I met the Knitting Sisters! (Part III)
My visit to the Historic Triangle ended with a visit to Williamsburg’s LYS, Knitting Sisters. What a delightful little spot just minutes away from Colonial Williamsburg. Yes, I must readily admit that we did get lost on the way, but it was the GPS system’s fault. Seriously! It sent us to Pocahontas Street instead of Pocahontas Trail. Thank goodness for an old fashion map and a quick phone call to one of the “sisters.” Traveler’s beware – the shop is located on Pocahontas Trail.
Anyway, I digressed….the store was, indeed, lovely. It was well stocked with some delicious yarn choices and the staff was very crochet-friendly.
I actually had forgotten my copy of “The Crocheter’s Handy Guide to Yarn Requirements.” As I was complaining about this fact, one of the “sisters” whipped out the store’s copy from behind the counter. Then, I got busy…I spotted some gorgeous 100% cashmere in the sale basket – Araucania Yarns’ Trauco Cashmere. I couldn’t very well leave these there!
I am hopping to make a scarf with them. And, then I fell in love with some skeins of Tapestry by Rowan. The colors captivated me immediately. The goal is an elegant fall poncho with these skeins made of 70% wool and 30% soy. Have you ever worked with soy? I haven’t. It should be an adventure. They are incredibly soft…..uummm, yummy.
So, as you might imagine, I blew right through my yarn budget for this trip but I am thrilled with all of my purchases. Unfortunately, both of these finds are discontinued – so what I have, I have. There will be no going back for more. Who knows, though? I guess I could always get lucky on ebay or Ravelry…that is, if I do get desperate for more.
Well, that’s it…..this is my last posting about my summer vacation. We had a wonderful time and I am already dreaming about our next family getaway.
1 comment September 6, 2010
A “Yarn Explosion” in the Historic Triangle? (Part II)
My vacation to the Historic Triangle continued to be filled with various fiber- and needle arts-related adventures. Surprisingly, while touring Jamestown, I ran smack-dab into another Raveler! I was drawn immediately to her “work in progress” as she knit during the tour of the Jamestown settlement. Gosh….I was jealous. Why didn’t I bring a skein and hook along too?!?
Well, of course, we got to chatting about yarn – what else?!? She mentioned that this particular project that she was working on originated out of a “scrap yarn party” that she attended at her favorite LYS, Yarn Explosion, in Roanoke, Virginia. Everyone puts their scrap yarn in the middle of the floor and then each person picks up enough yarn to make a ball. You never know what bits and pieces you will get – imagine a ball of yarn filled with different colors and textures. What fun! Apparently, this is going to be a weekend-wear scarf. I can’t wait to see the finished project.
Later that same day, my oldest daughter and I tried spinning for the first time. ATTENTION all LYS owners, I am happy to report that you have nothing to worry about – you are not losing this valuable customer. Yep LYS owners, your revenues are safe. Your bottom line will surely not suffer in the slightest bit. It appears as if I must continue to spend a lofty amount on yarn as I was absolutely terrible at spinning! Nevertheless, it was great fun!
And my finished product……let’s just say, I won’t be quitting my day job to sell my handspun yarn any time soon 
. Yikes!
Before I close, I want to share some more needle arts-related highlights from my trip.
- We attended a hand-sewing lesson in Yorktown which illustrated the methods used in the 18th century to create women’s wear. I was particularly drawn to the lovely workbasket resting in the sun during our chat with the young woman who was demonstrating these techniques.
- We also visited the millinery at Colonial Williamsburg. This amazing gown was hand-sewn, taking a mere 180 days to complete. Apparently, each gown would have been custom-made on the woman requesting the garment – think a live dress form. The fabric was pinned onto the woman’s undergarments according to the desired design, removed, and then hand sewn to fit.
Well, that’s it for now. Stay tuned for Part III. The last stop on our trip was definitely the “cherry on top.” I seriously augmented my stash, and with the good stuff!
Add comment September 4, 2010
A Visit to George Washington’s “Local Yarn Shop” (Part I)
I just returned from 1776 and I am happy to report that I visited General George Washington’s LYS. Seriously, I just returned from a 5-day trip with hubby, kids and all to the “Historic Triangle” – Williamsburg, Jamestown, and Yorktown – in Virginia. On the first day, we toured the Wythe House (Thomas Jefferson’s law professor and the only man to serve on the committees for the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights), the Governor’s Palace, and Burton Parish Church where we even attended a candlelight organ concert (my son, the budding concert pianist, even got to “take a spin” on the historic pipe organ).
But, the highlight of my day, was this……
Two skeins of Leicester Longwool Yarn – 100% wool, preshrunk, 2-ply from sheep bred and raised at Colonial Williamsburg – yes, I paid a pretty penny for these but it was well worth it. The colors are beautiful and they’re historic! I am hoping to design or find a period pattern for them. I was told that the yarn would have most likely been used to create blankets…..so, we will see what I come up with.
The history of these sheep is quite interesting. Developed in the mid-18th century by Robert Bakewell of Leicester, England, the Leicester Longwool breed gained popularity throughout the British empire at the time. George Washington purchased this breed for his flock at Mount Vernon. Today, the Leicester Longwool remains a rarity and the folks at Colonial Williamsburg have taken on the task of preserving it and keeping the gene pool of the breed alive so folks like me can oogle over this yarn when we visit.
Interestingly, I discovered while talking to one of the fiber artists at Colonial Williamsburg that the breed is presented each year at the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. I am definitely adding a stop to the “rare breeds” demonstration for next year’s visit to the festival.
Well, I am going to continue to blog about the fiber- and needle arts-related aspects of my incredible trip back in time to the Historic Triangle, so stay tuned for both Parts II and III over the next couple of days. You will never believe who I ran into and what I tried for the first time! 
1 comment September 2, 2010
Stitching Lives Back Together
I ran across a delightful vignette this month featuring a crochet and knitting program in NW DC (not too far from where I grew up) for women who have lost their footing in life. N Street Village provides a range of services for homeless women including a day center, night shelter, wellness center, addiction recovery programs and much more.
What struck me most about the program featured in this article is the undeniable healing power of the needle arts. I would love to see programs like this in every major city….for women, men AND children. There is an unmet need to spread hope and love with our hooks and needles. Let’s get on it!
FYI – N Street Village gladly accepts donations of yarn, crochet hooks, knitting needles, and other notions. Visit www.nstreetvillage.org for more information.
Add comment August 31, 2010
Have you seen……
Louet’s worsted-weight yarn in Ravelry-inspired colors? How did I miss this?!? Yummy……I can’t wait to give it a try. Dreaming of patterns now…the Ravelberry and Bob’in for Green are my favorites (;) hint, hint St. Nick).
More info is found HERE.
1 comment August 28, 2010
Making Progress…..
I wanted to share a quick update of my Crocus Bud shawl.
Tonight, I had to wind some more of the silk and it almost turned into another major disaster. Fortunately, my hubby stepped in for the rescue just in the nick of time, his arms quickly serving as a swift. We got the job done in about an hour. Yes, I know I said that I was ordering a swift but I have not done it yet……note to self – ORDER A SWIFT NOW!
Add comment August 26, 2010
And the WINNERS are……
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Well, the Crochet Diva’s anniversary give-away ended yesterday. I used a random number program to select the lucky winners – comments 1, 2, and 4 (Divas Leisa Hillman, LizzieK8, and Jamie Bowsher) were chosen. Ladies, email me (info@handsindelight.com) or PM me (stitch4love) on Ravelry your addresses. Congratulations!
Add comment August 26, 2010
Fiber’s Fraternal Twins Highlighted in Fall Issue of Interweave Crochet
I like to think of knitting and crochet as the fraternal twins of the fiber world. They love each other dearly, as sister do…..but, they sometimes bicker and jockey for attention. Both share common lineage. Both are quite beautiful while being strikingly similar and very different at the same time.
I have always thought of knitting as the popular twin with long beautiful hair – the cheerleader type – to which everyone immediately flocks. Crochet is the quirky twin that you have to get to know first…..but once you do, you fall in love with her many facets, gravitating to that special quality that only she possesses. Yep – as the quirky girl growing up, I just can’t get enough of the often unappreciated beauty of crochet.
This is exactly what drew me so intensely to Interweave Crochet. Finally, a magazine the gets it….issue after issue, it celebrates the sheer beauty of crochet. Interweave Crochet is always very current and fashion forward while the designs, for the most part, appear classic and timeless.
So….when the fall issue arrived last Friday, I was less than thrilled to see seven “Crochet + Knitting” projects featured on the cover. I mean, I love my sister, but can’t I have the spotlight all to myself for once!?! I have to say though, after finally bringing myself to open it up (I normally tear through every issue the first day it arrives) and reading it from cover to cover, I was pleasantly surprised.
First of all, it includes some great patterns. The Sage Jacket by Dora 
Ohrenstein (on the cover) and the Pink Cosmos Coat by Margaret Hubert (to the right) are my favorites. Both patterns are a bit ambitious but that’s what’s fabulous about Interweave Crochet. It forces crocheters to stretch their limits.
Second of all, the article on slip stitch really got the wheels of my brain turning. I love the historical elements of the stitch and the versatility. In fact, the work of David Burchall featured on page 50 of the issue peaked my interest the most. It is truly amazing – I love how the samples mimic the look of knitting and the possibilities are endless with one simple stitch. So, I went on a “mini” internet search to find some more of his work and perhaps a pattern or two…….I am sad to report that his blog is no longer working. If you are out their David, please, please share the love…..I would love to read more about your work. Write a book! I’ll buy it!
Lastly, the combined knitting and crochet projects are fun and eye-catching. I can’t say that I’ll be picking up two needles any time soon (I tried and I just don’t like it as much as crochet) but it was entertaining and fun exploring the possibilities. And, ultimately, that is what Interweave Crochet is all about….exploring the possibilities of crochet. This particular issue just added another dimension to the quest.
Thank you Interweave Crochet editors for stretching my limits……I do love my “knitting” sister after all….this issue was like giving her a big, fat hug!
4 comments August 24, 2010
Photography Homework – F-Stop
Just for fun, I thought I would post some pictures that I took today. I had a chance to do my first homework assignment from the photography workshop I attended yesterday. Believe it or not, we left with an entire page of homework assignments – single spaced!
Today – I delved a bit deeper into f-stop. It just blows my mind that I can take a picture, in FOCUS, without the flash by manipulating the settings. The lighting looks so much better…..very natural.
My subject today was Mr. Darcy – here goes……
at f4.2….
and here at f22. I definitely need more work with the blurring concept. And, I have discovered that I need a more powerful camera…….hummm……Christmas is coming.
FYI – I worked out tonight. Ran for 30 minutes…..goodbye extra pounds.
Add comment August 23, 2010
Crochet is making me fat……
Well, not actually but that is quickly becoming the end result. Sadly, I got on the scale today and I am up 10 pounds after feasting, rather stuffing my face, for 3 straight days while celebrating my birthday. I am confident that I will drop 2 or 3 of those pounds quickly since the calorie-fest is now over….but, that still leaves 7 pounds to shed by blood, sweat, and/or tears.
So, why – I am sure you are asking by now - do I blame my crochet? I have 1-2 hours of free time per day after the kids are safe and soundly tucked into bed……Yes, there’s only about 120 minutes or less until I doze off to sleep each night after I finish all of my “responsibilities”. Up until recently, I use to workout first and then crochet later, if there was any extra time left over. About a year ago, I decided that I wanted to spend almost all of my free time each night either crocheting or doing something else crochet-related (hanging out on Ravelry, blogging, reading knitting/crochet blogs and books, etc.)….hence, my workouts have begun to suffer. I went from 4 days a week to 2 days a week…. and then recently…..to 1 day a week. 
I love food….so pretty much, I have to workout or I turn into a fatted sheep.
Well, no more I say! I refuse to let myself “go” again. I lost nearly 100 pounds 2.5 years ago and I AM NOT GAINING IT BACK! Tonight, I start running again….it is going to be painful, I know…..but I have to do it before all of my clothes become too small. Goodbye fat sheep…..
I guess this would be a good time to consider going on a yarn diet too…..ok, maybe not…..one major sacrifice at a time. Yep, that’s all I can handle right now!
1 comment August 23, 2010
