#&%#$*?!?!?

I was in DC for a few days last week attending a conference for work and managed to do something horribly embarrassing (but kinda funny) within the first two hours.

After setting up our booth, I decided to check out the other displays and see who was there. I wasn't in the mood for small talk and since there was no one around (or so I thought) it seemed like a great opportunity to check out materials without having to chit chat.

Down the row, I noticed a fairly big exhibit with a huge stack of DVDs as giveaways. I always tend to be a bit jealous when I see non profits with more stuff than us, so I had to take a look and see who it was. So I walked over and picked up a DVD and was surprised to see who it was: "The Tourettes Association--what the f*ck?!?" Unfortunately, I said this out loud to myself, and even more unfortunate was the fact that the Tourettes Association staffer was just off to the side, within earshot. It was all so fast: she shot me dagger eyes, just as I realized what I had actually said out loud. I was mortified. Well, mortified and almost on the verge of snickering because I realized how bad and how funny this was. Had I been thinking on my feet, I could have pertpetuated the whole bad medical sterotype thing and introduced myself: "Hi, I'm from the Alzheimer's Association...where am I?" I am a bad, bad person.

To continue the theme, I was disappointed that I could not find either a Pope bobble head or a Bush countdown clock while I was there. Gotta keep looking for that clock.

Happy Tax Day

I am a bona fide Crastinator at the pro level :)

Boston Bound...

Well, Cambridge, more accurately. These a just a few of the nuno felt scarves I sent off to the Cambridge Artists' Cooperative. I'm having a lot of fun playing with this new design, that I'm dubbing "Watercolors" for now. I was able to make lemonade out of lemons with two pieces of silk that were not quite the color I expected after I ordered them. While shockingly and scarrilously bright on their own, they became part of a beautiful landscape of color with the blends of merino and tussah fibers.

I really need to make more for Etsy!

Healing Power of Knitting

I’ve been knitter for years, but felting has slowly taken over to occupy my time. As much as I love felting, I have to admit that knitting is a more soothing and meditative process. I just spent the weekend in the hospital with a sick parent again. Fortunately, it was not too serious, but just required a lot of time. I spent the hours working on an afghan beside my Dad , watching the NCAA tournament, occassionally chatting and napping . Mom was also sick this weekend, but not enough to warrant a hospital visit.

Saturday was spent waiting nearly nine hours in the ER for a hospital room for Dad. A long time in a stressful, sterile environment—Mom was exhausted by the time we got home. But waiting for us at my parent’s foyer was the best gift with perfect timing. An envelope filled with handmade Easter cards (out of purple construction paper) and a hand knit prayer shawl. The fifth grade class at Notre Dame parish, where my family has gone for years, has kind of adopted my parents since they’ve been on the prayer list at church. They write handmade cards and Mom occasionally sends treats to the class and answers their letters. A group of girls in the class are learning how to knit and surprised Mom with a hand knit prayer shawl. The shawl is acrylic and made of garter stitch swatches, complete with dropped stitches and misaligned rows, but is one of the sweetest things I’ve seen. It’s hard to describe how much it lifted all our spirits after such as long day. Even thinking about it now makes me smile.

Kid in a Candy Store....

…and the candy store is in my house! Lemme explain. One of my favorite felting artists, Nicole Chazaud of Festive Fibers is changing directions in her career. She has been known for her beautifully upholstered furniture in her signature colorful felts—she’s now going to design for the textile industry. The felting world’s loss is also our gain, as she sold off her hand-dyed wool. As soon as I received her email newsletter, I placed an order. Do I really need more fiber right now? “Need” as I’ve learned, is a relative thing. Good, upholstery-grade batting is hard to come by, especially in fun colors. Add to that the fact that this wool was dyed by an artist whose sense of color I really admire, and well, yes, I realized that I “needed” this fiber.

Honestly, I think I squealed in delight when I opened this package. Oh, the fun I’m going to have....as soon as I finish up an order of Nuno scarves for the Cambridge Artists Cooperative. I'm really please with the new designs I've been playing around with. Gotta make sure I take photos before I pack them up!

Coolest Mittens EVER

I saw this kit when I was perusing Morehouse Merinos' website and just knew I had to make it. Things that make me laugh are high on my list. I didn't have anyone in mind when I was knitting these, but I think they might be perfect for a cute little two year old I know who is lovin' the snow this year. I also think I may have to figure out how to make the pattern larger just so I can have my own. Just so I can see people's expressions on the train...

Special Anniversary

It's hard to believe, but 20 years ago today, I left for the Peace Corps. I'm usually not such a sentimental person when it comes to dates, but the dates surrounding this event were easy to remember: we reported to Miami on Leap Day; landed in Costa Rica on 03/03/88 and swore in on 06/06/88. And 20 years later, our group is still pretty tight. It's funny that Osar Arias was president when we were there and he is president once again. And not so funny that there was a Bush in the White House then and also now....