A Traveling Knitter

Life has gotten crazy lately

2010-04-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

I will be taking a break from the blog world for a while... In the mean time enjoy my archives and I will be back as soon as I can

Glen

A Traveling Knitter

Liquid Sunshine ...... Ahhh Seattle

2010-04-22T10:20:00.001-07:00

So, Seattle may not have received the memo. Winter is over! It was a cold "winter" morning with a nice drizzle, but that didn't stop me. I was off to So Much Yarn to buy some "just in case" yarn ( I am working on the socks appeal boxer shorts. And I am afraid I am going to run out of yarn).
I love So Much Yarn. Its a little tricky to find ,but well worth it! Its above cost plus right by the market.

I found this travel kit you have to check it out! All the tools you need in one handy case. The whole case is airport security friendly.
Even though I didn't find my "just in case yarn" I still had a blast checking out all the new yarns. They have in stock. (I have a back up plan.... It involves a lot more work and some ripping. )

After So Much Yarn it was off for lunch and a wander though the Market with one of my oldest friends we. We met in 3rd grade ... Yeah so that's a long time. I won't tell you how long... We had a great lunch and I was really enjoying the sounds smells and flavors of the market. Check out the guy playing the wash tub base. He was really getting some great sounds from it. .

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Sorry

2010-04-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

I am sorry I haven't posted in a while . There are two reasons. The first is my phone broke, yes it's true again I am waiting for another replacement.(this is blackberry 5.... they are great when they work ,but i can't get one to seem to work for more than 3 months) so I am using the old one with the broken camera. The main reason there have been no posts, I have been under the weather with the allergies. The ones that started in Charlotte last week. I am glad to say I actually woke this morning (in Charlotte) and took my first deep breath though my nose. No medication in my system! I have been in a decongestant, antihistamine haze for a week..... the good news I am back and off for an adventure in Charlotte. .. stay tuned pictures will have to wait.....It is an absolutely beautiful day in Charlotte! I am off to explore!

Achooo Charlotte

2010-04-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

After a late night red eye to Charlotte and a much need nap. I got a late Start in Charlotte. I was off to my favorite fiber heaven in Charlotte. Charlotte Yarn I love this store , not only is it a creative gold mine,but I dare you not to fall in love with Remi, the owner(I have a little crush on both she and her daughter). I always look forward to a visit to this amazing shop.

Check out this great shawl I mean don't you just want to knit it. It is a free pattern with purchase of yarn. This is just the tip of the iceberg of the great patterns and interesting ideas you will find in this great shop.

After the shop closed(OK i admit it I bought some yarn... I couldn't resist)
I was off to dinner. I had walked by 300 East(the name and the address of the restaurant),but after the glowing recommendation from Remi, I was on my way.

Wow words are going to be limited in my description of the food. The restaurant is in a wonderful old remodeled craftsman style bungalow. The hostess says there are a couple of ghosts and they sometimes show up in photos. I had the hanger steak and wow oh wow. the ambiance is charming and I thought the prices were great , especially after I saw the portions. another great little find on East blvd is a little store called Paper Skyscraper
This store is a eclectic shop with tons of really cool stuff .

OK ALERT THE POLLEN IS OUT OF CONTROL IN CHARLOTTE!
Achoo achoo I have been sneezing ever since I got home . There is a fine green dust on every thing. It sure is beautiful though the flowers are amazing. I am going to be in Charlotte 3 more times this month and I have just started on my list of things to do!( thanks to the Charlotte North Carolina Knitters Group on Ravelry)
Ahhhchoo I got to go get a tissue.... stay tuned

Horror of Horrors

2010-04-08T11:58:00.000-07:00

Well today was San Francisco. I woke to a beautiful blue sky. I decided to head off to see Helen at Urban Knitting.This time I thought I would be smart and take Public transportation. Oops I took the Bart and went one stop to many, so I still had to walk about a mile to get there. That was OK It was a beautiful day. I turned the corner an EEEEk aghhh Urban knits has gone out of business! There was a sign in the window that said thanks for 7 great years.
I think it is so sad when a knitting store dies. I decided I needed chocolate immediately!( I was morning the loss of a good if not great knitting store)

I also had the need to console myself with fiber. It was still early so I decided to walk the rest of the way to ImagiKnit
I may have stopped one more time for another double chocolate chip cookie... I can't remember... It was a bad day!

ImagiKints is a delightful yarn shop floor to ceiling with amazing fibers. They carry all my favorites.
the staff is delightful and helpful. This has to be a nice reflection on the owner Allison.

Thanks to Katelynn, Jeanette, and Michelle. I was starting to feel my pain ease.
When ever you are in San Fransisco I highly recommend a stop at ImagiKnit
Its located in the Castro area at 3897 18Th Street.
PS the Bread cafe has a killer double chocolate cookie ... just in case you feel the need.

So in conclusion Horror of Horrors we lost another great knitting store, however it just goes to show, that you should always shop your local yarn stores. These great stores are little Islands of creativity. So......... shop, shop, shop. Come on Knitters lets not loose anymore!

A Whirl wind of a Weekend

2010-04-07T09:05:00.001-07:00

Whoosh what a weekend! I am finally at work so I have time to post(that's funny I have to go to work to find down time)Saturday was the final class and the girls were amazing the class was such a treat to knit and I hope they had as much fun as I did.

Check Out our newest Knitting recruit modeling the latest hat for the slopes...
I think she is ready for the Chicken Dance!!!

Lots of fun at Knit Happens.....

So the next day was Easter and we had a sit down Dinner for 46. The house looked spectacular! Kelly really out did himself this year. Here are just a few shots

I hope everyone had a great weekend... We are so blessed to have so much family that loves us... Like I said whoosh what a weekend

Stay tuned... I am heading off to urban knits that's right I am in San Francisco!!

Teaching

2010-04-03T11:20:00.001-07:00

Today I am teaching the final installment of the rosebud shawl. I have 6 students. I sure hope they are still speaking to me. This is some serious knitting(I better wear protective eye wear. Knitting needles make good eye pokers) I am excited to see what they have done. We are leaning how to graft the e halves together with the kitchners stitch....... I will take pictures as long as I am not blind..... Whish me luck and stay tuned.....
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Just a quick funny for the Day

2010-03-30T10:20:00.000-07:00

This is from a Brazilian fashion show. I want the pattern it could be my Halloween costume next year. maybe I will just have to design something(can you just hear the gears a whirrrin in my little brain...)

I have to spend the day cleaning carpets for our gianormous Easter party we are throwing Sunday. so I thought I would just share some funny video... have fun

2010-03-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Wow how much fun is this ad and the making of video!!!

Making of video....

A Little Late Night Knitting

2010-03-27T16:55:00.000-07:00

A little late night knitting. The boxer shorts are coming along. They take a little longer since it is a lot of stockinet stitch with sock yarn( kind of like knitting a sweater with finger weight yarn). I am flying from Anchorage to phoenix on the very very red eye flight. Trust me my eyes are proof. As soon as I get home I will have a good hour and a half nap. Then off to Knit Happens to teach the french market bag class. Whosh I will be ready to for bed tonight.
I just found out my schedule for next month I will be in Seattle and Charlotte. If anyone has any good recommendations let me know. I will be posting a lot from both cities.
Happy Knitting
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Something new for Spring!!

2010-03-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

I thought I would try something new in honnor of the renewal of sping. Let me know what you think of the blogs new look. By the way, I just found out one of my favorite listening pleasures, Matt Morris is a knitter so check out his album and knit along with him.

Matt Morris

Spring is in the air

2010-03-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

Wow It just the most beautiful day out. The air is sweet with perfume. Orange blossoms are the top not,with hints of geranium ,sweet acacia , with a bottom note of cut grass and sage. There is no place on earth, like the desert during spring. I thought I would take Georgia for a walk and share some of the flowers......... I just wish you could smell it.
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Rainy day Decadence

2010-03-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

For your listening pleasure!!

Its raining and I am being decadent. watching sappy movies, drinking tea, and knitting. I started the socks appeal boxers from skacel

Sometimes everyone needs a day of decadence!!!

Road Trip to Tucson

2010-03-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

The Windows are Down and the orange blossoms are in bloom!

It's spring and we were ready to hit the road. The original plan was to head down to Nogales for the day. We were going to pick up our niece and her boyfriend, however when the State department issued a warning about the safety of border towns we thought we would change are planes and just hang in Tucson for the day. I love road trips especially when I don't have to drive. I think since I fly all the time it just appeals to me to watch the world pass a little slower.
We got to Tucson and headed to our niece Daryn's new house. near our favorite area of town 4Th Ave. The last time we were down we missed the 4Th Avenue fair by a day and guess what we did it again. The street was crazy with people setting up . Daryn lives close enough to walk and we walked the street for a little bit and then stopped at the Tucson Market for some pizza (even though we are hanging with college students and pizza is the college food of choice I have never lost my love for it!..and it has been a few years since I was in college)

After lunch, we were off to check out some galleries Daryn is a art student and Chris, her boyfriend, is and architect student... art galleries were a no brainer.

Daryn had hear of a Warhol show at a gallery on 6Th Ave . This was a major exhibit. This is Something most museums would give there eye teeth for and if you are in Tucson in the next few weeks go check this out

Eric Firestone Gallery
WARHOL FROM DYLAN TO DUCHAMP
Feb 27, 2010 - Apr 25, 2010

Apparently Andy Warhol was in Tucson in !967 to film Lonesome cowboys at The Old Tucson studios. Bob Border was a reporter who was sent to photograph the artist , not really knowing what he was getting into. He went and took this huge group of photos. We actually meet this very interesting man. This is the first time any of these pictures has ever been seen publicly. There are numerous other photographers represented as well. It is a spectacular show. Whether you love Warhol or hate him he mad an indelible print on art and graphics today.
From there we decided to wander 4th Ave some more.

What?....... Fiber and lots of it!!!!!
I ran into Kathy setting up her both for the fair( really all I saw was FIBER and Lots and I was drawn, like a Bee to Honey!!!)
Kathy is the owner of th Withers Ranch in Tucson she raises the animals and spins magical fiber she felts and guess what?
She is having a big event at her ranch
Tucson Spring shearing Festival

March 27th, 2010
9-3 pm
her web adress is

http://www.uniquedesignsbykathyshop.com/

To finish off the Day We had a great dinner at The B line Nothing like a decandent Deserts for the drive home!!!!

Day at the beach

2010-03-18T16:17:00.001-07:00

Not much knitting to report. I spent the day at the beach and the Aquarium. The weather forecast was for rain so I thought I would go off to the Aquarium. Its small ,but beautiful.
Since it was sunny out. It was way to crowded on Waikiki. I decided to walk to the lighthouse at the foot of diamond head.
Aloha
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A Man Knitting in Public..

2010-03-14T10:40:00.000-07:00

It happened! There was actually another guy knitter on my flight to Hawaii. Some might say ,so...I have been flying for 24 years and have never had another guy knitter on my flight, Except for my fellow flight buddy Eddie.
His name is Andrew and he is a very talented knitter. he has only been knitting for a short while, yet he is knitting a scarf with yarn overs.
The poor guy I think I startled him with my enthusiasm, This is rare occurrence. I was like a kid I wanted to drag all my projects out and just chat knitting. Too bad I actually had to work.
The best part, I was watching him knit and I was thinking what are those needles he is using. They looked like double points, but not quite. I was lucky I wasn't spilling on everyone I was serving. I wouldn't find out till after service he was knitting with chop sticks. He didn't know that knitting needles are approved by the TSA. I just thought this was genius though, now I want to try knitting with chop sticks I have some beautiful inlaid wood ones.

Well I am off to the beach

here is my latest favorite artist for you listening pleasure
I first heard Matt Morris singing with Justin Timberlake Hallelujah.. on Hope for Hatti which has to be one of my favorite songs. check it out on the side bar, under curently listening

Since then I cant seem to get enough of this guys voice

A Sad Day

2010-03-10T09:18:00.000-08:00

I recently posted about my Friend Granny D, Doris Haddock.
Yesterday we lost a true inspiration. She fought the good fight with unparalleled strength and dignity. She lived to see a century and she lived everyday.
My heart is heavy that you are not here any more , but I know you are out there walking and fighting the good fight.

We shall Overcome!

Are you goin' to Scarborough Fair? Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.

2010-03-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

OK so it wasn't Scarborough fair , but e did go to the first Friday Art detour and the 7ave street fair this week end. The weekend was a whirlwind of art and craft and Oscars.

(........aliens and art)

We started Friday night at Another Gallery on 3rd St in Phoenix. One of our closest friends, Daniel Moore, is the featured artist. his photography is simply amazing it can transport you to that quiet place in your heart. The gallery was hoping with friends and family, and it was so nice to see such a wonderful response to Dans work. From there it was off to Roosevelt. They now close the street for the evening and it feel like a night fair . We saw all kind of interesting things , aliens ,circus freaks and even art. Every month on the first Friday of the month all the art galleries in down town phoenix open there doors. it is a great venue to see new and emerging artist .(Lots of good people watching too!!

Saturday was the 7Th avenue street fair. this is a great big event for us. since we live in the neighborhood we are very close to lots of people on the street. This year was no disappointment there was such a high level of creativity. I met the girls who run Bewilderknits Gwyne, Karn, and Cora. They were a oasis of fiber in a see of other crafts.

One thing I love about the downtown crowd is the diversity and acceptance that goes with it. It seems there was a place for everyone.

To cap off the great weekend we went out to Fountain Hills for Oscar night at my best friend's house. It has been quite a tradition to watch Oscars with Sari and Adin( her son). My mom is always on speed dial.( A really awful dress constitutes a call immediately) We had a great dinner and were really pleased to see the Oscar for best director go to a woman!

All in all it was a spectacular weekend!

Keep chasing Rainbows ............

The Novia Scotia Cowl and Shawl Pattern

2010-03-05T12:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks for all the wonderful response to the the Nova Scotia Cowl and Shawl Pattern. Some of you have asked for more history. I designed the pattern on a cruise from Boston to Quebec city. I found the lace pattern in St Johns Bay of Fundy It is a fairly simple lace pattern that with about 400 yards of finger weight yarn makes a wonderful cowl / scarf with a three button closure.

With 8oo yard of finger weight it makes a beautiful shawl.
this is a perfect spring shawl.
it has a very easy 3 stitch pattern repeat that brings to mind a prayer shawl( The Holy Trinity. Mind, Body and Spirit. For Buddhists,“3 Refuges” in the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha.)

I think this would make a wonderful prayer Shawl for someone in need. I love weaving my prayers and good thought into something for someone I love.

A good reference for this type of work are the books

Knitting Into the Mystery: A Guide to the Shawl-Knitting Ministry By Susan S. Jorgensen, Susan S. Izard

The Knitting Way: A Guide To Spiritual Self-Discovery By Linda Skolnik, Janice MacDaniels

Zen and the Art of Knitting: Exploring the Links Between Knitting ... By Bernadette Murphy

I am currently knitting another Novia Scotia Shawl it is my favorite to knit while watching TV or listening to pod casts.... yes you heard correctly this is TV lace!!!

check out the video on the side bar for inspirational music.....

Over the Hills and Through the Woods........

2010-03-03T14:40:00.000-08:00

Anchorage the Alaskan Frontier. I started my day with a hearty breakfast at the Snow City cafe.

This place is legendary. The food is amazing. Michelle Shocked sang about it on her album, Anchorage.(or maybe she mentions it in the album notes, but I new about it from her)

Check out her video on the side bar while you are reading.

After breakfast with a nice warm Tummy it was......... Over the hills and through the woods to a knitting store I go. A true knitter will travel a long way when they are in need of a yarn fix(at least I will) ok so it was almost 2 miles from my hotel and it was 36 degrees, but The Far North Yarn Co. was well worth the trip. My weary frozen eyes were treated with a great wall of Irish. Greens of every hue!( This was conceived by the owners son)

It made me want to knit something for St Patrick's day.

The owner of the store is a refreshing burst of energy. Her name is Kay. There are wonderful yarns to be had in this store. Lots of great books samples and ideas at every turn......and yes. I bought something a skien of wonderful Kathmandu yarn merino silk and cashmere. Yes, it feels yummy and smoochy. I have no idea what I am gonna make, maybe a great hat! It will match my cell phone gloves( the pattern is coming soon). Travelers and locals alike you need to check out this charming shop. Tell them A Traveling Knitter sent you.

On my way back I thought I would give my knitting a chance to check out the view from Resolution point. This is where Captain Cook endened his nothern exploration. ( I thought my knitting need a closer look)

Something warm and woolly for my net book

2010-03-01T11:41:00.001-08:00

I thought I would design a cool sleeve for my new net book! I think it turned out pretty cool.

PS I have been tweaking my blog a little i hope you like it. I have put links into my side bars so that you can traveling to music and books easier. I am trying to update a new video each week of some of my favorite new artists. If you click on the video on the side bar you can listen to music while you read.... I hope it makes the visit more enjoyable.

The Rosebud ShawlCclass

2010-02-27T22:30:00.000-08:00

Today was the second class in the 3 class series, for the rosebud shawl. My students are doing amazing, considering this is almost advanced knitting. I am having a blast teaching I sure hope they are enjoying it as much as I am. It is funny , but I think I am learning more than they are. This Shawl was inspired by my next door neighbor, Maureen, and her rose garden. I love knitting that tells a story. This shawl is the story of a beautiful person and her rose garden.

I will have the pattern available soon in the A Traveling Knitters store. If you happen to be in Scottsdale It is available at Knit Happens.

Snowing again in Philadelphia

2010-02-25T23:45:00.001-08:00

Ok not much to post. I was going to go to the museum,but got snowed out. found a great tea shop though just off 4th and South st called House of Tea.

Also check out this link this is really funny it is a art exhibit on knitting! I see myself in several of the photos. then i thought someone had to knit that stuff wow that is seriouse committment for an photo. I think you will love it

Compulsive Knitting

Dinner with Good Friends in Philadelphia

2010-02-24T19:36:00.000-08:00

I am in Philadelphia again....guess what they are expecting another snow storm. They say not as bad as the last one.My friends Tom and Randy, found a great restaurant around the corner from our hotel in the historic old city.

Chole is a small intimate restaurant that has a byob policy. It is warm and friendly, the service is outstanding, Tony took very good care of us. We decided to have the Fennel and mozzarella appetizer with a tomato sherry sauce. We all agreed that it was one of the best appetizers we ever had. The combination of flavors was sublime. I had the lamb that was just out of this world. We brought our own wine . In Honor of my friends trip to Buenos Aries. I picked two Argentinian wines both from Rio Diamante vineyards a malbec and a Chardonnay. Both were surprisingly good. Now I will probably dream about the banana bread pudding for months... oh well I will have to go back. So if your in Philadelphia give it a try

Chloe 232 Arch street

chloebyob.com

Tell them A Traveling knitter sent you

Tomorrow we are off to the Philadelphia Art Museum

Dinner with Granny D

2010-02-21T22:15:00.001-08:00

Tonight we had a wonderful dinner with our good friends Dennis and Maureen. They have been entertaining a celebrity guest for a couple of weeks that we are lucky to call our friend. Granny D also known as Doris Haddock. Granny D is famous for walking across the country(3,200 miles in 14 months). To raise awareness of the issue of campaign finance reform. Surprising since she was 90 years old. Granny D has not rested. When she was 94 she ran for a senate seat in New Hampshire, against Judd Greg. She is still moving At 100 years old, and is still walking two miles every morning. She is as lively and brilliant as ever. She and Dennis are working on a new book. You can get her first book Granny D: You're Never Too Old to Raise a Little Hell at amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/0812966910/002-1521289-8672832?SubscriptionId=0JEKXTWNECEXBJGY7RR2

You can also check her documentary out Run Granny Run by HBO pictures.

http://grannyd.com/

We had a wonderful dinner as well as a lively conversation. In the picture, she is showing off on of the 57 hook rugs she has made over the years. Made with cut strips of wool cloth she would find in thrift stores.( This woman experienced the depression) the rug is titled The Night Dancer. Another highlight of our dinner was her recital of the Gettysburg address. Still just as powerful today as when it was spoken so long ago.

She is an inspiration and it is an honor to call her friend. I will cherish our dinner together. Thanks to Maureen and Dennis for planning it.
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