Failli

Where, O where, has my focus gone?

2011-12-31T19:35:00.001-05:00

Where, O where can it be?
If I could sum up 2011 with one word, for me, it would be 'focus'. My focus has shifted from one thing to another, back and forth, up and down; lost focus, regained focus and now steady focus. Things, people and ideals are all components of my focal shift. But they are not to blame.

My weak will is, revealing my increasing desperate need of a steadfast Savior. One who is full of Grace when I fall short. One who is unchanging when I am always changing. One who is Truth Himself when I am not true to myself. One who will never leave me alone, when I consistently leave Him. One who, "Hems me in-behind and before."

"For where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I go from Your presence?"

His growing, abounding, unending Grace silences me.
When my focus rests on Him, He is full of compassion and abounding in Love. When my focus rests on Him, my desire to see His face grows deeper.

This year, I have found myself studying Heaven: the place where His glory dwells! Never had I such an intense longing for Heaven and things unseen!
To be in His presence; where all is made new. Where all longings and desires are fulfilled by Jesus Himself. To gaze upon His beauty.

Oh, my foolish heart.

Prone to wander, Lord I feel it! Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart! Lord, take and seal it: seal it for Thy courts above!

Ready, Set, Go!

2011-12-26T01:18:00.001-05:00

Some frivolous, some bold. Goals, all the same.

1.) I really want to go to the very top of our state's capital building dome. All the way up. I've heard there's a little man who sits guard by the door that leads up. The view, I imagine, is fabulous from up there.

2.) I want to get involved in a Bible study/prayer group. Essential.

3.) I want to test drive a spiffy sports car and speed down the highway. Just for like a few minutes.

4.) I want to travel out of state more. Last year I only made it to Ohio, New York and North Carolina. I can do better. So far, on my planner for the coming year is Chicago, Illinois in January and Jackson, Mississippi in June.

5.) Meet new people! Develop new acquaintances and deepen relationships. Expand my circle of friends.

6.) I think I want to run a marathon.. I've been running for a while. My original purpose of running was to clear my head, pray, and push my body in ways similar to that of when I danced. However, I'd actually like to train for an event and set goals for myself.

7.) I want to take some ballroom dancing lessons. Really bad.

8.) Get married. There, I said it. Bold and rash? Perhaps. Anything can happen.

9.) Significantly decrease the amount of clothing in my closet. Significantly.

10.) Significantly increase my vocabulary. Apparently, I'm lacking.

{A Woman of Strength and Softness}

2011-10-07T17:02:00.001-05:00

Surrendered heart, not surrendered identity

a strength to be reckoned with

She does not demand respect

but you want to give it to her

Her presence invites you to rest

in fact she is like a tree

holding forth nurturing branches

not a spiderweb, trapping you for her soul food

Her vulnerability is so lovely

you cannot keep your soul out of hers

She is marked by genuine kindness

of one who has already forgiven you

for how you will fail her

She exudes the kind of strength

that trusts and waits and suffers

as unto God's purposes, not her own

She lays her own life down

like a lamb, not a dog

Her surrender flows from her love

not fear or desperation

Her surrender is a chosen thing

She lives in the vulnerability of her longing to be treasured

her longing to be known

her longing to be invited in

But she lets her disillusionment

tenderize, not toughen her heart

She does not hold the objects of her love captive

She does not make them pay

or tie them to her with guilt

or keep them in terror of her critical eye

But rather lets them fly free

Enjoying all the more the reunion

They get to choose to be with her

She lives at the mercy of no one

She is captive only to the Father

Thus she is free to love

Even if it means she loses

She chooses doing love over getting love.

Written by Lottie K. Hillard

{Late Summer Update}

2011-08-24T10:52:00.000-05:00

going away party for Jordan

party, after hours

Celebrated a 9 year old's birthday!

new home, for a while

Explored Ada, Ohio

All moved in to the new apartment

goodbye!

made spearmint tea from our herb garden in the French Press

was in Elizabeth's Arabian wedding!

Elizabeth's wedding

wedding cake!

on our way to a Sweet 16 Masquerade Ball!

{The Invitation}

2011-07-27T17:05:00.002-05:00

It doesn’t interest me

what you do for a living.

I want to know

what you ache for

and if you dare to dream

of meeting your heart’s longing.

It doesn’t interest me

how old you are.

I want to know

if you will risk

looking like a fool

for love

for your dream

for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn’t interest me

what planets are

squaring your moon…

I want to know

if you have touched

the centre of your own sorrow

if you have been opened

by life’s betrayals

or have become shrivelled and closed

from fear of further pain.

I want to know

if you can sit with pain

mine or your own

without moving to hide it

or fade it

or fix it.

I want to know

if you can be with joy

mine or your own

if you can dance with wildness

and let the ecstasy fill you

to the tips of your fingers and toes

without cautioning us

to be careful

to be realistic

to remember the limitations

of being human.

It doesn’t interest me

if the story you are telling me

is true.

I want to know if you can

disappoint another

to be true to yourself.

If you can bear

the accusation of betrayal

and not betray your own soul.

If you can be faithless

and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty

even when it is not pretty

every day.

And if you can source your own life

from its presence.

I want to know

if you can live with failure

yours and mine

and still stand at the edge of the lake

and shout to the silver of the full moon,

“Yes.”

It doesn’t interest me

to know where you live

or how much money you have.

I want to know if you can get up

after the night of grief and despair

weary and bruised to the bone

and do what needs to be done

to feed the children.

It doesn’t interest me

who you know

or how you came to be here.

I want to know if you will stand

in the centre of the fire

with me

and not shrink back.

It doesn’t interest me

where or what or with whom

you have studied.

I want to know

what sustains you

from the inside

when all else falls away.

I want to know

if you can be alone

with yourself

and if you truly like

the company you keep

in the empty moments.

By Oriah © The Invitation,

{Seeing Clearly}

2011-07-27T17:03:00.000-05:00

We don't yet see things clearly

We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist

But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright

We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us,

knowing him directly just as he knows us.

But for right now, until that completeness

We have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation;

Trust steadily in God

Hope unswervingly

Love extravagantly

And the best of the three is love.

I Corinthians 13:12-13

via little victories

{Laundry Detergent}

2011-07-21T16:17:00.004-05:00

One money-saver our family has been doing is making our own laundry detergent! In our large family, we usually do about 3-4 loads of laundry a day. Needless to say, we go through detergent prettyyyy quick. Instead of paying around $8-9 for a jug of liquid detergent that lasts about 40 loads, we are now only putting out around $6 for supplies to make about 25-30 gallons of super concentrated detergent that has lasted us for months.

My friend shared this particular recipe on her blog for moms who are using cloth diapers, as it is very gentle. Several of us have sensitive skin and the harsh fragrance, dye and sulfates found in commercial detergent was very irritating. And expensive. I doubled this recipe. My notes are in parentheses.

Homemade Laundry Soap via Ponder the Path

1 bar soap such as Fels Naptha or Ivory

1/2 C washing soda

1/2 C borax

1 large bucket
(I added 3-4 T. essential oil)

Grate soap bar in a pan on the stove top. Add 6 C water. Heat until soap melts and add other 2 ingredients. Remove from heat. Pour 4 C hot water into bucket. Add soap mixture and more water (I use about 24 cups) until desired depth is reached. Stir well. Let sit 24 hours to gel. (Took mine about 12 hours) Stir occasionally.
(This makes the concentrate. Now you can add more water to the bucket (you'll need to divide between two buckets) or fill up containers that are easy to use and pour when doing laundry. We recycled about 10 or so milk jugs, filling each with about half water, half concentrate. Leave about 1/4 of the jug empty so you can give it a good 'shake' before pouring.)

Here's the goods: Borax ($2.49), Washing Soda ($2.89), Ivory 3-pack($.97)

I used an old pot that we don't cook out of anymore. Or you could pick one up at Goodwill, etc.

Super concentrated mix. Should resemble slime :)

We use about 1/4 cup per load of laundry. The biggest thing to get used to is that fact that there are no 'suds'. This is the absence of surfactants. This does not mean the laundry is not getting clean!

Hope this is helpful to those wanting to save a little! Sure glad our family found a better way to save and clean :)

{Once in a While}

2011-07-14T14:05:00.001-05:00

Every once in a while, the clouds break and the sun shines through.

The air clears and I can see.

I can see clearly, like through an open door, an open book, an open mind.

The dust settles after months of searching in clutter; looking for the obvious, the apparent, with a closed mind, a closed book, a closed door.

Oblivious to the obvious.

Every once in a while, my eyes open and I see what I've been missing.

It is sparse, it is rare.

I can only see it if my eyes are open, if I am ready and expecting it.

It comes every once in a while.

It does not stay for long.

It's like the full moon or the changing seasons or the way newborns smile.

Catch it, capture it, hold it close.

And then, let it go.

by: me

{Butterscotch Cupcakes}

2011-05-18T20:16:00.000-05:00

I had seen my friend's Facebook status a few weeks ago, saying that she was trying out a new cupcake recipe: Butterscotch Cupcakes! Naturally, I emailed her and asked for the recipe; I thought they'd be a yummy treat for Mother's Day! They were a huge hit and gobbled right up :)

If I had a mini muffin pan, I would definitely make a miniature version of the cupcakes; very moist, very rich.

Enjoy! These are amazing!!

BUTTERSCOTCH CUPCAKES

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup butter or margarine, softened (I used coconut oil)
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup milk
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla
2/3 cup milk
3/4 cup butterscotch chips, coarsely chopped

Caramel Frosting

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Garnish

1/2 teaspoon kosher (coarse) salt

Heat oven to 350°F. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups, grease bottom and sides of muffin cups with shortening and lightly flour, or spray with baking spray with flour. In medium bowl, mix flour, baking powder and salt; set aside.
In large bowl, beat butter with electric mixer on medium speed 30 seconds. Gradually add granulated sugar, about 1/4 cup at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping bowl occasionally. Beat 2 minutes longer. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. On low speed, alternately add flour mixture, about 1/3 of mixture at a time, and milk, about 1/2 at a time, beating just until blended. Stir in butterscotch chips. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each with about 3 tablespoons batter or until 2/3 to 3/4 full.
Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 5 minutes. Remove cupcakes from pans; place on cooling racks. Cool completely, about 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, in 2-quart saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar with whisk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Stir in 1/4 cup milk. Return to boiling. Remove from heat; cool until lukewarm, about 30 minutes. Gradually stir in powdered sugar. Frost cooled cupcakes. Sprinkle each with kosher salt.

{A Lawyer Amongst Us}

2011-05-18T11:33:00.001-05:00

Last Saturday, my brother Jordan graduated from college! We are all very proud of him!

He graduated Summa cum Laude with Honors.... Congrats, Jordan!

The family!
L-R: Josiah, me, Jordan, Micah, Joel & Luke in front

Graduated with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Marshall University

He plans to go to Ohio Northern University this fall for his graduate degree.

{Brunch Berry Pizza}

2011-05-06T18:30:00.002-05:00

Years ago, I was visiting my dear friend Melody in Ohio and we went to a little luncheon at her friend's house. The served a delightful little fruit pizza that was amazingly delicious. We all begged for a copy of the recipe and she happily wrote it down for us.

Later than evening, Melody and I decided we must have more of that fruit pizza and made ourselves a batch. We also cooked up two more variations to this pizza!

I am not a fan of cake, so every year for my birthday I request this fruit pizza. We take it to baby showers, brunches, church events, make it for friends and consistently make it for a dessert. It is such a hit! I think it's our family's top choice for a dessert, second only to Chocolate Chip Cheesecake.

Please. Thoroughly enjoy this recipe! It's a perfect end to a summer meal.

Brunch Berry Pizza

Crust

2 c. flour

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 c. cold butter or margarine

1 c. chopped pecans

Filling

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese

1 egg

1/3 c. sugar

Topping

1 3/4 c. frozen mixed berries, thawed

1/2 c. sugar

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

1/4 c. water

fresh strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries as desired and to taste.

Combine flour, powdered sugar, and pecans. Cut in margarine, stirring just until crumbly. Spread and press into an ungreased 12" pizza pan (10x14" cookie sheet with sides works, too). Bake at 350 for 12-14 min. until crust is set and edges are lightly browned. In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, egg, and sugar until smooth. Spread over the crust. Bake 8-10 minutes longer or until set. Cool to room temperature.

For topping, process mixed berries and sugar in a blender. In a saucepan, combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Add mixed berry mixture. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Let cool slightly, and spread over cream cheese layer. Arrange fresh berries on top. Refrigerate.

Variation 1

Crust

2 c. flour

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 c. cold butter or margarine

1 c. chopped pecans

Filling

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese

1 jar canned pumpkin

1/4-1/2 powdered sugar, depending on taste

Topping

3-4 Gala apples, thinly sliced

cinnamon

Variation 2

2 c. flour

1/2 c. powdered sugar

1 c. cold butter or margarine

1 c. chopped pecans

Filling

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese

1 egg

1-2 Tbsp. cocoa (or more!), depending on taste

Topping

Blueberries

shaved chocolate

{Clip...Clip...Clip}

2011-04-13T18:14:00.003-05:00

We have joined the coupon craze. We watched a few episodes of Extreme Couponing (on TLC or YouTube) for inspiration and then made a game plan.

First, on Sundays, we get a Sunday paper with inserts. Friends and family are a great help in saving their inserts for us; also check your local library for even more inserts. There's usually a whole stack of them from the various papers the library receives throughout the week.

Next we make our list for things we need (grocery items) and things we need to stock up on (toilet paper, toothpaste, etc.) and then we plug in what we need to what's on sale in the store ads. The trick is to use the coupon on the sale item which hopefully will be the item on your shopping list!

So on Monday, we sort...

clip and stack....

and Tuesday we shop. Try to frequent only one grocery store and one pharmacy, otherwise you will just get bombarded with sale ads and getting roped into so many store rewards programs will be overwhelming and unproductive.

Here are a few sites that are very encouraging, informative and helpful:

Faithful Provisions

Clipper Girl

Hip 2 Save

This is such a frugal way of shopping! There are so many benefits to couponing; I will definitely be using my coupon 'skills' in my household someday :)

{Spring Break Book List}

2011-04-05T20:06:00.000-05:00

On my spring break I shall be curling up with this lovely stack of books, all recommended by my bookish friends :)I am pretty ashamed with myself for not reading as much throughout the winter! Armed with this reading list, I intended to redeem myself.

The List:

Till We Have Faces by C.S. Lewis

This is a Greek myth retold. I really dislike any thing Greek and mythology is rather creepy and odd to me, but I have been trying to read all of C. S. Lewis's books and when I came to this myth I actually really enjoyed it. It's a very good story about two princess sisters; one is a gorgeous goddess and one is an ugly mortal. It's kind of deep (classic Lewis)... The struggles between sacred and profane love...a good story.

You Can Farm by Joel Salatin
Yes you can! It's more about owning and managing a farm based business. Very witty.

The Sacred Romance: Drawing Closer to the Heat of God by John Eldridge
Self-explanatory :)

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare
This book is set in the time of Jesus and Romans. It is a little slow to begin with but stick with it...

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
Another by Elizabeth. About the Salem Witch Trials.

Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
This is a great story with several sub-plots and very unexpected twists and turns. I normally am not a fan of Dickens since all his works are very dark and his characters are soo weird. But a friend recommended that I watch the PBS series and I loved it so much that I read the book.

Also, loaded on the Kindle is Bleak House by Charles Dickens and on the iPod is Women in White by Wilkie Collins.

Give me a porch swing and a glass of lemonade.

What are your book recommendations? I'd love to see what you are reading! Leave a comment.

{I'm being crafty}

2011-03-04T19:25:00.004-05:00

I'm being crafty. For real. People always tell me how crafty/creative I am, but I don't really consider knitting a real 'craft', it's more of an art, I guess. Anyway, my dear, dear friend is getting married this summer and when us bridesmaids were over at David's Bridal a couple months ago trying on dresses, we all decided that we want to wear one of these in our hair. It would be a lot more versatile if the flower was on a clip instead of a really tight, stretchy headband, so I decided to copy it.

Behold:

I'm really happy with them! I got the feathers on Etsy and had plenty of scrap material and flowers leftover from recitals, etc. so I was set.

Here is a really horrible, terrible, no good picture of me modeling the clip. Just look at the flower clip. Not me. And imagine my hair is in this really beautiful up-do with curls framing my face and the flower clip is place just so behind my left ear. Now, isn't that pretty?

On another crafty-ish note, here's another baby cardigan to show off! I was klickity-klicking away, trying to finish this for a baby shower last week, but it wasn't going to happen no matter how late I stayed up to work on it. I finished it at leisure, and absolutely love the results. The buttons are really neat: cork!

Pattern || Top Down Raglan Baby Sweater by Carole Barenys

Yarn || Louet Gems Opal, Willow

Needles || size 5, Susan Bates

{Good Eatin'}

2011-02-23T12:53:00.000-05:00

This is one of our family's favorite soups I thought I'd share! My friend gave it to me years ago when I was trying to think up something to do with cabbage. We aren't big cabbage eaters except during the New Year when we go to Grandmas house for cabbage rolls. I usually serve this soup with cornbread, but a good crusty loaf of Italian bread would taste just as good! Enjoy!

Hearty Italian Soup

2 14.5 oz cans beef broth
2 Cups shredded cabbage
1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (or fresh)
3 potatoes, cubed
2 yellow peppers, chopped
1 Cup carrots, copped
1/2 cup onion, chopped
1/4 snipped fresh parsley
1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 15 oz can white beans
optional: 1 1/2 cup chopped cooked beef or chicken

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine all ingredients. Bring to boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.

{Eataly}

2011-02-21T14:13:00.001-05:00

Last month in New York we visited this fabulous indoor Italian market called Eataly. My gosh was it wonderful. Apparently it had just opened at the end of summer and it was crazy crowded. There was a meat section, a butter and egg section, the coffee section, the spice section, the wine section....on and on and on... and a pasta section! Tons of fresh pasta; pastas I've never heard of! I bought this adorable pasta called Croxetti that are shaped like little silver dollars. Croxetti are produced in small batches near Genova, Italy. The pasta chef recommended serving it with a mushroom sauce. Yum, yum.

"Everything you see I owe to spaghetti"

the meat section

fruits and vegetables

{Baby Love}

2011-02-19T21:58:00.002-05:00

PATTERN: Plain Vest by Anna and Heidi Pickles

YARN: Unknown

ooo, there's so much knitting love going on around here! Two babies are expected in approximately three weeks and fingers crossed they'll be girls! This vest was finished over the weekend, easy as pie, with some vintage yarn I picked up sometime last year at the Stray Dog Antiques. I pop in that shop once a season to check out their fabric collection and sometimes score yarn, too!

PATTERN: Lillie Baby Cardigan

YARN: Patons Grace in 'Sky'

This is another vest/cardigan that I finished, also over the weekend. Feather and fan is so simple and so elegant. I have two more little cardigans on the needles, then it's on to some baby boy vests, perhaps. Just in case!

new. york. city

2011-01-19T14:05:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I traveled with my studio to visit NYC to take a few master classes, see some shows and of course, shop! Here are a few highlights:

The view from our hotel

John's Pizzeria

On Broadway

Going to see Tango Inferno

Central Park

In Central Park

Master class with David Howard

Phantom of the Opera

{present}

2010-12-03T21:12:00.000-05:00

Taxi just got herself a new star ID tag! She's asking for this collar to match it for Christmas.

{Bob Evans Farm Festival}

2010-10-09T17:50:00.002-05:00

Rio Grande, Ohio

Brigitta (from Sweden) of All Strings Considered. I've purchased handspun from her each year.

I bought this alpaca handspun and dyed as well as the tan handpun you see sitting on the table next to me.

Really neat quilted loops that we are going to try and make..

The Reno Family being very daring in their horseshoe pitching! See the horseshoe making it's landing?

Lauren and Luke

All photos by Josiah Richardson

{Failli Knittery}

2010-09-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

My shop is up and running again! Please take some time to go check it out!

Failli Knittery

{the 'Burgh}

2010-08-03T13:59:00.000-05:00

My how I love Pittsburgh. I feel such a draw to this town; maybe because of so many family roots? It's such a beautiful city and so rich with history. We spent a weekend there, just trolling around town, visiting my grandpa's grave site and visiting my father's childhood home. I plan to frequent Pittsburgh many times!

{Corban's Visit! }

2010-08-03T13:41:00.000-05:00

So blessed to finally see sweet little Corban! He is such a handsome little guy. The Detwiler family came by for a short visit on their way back from South Carolina. Isn't he precious?

{OBX}

2010-07-07T15:49:00.000-05:00

A few snapshots from our family's beach trip to the OBX.....

beach-combing

'a crab!'

we caught quite a few of these little guys!

the dunes

family photoshoot

One of the best parts: I got to teach my Aunt and cousin how to knit!

{Elizabeth's Wrap}

2010-07-07T15:25:00.000-05:00

After seeing me wear my blue shawl to the recital, my dear friend Elizabeth, decided, boy would she like one, too :) Her birthday was a few weeks away, so I decided to make a shawl for her. She loves to wear cute little sun dresses, so I thought a lace wrap would be pretty to go over them. I had a skein of Sundara Sock in this really pretty light Terra Cotta. I wanted a fast and easy pattern that would make good use of the yarn: no leftover scraps and would really showcase the hand-dyed beauty of Sundara. So. I'm learning that it's way easier to write up my own patterns that to go searching for that 'perfect' pattern. Thus, Elizabeth's Wrap was born! Here are a few pictures, and the pattern is being written up as we speak. I would like a test knitter, though. Any takers?? Leave a comment with your email.

{Recital Night}

2010-05-24T10:46:00.002-05:00

A few pictures from Recital Night! Our theme was 'Yesterday, Today & Forever' Each class was a different decade; we started in the 1990's and went through Today. It was a beautiful show and all my dancers were wonderful!

{Ms. Darla, Ms. Lauren & Ms. Elizabeth}

{70's Hannah's solo}

{1900's Pointe}

{80's Intermediate Jazz}

{40's Tap Duet}

{70's Intermediate A Jazz}

Photos by Joel Richardson Photography

{Fountain Pen Shawl}

2010-05-15T21:35:00.000-05:00

So very proud of my first lace shawl! It was a simple knit and the pattern was well written. I went up a needle size ( I forget what the pattern called for) because of the heavier weight yarn. Also made for a very fast knit.

I wore it for my studio's dance recital...

{blocking}

{shawl in action}

Pattern || Fountain Pen Shawl

Yarn || Sundara Sock Yarn, colorway: Cerulean Seas

Needles || size 7 Clover bamboo circulars

{Hello Sunshine Sock Pattern!}

2010-04-27T21:56:00.005-05:00

Drumroll..............my very first pattern is now up! Do check it out!

Pattern

{No Other Name!}

2010-04-16T22:08:00.001-05:00

{le Richardson Family}

2010-04-11T18:59:00.002-05:00

An Easter photo shoot...

{le Richardson Family}

All portraits taken by Joel Richardson.

Slice Shawlette

2010-04-05T16:26:00.004-05:00

A little 'slice' of spring! Made back in February, but just got around to taking a few pictures.

Pattern || Citron by Hilary Smith Callis
Yarn || Unger 'Cruise'
Needle || size 5 Clover Bamboo Circulars
Modifications || I only knit 4 repeats of the pattern, then knit two rows and went into the ruffle Section. The yarn softened up a bit after washing, but is still pretty scratchy. Love the color, though!

{baby D}

2010-03-29T22:40:00.006-05:00

Finished booties, socks and slippers

Pattern|| Magic Slippers

Yarn|| Jo-Ann's Sensations

Pattern|| Dainty Booties

Yarn|| Koigu KPPPM

Pattern|| Dainty Booties

Yarn|| Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk dk

Pattern|| Loopy Ewe's Red Sock Kit

Yarn|| Louet Opal (brown) & Perfect Day Yarns Cashprose

Pattern||Mary Jane Booties

Yarn|| Nature Spun

Pattern|| Saartje's Booties

Yarn|| Knit Picks Comfy

Pattern|| Blue Steps

Yarn|| Panda Cotton

{Me and mommy-to-be}

{wee one}

2010-03-16T22:23:00.001-05:00

My dear friend and her husband are expecting their first little one in a few months. I plan on making bunches of socks, booties and slippers in a rainbow of colors for the little one. They are waiting to find out if it's a boy or girl, which will be a fun surprise! (I'm hoping for a boy!) After I find out if it's a him or her, I can knit clothes accordingly.

I am finding it very hard to find sock patterns for newborns. So far I've only been able to come up with patterns for 6 months old through toddlers. Suggestions?

I have reduced the slipper pattern several sizes down to what I hope will fit a newborn. I need to borrow a baby.

{a bit of sunshine}

2010-03-09T17:53:00.000-05:00

Oh we were desperate for sunshine. Just a peek from the sun would be wonderful! This 'six more weeks of winter' old Phil predicted was just yucky.
My mother's birthday is coming up this Friday and I wanted to give her a a few rays of sunshine as a present. Her old socks from last year already have a hole in the heel so it was time for a new pair anyway.

I looked for a pattern on Ravelry for tube socks, since I only had about a week or so to knit these up and I was kind of crunched for time. The only patterns I could find were all ribby and boring. So I swatched some stitch patterns and voila! Rays of sunshine. At least, I think they look like rays!

Furiously knitting with, guess what! Real sunshine peeking through the windows!
Hope to get this pattern written up soon to share with you.

{Finish Line!}

2010-02-27T15:22:00.001-05:00

My Skew socks are done! I finished them late last night with help from Heather Ordover's podcast. 'We' have been studying the Romantics (with a capital 'R') and have gone through Tristan and Isolde and a bit of Frankenstien. I've been learning how the Romantics were a response to Modernism and how the Romantics transtitioned to Gothic style of writing. Anyway.

My goals for the 2010 Ravelympics were this:

simply finish within the time alotted (I'm awful with time restraists)
to not make any changes to the pattern whatsoever, except size modifications. I like to tweak patterns.
and make something that had an unusual shaping, in this case the origami heel and the anatomically correct toe.

{Skew}

2010-02-12T14:50:00.001-05:00

I will be casting on for the new Skew socks from Knitty tonight in Ravelympics 2010! It's my first time participating and I hope I'm not in over my head. The socks look nice and challenging; I'm especially fasinated by the 'anatomically correct' toe. I'm off this weekend and so I plan on hibernating and getting a good portion of the socks done. Go me!

{Modern Dance Workshop}

2010-02-11T12:38:00.003-05:00

Come one, come all! Contact 304.380.3352 to register.

{party}

2010-02-03T12:21:00.000-05:00

My brother mentioned last week that he was invited to a black tie affair and if he needed a date, do I have a cocktail dress? I do not. I proceded to put my outfit together. Mind you, this is only if he needs a date, but let's hope he does. hehe.

The dress is navy blue, from Anthopologie. The necklace is gorgeous pearl and champange from AE.

And la shoes are from J Crew.

This outfit would cost just shy of $500, but a girl can dream ;)

{yummy}

2010-01-22T13:40:00.003-05:00

{Images from Knitscence}

The new Knitscence will be here in just a few days! I've been stalking the previews on Ravelry; I'm pumped about the green cardigan! It's giving me enough motivation to finish up the projects I just can't seem to get done. I'm almost done with The Vest and finished up the Anastasia socks a few days ago. Once I get that vest done, though, I can permit myself to buy the yarn for aforementioned cardigan.

{ruins}

2010-01-21T12:52:00.005-05:00

There's this old Civil War era house that used to stand right outside our neighborhood. Story has it that two Generals sought refuge in this house and the family was kind enough to shelter them. In return, the generals promised to protect the family and the house was spared from being attacked. It was a huge two story, white mansion. It had a small greenhouse to the left of the porch where I can imagine a lush selection of flowers and herbs were carefully tended. There was also an octagon shaped gazebo with beautiful lattice walls and quaint benches facing each other where I just know the Mr. and the Mrs. relaxed during the lazy summer evenings.

I loved this house dearly and had every intention of buying it and fixing it up. I imagined raising my family there and watching my children play in the huge front yard. I was especially looking forward to celebrating the 4th of July (it seemed like an appropriate holiday to celebrate, with the house's rich history, etc.) I saw the red, white and blue bunting that I would drape over the long railing of the wrap around porch. And the gazebo was lit up with white lights and the children were running around the yard with sparklers and ice cream cones were in hand.

I never really looked into the details of the house. Never peeked int he windows or inquired of the owners. It was just a vacant piece of history that I drove by each day.

And then one day a bulldozer and a dump truck parked in the front yard. and the next day they were gone, leaving the ruins of memories and dreams in a pile of rubble.

It was then I decided to go visit the house. I brought Joel with me to take some pictures...

...all that's left is a pile of rubble and the servants quarters...

...sitting on the front steps of the house...

...this is the driveway that leads up to the house...

Be sure to check out Joel's blog for more photos. And he's available for hire ;)

{Friends and Family}

2010-01-08T00:34:00.002-05:00

A peek into my Christmas break this year....

{The Company Scarf}

2010-01-06T13:55:00.002-05:00

This is my wall of posters:

This is a poster from the movie 'The Company':

This is an upclose of the scarf I wanted to copy:

And this is my copy of the scarf:

Just some scraps of Wool-Ease in a 2x2 rib. Not too long,not too short.

Great scarf, but not so great movie...

{thinking cap}

2010-01-01T22:57:00.002-05:00

Everyone needs a Thinking Cap. Get yours here.

{Tucked Away}

2009-12-19T12:55:00.002-05:00

I'm snowed in. We had a fantastic downpour of snow over the night and woke up to what looked like Narnia. Beautiful. I had to cancel my last two days of classes and a performance this weekend due to the snow, but I am not complaining. This Christmas break couldn't come soon enough and the blizzard just gave me three extra days!

This Monday some random illness got to me. I know it was from a lack of rest; I haven't been sleeping well and when you mix that with being extremely physically active for long periods of time, buddy it'll getcha.

I was like, "Really? Are you serious? My two days off and I'm bedridden? Have you ANY idea how much I have to do??"

Miraculously, the day I went back to work, I was four pounds lighter and as healthy as could be with an extra boost of energy. Told you it was random.

Now I'm all properly tucked away for the winter with this, this and this on my needles, Challah bread in the oven and Chicken & Wild Rice soup simmer on the stove.

Yum.

{George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation}

2009-11-25T16:18:00.004-05:00

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789.

-George Washington

{How Much Wood Would a Woodchuck Chuck}

2009-11-23T15:13:00.007-05:00

A church nearby always holds this huge rummage sale at the beginning of the spring and fall season. It’s mostly clothes, but I occasionally find some hidden treasures. Like a couple years ago I happened upon a set of Denise Interchangeable needles, brand new! Granted it was not a complete set, but still. Two dollars? I’ll take it. So a couple weeks ago, we went, scrounged around and I came up with this ziplock bag full of random, unmarked yarn for $1. I bought it thinking I could always use scrap yarn for seaming or provisional casting on, etc.

This was no high class yarn. I saw some Jo-Ann’s acrylic, mohair and boucle, some aqua terry cotton, brown cotton (def. Sugar & Cream) and what looked like some grey and maroon Knit Picks Shine.
I almost tossed it out, thinking I’d only spent a whole $1 on it, but the, “Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without” part of me thought that surely something good could come out of this pile of rejects. That’s what I thought, “Rejects.” Poor little yarns. I rescued you from amongst the other rejects; I’ll make you into something pretty. Um, or at least something useful.
So. How many projects could I squeeze out?

Luke’s Hat out of the grey and maroon Knit Picks.
Legwarmers for a friend out of the black and blue bouclé.
A half of a scarf out of the brown cotton.
Lengthways scarf out of the seaweed green mohair

And for the life of me I can’t figure out what to do with the aqua terry yarn. Suggestions?

{Trans-Siberian Orchestra}

2009-11-07T17:28:00.004-05:00

Yesterday my friend and I went to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra! It was incredible! We sat in the VIP section, Row 12... Check out these amazing pictures I got.

one of the best guitarist I have ever seen..

right behind us!

the electric violinist

the lasers

TSO

{ viva la breakfast }

2009-11-02T13:08:00.008-05:00

(photo taken at First Watch, a fantastic breakfast place)

Breakfast is not my favorite meal of the day. I usually skip breakfast, but I find when I do I'm even hungrier by lunch. As we all know, or if you don't know, hear this: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When you skip breakfast, your brain and body is very low on fuel (protein and fiber). Naturally, you can't perform at work, school or home with low energy. Breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day.

So eating just a little bit of protein or fiber is enough to make it to lunch. I usually just eat a banana, but more recently I've been making this fabulous granola that my dear friend sent me. I'll share it with you. It's very high in fiber. Here's to breakfast!

Stacy's Homemade Granola

10 cups oats

2 cups wheat or oat bran

2 cups shredded coconut (I use 1 c coconut & 1 c millet)

1 cup chopped nuts

1 cup flaxseed

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 -1 cup honey

2 tsp. vanilla

1 tsp. sea salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

Mix together all ingedients. Use hands to mix well, pressing clumps together. Pour into shallow pan, spreading evenly. Toast at 275 for 30-45 min. Stir occasionally.

Great with soy milk!

{ Support the Troops Benefit Concert }

2009-10-29T10:55:00.005-05:00

The Company

crazy

beautiful ladies

my dancers!

self-explanatory

devotions and stretching

devotions

'Amazing Grace'

Praying

Hannah and Danae praying

'Now Behold the Lamb'

after the show

{Catching Up}

2009-10-21T12:52:00.006-05:00

Hello. I've got plenty of catching up to do, eh? The next few post will be mostly pictures until I'm thoroughly up to date. Here are a few pictures from one of the Women's Gatherings at our church. The theme was Create in Me a Clean Heart and we did some 'housecleaning'!

We hung clotheslines everywhere with cute little socks, overalls, tea towels and sheets pinned on.

The tables were decorated with pails full of 'bubbles' (bubble wrap). Everyone got a sponge for a favor.

One of the games involved 'cleaning out' our purses! Kind of like a treasure hunt. So many pennies, a blue crayon, a coupon, an ink less pen, etc. This was a blast!

Emptying of the purses...

Madora emptying her wallet...

Dani wins. She had the most pennies!

Next game was a relay race... folding a basket full of laundry, sorting shoes, ironing a shirt...

Tina folding laundry...

Tina and Betty racing! Notice the bubble machine...

Musings

2009-10-04T14:59:00.003-05:00

These are a few random thoughts I've been mulling over for a while. They aren't connected. Maybe they are. I think there's a tiny thread that links them together. But maybe not.

I've always been a big advocate for change. Change is good. I hate getting stuck in a routine; I like to spice it up a little.

Memories are hard to erase. In fact, they are pretty much impossible to erase without starting life over again. And when everything you see, touch, smell, hear brings back a painful memory, it's time to make new ones. Or start life over again. Hm.

It's amazing the things that get accomplished under stress. Sometimes I amaze myself. I've gotten more done this past month than I have all summer. And the way your body gets used to daily stress, now that's odd.

"Where two or three are gathered in My name, I am there in the midst of them." This is talking about unity. Where there is no unity, He cannot manifest Himself in us. It doesn't necessarily refer to prayer. It's anything you set your hand or mind to that glorifies His name. And if it doesn't bring honor and glory to His name, I ask you to whose name does it bring?

It's not about me. Or you. It's about Him. The striving to be a better person and trying to become more holy is intensely selfish.

Now behold the Lamb! Born into sin that I may live again, He's the precious Lamb of God.

Make Me Swoon

2009-09-04T12:19:00.003-05:00

Last week, while waiting in the dentist's office, I was flipping through a popular magazine and came across an article called "15 Ways to Charm a Southern Girl".These were 'tips' for guys hoping to catch a date. It was encouraging to find the women still do appreciate and embrace real 'gentlemen'. Apparently, all these women live in the South.

The first couple tips were your standard Gentleman 101 basics:

1.) Stand up for a lady (this doesn't always involve chairs)
2.) Hold doors open
3.) Take your hat off inside
4.) Stand when we come back to the table

And the rest, which are all nice and good, were I guess important to a Southern girl:

5.) Wear boots
6.) Kill bugs
7.) Fix or build things
8.) Grill stuff

A few weeks ago I was in a wedding. The day before the ceremony, a few bridesmaids and I were at the church decorating and setting up. I remember I was taking a few boxes out to the car and this guy appeared (I think he worked at the church) and he held the door open for me and said, "There you go, ma'am." I know I looked at him strangely. I don't think I've ever been called 'ma'am' before by someone who didn't look a day older than myself.

Being a gentleman is a lost art. While you don't have to wear boots while grilling me a steak on the back porch you built, I definitely sit up and pay attention when to you when you call me 'ma'am' or stand up when I enter the room. It makes me feel, well, like a lady.
And God knows we need that defining value in this day and age.

Dresses and Parties and Shower's, Oh My!

2009-08-20T10:43:00.005-05:00

Bridesmaid's Dinner (l-r) (Kristen, Kirsten, Abigail, me, Melody, Mrs. Sprague, Stacey, Rachel, Joslynn, Heather)

Joslynn, Me, Abigail and Rachel clean the new house!

Abigail & Lauren cleanin' up.

Lauren & Bekah at a shower.

Delia (my hero) and me at a shower.

Lauren & Mel. (the blushing bride)

Baby Blanket

2009-08-15T19:32:00.003-05:00

I finished this baby blanket a few weeks ago for a friend and finally got around to taking pictures of it! I've been so busy getting ready for a wedding this weekend and also preparing for Macholah's Registration. I'll be glad when everything calms down!

Miterd Baby Blanket

Yarn:
Red Heart Baby Teri, 8 skeins, blue and white

Pattern:
My own. 3x4 squares, used the miter instructions from Debbie Bliss Magazine

Needles:
Size 9, Brittany Birch

Folded

Open

Upclose

Soft and snuggly!

Thoroughly Fashionable Millie

2009-07-27T19:49:00.002-05:00

Up in the shop

{pan asia}

2009-07-05T22:48:00.002-05:00

We had dinner with the Directors of Ballet Magnificat! last Wednesday. A fantastic time of catching their vision and seeing their heart. God is doing great things in their ministry!
We visited Pan Asia, a Mediterranean restaurant. Delicious fresh food!

{Petite Purls}

2009-06-22T13:10:00.005-05:00

I found the sweetest website called Petite Purls which just lanched this week. Several free baby patterns and articles. Several people I know will be having babies in the next few months, so I guess I'll have to get my knitting mojo on again. Believe me this site will do just that!

Sneak Peeks:

Lucy and Ricky

2009-06-04T11:07:00.004-05:00

Meet Lucy (red) and Ricky (white), the newest addition to the family! We are on a warpath to start eating healthier and living off our wonderful three acres. We thought we'd start with fresh eggs. We got these two little guys when they were a few days old at a local feed store right down the road. They were so cute and fluffy! One was red and one was white, so we christened them "Lucy and Ethel". Ethel 'cock-a-doodle-do-ed' about a week ago, so her/his name is now Ricky. They've been relatively easy to take care of; they roam our garden, eat all the nasty little bugs and keep the yard well fertilized. Our cat Jake, has taken a liking to them. He'll watch them for a good 20 minutes with a ferocious look and the spring up and chase them all over the yard. It was time to build a cage for them. Plus if they were going to start nesting, we sure didn't feel like hunting all over the place searching for eggs!

My dad drew up a schematic and started working on this pretty amazing chicken coop. He had a ton of scrap wood and chicken wire in the garage. Few weekends later . . . ta-da! A two-story condo.

Since we are going to get a few more girls, (that's what you're supposed to call them: 'girls', says our chicken consultant. Doesn't it sound quaint and "Little House on the Prairie-ish"?) my dad is going to add on and give them more space to run around. And some nesting boxes.

Here's to a dozen eggs!

Anniversary Party

2009-05-22T18:45:00.002-05:00

This weekend is my parent's 28th anniversary, so I had a little par-tay for them. Just the family. Luke was my lil helper. We threw a ton of comfy pillows, old quilts and scarves on the back porch, hung a few colored lights and lit a few candles. Voila! Party time.
I made my favorite recipe ever ever ever. I found it a while back on Alicia's blog and I make it every single chance I get or whenever we happen to have cous cous on hand. I posted the recipe below and I hope you'll make it and a tell me it's your new favorite recipe ever ever. Ever.

Chicken Tikka Masala

1 cup yogurt (I almost always use sour cream)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
4 teaspoons salt, or to taste
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
4 long skewers

1 tablespoon butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika
3 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream (I have used soy milk. Because I didn't have any cream, that's why.)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, combine yogurt, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons cumin, cinnamon, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, and 4 teaspoons salt. Stir in chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
Preheat a grill for high heat.
Lightly oil the grill grate. Thread chicken onto skewers, and discard marinade. Grill until juices run clear, about 5 minutes on each side.
Melt butter in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Saute garlic and jalapeno for 1 minute. Season with 2 teaspoons cumin, paprika, and 3 teaspoons salt. Stir in tomato sauce and cream. Simmer on low heat until sauce thickens, about 20 minutes. Add grilled chicken, and simmer for 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve over cous cous or rice.

I almost always forgo the grilling and just use a skillet. And I always serve over cous cous.

Enjoy!

Year in Review 2008-2009

2009-05-19T19:43:00.001-05:00

More recital!

2009-05-19T19:31:00.002-05:00

I've been having a ton of fun with the Collage maker on Picasa, can ya tell?

The first set is random photos from right before the recital on Friday. The theme was "With Praise From Every Nation!"

Secong set is studio portraits from the same recital taken by the talented Ms. Stonestreet.

And last is my company gals, also taken by Elle Effect.

If you are interested in my studio, do check out The Macholah Ballet!

Recital Week

2009-05-18T19:51:00.002-05:00

Recital week just ended!! I'm so glad it's over... between rehearsals and performances, I'm just so wiped out. Here's a pic from my first one last Monday... cute, huh? The theme was 'A Night Out' and my two pieces were "Good Ship Lollipop" (tap) and "Song to the Moon" (ballet).

More to come...

New Knits on the Block

2009-05-09T20:44:00.005-05:00

Pattern: Flying Trapeze Socks by Chrissy Gardiner

Yarn: Louet Gems Sport "Cherry Red"

Needles: Knit Picks dpns, size 2.75

Feb '09-April '09

I finished these socks a few days ago. I started them way back in February as part of the Red Sock KAL. They've been a perfect knit to fall back on: the cables are just intersting enough, and it was very easy to pick back up where I left off. However, halfway though the secong sock, I ran out of of yarn. Thanks to a helpful Ravelry member though, she hooked me up with some leftover from her project!

Go

2009-05-09T19:48:00.001-05:00

on the verge. breaking open. waiting. suspence. willfully stepping out into the unknown.
trusting. excited. impatient. slightly reluctant. int's the next step. deep breath. go.

Modern

2009-04-28T16:02:00.004-05:00

My dance studio is strictly ballet based, but I'm thinking of expanding into modern and tap next year. So, I had my friend come in to teach a beginning modern class and see how the girls liked it and to get some feedback for next year. They loved it! And yes, I think I'll hire Lauren, haha! Enjoy the video =)

My Life in Technicolor

2009-04-25T18:23:00.002-05:00

It started when Coldplay’s Viva la Vida cd came out. One of my favorite tracks on it is Life in Technicolor. It’s kinda techno, mellow, very chill. And I got to thinking, what exactly is Technicolor? And specifically, what color is Technicolor? You know how you see at the end of older movies “Color by Technicolor”? I went with that.
Turns out (sorry if you already know all this; I thought it was very interesting and inspiring!) that there are three colors in Technicolor: an olive-y green, maroonish red and a really dark teal blue. These three colors make up what is known as the Technicolor palette. The original 3-strip Technicolor movies using this color palette have a beauty far surpassing chemical color processes which came later (in the 50s), and they will never fade. Did you know that all Technicolor films were shot on black and white film?
A Technicolor camera is a simple 35mm camera with a very odd modification: behind the lens is a prism that splits the white light three different ways, into our green, red and blue light. Inside the camera, three black and white film stocks are inserted with a small mirror reflecting the light to the side film. Each strip of film recorded one color (red, green or blue) of a color picture. When put together, ta-da! A film by Technicolor.
There are interesting limitations to Technicolor, though. Certain colors can’t be achieved and other colors look completely different onscreen than they are in real life. For instance, in The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy enters Oz, it’s in Technicolor, but many of the colors aren’t reproduced exactly as they were intended. Her blouse looks white and her dress is light blue-checked gingham. But the blouse was actually a very light pink; they designed it this way, because white actually ‘glows’ and the last thing they wanted was a radioactive Dorothy. You can’t see the pink at all.
Also, the original Oz movie was printed by Technicolor, because the sections at the beginning and end are sepia-colored — actually a brownish color that is very different from black and white. But there is a shot of Dorothy opening the door from her bedroom and walking out into Munchkin land in full color. Today this might be achieved digitally, but back then they had to paint her room sepia color, make a sepia-colored costume and makeup for Dorothy. Judy Garland’s stand-in wears all this and opens the door, and then Judy herself (in full color costume) walks out into Oz. Whaddya know.
Anyway I say all that to say this: I found this certain yarn quite unexpectedly at A. C. Moore. HUGE leap from film to yarn, eh? Haha. It’s ok. Back to story. I had never been there before; the store had just opened and we were checking it out. I think I love A.C. Moore. Great yarn at great prices. Anyway, this is a cotton/acrylic blend yarn in, you guessed it, Technicolor colors! So you see I had to do something with it. Keeping with the vertical 3-strip idea and the fact that these three colors blend, I wanted to do a scarf that somehow transitioned blue into green into red. And title it “My Life in Technicolor.” So this is what I have so far, and I'm not too thrilled with it. It's a pattern from Knit 1. ehh. So any ideas? I want that 'blended look'. I think I'll go pattern stalk on Ravelry... but I'm totally up for suggestions!

Roza's Socks

2009-04-20T08:54:00.004-05:00

I finally got around to taking some pictures of these socks I made for my mother for Christmas. I remember working on them when we went to Columbus in September. I procrastinated a bit; the pattern was simple and boring after a while. But I did finish them up in time for Christmas and they've been sitting on my dresser waiting for a shoot.
This was the first time I've worked with Koigu. The yarn actually knit up into a pretty sturdy fabric; the socks are very cushy and dense. I have heard the Koigu wears through pretty quickly. We shall see...
All in all, a good, easy, mindless pattern. And yummy yarn to boot!

Pattern: Roza's Socks from IK Spring 08

Yarn: Koigu KPPPM, lot 122

Needles: Knit Picks dpns, size 2

Picture Week

2009-04-14T13:35:00.003-05:00

Last week was Picture Week at my studio. I hired the very talented, most awesomest photographer I could find. She's also a verrry good friend of mine. We had a ton of fun. I'm so proud of my dancers and can't wait to see the edited versions!

All Things Are New

2009-04-02T21:07:00.006-05:00

All Things Are New Women's Gathering

Our speaker for this month's Women's Gathering is known as the "Hat Lady" at church. She shared 53 (!!!) of her Spring hat collection with us and we decorated the rooms in her lovely headgear.

She spoke about the many variety of "hats" that women wear.

Chef's Hat - A hat of hospitality; cooking for you family and loved ones.

Captain's Hat - Being "In charge", standing up for a cause or something you believe strongly in.

Entertainer's Hat - Always having a pleasent and joyful attitude at home.

Nurse's Hat - A hat of Compassion

Gardener's Hat - Cultivating an Nurturing friendships.

Which Hat will you wear today?

Cowboy Luke

2009-03-04T13:39:00.001-05:00

Owls

2009-02-23T12:48:00.003-05:00

Get this amazing pattern for free right here. And while you're at it check out her amazing blog. Kate is a Senior Lecturer in the School of English at Newcastle University, UK, where she specialises in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century literature and material culture (including textiles).

I'm thinking about casting on is some Berroco Ultra Alpaca. Yes? Oh, yes.

InTeRruPt!

2009-02-20T14:44:00.003-05:00

Pattern: Temporal Scarf

Source: Knit 1, Fall/Winter 2008

Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Cotton

Needles: Susan Bates, size 8

Banner of Love

2009-02-19T13:41:00.006-05:00

"I sat down under His shadow with great delight, and His fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me is Love." Song of Solomon 2:3-4

The Bride so pleased His heart because she took time to sit under His shadow. As a believer, she surrendered to His shadow and willingly placed herself under it. What was there about His shadow which brought her great delight? She experienced His blessed abiding shelter protecting her (Ps. 91:1) and being hidden in His hand (Isa. 49:2)

Our Bridegroom loves to do special, unexpected things for us. He first protects and nurtures us under His shadow. That is the intimate and one on one side of our relationship with Him. Now in public, He wants all creation and universe to know His heart concerning the Love of His life. What does He do? He prepares a glorious banquet!

Do you realize how important you are to the Lord? But for you dear Bride of His heart, a glorious banquet awaits. (Rev. 19:1-9) He wants to display you to all! A banquet implies that there are others present. O how He loves for us to be with others who deeply love Him.

The doors open to the great banqueting hall. There is a hushed silence. Then the Archangels blow the heavenly trumpets announcing the arrival of His Majesty. The Beloveds countenance is filled with joy as He escorts His beautiful Bride to the platform where there are two thrones. He politely pulls out one of them from the head table and bids her to sit. Once she is seated, He unfurls a banner, holding it over her for all to see. It says, "This is my Love! My one and only Love!"

The whole banqueting house breaks out in thunderous applause. The bride turns, looks at the banner, see the nail scarred hands holding it. Filled tears of thankfulness, her eyes meet His. With each gaze an eternity of love flows between them! O what spiritual wine! Who can fathom its taste? The bride will have an eternity to drink from the length, breadth, depth and height of it!

Banner of Love

The Depot Women's Ministry

February 17th, 2009

Valentine Day Swap!

2009-02-12T20:49:00.002-05:00

It's that time of year again! I think out of all the Free People Swaps, the Valentine's Day one is my fav. This year I have an awesome partner from Chicago! My theme was Lovebirds. I got the pattern from The Purl Bee and fooled around with some heavy cardstock to make the birdhouse. My parnter said she lovesss my handknits, so hey. I made her a scarf =) I also made some amazing raspberry cookies that I sent along. Oh my they were delicious.

Hope you enjoy, Dominique!

(2)wo thumbs up!

2009-02-02T13:39:00.003-05:00

(2)wo thumbs up mittens

Pattern: 36 stitch mittens from Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting Without Tears

Needles: Boye size 4 dpns

Yarn: GGH Tweed in cream and Alum Root locally dyed yarn (gift from Lydia)

Super warm!

Burden Bear-ers

2009-01-21T11:54:00.005-05:00

"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." —Galatians 6:2

What does it mean to "bear" a burden? It means to:
*Carry something for someone
*To take away
*To put upon our shoulders
*To relieve another of some weight
*To sustain, uphold or support

It goes much further than simple sympathy or just a quick token of help. It is much more than "I'll be praying for you" which we often say to make ourselves feel better but have no real intention of actual doing (or maybe we do intend to but don't take the steps necessary to see it through). Sometimes we use "I'll pray for you" as a reason not to do something harder, like taking time or giving money. I understand that prayer is important, prayer is powerful and prayer is commanded... but let's be honest that sometimes its easier to say we'll pray for someone than it is to stop and take time from our own lives to help someone.

The word of God reveals that burdens may be handled in three ways. Some may be shared with others; other burdens must be borne by every man himself (see under Galatians 6:1); and of a third class, the Scriptures command, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord" (Psalms 55:22)

There is many a load of life that grows infinitely lighter under the touch of a friendly hand or the sound of an encouraging word. When the storms of life's deepest emotions have been unloosed by overwhelming experiences, it is the glory of Christians to "rejoice with those that do rejoice, and to weep with those who weep." Love and toleration for the weak, and loving compassion for the needy, as well as love and appreciation for every soul's unique and eternal value "in Christ" can ease the burdens of the weary and bless the giver and the receiver alike.

Bearing the burdens of our fellow Christians is an act of love that fulfills Jesus' command to love God and love your neighbor (others in need). That's a pretty exciting, tangible and fulfilling reward from a command that is very easy to understand: bear the burdens of your fellow Christians, and you will be keep Jesus' command to love God and love your neighbor.

Shop Update!

2009-01-16T14:15:00.001-05:00

New items up! Have a peek...

Yesterday

2009-01-01T12:46:00.005-05:00

I wrote this a few days ago while reflecting on the past year....

YESTERDAY

Yesterday I had a dream
a hope
a plan.

Yesterday I had love
had peace
had security.

Yesterday my life made sense
was safe
looked good.

Yesterday ended.

Now, Today.

Part of my devotion, is reading My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers. Guess what last night's reading was about. Yep, "Yesterday".

Here is a bit:

"God is the God of our yesterdays, and He allows the memory of them to turn the past into a ministry of spiritual growth for our future. God reminds us of the past to protect us from a very shallow security in the present.

Our yesterdays hold broken and irreversible things for us. It is true that we have lost opportunities that will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.

Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him."

Here's to Today.

The Hymn Project

2008-12-30T12:51:00.003-05:00

2008-12-26T23:44:00.002-05:00

The poet Wendell Berry seems to be floating around and has popped up in several conversations. Here are two that really spoke to me.
Both are from A Timbered Choir: The Sabbath Poems, 1979-1997.

"I know that I have life
only insofar as I have love.
I have no love except it come from Thee.
Help me, please, to carry
this candle against the wind."

"A gracious Sabbath stood
here while they stood
Who gave our rest a haven.
Now fallen, they are given
To labor and distress.
These times we know much evil, little good
To steady us in faith
And comfort when our losses press
Hard on us, and we choose,
In panic or despair or both,
To keep what we will lose.

For we are fallen like the trees, our peace
Broken, and so we must
Love where we cannot trust,
Trust where we cannot know,
And must await the wayward-coming grace
That joins living and dead,
Taking us where we would not go--
Into the boundless dark.
When what was made has been unmade
The Maker comes to His work."

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T17:22:00.002-05:00

"He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. He casts forth His ice as fragments; Who can stand before His cold?" Psalms 147:16-17

found via Free People

In search of the Perfect Bag

2008-12-10T15:03:00.005-05:00

I'm looking for the Perfect bag for my laptop. Here are a few I've found on Etsy. What's your favorite?

Gaila Messenger Bag

by Ella Osix

Retro Travel Bag

by helisengezer

French Lace Bag

by tortillagirl

I'm leaning towards the Retro Travel Bag...I think=)

Snow Queen

2008-12-09T19:48:00.000-05:00

I am an Artist or What I do on Friday nights...

2008-11-15T15:02:00.004-05:00

It's Socktoberfest...

2008-10-27T20:35:00.003-05:00

...but I made a sweater instead! Megan or Charis: if you're reading this, you must make this sweater! I thought of both of you while making this. It's knit top down on circular needles. I used size 8.

The pattern is called Shalom Cardigan by Meghan McFarlane. I used about 4 hanks of Reynolds Ole' Ole'. It's a cotton/acrylic blend.

The only change I made was to sew up the armhole openings a little bit because I thought the number to bind off was too high. And it was.

It took me about a week to make. Super fast knit! Go make one for Fall.

Fall Festivals

2008-10-14T11:32:00.004-05:00

I've visted several Fall Festivals this autumn and I've come home with more yarn than I left with! Thought you might like to see the goods =)

(two skeins of "Blossom' hand dyed and one skein of 'Autumn' hand dyed wool/mohair)

Clockwise from top: Grey handspun wool/mohar/silk, hand painted alpaca, 'Seaglass' handspun wool.

Josephine Top

2008-09-30T14:16:00.002-05:00

Pattern

Josephine Top
from Interweave Knits, Summer 2007

Yarn

Filatura Di Crosa Millefili Fine

Needle

US 5 / 3.75 mm

7 Long

2008-09-29T12:28:00.002-05:00

Jenny and Nicole over at Stash and Burn started the 7 Long Project: knitting hats for kids going through chemo and have asked for help! So I made a few hats over the weekend....here are two. I think I'll send in about 5-6. For every hat you send in you get entered into a drawing for some pretty incredible prizes. It's a great incentive, but they really didn't have to offer prizes.....Knitters love helping out. But anyway. I sent off three hats this morning.

Seed Stitch Beret
from Debbie Bliss 'Family Knits'

Cumquat Cap

from Knitscence Winter '07

Columbus, Day 2

2008-09-24T10:10:00.003-05:00

Handspun alpaca!
Fondling a felted alpaca glove...

Shopping at Easton Mall....

Yes, I actually shopped in Antroplologie for the first time! I'm in love with it.

Columbus, Day 1

2008-09-22T10:58:00.002-05:00

107 days till Christmas!

2008-09-09T15:00:00.004-05:00

I know, I know.... there are all ready Christmas decorations out at Wal*Mart. Sad isn't it? Summer just now ended for me. I loved every bit of. But....I do have to think of making Christmas presents and I want to give myself plenty of time. Especially when I want to make this. I'm so loving it. Notice Jared started it in Oct. 2007 and finished it this May. That's 10 months. I have...let's see. 107 days and ticking. About 3 and a half months. I'm sure I can do it! I have the yarn, some lovely wine colored Cotton Fleece by Brown Sheep. But no pattern. Do you know how ridiculously hard it is to get a hold of EZ's The Opinionated Knitter?? Everyone on Ravelry is holding on tight to their copies. I don't blame them. Amazon has it, but I'm not paying $68. Nope.

Do you ever have a pattern or project that totally interrupts your groove? I do. I was working pretty steadly on the Reverse Seam Pullover from CEY and when I got board of stockinette, I would switch to the Roza's Socks I'm making for my mother. Out of Koigu I might add. Yes, well I was flipping through my patterns, cleaning out a little, you know, and I came across an unmarked pattern. It was lacey, hence the chart, and it was for a scarf. I decided to cast on and see where it would take me. I had some leftover acrylic junk, a skein I actually did not throw away. And I knit. It was great to see where the pattern took me. It took over my other projects and demanded that I trust it and see what it the finished project looked like. Here is a peek. Any ideas what pattern this might be?

2008-09-04T11:38:00.003-05:00

Courtney, Jaime, Me and Luke at a Tailgate @ our church...

Courtney is soo sweet!! She is the biggest Hannah Montana fan you'll ever meet. =)

When we dropped Melody off last week, we stopped by an Amish antique store and browsed. I found these plain napkins and piles and piles of old embroidery floss. There was no pattern, so I made up my own. They finished up fast and was an easy Labor Day project. The youth pastor at our church and his family just moved in to a new house, so I thought it would make a lovely housewarming gift. I haven't embroidered in forever....nice change from all that knitting. I have been soo busy getting everthing ready to put up on Etsy. Wait'll you see what I've come up with!!

The President of My Fan Club

2008-09-02T16:24:00.002-05:00

Melody visited me for a few days. The last time we saw each other was about a year ago. Waay too long! It was great and we had plenty of catching up to do. =)

This make me happy

2008-08-25T19:50:00.002-05:00

Two post in one day. What is the world coming to? I had to show you this video shown at Jordan's class this morning. It makes me happy =) My fav is India and Quebec. You'll see.

So much is Happening....

2008-08-25T10:09:00.002-05:00

It's been a crazy week. Lots of goodbyes, more yarn and some stress.
First, my kitty died. She was old but very healthy. I was walking down our long driveway to get the mail and I thought I saw her sunning her self under the butterfly bush. I went over to pet her and she didn't move. I was so stunned. I walked in the house and got Jordan and told Rosie's dead. And then it hit me. She died peacefully (I hope). I wish she could have told me what happened. I just hope she laid down and went, instead of something weird like a heart attack or something.

And another goodbye. I went over to my dear Lydia's yesterday afternoon after church and said goodbye. She left for Clark U. bright and early this morning. I'll miss her so much! She's so precious to me and I pray she has an amazing first semester!! Love you dear!

But some good news. Melody is coming for a visit! She'll be here on Wednesday and will stay a forfew days. I'm thinking pedicures shopping and some gourmet pizza from Lola's. Sound good? oh don't worry. there will be plenty of pictures!

Well guess what. My LYS carries......Koigu!!! I went there last week to pick up some yarn for a few projects, of which I will reveal in a later post, and stumbled on this lady in the middle of an aisle with all this lovely Koigu strewn across her lap. I plopped down next to her and we talked for a while. She ended up buy 500 bucks worth of Koigu. I bought one skein to make a pair of socks for my mother. Lovely, lovely.

So the stress part. In case you haven't heard, I'm starting my own studio! I'm excited, but it is quite stressful. Me and deadlines don't get along. You can see a little bit about it here. I've got about 20 people signed up so far which is great for a new studio. I started a studio a while back, maybe 3 years ago, at a local church. I had about 60 students and it was going pretty well. But God told me to move on and move on I did. It's so exciting and scary following Him! Trusting makes it so much easier. Will I ever learn? Just lean back and watch Him work.

Happy 50th!

2008-08-19T12:52:00.003-05:00

The family...

The lovely couple

The guests decorated a quilt square and we made it into a memory quilt! It was a big hit.

The bride's original dress and veil and the groom's shoes.

Being crazy after it was over!

International Student Ministry @ UK

2008-08-10T12:58:00.001-05:00

Watch this video and please pray about supporting Corrie! She is a lifelong friend of mine with a heart for Internationl students. My brothers produced this video for her; please spread the word!

Summer Knitting

2008-08-09T17:55:00.003-05:00

I got some goodies in the mail! I've been searching for the Classic Elite Summer #2 and Make it Modern for sooo long. Thanks to the dear people over at Ravelry, they made my wish come true! I was greatly disappointed however, in the "books". These are pamphlets. I paid $15 for a pamphlet. Grr.. a waste of money, especially if there was only like two things I wanted to make in each one. Whatever. And speaking of Classic Elite, I picked up this hank of alpaca over on Etsy. Someone was cleaning out their stash and I got it for a song. Super soft. I have no idea what I'll make with it. Thoughts?

Annnd...I finally started Josephine! I was totally enjoy working on the Minimalist Cardigan, don't get me wrong. We went up to Summersville a few weekends ago to a friend's campsite. I brought the cardigan along with me to work on, since I didn't plan on going boating. So I was sitting next to the fire, positively roasting, and it dawned on me that I was knitting: A) a sweater, B) with alpaca and C) in 100 degree heat. Yeah, I'm smart like that. Plus it's almost Fall! I could have had Josephine done and over with and have been wearing it! So I started it the next day and I love it. I have never enjoyed knitting a top this much! So I'm loving it. Hopefully I can get it done before summer is over...

Charmed, I'm Sure

2008-08-01T20:31:00.002-05:00

Finished the Charmed Mitts the other day! I really like them. I used some llama yarn I got in a trade and some bits of mohair blend for the edging. The colors kind of remind me of Mr. Tumnus. Or Laura Ingalls. You know how Laura always got the browns and reds and Mary got the blues? So unfair. Anyway. Love 'em!

'Shrooms

2008-07-30T11:16:00.002-05:00

It's Mushroom Week at the Purl Bee! Here is the pattern for the mini Toadstools Rattles and here is the pattern for the Felted Mushroom. Thanks Purl and enjoy!