I use vs. what just gathers dust. And the off-loading of items has really affected what new items I purchase. When considering a purchase I find myself thinking, "Is this something I will still care about a month down the road?" and "Is this item really worth devoting that many square inches of my small house to?" and my favorite question, "Is there a non-mass-produced way I could accomplish the same thing?" More often than not these questions cause me to reconsider the purchase.

So the more I get rid of, the better my small house becomes a reflection of the things I love and the things I do.

More Sewing

2011-10-30T19:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, I can! OK, the stitches look a little wobbly in the picture, but the coarse, loosish weave cotton is a bit stretchy to work with. I promise it looks fine in person.

In other sewing news, I made an apron out of a vintage linen tea towel. (Thanks, Heidi, for the towel!!) The strips at top and bottom are doubled and top-stitched at each edge to keep them flat. The bottom strip adds enough weight to make the apron hang nicely when worn. I like that it has a vintage feel, without being ruffly. This was super easy and only took about a 3rd of a yard (plus the towel). I'll be keeping an eye out for other likely tea towels with a "landscape" design.

Sewing

2011-10-19T13:52:00.000-07:00

I have been threatening to start sewing for a long time now. I have bought fabric. I have bought inspirational books of vintage fashions. I have collected bits and bobs of remnants and buttons and trims. I have even, recently, bought a new sewing machine. Yes, I was going to launch into sewing my own clothing any time now. My friend Jen, master seamstress and awesome teacher, offered to give me some instruction. Still it took a long time to get to the point of finding the hours to do it. Finally my underlying need to create clothing boiled over and I found myself spending a weekend with the ever-patient Jen, constructing a corduroy skirt.

My first step was to deconstruct a linen skirt that had been worn to the point of threadbareness. I used the pieces to make a pattern out of heavy paper.
Despite having a bin full of fabric already, I purchased four yards of gorgeous deep purple corduroy. Yes, four yards is a lot, but it was all that was left on the bolt and I can always make something from the leftovers. I also bought thread, zipper, etc.

The original skirt was elastic-waisted lightweight linen. I didn't want to do the same with the corduroy because it was heavier weight and, most particularly, I felt it would be good for me to install my first zipper. Skill building is good. Because my pattern was too wide to cut on the fold as I originally intended, I had to seam up the front and back. I took advantage of this and angled the fabric so the cords in the corduroy make an inverted vee in the front and back. Adding a waistband gave me a chance to learn to install a buttonhole. There was a slight speedbump in the zipper installation when it was discovered I had brought the Spanish version of the sewing machine manual. Happily the English version is just a Google search away.

I can only say that, despite being occasionally scary, and requiring slight plan changes during the process, I am very pleased with the results. In some ways, the scariest part is throwing it in the wash at the end. Will the whole thing disintegrate or shrink funny despite having preshrunk the fabric? It held together and I was able to wear it to work without anyone snickering.

If I hadn't been working under Jen's watchful eye, I would probably still be contemplating the instructions in the zipper package. The next big test: Can I make another skirt all on my own? Stay tuned and find out.

Nevada History in Metal

2011-10-17T13:31:00.000-07:00

John Mackay - 19th century silver baron who struck it rich on the Comstock Load. Nevada has a history of doing well by (some) gamblers. That day he was wearing a tie. Statue by Gutzon Borglum, who is best known for destroying a perfectly good mountain to make Mount Rushmore. Tie added by business students.

Sewing with Cats

2011-10-14T13:45:00.000-07:00

Sewing with feline assistance can be problematic.

Vintage Trailer Fun

2011-10-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was the Tin Can Tourists Northern California Regional Rally at Coloma, CA. There were 40ish (I didn't count) vintage trailers parked along the bank of the South Fork of the American River. Events included chili cook-off, potluck, open trailer hours, and lots of visiting. This is only my second year, so it was good to get to know these super-friendly people better. The main event that everyone looks forward to is the trailer open-house. Just like an upscale "Parade of Homes", folks prepare their trailers to be seen, setting out their collections of vintage place-settings and period artifacts. The trailers ranged from the 1940s to the 1970s, and from tiny teardrops to 25ft-plus in length. Although many were meticulously restored with period-perfect details, others were projects in process. Mine was one of the least period-conscious, since she is renovated rather than restored, but still managed to earn plenty of positive feedback on her artsy coziness.

I, of course, took lots of pictures, particularly of interior details. You can see the whole set HERE.

As you can see, vintage trailer buffs are great fans of eBay. There was much talk of scores they had made. I brought along my vintage bicycle and enjoyed tooling about the campground until Sunday, when I sadly suffered a tire blow-out.

I returned home Monday morning, just as the weather turned cold. As I type this it is raining, expected to turn to snow before morning.

Library Cat

2011-09-29T19:45:00.000-07:00

Two-Word Tuesday: New Camera

2011-09-27T21:20:00.000-07:00

Nikon AW100.

Spinning Retreat

2011-09-14T20:33:00.001-07:00

Spent last weekend at the annual retreat of the Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers, camping at Davis Creek County Park. I only sort of retreated, since I spent most of the meeting day off in Reno at the UNR Ag Field Day, but I had fun none-the-less. Always great to camp with fiber friends! And I have become quite the old hand at hitching up and towing about the little trailer.

One-Word Wednesday: Biofuel

2011-09-13T20:23:00.001-07:00

Forever comes to a close

2011-09-08T19:27:00.000-07:00

I finally finished the "Forever Socks" while camping at the Gathering at Sage Creek Farm over Labor Day Weekend. I called them that because I started them almost 2 years ago and thought they would never be done.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

Yellow.

Capturing the Sun, Round 2: WBB

2011-08-31T22:16:00.000-07:00

I am continuing my experiments with natural dyeing. My second big experiment was to simmer up 12oz of very fragrant Perovskia blossoms to dye 7oz of wool roving. I expected that even if the reported blue was unattainable, I should at least be able to achieve a lavender or pink. Consider that when the blossoms are dropped from the plant they maintain a dark purple even after being bleached by the sun for a month. I carefully simmered the plant material and the water turned a dark reddish color. I strained the plant material out through a pillowcase and returned the liquid to a simmer. I gingerly added the alum-mordanted wool, and simmered it gently for an hour. I carefully monitored the temperature. Nope - no blue. No lavender. Not even pink. Just paper-baggish brown. I even tried putting some of the fiber into a high pH afterbath, with no color change. I only managed to add an ammonia tinge to the pungent aroma pervading the house.

I hereby name this new color WBB, short for Why Bother Brown. Several folks have given very good suggestions on how I could alter the process and try again. I don't think my sinuses are ready for another go. There are so many other plants to try. And as Laura always says: I could overdye it.

Getting ready to get started to do more dyeing

2011-08-25T18:47:00.000-07:00

My available natural dyestuff collection has expanded. In addition to the already collected Lingularia flowers, Arborvitae seedpods, Mahonia berries, and cherries, I have been collecting more Coreopsis, and have also collected large bags of Perovskia blossoms and dried blue Hibiscus flowers. These last two were readily available and I have seen vague mentions of their suitability as dye plants. The Perovskia is from the humongous shrubs in my front yard and the Hibiscus flowers are from the University campus (I swear I only took the dropped flowers!). I had to compete with the bees to collect the Perovskia, yet managed to collect 12.3oz without stripping enough branches to make my harvest even noticeable (or getting stung). I may go back and collect more, since I have no information on how much is required to get usable color. The Perovskia is so aromatic that my eyes hurt for the rest of the evening. I don't think I will be simmering it inside.

Although the usually procedure is to dry dye plants, unless using them fresh, I am putting everything in the deep freeze. This is entirely a matter of practicality - I have ample space in the freezer and it is safe from bugs and felines. Not so much, space for drying stuff.

Adding to my collection, I have recently received my first Nature's Cauldron Dye Plant CSA shipment. Inside was a tantalizing array of lodgepole pine bark, fennel, comfrey root and lichen, as well as a lovely skein of rhubarb-mordanted wool. I am especially looking forward to trying the lichen.

So my next effort will be to spin up and mordant some fiber. And to get my dye journal going to record my experiments.

A Cookbook for the Little Trailer

2011-08-21T21:55:00.000-07:00

I was recently gifted with this wonderful little cookbook. It was produced by the National Museum of Forest Service History and includes about 150 recipes from rangers, Forest Service newsletters, and other sources from the history of the Forest Service. Name an ingredient, any ingredient, and this book will probably tell you how to cook it in a dutch oven. Although I don't expect I will be making 'Great Basin Rattlesnake' or 'Depression Bologna Gravy', and I can't imagine wanting to eat 'Campsite Lima Beans' while on vacation, there are some wonderful looking simple hearty dishes described. I am puzzled by the recipe that starts with "Make mashed potatoes the way you usually make them on a camping trip" (really?) but can definitely see myself making the 'Spoon Bread' which includes corn muffin mix, blue cheese crumbles and bacon, or the 5-ingredient dutch oven 'Chili Verde'.

What makes this book absolutely wonderful though, is that it is packed with historic photographs of campers and campgrounds, most from the 1920s through 1950s. (Even a few showcasing 1950s trailers!) And scattered throughout the recipes are historical notes and stories about the rangers, foresters and fire crews that have protected our forests for the last hundred years.

I love this book!

Capturing the Sun, Round One

2011-08-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

I have been fascinated lately with natural dyeing. It is a reasonable outgrowth of my other fiberish and gardenish pursuits. I am an inaugural member of the first natural dyestuff CSA, and am on the edge of my seat awaiting the first magic box. Meanwhile I have been reading up and gathering some potential dye plants from my own environment. So far I have collected from my garden: Coreopsis flowers and seed heads, Lingularia flowers, Arborvitae seed pods, and Mahonia berries. All of these have been labeled and put into the deep freeze. Along with them went several pounds of slightly-rancid bing cherries. (Yes, Laura, I do know that cherry pigments are fugitive, but I have an experiment in mind.) I have also set up 2 one-gallon jars of iron-water starter. Sort of like sourdough starter, feeding small rusty objects into vinegar-laced water will provide an unending supply of iron-rich mordant. I created 2 jars, because one of the jars contains rusty baling wire which, if it was galvanized, will also contain zinc. Different trace metals can greatly affect dye results. The other jar contains iron railroad spikes collected about 25 years ago along the former route of the historic Atlantic Coast Lines in Wilmington, N.C.

With some exceptions (most notably indigo) dyeing with plants is a 2-step process. Plant pigments don't really want to stick to fibers unless they have an intermediary, known as a mordant. The most common mordants are metal salts and are REALLY poisonous. Alum is one of the least poisonous (small amounts are food-safe) and brightens colors without modifying them, so it is the home dyer's mordant of choice. Iron is also commonly used, but it darkens or "saddens" the color. Using an aluminum or iron pot can be a substitute but may not provide the trace metal in high enough concentration. Everyone with me so far?

For my first experiment I divided 10oz of handspun Blue Face Leicester superwash wool yarn into 3 batches and simmered each batch in a separate solution: alum, RR spike iron water, and baling wire iron water. Note: be careful not to boil the iron water if you don't want your kitchen to smell like a machine shop. After copious rinsing, the alum skeins looked just like they had started and the iron skeins were a dark tan.

Mordanting is a bit like writing with invisible ink: the magic is revealed after the second step. I just couldn't wait until the weekend. Dreaming of sunny yellow socks to brighten up the depths of winter, I filled up the dye pot with water and tossed in the 12oz of Coreopsis flowers from my garden. The water started turning yellow almost immediately. I simmered the flowers for an hour. Along the way I tested the temp, and since it was too low, I turned it up, and gave it an extra 30 minutes. Then I poured the whole thing through a pillowcase to filter out the solids and returned the sunny yellow liquid to the dyepot. I added all the (presoaked) fiber and simmered for about an hour.

Each time I peeked, it became more evident where I went wrong. I should have dyed the alum-mordanted and iron-mordanted yarn seperately. Despite all the rinsing I had done, enough iron was floating loose to sadden the color of the alum-mordanted yarn. Still, I expected to get gold. In the pot all the yarn looked a uniform brownish color. It was not until I removed it from the dyepot that I could see the final two shades of deep bronzey green. I own eight books on natural dyeing, and none of them would lead me to expect this color of green with Coreopsis mordanted with alum and iron. That is the magic of natural dyeing! (For those technically inclined, the pH was lowish, 4.5, and I was dyeing with tap water in a stainless steel pot. Wonder what's in my tapwater...)

There was still plenty of color in the dye bath, but I didn't have anything else pre-mordanted, so I tossed in a half cup of alum and some white BFL and light grey Shetland roving. Those came out much closer to expected, but on the light side.

So this winter I will have the sunny green socks of summer.

Wordless Wednesday again

2011-08-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Yosemite.

Wordless Wednesday

2011-08-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

Fallen Leaf Lake

Today at the Nevada Museum of Art

2011-07-31T19:00:00.001-07:00

From the "To Live Forever" exhibition of Egyptian artifacts.

Fire at the Foot of Peavine Peak

2011-07-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

Last night. Too much cheat grass this year. It is out now.

More Green

2011-07-28T20:30:00.000-07:00

Pictorial Progress Report...

2011-07-23T16:17:00.000-07:00

I still need to paint the little desk for under the window and replace the big black chair with something smaller, and a host of other small details.

Consider the Marmot

2011-07-14T15:57:00.001-07:00

This one lives under some boulders in the park down the street.

Lucky to live in the high country

2011-07-12T19:50:00.000-07:00

Dawn at Fallen Leaf Lake, near South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Something green

2011-07-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

It has been way too long since I have accomplished anything house-wise. Yes, I am pleased to say, I am still offloading an item a day from my cluttered home. Except for travel days, I have been consistently identifying something (or more than one something) every day since January 1st. Funny how my house is still cluttered, but it is getting trickier to identify likely candidates to be evicted from the island. Still, it is high time I got back to home renovation. So, at the prospect of a three-day weekend, I decided it was time to get on with converting my unused home office into a library.

I have been planning to do this ever since I switched to a laptop and started doing any and all word processing in other locations. The office became a place to stack things or to occasionally print something. Winifred Gallagher's interesting book, "House Thinking: A Room-by-Room Look at How We Live" encouraged me to think about how I actually use space daily, and to consider my individual habits and needs. And what I need is more bookshelves and a cozy spot to read, rather than a dysfunctional office that doubles as a guest room for guests that almost never visit. Should someone visit, there is always the trailer. When I envisioned this project, the plan was to move the filing cabinet and all the computer peripherals into the closet (taking off the awkward sliding doors) and have nothing but shelves and chair in the room. Showing how a project can evolve, even before it gets off the ground, I have shifted to 2 large walls of bookshelves, and a small desk under the window on the 3rd wall to eventually house an iMac for photography work.

In keeping with my theme of "technicolor cottage", and particularly inspired by this image on a blog I follow, I decided to paint the room bright lime green with white and ocean blue trim. The choice of green might seem a bit overwhelming, but remember two walls will be covered by tall white bookcases and a third is mostly door and closet.
With this project I decided to experiment with the Behr Premium Plus paint and primer in one. I can report that, to my surprise, even the deep green covered well with just 2 coats. (The buglight yellow bedroom got 4 coats and still could have used another.) However, the white was a pain to work with since it was thicker than ordinary paint alone. And cutting in and rolling overly thick paint onto a ceiling was not a joyful job. I assumed the green was thinner due to the amount of added tint, but the deep blue trim paint was also very thick. Weighing the annoyance of the thick paint against the convenience of just 2 coats on deep colors, next time I'll use regular paint for the ceiling and the primer/paint combo just for the deep color areas.

In the future, I would also avoid painting when it is 95 degrees, 10% humidity, and there is no air conditioning. The paint kept drying on the brush faster than I could get it on the wall and the roller kept shifting in my sweaty hands. On the plus side, stray paint does not stick well to sweaty skin.

As always, I added a few coordinated wood-burned accessories. I'll post more pictures once I have acquired the shelves and set everything up. Incidentally, the white paint splotches on the hardwood floor date from well before I purchased the house - I may not be Michelangelo, but I do use a drop cloth when painting ceilings. I did, however, get the green paint on the outlet and plug. I was also working that weekend and needed to paint without unplugging the wireless router.

Bigfoot lurks...

2011-06-16T21:26:00.000-07:00

Really, really cool yarn shop

2011-05-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

On my recent visit to Bozeman, MT I visited both yarn shops in the downtown area. This one, Stix, is a total surprise. It would be easy to miss if you didn't see the yarn-bombed basement-stair entry along a side street. You think you are entering a hole-in-the-wall, but the inside space goes on and on around corners into new rooms. The selection is wide, varied and high quality. There are a few local lines available, including a run of patterns called Weezie Wear Designs. There is plenty of comfy seating and even a coffee corner. I never wanted to leave. Yes, I bought stuff.

Another blanket

2011-05-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

My knitting efforts of the last few months have been limited to this wedding present for my niece and her intended.

The wedding was last weekend and was absolutely beautiful. It took place in the Dallas Arboretum and the rainy weather held off, providing just a romantic mist.

This blanket is made of two strands of KnitPicks Crayon cotton yarn - just the stuff for Texas dwellers with dog (cool and washable). The narrow stripes of dark rose are a nod to my niece's adoration with the color pink. I intentionally made the log cabin construction asymmetrical to give it a little bit of a modern twist.

Still playing with the iPhone 4 camera

2011-04-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

See the larger size file here.

Polarizing

2011-04-24T09:56:00.001-07:00

Which of these two pictures do you like best?

Stitches West 2011

2011-02-28T20:40:00.000-08:00

I was sidetracked by the new kitty, but here is a belated report for Stitches West:

Allison and I figured we'd avoid some of the crowds and went over to Santa Clara on Wednesday and returned Saturday. The drive over took about 6 and 1/2 hours instead of the usual 4 due to the storm in the Sierras. I've never driven through quite that level of snowstorm, but the brand new tires on the truck did their job and we had no problems. Spring has already sprung in the central valley of California and everything was intense green, with bright yellow wild mustard and pink flowering trees. Silicon Valley looks pretty much like any downtown area and is the land of tiny parking spots. Apparently not many of its denizens drive double-cab-long-bed pickups. Except for Wednesday afternoon, it rained every day, pretty much all day.

I took 2 workshops: Free-form Knitting and The Knitted Rug. Free-Form Knitting was taught by Myra Wood. Here are a couple of pieces she showed us. The technique is pretty easy, but it takes practice to get a nice balanced result. My own sample (no - no picture) kept the person next to me in giggles. Particularly when I suggested adding a tassel to the bit that she said protruded in a less-than-family-friendly way.

The knitted rug workshop was taught by Rose Ann Hunter. She was amazing! She talked about and exhibited a wide variety of folk rugs, and we got to try our hands at creating samples of several. I particularly took to the washboard rugs and have started knitting strips for a small rug to go in Zach's favorite basket.

The Market at Stitches filled up the entire humongous convention hall with more color and fiber and chaos than can be described. And it was totally packed with noisy milling knitters. Total sensory overload. I didn't expect to buy much (since I am still offloading something every day) until I saw in the program that KCL Woods was there. And Ken is now making yarn bowls. And gorgeous spindles with exchangeable shafts. The bowl I purchased is made of mesquite "from 90-year-old Earl's woodpile" in Tucson (my home town) - how could I resist? The only fiber I purchased was a small amount of banana fiber, just because it is kinda cool.

The full collection of trip pictures can be seen here.

It's cold today

2011-02-26T14:46:00.000-08:00

Sadie

2011-02-23T21:12:00.000-08:00

Meet Sadie, the newest member of the family. Adopted today from the SPCA. Zach is fascinated. Clara is sulking.

On the way back to Reno...

2011-02-19T19:10:00.000-08:00

Suisun Bay, CA in the rain.

Up.

2011-02-13T19:04:00.000-08:00

Been busy with work, so here is an image from my archives. Virginia City, Nevada, July 5th, 2009.

Another Snakey Box

2011-02-06T17:36:00.001-08:00

Before.
After.
Questions?

Some projects fail

2011-02-06T15:38:00.000-08:00

A long time ago (but not so far away) I took a fancy to producing my own self-striping yarn. The principle is simple - you dye the yarn in REALLY long skeins so you end up with REALLY long color intervals. I had some slightly-prickly, natural gray, handspun suri alpaca that I thought would make a great pillow for propping my feet on. I wound it into one humongous skein using a warping board, and dyed one end brick red and the other steel blue, leaving gray in the middle. So far so good. Happily I knitted up a swatch. The stripes were not anywhere as wide as I had hoped (apparently you need to use REALLY REALLY long skeins) but the resulting narrow stripes would be attractive. To make a nice sturdy pillow fabric, I marked 20ss by 20 rows with thread, and threw the swatch in the wash with my jeans. The resulting fulled fabric was lovely and the colors didn't fade or run. All still good. I did some calculations for size to fit the pillow insert I already had, and launched into knitting. This is where the project stalled.

It was Boring. Really Boring. The project was shoved to the side over and over in favor of more interesting projects. Even when I did work on it, progress was slow. At times it would sit untouched in its basket for months. I gave up on the idea of ever making a second pillow cover (for which I had planned enough yarn) and finally muscled through to the finish. Production was painful, but at least I would have a really great pillow. At this point my only concern was that the trip through the wash might cause the fabric to shrink unequally with the swatch. Just in case, I threw the rectangle of fabric into the washer before sewing up the sides. As it went round and round in the washer, I dreamed happily of my very superior finished pillow. All the torturous hours of knitting such a small pillow cover would be so worth it!

Then I took the thing out of the wash. Despite the happy results of the swatch, the colors in the pillow cover had all run together into a bruise-colored mess. I cannot describe how awful it looked. (I couldn't even look at it long enough to take pictures.) I have no idea why the dyes in the swatch didn't run under the same conditions. Additionally, the edges had curled up and felted themselves into place in solid little rolls. A sane person would have given up at this point. It took a sharp pair of scissors and several hours of work to tease/tear apart these rolls. In hopes of salvaging the many hours of work, I threw the pillow cover into a vat of dark green dye. You can see from the picture above how far the result is from my initial intentions. I now have a somewhat ugly little pillow to show for all the angst.

At least Zach really likes it.

Three views, one iPhone image

2011-01-28T13:51:00.001-08:00

Changes

2011-01-19T19:45:00.000-08:00

Tonight, for the first time in 25 years, there was no TV to flip on when I got home. Oh sure, there have been times when I was camping, or I was moving and waiting for the cable to be hooked up, but those were temporary anomalies. Today the cable was switched off for good. (It took Charter an extra couple of weeks and 3 phone calls to make it happen, but it really is off now.) I wasn't sure how I would feel about it.

My first reaction was to, of course, reach for the remote. It's a reflex that has been firmly ingrained ever since remotes were first introduced. An hour later I still found myself unconsciously searching out the thing when I entered the room. That impulse will fade. I began thinking about how television has impacted the way I live.

Someone commented to me recently that the tendency for the workday to be broken up into equal hour or half-hour chunks, with most meetings starting on the hour, results from the prolific use of MS Outlook calendars. I'm inclined to think it has its origins in our television-intensive culture, where we adjust our schedules around "prime time" and the evening news. Everyone expects anything serious to start on the hour and last 60 minutes. (Sadly we have come to expect the lighthearted, funny bits to last only half that time, but that's another discussion.) Tonight I find myself still mentally dividing the evening into hour chunks, even though there is no longer any particular reason to do so.

Every evening I sit in the same spot in the living room, with the TV opposite and the laptop on the coffee table. Various objects, from magazines to craft projects, build up within arms reach. Yet I certainly own more seating than the one couch. Other chairs have occasionally become storage for stacks of misc. objects, as if they needed some other purpose to fulfill their reason for existence. Tonight I am sitting in an armchair usually inhabited by a pile of books and a cat. It faces into the room from the same wall as the TV, and provides a view I have not contemplated for a long time. A good view to contemplate life from. (OK, not everyone is thrilled - the cat is sulking since I am sitting in his chair.) Without being tied to the flickering box, I may start using the geography of my house in new ways.

My first impression was that it is very quiet without the TV. I am so used to it providing a level of background noise, and when it is off, I usually have music going. My second impression is that it is very noisy in my house. I hear the fridge, the furnace, and the ticking clock in the kitchen. Even the computer keys have a clack and rattle to them. From outside I hear the vague rumble of a truck heading up the street. And from behind my head on the back of the chair comes a very quiet constant feline purr (from Clara, not the sulking one). Listening to the house's sounds encourages me to relax in a way that, say, watching a rerun of CSI does not.

Finally, a quick report on my progress towards "less". So far I have managed to keep up my pledge of offloading at least one item per day from my house. My biggest victory so far was to send three televisions to recycling last weekend. It is a sad truth that one of the shameful legacies of the 20th century is the multitudinous millions of tube TVs that will eventually need to be disposed of. I wont even try to explain why I had acquired so many.

Another feature in my simplification efforts was to purchase a set of recycled-glass plates that stack neatly and tightly, and send a cupboard-full of mismatched, unstackable, chipped, and sometimes unmicrowavable, china to the Salvation Army. There was a slight bit of buyer's remorse when I discovered that the new dinner-sized plates don't fit in the dishwasher, but I'll deal with it. Yes, the white fluted plates I grew up with, and the fish plates from Costco, are moving on to other families.

Sorry for such a long post. Without television, I have time to ramble on....

Less

2011-01-04T13:35:00.000-08:00

A new year usually comes with expectations of self-renovation. We look at our lives, think of all our past shortcomings, and make plans for amends. In the coming year we will become thinner, smarter, more organized. We will recycle more, eat better, exercise more, pay our bills on time, finish projects, and increase our retirement savings. We put a lot of pressure on the new year to fulfill our fantasies of change.

Aside from the required annual institutional goal-writing at work, I have just one direction in mind for this year: less. In the environmental spirit of the Small House Society, I aim to cut down on my overblown accumulation and archiving of consumer stuff. In the spirit of Thoreau, I aim to live simpler and more deliberately. I want to cut back on the complications that are weighing me down and shattering my focus. No - I do not plan to move to a tiny cabin in the woods. I do plan to offload some of the junk and look carefully at where my small reserves of time and resources are going.

So I offer up the "Emigration Game". For informational purposes only, since I have no plans of emigrating any time soon. Here is how it works: Consider the following scenario: You have decided to move to a small cottage somewhere overseas (or apartment or whatever - just quite a bit smaller than your current space). It is very expensive to move stuff, so you are only taking the items that you most need or care about. You are not planning on returning, so storing the rest is not an option. What would you take? How would you prioritize your list? This is not one of those survival games, so we are not talking about duct tape, a knife and a ball of string. It isn't a list of what-to-put-in-the-car-if-the-range-fire-is-approaching, either. Instead it is a consideration of BOTH your fondest possessions and the useful items needed for a reasonably happy life. We are talking things here. So go ahead and make your list. Then put it aside and come back to it a few days later. Or think about it as you navigate your house. You may surprise yourself. Again, this is for awareness only. I am not advocating getting rid of all the items not on the list. Unless you want to.

Here are the top few items on my list:
- Cats
- trailer (and tow vehicle)
- computer (for images, books, and communication)
- camera
- Traditional and Kiwi spinning wheels
- sufficient knitting tools
- Wood-burning and painting tools

The order (after cats and trailer) changes as my mood shifts. Purely utilitarian stuff falls lower on the list.

So what have I done so far this year in the name of "Less"? Two things: First, I have established a policy of offloading at least one item per day. Throw it away, recycle it, give it away - whatever it takes to get it out of the house. It can be large or small. It doesn't count if I am replacing it with a new version or just emptying the usual trash. Second, I have called and canceled my cable TV. I can still get my favorite shows via download, but I will be freeing myself from the focus-sucking, time-wasting tyranny of never-ending crime show reruns. Yes, I know the TV has an off switch, but I am weak, plus I will be saving almost $700 per year (and I only had "expanded basic").

So less is more for 2011.

Silver-Button Mitts

2010-12-24T00:00:00.000-08:00

As a holiday gift to my loyal readers, here is a pattern I have created for fitted mitts that button at the wrists. The cuffs are knitted sideways in garter stitch.

Silver-Button Mitts

Size: Woman's medium (to adjust size you can add extra rows above thumb and/or adjust needle size for slightly different gauge)

Tools:
Gauge: 5ss per inch (or slightly less if very stretchy yarn)
Needles: U.S. size 7 double points
Crochet hook required for button loops
stitch holder or scrap yarn for parking thumb stitches
safety pins to mark button loop locations

Yarn:Approximately 170 yards worsted weight. You can use any yarn that will get the gauge, but make sure it has some stretch (linen would be a bad choice). For my pair I used a strand each of Mirasol Nuna (40% wool/40% silk/20% bamboo) and Punta Yarns Kid Mohair Hand Paint, held together.

Four 3/4inch buttons

Abbreviations:
ss = stitches
k = knit
M1 = Make One increase
ktbl = knit through back loop
ssk = slip slip knit
k2tog = knit two together
p = purl

Pattern:

Cuff:
- cast on 15 stitches
- knit every row until fabric has 30 garter ridges
- cast off all but last stitch

Wrist:
- using the remaining stitch as the first stitch, pick up (along the long edge of the cuff) 1 stitch in each garter ridge. (total 31ss)
- divide stitches across double-pointed needles and join
- Knit 5 rounds

Thumb gusset:
- k1, M1, k13, M1, k3, M1, k13, M1, k1 (35ss)
- knit 2 rounds
- k15, M1, k5, M1, k15 (37ss)
- knit 2 rounds
- k15, M1, k7, M1, k15 (39ss)
- knit 12 rounds

Separate for thumb:
- k16, put 7ss on holder, cast on 3, k16 (35ss)

Palm:
- k16, ktbl 3, k16
- knit 4 rounds
- k14, ssk, k3, k2tog, k14 (33ss)
- knit 1 round
- k1, k2tog, k27, ssk, k1 (31ss)
- k13, ssk, k1, k2tog, k13 (29ss)
- Knit 1 round
- k2tog, k to end (28ss)
- switch to k1,p1 rib and continue for 8 rounds
- cast off in rib (not too tight)

Thumb:

- put stitches from holder onto 2 double-pointed needles
- using a 3rd needle and leaving a 6 inch yarn tail, pick up 5ss along inside of thumb (12ss)
- knit 3 rounds
- change to k1,p1 rib and continue for 8 rounds
- cast off in rib
- use yarn tail to close any gaps appearing at base of thumb

Weave in all ends.

Make a second mitt just like the first.

Now the tricky bit:

Important: The button loops on the left mitt will be attached to the left side of the cuff opening and the loops on the right mitt will be attached to the right side of the cuff opening. (Try on the mitts and this will become apparent.)

- Mark locations along cuff opening for 2 loops using safety pins - 3/4 inch from top and 3/4 inch from bottom of opening.
- starting at bottom of opening, single crochet into edge stitches until you reach the first pin
- make 2 inch single-crochet chain, then attach back to last edge stitch crocheted into (forming button loop), and crochet into edge stitches up to next pin
- make a second 2 inch crochet chain and attach as before. Single crochet up to top of opening
- weave in ends
- Sew on buttons opposite from button loops, 1 inch in from edge of cuff opening.

- Repeat for second mitt, being careful to put the button loops on the opposite edge of the cuff opening (for opposite hand).

Enjoy your toasty-warm mitts and have a happy 2011!

Glorious December Day

2010-12-13T13:10:00.001-08:00

On Saturday the weather was so nice that I drove back from the Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers' holiday party in Carson City via East Lake Blvd, all the way in shirtsleeves with the convertible top down. I stopped to take a few pictures in Washoe Lake State Park. A beautiful winter day in the high desert!

Snow in the Sierras

2010-12-07T22:53:00.000-08:00

November 26th, Plumas National Forest, up past Frenchman's Lake. (And yes, it is the full color image.)

Inkle garland

2010-12-03T00:07:00.000-08:00

Another use for a nice long inkle band.

Belt Shuttles

2010-11-28T11:42:00.001-08:00

Friday I was happy to visit with Laura, who was in town for Thanksgiving with her family. Sadly our visit was way too short. Laura brought me a nice fibery present - Books on weaving and basketry, some Ashford bobbins, and a belt shuttle. One of the books, Peter Collingwood's Techniques in Tablet Weaving, renewed my unfullfilled fascination with learning to card weave. I have done a few elementary peices, but I long to actually UNDERSTAND what I am doing. Perhaps I will make a study of it. The Collingwood book is a bit dense and intimidating, so I will start with Candace Crockett's Card Weaving, then work my way up.

The lovely dark wood (mahogany?) belt shuttle was looking a bit dry. A while back I acquired a birch (maple?) belt shuttle from Janet's husband, unfinished and ready for woodburning. The original plan was to woodburn and paint, but belt shuttles spend so much time in the hand. Acrylic paint and poly finish is too plastic to the touch. I decided to woodburn both shuttles and just oil them. That way the wood will develop a nice patina the more it is handled. I selected a fiberish quote for each, plus added simple designs along the wide edges.

Thanksgiving in the Park

2010-11-25T14:30:00.001-08:00

oak leaves
Originally uploaded by Purple Fuzzy Mittens

Took a Thanksgiving Day amble in the Wilbur D. May Arboretum in Rancho San Raphael Park. Due to the holiday and the cold I had the Park mostly to myself. I could have gotten better shots if I visited at sunup, but I just can't get motivated in single-digit temperatures.

Sleepy Sunday

2010-11-21T13:45:00.001-08:00

Sleepy Sunday
Originally uploaded by Purple Fuzzy Mittens

Baby Sweater with knitted flower

2010-11-14T23:35:00.000-08:00

It looks a little alarming on the purple background. Trust me, the colors look better in person.

2010 Camping Review

2010-11-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

Now that winter is here, I am looking forward to next summer's camping adventures. Before I pull out the campground guides and begin planning, here is a quick review of the little trailer's 2010 activity:

Due to travel for work, I didn't get any camping in until the 1st Intermountain Spindle Camp in May. It was a very wet joint campout of the Foothills Fiber Guild and the Carson Sierra Spinners and Weavers. A few pictures from the trip can be seen here and here. Despite the rain and cold, it was tons of fun. I was bummed to discover today that I have a conflict and won't be able to attend next year's Spindle Camp.

Independence Day weekend I took the little trailer up to Sharon and Ian's Sage Creek Farm for a very relaxing short stay. As far as I can tell, I didn't take any pictures, but I promise you I had a lovely time.

The big trip this year occurred in August. My Dad came up to Reno and we traveled together over to Salt Lake City for my Nephew's wedding. Afterward we continued on to Yellowstone National Park and camped for 5 nights in Madison Campground. Not only did we travel all around the park seeing geysers, glaciers, bears and elk, we also spent a day visiting the Grand Tetons. Magnificent country! Blossom only sleeps one, so Dad brought his tent. The 1953 trailer fit perfectly in the nation's first National Park. (In fact, chances are she has been there before!)

Next it was back to Sage Creek Farm for the annual Labor Day Gathering. Good food, great friends, lots of laughter, knitting, crystal hunting, giant Jenga, and the traditional visit to Joe Winter's pottery studio. As always, the little trailer looked truly tiny parked next to the giant 5th wheel.

The very next weekend was the Spinning Guild's annual Spinsters' Retreat at Davis Creek Park. Several of us camped in the Group site, while others came for just the day. It is nice to have a great little pine-shaded campground so close to Reno.

The last trailer trip of 2010 was to Coloma, CA for the Tin Can Tourists Northern California Regional Gathering. This was my first time at a TCT vintage trailer rally and I wasn't sure what to expect. It was so very exciting to drive up and see all the little trailers lined up! Saturday was trailer open house and I spent hours investigating each of the trailers. I took scads of pictures. Everyone was incredibly friendly and I didn't feel at all like a newbie. Blossom was one of the smallest trailers there, and folks were very nice about complimenting her refurbished interior, though most of these folks go to a lot of effort to restore their trailers to original fittings. I bought a very cool vintage bicycle from the folks in the trailer next door that I can take with me on future road trips. The campground was inside the Marshall Gold Discovery Park and right on the bank of the South Fork of the American River. It was exceptionally hot for October, so it was great to be able to scuttle down the bank right there at my campsite and sit on a rock with my feet in the river. I stayed an extra day and was able to do some exploring in Placerville, as well as get in some photography in the local historical cemetery.

That wraps up the trailer year. I've gotten pretty good at backing her, and can be ready to hit the road in no time at all. In 2012 I hope to get out earlier and am planning a first trip for April, weather permitting. Or even a weekend in March if we get unseasonably warm weather....

Purple Hoodie - Resurrected and Completed

2010-11-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

Does anyone remember my purple hoodie project from way back in 2009? I almost didn't. It has sat unfinished in a bag for over a year. Recently I stumbled over it and was surprised how close to finished it was when I forsook it. So I knuckled down and finished it up. I am exceedingly pleased with it and have worn it everywhere almost every day since. I made the pockets at precisely the right height and depth for comfy hand warming and carrying around lots of stuff. And I do believe this is the first project that I have finished at the beginning of the appropriate season for its use!

Another box

2010-11-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Old thrift-store-purchase jewelry box, given a facelift and a new job holding knitting stuff.

Clara inspects the new iPad

2010-09-08T21:11:00.001-07:00

Clara inspects the new iPad
Originally uploaded by Purple Fuzzy Mittens

What can I say? I'm a techno-addict.

Who am I?

2010-08-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

This cute little badly-neglected spinning wheel has come to live at my house. It is in pretty rough shape, but I think I can get it working with a hefty bit of TLC. Someone has left it out in the rain, but happily the wheel is not warped.
I've never seen one like it. In most ways it looks like a home-built, but the orifice and a few other bits look commercial. Anybody out there recognize the maker? It is double-drive, the flyer whorl screws onto the spindle, and the mother-of-all is hinged to flop to the side (similar to an Ashford Traveler).

Phone camera improvement

2010-07-14T12:17:00.001-07:00

Clara is not too sure
Originally uploaded by Purple Fuzzy Mittens

I've been playing with the camera in my new iPhone 4. It is pretty impressive - 5 megapixel, with zoom and manual spot focusing capabilities. I checked the native size on an uncropped image and it should be sharp to about 28x36 inches. The colors, white balance and low light handling are way better than in the iPhone 3G.This image of Clara I snapped in low light. Pretty impressive for a pinhole of a lens!

My new favorite place

2010-06-26T16:35:00.001-07:00

When the neighbors cut down their (perfectly healthy) cherry tree, they left my yard furniture without shade or privacy. I took it as a sign to get on with renovating the back porch, which was being used for storage of accumulated junk. I moved the futon couch out of the house onto the porch. Whoever decided futons should not have handles should be shot. (Laura and I have had this conversation before when we moved her giant marshmallow, and we had two people moving it.) I had to take the frame apart to get it out and down the hall. I am feeling a bit smug that I easily found the directions and original hex wrench that came with the futon frame.

The porch is now about as comfy as it could be. I may just have to sleep out there tonight. Meanwhile, time to make some limeade and settle in with some knitting....

Oh Canada!

2010-06-23T16:37:00.000-07:00

How the spring has flown by! Between trips for work, trips for fun, and a bout or two of fluish stuff I have become a very bad blogger.

My latest adventure was a trip to Calgary, Canada. I went primarily for work stuff, but I had a couple of days to play at the end. Prior to the trip, the internet weather gurus predicted a solid week of rain. Happily the sun came out for a glorious day-trip to Banff. We took the Banff Gondola up the mountain and climbed the long boardwalk trail up to the very top. Amazing view! I took about a zillian pictures and am still going through them. If you go to Alberta, no question - you MUST make the pilgrimage to Banff. The town of Banff is pretty touristy/gift-shoppy, but it does advertise "Canada's Best Ice Cream" (as reported by Readers Digest) at a shop called Cows. I had the "Gooey Mooey" flavor and it was mighty tasty! My favorite shopping was the downtown area of Canmore, a small town on the way to Banff. It had a great little independant bookstore called "Cafe Books" that features crafts by local artisans along with a great collection of environmental titles. I bought a nifty little book, The Incomparable Honeybee, and another hand-thrown lidded jar for my (already full) kitchen counter.

The second play day was spent in Calgary. The clouds had rolled back in and rain was continually threatened. I devoted the morning to photography and spent it exploring the Union Cemetery and the Chinese Cemetery. The Union Cemetery is quite large and parts of it have a great view of the Calgary downtown skyline. I have photographed a number of cemeteries and I was interested in differences that might be found in Canadian cemeteries. With just Calgary to go by, I did notice how few statues or carvings of human figures were to be found among the stones.

I took the pedestrian bridge over the freeway to get to the small Chinese Cemetery. Although many of the markers contained only Chinese characters, some had dates I could read. Like the Union Cemetery, the Chinese Cemetery dates back to the late 1800s, yet includes relatively recent burials as well. I do not know the details of its history, but its location, size, and condition paint a clear picture of the social outsider status these folks unfortunately had.

After several hours wandering the cemeteries, I decided to get a late lunch at the Reader's Garden Cafe. The Reader's Rock Garden is adjacent to the Union Cemetery and was the serendipitous find of my trip. I only stumbled on it by virtue of it sharing the parking lot with the cemetery. The garden and its cafe are run by the Calgary Horticultural Society. It stretches all along a hillside, with flagstone paths, rock steps, rustic benches and grassy grottoes filled with flowers and shrubs, and trees. Even with the gray skies it was a magical place. The Cafe is in a charismatic old house. I got to sit near a wonderful rock fireplace and eat shepherd's pie made with Alberta-grown buffalo, then take home lemon-poppyseed cake with strawberries to have with my evening tea. Heaven.

Tuesday I had some time free before heading to the airport. I drove south of Calgary to the town of DeWinton to visit Shuttleworks. Shuttleworks sells fiberarts supplies from a large metal barn of a building out on a piece of farmland. The modest outside view does not do justice to the wonders within. The place is packed with possibly the best selection of fiber stuff I have seen anywhere.
I especially loved the books, which included many I hadn't seen before, and some that I know are out-of-print and hard to find. I added 2 spindles and a sample niddy made by Edward Tabachek to my collection, along with a couple books and a small bag of ultra-white corn silk. I would have bought more if I could have fit it into my luggage. (Sara - notice one of the books being highlighted?!)
After shopping I spent an hour or so chatting with the owner about everything from the local fiberarts scene to remodeling woes and the Canadian economy. It was great fun and I totally recommend a visit if you are in the Calgary area.

1st Intermountain Spindle Camp

2010-06-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

I am miles behind on reporting on the 1st Intermountain Spindle Camp at Lake Francis, CA. You can see my pictures here. Sharon, Heidi, and Birdsong have all blogged on the event. (Thanks, Birdsong, for the great review of my trailer! I love showing her off!) The brief summary of the events is that we all had tons of fun despite cold, rain, and hail. In fact, it was so much fun that we are already planning next year's Spindle Camp! I stayed behind and camped 2 more nights. What a great campground! It even had a restaurant that served a great lobster fettuccine! It was still a bit chilly for sitting around the campsite, so I took a few drives around the area to get in a little photography. The picture above is of the little Lake Francis and taken from a path down from the campground. I also visited the cemetery in Dobbins, and the old downtown area of Marysville. Driving home Tuesday, I stopped by the cemetery in Vinton. For photography, the Vinton cemetery is a bit disappointing, since it is so well maintained. (The tidy state of it says good things about the people of Vinton, but crumbling headstones are a bit more atmospheric.) I am still going through the images, so you will have to wait a bit before they debut on Flickr.

Last big items....

2010-05-20T18:14:00.000-07:00

Racing the clock to get the little trailer ready for her first trip of 2010, I needed to tackle the last two items remaining to make her renovation complete. Yes, I will always be adjusting and adding artsy touches, but the lack of flooring other than raw plywood made her look like a construction zone. I pondered long and searched the internet in vane for the right flooring solution. Several people recommended vinyl squares, and I did look at them, but they were all ugly refugees from the early eighties. Even as a temporary solution, I couldn't do that to my Blossom. I wanted something smooth, easy care, and dark brown to match the counters. I decided to paint the floor. Painted floors have long been a feature of summer cottages, so why not? Worst case scenario it would be an inexpensive temporary solution until I found something better.

Process: I wanted the rustic wood texture to show so I only slightly sanded the plywood. I primed with a coat of tinted primer, then applied 3 full coats of dark brown porch and deck latex paint (wow, that stuff is rubbery!). I just couldn't help adding a folkart flourish, so I used copper metallic artist acrylic to paint stars. Last I added 2 coats of spar varnish to seal in the stars and give a less rubbery surface.

I am totally thrilled with the result. It is way better than I expected and the copper picks up the other copper elements (lamps and backsplash). It might be too much for some folks, but for me it is perfect. Oh - the second finishing touch was to install a custom made (wood burned and painted, of course) set of coat hooks, that matches the custom painted cabinet knobs.

Now I'm ready to fill her up and hit the road!

Ruffles

2010-05-20T08:44:00.001-07:00

I have almost finished my Ruffles scarf. The pattern is from the book Scarf Style, and I have been planning to make one for a long time. It turned out to be perfect travel knitting: simple enough for social knitting, yet with enough pattern to keep it interesting. The Yarn is Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted.

Cabled Baby Hat to go with the Pembroke Baby Vest

2010-04-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

I had extra yarn so I invented a hat to match the Pembroke Baby Vest. It turned out lovely and stretchy in the cotton, so I tried the same pattern (to test my written directions) in fuzzy handspun thick-and-thin alpaca. Very different look, much less definition of the cable twists, but still stretchy. I like them both. Hopefully the future owners will enjoy them and have toasty warm noggins.

PATTERN: Cabled Baby Hat

Light worsted (or thereabouts) yarn. Sorry, but I do not know specific yardage needed, but it is not much. The red yarn in the picture is "Cotton Supreme" by Universal Yarn Inc. The green is handspun alpaca at approx 11-12wpi.

Sized to fit an approx 14in head (0-6mos, so I hear)

Gauge: 10ss = 2" across cable pattern repeat on U.S. size 7 needles, but don't worry about it. Babies grow and the hat is likely to fit at some point (hopefully not mid-summer). I did not knit a gauge swatch and don't see why anyone else should have to either.

Needles: U.S. size 5 and 7 double points, plus a cable needle.
Also: safety pin to mark rows (optional, but very helpful)

Note: "*" on each end of a set of instructions means repeat these stitches until end of round.

Instructions:

Using smaller needles, cast on 70ss loosely using your stretchy cast-on of choice. (I used a long-tail cast-on.)
Join into round.
Rounds 1-8: *K1, P1*
Change to larger needles

Cable Pattern:
row 1 - *P2, K4, P2, K2*
row 2 - *P2, put 2 stitches on cable needle held to front, K2, K2 from cable needle, P2, K2*
rows 3 and 4 - same as row 1

Work 4-row Cable Pattern 5 times, ending with row 3. (Use the safety pin to mark the last stitch of each twist-stitch round (pattern row 2). This will make it easy to keep track of when the next twist-stitch round is due.)

Narrow for crown:
Round 1: *P2, K1, K2tog, K1, P2, K2*
Round 2: *P2, K2tog, K1, P2, K2*
Round 3: *P2, K2*
Round 4: *P1, K2tog, K, P2, K2*
Round 5: *P1, K1, SSK, P1, K2*
Round 6: *P1, K2tog*
Round 7: *K2tog*
Round 8: *K*
Round 9: *K2tog*
Pull yarn through remaining stitches and tighten.

Weave in ends. Give to baby.

Baby things

2010-04-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

Spring arrives bringing many things. In my case it brought a bout of flu. Oh joy. On a more upbeat note, it also seems to be bringing a surprising number of announcements of incubating little humans. Family, friends and co-workers are set to increase the population come fall. What's a knitter to do?

Last weekend (before the flu descended upon me) Allison and I drove up to Truckee and visited with Kelly at the Lake Tahoe Yarn Company. A very nice, stylish yarn shop and well worth a visit. I bought this oh-so-soft brick red cotton yarn to make the Pembroke Baby Vest. Previously I thought cables were a pain and hadn't attempted much with them. Turns out I was wrong! Cable knitting, so long as the pattern is charted, is addictive. I made the 6 month size, figuring it will fit the baby at some point. If I make this vest again, and I probably will, I will mirror image the cables so they meet the armholes a little neater.

Now back to bed...

Second Trailer Light

2010-04-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

Remember the reading lamp I built for over the bed in my trailer? I needed to build a mate for it for over the desk. Where the wiring is installed above the shelving unit is not really optimal for a desk lamp. With both 12 volt and standard outlets on the desk, I really don't need a wall mounted desk lamp anyway. Instead I have built another copper-shaded light, this time more for ambiance lighting.

I found a sheet of embossing copper at Nevada Fine Arts. This was way easier to work with than the copper-leafing over foil that I used for the first light. This time I built the shade's hardware cloth frame in a simple retro-ish half column. I covered the hardware cloth with the copper, pushing it into the grid for texture. Between the two coats of metal sealer, I used a pushpin to poke holes in each of the hardware cloth squares.

From a functional point of view, it is a totally unnecessary light. Doesn't matter - I think it is cool. I especially like the sun pattern the light casts in the ceiling. And since the LED panel came from inside a boat light, I can even switch the light to red for a nightlight.

Now I only need to find the perfect flooring and she will be complete!

Tadah!

2010-04-03T21:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a grainy shot of my finished project! I will take better pictures tomorrow when I have some natural light. The before shot is here.

Removing the ugly turquoise paint (complete with brown paste wax) was a bit painful. My finishing job purposefully left the scratches and dents of age and use. The brushy paint job lets the wood grain (and leftover old paint in dents) show through. I used only 2 coats of varnish to protect it without giving it a plastic look. After painting I put back the original hand-cast brass hardware, using the original old screws.

Perhaps some future owner will be pleased to remove my paint job as ugly and inappropriate. Me - I like it very much.

Still in progress...

2010-03-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

Here's another detail shot of the work in progress. Not much knitting is getting done while I work on this. I do have a pair of socks that are almost done, though....

Work in Progress

2010-03-11T22:29:00.000-08:00

Here's a sneak peek of a work in progress. It is a pretty ambitious project, so stay tuned for more detail views as I work through it.

Lighting Project

2010-02-28T11:54:00.000-08:00

It has been a bit since I have done any work on the little trailer. All that snow and frigid weather has kept my focus indoors. One of the remaining projects after her renovation was to install a reading light above the bed. Much searching failed to find a 12volt light fixture that both ran on low voltage LEDs and didn't look too modern and/or plastic. I particularly wanted to have some textured copper to balance the beaten copper backsplash in the trailer's tiny kitchen area.

So I decided to build my own artsy fixture.

I purchased an inexpensive 12volt LED dome light from a boat supply store. The LED circuit board inside was the right size to fit neatly in one of the picture frames I had already wood-burned and painted. I used a piece of MDF the size of the frame as a base. I drilled a hole for the wires, then painted the edges orange and the face with iridescent gold paint. The iridescent paint is to help reflect the light out from under the shade. (Why gold? Because I had it on hand.) I varnished the board, then attached the frame to it with screws from the back. The inset in the frame meant to hold the glass made a neat slot to fit in the shade. I attached the LED board with its original screws and glued down the switch.

To achieve a textured copper shade, I built a frame out of hardware cloth. I covered the frame with heavy-duty recycled aluminum foil, being careful to cover the inside with the shiny side out to reflect light. I pressed the aluminum into the hardware cloth for maximum texture. At this point it looked pretty disappointing, but I pressed on anyway. I brushed sizing all over the outside of the shade, then applied copper leaf. It took about 3 applications since the texture made leafing difficult. When I reached the point of good enough, I coated the shade with copper sealant, and left it to dry overnight.

Here it is, screwed securely to the trailer wall. Having little experience with electrical things, it was indescribably satisfying to flip the switch and see the light come on!

Michelin Man Mitts

2010-02-11T21:24:00.000-08:00

Gauge: 18 stitches per 4 inches (4.5 ss/in)
Needles: U.S. size 7 double-points or size to meet gauge. (Either 4 or 5 needles, whichever is most comfortable), stitch holder or scrap yarn to hold thumb stitches

Yarn: I used softly handspun alpaca at 11 wpi. Any soft, fuzzy yarn that is pleasantly squishy at the gauge should work.

Size: One size fits most, since the mitts are very stretchy. Unstretched, mitts measure 8 inches in length and approximately 8 inches around palm. Adjustments can be made by casting on fewer or more stitches for a child's or man's hands, and adjusting the number of pattern repeats for length. I was able to try on the mitts for size as I knit them.

Abbreviation: LI = Lifted Increase: pick up the strand between stitches in the row below with the tip of the left needle (front to back) and knit through the back to twist the new stitch.

8-Round Stitch pattern:
Rounds 1-4: Knit
Rounds 5-8: Purl

CUFF:
- Cast on 32 stitches (loosely) and join in round, distributing stitches evenly between needles.
- complete 4 repeats of the 8-round stitch pattern (resulting in 4 purl welts)

INCREASE FOR THUMB GUSSET:
- Knit 2 rounds
- K1, LI, knit to last stitch, LI, K1
- Knit 1 round
- Purl 4 rounds
- knit 1 round
- k2, LI, knit to last 2 stitches, LI, k2
- Knit 1 round
- k3, LI, knit to last 3 stitches, LI, k3
- purl 4 rounds
- knit 4 rounds
- purl 4 rounds
- knit 1 round
- knit to last 5 stitches, put 5 stitches on holder, cast on 2 stitches to tip of right needle (I used 2 backward loops)
- add first 5 stitches to holder (total 10 stitches on holder), knit to end

PALM:
- Purl 4 rounds
- repeat 8-round pattern 4 times (total of 12 purl welts from very beginning of mitt)
- Knit 4 rounds
- bind off loosely

THUMB:
- put the 10 stitches from the holder onto 3 needles
- leaving a 5-inch yarn tail, knit 1 round picking up 3 more stitches from the gap at inside of thumb
- knit 1 round
- purl 4 rounds
- knit 4 rounds
- purl 4 rounds
- knit 4 rounds
- bind off loosely
- use the 5-inch tail to sew closed any gaps that remain around the base of the thumb.
- weave in remaining yarn tails.

NOW MAKE ANOTHER ONE.

Enjoy!

Michelin Man Mitts

2010-02-07T20:27:00.000-08:00

I had 2 balls of yarn leftover from knitting the Ridged Lace Cowl. These mitts are squishy, cuddly, hand-spun alpaca. They are very warm and the accordion pleats allow you to stretch them down over chilly fingers as needed. Pattern coming soon.

Good words

2010-01-16T15:38:00.000-08:00

I saw this sign above a display of mugs for sale at my local Starbucks. Although I knew it was a carefully calculated bit of corporate spin, I couldn't help thinking how aptly the words describe how serious spinners, quilters, knitters, weavers, woodworkers, potters, and other craftspeople approach their craft.

New year = New projects

2010-01-14T19:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a "before" picture of my next furniture-sized project. I found this cabinet at a cool shop in Tucson, AZ that specializes in large Mexican colonial pieces, antique and otherwise. As we wandered between 10-foot high old wooden doors, huge terracotta urns, and giant heavy wooden sideboards, I remarked that, although I loved everything I saw, I wouldn't be tempted since nothing would fit in my tiny house. No sooner than I uttered the words, we turned a corner and found this well-loved little cabinet. It is solid, very heavy (many thanks to Mim and Sharon who helped struggle it up my steps), and the perfect piece to hold up my TV. First I need to remove the faux-finish turquoise paint. Sharon and Mim were both insistent that I should keep the turquoise, but to me it is way too "southwest" cute. Plus, why faux-finish a piece that is already honestly old? Seems like a crime to me.

While I am considering the options, the cabinet is forming an impromptu kitchen island. Just another in-progress project, sitting on the in-progress kitchen floor, next to the in-progress kitchen table, surrounded by the cabinets needing sanding and wallpaper needing stripping. I sort of have a theme going.

Sabino Creek

2010-01-05T21:48:00.001-08:00

Sabino Creek
Originally uploaded by Purple Fuzzy Mittens

Spent a glorious golden afternoon in Sabino Canyon Recreation Area near Tucson, AZ. Rode the shuttle, walked a bit, stopped at picnic tables to play games of Power Flinch, soaked in the 70 degree weather, and enjoyed time with family. Back to the frozen north soon.

Post-Christmas Reveal

2009-12-29T22:09:00.000-08:00

First, someone has asked the status of my modular shawl, so I have decided to start each post (until it is complete) with the tally: 21 squares completed out of 45 so far.

The teaser pictures of work in progress were of a series of boxes I decorated to give to family members for Christmas. The presents have all been opened, so I can now share more pictures with you. These are cigar boxes that I "upcycled" by sanding, woodburning, painting and varnishing. You can see a gallery of close up images, along with a few shots of my work area, HERE. These boxes took more hours than you might expect, but I think the results are worth it. I like them, anyway. I was not able to make enough for my numerous family, so those who didn't receive hand-made gifts can look forward to something special next year.

A final note to wrap up the Name-the-Bear issue: Despite the many suggestions (both online and off) inspired by his flight jacket, I do plan a change of attire and Laura's suggestion of Seamus has won. Winston was a close second. I will be sure to post a new picture when I get around to knitting him the sweater.

A sneek peek at work in progress....

2009-12-17T22:10:00.001-08:00

This bear needs a name

2009-12-15T21:49:00.001-08:00

I have been absent from the blog world because I have been busy working on Christmas secrets. Tonight I zipped by Nevada Fine Arts for supplies, then took a brief frivolous meander through the "antique" mall next door. Among the tattered issues of Life, chipped ashtrays touting tourist destinations, and other dubious collectibles, sat this bear looking clearly depressed. I looked a bit closer and saw that his aviator jacket declared him to be a Bialosky Bear. I already have a treasured Bialosky Bear that my mother brought out every Christmas to sit among the garlands on top of the bookcases. Today's bear was exceedingly thriftily priced, and without intervention faced a grim future as a "collectible". I still almost passed him by, until I read the small print on his jacket: "100% Loyal and True". And such an earnest expression. He came home with me.

First job was to clean up a few stiff spiky patches. Seems this bear had a close encounter with peanut butter. What peanut butter eater would give up such a loyal bear?

Since I already have a Bialosky, this bear needs his own name. So please help out by suggesting a name.

Snow day!

2009-12-07T08:57:00.000-08:00

Campus is closed today due to weather. It is a sudden windfall of time. Sure, there is plenty of work I can do from home, and the snow means plenty of shoveling to come, but somehow a snow day makes one feel like a kid released from school. I think I will start by crawling back into bed to a bit....

Much mulch

2009-11-21T13:28:00.001-08:00

Much mulch
Originally uploaded by Purple Fuzzy Mittens

This is what I am doing during the holiday weekend. Hint: Don't buy mulch the day after a rain storm - the cedar absorbs the rain and the bags get really heavy.

Shhhh... Don't tell!

2009-11-14T19:06:00.000-08:00

I had a very successful shopping trip to the local smoke shop today. No, I have not taken up the evil habit. The Tinder Box, down by Borders, sells its empty cigar boxes and gives 100% of the proceeds to the local Food Bank. Since this store sells upscale cigars, a little sorting through the pile finds nicely made wooden boxes, most with metal hinges and catches. As you can see, I scored quite a nice stack. Some are even lined with velvet. The wood they are made of varies, but is usually fairly soft, making the boxes easy to sand and woodburn. I picked up a couple to experiment with on an earlier trip and have completed the first of the boxes. It will be a Christmas present for a family member. I'm not saying which...!

Back to fiberish pursuits

2009-10-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Time for an update on my various fiber projects. Despite many distractions, I have progressed a little. I have completed square 18 of the 45-square modular shawl. The slow progress would be discouraging if it weren't for how wonderful the merino/silk yarn feels.

I completed a pair of socks. I knit them toe up using Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn (Gone Fishin' colorway) Mockery Socks stitch pattern.
It was hard to see the stitch definition past the stripyness of the yarn, so after I passed the heels I stopped twisting the yarnovers closed by knitting in the back of the stitch above. I like the result better than the basic Mockery pattern, but do not think I will use it again. One note to consider if you use the Mockery stitch pattern: the pattern skews the fabric so a flat toe doesn't line up with the heel. Using a round toe will take care of the problem.

About a month ago I finished spinning up some hand-painted alpaca in soft spring greens. The three loosely-spun fluffy skeins have been sitting on the coffee table, calling to me with an insidious siren song. For some reason they want to become a lacy, squishy, snuggly neckwarmer/cowl. I looked through scarf and mitten patterns, but no, they resisted any attempt to be diverted from a cowl future. I gave in and a cowl they will make. I am using the Ridged Lace Cowl pattern I found on Ravelry. The pattern calls for worsted-weight angora and results in a 15 inch deep tube that is scrunched down around the neck. The designer must live in the arctic! My yarn is 100% alpaca and I will be eliminating a pattern repeat or two, in order to avoid heat prostration. After knitting mostly with 1s and 2s, worsted weight on size 8 needles goes incredibly fast!

The only other fiber news is that I am spinning up some slightly hairy suri alpaca to make a new purse, and as soon as I finish the cowl I plan to get back to the purple hoodie. Oh! and I need to cast on another pair of socks.

That's all for now!

Relaxing weekend

2009-10-19T23:04:00.001-07:00

View from my camp chair, Davis Creek Park
Originally uploaded by Purple Fuzzy Mittens

This picture was Saturday. Sunday turned windy, so picture it without the awning.

More Trailer details

2009-10-11T18:48:00.000-07:00

In addition to attending a very enjoyable spinning guild meeting, I was able to spend much of the weekend working on some finishing touches for the trailer. The rebuild provided additional storage cabinets, but wouldn't you know it Home Depot has discontinued the existing cabinet hardware?! I took this as an opportunity and bought unfinished wood knobs to decorate. I like the results so much that I think I'll do some for my bedroom, too. I also burned and painted some outlet plates. The new mattress is in place, along with featherbed and new purple sheets. I installed some new latches on the under bed storage door to keep it from flying open in transit and I added a baby-lock to the rear hatch so that it can be propped open just enough for electrical plug-in. Still need to find flooring and two 12-volt reading lights.

She is looking so cozy that I can't wait to take her on the road!

A peek at the inside

2009-10-05T19:17:00.001-07:00

Trailer Interior
Originally uploaded by Purple Fuzzy Mittens

The little 1953 trailer is home. I have just started to fill her up with all the bits and pieces of camping. She still needs a mattress, flooring, 2 light fixtures, and a few other things. Here is a picture taken through the back window.

Making a Splash (backsplash that is)

2009-09-18T20:56:00.000-07:00

The little trailer is moving along. The outside is done, the inside is paneled, and the stove and counter top have arrived. I turn my attention to a backsplash around the stove area. Tile and a bumpy road -- um, no. Formica-ish stuff - super-yuck. I actually considered lining the area with some of the cast-off outer aluminum, but Pete confirmed my concern that it would oxidize and be unworkable. He suggested copper since it would look great with the birch paneling and would patina nicely. Smooth copper would be too techy-modern for me. I decided to purchase copper sheeting and beat the bejeezus out of it.

I didn't know how much work this would be.

Acquiring the sheeting was a story in itself. The man at the sheet metal store told me that yes, they had it, but "that stuff is like gold - really expensive." Furthermore, when informed of my backsplash intentions, he told me I would regret it and it would gather dust and I really should reconsider. Since the office at this place had dust piles and spiderwebs in all the corners, it seemed unlikely that he could be a compulsive duster. Hmm... I assured him that I was determined to buy copper, so he rang up my $47 worth of "just like gold". As I handed over the cash he said that business is really slow and and he might as well just go home. I left Eeyore in his dusty office and escaped with my copper.

Next came the pounding. I had naively assembled a variety of objects to pound with in hopes of creating interesting patterns. None made so much as a dent except the balpeen hammer. Okey doke - a simple hammer job should look kinda rustic and catch the light nicely.

Much, much work. Leaving the plastic coating on to avoid scratches, I wailed away at the two sheets, frequently flipping them to beat on the other side to keep them relatively flat. A sheepskin on top of a solid wood chair made a nice solid work surface with just enough give. If you try this, I recommend frequent rest periods. Despite the stiff shoulder, the effect is worth it. I'll deliver the panels for installation on Sunday.

Progress

2009-09-12T20:51:00.001-07:00

The outside is mostly done. Doesn't she look amazing?!

Surrender

2009-08-20T19:53:00.000-07:00

Every DIYer has to occasionally give in to the reality that it is not always possible or practical to accomplish every project alone. The extent of water damage in the little trailer, and the fact that it won't fit through the garage door (tall 1950's trailer and short 1950's garage door) led me to seek professional help. (No, not the psychological kind, at least not so far.) I sought out the skills of Pete and Joseph of Sierra Trailer Restoration, just over the "hill" in Nevada City, CA. They specialize in restoring vintage Airstreams, but are happy to work on "canned hams" as well. Last Saturday I delivered the trailer into their capable hands, leaving her a veritable dwarf among a collection of giant silver Airstreams. Tuesday evening Pete called to warn me not to panic when I received the forthcoming pictures. Here she is, laid bare to the bones. This weekend I will zip back over the hill so we can discuss options for the rebuild.

Ugh!

2009-08-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

In a burst of energy I decided to pull down the rest of the wallpaper on the ceiling of the little trailer. Yikes! Seems I have a few leaks. That's the aluminum outer skin you can see through the hole in the last picture. I've got lots of work ahead of me!

Progress

2009-08-03T21:10:00.000-07:00

Two more home projects - one large and one small. First the small: Several years ago I converted the front hall closet into a pantry. Great for food storage, but left a need for alternate coat storage. My brand new orange paint job called for coordinated coat hooks. I found some unfinished shaker peg rails at Lowes. A little woodburning and painting and voila! And yes, I did use wall anchors to secure the rails. Mitten storage was accomplished by hanging a felted bag from one of the pegs.

The bigger project has a long way to go. Having determined that the massively ugly and unhygienic kitchen carpeting was not glued down with asbestos-ridden glue, I couldn't wait to start tearing it up. I spent Friday evening tearing up about half of it. Then I spent much of Saturday pouring boiling water on petrified carpet glue and scraping with a variety of implements. Not a fun process on a particularly hot day. Very swampy. Sadly the installers used an orbital sander to rough up the 1956 linoleum, so the floor revealed is less than optimum. Even damaged, the scarred linoleum is vastly preferable to icky carpeting. Down the road there will be tile. Until then, there will be lots more scraping.

Back from vacation

2009-07-29T12:15:00.000-07:00

As the title says, I am back. I took my very first cruise. It was beyond amazing! In one week I took about 2,000 pictures and ate enough food for about a month. I am slowly weeding through the pictures amid about 500 back emails, and a pile of mail and phone messages. Here is a picture of the view from my hotel room in Vancouver, the evening before boarding the ship. (No, that is not our ship - ours was around the corner of the cruise ship terminal.)

I knitted some during the cruise, but there was so much to see and do (and so many meals to be had) that my progress was limited. I have the first six mitered squares done and am working on the seventh. Each square should block to about 8.5" x 8.5". The plan is to make a checkerboard shawl using the 2 similar colorways, with an added lace border around. It should work up into an almost featherweight summer shawl (stole, wrap, whatever).

Change of plans

2009-07-12T10:02:00.001-07:00

Not mindless vacation knitting after all

The purple hoody will not be done in time for vacation, so it has been set aside for a while. I need good travel-worthy take-along knitting. Lace weight yarn for easy toting about and a mindlessly simple pattern for social knitting. Jeanne assured me that the Shoalwater Shawl pattern would be a good choice. I splurged on some Lorna's Laces "Helen's Lace" yarn, liking both the color and the name. Turns out Jeanne is a much better knitter than I am. The Shoalwater pattern is doable, but not mindlessly simple for me. Another project set aside. Instead I have started a simple stole using the modular knitting described in "Knit to be Square". Helen's Lace on size 6 needles should make it light and stretchy.

Zachary standing in for test

2009-07-06T09:23:00.001-07:00

Zachary standing in to test email posting.
Originally uploaded by Purple Fuzzy Mittens

This is a test of the Flickr to Blogger capabilities. If you can read it, then it worked.

The Orange Hallway

2009-06-29T18:34:00.000-07:00

This one is a bit daring, but I'm happy with it anyway. I burned and painted the bulletin board frame to add to the festive color scheme. I used the yellow from the bedroom to paint the linen cupboard doors.

More home work

2009-06-22T23:01:00.001-07:00

I have learned many lessons in the course of home improvement projects. This week's lesson is that the ease of a painting project is directly related to how many doorways the space has. One would think that painting the hallway in a little house like mine would be a quick and easy job. Not so. There are ten openings into the hallway: front door, kitchen, livingroom, 3 bedrooms, bathroom, linen closet, pantry closet, and furnace closet. Each opening, plus the ceiling-wall interface must be taped and then cut in with a brush. And every couple of feet along the hall required dismounting, moving, and remounting the step ladder. By the time I finished priming both walls and ceiling I felt like I had spent hours in a particularly brutal step-exercise class. Hopefully the heavy-duty ibuprofen will work its magic and I will be ready to tackle painting the ceiling tomorrow night and the walls Wednesday night.

Here's some pictures of the process so far:

Damaged drywall,

Repaired drywall (I learned this process in a home repair class taken at the local community college),

and wall primed and ready for painting.

And for those who have asked - the purple hoody is coming along nicely. Just half a sleeve, the hood, 2 pockets and the button band to go!

Overdue Project Report

2009-06-17T22:57:00.000-07:00

The striped pieces on the bed will be sewn into pillows. The colors in the South American weaving (last picture) will really pop when I hang it on the yellow wall. The little lamp on the bedside table was an ugly bargain purchase that I sanded, painted with the Mango trim paint, then varnished.

Next project: painting the hallway "Mango Madness".

Mid-project Report

2009-05-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

Let me just say: home decorating shows that transform a room in just a couple days are very likely pure fiction. Needless to add, my Memorial Day weekend room re-do project has hit a few speed bumps and I am now an entire day behind schedule. Along with way too many trips back to Home Depot, I made the unpleasant discovery that buglight yellow paint requires specialty primer.

The ceiling is done and, despite the funny look the paint guy gave me when I requested semi-gloss, I am quite pleased with it. I put the ceiling fan back together and the way the light and fan shadows reflect is vastly cool. I have also completed the priming, so the walls are currently the color of instant lemon pudding. I will forge ahead with 2 coats of the final paint color tomorrow. Then the trim. Then scrub the floor and put everything back....

Despite being behind on the main painting job, I have managed to finish a bit of artsy stuff with an old cabinet. This old cast off cabinet is destined to be my nightstand. As always, I free-handed the pattern in pencil, burned the design, then painted using artist acrylics and mat media. I have the first coat of varnish on and will finish up with a few more coats tonight. I know I have done a bunch of snakey pieces already, but they make me happy. So there. The bright colors should be just right with the bright yellow walls.

I also whipped out a custom light switch cover. Now if I can just get the walls painted I can install it.

Big project

2009-05-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

The spring zipped by faster than a speeding train and my promise of home improvement during Memorial Day Weekend is at hand. Time to paint the bedroom. I took today off to give the project a full 4-day weekend. Wednesday night I moved the wall o' books and disassembled all five bookcases. Thursday night I pushed and prodded all the remaining furniture out of the room and into whatever space I could park it. The queen size mattress only made it as far as the hallway outside the door. I ask you, why would anyone manufacture a queen-sized mattress without giving it handles?! (Not as bad as the 100 lb marshmallow of a futon I helped Laura move, though.) I even took apart the iron bed frame and stowed the pieces in the front hall.

So far today I have shop-vac'd as much cat hair as possible out of the room, taken down the curtains and rod, removed the ceiling fan blades and glass shade, and visited Home Depot for paint and supplies. Unable to avoid it any longer I then tackled the worst job of the whole project: scrubbing the walls and ceiling with TSP water. The ceiling is particularly bad, leaving the scrubber (me) an overheated slimy mess. Double uck. I had to be mighty stern with myself to complete the job right. Given how long it takes for me to get around to things, this paint job will have to last a very long time, so I better do it right.

Spackling is next, then taping, but (I tell myself) I will need to wait until the walls are thoroughly dry. Time for a break. I think I will go knit for a bit. The purple hoody is coming along nicely. Perhaps a short nap...

Purple Swatch

2009-05-05T12:30:00.000-07:00

And oh-so-soft! The slight waffle pattern is the Boxcar Willy stitch pattern. I like how it feels, so I plan to do the whole hoody in it.

More Purple

2009-05-03T22:06:00.000-07:00

It's a good year for the lilac:

The mock orange and the Scottish broom should be blooming soon. Then my favorites - the lavender.

Purple

2009-05-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

What do you see when you look at this basket of freshly spun wool? I see a deep purple hoody with roomy pockets to fill with pretty pebbles and other interesting things. The wool is extra fine merino raised here in Nevada. Oddly in an un-sheeplike manner, the fleece is white on the outside turning light gray on the inside (bit closest to the skin). Washed, carded, and spun it just looks kinda grubby. No problem - I planned to dye it anyway. I spun it up fairly lofty, but will need to hold 2 strands together to get the thick, squishy, warm fabric I want. For extra depth of color, I split the 3 lbs of yarn and dyed them two different shades of purple. Laura will be impressed to hear that I actually calculated weight of goods and measured out the dye for desired depth of shade. The first half was dyed with Landscape Dyes "Sarsaparilla", resulting in a deep lilac blue-purple. The second half was put in the same amount of "Sarsaparilla", but I added an additional 10% or so Landscape Dyes "Gravillea", resulting in an amazing intense royal purple. Unfortunately the pictures do not do the colors justice. I can't wait for it all to dry so I can see how the colors will look knitted up together!

A few images...

2009-04-20T22:38:00.000-07:00

Sorry to be so long gone. Here are a few pictures of recent events in garden, fibers, and home renovation, along with a promise to properly post soon.

Yes, pineapple yellow IS a bold choice for the bedroom. :-)

March in Northern Nevada

2009-03-17T19:45:00.000-07:00

East of Reno along Interstate 80.