Broken Cameras and cold weather!

It has been almost 5 days since a post. I have been to Boston . Oh the best of plans i had........I arrived in Boston on Monday morning, after flying all night. It was downright cold( I am from the desert you know) I had to take a good 4 hour nap. when I awoke the weather was getting worse.I looked up the Isabelle Stewart Gardner Musuem . I have been wanting to go there ever since I read I read the book Strapless( http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/apr/17/mxreview78844/

The woman the museum is named after was one of John Singer Sargent's biggest patrons. ......oh to my dismay It is closed on Mondays......dash it all. Next best thing would be to go to a knitting store! I looked one up on my darn broken camera phone( I know I am really whining about this camera thing)and saw there is a knittting store I haven't been to, in Cambridge, near Harvard Square. So I was on my way

I walked out of the hotel and the sky was spitting unsweetened slurppey at me... Yuck it was cold wet and miserable.......So I changed my plans again I walked down to the public library and sat in the beautiful reading room on the second floor and just knitted for a while. If you have never been to the public library in Boston I highly recommend it. The murals on the third floor where done by John Singer Sargent. I believe the other murals were done by Edward Abby. The reading room is an Architectural gem of America( This was how it was described to me by the dean of architecture for the Boston school of architecture)It is a spectacularly restful and beautiful place... Its also warm and dry when the sky has turned into a wet slurppy machine!

After some restful knitting in a beautiful place I was off for a yarn fix, to my favorite yarn shop in Boston, Newburry Yarns. It is located on Newburry street. The owner Aldritch is just a delightful breath of fresh air on a wet winter day! Her little shop is like a French atelier. with high windows and walls of yarn. I was coveting a wool crepe by Schafer yarns only 100.00$ a skein ( she has more affordable yarnbut I just have champagne taste with my beer budget wallet)

After a wonderful chat and yarn fix I was in desperate need of tea.. The perfect place Tealuxe on Newburry street.They have probably 200 different kinds of tea. I settled in with a big cup of almond rooboos(no caffeine I must sleep tonight) and a big biscotti. A little knitting and it was back to the hotel to try and get some sleep for the long day ahead...........

The nova scotia cowl

I still don't have a camera(its in the mail) my wonderful friend Sari sent me a photo of the cowl I knitted for her Hanukkah present. I think she does it justice she is such a beautiful person. Well I am off to pack for my next adventure ! Boston for 24 hours. The weather eye says it is snowing burrr better pack lots a woollies!
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Tips for Flying Knitting

I was recently asked...Can I bring needles on the plane? As a traveling knitter I am often asked this question.

Needles Have been approved for travel since shortly after 9/11 on American carriers.

However International flying can be sketchy. If you are traveling out of the USA you will probably be ok ,traveling into the USA is always a risk.(different counties different rules.)

I do have some recommendations. I always travel with wood or bamboo needles. It takes long enough to go though security without having to stop and explain your knitting. The wood/ bamboo needles just don't show up on x ray. I carry a massive suply of needles I have a set of wood interchangeable needles and I carry tons of 0,1,2,3 sock needles.

If you have any doubts I always recommend carrying an extra set of needles in the same size in your checked baggage. Carry a plastic darning needle with some bulky yarn on it with your knitting project. Then if for any reason they try to confiscate your knitting you can thread all you live stitches on the needle and thread, and you have a back up set with you when you get to your final destination.

If you are on Ravelry there is a group called Plane-knitters who have been posting all the airports they have been in and out of and if they have had any problems.

I really hope this clears up any misconception that you can't bring needles on the plane. I love to see your projects! I usually have my camera and I love to post my fellow knitters projects!( I am still waiting for my new phone to get here....so still no pictures)

So I want to see lots of knitting on my flights!!!

Safe Flying and Happy Knitting

Merry Christmas

Ok The Christmas scarf can be revealed. It is a skull and cross bones Scarf with a back that is striped. I knitted it in Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool.

The Sweater Was Knitted by my Mother 50years ago for my father. I inherited it when I was in high school. I cherish it. It was my mothers first project ( she was crazy.!... Fair isle and a sweater as your first project) It is knitted in industrial strength wool.

I would like to wish everyone reading this Blog a very Merry Christmas.

May you always have joy in knitting.....

May you never have dropped stitches......

......and may your Yarn never tangle.....

Last day of flying

Today was the last day of my trip. Flying from Charlotte to San Francisco then a dead head home. (Dead heading is when we fly as passengers to our home base). On the Charlotte San Francisco flight I might a fellow sock knitter. She was working on a simple rib sock.
On the San Fran phoenix flight I met an other fellow sock knitter Trisha she was swatching patterns to determine what she was going to do! I am just to lazy to do this - barely swatch to gage( I suffer for this I know ) I would have wonderful pictures of all this,but for my stupid phone oh well time to call t mobile and get a new phone!
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Charlotte Oh Charlotte

I am A Traveling Knitter and here's my story.....
Well I now have a little crush on Charlotte North Carolina. It was a great cold sunny day. I once again used my magical app,poynt on my Blackberry. And found that there was a knitting store a mile and a half from the hotel we stay at downtown. ..... Those of you know me, know that's nothing when yarn is involved!
Off I went to see what Charlotte Yarn had to offer. I had no idea what I was in for. Wow never judge a book by its cover. The store is in a very nice neighborhood(well get to that later) it is in a very nondescript shopping mall. I walked and was immediately greeted with great southern charm. And suddenly I was seeing amazing samples of wonderful knitting and beautiful patterns. I was only 5 feet in the store and - wanted to know what 3 different patterns were(this hasn't happened in a while.... I have been complacent). I was experiencing the thrill of discovery. I was to discover that the warm welcome had come from the vivacious owner Remi. Her stash of yarns are wonderful,varied,and surprising. . She has a large selection of malabrigo, wonderful tweed alpaca, and my secret favorite yarn Fleece Artist(I have a long standing love affair with Fleece artist and her sister handmaiden....does that make me a player... With yarn I guess I am a player!)
I actually went off my stash diet and bought a local treasure called Knit for Knitting. By Natalie Johnson. She lives in Mayberry NC( yes folks that's right Andy Griffin, Barney Fife, and Aunt Bea)
Check her out at www.KnitFitKnitting.com
I want to use my beautiful skein of yarn to knit a scarf I saw in Charlotte Yarn in the book exquisite little knits. The flying L scarf. I will get right to that project once I finish the secret christmas knitting!
I am looking forward to spending lots of time in Charlotte Yarn. I am now going to make a point to bid Charlotte overnights. (Look at what I found on my first adventure....I can't wait to see what other jewels I can find)
On my way back I decided to cut through the neighborhood between Charlotte Yarn and the hotel. Wow I am enchanted. Its is like the garden district in New Orlenes. Beautiful Tree lined streets and lovely homes beautifully manicures yards. If it is this beautiful in the winter I can't wait for spring and summer.
Check out Charlotte Yarn
www.charlotteyarn.com
If you go in tell tham A Traveling Knitter sent you!

I need to apologize,for those that follow me , There are no pictures and won't be till I get home. The camera on my phone is kaputt. If they have to send me a new phone it will be the 4th phone this year.. Thankfully it is still under warranty. I love what the Blackberry can do but I have been having a run of bad luck with these phones. So that just means I will have to come back to Charlotte with working Camera... That won't be hard to do
...................Oh Charlotte we have so much to do........
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Night flying

So this my home for the next 5 hours. Its almost midnight and we are flying the night flight to Charlotte! So this week is about patience! It is definitly the holidays the airports are packed and people are stressed. So let's all take a deep breath. And try to remember we are all in the same boat (or airplane )
Tips for Traveling....
Stay hydrated and well fed!
(I know airports are expensive) but bring trailmix dried fruit protien bars or just get there early and spluge on airport food to take on the plane with you!
Do Not rely on the airlines to supply anything. ( The glory days are over)
If you rely on the airlines you will only be hungry and mad!
Carry an empty water bottle with you.
It is perfectly aceptable to carry a empty contanier thru security! Then when you are on the other side fill it up with water from a soda fountain or water faucet! Most soda fontains have filtered water and a lot of food vendors don't mind if filling a container for you!
ALWAYS HAVE KNITTING
I always bring an easy sock along with any other project I am working on. That way uyou are always prepared for dlays cancellations. What ever comes your way
To be continued....
I have to say welcome aboard.

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Knitting Classes

I am teaching again! I am teaching several classes in February and April. I am doing a great one day class on the Ilene market bag. I have modified it to be used with second time around cotton! I use mine every time I go to the grocery store! Fyi...... its a blast to knit!
I am also teaching my rosebud shawl
That's the shawl in the picture
And I am really excited to be teaching a Men's Beginning knitting class....If you know any guys in the Phoenix area that want to learn how to knit spread the word...................

Check out the schedule at

http://knithappensllc.blogspot.com/
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Twitter Retarded

Ok so I am Twitter retarded... I know some would be offended by my choice of words, but if you look in the dictionarey it says.......

Main Entry: re·tard·ed

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈtär-dəd\

Function: adjective

Date: 1895 : slow or limited in intellectual or emotional development or academic progress... So There you Have it!

I am just Twitter retarded! I just don't get it . I can't even decipher what people are twittering about It is like a foreign language.. My friend David told me I might like it. Its not that I don't like it, I don't get it? So If you go to my Twitter page you will see a pretty little page with a few posts and no followers.(I deleted the only ones I had when I realized they just linked to porn....) If you leave me a comment I may or may not respond .. Oh I got to go the short bus just pulled up!

Knitting cough! Knitting Sneeze!

Oh know is it a cold or just allergies. I have too much to do! I was supposed to fly a Honolulu trip and had to call in sick (congestion and cabin pressure are not a friendly mix)I was disappointed not only to miss out on a little beach time. I was planning on lots of knitting time. I still have a 4 day trip starting on Sunday.......
Ok the Doctor just confirmed it no Strep no Cold, just Allergies! So it looks like I will be off to Charlotte on Sunday. If any of my readers know of some good places of interest(you know knitting stores coffee houses or good restaurants)let me know I have 24 hours and am going to be downtown.
Now I just have to finish the secret knitting!
Have a great day!

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The Lady of The Winter Wood

It was 10 days to the winter celebration. Lilia,Elmer, and their friend Biggins where traveling through the woods on there way to the first of the pre-festives! They stopped to chat about The Lady of the Winter Woods...... Lilia and Elmer were Twiggins. The Twiggins had a long history of The Lady. Lilia was anxious to tell Biggins all about her. Biggins was a Elwin. The Twiggins and the Elwins had lived in peace in the Winter Wood as long as history spoke of it's self.

Lilia told biggins that the Lady was care taker of the Winter Wood. She watched over them, and if you listened real hard on a Winter night you could hear her singing to all who listened.

If you listen real close you can hear her music also.....................

This is a original sculpture by my partner Kelly.

I am blessed to live with This kind of beauty all year around . I just thought I would share this beautiful piece of holiday cheer with you.........

This is Wishing You a Happy and Joyous Holiday Season.

Thank goodness for socks and brownies!

I am so tired of having Halfs-Himmers(you know when you remember half the things half the time)
This time I arrived at my favorite coffee house (Copperstar) to do some secret Holiday knitting. (All will be revealed after Christmas)
I pulled out my knitting and what do you think I forgot? The needles! Really who forgets the needles. Usually I have more needles than I know what to do with!
At least I have the socks I always have in my bag! The big brownie I ordered has lulled me with its magic powers and the yummy coconut green tea. .............ahhhh what did I forget?

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On The Road to Tucson

In keeping with my perfect flight attendant vacation,(no airports! no airplanes !no peanuts!) Kelly and I decided to take a road trip to Tucson. We have wanted to go visit our niece for a while and see her new digs. She is going to the University of Arizona, one of my three alma mater's( I went to all three state universities in Arizona, but thats a different story). so we loaded up the car and off we went. I have to confess folks this is not a long road trip it only takes an hour and forty minutes.

We made it to Tucson by 12:30, Saw Daryn's

Adorable little guest house. Kelly gave it his

stamp of approval.( this is a big deal. He is very opinionated about interiors, and everything else, for that matter) I am not surprised it was cute, she has grow up in

an interior design environment, learning and absorbing from everyone around her.

so where would our first stop be. well Poynt the little wonder app on my Blackberry said that there was a knitting store less than a half a

mile away! (I could smell It!)

We were off to Kiwi Knitting Company, in the Sam Hughes neighborhood. It is a beautiful shop in a charming old house. Lynn the owner is very welcoming, as is Rocky the true owner of the shop. The shop carries a wonderful selection of wools, as well as rovings( for my spinning friends) My favorite room is the veggie room aptly named for the alternative fibers

(The Veggie Room)

( Rocky wont go in there. Apparently veggies have no interest to his meat loving

instincts)

The little group of shops on the corner are also fun for a look see!

Across the street is a great market. Now I dare you to resist the pastery case!

So, now that I had my fiber fix, it was off to Fourth Avenue. Fourth Ave has always been an eclectic mix of artist and hippies. ( It warms my hippie heart to see that hippies are still in vogue)

First stop Antigone Books . I love a book shop, and I especially love an independent book seller(there are so few left) This store has such a wide variety of books and card and just plain coolness you cant help but get lost. It brings to mind The old days of Changing Hands before Tempe died.( or maybe I should say back when Tempe was a fun funky college town before they tried to turn it in to a mall, yet again that is a different story.)

After antigone we found this amazing shop called PoP Cycle!

(Levi looking proud)

Recycled, upcycled,green and sustainable gifts, accessories, apparel, and furniture. This store was amazing fun, fun , and more fun. It is a family of artists doing amazing things.(DeDe, Shannon, Jennifer, and Levi) I could have spent a fortune ,but for that stupid budget thing I have going on. You just have to see the store to believe it. Again my niece with the great taste for hip and fun stuff took us there.

TIME FOR SUSTENANCE!

It was off to the epic cafe for black forest chocolate cup cakes and tea and coffee! Yum!

We hung out and then decided to go to El Chorro for dinner. ( I am a firm believer in the motto "life is short eat desert first")

El Chorro is an institution! It has been serving Mexican food in its little house complex for as long as I have been going to Tucson (trust me, thats along time) It is worth the trip alone.

So, with rather full bellies and warm hearts we headed back to Phoenix!

Felted Gingerbread Men...mmm Yummy

This little elf has been hard at work. (Okay, so I am not little. I am a big hairy elf, but I have been hard at work) I felted the wool and used scrap yarn. I did buy a bag of little buttons at the craft store. I think they turned out pretty cute. I had enough felted wool for 14 gingerbread men. I have decorated 4 of them. I am going to do a few each day. That way I might finish decorating them all with out reaching burn out!( If you know what I mean and I think you do!) I was going to tie them on packages ,but thats just insane. I am going to make them into little presents as Christmas cards.

Ho ho ho this little ....okay big hairy elf has to get back to work!

One Gift Done

Well one gift done. Ready to be sent to Australia. Its the Nova Scotia Shawl. I knitted with hand painted Yummy. It is a finger weight wool. I know it is summer in Australia(fall is around the corner). I used 2 skeins of yarn which knitted to 67inches. Whew now I just have to finish the scarf for my partner.
I am still working on the gingerbread men. I already knitted the skien I bought at Knit Happens.(LYS in Scottsdale) I just found a skien of Lambs Pride bulky chocolate brown, so I decided to knit it as well. I figure if I am going to felt the more the merrier!
Stay tuned......
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Holiday Knitting

Not that I needed a new project I started one anyway. Yesterday I received the Church Mouse yarn and tea newsletter. They always add a little pattern inside. The holiday pattern was to irresistible ignore.
You cast on enough stitches with chunky gingerbread colored yarn, and appropriate size circulars. Join in the round and knit the whole skien. Felt the crap out of it(my words they are to polite to use such language). Cut the tube open, iron it, trace gingerbread cookie cutters and cut out gingerbread men.(or women) Decorate with buttons embroidery flos eyes. The sky is the limit.
Happy Holiday Knitting!
I am going to use them as ornaments and to tie on gifts.
I will post the progress!
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Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas.......

Yesterday we decorated the light poles in our neighbor hood.
My partner and I live in a great neighborhood of friends. Last year Maureen our neighbor (and dear friend) thought it would be fun to have a neighborhood get together for the holidays. It turned out to be a great success. This year my partner (the visual artist) came up with the idea of decorating all the street lights in the neighborhood. So yesterday the neighborhood elves assembled, armed with a ladder,scissors,wine, and christmas graffitied the neighborhood. Some of the elves delivered the beautiful invite (again Kelly's design).
I had the idea we should knit each pole a sweater, but since I am the only one who knits, I kept my mouth shut! (Can you imagine 6 nine foot long sweaters arghhh)
I am so blessed to live in a wonderful front porch neighborhood. (Even though we don't have a front porch.....yet)
I better get back to knitting the clock is ticking. Tick tock tick tock....
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Scientific Proof! (Knitting can make you happy)

This morning I was eating my oatmeal,which I am not crazy about,but everyone in THE WORLD says its good for my cholesterol. I came across a article in Prevention magazine about happiness. Among their tips, it recommends that you let your mind wander. In one recent study by researches at University of British Columbia. "People who allowed their minds to wander while doing simple tasks tapped into not only their executive brain network( source of logical thinking and problem solving) but also their "default network" that is the well spring for creative thought and relaxed, introspective thinking."
So sounds like knitting to me!
The second item that points to knitting, make something.
Easy enough, but there is a downside. You have to finish the job! Uh oh! No more UFOs(for the acronym challenged that's unfinished items, most knitters have a few). Yeah like that's going to happen
The final item is, give stuff away(they said money,but we all know knitted items are worth so much more than money!)
There you have it! Proof that our obsession ie. . little hobby, Scientically makes us happier more productive members of society.
Now I need to do a little research on how to solve global warming with brownies and wine!
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Oh my did you say christmas is less than a month!

!@#$ I have to knit like a maniac. I sure would love to show you what I am working on but that would spoil the surprise for the recipients .. needless to say even this is cutting in to knitting time!!!

Prescott

Today we drove up to Prescott to check on the cabin. I can't go to Prescott without a yarn fix so off to the Good Yarn. Its a great little knitting nook to hang out and knit for awhile. Debra has a huge supply of cherry tree sock yarn. (Must resist sock yarn! Your yarn stash is still overflowing. Remember your yarn diet!) Ooooo lama wool Cascade yarn! (You vowed to loose a few inches around your stash) I made it out! I bet you couldn't!
We just happened to come up the night of the Courthouse lighting and light parade. It is starting to feel like Christmas
We are hunting for hot chocolate.
I said I was on a yarn diet not a people diet!
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Thanksgiving

Today is my favorite Holiday. It is a holiday which only has one requirement. That you be thankful. Some might say that it requires cooking or food. If you really think, it really is just about giving thanks.
It has been said "if the only prayer you say is Thank you. It is enough"
So, for all the joy I have in my life and to any one reading this.
I say THANK YOU

Happy Thanksgiving!
A Traveling Knitter
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Todays sky knitting

Ok Ann was a little embarrassed of her piece of trim she was working on. However as we all know,sometimes it takes several pieces to make a beautiful whole! She is making what sounds like a fantastic vest. You have to love the color. Thanks to Ann for sharing.
I am on the flight from Phoenix to Columbus. I haven't decide what I am going to work on tonight. I brought knitting and spinning. Yes I am still at the spinning I am getting better and have even stopped cussing at my spindle. ( Well I am not cussing as much). I want to have enough yarn to make something. I am thinking half gloves.
I will keep you posted.
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Notes from the sky

Well it has been a very quiet trip as far as knitters go. Yesterday I went to the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Philadelphia. They have a brown bag lunch concert series that is free to the public. It is every wednesday from 12:30 pm to 1:30pm. So, I grabbed my knitting and sat in a beautiful cathedral listening to a young concert pianist. That's the way to spend an hour. I thought it was quite appropriate that the lace shawl I am knitting. Is all a repeat of threes. (Get it the holy trinity).

From there I decided to get some more knitting done in the park( Rittenhouse Square).
It was a beautiful day.

What would be a trip to Philadelphia with out a stop at Loop. I bought another pencil roving. I am still playing at being a spinner! I am doing much better so I decided. I need to spin enough yarn to actually make something. (I am too smart for my own good) so last night I spent two hours watching tv an spinning. Ok you might want to sit for this. I have a whole skien of hand spun yarn!!! One more and I will have enough for the half gloves I want to design.
Ok just a few notes from the air. This is from the flight attendants view point.
Stop telling us what your going to do in the bathroom. Lately, it seems everyone wants to explain why they are going in to the lavoratorys. Really if your going in it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure you going to do some kind of bodily function. To much information people. On that note please stop showing us your medication when you ask for a drink of water. Will give you the water without any proof. Even if you just want it to drink.
Ok now this one really makes me smile when you come on board and ask where row 7 is (or any row). I will usually respond with we hide it behind row 6 and in front of row 8. ( Have you every been on a plane that has shuffled rows. Ie.. 185724. It would be very confusing)
There is this theory that when people travel they forget to pack there brains or at least there common sense don't be one of those people.
Ok got to go. I wonder where the Van picks us up. Oh right, it would be under the sign that says van pickup. I hate when I forget to pack my brain!
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Exciting news at Knit Happens

Just a couple of of knitters with a decapted torso!

(nothing strange here!)

For those of you just getting to know me,when I am home, my local yarn store is Knit Happens. It is very energetic fairly new store in Scottsdale. We had a teachers meeting Saturday and there are going to be some great new classes for spring. I think I am going to sign on for 4 classes. two of my own designs a lace cowl I have yet to name and The Rosebud Shawl .( I will have pictures soon) Then I am doing a Modification of the Ilene bag that is free on Ravelry. Finally, I will teach a beginners knitting class for men.

CJ, the owner of Knit Happens has some really great new ideas and it looks like it will be a great spring!

Weddings

This weekend has been a whirl wind. Friday night after 12 hours on a plane we had a rehersal dinner for the son of our very good friends Maureen and Dennis. My partner Kelly is an event cordinator and took on the role The Wedding Planner(formerly played by Jenifer Lopez). The wedding on Saturday was held at the Desert Botanical Gardens. It was an absolutely beautiful day . Sunday we helped our dear friends with a brunch

Last day of the trip

Well the last day of my trip was the longest. Seattle, Las Vegas, Dallas, Phoenix. My knitters(and crocheters) on the flight were the Las vegas Dallas leg. First was Diane check out the Beautiful lace piece from Astonia Lace. It will be utterly amazing when it is blocked out. Then Sandra who was crocheting spectacular wrist warmers. I can crochet but I am not very good at it. I am so impressed by good talent!(See I am an equal opportunity kind of guy)
Thanks to everyone I ran into this week. It is so fun to see what talent is out there!
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Bainbridge Island

Yesterday was a perfect fall day in Seattle. The air was crisp the leaves are beautiful.
We were off to Bainbridge Island or to those in the know the home of Churchmouse yarns & teas.
Churchmouse is a treasure! I have hard time explaining how wonderful it is. What's not to love? Yarn and tea under one roof, beautifully displayed. Every time I go I am inspired. Kit and her girls are inviting knowledgeable and just downright fun!.


My new students loved it to.
I was really disappointed we had to head back early. ( Sometimes exhaustion rules) They were having a reception for Jared Flood who wrote Brooklyn Tweed. (Check out his blog its one of my favorites http://brooklyntweed.blogspot.com/ )
I have always admired him and would have loved to meet him.
Oh well I had to be satisfied with a big piece of marion berry pie from the Blackbird Bakery and some spiced tea.

( I know you don't feel sorry for me. Only I feel sorry for me!) As the Ferry headed to seattle and the sun was setting behind Bainbridge island. I marveled.
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A plane full of knitters!

Not to be mistaken with Snakes on a plane.( Which was horrifyingly stupid)

What an amazing flight from Philadelphia to Seattle. We had a virtually empty flight. 47 passengers to be exact, however we had 6 knitters including me! A plane full of knitters.
First we met Janet she is knitting a wonderful little dress for her granddaughter!


Then I met Colleen and asked what she was knitting. She modestly replied just a scarf. Oh people don't be modest about a scarf they take commitment. They are long long long! Look what a beautiful job she is doing.

Now Marianne was ready to show off the poncho she is knitting and how convenient it matches her beautiful scarf!

Look at my buddy Cheri's hands flying she is just starting. I think she is doing great. I might be a little prejudice. I am the teacher.

Frannie is just flying along. She stopped using that horrible Acrylic. And she bought a beautiful cashmere. You just have to love knitting with Cashmere.
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New students and spining success

Today was a day for new students and fun. We headed off for Rittenhouse square and loop. First stop Trinity Cathedral. Frannie had head of a concert series at lunch. We were a little late but were able to get a schedule I think that's my plan for next wednesday. Good place to knit and listen to classical music for an hour and a half.
Then it was off to Loop to get Frannie some decent yarn. I am not dissing Acrylic but the stuff she is ussing squeaks when she rubs it.
So here we are shopping, and my other buddy Cheri tells me she wants to learn to knit. I am all for introducing someone to the art of knitting. so tomorrow we will be having class. We are starting her with a dish cloth. She is not a total newbie to the craft. Years ago learned crochet, so she will have some knowledge of working with yarn.

.

Burrr is definatly fall here!
Now I know I have been keeping you abreast of my spinning. It is not easy. I saw a new book is to be released by interweave called respect the spindle. Maybe that's my problem. The way I have been cursing my spindle is not very respectful! So to my surprise Loop is now carrying imperial stock ranch pencil rovings. I had read on line that pencil rovings are easier to spin since the drafting is pretty much done for you. So a bought some to try.
After Loop it was off to a great little Thai restaurant (on chestnut and 19th) for a 3 course early bird special. Damn I am feeling like a senior citizen, eating the early bird special! Then again I am keeping weird hours.
With a full tummy it was back to the hotel for some spinning.
I AM DOING IT! There is very little cursing going on. I am actually starting to see the appeal! Check out my spindle of yarn. ( The knitting is still close at had to sooth any crazy fustration. )
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Late night lessons

Wow yesterday when I checked my schedule. I got a great gift I saw I was flying with my buddy Franni. She and I were in the same training class 24 years ago ( wow that's along time ago since I am only 29) I was pleased she brought a skien of yarn and her needles. So we had a late night knitting lesson, and I will tell you she has taken to it like a bee to honey. I think we have a recruit!
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Fall in Phoenix

It's monday afternoon and I am packing for this weeks adventure. I can't believe I have to leave this beautiful weather to go to gloomy weather.
I pulled over jumped out of my car and snapped this great picture. My projects for this week are the fun lace shawl.( I am really addicted to this pattern) I am also madly working on my partners surprise( I can't post a picture till after christmas) and, no I haven't given up I am still trying to spin.
So enough of this writting its too beautiful to be inside.
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Rain Rain Rain

So its a blustery rainy day in Seattle. Off I went armed with my umbrella and some determination.
First stop the bookstore to keep reading on spinning. Darn, If its not hard.
Then some chowder at the market. I love Pike Place chowder it has won tons of awards. Seriously I just love chowder!
Next stop So Much Yarn
Unfortunately Lauren the store owner was off. I did receive a wonderful welcome from her two great employees Teresa and Ginger!
This little store is tough to find but well worth the effort. It is above cost plus on the corner of Western and Lenora st. It is wonderful. Filled with all sorts of treasures. After my yarn fix,( you know the stuff that's already spun! ) It was off to the market to check out Heavens to Betsie. Rosetta runs her booth at the Public market. She has the greatest bags for knitting notions. Check her web site out www.heavenstobetsie.com
Tell A Traveling Knitter sent you.
Bought a great bag that makes me smile.
So what to do when you in the land of coffee and you only like tea.
Don't despair there are almost as many tea places as coffee spots. Not really but there are a few.
I love Crumpets. So off to The Crumpet Shop. What is tea without a great crumpet!
Then the blustery walk back to the hotel.
Time for a little knitting. Its perfect weather for it. Our hotel has nice fireplace in the lobby! Ahhhhh
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