I've Really Got To Stop!

Okay, here I am--going through series of books that I would like to read......

Why?  Am I doing this to myself?  I already have several stacks around the house

just waiting for me to finish one book and begin another.

Here is the stack in the office!  Yes, some good reads here

so why am I investigating other good reads on Paperbackswap

and of course, Amazon.  There is a book club on Ravelry too!

Now, I'm reading two books at the same time--

Both of these books were recommended to me by an avid reader,

like myself.

Since it's Olympic time and we recently visited Germany,

This one is very timely and reads well.

Yes, I love mysteries!  so I'm hooked on good (!) books to read.

Maybe, one day I'll stop looking-----

NOT!

Social Security + Ice Cream = Brenham

How can you lump a visit to social security office and ice cream in one sentence?  We did it yesterday!  The blond headed daughter has recently obtained a divorce (yes, I know--a major event in anyone's life) and she has many chores to wade through as she picks up the pieces and begins a new life.  One of those chores is to change her name--hence, the visit to social security office.  We chose this office because it was in a smaller town and conveniently located.

And true to form in a smaller town, there wasn't as much traffic through the doors.  Whew!  That didn't take long.

Our next stop!  Well, we are in the town that creates ice cream--Blue Bell in fact!  our favorite.

BB had it problems earlier this year and just now coming back on line so there are no tours allowed yet BUT there is an ice cream parlor upstairs--YUM YUM!

Oh yeah, there is also a baseball museum of note!

Oh cool--ice cream!  We all scream for ice cream!

14 flavors ready to scoop--let's dig in!

We did it justice, that's for sure!!

Let's continue our happy day--to Independence for the Antique Rose Emporium

so many wonderful roses to view and smell plus lots of other wonderful

things to ooh and ahh over

The grounds are lovely!  A perfect day to stroll along the paths.

We finished our happy day with lunch in Hempstead, where blond head

daughter visited the drivers' license dept to do more name changes and

visit to Bluebonnet Herb Farm and their Classic Events Cafe--

delicious sandwiches, soups and salads.

Okay, we are making lemonade out of lemons!  Blond headed daughter

is making the best of the situation--life goes on!!

Well, I'll Be...............

It's Wednesday again!  Anything on your needles today?  Want to see what I'm working on?  I'm sure you are so anxious to see what my needles are doing............................. :-)

I'm hemming my woven towels.  They have been finished for several weeks and

the other day, when I had some free minutes, I cut the yardage into section

The blue plaid in the middle is my sewing basket (handwoven with indigo dyed yarn)

I did get three hemmed before I quit

It does present a problem when you have frayed edges--it would have

been smart (and I wasn't!) to run them through the sewing machine

and then cut.  Sewing two lines and cut in between is the smart

way to cut

This one is really frayed, but I'm thinking it was the warp end, where I cut

off the reminder of the warp

The pattern is dornick twill.

Almost! Almost! forgot to add my labels--but I didn't!

It would be nice to have labels that give the fiber content and care instructions.

That will be my next label that I order.

Prayer Flags

You know 'prayer shawls' but do you know about 'prayer flags'? 

 Prayer Flag has a long tradition that started in Tibet more than 2000 years ago with the hanging of flags by war lords as they went into battle. The Tibetan people took the idea and made flags to honor the nature gods of Bon, using colors of the five elements: blue for sky or space; white for air or clouds; red for fire; green for water and yellow for earth. The flags were hung over mountain passes and rivers to benefit all who would pass underneath.

When Buddhism was introduced to Tibet in the 7th century, it largely took the place of Bon, and absorbed many of the Bon characteristics, including the flags. The early flags contained both Buddhist prayers and pictures of the Bon gods who they believed protected Buddha. Over the next 200 years, Buddhist monks began to print mantras and symbols on the flags as blessings to be sent out to the world with each breeze and thus they became known as Prayer Flags.

This collection includes a book of prayer flag inspiration and ideas, a video tutorial from Prayer Flag Project Coordinator and artist Lisa Chin, plus supplies for using Lisa Chin"s techniques to turn your fabric into colorful flags with shibori, stencils, and sun printing.

Since these flags are small, it is a wonderful way to use various techniques--try your hand at these

small works of art.

Discover the history of prayer flags as a form of Fiber Art Written on the Wind. Learn what a prayer flag is along with its historical roots in Tibet. You’ll also get background information on the Prayer Flag Project, which was started in 2011 by Vivika Hansen DeNegre and a group of fiber artist who created prayer flags as a “living, breathing, kinetic journal.” For more information about prayer flags and the Prayer Flag Project read the full blog.

If you’re not sure where to start on your prayer flag journey, begin with a tutorial on How to Make Your Own Prayer Flags. There is no right or wrong way to make your flags because they can be any size or shape you desire. If you want to learn how Vivika, founder of the Prayer Flag Project, makes her flags read the blog here.

Holy SMokes! It's August!

Yes, hot dry August has appeared on the calendar!  What better way to begin the month than with a mystery KAL??

Anniken Allis is the designer.

I found this one on my favorite site--Ravelry, of course!

Okay, I can learn something new--what is Periscope?  Wonders never cease!--

here we have a live streaming site right on my phone--

always there is an app!

The Gondola KAL is a mystery knitalong (KAL) with a difference. You will be knitting along with designer as she design this crescent shawl inspired by Venice.

The designer will be taking you through her design process with weekly Periscope videos and blog posts. There will also be pattern specific tutorials. Updates to the pattern will also be released weekly as we knit this design together.

This shawl has not been knitted yet. Designer decided on the shape, the yarn she will be using and one stitch pattern. The rest will be decided during the KAL

Materials: 
Schoppel Best Of… (100% Merino Wool; 420m/459 yds per 100g), colour: 2233 x 1 skein 
or 
100g/400m sock/4ply/fingering weight yarn

4mm (UK 8/US 6) needles (80cm/32in circular needles recommended) 
Debbie Abrahams size 6/0 seed beads, 1 bag of 500 beads 
0.75mm (US 14) crochet hook (for adding beads)

The Gondola KAL is free until the end of August. Once the pattern has been tech edited and finalised you will receive a free copy of the pattern.

The pattern will be for sale to knitters who did not take part in the KAL from September.

Sunday--Time To Go Home

The weekends are always too short!  There is never enough Saturday and Sunday hours--oh, sad!
But, we'll come another weekend or maybe even a week.

Before we head back to Interstate 10 and drive East, let me tell you about a few more of our favorite wineries to visit in Hill Country.  There is this story about a French Winemaker who settled in Texas and he makes absolutely the best French style wines around and that is Ben Calais.  His Wine Cave--yes, you read right--wine cave is only open on weekends and by appointment.

This is a special place to visit on special occasions and we took the time to make that

appointment and sipped some great reds and whites.  Make it a point to stop here on your next trip--you won't be disappointed!

Yesterday I said there were over 50 wineries in Hill Country and here is a list:

But, if you travel any part of Texas you'll find over 275 wineries throughout the regions!

So much wine--so little time!

See you back on the home front tomorrow!

Hill Country Wineries

If you like good wine and great friendships, Texas Hill Country is the place to visit!

There are now over 50 wineries in Hill Country!  Yes, over 50!  you could spend many a

weekend visiting several wineries around the area and not be at the same one more than once.  Plus there are more in the works--This

is better than Napa Valley because it's in Texas!

We have made an appointment with Kuhlman, one of our club memberships, to sample 

small bites with their wine selections--always yummy!  And the food pairings change with the seasons. You will always find a delicious wine at Kuhlman, styled by their French winemaker.

Okay, the day is young, where to venture next?  So many choices--think we'll drop in on our friends at Lost Draw Winery, located behind HEB grocery in Fredericksburg.  Here you will find

knowledgeable pourers and you might even have a chance to visit with Troy or David.

We have visited with their vineyard owner in Brownwood--West Texas fields!

The day has only so many hours and we can't drink that much as we travel the 290 corridor so

why not take a shuttle?  Perfect way to relax and enjoy the scenery and various wineries.

Another favorite is Becker Winery, which has a wide variety of good wines, a lavender shop

and 46 acres of pure joy!  Here you can listen to music with a picnic and that bottle of wine,

have a luncheon at special events or just kick back and enjoy the breeze.

As most of these wineries offer music on weekends, it's a difficult task to decide which one to attend.

Tomorrow we'll visit a couple more before we head back to our routine life.

HI HO! It's Off To Visit Hill Country!

It's a day trip but we are taking three days to taste our way through some fabulous wineries located in and around Fredericksburg, TX.  WHAT?  You've never been there!  I'm shocked!  It's a great location to kick back and enjoy some good Texas wines.  We have rented a two bedroom, 2 bath house from Absolute Charm, but there are plenty of other accommodations to suit your needs.

We're staying in the Creek Street Retreat!  When it was just two of us, we stayed in the 

back unit.  We have a full kitchen, but why bother to cook though when you receive breakfast

coupons for local restaurants.  We are only two blocks from Main Street, where

all the action takes place.

Last night on our way into Fredericksburg, we visited William Chris, Hye, TX, on East 290 

We are Hye Society members of this winery, so it's a pop in to see what's new--

take a glass and sit under the large oak trees and enjoy the breeze, birds whistling their

tunes, and good wine! 

We had dinner at the Crossroads Saloon, just a short walk from our little bungalow.

Since it's Thursday night we enjoyed their $20 specials plus 1/2 price on a bottle of wine!

This is the perfect way to begin our adventure in Fredericksburg! 

We are spending our morning with our builder--yes, we are going to build a house

in Hill Country--more on that as we progress!

Scrappy Hat Along

I'm sorry that I was traveling during this scrap along with Woolly Wormhead. 

But, it's not too late to go back and begin now.

She has a detailed step by step way to use your scrap yarns; in fact,

the hat looks better if you do use different yarns.

The above photo is of the finished hat--

~Sign~  Guess I can't participate in every knit along,

but it sure would be fun!

can I be a clone??

Oh No! It's Wednesday AGAIN!!

It's okay--I'm going to try my hand at another one of Erica Jackofsky's design, Fiddle Knits

It's the final design in the Elements collection

This is not my work!  I hope to achieve this with my yarn.

And now, I wish I had some of that gradient yarn everyone is talking about!!

Off to knit this creative design clue one!

Fun In October!

It's that time again!  I'm was so excited to receive this notice about Taos Wool Market!  It has been one my favorite places to attend for workshops and other activities.

It is the BEST time to visit Taos!  Cool weather!  Great workshops!

Great instructors!  Great Shopping!

This year will feature Franklin Habit!  What could be better??

Knitting & Crocheting Workshops Spinning & Weaving Workshops Dyeing & Felting Workshops Make N Take Workshops

Special Presentation Friday Night Kickoff 7-8:30 Franklin Habit B IS FOR PURL

Mordants??

Are you a dyer?  Either Chemical or Natural dyer?  There was a great blog post about using mordants in the dye baths recently and I thought this answered many a question about how these chemical mordants assist in dyeing.

For years, I used chrome in my natural dyeing baths--it gave such sharp colors

to some plants--it was only necessary to use a very small amount.

But, after much research, I safely discarded my chrome products.

Iron--well, why not use an old iron pot or skillet while dyeing?  That's what

I use now--no need to have the mordant on hand

Copper--I used a old copper pipe--

Read the post.  

Happy Birthday!!

Today is my mother's 96th birthday!  Happy birthday Mother!  We are visiting with her and sharing memories of our childhood.  Both of my brothers are here as well.  We are taking mother out for brunch.

You're looking good mother!  She can't believe the good Lord has

let her live so long.  

Knit Those Knockers!!

What a great volunteer opportunity for knitters or crocheters!

For anyone who has undergone a mastectomy or knows someone

who has lost their breasts to a disease, this is a way

we can give some of ourselves to make them

feel more comfortable!

Join in--and knit those knockers!

The website has patterns for both knitted and crochet, 

along with tutorials and instructions.

Perfect!

Check it out!

Knitted Knockers are special handmade breast prosthesis for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures to the breast. Traditional breast prosthetics are usually expensive, heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable. They typically require special bras or camisoles with pockets and can’t be worn for weeks after surgery. Knitted Knockers on the other hand are soft, comfortable, beautiful and when placed in a regular bra they take the shape and feel of a real breast. volunteer knitters provide these free to those requesting them. Knitted knockers can be adjusted to fill the gap for breasts that are uneven and easily adapted for those going through reconstruction by simply removing some of the stuffing.

It's Always Good To Be Home!

The journey has ended--we are home, safe in our own beds--our journey took us to many interesting locations where we met super people, shared good food, wine and conversation.  The Historic places we visited will always be in our memories--the people we met will share a place in our hearts.

As we traveled, I used my smart phone to post photos and write this blog--it wasn't easy to say all I wanted to say about those historic places.  The computers in business center of hotels were difficult to maneuver--sometimes, you feel so dumb--especially when all other nationalities can speak your language and you butcher theirs!  Oh, well--everyone is very kind, helpful and supportive when you are a foreigner traveling in their land.  I would only hope we can afford them the same courtesy when they visit ours.

A wrap up of places and things we saw and I didn't post about:

The Grand Residenz of Munich was almost totally wiped out with WWII bombing--as many

of the historic places we visited in Germany--

true to saving history, the Residentz is being refurbished to its once beauty.

History will remain--walking into this magnificent hall--took your breath away!

This was the dining hall and only one of the 170 rooms-- We walked through

65-80 of the rooms--just unbelieveable. 

The fiascos are slowly being repaired--to think that all the work of 1600's

was almost gone, but still faintly mark their spots.

I thought I saw a spinning wheel in the right corner.

But, look at the molding--how awesome is that?! 

This is a Persian wool tapestry from 1600

Luckily, alot of these treasures were taken out of the rooms

and stored in Austria during WWII

The close up detail.

And the beers of Germany and the people are two of the highlights

besides the historic buildings.  we visited the Hofbrauhaus to sample

a beer and some sausages--the beers are government controlled--

so there are no flavored beers and all beers taste about the same to me.

Here we sat next to an East German couple who were coming to

Munich for holiday.  They spoke excellent English and answered our

questions about beers and sausage--even shared a bite of their 

pig knuckle--delightful people rule this world 

And the churches!! What else can I say about the churches?

such lovely places to sit, listen and pray!

a world known to many Christians

We stood here  and we got goosebumps!  Here is where history was in the

making--this was Hitler's Nazi party rally grounds--so eerie to think millions

walked these grounds and saluted

Here is the view from the time period.

This is so depressing to think about.

Yes, we had a grand journey--and now, we settle into daily life and routine.

Thank you for taking the journey with me.