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

Yahoo Groups

Several Yahoo Groups have piqued my interest. The first is a local one that is called Spinners with Altitude. Each Saturday they gather at a local coffee shop to knit or spin as the mood moves as well as travel together to other needle events in Colorado. I was introduced to this group by two members while working on a project at Knitters Kove in the Saturday afternoon knitalong. With visitors from out of town, my son's arrival home from the Army and life in general, I haven't been able to join them, but hopefully this Saturday will be the exception.

Second is the Pikes Peak Knitting Guild Group which is limited to members of the Guild. This site keeps me posted on the programs coming up for the following month and allows asking for help on any current project.

Third, and my educational favorite, is Traditional Knitting Group where I have learned about Gansey and lace knitting. The detailed information on each knitalong has been tremendously helpful and informative. Those who have actually completed their projects have posted pictures on the Group site to encourage those of us who seem to lag behind. I'm usually one of the last to finish anything because each time I see something new I pursue that rabbit trail. So much to try and not enough leisure... Oh well! I do thrive on whatever is currently on the needles.

Sins and Needles, Monica Ferris

This is a paperback, mystery novel, whose heroine, Betsy Devonshire, is the proprietress of Crewel World, a needlearts sanctuary for the locals in Minnetonka, Minnesota. The store stocks embroidery, needlepoint and yarns and conducts classes in many forms of handwork.

Betsy has been called upon in her spare time as an amateur sleuth due to her success in solving a half-dozen crimes of murder. In this installment the murder weapon is a 00 sock knitting needle, the victim a wealthy senior named Edyth Hanraty, who has made a will leaving her estate to the females in the direct family line. At this juncture, Lucille Jones from Texas who looks like a regular at the LYS, Jan Henderson, enters Minnesota looking for her birth parents.

On her way to church, Jan finds her Aund Edyth dead in bed. So the story begins to unwind leading the reader through the history of each family member and the incriminating motives of many. The tale narrows down to a handful of suspects but until the last pages you are not sure which one actually did the dastardly deed. I enjoy these lightweight novels for the entertainment value and recommend them for a quick read.

At the end of each volume is a pattern for one of the objects mentioned in the book. This one is a knitted flag pillow containing 49 stars for the United States after Alaska joined but before Hawaii was admitted.

2 stars.

Stitch N' Pitch

Just noticed that the Colorado Rockies will be holding a Stitch N'Pitch event at Coors Field on Saturday, July 28 at 6:05 pm. The visiting team is the Los Angeles Dodgers. I have put this date on my family calendar and am looking forward to being in attendance. The event is sponsored by The National Needle Arts Association. If you are interested in attending, tickets are $19 each for the Upper Level. Contact Evelyn Rockett with the Colorado Rockies at (303) 312-2224 or rockette@coloradorockies.com.

Podcasts

Podcasts! Just discovered this wonderful time filler for workouts, walking and other solitary times for mind engaging thoughts. I'm sure these have been around for a few years but I'm a little slow on the uptake. Last night I listened to Brenda Dayne's Cast-On about woolen mills in Wales. Now I need to download the first episodes and follow the growth of the programs through each new installment. I'm hooked!

If you wish to try listening or downloading go to: http://www.cast-on.com/feed/

Afghan Block a Month

On the third Tuesday of each month at Knitters Kove, Colorado Springs, a group gathers to learn the ins and outs of a new block for an afghan from The Great American Afghan, published by Knitter's Magazine. Last month's block consisted of oak leaves and acorns which I worked in a goldish brown. In April, we started an entrelac block in two colors, alternating cables with garter stitch. I chose a maroon and sage green for the pattern which is working out quite nicely (when I focus on it). Once I square it up along with the oak leaf one, I'll post pictures of both. Next month is a block with three trees.

Speed Knitting - Knitters Kove, Colorado Springs

And the Winner is .....



























Evelyn !!!!