We are not accepting applications for new craft obsessions right now, thank you.

Nope.  Not going to get into dyeing.  Can't can't can't.  That's what I said last weekend.  And to make absolutely sure I wouldn't want to anyway, I thought it prudent to see what the fuss is about on the topic of Kool Aid dyeing.

So I unearthed an undyed skein from my stash and plunked it into a pot of water mixed with several different Kool Aid packets.  I slowly heated the pot, bringing it to just below boiling and let it sit until the dye exhausted (it's really something--the water goes clear as the yarn absorbs the dyes).  I took it off the heat, let it cool, rinsed it off, and set it out to dry.  Then I reskeined my newly colorful yarn and plotted what I'd knit up. 

And as I looked at it, I promptly did two things:

1.  Vowed to never let the boys drink Kool Aid again considering what it did to my wool, and

2.  Resigned myself to the fact that I kinda loved dyeing something.

Sandra

Random, but so funny.

A couple of weeks ago, my good friend Hallie visited.  I've mentioned Hallie previously when talking scones.  She's also the person who got me into running.  I'm sad to say that we did not have scones or a chance to run together during her latest visit, so Hallie, come back!

But we did have, as is our way, the best talks.  And in one of those, I mentioned a recent discovery--that I'm one of those folks who, instead of laughing with the rest of the crowd at something funny, will nod and mutter, "that is so funny."  It's like I have to narrate everything. 

She sent me this YouTube video link.  While watching, I must have said "that is so funny" half a dozen times.  You, I bet, will just laugh.  Especially if you've ever shopped at Whole Foods.

fyi:  teeeny bit of cursing and there is music in case you're checking in at work.

 Sandra

More flowers.

I got to play with flowers over the weekend.

It was for a wedding we attended and we had a lovely time.  To be clear, the lovely time was had after the flooding and power outages were resolved.  Am I dwelling on the natural disasters?  I think I might be.  I know I've already mentioned them.  Twice.  But honestly!  It was a bit much.

Because as you might imagine, having lights, a working refrigerator and, I don't know, air conditioning when it's 90 degrees out, are all fairly important when designing flowers.  Especially wedding flowers, as one likes to manipulate them to peak as if on cue.  And I really would have liked having my basement space  per usual for flower gigs.  But after the flooding, I decided I'd better just work out of the kitchen.  Luckily, everything turned out fine.  I should really try to remember that things usually do have a way of working out.  It would save myself quite a bit of stress.

The bride requested a color scheme of white and blue, which can be a challenge because very few true blue flowers exist--most lean towards violet or lavender.  I decided to work with hydrangea, agapanthus, delphinium, and thistle for the blue.  For the white, roses, freesia, lilies, and more hydrangea. 

I adored how the arrangements turned out.  You really cannot go wrong with white and blue; it will always feel fresh.  And most importantly, the bride loved them.

 

Especially her bouquet...she asked for an organic looking bouquet, not round.  This seems to be a trend and I'm a fan.  A past bride said it best--flowers shouldn't look stressed out.  But I find it amusing (and by amusing I mean curse worthy) how hard it is to make something look "natural" but still refined.  Maybe I just need more practice.  Or maybe I struggle because perfectionism has no place there.    

Sandra

Project bags.

Heavy emotions were with me all day yesterday.  But I ended on a high note by visiting with good friends at knit night.  I also squeezed in some sewing--always a good distraction.

The big news in our knitting group is that one of us (the knitting guru of the group and the very friend who inspired my knitting craze in the first place) started offering knitting lessons this year.  And she and her business partner are doing great!  So great that they asked if I might stitch up some branded project bags to offer their students.  I couldn't say yes fast enough--it seems these days the only way to get me into the sewing room is to commission me to make something.

The name of their business is knitlove Bethesda--if you are in the area and looking for knitterly goodness, you should check them out.  For the bags, I started by taking their adorable logo and making appliques.   

I then made a simple pouch-style bag as a sample and dropped it off last night, completely forgetting to take a picture.  So I reworked another sample, altering it just a bit.  This is the small size; I used one fat quarter for the outer fabric and some heavy twill I had in my stash for the lining.  It is the perfect size for accessories--thinking socks, cowls, hats, etc.  I also boxed the corners this time for some extra room (the first sample was flat) and I added two drawstrings instead of one.  With the boxed corners, it stands up when filled.

The double drawstring allows you to tie it onto something if needed.  This summer, when I took my knitting to the beach or pool, I often wished I had a way to attach my project bag to my chair to keep it off the ground.

Did I mention the pockets?  I love pockets...

And here's a shot of the interior with a cowl in progress and one caked skein--still lots of room...

 

I plan to make a larger size next and incorporate feedback from the owners for the final design of the knitlove Bethesda bags--I'll be sure to show them when they're done.  And since I'll be sewing, I've offered to dive into my fabric stash to make a batch of project bags for my knitting group. 

I also have other crafty endeavors in mind that I hope to tackle soon.  But first things first.  I need to clean out the basement (from the flood after the string of natural disasters), organize Disney pictures, get some work done for my part-time job, and put together an invite for a BIG party we've decided to throw (so excited!!).  Busy, busy.  Happy Monday.

Sandra 

9/11; Everyone has a story.

Most anyone, when asked, knows exactly where they were when the events of 9/11 occurred.

Charlie and I have each shared a little bit about that day with the boys.  But not much.  Neither of us talk about it, really.  Because in the end, we were safe--and others, so many others, were not.  And it is those who gave or lost everything, in my mind, who lay claim to talking about that day. 

But....as much as this blog serves as a craft journal for me, it's also meant to memorialize certain things I wish to share with the boys.  And as the events of 9/11 have in no small way shaped my perspective on how I choose to live, I've decided to write an entry for when the boys are older.  I worry I might not remember as well in a few years--even though I'm certain I'll never forget. 

Click to read more ...

Adventures in tie dye.

Like so many in our area, in the last two weeks we have experienced an earthquake, a hurricane, and flooding.  And for my family, specifically, please add in a trip to the ER (yes for littlest one.  Again!), a trip to Disney, heading back to school, power outages, and a flooded basement.  You can imagine how grateful I am that we were able to weather it all. 

But I am not going to post about any of those things just yet.  Instead, I'm going to recall a fun project that filled one day (and beyond) with color--a tie dye kit by Jacquard. 

Bought for a steal at the local big box chain, it came complete with bottles, primary dyes, rubber bands, gloves, and even an instructional dvd (which was awesome for the kids to preview before getting started).  We've had the kit all summer but finally cracked it open when some friends were over.  I can't believe I've never tie dyed before.  You will see more shirts popping up in future pictures as the boys constantly reach for them.  We made a ton.  And I see more in our future.

Here they are sporting a few creations during a summer day trip in Baltimore.  Yes, they are loud and bright.  The shirts, too.

Here's to colorful days--I think we could all use some right about now.  Happy Friday.

Sandra

Back to School, 2011.

On a wet and rainy morning, the two oldest were all smiles as they waited to board their bus.

 

Few words were spoken.  And as the rain came down, few pictures were snapped. 

But I did manage to capture Charlie offering some advice.  And I was happy to witness them both intently listening--we are in no rush for the "you don't know what you're talking about" phase that ambushes many on their parental path.

Off they went, our 3rd and 1st grader.  I was sad, of course, but also genuinely excited for them because they both adore school.

But littlest one?  Much like last year*, he was not in favor of being left behind.

He starts school next week.  Until then, I am in distraction mode.

Sandra

*My word, do our boys look impossibly older than last year.  It would be silly to tear up now after holding it together at the bus stop, now wouldn't it?

 

My Abigail Cardi.

       

After finishing my first sweater for Luvinthemommyhood's KAL, I quickly cast on for a second sweater.  And that was the last thing that was quick about the sweater!  It is in fingering weight and it is a cardi, which means purl rows...and I am not very fast on purl rows.  

It took me an entire month, though I suppose that's not accurate as I did knit a few other items in that time period.  The pattern, the Abigail Cardi, calls for reverse stockinette, which is a stitch I do not love...mostly because it shows every flaw under the sun as far as I'm concerned. 

I planned to keep the stockinette as the right side but then foolishly forgot to reverse the collar...so it flips and curls the wrong way.  The result is a sweater that is half inside out no matter which way I wear it--because to wear it with the reverse stockinette outwards reveals the seams; to wear it stockinette side out reveals a collar that won't lay flat.  But rather than look at it in defeat, I am going to settle with calling it quirky and deconstructed.  Yep.  Maybe someday I'll rip out the collar and fix it.  But for now, I am calling it done and am moving onto to something chunkier and knit in the round.  Well, until I remember the drape you achieve when knitting in a fine gauge and then I'll probably cast on again with more sock yarn.  It's a vicious cycle.

My Ravelry notes are here.  I used Madelinetosh Sock in the Milk colorway and love the yarn--it is next-to-the-skin heaven.  My only mod was to add a couple of more decreases in the sleeves, lengthening them just so, and adding about an inch of 4 x 1 ribbing as a collar edge...a last ditch effort to get the collar to lay flat if I wore the sweater with the stockinette side showing as planned.  It did not work one bit.  But at least I like the look of the edging.  And although it may not sound like it as I prattle on, I actually like my new cardi, too, and think it will be a wardrobe staple.  I just need to learn to love the obvious tension problems revealed by the reverse stockinette! 

I did not have time to take proper shots so these self-portraits in the mirror will have to do.

Sandra 

Cobbler, 2011 version.

Every summer, I dabble in the world of cobblers.  I am still happy with the quick and easy version I posted last year.  But as I mentioned in that post, sometimes--especially for company--you might want to take it up a notch.

This is the cobbler recipe I go to when guests are headed over and I'd like to serve something special (but still easy) and am not worrying about calorie count (because it ain't diet food).  I've made it five times this summer and have failed to take a shot of the finished dish each time...which is one of the reasons I've delayed in posting the recipe.  But as summer is drawing to a close, I figured I'd best just get it up here.  Even if you've enjoyed cobbler many times this summer, I think there is always room for more...

Company Cobbler

adapted from Paula Deen

4 C peeled and sliced peaches

2 C sugar, divided

1/2 C water

8 T butter

1 1/2 C self-rising flour

1 1/2 C buttermilk

ground cinnamon for sprinkling

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Combine fruit, water, and 1 C of sugar in a saucepan; bring to a boil then simmer for 10 minutes.  In the meantime, place butter in a deep-dish pie plate or a 3 quart baking dish and slide into hot oven to melt butter.  In a seperate bowl, whisk together the flour and remaining 1 C sugar--slowly add the buttermilk to prevent clumping.  Do not beat to death.  After butter is melted, remove from oven and pour mixture over hot melted butter.  Do not stir.  Spoon fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup.  Sprinkle with ground cinnamon.  Batter will rise to top during baking.  Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Enjoy!

Sandra

Swim season recap.

Hi there!  Sandra waves hello, logging on for the first time in three weeks.

We're enjoying our summer and cannot believe it's almost over.  And before it ends, I need to record some important happenings.  One in particular is Max's involvement on swim team.  It was touch and go whether he'd choose to participate this year.  He tried winter swim and Charlie and I watched in horror as he seemed to get worse week after week...it was obvious his heart wasn't in it.  He would jump in and do a few strokes.  Then he'd  completely stop and lose all momentum, seemingly content with sinking.  And then--at a critical moment before sinking too far--he'd stroke, stroke, stroke, bobbing back to the surface.  He'd repeat this tortured rhythm the full length of the lane.  It was hard to watch. 

When summer rolled around, it was a surprise when he said he'd join swim team.  Not a surprise was the groaning when he trudged to the 7:45 a.m. practice each day.  But he always stuck with it.  He even graduated from the B meets to the A meets because our team needed someone in his age group to do breast stroke.  I should point out that he could not do breast stroke when this proposition arose. 

I should also point out that while other kids might be embarrassed by the notion of attempting something in public before they can do it well--the concern does not seem to cross Max's mind. 

A notable thing about our oldest is he really doesn't care what anyone thinks.  And this often presents challenges because his parents are, you guessed it, included in the group of "anyone."  Sure he wants to please us and enjoys making us proud.  But gaining acceptance by doing what others do is not a driving force in his decisions.  It never has been.  Rather, he will strive to do things well if he wants to.  And he is not easily influenced by the notion that he should want to do something well just because others do it well.  I'm not sure exactly what character trait, if any, that represents but it resulted in him happy to swim breast stroke in a race with seasoned swimmers even though he could not actually do the breast stroke.  I might have mentioned that already but it's worth repeating because it made me proud.  Especially when I saw his face before the first meet and realized he was pretty nervous.

Max disqualified during the first two meets.  He'd either do an illegal stroke or forget to touch the wall with two hands.  But he stuck with the practices, only missing when we were out of town and when he fell sick for a few days.  And in the end, the breast stroke finally clicked.  He cut his time nearly in half and by the end of the season, he improved enough to qualify for Divisionals.

More importantly, he made friends, enjoyed team camaraderie, and learned the valuable lesson that hard work pays off.  At our team banquet, he was selected by the coaches for the hardest working boy award.  I have never seen him look proud, surprised, and embarrassed.  And as I watched him clutch the plaque and process what it represented, I've never felt my heart swell quite that way. 

His coaches are really exceptional.  Wonderful young adults who are committed to the kids--many of them grew up on the very swim team they now coach.  The two young ladies in charge of the 8 and under kids are really great, not to mention adorable.  I knit them a pair of earflap hats in team colors with fun pom poms as a thank you gift.  I hope they like them.

I was a timer at the end of the lane and he's waving hello. But doesn't it look like he's trying to use the Force?

We've spent far less time at the pool since the end of swim season.  But we have a couple of weeks left.  We are ending this summer with a big surprise trip for the boys and I am all-a-flurry trying to get ready.  I'll give you a hint.  It starts with a D and rhymes with Help Me.  Okay, that's not the right attitude.  I know we'll have a ball and are lucky ducks to get to go.  I'm just a little worried that traveling with a three-year-old to a theme park filled with attractions that he--and he alone--cannot ride won't be the smoothest experience we've enjoyed.  I think I've made it clear how much he likes to hang with his brothers.  We will have to divide and distract, I think.  Wish us luck.