…doesn’t mean they can’t be stylish.
I think I’d like a kimono-style-wrap-cardigan like this.
I like the color.
And the deep purple mohair trim.
Needs to be a bit bigger though.
And maybe lose the flowers.
But it’s not for me.
A Christmas gift for Baby Annabelle.
Pattern: Frilled Edge Crossover Jacket
Book: Debbie Bliss Baby Style
Main Color Yarn: Rowan DK Soft (85% wool, 15% polyamide)
Contrast Color Yarn: Jo Sharp Kid Mohair
It’s the after-Christmas trip to the grandparents. You know, the proverbial over the river and through the woods adventure.
We pack the car with WAY too much luggage. Why is that, I wonder? We rarely use half of what we bring. But even with all the excess I still managed to forget my mascara. Grr.
Anyway, the kids gather more than enough entertainment for the 7+ hour trip. I realize we’ve not had a road trip in years and have spent far too much time on airplanes when Daughter-Kate remarks…
“Do you think I have too much in my carry on bag?”
A lot can happen in 7 days.
The call came exactly 7 days before my Dublin departure and went something like this…
Marble: ‘Hi Cheryl, I was wondering if I might commission some weaving from you.’
Me: ‘Yippee, my first commission!’ (pause) ‘How many do you want?’
Marble: ‘Five…in houndstooth.’
Me: ‘And when do you want them?’
Marble: ‘For Christmas.’
Me: ‘Ehm…’
At this point, a flurry of mental mathematics danced in my head. Little did Marble know that in 7 days’ time I was boarding a jet for 10 days in Dublin and to surprise her for her doctoral graduation from Trinity College, also in Dublin. My return was too close to Christmas to complete a task such as this. Okay, think…think…how am I going to weave 5 scarves in 7 days, in colors and textures to suit people, some of whom I have never met?
Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.
Or perhaps it’s better to say—
Yes, Cheryl, miracles do still happen.
Thankfully, Marble chose the minty retro bouclé scarf listed in the Etsy shop. Whew, one down, four to go!
Then, graciously she agreed to a color combination already dressed on the loom. Quick and easy. So, Monday, weave off scarf in morning. Two done. Monday afternoon, wind warp for Scarf No. 3.
Tuesday was a blur in the ‘I-can’t-believe-that-was-possible’ sort of way. Tuesday morning, weave off scarf. Three done. Tuesday afternoon, wind warp for Scarf No. 4. Husband-Will happens to be out of town. Children are quite content with a quick macaroni-and-cheese dinner. Off to bed they go. Weave off Scarf No. 4 and even with the temporary setback of a broken warp thread, it’s completed before 11pm.
Wednesday is a diversion into final Christmas shopping and other errands.
Thursday. Wind warp for Scarf No. 5. Weave it off. No mishaps. Final one done and all are washed, dried, tagged and labeled. I am singing the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus.
Friday is dedicated to removing at least one layer of mankiness from the house and filling Mother Hubbard’s cupboards before leaving town.
Saturday…pack my bags and hand off the completed scarves to Marble.
Sunday comes and I’m off to Ireland.
Rather thrilling (in the scary ‘I’m-not-sure-this-is-gonna-work’ sort of way) first commission! But a happy ending nonetheless and I’m feeling pretty good at the moment. So, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! And God bless us everyone! And every other warm wish for a happy holiday to you and yours!
just one more brief post-European-trip-post.
The seeing, eating and experiencing of other cultures are super…lovely images, but how wonderful to bring home mementos of the trip! It’s Christmas a little early in our household.
Crazy Daisy
It was like radar, seeing this little cup on the reduced price display. Of course every favoured cup needs a little buddy—one for cappuccino and one for tea. How very sorted and organized, don’t you think? And who can resist the name ‘Crazy Daisy’!
Lovin’ Spoonful
Thanks must go to Little Cotton Rabbits for mentioning Spiralling Store on her blog. One peek at this little lovin’ spoonful sugar bowl and I knew without a doubt one would be residing in my kitchen. Would it be crazy to say that things taste just a bit sweeter for having come out of this pleasing little pudge?
I think he looks right at home!
Fidra
Fidra-Bookshop-Owner-Vanessa, who really knows her stuff, placed a copy of I Capture The Castle, by Dodie Smith, into my hands for Kate. Perhaps a little old for her, I decided to read it first.
And now, it is I who am captured. More like captivated, I should say, by the writing of this woman. Penned in the late 1940s, she weaves a tale of a bohemian family who live in rather humble means in a castle. You might know her by another well-known story, The Hundred and One Dalmatians. It’s not your typical young adult fare and gives pause to many thoughts in the reading of it. Will definitely need to enquire whether Vanessa ships internationally!
Now this, my friends, is a scarf!
The wonderful thing about not being a felter is that I then become the recipient of extraordinary Christmas pressies from Felter-Friend-Holly-AKA-Winona-Queen. Wow, what a stunner! Nuno felting at its finest, I must say. The silk changes colour from slate to amethyst depending upon the light, with just a little sparkle and a hint of Lily Munster to give it that extra something. I absolutely love it!
Sigh… the holiday is over but overflowing with treasures captured in these remembrances. Now, I’m ready for Christmas.
I might as well pop over to Scotland…doesn’t everybody?
Apologies, A ‘Work-Smarter-Not-Harder’ Preamble:
I’m scanning through pics, deciding which events to share and lo, and behold, I read Isobel’s version of our quick day trip to Edinburgh. Hey, that’s what I would say! Those are the images I would take! So, rather than unnecessary duplication, how about popping over to Isobel’s blog for a brief travelogue? Here, let me link it for you.
…and those that I forgot.
A quick trip to Dublin.
Compliments of my family.
A breath of old-world air to fill my emotional lungs.
Many lovely things to remember about living here.
And, surprisingly, a goodly amount of things I had forgotten…
I remember how well Dubliners do tea and scones. Coffee morning at Rosie’s where, as usual, she pulls out the stops—table linens and china, abundant sweet and savoury scones, fountains of coffee and tea.
But I forgot how much urbanites use public transport and walk to get places. And here I thought I didn’t use the family car that much in the US! My legs are in a perpetual state of ache.
I remember how much I love Avoca. An endless array of tasty delicacies for all the senses.
But I forgot just how many shades of grey the sky wears in Dublin. I confess I don’t miss that part of life and am happy for generally sunny days in northern Virginia.
I remember the soothing sight for sore eyes granted by ancient architecture. What has been there for centuries will most likely remain for centuries more—stability is a good thing.
But I forgot how much energy it takes for the basic fundamental things in life—dodgy supermarket trolleys, narrow aisles, miniature clothes washers, micro parking spaces, perpetual dampness…
At the end of the day, a lovely trip to remember and one which I will not forget.
Of the vintage kind.
I love the spirit of Christmas past with its ethereal quality that can’t be matched in the modern world. Fashioned of paper or felt, these Christmas reminders of other, bygone days help to keep me grounded in the otherwise whirlwind of preparation.
The angel topper, made by elementary-aged-Husband-Will’s hands.
Another reminder of Husband-Will’s festive childhood…the stocking.
Christmas greetings on the penny postcard, a treasure from Great Aunt Sadie’s estate.
Of the crafty kind.
Every year without fail Daughter-Kate expresses her love for our very simple Christmas. I think it conjures for her an image of ‘Little House On The Prairie’ with Ma and Pa. Well, I’m not one for dashing those rose-tinted glasses!
During the early days of marriage, when money was scarce, Christmas decorations were a homemade affair. Cinnamon hearts, felt stars, fabric bows…all contribute to a very ‘prairie’ tree. In the modern economy, money can still be scarce, even with the availability of 50% off pre-Christmas sales!
A cookie cutter shape, abundant measures of fabric and felt, a little cutting, a smidge of glue, more watered-down-glue for stiffening, drying in the oven, a cheap button, a twist of wire and this is one of my favourite ornaments!
Here’s an idea for a great gift decoration or tree ornament, which a friend in Germany turned me on to. (Apologies for not having step-by-step photos! I’m on holiday, remember?)
Beaded Stars
Each star requires 30 beads and you will need extra strong thread for the stars.
Of the cross-cultural kind.
Preface: It’s now time to cash in my birthday gift from the family…a brief trip to visit friends. I’m not entirely sure why I chose this season for travel, with Christmas preparations in full swing! However, I’m not going to worry about all the tasks left undone. In the meantime, a quick glimpse of what makes the holidays a bit more festive in our home.
There is a moment of dread when it’s time to drag out the Christmas boxes. I know that before all of the holiday cheer is erected in our house, there will be utter chaos. The Kiddies show great enthusiasm while we dig out oft-forgotten memories. It carries over into the initial tree trimming. Starts flagging when the tree is half dressed. And then one by one they drift off to do other, more interesting activities, and I am left standing amidst the rubble. Even Husband-Will, after years of experience, knows that his suggestions will usually be overruled and so he keeps a low profile, usually fiddling about with Christmas music or absorbing himself in a need-to-get-this-done-now project.
Some of the best ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ come when we unwrap treasures from other places. The Kiddies don’t especially embrace their Russian heritage, what with American parents and growing up in Ireland. Poor dears, they may need some identity counseling! Nevertheless, we pay homage to their cultural roots with the lovely little ladies giving their good wishes for the new year and gifts of hospitality—bread and salt.
Another reminder of past Christmases elsewhere, Portugese pottery of the miniature sort. Having experienced a very non-traditional Christmas there a few years ago, this modern rendition of the nativity scene seems quite appropriate—simple and sweet!
‘Life’s enchanted cup sparkles near the brim.’ —Lord Byron
A Confession About Poetry Before We Begin:
So I don’t really know what Lord Byron was on about, but the quote sounded quite lovely, don’t you think?
You know how they say married couples start to look like one another? And also that pets seem to resemble their owners? So, I wonder if the same holds true for cups and the personalities of the possessors? Thanks to those who took the time to take a pic of their favourite hot drink vessel and emailing it to me. I do hope I got everyone included in the mosaic! Here’s how it looks—
1. Knuki, 2. FuzzyMitten, 3. JamieLurker, 4. VATravelingLightly, 5. CraftyPeach, 6. CoastalAussie, 7. TanyaTurtle, 8. LisaB, 9. JenniferD1, 10. JenniferD2, 11. Katrin4, 12. Katrin3, 13. Katrin2, 14. Katrin1, 15. Cornflower, 16. TheresaC, 17. CindyF, 18. WoollyBits
Received a wee late for the mosaic, but glad to include in the post is Melissa’s!
As for the winner of the Kilcarra yarn, the random number was—
Applying the number 9 to the order in which I received the emails (not the order of the photos), the yarn goes to Theresa. Congratulations! Thanks for sharing a little bit of yourselves with me and have a great weekend!
Which begs the question…why am I posting?
Literally, no time.
What’s more, I really can’t tell you why at the moment.
That crazy lack-of-time thing.
It’ll come up later.
An ironic bit of yarn to spin, metaphorically speaking.
But for now, the last thing I need.
No, really, I mean it.
The last thing I need is a broken warp thread.
I don’t have time to check the proper way to fix it.
So necessity being what it is has prompted the use of the following to hold things in place:
Gotta say, it worked a dream.
Back in business.
Must dash.
…more ‘-warming’
Okay, here’s a conundrum…what do you give dear friends to celebrate the construction of a lovely home, filled with exquisite furniture and whose tastes run far beyond the average Bed, Bath and Beyond gift certificate? Wait….I nicked a pic from their blog so you can see my dilemma…
A stunner, eh? So, the obvious choice was to craft gifts of the warming kind.
As nerve-racking as it is, I do like a challenge of finding the right colours and textures to suit the individual wearer. He-Of-The-Greenwood was simple. Dark, Italian, silver haired, traditional and conservative in taste. Regia silk sock yarn (merino, silk and nylon) was perfect. Lovely drape and handle. Black and grey houndstooth. Easy peasy.
Marble-Of-The-Greenwood was not so simple. Dark hair with silver setting in, but warm skin tones. Black, a favourite apparel choice but usually with a small spark of colour somewhere. Creative and expressive in personality mixed with common sense of the legal/ethical/philosophical profession. With a ginormous Scottish deerhound running round the place, she’s obviously a lover of houndstooth as well.
Solution…light wool with a hint of mohair to soften. Black with winter cream to warm it up. The blood red wool (Gardiners of Selkirk, Scotland in keeping with the theme) for that splash of colour. I was surprised at how airy, drapey and not scratchy this turned out…might have to do a variation for myself!
