White Christmas

For you in the North, this is no big deal But here in the Dallas area, it really is! A white Christmas made for scary driving home from work last night, but a pretty sight this morning.

Just wishing you all a Merry Christmas.

More French Press Slippers

One more night of Christmas music (4 Christmas Eve services at a big church) and then we will rest. It has been a fabulous season - making beautiful music with good friends in (some) lovely surroundings. No mishaps ~ knocking on wood ~ everyone made it everywhere.

Mom is here :-) too, so all is good.

And I couldn't resist knittng more of the French Press Slippers. The black ones are for Mom and the purple (though they look blue. Why is that??) are for a friend.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas. May you and your family be blessed, happy, and healthy.

Hanukkah is here and Christmas is a coming

Hi y'all! I can't believe Thanksgiving was just two weeks ago. It seems like a very long time yet just a moment ago. How can that be?!

Since last time, I have knit and stitched together two more pairs of the French Press slippers but have yet to felt them. I did some mods on one pair - knit the sole doubled (like the FT Clogs). We'll see what if any, difference it makes.

Last weekend I played for a really sweet group of singers. We had mixed meter (counting in 4, then 6, then 3) and the conductor was, um, well shall we say - really nice. It makes the musicians' lives difficult when the leadership is tenuous. But they are really, really nice. So we play it year after year, knowing full well what we are in store for. It is a very small group - maybe 15 singers and 12 musicians.

This weekend is the opposite end of the spectrum. I am playing at a very large church with an amazing and glitzy Christmas show. It is thoroughly planned and executed - like a Broadway show. We all have earphones with a click track (like a metronome) running constantly to keep us all together. The orchestra is situated on both sides of the stage (yes folks, a stage ~ not an alter) and there would be no way to play as an ensemble with out the click. Every instrument is miked so they control what the audience hears. This has no relation to playing in a symphony - totally electronic instead of acoustic.

The singers are amazing, dancers, speakers, quite the production. We have 2 shows tomorrow and 2 Sunday.

Monday, I listen to my students' juries at the university, then home to teach for 4 hours. Tuesday fly to NY, Wednesday fly back with Mom. Thursday and Friday are my regular students, Sat and Sun more church work: Bach Magnificat and another Messiah. Monday night is a rehearsal and then Christmas Eve - we play 4 services.

One day soon I will get back to some knitting content. Right now, when I get home, I am too brain dead to hold the sticks and string.

In the meantime - I hope you are all knitting up a storm, have all your Hanukkah or Christmas decorations cheerfully displayed (we have none, yet,) and your cards all written (we have done none. And probably won't.)

Have a blessed weekend - Happy Hanukkah!

Slipper Grippers

We wore these all Thanksgiving day. I was relieved that they all fit - except mine, which were too small.

I attached Slipper Grippers with the hot glue gun since the recipients have wood floors and stairs. I'll let you know how it wears.

I hope your Thanksgiving was filled with family, food and joy. Our family just left for home and we have Nutcracker tonight. They came to our rehearsal last night and were quite mesmerized at being able to watch a live orchestra (especially the brother and sister-in-law while we played) being only a few feet away. They had never been that close up and personal before. Oh yes, there were dancers too :-0

Performance tonight and matinee tomorrow. Work, work, work (thankfully) for us. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend.

FO: French Press Slippers

All done

almost FO: French Press Knits slippers

These were the fastest project I ever knit. They are not quite done but I could not resist posting....

French Press Knits slippers knit in Patons Classic Merino in bright red on size 15 straights. A very well written pattern ~ totally clear!

If you ever wanted to delve into felting - now is the time! These will make great Chrismas presents.

They were a very wet model on my feet and will probably take longer to dry than they took to knit! There is a little strap that goes across the top (drying as well) that is achored at one end by a button. Tomorrow is button searching day....

FO: Felted Clogs

They are now all felted and drying thanks to my friend Maria and her perfectly sized model feet.

Some have a bit of an odd shape, but they will still fit and be just fine.

So now I have been infected with the felting bug..... I just bought this pattern (OMG - so freakin' cute) and some more Paton's Classic Wool to make yet even more slippers.

Conglomeration of clogs

Has it been this long since the last post? Yikes!

We are into our busiest season now; between the opera, students, symphony and random church work, Day to Day has been ignored. But not the knitting. I did finish and have already worn Scoop de Jour - photos soon :-) I promise.

Rhinebeck was *very* cool. I got to meet Vi and Zarzuela and had lunch with a dear friend. I found some beautiful Cormo to spin, hand-dyed merino and bamboo lace weight and a beautiful deep red merino for a special project. It was really cold on Saturday but a nice sunny day. It was also very crowded. I am not too happy with big crowds - it felt like so many people all sort of pushing you along. While it was a wonderful event, I don't know if I will go again. I went by myself - I think it would have been great if I had a fibery friend.

Mom didn't go so I gave her ticket to a lady coming in who was very surprised she just received a free ticket. I hope her day turned out to be a good one.

These are ready to be felted

I love, love, love this Fiber Trends pattern. It is very well written (trust the pattern!!) and the clogs always turn out great. I like to use Classic Merino because it felts so well. And while the color selection at the local hobby shops is limited, I can still find some that are fun. I bought some of this to try for non-slip soles. I'll let you know how it works.

We are having Thanksgiving here with family and friends, so I thought it would be nice for them to have house slippers.

Felting party is Saturday - want to come?

Today starts with morning childrens concerts, so I must get a move on. Have a fabulous rest of the week ~

the Banda

We are in the midst of the Dallas Opera production of Otello. Since I am in the on stage band (aka banda) I will be playing in costume. Here is a shot from last night's dress rehearsal.

And here we are in our wigs!

Got home from Rhinebeck late Sunday evening and have been non-stop since. There are a few FOs to show you, but I need to take photos first. As you can see, I have been a bit busy banda-ing about :-) and will get to the knitting content soon. I promise.

My First Spin In

I took my Scholar

And spun some Wensleydale

Unfortunately, I forgot to take the camera

Rhinebeck Baby!

Here is the baby sweater for my niece's son.

I used Caron Simply Soft Shadows and the needles were #6 (I am a loosey goosey knitter).

The pattern is by Carole Barenys and can be found here. I did knit the top and bottom in garter stitch. It was a sweet little pattern to knit, but the sleeves directions were to "knit to desired length." I had to look at some other patterns to decide what length; just that one minor detail. I think it is a very well-written pattern.

Rhinebeck Knitting

Yep. You read that right. I am going to Rhinebeck!!! Since Mom lives only 1 1/2 hours from Dutchess County and I had that very weekend free, I decided to make my fall trip to Mom's coincide with this. And Mom said she would even go with me on Saturday!

I just ordered City Tweed in the color Blue Blood from Knitpicks to knit a Rhinebeck sweater. Since time is getting short, I will knit the Scoop de Jour from Chicknits. Easy and classic so I should be able to finish in time to wear it.

Will any of you be going?

FO: 5 Hour Baby Sweater

Although it is a 5 hour sweater, it took me closer to 6. There are many of these found on the web, but this is the pattern I used.

The yarn is Cotton Ease and it was knit on #10 Options. I used dpns for the sleeves so there would be no seams. There is a matching bonnet and booties. I'll post them next time :-)

I love knitting baby clothes. They are so adorable and provide instant gratification. You know exactly what I mean, don't you? What other garment can we knit in 5 or 6 hours?

FO: Juno Regina

Juno Regina was a great knit! I used KnitPicks Gloss and #5 Options Harmony needles.

Using the blocking wires -

Standing in the backyard

Worn as a wrapThis was a pleasure to knit, well maybe not the 42" in the middle.... but the diamond patterns on the ends were very intuitive. And using the blocking wires for the first time - I think the end result is great. What do you think?

We're baaaaaack!

And here are a few pics to whet your beachy appetites

Hasta la Vista

We will be here for a short reprieve.

See you when we get back :-)

Harpy Days are Here Again!

Here I am

My classmates

The view

Today was the last day of Harp Fire. The adults met each afternoon and the kids had all day classes. We had a great instructor, wonderful classmates, a good time and made beautiful music.

Life is good.

Harp Fire and an FO

Today was the first day of Harp Fire 2009. I didn't have enough time this month to practice as I hoped, but life sometimes gets in the way.

Our faculty gave an opening recital that was great!

FO

Here are Janet's Jaywalkers. They were knit in KnitPicks Felici, the colorway is Schooner. I used #1 Harmony DPN's. I wanted identical socks so I was careful to match up the colors where I cast on. Yes, I am happy with these :-)

Last week's concerts were a test of endurance and resilience for all of us. The temperatures were higher than normal and the intonation in the first concerts was difficult.

But the concert last night with Ft. Worth Symphony was terrific. Di Wu (a Cliburn winner) was amazing and the orchestral pieces were two of my favorites. FWSO definitely knows how to make the outdoor concerts the best around. From gigantic fans cooling us to ice water in small strategically placed coolers onstage to the excellent musicians who play beautifully no matter what the temperature. I feel so lucky to be called to play with them.

Have a wonderful week - I will try to update Harp Fire as the week goes on.....

4th of July insanity

It is July.

It is Texas.

And we are expected to play outdoor concerts. And you are expected to attend said concerts.

People - it has been HOT HOT HOT. What are they thinking??? I have three outdoor performances this week: East Texas Symphony, North East Texas Symphony and Ft. Worth Symphony ..... you may never hear from me again since I will surely melt into a little pool of nothingness.

But before I melt - here is my progress on Juno Regina. I ripped back a few times and in frustration frogged it. After licking my wounds and eating my humble pie, I cast on again and this time used a life line. The diamonds are complete and the infamous 42" begins.

Thanks for all your comments - it was fun having Janet here. And yes Lella, we can fit both cars in our garage! The socks are resting right now but after all this craziness dies down, I expect to get back to them. They are ready for me to begin the toes :-)

Mer - it was because of your Juno Regina is so beautiful that I decided to knit one.

If I don't melt this weekend, I'll see you soon.

Friends and UFOs

I can't believe an entire week has passed since Janet was here!

She is a friend of 30 years and was passing by our fair city. We ate, danced (well, the dancers did) and laughed a lot. She also got to see the ballet and hear me play in the orchestra for the first time in 25 years. I think she enjoyed it; I know I did.

Apparently so did the reviewer: "The evening opened with Leonid Lavrovsky's Paganini, a psychological study of the brilliant but tormented Italian violinist and composer Niccolo Paganini. Pianist Gleb Ivanov and the Metropolitan Classical Ballet Orchestra performed the Rachmaninoff score with vivid finesse." She even had nice things to say about the dancing :-)

Since Janet was so intrigued by my knitting, I decided to finish the jaywalkers for her :-)

I cast on for Juno Regina from Knitty with some Knitpicks Gloss. Here is my progress so far:

Broderie is still in the works, but has been resting since it requires mindful knitting and my schedule has been too busy for me concentrate on it. I will get back to it when things slow down a bit.

Have a great weekend:-)

Celebrating 23 years

23 years ago

Broderie Bit

Broderie waistband blocking......

I stopped in at Montgomery Mills again and bought 2 lbs (2400 yards) of Peruvian Tweed - alpaca. At the mill, the yarn is in gigantic skeins in big boxes on the floor with hand printed signs. No labels. So searching turned up this:

"Peruvian Tweed is a Joseph Galler alpaca yarn that is incredibly soft, warm, and lofty, and all of the colors come naturally from the variations in the alpacas themselves—no dyed colors. One ply is a combed blend of colors while the second ply is one solid color. 600 yards of this light worsted-weight, 100% natural alpaca yarn is an excellent value! Hand wash, lay flat to dry.

Fiber: 100% Alpaca
Gauge: 4 (Medium); 20–22 sts = 4"
Needle: US 7 or 8 (4.5 or 5 mm)
Crochet Hook: G or H
Yardage: 600 yds
Weight: 7.6–8 oz"

I hope to knit this for Jim. I think it will look stunning with this yarn.

Got back from NY late last night and I am one pooped puppy! I had gone up for my cousin's funeral so it was a sad week but great to be with family. We had so much love and support I cannot even begin to tell you the comfort we found.

FO: Juicy DK Cardi

It is done and I am planning to wear it on the plane tomorrow :-)

Here is the lace portion

This is the Sirdar pattern 9149. Juicy DK yarn - a delicious blend of bamboo sourced viscose and cotton. (Don't ask me what that means 'cos I don't know!) Since I am such a loosey-goosey, I knit on #3s.

Heading to NY tomorrow and back next week. There will be only limited internet access, so checking this blog may not happen. Feel free to leave a comment anyway :-) I'll look next week.

Have a good week and I'll see you when I get home.

Cast on and Cane

I cast on for Broderie and knit the entire waistband. Blocked it to a ginormous size then ripped it all out. I am down to #2 needles (just call me loosey goosey) and am now knitting a smaller size. Hopefully there will be a picture of success this weekend.

Cane is an ongoing necessity of oboists. Here is 1/2 pound to be processed.

I made some really good reeds from a friend's gouge and decided to buy a machine like hers. This is the Innoledy Gouging Machine. I communicated with the designer and his measurements are exactly what I use! It will take about four months before mine is ready so I guess I will have to muddle along as I have been doing.

Here is a Jeanne machine (my current gouger):

Here is the Innoledy:

Cool, eh? Or am I just a nerd. No need to answer that one :-)

Scallops and Socks

Scallops

Our dinner tonight will be this Citrus Scallop recipe:

Ingredients

· 1 lemon
· 1 lime
· 1/4 teaspoon(s) salt
· 1/4 teaspoon(s) freshly ground black pepper
· 1 1/4 pound(s) sea scallops, rinsed
· 3 teaspoon(s) olive oil
· 1 tablespoon(s) finely chopped shallot
· 1 teaspoon(s) Dijon mustard
· 1 bag(s) (5- to 6-ounce) baby greens
· 1/4 cup(s) fresh parsley leaves, chopped

Directions

1. From lemon, grate 1/4 teaspoon peel and squeeze 2 tablespoons juice. From lime, grate 1/4 teaspoon peel and squeeze 1 tablespoon juice. Set juices aside. In small bowl, combine peels, salt, and pepper.

2. Place scallops on paper-towel-lined plate; pat dry. Sprinkle with citrus-peel mixture.

3. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil on medium 1 minute. Add scallops; cook 6 to 8 minutes or until opaque throughout, turning once. Remove from pan; cover.

4. To skillet, add 1 teaspoon oil and shallot; cook 3 minutes or until tender. Stir in Dijon mustard and citrus juices, scraping up browned bits; cook 1 minute.

Toss sauce with greens; place on plates. Top with scallops and chopped parsley, and serve with whole wheat couscous (to make couscous, follow package directions).

Socks

Here is one of the twins:

Fraternal Jaywalkers?

I just started what I hope will be fraternal Jaywalkers.

The pattern is Grumperina's found here.

Well, sort of - you can download it from Ravelry or email her to get it.

The yarn is from that new sampler I just got - KP Felici and the color is Schooner.

The needles are KP Harmony #1 DPNs and I am knitting the smallest size.

The cardi is still in the works - the sleeves are pinned in and ready for attaching. My past few weeks have been too busy for me to sit during the day (with good light) and stitch them up.

I really hope I will have time next week.

My DH and I were getting tired of the old decor in our bedroom, so we made a change:

to this:

We are looking for a new comforter to join in the lightened and

freshened up look.

I am headed up to Wichita Falls today for symphony and the guest artist is

Ricky Scaggs.

Should be fun :-)

My only hope is that the hotel is better than last time.

The housekeeping and maintenance staff were unbelievably negligent - I had to change rooms do to the shower running - it literally would not turn off.

And then in the morning, I pulled back the coverlet to find a disgustingly soiled comforter.

It was really repulsive.

They gave me my money back, but it makes me question the rest of the cleanliness of the room.

This time, I am taking the Lysol wipes and wipe everything I can before touching it.

And I will check the linens as well.

I would not stay there again if it wasn't "the" hotel the symphony puts us in.

Oh well, this is the last concert of the season for this group.

Maybe the accomodations will be improved next year.

FO: Dragonfly Socks

These were a really fast knit.

The pattern is Dragonfly Socks free from Cavyshops and the yarn is Premier Deborah Norville Serenity Sock Weight. This yarn is very soft but thinner than KP Essentials. I knit with #1 (2.25mm) DPNS in hopes the fabric would be substantial enough.

The socks came out very soft but quite thin. They feel wonderful but I don't know how well they will wear. I was going to keep these for myself but decided to send them to Mom instead.

Thanks for your comments on the last posting. The green yarn is heading to it's new home since the color is not at all me. I know the recipient will enjoy it more than I would have.

Our weekend is full as usual - I am driving up to Apple Leef Farm this morning to pick up the rods for the built-in lazy kate on the Scholar. It is almost an hour each way.....

I have a double for Symphony on Saturday then students and a Messiah Sunday. I am looking forward to the Messiah because a former student (who graduated from Eastman and is now working on his Masters at SMU) will be playing second. It should be fun.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend, my friends :-)