Not So Ruby Slippers

This was a super fast knitting project.  Shiraz Slipper pattern from Everyday Finery by Mel Clark.  Knit up in one skein of Cascade 220, lined with a fabric scrap from stash and padded with leather scraps.  Very quick and fun.  I have never been a fan of felting but this project turned out exactly the right size and texture.  I hand felted them rather than use the washing machine and was much happier with the result.  (I snuck into Marshalls' shoe department for the pictures.)

Am I a Luddite or a Troglodyte?

thesaurus for luddite:technophobe, fear, green, moron, environmentalist, fundamentalist, geekned ludd, nerd, technology, troglodyte, doubt, dumbass, earth ego-warrior, fud, fuddite, hate, ignorant, more... 

thesaurus for troglodyte: caveman, neanderthal

Apparently the term luddite came from those opposed to the industrial revolution who destroyed mechanical knitting machines in opposition to the mechanization and de-humanization of knitting and weaving processes.  A troglodyte is defined as a reclusive sort who shuns technology.

This week, I missed a text, an e-mail and a phone call from Rachel saying she was in Sanford and wanted o have dinner with her mom and dad.  I did review the messages it was just 4 hours later and much too late for dinner.  Secondly, I tried to respond to a text to a dear friend and sent her a blank text which then prompted her to call me to see if I was alright.

I am alright, just a 1960s kind of alright.  I do not hear my phone and it takes me at least ten minutes to craft a response text to say "no, yes or on the way."  About two weeks ago I responded to my friend Roxanne's text with a lengthy, witty response.  I was so proud.  She never responded.  Later she showed me my text and it was either in russian, arabic or some not yet developed language.

I am not reclusive, fundamentalist or a hater.  But I am an incompetent.  This is an open apology to all my friends and family.  For all the times I didn't answer the cell phone although you called me four times (this is a long list including my husband, my children, my friends and co-workers).

If you have texted me without reply, I truly apologize.  I  would like to promise to do better but it is not happening.  I can't take the pressure.  I promise to check the phone periodically throughout the day, try to remember to take it off vibrate after meetings and call you if needed after a text.  Unless I have ten minutes to type "yes, no or on the way" as a response. I love you all dearly, I am just a luddite.

Gold Rush Scarf

Just finished this scarf.  After the ginormous fail of the dish towels, I warped the loom for a simple scarf based on the draft we did in my weaving class last year.  I used a rayon boucle and one skein of Berroco Captiva for the accent.  I am really pleased with this and have already warped for a second scarf in an eggshell rayon with orange accent.

Praise the Lard!

Here are some sights from the NC State Farmers Market.  Today was a beautiful, hot Saturday and perfect for trying to find the perfect tomatoes.

Only in North Carolina!

Came home and had "mater" sandwiches for supper.  Does it get any better than this?



Deep Peace

Deep Peace,  Deep Perserverance, Deeply Disturbed

This weekend involved an epiphany.  Unless I want to rendezvous with the guys with  the huggy coats it is time to put this one  away.  I need to rip back about twelve inches and I have already knit the same six inches of chart B at least eight times.  I seriously began to question my cognitive abilities.  Perhaps I need to achieve Deep Peace before I pick this one up again!

Now I have a nice pair of socks on the needles and life is good again.



The Kite Guy

It has been really neat to watch Reed re-discover a childhood love of kites.  What has been even neater is watching people take to the skies with their own kites.  Reed is often sought out by those people for a little technical assistance and he always helps.

Some of the other "big kite" fliers have little patience with the children attracted to their kites, telling them to stay back and not to touch.  Reed is the opposite he encourages the kids to touch the big kites and even fly them with him.  He purposely carries inexpensive toy kites and gives them to kids and their parents at the park.

I think I will keep him, he is a good guy.



Perfect Weekend

Yesterday we had a Girls with Purls dye day at my house. We had five crockpots and the microwave and dozens of packets of koolaid.   It was such fun.  There were 19 of us including Reed and I.  We enjoyed the gorgeous weather and gobbled down some burgers and hotdogs.  I love my friends.  We never fail to have fun and way too much food.  They are a great group and I am extremely fortunate.  I was running around too much to take pics but others did and I will share soon. 

Today we are headed out to the park to picnic and fly kites.  It is the most gorgeous day, sunny and breezy.  Reed does the actually flying of kites, I make the ultimate sacrifice and sit in the shade watching and knitting. 

Below are some Spa Cloths with some of my handmade soap.  From left to right it is Rosemary Wake -Up, kitchen soap with coffee and lemongrass and lemon poppyseed.