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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