More on Tilia

Woohoo - the front and back pieces are knit.

On to the sleeves.

Fine Finishing Course

Last Saturday was the Fine Finishing Course taught by none other than Nancie Wiseman. The Woolie Ewe put on the class and there were about 25 participants. I was a bit nervous never having taken a class before but was soon put to ease. Ms. Wiseman is so personable with a keen wit - I thoroughly enjoyed her. Her teaching was clear and beautifully presented. I was sitting in the very front, so I could hear everything but the knitters in the rear had a difficult time due to an a/c vent making noise over their table. I learned so much that I am very motivated to get Tilia finished (read on) and put together.

She was so gracious - signing our books and posing for pictures.

Here is the completed Debbie Bliss Baby Bolero, all seamed up (thanks to your words of wisdom, Nancie!)

After the last post, my life has been insanely busy. In addition to the Saturday knitting class, I performed on the faculty recital at TAMU Commerce Monday, played 2 rehearsals and a symphony concert later in the week plus taught my 30+ oboe students their lessons. Luckily, Saturday was a light student day and Sunday was totally free.

What did I do on my free day? Well! Cleaned three bathrooms and did 2 loads of laundry. Then I cleaned the five gallon fish tank I keep in my studio, redecorated it with a rock ledge and three plants and moved a new Betta into it. Then I put a chicken on the rotisserie and cooked some potatoes and green beans to go with it. And knit, knit and knit some more while watching Tiger Woods play amazing golf.

I would go totally nuts if I wasn't busy (not to mention there is a lot of yarn to buy therefore the need for income) so I feel very lucky and happy to fully ensconced in my career. I figure at some time it will slow down - people just aren't going to want some ancient babe (ha!) performing and teaching. Until that time, I will pedal as fast as I can and be grateful to be in demand.

I have been chipping away at (aka knitting) Tilia. The third time was indeed the charm and here is the finished back.

And a closer view of the lace-

I already have 6 repeats on the front finished and am determined to finish the front sooner rather than later.

It was really nice to hear from you all last week. I appreciate your well wishes and comments. Woodstock was in 1969 and I was a foolish 15 year old (yikes! now you know my age). But I was so lucky to be able to go and it sure was an event I will never forget. There was nothing to compare with seeing Jimi Hendrix play the Star Spangled Banner early that morning.

Alpaca and Veggies and Woodstock, Oh My!

Warning - picture intensive!

I am back from New York after a week with Mom. She is doing very well - I see no change since last time (this is a good thing when Mom is 87 years young). And after the second round of Prednisone, continuation of Advair, Nasonex and antihistamine, I cough no more!!!! No more prescriptions (other than the Nasonex) - whew! I feel great! And I appreciate all your thoughtful comments.

While in NY, I went to the old Woodstock site in Bethel. It has been turned into a Performing Arts Project where the NY Philharmonic and popular musicians come to play:

Much to my happy surprise, there was an Alpaca Festival going on. Here is the local Alpaca Farm from just down the road.

There were lots of things to look at:

A spinning demonstration

Food for thought

Crafts to buy

And down the hill is the original Woodstock site commemorated by this monument:

The actual amphitheater was smaller than I remembered (stage was on the left near the road) but then again, things might have been a bit hazy back in 1969.

I did do some knitting while at Mom's - here is an unseamed Baby Bolero from the Debbie Bliss Baby book. I used Cotton Ease and #6 KP Options.

And the socks I have been knitting from Sensational Knitted Socks using Lorna's Lace and #0 dpns.

Tomorrow is the class I signed up for put on by the Woolie Ewe - it is Nancie Wisemann teaching us her finishing techniques. I thought I would wait until after the class to seam the bolero so maybe I could put my new knowledge to work.

I am *really* happy to be home.

So, see you later and leave me a little note if you want.

:-)