Blogs, Newsletters and Podcasts

A new blog host - Lion Brands -lists several connections to fiber blogs: http://cache.lionbrand.com/blogs.html. Not only does it encourage chatter, but a weekly newsletter can be received. The last few editions have contained a cable pattern of the week. One of my favorite techniques is cabling. I've done several scarves in containing different types of cables. The next afghan block is Aran with cabling and seed stitch. I'm anxious to finish what I've been working on (a shawl) to begin another project.

Interweave Knits recently began publishing a daily newsletter via e-mail, Knitting Daily where life meets knitting. The most recent edition featured a pattern for colorwork, a two-strand Fair Isle print for a shoulder bag. I thought this might be an interesting item to tackle at some point in the near future. If you wish to receive this newsletter, check out the following link:
http://www.knittingdaily.com/cgi-bin/udt/um.register.account?ET=knittingdaily_blog:e653:15871a:&st=email

Each week for the last 10, Kelley of KnitPicks has released a podcast. Episode 1 reviews several books which I now wish to add to my library with the plan that I will complete the workshop contained in the books. The first is The Sweater Workshop by Jacqueline Fee, who instructs through doing a sampler of the stitches to make a sweater you design with the yarn you choose. The second is The Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmerman, the patron saint of all things knitted. This volume is a compilation of knitting workshops she taught. Much to my chagrin, this book has been sitting on my shelf and not used. Now that I've been knitting a wee bit longer I might be better suited to work through the information provided inside!
For a download of this podcast:
http://www.knitpicks.com/content/index.php/archive/episode-1/

Welcome Home!

Last night we had a Welcome Home party for Jonathan. After four years traveling to far flung places like Iraq and Kuwait, he is no longer in the U.S. Army! Several of our friends from Colorado joined us to wish him the best in his endeavors including a wedding next summer to Rachel, as well as school, work and the National Guard.

We're very proud of his service to our country. Thank you Jonathan.

Nagy Clan

Night on the Town at the Mason Jar, Colorado Springs - Reunion with "old" friends Al & Laura and their now grown daughters, Taylor and Paige. It's great being able to renew old friendships and catch up on all that has gone by in 17 years. How we miss having them here!

Lessons from a Sheepdog - Sheepdog Trials

Finished reading Lessons from a Sheepdog by Phillip Keller and visited Estes Park Wool Market where a version of sheepdog trials occurred. Phillip Keller discussed seven lessons to be learned from a sheepdog. First, the wrong master will enslave and cause a dog to fear and be unable to work; 2) after the dog is set free to follow the good master, he has to learn to respond properly; 3) the new master teaches the dog to trust him by his goodness and concern for the well being of the dog; 4) the dog delights to obey the new master and responds to the benevolence and kindness of the master; 5) there is a test of faithfulness for the dog to stay where he is needed, learning to obey based on signals; and not being distracted by other events, circumstances or location of the master; 6) disobedience and faithlessness sometimes result in the need for discipline to correct wrong behavior. The discipline is exercised in love by the master and his love never disappears; and 7) the sheepdog is available for any task and will perform any assignment for the master because the dog knows the master loves him.

In Estes Park, various breeds of sheepdog herded the sheep, short-legged corgis and long-maned border collies, Australian shepherds and numerous types of Heelers demonstrated the above principles and responded to cues from their master. They did not respond to the cues of others, nor did they do harm to the sheep. If left to their own, however, some would have worn the sheep out by continuing to round and drive them from one spot to another. Each breed of dog worked in a slightly different manner. Some were gatherers, some motivators, some drivers.

Seems as though God is trying to drive home a point to me. I finished the book just before leaving for the Wool Market and had no idea that the demonstration of the dogs would be part of the event. God takes me through various stages to reach the goal of His glory. Being set free from the Evil One, sin and fear; working out who is my Master, His trustworthiness, faithfulness and love for me; delighting in His sacrifice on the cross for me and desiring to obey all His commands; serving where placed and how the Master has asked me to work; the need for discipline when I am distracted from the task at hand and He has a particular job assignment for me; and being available for any assignment no matter where that might take me or how difficult the job.

Jesus, my Master, has corralled me by His love and faithfulness. How can I be so ungrateful to not respond with obedience. Sometimes I am that ungrateful and it is exhibited in my selfishness rather than selfless love and service to others. Lord Jesus forgive me! Thank You for the way You teach in objects that have meaning to me.

Estes Park Wool Market

Paca-vicuna - soft beautiful fiber, slightly smaller than a llama and larger than an alpaca.

What a great day! Very warm but lots of fun plus shopping.

Estes Park Wool Market

Tomorrow is another new day of adventure! Looking forward to seeing the llamas, alpacas, sheep and other animals at the Estes Park Wool Market. Of course, there is the obligatory shopping for fiber. Can't say I'm not looking forward to that as well.

Cast On Podcast 1.5

Just finished listening to the song "In the Bleak Winter" a Christmas Carol done by Allison Crowe. Wow! What an ethereal and haunting melody. The tune keeps playing through my mind and the words are simply beautiful. Christ did indeed leave a wonderful realm. He joined us here on this planet of shadows to reveal Himself and the eternity that awaits those who accept His sacrifice on their behalf.

Brown Sheep Mill Tour, Mitchell, Nebraska

Here are the wool sated adventurers from Knitters Kove ready for the return trip to Colorado Springs.

Brown Sheep Mill

On Monday, June 11, 2007, 31 women boarded a bus for Mitchell, Nebraska where the temperatures were in excess of 95 and the humidity numbers matched. What would cause this group to travel from compartively cool and dry Colorado Springs? Yarn, fleece and a tour of a well-known mill for fiber, Brown Sheep Company, Inc.

Upon arrival at the plant, a preliminary explanation of the process was provided outside under the trees. Afterwards the group was divided into three smaller ones to be guided through the facility and see the machinery in operation - carding, spinning, plying and dyeing equipment. No photographs were allowed inside due to possible espionage and theft of family production secrets. (But no photography didn't stop Samuel Slater from brining the initial plans to the US from England!)

Before boarding the bus, we were given the opportunity to SHOP! Skeins being discontinued, seconds, overstock, etc. were made available for us to pick through. The group complied and relieved the Mill of all of its "overstock" and then some. I purchased some off-white superwash wool to use for Aran sweaters for a couple of the younger nieces. Also found
several skeins of Serendipity Tweed in a blue that I might use for a cardigan for myself.

Cast On: a podcast for knitters

One of my favorite podcasts is Cast On. However, Knit Picks Magazine has recently started a podcast full of information about techniques.
Cast On: a podcast for knitters

Seasonal Photos Penrose House / El Pomar Foundation, Colorado Springs

Winter, Fall, Spring. For summer see the pictures of the bucks elsewhere in these posts.

Floral Shop in Tempe, Arizona

This picture is for my sister-in-law, Susan. Her new puppy's name is Zuzu's Petals.

Chihuly Glass

The following are pictures of some of the pieces of Dale Chihuly's art work I've been able to see in my travels. I love the bright colors and the interesting shapes, how the colors layer on top of each other. Each piece is a study of design and stimulates ideas.

Chihuly Ceiling, Oklahoma City, OK






















Chandelier - Victoria & Albert Museum London (Left)
Chihuly Birds - Oklahoma City, OK (Right)

Chihuly Chandelier - Colorado Springs (Below)

Chihuly Hart Window - Dallas, TX

Sheep Street

Burford - Needlecraft Store

Back on Blossom Street, Debbie Macomber

Just completed Black on Blossom Street with Lydia and the gang. Two new characters were introduced, Colette Blake (who is currently living above A Good Yarn) and Susannah Nelson (who is the protagonist of Susannah's Garden has opened the shop next door on Blossom Street called by the same name). Lydia has decided to hold a lace shawl class. Alix (a baker in the shop across the street and engaged to Jordan Turner) signs up for the class, along with Colette and Susannah. Colette is hiding a secret, Alix has wedding nerves and Susannah is learning the nuances of having her own business. Margaret(Lydia's sister and assistant at the store) endures an assault on her daughter and deals with her anger toward the perpetrator. The characters are well-developed and describe women you would like to invite to sit down and share a cup of tea with you.

One thing I can count on in Debbie's books is that by the time I reach the final chapter, the problems have been resolved, relationships have developed and deeper connections made through trust, communication and friendship. The author understands the yearnings of a woman's heart to make committed friendships, ones which will endure times of difficulty. Friends who exhort to do what's best in the situation and will spend time listening without passing judgment.

The forward mentions that Leisure Arts will be publishing another project book to coincide with this third installment in the Blossom Street series which will contain the shawl patterns found in the front pages, one of which is the Myrna Stahman pattern. Once I have a chance to glance at the patterns, I will review this item, too. Another announcement within the front piece is the launching of the web site, www.debbiemacomber.com which will make available a new free pattern once a month.

I guess I'm a sappy reader who likes tales with resolution. These books exhibit that plus allow me to explore my emotions, connect through the experiences and growth of others, and glean wisdom in how to deal with some of the harsh aspects of life.

In my "rating system" this merits 4 stars.

Knitting Art