Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Air, Sun and Water

A new shawl has been cast-on!

A shawl that looks like sun-glistened water.



A shawl that reminds me of blue summer air and golden days



Each stitch brings those lazy, sunny days at the Lake closer.



The pattern: Amy Singer's Montego Bay Scarf -- but being made wider for a summer shawl.

The yarn: The luscious Sea Silk.

Thursday, April 23, 2009

I'm Warped

Or am I wefted?

Took a class with most patient teacher in the world, Cynthia at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio.

In less than three hours, she had us weaving on our Cricket Looms.

Two of my classmates left before I was able to take a photo. But they were weaving with silver thread and black yarn -- stunning.

Justin took weaving to a new level! Look at those loops-- doesn't it look like a sculpture?


Me? I'm boring.


But I sure do like that warp and weft!

Monday, April 20, 2009

G is for

GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS.

In a previous entry, I noted that A is for Albany and, since Albany is the Capital of NYS, the business of Albany is government.

Hubster and went up to Albany this past weekend -- an old city that doesn't lack for government buildings!


The gothic Capitol and the Corinthian columns of the NYS Education Building:






The deco Alfred E. Smith Building


A few of the buildings in the modern Empire State Plaza




G is also for Governor and


the Governor's residence

Friday, April 17, 2009

Finished on Friday

The Kippy Blankie was finished shortly after midnight


Specifics:
Yarn: Plymouth Encore / 2 skeins
Crochet Hook: H
Stitches: Whatever! single, double, half-double, triple crochet; crossed stitch; spike stitch; a few "design element" stitches

This blankie was just what I needed to make. When I gave Kippy the blankie, I told her that this was a gift from Barney and that happy memories of him were crocheted into it. She murmured a little meow and then nuzzled my hand.

She then gave it her Cat Seal of Approval


How cute is this little paw?!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The Sound of Spring

Despite the snow flurries and the freezing temperatures, we've been hearing Spring coming down our street everyday at around 5:00PM.



We have laws in NYC regarding when the ice cream vendors can play that annoying tune. On the move, it's OK. But they have to turn it off when standing still.

Are you a fan of tinny ice cream truck tunes?

WARNING! If you're a person who's sensitive to earworms don't click anything on that site!

And if you do, don't tell me. I can't hear you over the music.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Happy Easter

The multi-talented Sonja has a lovely entry that includes a couple of links to the 1913 Easter Parade. Hop on over there and take a look!

She also mentions that in years past, I've taken photos of some of the fancy hats worn. The Easter Parade is a wonderful NYC event. People walk up and down 5th Avenue wearing beautiful, dramatic and goofy hats!









Oh yeah, I do love NY!

Have a Happy and Blessed Easter!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Why Crochet?

This is why:



Our other cat, Kippy, needs some extra lovin' these days. She's missing Barney as much as we are. And I needed something different to do. Didn't want to knit the sadness I was feeling into the Clapotis I've been working on.

I used to crochet years and years ago. And figured this would be a good time to practice the stitches.

This cat blankie isn't going to be best looking thing I've ever made. It's a combination of all kinds of crochet stitches. There's no pattern in mind. And I think I'm even making up some stitches.

But Kippy doesn't care. She just wants to snuggle into it.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

"I worked, I knitted"

A wonderful story coming from the area of Italy where the earthquake struck. A 98 year old woman waited to be rescued from under the rubble by knitting for thirty hours!

And I think I exhibit patience when I'm waiting all of 15 minutes at the dentist's office by pulling out my needles!

Friday, April 3, 2009

New Things

Thank you, everybody, for your comments and kind words about the passing of Barney. I truly appreciate each one of them.

On a happier note, Spring has started here in NYC!





And there's something else new around here--