Que Sera, Sera

Stephanie wrote:

I have childhood memories of Doris Day singing "Que Sera, Sera" and my own mother singing the song as she washed dishes and folded clothes. While I've been known to treat my kids to a couple lines from the song, I try not to notice when they roll their eyes and hope that someday they will appreciate the sentiment.

Que Sera, Sera . . . whatever will be, will be. This is my mantra. Life is short and unpredictable. While it's human nature to want to know what lies ahead, the future's not ours to see. And that's probably for the best.

It is with fond memories and an eye to the future that I say good-bye to Dye Dreams. The time has come to close this chapter in my life and start a new one. I've enjoyed meeting many of you online and in person at events across the country. It's been an honor and a privilege. You can follow my new adventures here.

Que Sera, Sera.

Running Around

Stephanie wrote:

For some reason this summer has been far too hectic. I keep hoping for some lazy days, but instead I'm coordinating various schedules, juggling too many balls. My front door has become a revolving door for family, friends, visitors and total strangers. The parade never ends.

I must confess that my knitting obsession right now is a wool cardigan. I plan and plot to knit a few rows here and there, but it's never enough to satisfy me. The sweater has gotten big enough that it's no longer portable and is a stay-at-home project. And really who wants to sit with a lap full of heavy wool this time of year? Note that last month was the hottest June on record. And yet the sweater is a magnet calling me to work just a few more rows, just a few more inches.

Too much running time and not enough down time has had a serious impact on my knitting. Since many of my projects are not good for on-the-go, most of my knitting time has been spent on Herbivore (Ravelry link). Almost mindless, easy to pick up, easy to put down. When I reached the suggested size for this shawlette, I decided to keep going until I used up all the yarn.

There was a point when I was working the finishing rows that I thought maybe I had gone too far, maybe I wouldn't have enough yarn. For once my calculations were right on. All that's left is the blocking.

This is the time of year to enjoy the farmers' market. Going to market is part of my weekly ritual. I never skip a week.

Hot, fresh pie from the oven.

And to go with the pie . . .

. . . coffee with a layer of ice.

Now before the day gets too crazy, time to work.

Time to wind.

Time To Twine

Stephanie wrote:

The heat is on, and I've become a nomad in my own home. I have the misfortune of having my work space in the hottest part of the house - the uppermost level that, due to funky wiring and poor construction, cannot accommodate any form of cooling. The heat coupled with the humidity has a definite tropical feel. We abandon this part of the house during the summer months.

I find myself wandering about with a skeleton of my desk - laptop, several file folders and a couple of pencils. I roam about in search of space where I can set up temporarily and do some work. The dining room table is ideal when it's not covered with dishes and/or clean clothes. The recliner works in a pinch, and I can sometimes incorporate a power nap. Even the kitchen counter is inviting if it weren't for the steady stream of food-seeking kids. When all else fails, I have to head out to the library or local coffee shop. I miss having my own space.

In club news the summer mitten kits shipped recently, and the KAL starts tomorrow on our Ravelry group. Beth Brown-Reinsel designed a two color twined mitten for this club installment. Twined knitting is a Scandinavian knitting technique that uses both ends of a center pull ball.

Wound and ready to twine.

In recent wanderings I stumbled across these lawn sculptures.

What a fun way to brighten up the yard. Propeller flowers.

It's Official

Stephanie wrote:

Today marks the summer solstice, the official start of summer for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere. For many the solstice is cause for celebration with all manner of festivities and time-honored rituals.

This is the season to worship the sun, and there's no better place than Taos, New Mexico. In the spirit of all things solar the Taos Solar Music Festival will be held this coming weekend. The festival boasts a solar village and great music all in a spectacular setting. There's something for everyone with a line-up of musicians that includes Robert Mirabal, Los Lonely Boys, Jakob Dylan and everything in between. Fun in the sun.

The beginning of summer is motivation for me to finally pack away winter coats and boots. Maybe I'll even replace the winter scene on my computer desktop with something more seasonally appropriate.

While I don't have much knitting progress to report, the week ahead will be one with lots of time spent waiting. And knitting. There are new colors coming out of the dye pots.

Always trying to stay one step ahead of the current season.

And goodies coming out of the oven.

Chocolate chip scones - a favorite any time of year.

Scattered

Stephanie wrote:

This time of year can be crazy busy. The calendar is full of extra parties, celebrations, commitments and obligations. We really should attend this. Can I fit one more activity in our schedule? Constant juggling. Never enough hours in the day. Is this the price we have to pay for the relaxed, playful days of summer?

As a result I feel like this.

Scattered puzzle pieces.

We are on a serious puzzle jag here. Everywhere I look there are puzzles. Completed puzzles because once you've put in all that time and effort, you can't bear to take them apart.

And puzzles in progress.

Flags of the World in 1000 pieces.

This morning I woke up and vowed to regroup and take some time for myself.

Time for this.

Coffee is the elixir of my life. Beer is in the same category, but I save that for later in the day. Isn't this mug funky? It's one of Jennie the Potter's creations.

Time for this.

This is my third time knitting Holidazed, and I'm determined to keep this pair. The light shade is out of my usual color comfort zone, but the yarn, Regia Stretch, is a good match for the pattern. And it was in my stash.

Time for this.

The beginnings of Herbivore (Ravelry link). I had a couple of false starts with colorful, busy yarns that detracted from the pattern, but I think I'm on the right track with this combination.

And time for this.

Maybe I'll find the missing piece to Canada.

Frolicking

Stephanie wrote:

I still feel a bit damp after a wet weekend in Maine. Even though the rains were, at times, torrential and a boat would have come in handy, I had a delightful time. It's always fun to see familiar faces, catch up with friends and make new acquaintances. Kudos to those who braved the storm to attend this event. It wouldn't have been as much fun without you.

Since we were in Maine, it was only appropriate to spotlight a "Made in Maine" product. There's nothing like a table full of colorful bags to attract attention.

These are the handiwork of Michele from Three Bags Full.

Details. Most of the beads on the bags are also "Made in Maine". They are the work of Bev from Shipyard Point Glassworks.

And more bags.

These, however, are made in Massachusetts.

We were treated to a bit of entertainment.

A fast moving parade.

Of course there were many cute faces in the barns.

English Baby Doll.

And Leicester Longwool.

Some of the goats were too frisky for a photo, but this one was very cooperative.

I love the horns.

Llamas strutting about the grounds.

So regal. They are born to pose.

And I couldn't resist this Jersey Wooly.

A ball of fluff with a twitching nose.

Out And About

Stephanie wrote:

Not much time for blogging or pictures this week. Dye Dreams will be at the Maine Fiber Frolic this weekend.

This event has a little bit of everything - shearing, demonstrations, workshops, a goat show, a used equipment marketplace. And, of course, a full line-up of vendors. This is a fun event for the whole family. If you're in the area, be sure to check it out.

I'll be back with a full report next week.