An ode to woad

Am I bleu... yes I'm blue.
Finger tips & my wrists,
All pretty blue....
Let's not forget, the fabric too!!

On Saturday, April 9th, I had the pleasure to participate in a woad dye workshop. Folks came in from as far as Seattle, Honolulu & San Francisco to partake in this unique experience. Woad is a european plant that has been used for centuries & produces a lovely blue color. At the workshop, I found out that there is a local invasive species called 'dyers woad'. It's unknown if it can be used to produce dye. Anyway, everyone was instructed to bring items to dye or you could purchase lace, ribbon, hankies or other items at the French General store. I dug out 3 large linen damask table cloths, 6 napkins, a cotton scarf & a linen blouse. When I was done with those items, I wanted to dye more, so my hat went into the dye bath! (I was kicking myself for leaving the sundress & 6 balls of yarn at home) Next time I'm going to raid my closet & yarn stash. I have so many ideas/experiments that I want to try but I don't know if I'll be able to wait until the next woad workshop... it might be an interesting craft filled summer! Ultimately, my plans for the table linens is a new bed spread. The logistics of the bed spread hasn't come to me yet I know I'll figure it out sooner or later. All in all, I had a fantastic time, met a lot of friendly people & was inspired by a little plant called woad.

Don't I know you??

It's been 3 months since my last post & it went completely unnoticed!! Not sure if I should be happy or sad about it so I'll shrug it off for now.

Anyway, while I was away, I was doing some sewing for my pageant queen Niece. Mom & I made a lovely orangy-red suit, cream shell & a bright blue beaded ball gown. What an experience!! I didn't think it would be too difficult but that's what I get for thinking!! Should have had a design plan before I started beading. In the end, it all came together beautifully & the little Queen AND the Queen Mum loved the dress. If there is a 'next' dress, I'll definitely be better prepared!!

I really enjoy making jams... my Sister has never made. She came into a bunch of oranges, so we took a stab at orange marmalade. It came out OK but I'm upset that it didn't jell properly. I think it needed more lemon zest & a longer time at a hard boil. But, it eats the same so, live & learn.

I did crank out fuzzy birthday beanie for a friend & a scarf for my cousin. The beanie was suppose to be a gag gift but wasn't. He love, love, loved it!! My cousin saw a pix of the scarf & wanted one like it, so I indulged him.

Jewelry has also been on the agenda... I've rediscovered the joys of beads, findings & wire!! Constructed a super cute star necklace for my sister, beaded up a necklace for a friend & stringing some rough cut agate for ME! It would be done by now but I need to get a bead reamer cuz some of those bead holes are tiny.

OoOoHhHh consolidated eyeshadows!! What's not to love?!?

Kyoto: the side project

Kyoto (free pattern @ knitty.com) was made a few years back... I'm guessing around '05- '06. It's become a re-knit side project because the neck band & sleeves warped out so bad that it was no longer wearable, so I decided to reknit. So far it's been keeping my hands busy but now I have another side project to this side project... adding sequins to the full skirt of my nieces pageant gown! Good times!!

Gifties for me?!

I've been away for the past week & 1/2 helping my brother with a photo shoot. It was a fun yet tiring time. Almost every day started at 6:45am and ended past midnight! Those are some crazy hours that I can't do for long periods of time. I'm getting too old for it!! Speaking of old... my birthday just so happen to come this past week. Monday was an early celebration with a nephew-in-law who shares my b-day. Tuesday started with hugs from my nieces and ended with dinner & more hugs. Wednesday morning was my day to leave for home & I was surprised by a gift from my nieces (ages 10 & 7) hidden in my suitcase. Granted it was little stuff they had but it was really touching that they felt the desire to surprise me with a gift. It was all wrapped up in a colored scarf then wrapped again in festive paper! What did they put together for me... well, a happy plaque that says 'imagine', Nerds lip balm & some dough. (The restaurant we went to gives the kids dough to play with instead of crayons & paper.) I'm still touched & amazed at those two... it's one of the best gifts I've ever received.

Because it was my birthday, and it's not something I do often, I decided to treat myself to something nice. They were something that I saw & loved a few months ago but didn't know if they were still at the shop. But if they were... they were MINE!! Well, lo & behold, these lovely beads were still there!!! Once I get them restrung, I will have something fantastic to wear the next time I'm out & about!!

Damn, damn Decimal!!

Frogging has been completed... I ripped it back some 30 rows to the sleeve attachment. Took a stitch count & found it was off... Damn it, damn it, damn it! The frustration w/myself is enough to make me tear it completely out! *sigh* But it's my own fault for being smug, and not taking a count when I knew I should. So, I'm off to get it 'right' so I can get this lovely sweater finished & out of my Ravelry queue!!

Gaaaaaaa!!!

*heavy sigh* I was WAY too lax with my stitch count. When I finally got around to taking one, I had finished 8 of the 22 raglan decreases.... So, guess who's gotta pull back to correct her error? Yup, ME!!

It sucks!!