Posted by ann

it wasn’t Maryland, but Huntington had its own, lovely Sheep to Shawl Festival here on Sunday. And what a glorious day it was!

First off, the weather, which was supposed to be gray and rainy was anything but. It was sunny & glorious! Many Long Island guilds participated, including my own favorite spinning guild. Also present were the rug hookers, bobbin lace makers, knitters, tatter (almost said taters!) and weavers. Live music was provided by a trio of musicians and there were pony rides, antiques,food and lots of general gaiety. I even managed to learn some drop spindling techniques!

I really enjoy doing spinning demonstrations at these festivals. What a great way to spend the day – spinning with friends!

One of our guild members, Tabbethia is a professional shearer/alpaca and llama breader and shower and here she is giving one of three demonstrations.

So keep this in mind for next year – if Maryland is too far, Long Island is right here!

Posted by ann

Here are a few pictures from my trip to Lancaster County. We packed a ton of fun into a day and a half.

In addition to general Amish highlights & hilarity, there were a number of fiber related moments ….. we saw cows aplenty, but do you see that field of alpaca? We spotted them on one of our trips down the back roads – I wonder if there were others? We also made a point to go see the Quilt Museum in Bird-in-Hand. This is a must see if you are in or near the area. I also popped in to Labadie Looms where I drooled over some wheels and made a sock yarn purchase! That picture of the felted cat/mouse sculpture is from that shop.

I got home Friday evening from that trip and Saturday was back on the road with Boar & D#2 for a college day. I am happy to tell you that she has finally made up her mind and will be studying at Bard in the fall! You will be interested to know the school is just north of Rhinebeck – oh the convenience!

so here’s the problem ….

Posted by ann

I’ve really got nothing to say. I have knitting to share, but none that I am ready to take a picture of. For some reason, progress pictures are not calling to me and neither of my projects are completely finished. So what does that leave?

A pictureless post? That only works if you have a great story to tell. I’ve got nothing exciting enough to string more than a couple sentences together.

A-ha! Maybe something in the garden will jump start my brain. There is lots going on out there — although there is lots that needs to be done out there too.

The only thing my camera will focus on is these little beauties!

garden gnome

an orthodontist’s dream!

This is what happens when a pug lover takes pictures. Next time I want some flower pictures I better leave the pugs inside.

And when it comes right down to it, you’ve seen one bleeding-heart, you’ve seen them all. Pugs on the other hand are full of nuance! ; )

Under the title Upcoming Excitement, I am setting off on two mini road trips. This evening, I am heading towards Lancaster County. My girlfriend volunteered to take her daughter and daughter’s friend to some all day concert that is going on in the area. She invited me along to go shopping/sightseeing while the girls are rocking out. This particular friend is well known for lots of laughs, truly side splitting fun and all around kooky-ness. We are hitting the road tonight (trying to avoid Staten Island traffic) and will be returning sometime on Friday. Saturday I am back on the road taking D#2 to another accepted students’ event, this time at Bard. This is the final one and then she has to make up her mind. I will be very happy to have this settled.

dolores!

Posted by ann

I saw this at Fricknits and knew it was meant to be. I had some Malabrigo and was in need of an easy take along project that would be good for a train ride. It was last Wednesday and I was going to visit Cara & Meli. It’s a great project – quick, easy and a stash buster too!

There is not much news around here. D#2 has a college decision to make. She has been accepted at three schools and waitlisted at two others. We will be going with her to two accepted students programs and then she will make up her mind. D#1 is coming home for the weekend – we have a family wedding to attend and she is flying in for the occasion.

Mr. Boar and I are gearing up for all kinds of home improvement projects – new garage doors (which will lead to some kind of painting project), new back door (and subsequent painting project), new deck flooring and a bottom of the pool painting. All a bunch of things that we have ignored for too long.

Right now things are in the planning/ordering/scheduling phase. I hate this phase. I think my favorite is the all finished phase.

just like dolores!