sacred pathways

Disappearing Nine Patch

2011-09-10T16:46:00.003-04:00

Disappearing Nine Patch, a photo by 110901cats on Flickr.

Judy @ Patchwork Times has inspired me to make a Disappearing Nine Patch. Here are my first few blocks. As a new quilter, this quilt is going to challenge and stretch me to sew and cut precisely. I've got to get in the habit of sewing a scant 1/4". Tomorrow I will check my machine again for the 1/4" line.
The floral print was my inspiration fabric. I think I'll change the lightest blue - it seems too faded for the rest of the patterns and colors. I have no idea how large this is going to be. I'm thinking this is a charity quilt for Quilts for Richmond.

Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along

2011-09-03T11:16:00.007-04:00

Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along, a photo by 110901cats on Flickr.

Can't wait to begin this quilt through the Fat Quarter Stars Quilt Along. Mom and I bought the Neutral Mediterranean fat quarters this week. Several others are from my stash. These are normally not my colors but I want to stretch myself a bit with color.

The Help

2011-08-15T22:38:00.000-04:00

This afternoon with three women from our book group I saw The Help. Having read the book last year I knew the timeline of the story. I was apprehensive about seeing the movie because I enjoyed the book so much. Happily, the movie did not disappoint. The characters are believable, the story is real and the passion is evident. As I watched Skeeter, the main character, I saw someone who began the movie as an idealistic young adult fresh out of college to a young woman with a conscious. I admire Skeeter because she had courage to make a difference even in the face of adversity. May I be willing to take such a stand with the issues that plague us today.

Forest Canopy Shawl

2011-08-14T22:04:00.002-04:00

Forest Canopy Shawl, a photo by 110901cats on Flickr.

8/14/2011 - Cast on last night and have completed the set-up and four repeats of the pattern. It’s an easy pattern to remember. The yarn is working well also - soft but not slippery. I’m making this for our prayer shawl ministry. After years of knitting quick shawls with Homespun or Simply Soft, I decided I wanted to knit a lace shawl for the ministry. Sometimes I want mindless knitting but this time I feel like intentionally knitting a shawl.

The Passing of Time

2011-08-14T17:56:00.000-04:00

Thirty years ago today a friend was killed in an automobile accident. The reminder came from another friend on Facebook. Within seconds, the memories came flooding in. Classmates remembered him, schoolmates remembered where they were when they heard. I was having my Senior Class photo taken. His was a life full of promise and hope. In a second he was gone. It seems like yesterday and yet it was a lifetime ago.

We never really know the lives we touch, do we? The hearts we break, the hope we give, the sorrows we comfort and the joy we share. I'm glad his life touched mine. I'm glad schoolmates remembered a life today.

The Longest Summer

2011-08-13T10:55:00.000-04:00

Sipping coffee and perusing blogs I decided to check out my own blog. I want to be a blogger but find that I write sporadically about sporadic topics. I began this blog back in 2006 as a way to record my knitting projects. Back then I had a shop on Etsy and did a few festivals, shows, farmer's markets. Then along came Raverly (follow me, I'm AchillyCat) and I found myself recording my knitting there. Periodically, I would post something about travels, our gardens or cats. I think at that point I gave myself permission to allow the blog to be what it wanted to be. One day I might post something about scrapbooking and then the next a reflection on scripture, the next my feeble attempts with quilting. It's at times like this I feel this place is more of a journal for myself to reflect on my growth - as an artist, wife, minister, a seeker, a lover of nature and animals - as someone growing into her own skin. And so, I hope to write more and allow the words be what they will.

And so, I now reflect on the summer. It is eerie to me that my last post was on Friday, June 3. I had planned a weekend of scrapping, especially finishing a scrapbook started in the fall for my father. The next day, all that changed. My father had a heart attack and stroke. By 11 a.m. I was on my way to meet the family in Roanoke where we stayed by his bedside for 10 days. He is recovering slowly. Adjusting to a pacemaker and a very damaged heart. Adjusting to changes in cognitive abilities. Adjusting to a family that is holding him closer than ever. And I, I am loving him deeper than I have ever loved him. Slowly walking this journey with him and my Mom. Admiring my parent's love for one another. Not holding my breath in fear of loosing him.

My summer of cleaning house, finishing and starting many projects, worrying about where I am or am not in the process toward being an ordained deacon in the United Methodist Church was put into perspective on June 3. I have wanted for years to live into something said to me long ago, "put people work before paper work." Indeed, "people work" - relationships are all that matter. From a sense of peace in relationships I have grown stronger. From a sense of grief I began knitting after the death of my brother in 2005. From there I began to grow as an artist. A lover of all things fiber, needles and thread.

The summer has been long. It has been emotional. It has been deep. It has been rich in the things that matter.

Speed Scrap Challenge

2011-06-03T23:49:00.001-04:00

Had a wonderful blast of creativity tonight as I participated in my first Speed Scrap challenge at Jessica Sprague. The challenge was seven prompts given during the course of an hour and then you had an hour to post your page. While searching for the various elements in the challenge, I thought my various digi tools pretty well organized and filed. Well, I don't. There's lots of work to do to be able to identify them more quickly. Looking forward to tomorrow's challenge. DH will be out of town so I have the entire day to scrap. It's nice to have my mojo back.

Wintery Day Stitching

2011-01-11T16:42:00.000-05:00

Like much of the south, the world is coming to a stand-still in Richmond due to the wintery weather we are experiencing. I love, love the snow but not a big fan of sleet and freezing rain. I worked from home most of the day, only going out for meeting a friend. In between phone calls and projects, I'm working on this bit of stitching. It's "Hole in the Barn Door" by Diane Phalen. I've actually completed quiet a bit but since I started this on our honeymoon in December 2001, well you'd think I'd be finished by now. I stopped stitching for many years and recently began again. I've missed it. I would like to finish this before our 10th anniversary in November. By my calculations (that's a scary thought) I need to complete 10 blocks a week to have it finished by September so it can be framed. I would like to think that I can commit to this deadline especially as I would like to give this to my love as a gift.

Stay safe and dry today. Blessings, Lisa

Sketchbook Challenge - January

2011-01-04T11:41:00.001-05:00

I've kept journals for years. They have been sacred places for me to keep my innermost thoughts - the good, the bad and the ugly. I've explored dreams, discerned, written prayers, cried and jotted notes in them. Occasionally there is a doodle but that's not really my style. As my interest in art has broadened this past year, I've read more and more about keeping a sketch book. I actually started one a few years ago without realizing it. It's my record of knitting and crochet projects. I don't remember where or how I found The Sketchbook Challenge - perhaps it found me. I can tell it is already changing my life. The January challenge is to sketch something Highly Prized. I made a list, well, I am an ESTJ on the Myers-Briggs scale, and then pushed myself from there - I added doodle's and then ideas for new projects began to flow. My doodle's are simple but I can see the beginning of new creations in them.

This morning I pushed myself further and added color!

The sketches that are being shared on the group's Flickr page are amazing! I looking forward to growing and stretching myself through this challenge.

Standing in the silence

2010-12-28T13:13:00.000-05:00

She stood and watched me. I mirrored her actions. Such beauty would have been missed if I had only been looking at the trees. Standing in the silence, she appeared. My wish for 2011 is that I can stand in the silence a little more, a little longer each day so I can experience the surprises silence has to offer.

2011 Crazy January Challenge

2010-12-03T07:27:00.000-05:00

I think I've lost my mind. I found a reference to this challenge on Siobhan's blog and have decided to try it as a way to get back in the swing of stitching daily. Since I sold and/or gave away my stash several years ago (I'll never do that again), I'll start with Christmas ornaments for 2011 and two Lizzie Kate patterns I recently purchased.

You know you want to join in the fun. Here's where I signed up.

Crazy January Challenge 2011

We have so many charts in our stashes, so let's start stitching them!
The rules are simple:

1. Start stitching a new design every day, from January 1st to January 15th. So by January 15th you have 15 new WIPs to stitch!
2. Try and finish everything you started stitching during the year 2011 :)
3. Show photos in your blog if you have one, in January and during the whole year while you stitch, as we all love to see photos!
4. Have fun stitching!

Monday Meanderings

2010-11-29T06:44:00.000-05:00

Good morning. It's quiet chilly here in Central Virginia this morning and I love it! I've been waiting for fall to turn to winter since mid-July. I'm ready for snow. Yesterday was the first day of Advent and my soul was filled at the sound of young voices reading scripture during our Hanging of the Greens service.We'll be decorating our tree tonight.

Super excited to begin Jessica Sprague's Inspiration Everywhere class. Registration closes at midnight eastern time so register now for this free class. My creative juices are flowing and I'm looking forward to having a place to record what inspires me. Off to design the cover for my journal.

Lisa

Saturday Musings

2010-11-27T09:11:00.002-05:00

The first cup of coffee is in hand and Holly is settling in beside me (hoping to share some of her own thoughts as she did yesterday). Yesterday we took it easy. DH watched every basketball and football game he could find. By the end of the evening he was quiet bored and a little nervous that the two to three weeks of recovery from wrist surgery that he will have on Thursday is going to be much the same. Since it is his left hand and he is left-handed, my honey-do list will be very short.

We're also adjusting to not having China, she's the black kitty. She passed away on Monday due to chronic kidney failure. Holly seems to have made the transition easier than hubby and I have. I think Holly has waited 16 years to be the only feline in the family. She's receiving more than double the attention and is soaking it all in. Time will heal our broken hearts but it is easier knowing that she crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is now with Nigel, Belle and Achilles.

Today holds many chores as we prepare for DH's surgery. We're transplanting a few azaleas, watching the Virginia Tech vs. Virginia game at 12:30 p.m. and decorating the tree. In between these projects, I'm finishing an embroidery piece for a favorite 13 year-old's Christmas present (I'll post pictures when it is complete.) I'll work on Mom's jacket Friday since I'll be home with the patient. Speaking of Mom, the Thanksgiving cactus she gave me this summer has bloomed. It's a gorgeous shade of orangey salmon.

I'm also continuing to work on Dad's scrapbook. I'm almost finished with the paper layouts. I'm waiting for a new blade for my Silhouette to arrive so I can complete the embellishments. Then onto journaling. It seems my pattern is to create the layout and embellish as much as I can before using the Silhouette - I like to do all of my cutting at the same time.Then I journal. I allow the stories on the pages suggest how I will record the events in words. Sometimes I type and sometimes I hand write.

I found these templates this morning and can't wait to try them. I also love the idea of creating a page a week. Since we do not have children, my weekly pages will not only include the tidbits of our lives but also our families and extended families and friends.Since I'm digi scrapping more and more and am developing an organized system of my files I hope I can stick with this. Perhaps this will be the beginning of something new with the recording of our lives.

I'm also itching to do some cross-stitch. Many years ago, cross-stitch was my one and only passion (next to reading). As I began knitting, I gave up cross-stitching and sold most of my supplies - lesson learned, even if I make a serious transition to digi scrapping, I will not give up my paper because I know I will return to it. I'm working hard at holding off on a major project until after Christmas, or perhaps to begin at Christmas. I may try a few small ornaments but really, I have too much to complete.

I'm smelling French toast and it's time for another cup of java. Enjoy each moment of the day.

Blessings on the journey,
Lisa

Mama’s Holiday Wish List 2010

2010-11-26T08:07:00.003-05:00

Hi, I'm Holly, Momma's kitty and I've taken over the keyboard this morning. I'm participating in a giveway over at Today's Moma because the prizes are everything that's on my cousins wish lists. Oh, how great it would be to win. Since I'm Momma's shadow, I know that my answers will match what she would answer.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family? I hope my family has a healthy holiday season so we can spend time together - there's nothing like snuggling with Momma and Daddy when it's cold outside. Oh yea, and I wish for a huge snow so they can't go anywhere! Momma's holiday wish would be for us to give gifts as an expression of the joy we have received because of Christ, the real reason we have Christmas.

2. What is your Christmas morning tradition? I'm the only child in the house. If Momma and Daddy stay here for Christmas we snuggle all day. Now, most years they go visit Momma's side of the family where my human cousins are 7,8,9 - glad I'm not there. I hear they get up as early as the children do and then the free-for-all begins. After they have opened all of their presents and examined gifts from Santa, then they slow down. Fortunately they clean up the wrapping paper before they go make breakfast so they don't step on my cousin Alice, the largest gray cat I've ever seen.

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be? A completely decadent wish for myself - well that would be to have Momma home with me 24/7. Now, she would say that for herself she would like a month in Ireland and Scotland or a new car that is fully-loaded and already paid for. But I don't like either of those ideas because then that would mean I would not get my wish.

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money? I never spend any money. Oh wait, I'm suppose to be answering these questions from Momma's perspective. Well, she makes almost all of the gifts she gives. I can't give away what she is making this year but she has used knitting needles and yarn (I love when a ball of yarn falls off of the sofa), sewing machine, paper, scissors, needles and thread.

5. What games did you play with your family growing up? I chase yarn around the house and played hide and seek from my sisters who are no longer here. Forgot again, Momma played lots of board and card games with her family, she also made her brothers play school with her (LOL). They lived in the mountains so they also spent a lot of time outside playing Kick-the-Can, King of the Mountain, Hide and Seek (hey wait, they play that too!) and baseball, football and basketball. They also took lots of walks in the woods and went fishing. Yummy, fish. I'm beginning to think I like some of the games they played.

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood? Okay, this time I'm only going to give Momma's answer. She buys a new ornament every year for our tree. She also makes sure that she buys a first ornament for family that have gotten married or have had a baby. She makes many family recipes the way her Momma makes them, especially the yummy smelling cookies.

7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip? I do not want to go anywhere for Christmas. A few years ago, Momma and Daddy went to the beach for Christmas but they came back earlier than expected. They missed being at home. If Momma's entire family could go away at Christmas, it would be somewhere that has snow for Momma and beach for everyone else.

8. Check out GameStop and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year? The cousins were here this summer and I heard them say that on their wish lists are Super Mario All-Stars, Donkey Kong Country Returns, and Wii Sports Resort.

Gotta run, I hear Momma getting up! I hope she wins.

36 Days Until Christmas

2010-11-18T10:12:00.002-05:00

How long until Christmas? 36 Days, 20 Hours, and 2 Minutes - piece of cake for those who are making Christmas gifts. Yikes, 36 days to complete Dad's scrapbook and Mom's I Can't Believe It's A Sweatshirt Jacket, not to mention a few other handmade items.

Originally, I had planned for Dad's scrapbook to be all paper but last night I thought, why not make a hybrid book. I could do digital layouts of photos of our family and paper layouts from his childhood and his family. Here is a photo I worked on this morning.

The frame and word art is from Jessica Sprague's Frame Up and Special Effects. I love all of Jessica's classes - as a teacher none can compare. It's great taking an online class that has printed materials as well as videos. I normally watch the video and stop it along the way and then work on my project.

Here is the finished page.

Yin Designs Template

Yellow Paper and Flower button - Funkarooni by Amy Sumrall

Journal Circle - Faith Sisters Birthday

Teal Paper - Live TW Stories - Wave - Jessica Sprague

I have all day tomorrow and Saturday to dedicate to the scrapbook. My plan is to finish the paper pages - that includes journaling, titles, etc. and then move onto the digi pages.

Another thought that came to me last night is that Mom's jacket maybe too big. She has lost weight since I bought the sweatshirt in the spring. Even if it is too big, my Mom will wear it because it was made by me. That's the wonderful thing about my Mom.

Here's to getting through the next 36 days.

Blessings on the journey,
Lisa

Needlework Frenzy

2010-06-12T18:13:00.000-04:00

From Needlework

Lately my fingers have had a needle in them pulling thread. Almost daily I have been sewing, quilting, stitching and always dreaming of the next project. The above needle felting landscape was created during workshop with Margo Duke when she was at Quilting Adventures in May. What a wonderful time and Margo is a gifted spirit. The women in the class were amazing - each creation filled my soul.

From Needlework

This was my very first needle felt item and I like it because I stretched myself and used colors I would normally not choose for my self.

I have also begun to embroidery again. For 20 years cross-stitch was my ~~passion~~ obsession. I began do embroidery work as a child. One item I'm working on is a hand-quilted and hand-embroidery baby quilt for my great-niece Haden who is due in October.

From Needlework

This is such a traditional baby quilt design but I had to have something to make for her - right away! Of course, since then, I've purchased two more quilt kits and have plans for another.

From Needlework

I've also been piece quilting and it is a challenge for me. While I was home for Mother's Day, Mom and I went through her fabric stash and I found fabric that was used for some of Granny's aprons. I'm being very cautious in how I use them because I don't want to waste them. Here is a small version of a pinwheel pattern. Lots to learn!

From Needlework

Also while going through the stash we found a pair of pillowcases that Granny purchased more than 40 years ago to embroidery while Granddad was in the hospital. He later passed away and she never worked on the pillowcases. I have them and am stitching them as a Christmas gift for Mom. I love using the same thread and needles that Granny purchased. Pictures are found here.

Spring Cleaning

2010-04-07T22:22:00.013-04:00

After a rather harsh winter, I'm ready to jump into some new projects. It's pollen season around here and for the past two days everything is covered with a yellowish-green film. Today I could see the pollen floating across the lawn as the wind blew. It's also gardening time. DH has been working on getting the soil conditioned. Yesterday he and his brother spread horse manure and today he tilled it into the ground. English peas, cabbage and broccoli are already coming up. I cannot wait for a fresh pea salad, some steamed broccoli and Asian coleslaw in a few weeks. Yum!

Even more exciting is that I'm creating a new studio. My needlework, knitting, crocheting, beading and scrapbook projects are all over the house! Photos are here. How did this craziness begin the week before Easter? The most holy and busy time (especially if you are on a church staff as I am). I've been dreaming of a wall hanging for my office. The scene is one of my most favorite spots in Burkes Garden, VA. Back to the wall hanging. A meeting with a friend in a LFS lead to a conversation about quilting - the next thing I new, I was headed to Quilting Adventures, signing up for a few classes and while I was there I found a book by Judith Baker Montana called Fibreart Montage and there were images of fabric art that I had been dreaming about for my wall hanging.

After coming home with yet another bag of supplies, I realized I needed to get myself organized. In discussing my dilemma with DH, he suggested I switch rooms and use the former guest room as my craft room. This suggest came as we were going to bed - mistake! I stayed awake all night dreaming of how I wanted my studio space to look. Notice, I'm calling it a studio (and so is he - now). The next morning, I looked the two rooms over and wondered why we had not come up with the idea sooner. The new space is twice as large as the old space and one where I can actually work. By the end of next week the two rooms should be complete. My favorite magazine, Where Women Create, has been inspirational and affirming.

Needless to say, I'm still pacing myself. I recovered from assisting and attending seven services in four days and I'm preaching this Sunday. But after Sunday, watch out!

Traveling Woman Shawl

2010-02-09T08:46:00.003-05:00

My latest shawl is the Traveling Woman Shawl (I found it on Ravelry.)

I'm using handspun cashmere that I bought 4 years ago and have waited to use with the right pattern. This is it. I love the feel of the fiber not only on the needles but also as a finished product.

The pattern is easy to read. Even though the pattern does not suggest to use stitch markers to mark the pattern repeat, time and again, I have found for me that stitch markers help me keep the pattern straight. Also, I used a life line because on the 5th row of the pattern I had problems. After reading the Traveling Woman KAL on Ravelry, I was reminded that a life line would help. So I put on in and ripped back several rows and started over. Before I knew it, I was flying along with the pattern.

I'm now half way through the second pattern repeat. My hope is to have the shawl finished by the weekend.

Snow Storm Knitting

2010-02-08T12:39:00.006-05:00

I am knitting so much these days in part because we keep getting snowstorms on the weekends. A few weeks ago, I began knitting cowls, scarves and shawls. It has been a while since I've knitted scarves and there is something very refreshing about knitting up something quick.

I've eyed several cowl patterns for about a year and finally starting making a few. I'm addicted! This cowl is a Spiral Cowl. I made a few mistakes in the beginning but a 1/4 of the way through the pattern made sense. I'll post my notes later. I decided not to rip out the mistakes because this is a very loose cowl that needs a shawl pin to keep it closed. I figured that the wrap-over of the material will hide the mistakes.

My first digital scrapbook page

2008-12-17T21:42:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited! Last night I completed my first digital scrapbook page. I'm taking the Up and Running with Photoshop class over at Jessica Sprague and wow! Not only is she an excellent teacher but these lessons cut down by more than half the amount of time I would spend trying to figure out all of the tricks of Photoshop Elements.

My layout is of my great-niece Katelyn. I didn't realize until I printed out the layout that her blanket is the same colors on the page. Not only am I in love with her but I'm totally in love with this new way (to me) to scrap. Look out, you'll see more images of her.

Christmas blessings!

Finished DH sweater

2007-12-29T19:58:00.001-05:00

Finally finished knitting DH sweater that I started May 2004 while on the trip to Bosnia. Now onto sewing seams and blocking. We both think the sweater is now too small for him. If so, it will go to Uncle Gray and if it's too small for him then it will go to afghans for Afghanistan. I'll post photos later.

I've finished 45% of the Wildfoote Ragtime sock since returning from the beach. Today I spent most of my time on Ravelry posting enough sock yarn for 31 socks - that doesn't include the stash I bought at the beach. I'm glad I've joined a knit down the stash group. Between my two part-time jobs, classes and life at home, I'll be hard pressed to knit 31 socks but I'm going to try.

Herringbone Lace sock at Nags Head
Originally uploaded by 110901cats

Recently finished this Herringbone Lace sock in Cascade Fixation Solid. Pattern from Ann Budd's Getting Started: Knitting Socks. Size 8

Pattern was easy to memorize. The yarn is yummy. I have two skeins of this colorway left as well as 4 in Hokie colors.

We're enjoying watching football games - me with my knitting and DH and his Weavette.
He is using his grandmother's Weavette to make a blanket for us.

I'm back

2007-12-27T18:30:00.000-05:00

Once again, I can't believe how many months it has been since I last blogged, but here I am again. We just returned from Christmas at Nags Head, NC. DH and I spent the past few days in Duck, NC where we rested, ate, slept and watched the ocean change from rough and rolling to calm and serene.

I got caught up on my sock knitting and started a new pair. I finished this pair of Cascade Fixation - Herringbone Lace pattern.

I started this basic sock in Wildfoote Ragtime. I love this yarn. From the time we left the beach, I knitted about 4 inches on the sock. Here is a view, while I sat in the car and DH put air in one of the tires before we left Duck.

As we crossed the bridge before entering the tunnel at Hampton .....

And another from Pierce's - the best barbecue spot in Central Virginia.

More later, time to love on the kitties!

I've missed writing

2007-07-18T06:45:00.000-04:00

Okay, it's been almost five months since I last blogged and I don't want to go that long again. I enjoy processing my thoughts, projects, ideas and life through writing -- so here I go again.

Knitting updates
I've become sock obsessed! In the past two weeks I've bought enough yarn for more than 20 pairs of socks. I recently finished a pair for one of my nieces - I need to block it because I'm afraid I made the foot a little short. We wear the same shoe size and it fits snug on me. My hope is that because she has the foot of a sixteen year old and mine is of a 43-year-old that it will fit her perfectly.

I'm waiting on size 1 and 2 40" Addi Turbos to arrive and hope they do so before Saturday so I can cast on a sock before I leave for Honduras (more about this later). I knit using the Magic Loop Method http://www.az.com/~andrade/knit/mloop.html or check out the book here http://www.fibertrends.com/viewer/patterns/0_magicloop.html and I love it. I love the feel of pulling out the back needle and bringing it to the front to knit the next row. I've found a group on Yahoo http://groups.yahoo.com/group/magic-loop/ and am learning alot from the members of this group. I'm really hung-up on which pattern to us to determine gauge - some patterns say to knit gauge in stockinette and others in the pattern. I'm a loose knitter so I almost always have to change by 2-3 needle sizes.

I'm also knitting a baby blanket that is in a k3p3 rib pattern. It's a mindless project but the yarn I'm using is a little too warm for this time of year so I've put it aside until our next long car trip when I'll want my legs to be covered because of the AC. The yarn is Lion Brand Jiffy Pastel Yellow. It will be given to my cousins daughter who is a month old.

I'm also making progress on Honey's grey cardigan started two years ago. For the longest time I've been stuck on making the left front and the button holes. The pattern I'm using is from 1955 and the only directions are to "make opposite of right side and include button hole loops every x inches". I'm determined to finish this sweater before Thanksgiving and will make a stop to my LYS for help with the instructions.

Crochet update
Finished a blanket for daughter of cousin mentioned above (pictures posted later). Based on the size and weight I think this will be more appropriate as a crib or car seat blanket. They live in Southwest Virginia and it gets really cold in the mountains where they farm. I loved working on this shell pattern and creating the edging - this was the first time I had created an edging without following someone elses pattern. Lessons learned: use a larger hook for a more flat shell pattern.

Missions
This Saturday I leave for Honduras on a medical mission with The Friends of Barnabas http://www.fobf.org/. I'm only now getting excited about the trip. I've had so much going on this summer with transitioning from full-time student to full-time work at the seminary and part-time at the church, two uncles who are undergoing treatment for cancer and dealing with the heat that I haven't had time to think about the trip other than to be in prayer - which is the most important thing that I can be doing. I'm going as chaplain and am planning the devotionals and a worship service. The theme that has come to me is "God is Closer Than You Think". It may seem obvious to some that God would be in the middle of a missions trip but often those on the trip experience times of loneliness, doubt, fear and anxiety. I thought that this theme would bring encouragement and hope.

Off to get ready for work.

Five months since my last post

2007-03-02T07:11:00.000-05:00

This is the first morning in five months that I have been able to catch my breath. I knew the last semester of seminary was going to be hectic but I did not know the plans in store for me. In December I began working part-time (going full-time in July) at the seminary. In addition to my course and internship hours, I feel like I'm working two full-time jobs. But this too shall pass.

I have been knitting like crazy, especially chemo and preemie hats. Photos to be uploaded later this weekend.

The big news is that a month ago, I taught myself to crochet. I was working on a vest for afghans for Afghans and needed to single crochet (sc) and double crochet (dc) around the edges. I could have asked my friend RB to crochet for me but instead I drove to her house and said "Is this right? Is this how you crochet?" In less than an hour I had both sc and dc around the edge of the vest, made buttons holes and was ready to do the armholes. No pun intended but I am hooked. I've crocheted another vest and beginning a ripple blanket to send with the vests. I also have two others baby blankets in progress. One will be finished tomorrow. The other in a few weeks.

As I've crocheted, I have felt a deep connection with my grandmother. I know she is smiling as she watches my hands work. When I was 8 she taught me to chain stitch. I never could get the turn and then single down the chain. I tried again when I was a teenager, still no progress. Even three months ago, I tried and could not get it. I think the Spirit moved through me, because it feels like I have been crocheting all of my life. I know that knitting has helped me understand loops and stitches. I'm joining The No-End-In-Sight Ripple Along to help me work on the latest baby blanket. As I watch the war in Afghanistan I can't help but worry for the women and children.

Off to class and work. Will upload pictures tomorrow.

Blessings!

New beginnings

2006-09-05T07:37:00.000-04:00

There's not much knitting news in here today....

Here in the U.S., summer is over. Today is the day after Labor Day and that means back to school for some. That includes me. This Friday, I'll return to seminary for my last year. I can hear the choir of angels singing now. Today marks a new beginning in that I begin my internship at the church where Hubby and I are members -- Good Shepherd United Methodist (http:www.goodshepherdumc.us). During this next year, I'll focus on adult education. From an early age, I have always wanted to be a teacher. I love teaching Sunday school and leading Bible studies. If only I can remember that teaching is not about the knowledge that you impart but about empowering others that everyone has the ability to learn.

Another new beginning, is that I have been asked to be a columnist for an e-zine published by Judith's Table (http://www.judithstable.org). I found this website a year-and-a-half and it was an answer to prayer. At that time I was really struggling with identifying with the teaching of some religious groups that dismiss the role that women have in the life of the church -- and most importantly -- in the world. My mantra during seminary has been that I was created in the image of God. To me that means that God is both male and female and so am I. My challenge has been with religious groups that teach something different. Judith's Table was one place where I learned to give myself permission to believe what I felt to be true. I hope you will check out the website where you will find amazing art, poetry, columns as well as an opportunity to support incarcerated women.

I posted several new items to my shop yesterday (http://www.sacredpathways.etsy.com). In the past two weeks the shop has done very well. I'm getting ready for a fall arts and crafts festival here in the area in late October. I'm into hats right now and will post some new pictures soon.

It's raining today and that brings back memories that everytime I have started a new job, it has rained on my first day. My this be a sign of good things to come.

Blessings today to you.

Allow me to introduce you to...

2006-08-10T23:29:00.000-04:00

I realized yesterday that I haven't posted any photos of my three darling cats.

First, Achilles, a fifteen (16 next month) year-old calico. Nickname: Killie Willie. I discovered Achilles at the Richmond SPCA when she was four weeks old. She is the queen of the house. Don't let her petite size or her age fool you. She can jump like a kitten and roar like a ferocious lioness. She comes to you on her own terms but has never met a stranger she didn't like. Here she is helping her Dad play his nightly game of Spider solitaire.

Next,

Holly, aka Holly Louise or Holly Wolly, is a twelve-year-old grey, tan and white calico, with the exact opposite personality of Achilles. Quiet and shy, Holly will run at the first sound of thunder or a stranger's voice. She is however, the knitty kitty. Wherever I am, there is Holly. She tries to curl herself up into whatever knitting project I'm working on. Mohair is her favorite fiber. Holly was hubby's cat before we were married. She is still quiet aggravated that two other cats invaded her home, but she is quiet pleased with her Momma.

Last but not least, China, aka China Baby, is a nine-year-old solid black little panther cuddle kitty. China is the shyest cat of the three, she never makes a sound, except for the occasional baby meow. She and Holly do not like each other - the sibling rivalry is intense. They sleep on opposite sides of the bed and walk wide circles around one another. China has a black spot on the inside of her mouth. She loves to sit on hubby's lap and watch NCAA basketball or curled up under his arm under the covers on a cold winter's night.

Happy Feet

2006-08-09T08:15:00.000-04:00

I have happy feet today. I finally finished my first pair of socks and I love them.

The yarn came from Dani at Knitting Sunshine (see links to her Etsy shop and blog on the right). The colorway is earthy tones of mauve, brown, cream, green, teal, grey and combinations in between. While there is pooling on the right sock, I think it looks like a lightening bolt. I used the Magic Loop method and cannot say enough about how easy it was to knit with one needle. The first sock I knitted under the tutelage of Peggy Harvey at Unraveled (my favo knit shop - link to the right). The second sock I started during my trip to Bosnia in May and then put aside until a few weeks ago. The heal turn on the second sock was ripped out at least 4 times before I went to Peggy with pleas of needing help. In 30 minutes we had the heal problem figured out and off I went to finish the sock. Yesterday I was looking for a small project to work on and out came the sock. I cannot wait to wear these this fall and winter.

An amazingly accurate description of myself

2006-08-08T09:40:00.000-04:00

This is too weird - I just typed in my birthdate and here is the most accurate description of myself. I need more coffee to help process this.

Your Life Path Number is 6

Your purpose in life is to help others
You are very compassionate, and you offer comfort to those around you.It pains you to see other people hurting, and you do all in your power to help them.You take on responsibility, and don't mind personal sacrifice. You are the ultimate giver.
In love, you offer warmth and protection to your partner.
You often give too much of yourself, and you rarely put your own needs first.Emotions tend to rule your decisions too much, especially when it comes to love.And while taking care of people is great, make sure to give them room to grow on their own.

What'>http://www.blogthings.com/whatisyourlifepathnumberquiz/">What Is Your Life Path Number?

Spinning in more ways than one

2006-08-07T07:58:00.000-04:00

Around here during the last two weeks of July and the first week of August, little gets done except the harvesting of the bounty from our garden. We live in a suburban neighborhood so you can imagine a pretty good size garden is the talk of the area. For the first time this year, my DH planted corn.

This is not the best picture, on the morning (July 17) I took this my digital camera fog up because of the coolness inside the house and the heat from outside. Not only did this small patch of corn produce more than 250 ears (!) it has also been a wonderful privacy fence. Behind the corn is a busy road that goes by our backyard.

Here is a look at one of the first ears - this is Silver Queen White Corn and it is the sweetest corn.

Back to the 250 ears, in addition to giving the corn away to just about anyone who came by, we also canned, froze full ears as well as ears cut off the cob. As life would have it, most of the corn came in while DH was out of town. Next came the cucumbers in which we canned 40 plus pints of 7 day (which became 8 day) pickles.

We have tomatoes too - 40 plus quarts of salsa were produce by these beauties.

This is a combination of Better Boy (awesome sandwich tomatoes) and Rutgers (amazing canning tomatoes).

As much as I love the garden and knowing that I rarely need to buy a vegetable from the store, by this time of the year, I'm earnestly praying for it to slow down.

I'm also spinning because I'm balancing finishing projects for the upcoming winter season, cardigan for DH to wear to the family Christmas dinner and a few of my personal projects.

Next week I will really be spinning as I take spinning lessons. One of the goals of mine for this summer was to learn to spin. Saturday at the Goochland Rural Market (http://www.centerforruralculture.org/rural_market.htm). I ran into local hand weaver, hand spinner and wet felter Cheri Hankins (http://mediablog.mail2web.com/maidensweaver/blog/ )and it looks like she has a spinning class for the next four Tuesdays. I cannot tell you how excited I am.

Speaking of the Goochland Rural Market, DH and I plan to be vendors there next year. He is a native of Goochland and while we live one county away, Goochland is still our home.

I'm also taking a Learn to Weave Weekend with her at the Visual Arts Center in Richmond (http://www.visarts.org/classes/summer/fiber#class_240). I don't think the class is full so if you are in the Richmond area check it out.

Finally, I'm spinning because I have one month left before I begin my last year in seminary - can you hear the heavenly choir singing! Next month I begin an eight month internship at my church. I'm excited to be focusing on adult education and feel it will be an excellent place to learn, grow, make mistakes and ask for a lot of grace.

Dog Days of Summer

2006-07-17T14:26:00.000-04:00

It's hot. Nothing more to say about the heat. I'm trying to cool off by getting winter items ready for a fall Arts and Craft Festival as well as my own open house in November. After looking at my collection of knitted items, it's clear that I am an earthy person. I read somewhere that you knit the colors of where you live. For me, I think I knit the colors of where my heart desires to be. It is beautiful here in Central Virginia, but I am a mountain girl at heart. There is nothing like the Appalachian mountains and I long to live there again. Until then, I will continue to knit the colors of my heart to satisfy my longing.

This is what I've been up to this summer... all items are listed on my Etsy site.

White Angora Scarf

This yarn was purchased at the Spring Fiber Festival in Sedalia, VA (see link to the right) this past spring from "Gatherings" from VA. When I find their card I'll post a link to their site.

Spice Neck Cozy

Another creation made possible by the beautiful yarns of Manasi from Monsoon Winds (http://www.yarnahoy.etsy.com)

Earthy Beaded Scarf

Again, from Monsoon Winds

At Waters' Edge Stole/Scarf - a blend of novelty yarns of blue and brown fur and a yarn with a blend of ribbon, fur and stretchy nylon.

All That Glitters Stole/ Scarf

A blend of metallic ribbon and fur yarn.

Until yet next time....

Peachy, Peachy and Waves of Fall Shawls

2006-06-23T08:01:00.000-04:00

I love shawls and hope to have one for every day of the year. Even though we live in the south and the weather is hot to mild I can never have enough shawls.

The first pattern is Fiber Trends "Leaf Lace Shawl". I'm using a variegated mercerized cotton I found in Sarajevo (see earlier posting). I purchased the pattern from my fav yarn shop "Unraveled" in Richmond (www.unraveledrichmond.com). It will take forever for me to slow down enough to work on this shawl, but hopefully it will be finished by next summer. The pattern shows the shawl in a solid yarn and variegated yarn.

The next shawl will be of my own design. I've been collecting yarn for this shawl since last year's Fall Fiber Festival in Montpelier VA (link to the right). The first photo is of all of the yarn that will be in the shawl. What a stash. Manasi, you should recognize many of your yarns in here.

Here's the breakdown...

Handspun, handpainted boucle' from my favorite spinner at Monsoon Winds - link to the right. This is a blend of tomato, orange and rust. It is soft as downy.

Next.....Another Monsoon Winds yarn - a heavier weight boucle' with muted shades of peach, yellow and orange

And another Monsoon Winds - this one was a surprise within a purchase... The Monsoon Winds yarn is the small yarn across the Fuzzy Mohair by Dancing Leaf Farm (www.dancingleaffarm.com) from Barnesville, MD. The mohair was the first yarn I purchased at the Fall Fiber Festival. The green ribbon yarns were purchased at Unraveled and are Kristha nylon ribbon from Italy.

Another purchase in Sarajevo - this is Unitas' Mirabela. This yarn was made in Zagreb, Croatia (the Croatia photos in the previous posting were of Zagreb). This is a mercerized cotton and is a medium peach. To the right is another treat from Monsoon Winds - dark rust, red, cooper - thick to thin weight.

Another Fiber Festival find... 100% Australian Superwash Merino from Three Waters Farm in Carrboro, NC (www.threewatersfarm.com). To the left is the Monsoon Winds yarn mentioned directly above and to the right is the first yarn described.

A final Fiber Festival delight from Three Waters Farm - Alpaca/Wool 60/40 bulky boucle'

The final yarn is in the first photo. It is 11 yards of "Tango" that was in a stash from Monsoon Winds (I think?). If you click on the photo you will see it in the upper right nestled between the Three Rivers Farm yarns. It is a bright tomato red with a thread of gold metallic.

As for the design of the shawl I will cool some of these colors with a dark brown from Cascades. My idea is to use the heavier weighted yarns from the neck down gradually descending to the lighter weight yarns. I'll mix stitches to produce a sturdy but airy shawl. This will be completed by this year's Fall Fiber Festival. I may even enter it into competition.

Off to get ready for the 17th Street Farmer's Market in Richmond. Tomorrow will be my first day there. I'll be there a few Saturday's throughout the summer and fall. Hope to see you there.

Where have I been for two months?

2006-06-22T07:55:00.000-04:00

Two months. I can't believe it has been two months since I was last here. For 15 days in May I was in Bosnia - I saw sheep everywhere but this was the only photo I have of a shepherd with his flock. The man graciously posed for this picture.

I was also in Serbia, even though this photograph is the idealic pastoral scene, Serbia still has remnants of the 1990s Former Yugoslavian war.

Croatia, ah, Croatia.

You may be asking why did I spend 15 days in a war-torn country? One of the requirements of my Master's of Divinity program is to participate in a Mission Immersion Experience (MIE). The trip in particular was perfect for me because the focus was learning about peacemaking and reconciliation. I am a long-time advocate of social justice (human rights, peace, women's rights) and this trip allowed me to bring together my passion for justice and my heart for peace.

I was able to knit and photos will be forthcoming. I started a cardigan for my husband and completed the back and right front before I ran out of yarn. I started the second sock mentioned in an earlier post, which is almost finished now. And I half-finished a Feather and Fan mohair shawl - now completed and waiting to be blocked.

Finding yarn was a little difficult but I managed to find this soft mauve/pink for a Feather and Fan scarf - hmm, can you tell that Feather and Fan have become my new favorite pattern?

The next posting will show yarn for two shawls.

2006-04-15T15:37:00.000-04:00

I found this while reading http://www.fibernut.com/blog. When I took the quiz, it told me I'm a "Plain Ole Cup of Joe".

You Are a Plain Ole Cup of Joe

But don't think plain - instead think, uncomplicatedYou're a low maintenance kind of girl... who can hang with the guysDown to earth, easy going, and fun! Yup, that's you: the friend everyone invites.And your dependable too. Both for a laugh and a sympathetic ear.

I think that does describe me pretty accurately. What kind of coffee are you? http://ynr.blogthings.com/whatkindofcoffeeareyouquiz/

2006-04-13T09:33:00.000-04:00

Three weeks left in the semester, nine days until Earth Day and it's Easter weekend. I've been knitting more than I've been blogging lately. I'm trying to get ready for Earth Day next weekend. This will be the first time I've been a vendor. For anyone in the Richmond area, we will be under the name, "Three Girls and A Dream". It's exciting and yet scary at the same time.

Some of the recent items I've knitted are listed on my site at: http://www.sacredpathways.etsy.com

A scarf I call "And Then There Was Water" - it reminds me of what the water might have looked like when the world was first created.

Another item is a scarf called "Fall in Appalachia"

I also finished a shawl called "Summer Dreamin' "

I've also finished two stoles that I've not taken pictures of because I'm trying to figure out how to best photograph them.

Still working on my socks with yarn from http://www.sunshineyarns.etsy.com. I'm almost finished with the first sock. My hope is to begin the second sock before I leave for my mission trip in May. I also have some dishcloth yarn for the trip. I'm looking for small projects for the plane trip and van rides.

Last night started a scarf with the red silk I used in the "Let's Go Wanderin' " Purse posted in an earlier entry. I also purchased a boucle' from Manasi at http://www.yarnahoy.etsy.com that is the same colorway as the jeweled tone silk in the purse. Hope to have pictures posted soon.

After this show, I'm ready to move beyond scarves -- but I do love them as short projects in between more complicated longer projects. My goal for the summer is shawls, more purses begin Donald's sweater and more socks. Everyone on my Christmas list is getting socks this year. Oh yea, I'm not finished with scarves yet - I purchased some beautiful mohair this past weekend at the Sedalia Spring Fiber Festival (more about that in another posting).

Got to go to class.

2006-03-30T18:10:00.000-05:00

I can't believe my Spring Break was last week. After being back in class for a few days, I'm ready for another break. I'll have new pictures up this weekend of all that my needles have been clicking away on - a new scarf/stole that is light as a feather, almost completed one sock - my first ever! I have about 10 other projects I'm ready to begin. Today my friends Mary, Renee and I found out that we are going to be vendors at the Richmond Earth Day festival on April 22 (www.richmondearthday.org) . We're vending under the name "Three Girls and A Dream". We're excited about the opportunity but panicky at the same time. So much to do.

Off to class. I'm going to Bosnia, Croatia and Serbia for 15 days in May as a part of my studies at seminary. Our group is meeting weekly to prepare and to learn more about the area. I can't wait to search for yarn while I'm there. I also hope there will be a knitter (or more) in the family I'll be staying with while I'm there. My heart breaks for the torture and treatment of the people, especially the women.

Feel a little scattered but my head is buzzing with trip and knitting projects. More this weekend.

Almost forgot - all green items in my shop www.sacredpathways.etsy.com are on sale through tomorrow. An April sale will begin soon.

2006-03-20T17:24:00.000-05:00

I haven't been here in a while and I've missed sorting through my thoughts. My brother and his family were visiting with us the past few days. What blessed fun having a three-year-old roaming around the house!

I was able to knit, a little. I'm getting yarn together to begin knitting socks. Hope to have some pictures up tomorrow.

Just finished the wildest thing I've knitted to date. I call it the "Phyllis Diller Get Your Purse" Bag. I know I'm dating myself but it reminds me of a hat or purse that Phyllis Diller would wear or carry. I came up with the name after thinking about the musical "Annie Get Your Gun". Here's a picture. I've listed it on my esty site at http://www.sacredpathways.etsy.com. The bag is a combination of blueish green wool and blue green fun fur. I like the shape of the bag and will probably knit one for myself without the fun fur.

The handsewn lining is a cotton polyester blend with blue and green flowers trimmed in gold.

Having difficulty loading pictures today. All photos of this bag are on the etsy site.

It was a fun bag to knit. It was knit in the round. I learned how to knit an I-Cord for this purse. Once I figured out the method, it was easy.

The more I look at this bag, the more it reminds me of family gatherings - a little wild and hairy but strong and stable.

2006-03-12T17:30:00.000-05:00

The red silk purse is finished! It's going up on the Etsy site after I finish this posting. The finished bag measures 81/4" L by 7 1/2" W with a 35" strap. I think it took longer to sew in the lining than it took to knit the bag - where is my mother when I need her???

Here's the picture of the finished product. Manasi (creator of the yarn), I hope I did justice to your spectacular yarn.

Next projects to finish: the fuzzy blue green felted bag as well as the hot pink and black purse for a special teenager!

2006-03-07T07:49:00.000-05:00

It's sunny and cold here in Richmond. The birds are dancing outside my window - it's as if they are saying "Let us in!" I'm almost finished with the red bag. Of course, it is not turning out at all like I thought it would. I imagined a lovely clutch evening bag, but as the pattern began to emerge,

it has become a 7x7 bag with a skinny shoulder strap. I have three more rows to knit and then I can block and sew together and add a 36-48" shoulder strap. I'm lining the bag with a dark blue lining.

The vibrant colors remind me of Tibet, Afghanistan or India (The native home of Manasi who created this silk yarn). I love that this bag has an international flair and that each stitch is tightly held together by another stitch. Knitting really does represent life. I shouldn't be surprised that the bag has turned out to be something more wonderful than I imagined, because isn't that how life is? Life never turns out as I imagine and when I let God take control, I just need to hang on for the ride!

Off to class. I can't wait to finish this bag. It should be on my Etsy site by the weekend. I hate parting with items such as this but I know the owner has already been picked out, even if they don't know it yet.

Blessings.

2006-03-01T16:38:00.000-05:00

I've resisted knitting all day because I'm suppose to be working on a paper for theology class. Just as I suspected, as soon as I picked up my knitting needles the structure of the paper came to me. There is something mysterious about the power of slowing down and focusing while knitting.

I wanted to post these photos before I went back to the paper. The yarn I'm using came from www.yarnahoy.etsy.com. The first yarn is called "Almost Bloody Mary" and it is handspun Silky Ingeo vegetarian yarn. Ingeo is corn fiber. I agree with Manasi's description in that the color is a shade somewhere between wine & tomato! The second yarn is called "Jewels of the Nizam". The color in this handpainted silk yarn are red, purple, blue and green. I can just see a royal crown made of these colors.

I bought this yarn a month ago and have been sitting with it contemplating what it would become. The longer I wait the more I see an evening clutch bag. I knitting the two yarns together because silk yarn is very fragile and I do not want it to split or not be able to withstand use. I plan to line the bag with black silk.

Attached is the first photo of the swatch I made a few minutes ago. At first I thought I would use a size 6 needle but the swatch is too bulky. After switching to a size 4 I like the tightness of the stitches and the way it lays flat. I only knitted two rows of stockinette stitch but I can already tell that will be the stitch I use for the bag. It is difficult to see in this photo the difference in the stitch size. Also, the photo makes the yarn look a little orangey but it really does look like a blend of dark red wine and a juicy tomato!

The colors are so vibrant - I can only imagine how stunning this will look with a summer linen dress or silk shawl.

The second photo shows my notes on how I determined the stitch to use.

Okay, I'm really going to finish my paper - it's due at 11 tomorrow.

2006-03-01T07:57:00.000-05:00

March 1, 2006

This is the first blog I've ever written. It has taken me a while to enter into the blogging world but I wanted to create a space where I could journal my thoughts about my knitting. I began knitting seven months ago as a way to grieve the loss of my brother Alan. Once I started, I couldn't stop. I made scarves, hats, and blankets for family and friends. I soon realized that in order to continue purchasing yarn, I'd have to sell some items that I make. I've opened my own shop on Etsy - www.sacredpathways.etsy.com and I'm having a blast. My prices include the cost of the yarn and a nominal labor charge. For me, it's not about the selling of the items. Instead, it's about creating something that will allow the receiver to have an opportunity to enter in a personal space to meet with the Sacred. That's how I came up with the name SacredPathways. We each have a pathway waiting for us, it is our choice to enter the path.

Today I'm beginning a multicolored silk purse. The colors of the yarn are red, green, blue -- with red as the predominant color. I purchased the yarn from www.yarnahoy.etsy.com. Manasi has the most beautiful yarns, mainly because she draws from her native India as she creates the most vibrant colors I've ever seen. I'll post a picture of the yarn tomorrow as I begin to knit the purse.

Two of my dear friends, Mary (www.divinelydesigned.etsy.com) and Renee (still working on her shop's name) are or have opened their own shops as well. I can't wait to hear about the blessings they receive by sharing their creative creations with others.

I look forward to connecting with others, those who are knitting, grieving or just celebrating life.