Tanglewood Fiber Creations

The Week the World becomes very small

2012-01-17T11:38:00.000-08:00

Wednesday after a lovely day with the babies I came home and blogged and went to bed. Thursday I woke with a very dry throat by Thursday night the dry throat turned into fire throat and the fever started. Yikes! I made myself some hot lemonade out of the lemons I had brought up from LA

Friday instead of Family Friday with Mark, I went to Urgent Care. I love the people that work there but the people that go there are sad. Not just because they are sick or in pain it's much more than that. This woman was with her daughter waiting impatientily for two hours complaining about the wait. They talked loudly of things I didn't really want to know. Like the Mom didn't know how to spell her 21 year old's daughter father's last name, while they were trying to find her half brother on face book..... sad....

I tried to knit

Not much the Doctor can do for my virus. I wemt to the grocery store to stock up on things in case the snow that was predicited happened and so I could make myself food.... Saturday evening it began and by Sundy this was the scene at my house....

Sunday evening Cynthia (Knitting Central) and Sarina (Moving Mud) sent my their love from VK Live I love these guys. I made yarn quietly

Monday it was almost gone but spit snow all day and the good news is apart from the hacking coughing I felt much better and started to think about getting back into life

Lily is an inside cat, I wonder who made these tracks........

Celebrating the snow I plied beaded Edelweiss

Sunday night I broke another tooth. I called Becky to see if she would come and take me to the dentist for what ever needed to happen next, there was a lot of plans made. I took a pill and was able to sleep... The dentist office opens at 8:00 am so I had expected to hear from them around then. Sleeping off the many drugs to stop pain and coughing, I woke at 9:00 am wondering why I hadn't heard from the dentist then I looked out and saw why....

Even if they could see me today I couldn't get out of the driveway, I saw the snow plow going very slowly down Robinette (which is particularly nasty in snowy icy weather) but that's the only traffic I've seen in several days.
I'm bumming about so many things, but I have a warm house, and lots of good food (soft things) and a furry cat. I've made lots of yarn, and thought (before the tooth broke) that I might try dyeing today, but thinking now that sounds too cold. I will wind off my bobbins and start again to fill them. I'm alone but not lonely! It's really so beautiful and clean looking and I'm so grateful to not have to go anywhere... yes and pain tablets!

A Day in the Life of a Family

2012-01-11T23:32:00.000-08:00

While Cynthia and Chloe get ready for Vogue Knitting Live in Manhattan NY, I went up the mountain to help out. We have a schedule Monday (Music and Map day) Wednesday (Wild day) and Friday (Family day), so today was Wild, my car had to go into the shop an old battery seems like it's problem and then more grocery shopping and then one last check of the phone and up the mountain...

The house is so much more finished than when I was here last and is such a dolls house now

Mark wearing his new Carhartt overalls a gift from Grandma Super

Abel while normally pretty good about using the rest room, went through many pants today... lots of laundry

Here's Simon

Mark went out with his Dad to do chores, while Abel had another change of clothes and dinner was being assembled, they have a working kitchen!

Finally dinner, dishes, bath time and bed completed for his brothers, Emma brushed her teeth and I got spend sometime with Simon, whoa whoa whoa how nice was this. Makes one forget all the problems of the world when you hold that little wonder.....

Lily was sure glad to see me and I'm really ready for bed. Tomorrow is a yarn day and then back up to be among the young people!

The Circle of Life

2012-01-11T12:04:00.000-08:00

I'm in Oregon working and being Granny Trish but wanted to update you.

Here are some of the kitchen cabinets in the kitchen even

Mike Christmas Morning look what Santa brought him!

Bounty on Christmas day... Look at all the Satsuma Oranges

My Dad and Steven Christmas morning

Cleo Christmas night... long day of fun

Next day it was back to making yarn for VK Live!

Getting packed and yarn shipped all in one go. This was what it looked like the day before I left

So exhausted was I from all the packing that Mike said I was to rest a day before I left so I trimmed the roses. Next morning Lily and I are on the road. Lily is sleeping in the car

A stop at our favorite Granzella's in Williams CA to get bread and treats

Now Lily has moved to higher ground in the car

My arrival time on Thursday that's PM

Next day I went to see lambs at Jan's house just in time for lunch!

A fun day in Portland with Becky and Emma starts labor. I drove to St. Helens and look at my treat the Christmas Cacti bloomed!

Emma is great and so is everyone else here is Mark holding Simon-Peter Clement

Cynthia was so excited to get all the yarn and posted these pictures of the yarn we sent for VK Live! Get your yarn at her booth!!!

After all that I was exhausted and the car had three warning lights on come on so we took the day to unpack and rest. I feel better and only one warning light is on so back up the mountain to see be Grannie Trish!

A month of joys and woes

2011-12-23T20:23:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's been a whole month. Such a lot has happened yet it seems like a blink of an eye since I was updating the blog. Just one of the many reasons is that my computer needed major updating and our wireless router quit (after this month I don't blame it) but happily we have several new routers and I have the internet in the house.

Now we go back to Thanksgiving.

Some of my family don't like turkey so we did an alternative stuffed Pork Roast

Becky butterflied two halves of a pork loin. I made stuffing and Mike placed Prosciutto onto butchers twine

Rosemary out of Becky's garden

both loins are placed onto a bed of apples with hard apple cider as liquid

dinner is served. Along with this we had smashed potatoes using Yukon Gold potato's from Becky's garden and other delectable items

Then it was the long drive home from Oregon to California. Many miles and lots of time in traffic jams yikes....

frantic spinning was then done trying to make yarn for people. Work work work....

a quick lunch with my sister (in law) and look what she made!

Ok it has to be said, to all those waiting for yarn sorry but I wanted to see my bother John and my SIL Nicki ( lives in Ireland) I haven't seen my SIL since 2002 and my brother since Mom died. I talked it over with my family (whom packed me and pushed me out the door taking the spinning wheel out of my hands). John and Nicki were surprising his old mate Charlie for his 50 th birthday in Las Vegas! So Steven and I went a few days before Charlie was coming and spent time with John and Nicki. I've only been to Las Vegas once, I was pregnant with Steven, 28 years ago. One short week after we drove from Oregon to LA, Steve and I were back in the car again......

Terrible picture I know they had flown from Ireland to Las Vegas and it was now 9:00 pm our time, which at that point I'm not sure what time they were on!

We were so happy. It was so great to have such a stolen visit. We couldn't afford it and I sure couldn't afford the time off but I have to tell you I'm so glad I did.

Steven loved the Buffets the most

Steven hates his photo being taken and we took so many, lots and lots at this point in the journey he was done with the picture taking.

It's not a great picture either but here the girls are at Pawn Stars

We took a gondola ride and sang with Salvador

That Stack of plates is taller than I am

all too soon we were home many tearful good byes to all and back to work yarn drying on a clear but cool day in Los Angeles

Steven and Mike took a day off to finish painting the kitchen, Job done!

Meanwhile I'm spinning and plying

After a week of work, making progress on the things to do... we got the call that Mike's Mom was in the hospital, the next day she was gone. It was fast and she didn't suffer but wow it hit hard. The same day I kept my appointment with the dermatologist for a spot on my hand that never healed after the hornets attacked it. A very nice man he looked at the hand and then on my face, all of a sudden I'm having biopsies. Multiple biopsies on my face, which never really got numb, it hurt, like um hornets stinging. Four biopsies all over my face and now worry about possible cancer... it was a really bad day so I went to bed with my favorite guy of the moment.......

What was to be a fun family holiday get together was now a wake for MIL. Becky flew down and I made stew while I waited

while making stew I dyed up three pounds of cashmere

It was good to have Becky here and a lot of things got done-harvesting the Satsuma Oranges from the tree I got for my birthday last year, they are so sweet and lovely

Dec. 18th is my birthday so many people sent me good wishes and it was really lovely. My gifts

here it is unwraped and in service

a living wreath I love this

here is the beads that have been picked up from the floor- so many

My heart stood still when Mike started to bring in the kitchen cabinets, but that's where it ended :(

One of my birthday's activities was to trim roses so I cut them for my enjoyment

Becky wanted to take these lemons home and she sent the picture of the Lemon Pie she made!

All too soon she was gone and we are left with a very subdued holiday feeling. While I got good news- no cancer I have to have more bits burned off my face on Monday. I'm still really behind with yarn as I really had to spend time with my grieving family. I'm working as hard as I can and still take time out for food and sleep. I'm ever behind and it seems like I'll never be caught up. I hope your family is safe and happy and if your waiting for yarn really sorry I'm doing my best.

Happy Happy!

2011-11-22T12:14:00.001-08:00

On the ball I'm starting to make progress on the things to do list. I'm celebrating Becky's birthday and Thanksgiving here in Oregon with the family! But going back in time here's some snaps......

Halloween I skeined and gave out tons of goodies

While skeining up some yarn Cleo thought she would help?

I dyed lots of fiber and feel like I could be getting down to the bottom of the to do list. I'll be at Knit Culture Studio's on Dec. 10th and look forward to seeing you there!

Catching up

2011-10-27T01:28:00.000-07:00

After being down for 2 1/2 weeks it's hard to catch up with work. This past week I did my best; 23 skeins.... I was encouraged to take a break to dead head roses and tidy up the garden, it was lovely working with Mike (even though we both took asprin afterwards) and here some blooms from the rose garden in the back yard!

I went to Farmers Market on Thursday and couldn't resist buying these Lilies, they smell so heavenly, so amazing to find them, fresh for sale, in late October!

Here is a week's worth of spinning and plying out on the Solar Dryer 23 skeins are here drying some are on lower shelves and hard to see

Today was Steven's Birthday and here is the cake! It was so yummy, chocolate cake with a creamy center with lots of decadent chocolate frosting! Gummy worms and a glow in the dark skeleton! Umm

I cooked breakfast in my outdoor kitchen....wish Mary was here! She loves mushrooms done this way, Bangers, Bacon and Mushrooms, Don's brother Joe is coming for dinner on Friday and I'm planning Beef Stew! saved some bacon and mushrooms for that.

We went to the movies and after found this new patisserie in the mall Steven was drooling! Too bad we were full of breakfast!

Steven is having one of these for breakfast tomorrow! Although after a wonderful dinner and then the cake tonight I'm wondering if I'll ever be hungry again!!!!

Right next door is a new Tea shop selling lots of interesting tea, we bought tea and really enjoyed the samples

After a long day of birthday fun we were all tired.... here is a very unusual sight in our house both cats side by side on the couch. Cleo really has never liked Lily and has decided to tolerate her but really doesn't like Lily to be too close....have no idea what is up tonight

I'm going to bed and getting back to work tomorrow. Mike did more work in the kitchen and we thinking "painting" this weekend. After that we move in the cabinets, which will be great to get a dining room back and more room for TFC We are also thinking of more shelving to make my life more organized. I hate not being able to find things and it takes sometimes hours to set up to do a pretty basic job. Washing dishes in the bathroom sink (a job that Mike mostly does) is OK but removing 4 large Rubbermaid container to look for granulated garlic in the garage and then the taking food outside and bringing it in is a little hard. Dyeing can take a while, having to remove all the boxes and Rubbermaid boxes in front of the dye shelves then putting it all back again ahhh can take lots of extra time. It's hard but spending time with Mike is important and I do look forward to a wonderful kitchen, and knowing this is just temporary well it makes it worth it. Watching Mr. Rufus Hummingbird while cooking breakfast this morning was memorable! I love the new grill as well. But new shelves in my bedroom/office will be next week's project. Next week we'll be shipping out lots of yarn and on Nov. 5-6 I'll be at Wild Fiber with a fair amount of yarn! See you there!

I feel fine...really!

2011-10-21T17:03:00.000-07:00

First things first I'm well for the first time in months nothing is swollen, inflamed, infected, or oozing out. It's wonderful.

While getting ready to spray the wasp nest we found this blossom on this plant that Emma gave Becky when she left for college, in 1999! this is the first time we've had anything like this!

The garden

This is Jan's Meyer Lemon Tree and the lemon grass growing next to it

The pink lemon tree covered in ripening fruit

The new BBQ

My new temperary kitchen/dye studio

my laundry

Getting ready for work

Here is the first batch drying in the sun

my not so new Solar Dryer

Cleo dreaming about going outside, and we would love to let her but Los Angeles is no where for an outside cat

Redondo Beach Breakwater. The weather last week was really hot! So even though I was still pretty sick with a stomach bug Mike took me to the water....where it was cool

So many Pelicans

We walked in the sunset........

Mike has been working in the real kitchen and has put the molding up around the windows and doors now that the drywall is in place

While recovering from yet another stomach siege I went out to sit in the back yard and was bombarded by the "real" owner of the back yard, a Rufus Sided Hummingbird look in the top of the blue sky and there he is....

Here is the yarn spun from the roving that is in the picture above

Another year and I'm well enough (after going to the doctors) to go to a meeting of The Friends of Blair's club on the occasion of Blair's Birthday. We had a great tea at the Huntungton Gardens

While there we visited an Orchid Show

Blair's cat

The members of The Friends of Blair's Club

Here is a skein that I plied this week in Merino Angora Cashmere in Northwest Autumn!

I'm spinning like crazy trying to make up the two weeks I've been sick, again. I've also been on the phone with the post office, they've lost my trunk show! Westport Yarns is frantic and so am I. I'm still waiting for a call....... it's been 4 hours..... where is our yarn.......?

The Weeks Work

2011-10-06T22:32:00.000-07:00

A full work week this week. Unpacked are two jumbo and one medium tub. I've been to Knit night and worked out by problems, "challenges" to the scarf I'm making. I've given up on the Ruana and the Stone Scarf, huge projects and really I have better things to do with this yarn. I've been inspired!

It rained yesterday and while my NW mates are no big deal, Mike reports Downtown Los Angeles got 1 inch which is a really big deal in Los Angeles. It solved my homesick problem. I'm really feeling better especially since I've majorly organized and found lots of important things.

One of the most surprising finds was this huge blossom. Emma gave this plant to Becky when Becky left for College in 1999. It has bloomed once several years ago with a couple of single blooms. This cluster was hiding behind another plant when we moved them to spray a wasp nest in the eves above this plant. I love it!

The Drywall is done and here is Lily watching the shadows of the men spraying and sanding the walls on the other side of the film

We had our first BBQ with the new BBQ. It was great and look forward to many more. However doing all the dishes.... in the bathroom sink not so great.

16 skeins are drying in the garage, or "Tanglewood South" challenge was to spin them dry in the washer outside, next to do laundry in the tub and hang them out in the Aprium Tree. Dyeing tomorrow!

The sad week

2011-10-03T16:00:00.000-07:00

This last week has been a challenge. My phone went wacky and I got food poisoning and so I'm just starting to feel better! I've been so exhausted that I've just been resting and trying to recover from the dental excitement, the hornet stings, the drive (up for 30 hours and 181/2 hours in the car) and then arriving to a "Bachelor Pad" without a kitchen then VK Live and then Food Poisoning. I needed a break and had sort of a "nervous" one, so I took it. I have been working a little but just a little being well monitored by my men (Mike and Steven)

Great things have happened as well. I got this picture from Debra, she made the Snoody Snood from Cowlgirls (Cathy Carron) out of Fire and Ice just like mine and when we ran into each other guess what I was wearing!! Great minds think alike!

I had participated in a Fiber Scarf exchange at Aurora Colony Spinning Guild. This is the second year I've participated, and lucky for me Kay got my fiber again this year. Last year I provided 4 oz.s of Northwest Autumn in Superwash Merino and if you've seen me this year you've probably seen that scarf as it is a favorite! This year I put in the exchange Merino/Angora/ Cashmere in Erica's Sunstone. This amazing scarf is what I got back. This is a picture that Kay sent me, and her letter. While they were in Oregon exchanging finished scarves I was in Brentwood at a Cocktail Party at Jennifer Knits, kicking off VK Live.

I'm so sorry I was not able to give you your scarf last night. I cannot believe that I picked your fiber for the second time in a row! I loved the color of the fiber, it was a joy to watch the colors blend. I have no idea what the fiber was, and it was a bit of a challenge for me at first. I wove the scarf up with a warp of black satin bamboo on a 10 dent reed. As I was not sure if I would have enough fiber, I also used the black bamboo with the fiber you provided for the weft. I have 1.2 oz. left of your fiber, which should be enough to make a little hat or a head band for winter if blended with something else. I also added some light green rock/beads to each end, one side only. The fringe I left extra long, twisted and knotted at different levels for a more "organic" look. I do hope you enjoy the scarf, please let me know how I can get it to you, I am happy to mail it. I am also going to send you two photos of the scarf. I think though that I can only send one photo at a time (due to my crazy computer).

Take care and I look forward to seeing you again!

I'm so happy about this! The other reason to be glad is that the kitchen is getting drywall, the work is being done by the most talented drywall "artists" I have ever seen. These guys are amazing- they come at 7:00am and don't leave until sundown, meanwhile we are now coping without a laundry as well.... The BBQ that we've had for 10 years gave up the ghost last week (since I got food poisoning on Wednesday I could had cared less!!!) and so we've just purchased a new one. It's sad when a beloved appliance has to be replaced.... very sad.
I have lots of paper work to do as we are down to the wire for the IRS. Yikes! Happy Knitting!

The Party is Over!

2011-09-26T15:27:00.000-07:00

The day has come it's Vogue Knitting Live in Century City California!

Here is Marsha in Jennifer Knits Booth

Jennifer (Owner of Jennifer Knits) and Cynthia (Knitting Central NYC) here meeting at VK Live

busy commerce

Diane modeling her Tanglewood/Kiogu yarn sweater

it's hard to see but around those palm trees are crocheted warmers

Marta modeling her Lavender Moon Pillow Cashmere skein with Moving Mud Shawl swirl

His and hers scarf made of NW Summer and something else

All of a sudden it's over here is the booth on it's way to storage.......
I had a really wonderful time and saw lots of good friends. I'm resting today trying to find things in boxes. Tomorrow the Drywall man comes to do the kitchen, yeah! Steven and I are taking a lot of time this week to do accounting stuff. Thanks to those whom came to VK Live!

A few more!

2011-09-22T09:41:00.000-07:00

This is what a yarn factory looks like packed on a trailer

This is what the cats do while riding in the car for 1000 miles

This is what one of us does the entire trip of 1000

One highlight on this journey is stopping for dinner at Granzella's in Williams CA. it's about half way and the faire is wonderful!

off to finish the mulitude of last minute jobs and such before the weekend. I hope your coming!

The Leaving and the Arriving

2011-09-20T15:20:00.000-07:00

How I spent my Summer!

Spinning

and Plying

After Mary left Steven arrived and shortly afterwards so did my SIL and BIL. We all met up in Silverton and a short holiday. We went to the Silverton Farmers market and purchased all things good

We returned to Becky's house along the bridge spanning Silver Creek

After putting all the groceries away we went to the Silverton Art Festival

We returned home and made dinner Fried Green Tomato's from Becky's garden

Matt made fried Chicken

and Becky made grilled squash

umm

Next morning Matt made French Toast with home grown strawberries

Then a stroll around The Oregon Gardens

Back to work Snow Pillow Cashmere all 24 skeins finished and ready for washing

Another break Emma and Don's 5 Wedding Anniversary party with Pig Roast

Emma and Don renewing their vows

Mark trying to be good

Let's Eat!

The Dentist, during my bi-annual cleaning some small decay was found, another appointment scheduled and disaster, not only decay in one tooth but two and then one of them cracked and all of a sudden it was two crowns....

My tooth
The next day it was off to Oregon State Fair to volunteer spin at the Aurora Colony Spinning Guilds booth during which we had the pleasure of this group

Here are some of the other spinners

Emma and Don stopped by the next day and we feasted

It was damp and cold so Steven started the fire

Meanwhile I made more Pillow Cashmere this time 12 jumbo skeins of Cream

But that's not all the yarn that was being made we have worked all summer on yarn for Vogue Knitting Live

This is all the yarn that Jennifer Knits will be selling at VK Live

Sadly my dental problems were not over and I had to have a root canal on one of the teeth with a new crown another day at the dentist and Steven bought me this huge bottle for pain relief

Finally all the yarn was labeled and ready so it was time to start packing for our move to Lakewood Ca. a journey of 1000 miles. We will be living and working in LA during the winter. It is a huge undertaking to move a yarn factory!

One last job was Lavender harvest. It was very pleasant until I stepped on a Yellow Jackets Hornets nest which flew up my skirt and all around me!

My hand blew up straight away along with several other stings, some I can't show you due to modesty

I took more Advil and hung all the Lavender!

The next day Steven and I finished packing and drove 18 1/2 hours to Lakewood with two cats, Yarn Factory, and personal items enough for the winter!

This week is the finishing touches to get ready for the big weekend. Lots of fun this weekend for sure. I hope to see you there!

I hate the leaving

2011-08-16T22:15:00.000-07:00

I love the arriving.

Mary left for school on Saturday and we both tried not to cry, and I know she did better than I did.

We had been to Jan's on Friday for a farewell party for Mary and I tried not to cry there as well, but I didn't do as well as Mary. On our way home from the party we were very quiet, Mary trying to remember all the things to pack and me thinking of all the work we got done.

We made over 100 skeins, 4 new color-ways, a whole new production system, a calender system (both new things I've been taught to use). We are working on 4 orders and our huge order for Jennifer Knits Vogue Knitting Live is only 12 skeins away from being complete, deadline for finish Sept. 15th- we are almost 3 weeks ahead.

We have a new line of dyed silk scarves that we will lanch in the Fall.

I've been able to work in one place for all summer, a lovely warm but not too hot perfect summer of joy and productivity.

Steven comes tomorrow so the tremendous production overhaul will continue.

But time flows faster and faster, Ms. Audrey remarked the other day that life is like a roll of toilet paper the more you use the faster it goes.

Summer is drawing to a close. Steven is going to help me pack up the factory and haul it down to Los Angeles for the Fall where I'll be probably until November. Mike is working hard to at least have drywall up in the kitchen before I come down but talks about BBQ's and paper plates.

Lily and Cleo continue to prosper but are missing Mary as both are pressed against me at night, no bed hopping. Lily has become more affectionate suddenly, another milestone? Maybe taking lessons from Cleo? She is also enjoying being brushed which is new and welcome as she has sharp teeth and will use them.

I'm still coughing but not as much my energy level has gone up and things have been easier, with enough rest I'm sure I'll be almost 100% by October LOL it has been months and so slow the recovery that has me feeling every bit of the 50 + years I've acquired. Taking care of business I've been to the dentist and there is work to be done, several more appointments have been made and Dr. Grim and I will be good friends again.

I can hardly wait to show you the new color-ways but there is more development to be done before we reveal them.

Emma and Vadar Ryderwood are well and thriving. Mark and I had a really long conversation on the phone, he is old enough for a real conversation and has a wonderful imagination. He has embraced being 3 1/2 and looking forward to being 4 and has decided that his peddless bike is for babies and that he should have a pedal one. He's willing to pass his baby one to Abel putting the idea to Fairy Grandmother Trish is genius! Especially with Mom and Dad busy with contruction of massive dimentions coming with massive building bills.... genius pure genius.

Ms Audrey has also had dental work but Farmer Al continues to recover from his Pnemonia (same bug as I had just took a different path with Al).

Becky is pickling, harvesting, freezing, jamming, and drying produce of every kind. Jars and packages all ready for the dark days of winter. I've been helpping out by using things from last year....yummm Blue-Barb (Blue Berries with my own Rubarb) with Greek Non Fat yogurt. I've been enjoying pickled Green Beans too! This year all the pickled green beans will be from Becky's garden. Potato's are taking over her yard and I'm looking forward to smashed potato's.

But for today Mary has left and both Mariel and Mary are getting ready for the last year of school. Steven is getting to leave LA and stressing about packing, but I'm looking forward to his arriving, I love the arriving!

Sweet

2011-08-07T21:34:00.000-07:00

This is the El Diablo at Tango in Seattle Washington the most wicked of desserts
Any one that has been at my house has had a cup of tea (at least it's been offered) Jan is also really into tea as well so we brought back a huge haul from Canada
Back from vacation Mary and I began work.
Long days and short nights have worn out Mary and Cleo
NW Autumn in Merino/Angora/Cashmere
A day at our County Fair
This is a great idea for added yield for a garden cucumbers up and lettuce under
plants for sale
It's a Day to dye for! A dyeing party hosted by Mary and I left to right Kirsten, Linda P, Jan and Becky Rose
Shelia (of Glass needles fame)
Linda Kirsch
Now we work
Shabori scarves
Cari with a finished scarf
Linda and Shelia working on their scarves
Scarves drying
Lindsy made a great Chocolate cake
Mary taking her scarf off the bottle
Meanwhile Emily bought this new car (remember Emily one of the interns last year? She drove so many miles in my car last year I guess she wanted one herself)
Cari with her yarn and scarf
Mary with a finished scarf
Next day we went to the Canterbury's Faire in Silverton and saw jousting
Becky wearing a mask
in the next week Jan took Mary, Linda and I to Timberline Lodge
Craftsmanship of the CCC
Most everything was hand woven at Timberline lodge this is a sample of the weaving
The loom
A display
What a room looks like at the lodge
I loved the details that define this landmark
A lot of "Glens" on this shelf
Mary getting ready to jump on the chairlift

There was so much snow but peaking through was a few flowers

Smokey and Mary
Lunch at the lodge
After a long day we stopped for a break at Voodoo Doughnuts
Mary, Gina (Loops in Tulsa came to visit) and I went for a visit to Lantern Moon and came back with this
Meanwhile Cleo takes another break
And Steven learns to knit at Jennifer Knits
Our livestock feeds on the peach trees
Then Mary leaves to go to Alaska with her parents and I go to Becky's house to try and rid myself of the virus that still is lingering since Black Sheep. I took this picture of soap. The same soap I had purchased in Canada during my trip with Blair in 1978, good times
This is my recovery room at Becky's house I sat here for a whole week

Found this in a local shop, yes we went all the way to Canada for it and it is right here in Silverton
Umm I saw this in Silverton and wondered how much this driver really wanted a passenger......
A visit to Silver Grille and our good friends Jeff and Naomi
Then it was Sock Summit and here is my sheep, Trish's lamb sheared having donated his fleece
Recovering from the excesses of two days at Sock Summit and still not recovered Lily and Cleo makes sure I stay in bed
The deer have eaten most of the lilies that I have but here are some of the ones that escaped

Do you know this door? It's one of my favorite places
Cottage Bakery in Long Beach Wa.! A picnic for Mark's 1/2 year's Birthday

He got a Kite and while we waited for the charcoal to get ready Emma and Mark tried it out
Snacks and work
After lunch a walk on the beach and what a walk thousands of birds were feasting on something really good
As far as the eye could see there were Brown Pelicans, Gulls and Terns
Mark having his Birthday treat
Abel got one too Look at how happy Don is, this is Abel's last clean outfit
Meanwhile another picture of yarn
Mary came back! And as a special treat brought her parents to Tanglewood and we went to Silver Falls

The next day we went to Ft. Vancouver and saw these wonderful flowers
The garden at Ft. Vancouver
A visit too short we delivered Mary's Parents to the airport and then another visit to Voodoo
I'm much improved and we are counting the days to Mary's departure for good. I'm dreading the day and trying to get all the work done we can. Steven comes to help me pack up Tanglewood for a couple of months in LA. We are almost ready for VK Live and ahead of our schedule.

I'm now caught up and in the present. We've got a busy week ahead and then I'm without Mary........

We're Working!!!!

2011-07-17T18:31:00.000-07:00

I'm finally at the computer for something other than inputting yarn information. Mary and I have had a amazing time and Tanglewood is about to explode with so many great things it's hard to think about never mind writing about it.

Now the last month..... Flying up from California to Oregon I spent some time knitting

little leaves using Discovery Forest in Super-wash Merino the pattern is to be found

This book!

Here is the plane that took me from Seattle to Oregon if you look carefully you can see my big purple bag going up the ramp
From the airport I drove here... Black Sheep Gathering! This event brings together so many friends and family for a huge fiber community event.

Becky and someone else moving fast with sheep getting in and out of the show ring

My friend Jan's farm exhibit
Jan showing sheep. She has the greatest!
Jan and Becky in the show ring, Becky is "setting" legs
The Spinners Lead prizes all donated by vendors at Black Sheep Gathering
Our home away from home in the camping area

Ann and I having a great time together I'm a little worse for wear and Ann she's just brilliant and also has sheep she shows.
This is the crowd beginning to collect for viewing Spinners Lead
My friend Martin admiring my outfit Martin is a Professor of Sheep and taught at a University for years he knows sheep
Here I am getting ready to be the Mistress of Ceremonies for Spinners Lead at BSG
The Judges and talliers Jan on the left and then center from Mary (pink hair) Linda, Cynthia and Brenda
Theron is my favorite participant at Spinners Lead
Ann with her felted hat
Kendal was working late into the night sharpening tools he looked a little creepy so we had great fun with it....he's really very nice
I can hardly wait to see Maria's (Silver Creek Sheep) face when she sees this picture of Jan being silly over her sleeping body. We were a little "silly" no one was driving..........
Ms Audrey spinning during my "Church of the Front Porch" at BSG
My mates Alexandra, Maria ( not the sheep raiser) and Nathan the Woolee Winder man

On the go I snapped this picture of the only Wisteria blossoms that I've ever had in the 10 years that this vine has been growing, too bad it's a terrible picture but again I'm on the go.....
This is a lace purse out of Cashmere/Silk in Natural Sugar
Cleo just can't keep up with me
Pillow Cashmere fresh on the bobbin

Meanwhile Mariel is an intern at Loops in Tulsa OK. We've been sending pictures back and forth. She is with Sam. Sam is Shelley's son and a great friend of mine
While that is what they were doing I was laying in bed trying to recover from a dreadful cold that has hung on for weeks. I'm now on antibiotics and feeling much improved but meanwhile Lily loves to cuddle a reclined human
Discovery Forest drying our new color-way
Here are all the Trunk Show garments having been washed and relabeled
Mary is drying yarn that is going to Vogue Knitting Live! in Sept. we are almost halfway done with the yarn!
Becky says the time to take a vacation is when you absolutely can't take the time off so I was whisked off to BC Canada! This is the view of San Juan Island the site of many romantic vacations for Mike and I.....

A closer look and getting near the Orca's that we were looking for
Becky and I had a wonderful time and we saw the entire "J" pod!
We next went to Grandville Island and took this picture for Steven!
This is for Cynthia (Knitting Central) Shoes made from Chocolate!
Next day we went to the Vancouver Aquarium and I snapped this picture for Mike. This is an Amazonian Tank just like the one we have at home
Further into the Amazonian wing was this wonderful enclosure that had slothes, frogs butterflies and birds in their natural habitat! Brilliant

After our visit at the Aquarium we went on a horse drawn carriage ride of Stanley Park, and as I wasn't really very well, it was about the speed I needed to travel!

Then off to the Gaslight district

To a resturant called Salt. I fell in love with this table bundled logs topped with glass.
Then in one of the shops more shoes for Cynthia
We celebrated time by watching the steam driven musical clock
July 4th in Canada- we went with our Canadian cousins to view the fireworks that were across the bay in Washington
We watched the sunset and the next day drove to Seattle, however I became very ill and had to be rushed home and into the doctors- a sever reaction to the cough medicine and then onto antibiotics
I owe Becky a trip to Seattle. We are now caught up to July 7th. There are a lot of exciting things happening here and Mary is just a delight and such a huge help that yarn is flying off the wheels.

Dad is much better and is starting to get out and do fun things with Steven.

Steven is working hard and helping Mike with the continuing Kitchen project.

Becky is well and her garden is overflowing with produce

Mary is working on so many projects- all important and all done well.

Jan is looking forward to taking her sheep to Sock Summit

Don, Emma, Mark and Abel and "the inside baby" Vader Ryderwood are all doing well. They have purchased a truck to haul building materials and pigs.. there is progress on the floors and Emma is looking forward to having that completed.

The weather has been pretty cool and rainy. We had several days of perfect weather while we were in Canada but it has gone back to early spring weather. Since Mary and I are spending every day working our brains out we hardly notice until Mary starts to shiver.... I've got to finish dinner and return to work! Look forward to some new things coming soon!

Touching Base

2011-07-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

I'm just checking in. Becky and I are having a short vacation in Vancouver BC Canada. We went Whale Watching today and tomorrow we are going to Stanley Park. I keep thinking of the trip Blair and I took before I was married and keep looking for her in the passenger seat, although Becky is a good substitute.

Mary is house sitting at Becky's house and we are both sad she isn't with us. Steven is working hard in Los Angeles. Emma and Don are having a work party at their house. Mike is working hard on the job and supervising plumbers on the kitchen remodel.

Lily and Cleo are at Becky's house enjoying Sam's company.

I'll post pictures when I get a minute... I have lots of pictures of Black Sheep Gathering, and now our vacation.

Mary and I are going to work on a new color-way when I get home, more to follow.....

To Celebrate Life

2011-06-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

A long stay in St. Helens has seen a lot of yarn made and shipped out. Here is a little of what we've been doing.......

Northwest Summer in Merino/Angora/Cashmere

Pillow Cashmere in Beaded Lavender Moon
Multnomah Falls in Beaded Pillow Cashmere
It's hard to see them in there but there are about 350 beads in this skein
A day out with Jan and Mary saw this display of purple outside a cup cake shop in Oregon City
Jan, Mary and I went on a tour of artists studio's in Beavercreek Oregon. This shop was built by a husband for his wife as her potting studio....
Another Artist's studio
This artist is doing a living wall picture. She is a mosaic artist so this is a living mosaic,
Leaving St. Helens I snapped this picture of the blooming Wisteria around the porch this is only the second time it has ever bloomed. I'm so happy!
Shopping so Mary had food while I was in LA. we found these desserts for sale. As near as we could tell there are two slabs of chocolate between layers of frosting on top of a brownie. It was too much for us!
Steven took me on some deliveries and we had lunch/dinner and this is what I had...
The back yard in Los Angeles is in full bloom and I harvested these strawberries
Roses
My Ruana in progress. I have 4 projects going at once. I had this project on hold long enough to spin some more yarn for it. I think I have enough to finish. The project is easy enough for a plane trip but too bulky.
More roses
Jan's Meyer Lemon tree is starting to set fruit!
This is our Lemon Grass
This is a huge plant that has come up in the back yard and Mike has let it. It is taking over the yard though and we are uncertain if it's friend or foe
I love this rose

This Oregano is past ready for harvest but it is covered with bees so we've left it for our endangered bees to feast on. As the kitchen is still apart there is no cooking so let the bees to it.

Father's Day was a picnic at Dad's train club at Griffith Park Ca. Mike and I strolled through the Farmers Market and I went crazy with the fruit

The Trains
I've had a great time here and am going to knit with my friends at Jennifer Knits. Then back home and then Black Sheep Gathering. I'm looking forward to seeing lots of my friends. I have a great outfit for the Spinners Lead that I bought with Gina in Tulsa OK.

While I was here it was my Brother's and Mother in Law's birthdays. It was great and to see family on both sides. It is kinda sad to leave but I'm very excited to get back to making yarn.

A week of progress

2011-06-09T12:13:00.000-07:00

Now this is the way to wake up, after a long night of plying a short but enough sleep and then this.. Mary getting the day into action by tea, popovers, bacon and yogurt!

This week we dyed fiber and then went to Becky's house and here are the spinner boxes ready to go out!
I had pulled some Rhubarb, Becky and I went to Farmers Market and bought Strawberries so we Jammed!
This is my new project with Discovery Forest in Super-wash Merino and I thought I might need help but with Mary, no additional help required! This pattern in in a new book "10 Secrets of the Laid Back Knitter"- and if you look carefully you will see yours truly under resources! I loved this pattern because of the leaves-prefect for Discovery Forest!
Restful Sunday-Mary had the day off and so Becky and I went out into her garden and weeded, and re potted and planted more plants! We took a few moments to rock but mostly it wasn't restful Sunday
On Monday we met up with Jan and went to this restaurant Singing Hill Cafe in Oregon City! They have lots of living walls and so I snapped a few pictures for Becky

We then decided to go to Jan's house and I got to spin samples on Jan's Druik wheel
While Mary knit
Here are some skeins of Northwest Summer-even though our weather in the Pacific Northwest isn't quite there yet I thought I'd post these. Mary keeps us happy by announcing the weather in Alabama-which today is high of 95 with 44% humidity. Here in St. Helens it's going to be 74 but just now it's 65 we had the heater on last night,
Next week I'll be flying to Los Angeles to see Mike and Steven. I'll be dropping by Jennifer Knits on Tuesday June 21st for an extended yarn drop off- which is a less then a trunk show, but there will be some yarn. I'll be knitting with the ladies and chatting with Jennifer about VK Live in Los Angeles. Steven is going to the Service for Ompa (SIL's Dad) today and I'm so bummed I can't be there. So keep our family in your thoughts.

Mike found Cyruss, missing for 12 days, under the house. We can't imagine how he got under there and Mike had given him up for lost until this morning when Cyruss decided to let him know where he was.

Steven is my Knight in Shining Armor taking my Dad to the Doctors and other long chores for my Dad whom has been recovering from Surgery. I know they had Sushi and something about a hair cut! I'm going to be spending time with him on Father's Day and for awhile that didn't seem like it was going to happen as complications from surgery almost, well another story!

Becky is in WI on a business trip. She sent video's of the thunder storm that raged last night. I haven't heard from her this morning but I know she said she was coming home on Friday.

We had dinner with Emma, Don and the boys last night, Heaven! They had all had hair cuts and Mark's curls are still present, just waves instead of the ringlets. He really looks like a young boy now as Emma and I both think that he has grown a foot this last month. We are hosting a Restful Sunday here at Tanglewood Central and welcoming Bill (Don's Dad) and Peter (Don's brother) a treat to host them as they have hosted me plenty!

Mary continues to be a total joy and helpmate. Her computer skills have been put to the test and she has risen to the challenge. She is skeining endless amounts of yarn and made lengthy lists and made all things easy here. I find myself dreading the day she leaves (it's on the calendar and therefore I see it daily) however we have chatted about further visits and projects so I'm not as bummed as I might be.

I have been battling stress of every kind. With taxes looming and bills flying in and orders going out it has been a lot of work and worry lately. I've been trying to balance but....... my body has been telling me that it isn't 25. I've been having treatments and stretching the body, and my friend Lynn Wilson has had me on a prayer list and wouldn't you know it's all working.

Ms. Audrey has had some time off but is going to host Mary and I at Black Sheep Gathering. Farmer Al is driving the 5th Wheel down to Eugene OR. and we are camping out! If you are planning to be at BSG please plan on attending the Spinners Lead on Saturday night~ you know who will be MC"ing again and you'll get to meet Mary!

The progress

2011-06-02T14:45:00.000-07:00

I told you it wouldn't be long! I've been thinking about you but just haven't been able to take the time to write. However it's now on the schedule so things are going along well for us.

Steven had been here at Tanglewood Central (St. Helens) while I was away in Maryland, Manhattan and CT. Then Mary came! Mary is our new PiPn intern standing here with Steven at Voodoo Doughnuts, look at the size of Steven's treat

We let Mary rest for one day and then off to NwRSA Conference. Linda is undoing my terrible mistake in the Ruana I'm knitting. I dropped stitches on the plane and tried to pick them up, I failed and she took the project away from me and handed it back healed!
NwRSA Conference
Alexandra talking with Jill (of Ashland Bay Trading Co)
Mary enjoying knitting time
I won this basket from a raffle ticket I bought YEAH!
Terry is a former Tanglewood spinner, she won Best in Show for her skein at Conference! She is sporting the Tiara she won
Restful Sunday at Becky's house started with a work meeting then Becky and I went out to her garden to plant things while Mary and Steven worked on Computer stuff

Here is Mary in Tanglewood Central's production room working on computer stuff with Cleo's help
Lily post shave enjoying a sleep while we worked

Mary helped with dyeing and laid out all this fiber to dry! Isn't it beautiful?

With Mary at the scheduling helm work is getting done at a lighting pace so I was able to notice the Edelweiss blooming!

With Mary's help we are also getting some free time. The weather has been terrible so our Memorial Day picnic was indoors and Emma brought over the boys and made scones here we are enjoying our 4:00 tea and scones with Becky's homemade jams

Yesterday the morning went from bad to worse nothing was going right for me. Yarn wasn't spun right, money wasn't flowing like water in but out! Mike was bummed because I'm only able to spend 7 days in LA after a two month separation and then I learned my SIL lost her wonderful father.... Mary was so great and supportive on this black day (plus another day of driving cold rain) and so suggested we make popovers...

I had a glass of Glen....

This beautiful skein was for a custom order, and I spun it too thick.... now I have to try again waaaaaa

Mary wanted to start this morning off right so brought me breakfast in bed. It was amazing and cheered me right up. I worked on my scarf a little while eating this feast

We then went down to the dye studio and dyed 6 pound of fiber which is now drying, next off to the post office with lots of yarn to be sent out and then?

We are going to Silverton for First Friday tomorrow and I think both of us are really looking forward to it! Becky has promised a salad of fresh greens that are growing in her garden.

Please keep my SIL in your thoughts and wish her family well. So sad especially with Father's Day so close.

The long month

2011-06-01T18:28:00.000-07:00

Warning warning warning blogger changed the way we load our pictures so this blog is upside down so if you would like this in chronological order then use the down button and head towards the bottom of the blog, which is where I'll start.. see you there

after Cynthia and parted, she sent me this great picture from a lavender farm in Normandy my Lavender this year won't be good as our weather has been terrible and the winter damaged the plants beyond hope. I'll have to replant but am too sad to think about it. While away having a great time ( and by the way check out Westport Yarns blog about how great the dye class went) Steven got the Internet here at Tanglewood St. Helens! I'm on a strict schedule and regular blogging is on it.

Updates; Mike continues working on the kitchen remodel of Tanglewood South.

Steven is now working from Tanglewood South on many infrastructure projects for Tanglewood -all locations

Becky has planted her garden and is looking forward to hosting us (Mary the new PiPn intern and I) for First Friday in Silverton (Tanglewood East) this weekend and starting to harvest the salad greens from the garden

Emma and Donal have announced a new Turrentine coming Jan. 7th and work has really been getting done at Isadore Acres trying to beat that deadline. Could not be more happy and excited!

Cleo and Lily are great, even though Cleo had a vet visit for a tummy trouble seems fine and happy. Lily got shaved and is getting regular combings now that she is at Tanglewood Central (St. Helens)

Lots of Fun and visits are being planned and on the calendar! I'll be blogging soon!

Back in Oregon Becky adds this plant to her green house for fly patrol

A bunch of Multnomah Falls in Merino Angora Cashmere

While staying with Beth owner of Westport Yarns presented me with this bouquet of Lilacs sigh.....

Above is Discovery Forest in Merino Angora Cashmere

This is the new colorway Discovery Forest beautifully photographed by Chloe of Knitting Central and is for sale via them, this first picture (if you are going from bottom to top) is the Cashmere/Silk that is beaded including Petrified Wood!

Dani standing by with my suitcase than held the dye studio! I didn't bring my spinning wheel so that I could bring a whole dye studio- can't imagine what TSA thought of it!

Almost complete

On location for the Dye Workshop and expecting inclement weather Beth bought a huge tent here is the assembly

all too soon it was time to move on to Westport CT for a trunk show and dye work shop. I was so grown up and made my way to Grand Central Station and bought my ticket and waited...how beautiful is this station!

On my last day in Manhattan I went to the Alexander McQueen exhibit-dark and interesting then went onto the VanCleef Arpels exhibit in the Cooper Hewett Museum. This place was breath taking and the exhibit was a jaw dropper. I wondered how many of the pieces on display had been worn in that very building......

Cynthia took me through the subway. I had to learn the right way to travel; 1. Don't make eye contact with anyone. 2. Don't talk to anyone even if they talk to you 3. always look down. Having said that was nearly impossible to not do any of those three things especially the looking up- people watching on the subway is high adventure!

This is the view out her window, which I found fascinating so many interesting and old buildings of every style

This is a really special knife

One of our visits was to our mutual friend Rose Levy Beranbaum. She's a knitter and a baker extraordinaire the author of The Cake Bible, The Bread Bible and Heavenly Cakes... This picture is sideways but it is a cowl that she made out of Tanglewood yarn

around the corner from Cynthia's house is the Corner Bakery, it rocks and I love this light

While in Manhattan I went to this shop and met my newest friend Alba she has the warmest hands....

There was one left over for Rick's lunch so Cynthia hung it on the door to remind him!

I offered to make Popovers for Rick and Cynthia so she bought this very special pan for the occasion!

While Cynthia and I were pal-ing around in New York, Westport Yarns got their Trunk Show yarns and Beth put them on display isn't it gorgeous!

Our favorite the bread counter

Looking above was our trip to Zarbars and again my mouth was wide open in awe..... this picture is of the cheese counter

As we raced through the city we drove by Times Sq.

Bryant Park the famous site of my favorite Project Runway another once in a lifetime for me!
This was our guide, we never got her name but she was French so if you go try and get her as your guide she was the best and funny!!!

here and above are views in the library-again breathtaking- my mouth hung open the entire time
My friend Cynthia having a milestone awesome

Cynthia and I had a week together, a long week of talking yarn and eating amazing food and seeing amazing things. We had some goals to check off, things on Cynthia's bucket list. One of them was a trip to New York City Library. My friend Blair's brother works there but was away at the time so we went on our own. It was an awesome day
While I was in New York Steven, Becky and Ms. Audrey were making yarn!
Empire State Building at the end of this street-it looked a lot closer in person
The Washington Park Arch lit at night after our Mother's day celebration
Go up from here

On our way to the restuarant we passed by Washington Park in the Village and there was a huge bed of Hosta's look down from here
Art and Music were everywhere on this gorgeous Mothers Day
Our dessert!

Hello! Maryland Sheep and Wool were just the best. I have no pictures as I was too busy to take any. I believe Mariel posted some and Cynthia at Knitting Central so if you want to see some of that event then look for those blogs. It was great having time with Alexandra, Mariel, Maria and Nathan. It was great weather and not such a huge crowd as last year.

On the Sunday (Mothers Day) Rick and Cynthia picked me up and we drove to New York. It was a lovely drive and Rick was a total hero. We got to New York and went to dinner with her family. My family called me and it was great but being with a Mother (especially Cynthia's Mom) was too wonderful for words. I've been missing my Mom and would give anything to spend Mothers Day with her, but being included in Cynthia's family was killer and generous. On with the pictures look up now!

What a difference a day can make

2011-04-30T01:09:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the production room with Ms. Audrey winding yarn which got shipped out on Wednesday

After I got home from shipping all the yarn and fiber I dyed 3 pounds of Merino Angora Cashmere, while the dye pots simmered I weeded and look at the Freckled Violets
I told you there was a lot of yarn to skein and there was more before we shipped it out and then I made some more yarn, so there is a lot of yarn here!
To reward ourselves for all the good work we did on Wednesday Ms A, our friend Marlyn and I went to the Aurora Colony Hand-spinners Guild all day spin in
It was so wonderful to meet new people and renew old friendships. While at the Spin in Shelley from Loops called wanting to know if Mariel was all right as she lives in Tuscaloosa Al. Thankful she is fine but our new intern Mary's house was destroyed. My heart goes out to all that went through this truly awful event.

We are having a "garage sale" and I took several cars/trucks over to Jeff who is getting everything running and helping us sell things, he has a one year old girl, these are her new rain boots.... I wish they had them in 71/2's....
Tomorrow is another day and I'm thanking God I didn't have to survive that awful storm.

Mike is continuing the remodeling of the kitchen, more electrical work has been done and now Mike and his buddy Jack are planning the plumbing.

Becky is planning another weekend of gardening as the weather is supposed to be nice here this weekend.

Steven is packing and getting ready to come north to Oregon on Monday, but again was the hero taking my Dad to the doctors and then to the hospital.

The Turrentine "North" Family is still planning on coming over for restful Sunday

Spent the day driving I did so much driving around the northern half of Oregon I feel like I could be in LA by now. Sadly Woodland Wool Works is closing so we made a last trip there today. I'm exhausted as I stayed up for most of the Royal Wedding this morning and Ms A was here at 9:00 am sharp, and now it's after 1:00 am so I'm going but I had to touch base with you!

These Happy Days

2011-04-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

Yarning, I had a lot to do before Mike came up for our 30th Wedding Anniversary, make as much yarn as possible and then after he leaves more yarn. It was 4 days of wonderful fun but first the yarn; these are 5 skeins of Cashmere top two are Columbia Gorgeous and the bottom three are Multnomah Falls, which two of these skeins now lives at Knitterly....

These skeins are for an order, Northwest Autumn in Pillow Cashmere
Rain rain and more rain, the day Mike was coming was a really cold wet day
The next day Mike and I visited Emma, Don and the babies. This is an Elk's view of their property can you make out the little house at the bottom of the hill? The trees haven't got their leaves yet!
Mike Emma and Don miles ahead of me
This is Abel playing catch with the neighbor dog
Then it was off to the Oregon Gardens at Moonstone Lodge. Here are Tulips from the Tulip Festival making our table festive!
The next day we strolled all around the gardens and while being very cold the sky stayed clear. I thought this trellis was a good use of old ladders and thought about the ones we have up in the barn.....
In the children's garden was a little train, I sent the picture to my Dad to cheer him up!
We ducked under this roof to wait out a rain shower and Mike loved the sturdy craftsmanship
Spring!

There is Mike reading way ahead of me again
After we were done at the Oregon Gardens we took a drive up to Silver Falls, it was cold but brilliant!

See this little wildflower I spotted

We went back to Becky's house and dropped off our Anniversary present two wrought iron rocking chairs but Mike couldn't fit them in his car for the return journey so Becky is chair sitting for us!
Mike too soon was on his way back to California and I made yarn. The next day Becky, her friend Mary and I went on a tour of the Seabright Hosta Garden and then came back and planted more plants
While the weather was lovely I hung out to dry our new color-way Discovery Forest left to right Superwash Merino, Merino/angora/cashmere, the last skein is Cashmere/Silk beaded with beads and Petrified Wood!

Becky got busy and planted all the new plants with Mary's help

We enjoyed the warm afternoon with tea in the garden
Can you see Cleo in the top right of the fence!

I went to the Aurora Fiber Sale and got some more of Trish's sheep wool with Cashmere/Silk dyed carded into it. I've started a project!
While I knit Jan spun this skein of wool and silk
All too soon it's time to go back to real work. I was going to dye today but Cleo had to go to the vet and so I'm still waiting for laundry to dry and to continue packing up, after 10 days here in Silverton. We are watching Cleo as we aren't sure if something is wrong or too much strange cat food was eaten this weekend.

I know that I had way too much chocolate but ummm it was all good. Becky gave me an Easter Egg hunt! It was so much fun and the first egg hunt since I was 5, long time ago in the past Century even!

Steven comes next week to do a major business overhaul, Mike is working hard remodeling the kitchen in California.

Becky is so happy so many plants are planted. She is looking forward to more nice days, today isn't one of them and not hosting a sick cat.

Emma, Don and the boys are good, and I'm looking forward to our shopping day on Wed.

Thursday is the Aurora Guild Spin-in, which I will be attending. I look forward to seeing all my good mates.

Yarn is getting shipped out this week! Yeah

Happy Weekend!

2011-04-11T15:57:00.000-07:00

Friday I started by writing to you, then got ready to start the real making of yarn for the day, when Emma called and asked if I needed help, well of course I said yes. I then went down stairs to get things ready and look at who was outside the window!

This was the scene last Tuesday hail, snow and more hail
What a difference on Friday so warm and sunny we had the doors open and Emma wore sandals
Still no Blue Bells blooming but at least the Daffs are almost all out
The dye studio in production
While I dye fiber I work on hulling lavender that has been drying since the summer, this makes the dye studio smell wonderful
Here is Mark enjoying some Train fun
These are Daff's that Emma took home to her house
Then to celebrate all the wonderful work I got done I settled down to spin on the Antique Spinning Wheel with some of "my" Sheep's, Trish's, wool and Cashmere/Silk that Jan had blended it is heaven....
Ahhh
Since I got so much completed and everything was still drying on Saturday we went to the Zoo!
Then I went for a walk around Portland by myself, stopped at Powells and had a bite out then collected the car at the Park and Ride
Got home to find this creature, who we named Melvin
Here, this is my shoulder....
Ann my neighbor removed Melvin (by taking the tweezers and pulling gentle at the head and then placed him in alcohol for the Doctor to test him) and administered Oban(Scotch)medicinally of course!

This is the most amazing Ephyllium the blossom is almost as large as a salad plate
This is called Peter Pan and the blossoms are just tiny but every bit as cheerful
Then Ms Audrey asked me to the Symphony on Sunday, what a great performance!
The Hall
Then we went for dessert
This was too much cake even for me.....
Back home to do a special spinning job

Drying yarn!
Drying fiber
While Ms. A and I skeined yarn and weighed out fiber Cleo slept in the Fireworks basket, how can this be comfortable?
Mike is coming on Friday! Can't wait to see him, but lots of yarn has to be made before that! Happy Fibering!

Today

2011-04-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

It's not very spring like here, and I know most everyone feels that way. It snowed and hailed here the day before yesterday making me very glad that I had too many jobs to do around the house so I didn't have to leave the "compound"....

The sound of the hail was like a freight train.... look at how few Daff's are up!

I have made yarn. I've been spinning and plying and washing yarn. Today I'll be dyeing and then back to plying. I've done lots of beaded yarn so there are many many beads under my chair. Cleo is my shadow wanting to be anywhere I am in the house. Unfortunately it's not always possible to eat, ply, spin with a 18 pound cat draped all over one.

Emma and I never got to the Zoo the weather was even too bad for us. Instead we drove into Portland and between the showers and the naps (the boys not us) we had a good time anyway. I still have a block from the New York Skyline set (I had purchased while at MoMa in NYC) in the car, a lasting memory from a fun day.

Becky and I had loads of fun at Garden Paloosa, bought many plants which I have to plant, hopefully today, while the sun is out, although the wind is strong and it looks cold out there.

Mike is coming in a week from today and I can't believe I've been married 30 years, especially since my internal age is 25! LOL. I look forward to our time at the Oregon Gardens and spending time with my favorite man.

Steven has been quiet, he has been spending time with my Dad whom has had back surgery, things went well now just a long recovery.

30 years... doesn't seem possible! Make it a great day you have the power!

The Last Few Days

2011-04-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

I've been here and there and then back again but have been too busy to post pictures! But now in the quiet moment between going home to St. Helens and off to the Zoo with Emma, Mark and Abel....

Becky's back yard with Bob's trees in full bloom

The Chickens
Now on the long road to Walla Walla this is the Columbia River Gorge

Cleo the traveling cat
More road
Beth's house and dessert
My bed with a present on it!
New Fancy Lady shoes!
Here is Beth getting on her horse for her lesson
Mike (not My Mike Horse Whisperer Mike) working Layla
Beth now riding!
Hot Lemon Tea made with lemons that I brought from our tree in California and Theo's chocolate
Angela is going home! This is the Train Station in Kelso Wa.
Angela departing into the Sunset
Balloons for Mark and Abel's birthday
Here is the Balloon Tower I somehow got from Burgerville and The Donal Turrentine Family's home in progress- so much progress done drywall and everything!
Then back for a weekend of fun at Becky's. She has had her backyard landscaped so here it is!

We went to Garden Paloolsa this weekend It was wonderful here are a few plants we bought
Then dinner with SueEllen and Paul
Yummy
We were given sourdough starter and Becky and I have been feeding it and so we made bread this weekend

While we were making bread Cleo was very serious about looking out the window at...

It's hard to see but there is a grey squirrel in the middle of this picture!
Then Work to be done. Mataniu came over and skeined. Bet Angela is relieved not to do that job any more!

I have to fly but wanted to catch up with all the happenings. This week is a work week and I'm alone making yarn!

Becky and I are probably going to the Oregon Gardens next weekend to another plant sale, or not. I'm getting ready for Mike to come to Oregon for our 30th wedding anniversary! Make it a great week!

On My Way to Walla Walla

2011-03-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

Spring in St. Helens

These "Susan" cookies figured heavily this summer on our road trips
the new color-way Discovery Forest
Becky is having the back yard remodeled
Another sign of Spring

I'm off to Beth's house with 7 spinner boxes and 4 orders to ship today! There are lots of singles in be plied. A lovely evening with my daughter-man is she smart! Steven is holding down the fort in LA worried about choosing the right faucets and sinks, he has my back.

Angela is having a weekend in Seattle-girlfriend time.

Cleo is coming along with me to Walla Walla via the Honda dealership as "Ponda" (Pat's Honda long story) needs things (code A126).

Emma and Don (and boys) are spending the week fixing there car too. I'm hoping to see them next week.

Meanwhile it's on the road!

More of the same

2011-03-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile for me to feel that I can get to jobs that I haven't had time for. For months it's been hurry up and make as much yarn as fast as possible. This week while laying low to give the bod time to heal I've been working on the little jobs. One was get laundry done. I had a tangle of hangers and had no energy to untangle them so found the beauty in them as a sculpture.

Yarn Market News Conference was amazing. Ladies kept telling me about the goodies bag well here is the contents.....
the Toilet, I'm not sure if I want to make that many decisions...
I felt compelled to put make-up on as it was set up for a fancy lady!
The sitting room
My bed! I didn't spend enough time here
Best Mates! Cynthia (Knitting Central,) Chloe (Knitting Central) the famous Lisa Hoffman (Designer and String employee)from left to right at dinner
One for the road umm who had wine?
My project while listening, everyone had knitting
Chloe working while eating her favorite Potato chips Kettle!
Dinner with Angela at the fancy restaurant in the hotel
After the Conference I was still buzzing and so marched Angela to Elephants in Portland for lunch. I was so impressed with this gals artistry I had her make me a fire baked pizza
A very famous designer is going to work with this, again chasing the greys away
Angela and Cleo having Fluffing fun!
We are shipping out yarn this week Yeah!

Grey Days

2011-03-22T10:24:00.001-07:00

Mom always said wear bright clothing on dreary or "dirty" days like today. I always think of her putting on some bright color when the back ground is like today. Grey. While spring is here, the daffodils are just starting and the crocuses are doing their best, it's still pretty grimly grey.

If you go in the shops, people are grumbling about the grey, go outside and get pelted with hail or a sudden downpour. The streets are grey, the clouds are grey, the lavender plants look like big soot piles on the very green lawn.

Since I am fighting the chest cold that is going around, my mood has been grey. Yarn has to be made so I've been spinning Erica's Sunstone and Calypso Cove.

These are very bright and a perfect way to help with the doldrums of this "endless monsoon"

Ms Audrey and Farmer Al came by yesterday to fix up the new mail box. Al is not one for these modern fancy things. I bought a locking box so as not to loose anything important, and hopefully break the bat of the next mailbox baseball gamer that drives down the lane. Al not impressed, "it'll just be that much more of a temptation" said Al. Grey. If you are waiting for some Calypso Cove or Erica's Sunstone- good chance it's coming your way very soon! Combat the Grey wear the brightest colors in your closet! cough cough sniff snuffle.....

Keep going

2011-03-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

Cleo is snuggling up close and I was glad as it's been quite the process getting the Yarn factory in order enough to get really amounts of yarn completed

One joyous occasion was Val came to Oregon to have Girl Friend Fun with Becky and I here we are on First Friday at Silver Grille having dessert they are sharing Flan....
Angela and I shared this...
Val and Becky like nothing better than cooking in the kitchen! Becky was having the ladies from work over for a knitting tea party...
Becky had to go to Wisconsin for business so Angela and I took Val to the Oregon Gardens as another one of our passions is gardening
At the Oregon Gardens they were having an Orchid Judging and we got to see some of the submissions

Outside again was this fountain love it!
It's really looking springy here in Oregon
One of our fun times with Val was to go to Jan's house to look at sheep and have tea! Lemon Curd that Jan made
Jan's stock ready for a show
Jan showing Angela and Val her studio and her glass works
All too soon Val was going home and we are back to work
Happiness is full spinner boxes going out to spinners
And Full bobbins! This is Sterling Silver beaded yarn,
While we were having fun in Silverton we went to a Seed Exchange... I exchanged Money for this lovely Pansy
Angela plying
I survived the Yarn Market News Conference which was wonderful. Mariel is in New York doing Internship interviews. Angela is fluffing fiber for spinning. Mike is having a Birthday today and took the day off to do more demolition on the kitchen which is almost ready for the construction. Cleo is with Becky whom is sick. Ms. Audrey is doing paper work in the office, poor Audrey....

Cynthia (Knitting Central) is back from YMN and all my new and old friends that were there.

Steven is tying all my accounts together, so now Facebook, Twitter and the Blog are all coordinated, as per one of the many classes I took this past week. I'm resting today because I exhausted with all the moving, house sitting, parties and then Yarn Market News Conference. Today I spun on the antique wheel that sits in the front room watching the day unfold, the deer that just ran by, the crows that are pulling all the broken branches from the terrible rain and wind storms that we've had in the last week to make nests with and the rain, hail and sun-breaks that have all happened here. David Greenleaf (my arborist) has planted two more fruit trees, another peach, and an asian pear. The asian pear looks like it's getting ready to bloom, the native rose bush I got at Black Sheep many years ago is also budded up. The Blue Bells are up and the buds are just starting to poke out from the bottom of the greenery. Ms. Audrey says it's time for me to get to the office work so break time is over. I miss all my friends and Mike today, but glad to have some quiet time.....

Factory Update

2011-03-11T08:52:00.001-08:00

This is what Angela and I left behind... Los Angeles traffic. We were stuck for about 2 hours and moved 7 miles in that time. Why? They closed a lane for construction....

We made it up to Fairfax and were hosted by Pat, Bill and John. We dropped off Yarn at Atelier Marin and Knitterly. We were towing the trailer but the car was well packed!
On our way up we checked and there were sever weather warnings so Angela got to see the Redwoods and we stopped to see the elk
We had lunch at Crescent City and viewed these California Sea Lions
Angela having lunch
Scooters in the surf with one large rain drops

We drove up 199 from Crescent City to Grants Pass Or. when we hit the snow
We had to stay with Becky for a few days as the roads to St. Helens were too snowy and icy
Finally we made it to St. Helens. There was some snow on the ground but it started again when we arrived and when we woke up the next morning we were snowed in...

We were fine and it melted the next day but it was really lovely while it was here. Not if you had to drive in it.

We got to visit with Emma, Don and the boys and I have pictures. Don loaned me the Internet so I've got it for a while. Tomorrow Ean comes to visit with Angela, but before that Angela and I will go to the Aurora Colony Hand spinning Guild's Antique Spinning Wheel Showcase then Angela and Ean have a full weekend planned. I will be meeting up with a lot of my yarny friends for the Yarn Market News Conference here in Portland Or. Meanwhile lots of dyeing and spinning is happening as Spinners Boxes have been sent out in mass. Look for more posts shortly!

Following up

2011-02-24T08:08:00.001-08:00

Here's Blair during a meeting of the Friends of Blair's Club in San Juan Capistrano I love you Blair!

We took a leisurely drive up the coast from San Juan Capistrano to Long Beach we rode the Ferry across from Balboa Island to Newport Beach
The lights of Newport Beach Ca. from the Ferry
After all the trunk shows and VK Live Mike thought a good Restful Sunday activity would be to finally plant my Orange trees

Done!
For Valentines day we went to Julian CA. which is up in the mountains near San Diego, we strolled around and found this clump of Spring

After strolling around Julian we went to Orchard Hill Lodge and Mike took a nap while I looked at the bag of vintage buttons I bought
The next day we drove to the Desert.... this is an Occotilla bush in Anza Berrigo Desert
Wild Flowers in the blazing sun
Mike strolling around
Ummm pie at the Julian Pie Company
While we were back in Julian Ca. Jan was in Oregon at Fantasy Fibers using her skein winder
After strolling around in the desert we drove to the ocean and had dinner at Las Brisas in Laguna Beach CA

Sunset on a lovely trip
On return we found Lily had made a friend of Angela
This is yarn that now is at Atelier Marin and Atelier in San Fransisco
We also dropped yarn off at Knitterly and while Angela and I were in Northern California, Steven was making deliveries in Southern California. Angela, Becky and I did 62 skeins last week! Now onto Becky's house! hurrah

We're in Eureka California!

2011-02-23T21:44:00.000-08:00

Angela and I are on the road heading home to Oregon. Presently we are in Eureka California, looking forward to a wet and exciting ride since it is snowing in Oregon. Spinning Guild has been canceled tonight so our haste is somewhat diminished. We were suppose to go to Washington for a Northwest Regional Spinning Event, but I'm thinking it will be cancelled as well.

Meanwhile I'm going to think about good times past. This is a picture of a glorious spring day in Southern California at the Huntington Library with Jan and Neil... I would love a little sanctuary like this to sit in.....

Mike and Neil looking up things on the computer at one point three of us were on three different computers.... don't you love technology
While the men surfed the women worked
Jan is harvesting her Meyer Lemons to take back to Oregon
Happy Birthday Jan!
Wish us well on the road!

Random Thoughts

2011-02-13T11:06:00.000-08:00

We have been seriously making yarn. We even had stock for one brief moment! We went to Jennifer Knits for a meeting and a yarn delivery and while we were there I taught this knitter an easy way to cast on and join her cowl in the round, of course she is using Tanglewood!

This is work in progress, Newport Rocks in Cashmere/Silk
The dyes ready to go
While we are dyeing Angela and I sat plying
It's been a long time since we went the grocery shop and here is the result a lot of groceries
Last Sunday we had "Restful Sunday" both Angela and I had trouble sitting still but I'm glad I did as I saw the first Aprium Blossom on the tree. We also witnessed Anna's Hummingbirds courting.
We have been waiting for our shipment of Cashmere for a long time. It's not any one's fault but the weather sure made it hard....
We went right to work on it
Wednesday we had a visitor from Connecticut Jenny on the left and Angela on the right. We went to my remedial knitting class and I worked on a very sad hat. I ended up ripping it all out and starting again.....Afterwards we went out to dinner!
My Dad's been poorly so I've spent some time doing jobs, taking him to the MRI and shopping for him. While I was there knitting watching the cleaning service I started to really miss my Mom, it was so odd for her not to be sitting knitting, almost like she was just out of the room, but it was hard to pretend and I got very sad as this month marks the two year anniversary of her passing....
Look Angela's dyeing!
Erica's Sunstone in Cashmere
Sara waving to us all after another lovely day of hair magic on my head...
It's been quite a few weeks and Angela has been working hard and I think enjoying it, but she has a very quiet gentle approach to life so it's hard to tell. She is working hard and trying to keep step with me, a hard task to be sure. It takes time to really "get" what has to be done. I'm a random thinker so there is a learning curve, we are settling into a nice work pace and I'm so happy! We are still in Los Angeles dyeing up fiber and hope to be on the road later this week. So keep your fingers crossed!

Home to California

2011-01-26T08:45:00.001-08:00

I'm home in LA getting ready for all my company to spend a rocking weekend but want to finish the unbelievable trip of a lifetime, the second one in a year!

I was invited to a special knitting group this lovely lady made a boyfriend sweater knitting small amounts of her hair to overcome the "Boyfriend knitting curse"
Another one of our knitting group in a scarf made by Regina Moss
This is Tanglewood yarn being knit into a hoody sweater
Leslie Nelson original art, just like the ones the kids made for Art to Grow On
More art by famous artist of which I can't remember. One of the knitters volunteer's at MoMA
The elegant setting for our knitting night
The ladies
It was 14 and snowing when we left NYC early Tuesday morning. Steven didn't get his hot dog, pretzel or to walk in Central Park. We were just that busy, but I'm sure we are going back for next year's VK Live and hopefully Steven will be along too....

One arrival in Sunny Southern California and I went into my garden and trimmed Roses until Mike took the trimmers away fed me and put me to bed, but look at my roses.....
While I was away things bloomed. Christmas Cacti
Orchid

and another Orchid ready to burst open, with 7 flower stalks
My Satsuma which I will let Jan pick tomorrow
Angela comes today and I'm so happy it was sad for Mariel not to be with us at VK Live. So happy that Angela is going to fill the void. There is a lot of work to do and lots of planning that needs to take place. Steven and I are planning on how to take Tanglewood to the next step. Wish us luck, but this weekend it's all about family and friends, I need the break and need to spend time relaxing. I'll be in Oregon soon and am planning a welcome home party to try and get caught up with all my mates up there.

If you came to VK Live thanks it was so much fun!

The Party is Over, but never forgotten

2011-01-24T07:15:00.000-08:00

Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa Whoa...and add a Whoa

What a terrific Party VK Live was, wow we are all thrashed today and I have the largest blisters on my feet and my legs are just throbbing, and my face is so sore from smiling all in the best way possible! It was so much fun more than fun just terrific. Steven was so overwhelmed with the knitting fever that he is thinking of picking up the sticks.....but back to the beginning....

Here is our booth at the Hilton! This seems a huge space but wait!

Under construction we are sweating while outside the snow is blowing
Jan not wanting me to miss the happenings in Oregon on the farm sent a picture of this guy having breakfast in bed!
Meanwhile We were having sandwiches from Carnegie Deli-we feed so many people from this lunch!
Co-ordinating Chloe on the left Cynthia on the right
After lunch it was back to work.... it starts in 1 hour at this point
Our first customers
Then another post of my angels Mark and Abel enjoying a leisurely morning in Portland....
This was their view....not much different than mine the same morning prehaps ours was a bit colder and less rain, some 3000 miles away

Meanwhile in Tulsa talented Gina is working on a new weaving project! This is Lavender Moon and Newport Rocks woven together. Gina had completed 20" when this shot was taken....
Where are the rest of the pictures? Well, we were so overwhelmed with customers that we never sat down. Never... we didn't eat on Saturday (much I think Cynthia and I had a nutrition bar each) it was so hopping busy. Sunday it was a bit slower but still busy. Cathy Carron came and sat in the booth. I hope to come back in the near future for a tourist visit. Someone asked Steven what he thought of NYC and his reply was "the buildings are so tall and there is so many of them, but I've only seen the city through a taxi window...." so tired that he declined an invitation to go out with the guys last night for the Jet's game.....

I can hear Cynthia but she hasn't made an appearance. Steven has given up all thoughts of going on a tour of NYC for the day in bed. I've got my feet up as they are just so painful.

Tomorrow we fly home. We have much less luggage than we arrived with, since so many skeins are now nestled in other people's luggage.....

I'm looking forward (as usual) to being reunited with Lily (although Roxie Cynthia's dog has been a willing substitute) and having a rocking weekend with Jan and Neil! Angela flies in the day after we do and we are very excited to host her as well.

I think this show was amazing. I'm so happy but it hurts to smile.......

The beginning of Vogue Knitting Live!

2011-01-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

This is the warm up to what is going to be an amazing weekend Iris of Art Yarn on the left ME and Cynthia (Knitting Central) I have no idea what I said but the "You know how I am"

Blah Blah Blah look at Nicky Epstein's face what could I be talking about?
OK now I behave
I love their style
Then I reliazed that it was a 7 story Wisteria vine, how old do you think that must be and oh how I'd love to see it in bloom
my current knitting project gloves using "Stone" in Cashmere and Silk
Steven getting us packed up
Steven at the book signing look at his enthusiaum
Iris of Art Yarns
Yarn Harlot
Debbie MacComber
OK better yet a cuddle with Debbie MacComber
The home to a wonderful Chicken Pot Pie
And then it was bed time now it's time to get to work Cynthia is dressed and it's time for me to get to work.

Vogue Knitting Live

2011-01-19T18:33:00.000-08:00

I'm with Cynthia in NYC! I have no pictures as all we have been doing is talking and cooking. There is so much yarn here lots and lots of yarn! Steven arrived safely yet tired and is already asleep.

Tomorrow we have a little work to do then it's sightseeing.

Lisa Hoffman is here knitting as well and we are learning about twitter if you tweet please follow TrishTanglewood which is different from Ravelry which is TanglewoodTrish.

Emma and Don haven't exactly floated away but there might be a slight washout of their road....ummm

Becky has fixed her washer issues

Mike has the house and Lily to himself....it's a love nest

Beth misses me and I here but will be back the second week of February.....

I've nearly finished my Gloves!

I'll post pictures tomorrow...

Leaving Loops

2011-01-17T21:48:00.000-08:00

Look at this Goddess...

Surprise! Mariel joins me at Gina's house in Tulsa OK
Lynn Wilson (of Lynn Wilson Designs) had lunch with me via cell phones.... this was her view as she was in Connecticut and I was in Tulsa at Loops
Mariel at the new Loops (South) Knitting a Cowl from Cathy Carron's new book Cowlgirls. She'll be signing books on Saturday at Knitting Centrals booth
Shelley opened a new store this past August. Loops South here are some pictures of the new shop.....
Fancy yarn display
button wall
children's play room
Classroom, note the wall is magnetic and has all the wonderful garments people have made!
my favorite the bathroom light
The Brander Family took Mariel and I out for some BBQ Tulsa style. Sam ate all of these ribs in no time at all
Mariel and her finished Cowl
Gina making one of the cowls out of Tanglewood from the Cowlgirls book
Mariel and I found this while driving to Shelley's house. Don't you think I should live there!
Another day and Shelley is making dinner while feeding three children lunch and getting them off to all there events, while talking to me and managing the two stores! Whoa and people think I'm busy
Brisket
Sam decorated the table for my first visit to the Brander household
It looks like all I did was eat but really I was working at both Loop location. I spun some cashmere, continued knitting on my new gloves and got to meet with a lot of Tanglewood devotees

Gina serving a great dinner
Dinner Truffled Pork Chops Wild Mushrooms from Oregon, Asparagus and Apple sauce for dessert we had the best chocolate
Tomorrow I fly to NY city to prepare for VK Live. While I'm excited to see my good friend Cynthia I'm also sad to leave the Loop Troups here in Tulsa. Steven and Val worked really hard today making yarn in 80 degree heat. I'm hoping to get to Manhattan as snow is forcast for tomorrow. Gina took me shopping and I was able to buy Steven a coat, not that he'll need one in LA, but he flies to NY on Wednesday.... Off to bed! See you at VK Live!

Back on the Road

2011-01-16T21:05:00.000-08:00

Back to the blog after making over 200 skeins between Dec. 19-Jan. 13. I dyed 20 pounds of fiber and sent it off to busy spinners. Mike hasn't been able to pry me off the spinning wheel. We ended 2010 with a half of basket of yarn, not enough (is there ever enough?) so the spinning wheel was humming for just about a straight month. While dyeing I tried to enjoy the brief sunshine we had in Southern California....

The back-yard ready for a good clean up....

Happy New Year, Jan sent this Maine Coon Cat Calender! Ahhh
Pruned roses
New Year's day I rang the new year in by dyeing and trimming back the roses
Jan's Meyer Lemon tree waiting for harvest, this year Jan is coming to pick her own fruit!
The Pink Lemon tree
I picked lemons
New Year's Day of dyeing
Happy New Year
Full
Gone
Lily helping with beaded yarn. Her latest is taking a mouthful of beads quickly jumping down on the floor and spitting them out then playing with them. As if there aren't enough beads on the floor already!
It's been so rainy in LA that we've had to dry the fiber inside, Lily thought it would be fun to jump on it and OPPPS
Val taking a break from skeining to eat Sushi, she was so concerned about my mental health that she volunteered to come and help. Don't we all love her?
Yarn waiting to be skeined

Yarn lined up for assessment "is there enough?"
This is a brand new from Lynn Wilson Designs using Tanglewood beaded Cashmere and Silk called Neck Lace! This pattern will make it's debut at Vogue Knitting Live in NY Jan.21-23
My new Cowl on the needles trying to make it in time to wear it in Tulsa and New York
This year for the first time since we started business TFC didn't have a booth at the Wholesale show at TNNA. I am so overwhelmed with work I just didn't feel like I could take anything more on so I attended and got to see my friends and take classes, mostly business classes as that's what I really need! Steven was our "go to" guy, driving and feeding us and adding joy to our fun. Mariel (intern from this summer) was able to join us and see a bit of Los Angeles. So much fun and lots of networking. Sherry Mulne filmed both Mariel and I in order to make a video that she will take to Colleges hoping to attract more young people into the needle arts profession. Got to see my friends from Lantern Moon, Moving Mud, Muench Yarns and In the Making. So many more friendships were renewed! Lots of input (basically "where is our yarn").

We got to hang out with the gals from Loops and spent a lot of time together. Mariel was so glad to have faces to put on names she had helped make yarn for this summer..

Shelley, Gina and Mariel at the Fashion show at TNNA
A baby sweater...black is "the" new color for Baby things
Gina, Shelley and Mariel after a long day at TNNA
Shelley and Gina loving the new Edelweiss and Sterling Silver in 50% Angora 25% Silk 25% Cashmere
This gentleman was playing Spanish music
This picture is of the Lobster Bisque, it looks like a pot pie but was so good!
Ummm food

Saturday Steven said we had to take a break and take Mariel around Los Angeles so we headed to Hollywood....

We saw lots of interesting things and people and of course had to try a new type of Asian food (it was new to us!)

Shabu Shabu cooking! It's quick which was good as we were so hungry

Mariel and I eating Shabu Shabu, I can't remember what was said ( I think I was right about something )but we were all sore from laughing
Hollywood Blvd.
The famous Chinese Theater!
All too soon TNNA was over and Mariel was on a plane back home to Tenn. However after a month of Mom and then a weekend without, Lily was so happy I was back at work. Although she really wanted to be petted....

While I was 3000 miles away making yarn and attending TNNA, Cynthia (Knitting Central) was working hard to prepare things for Vogue Knitting Live. She has been busy designing and planning. We talk and text daily, planning and plotting. So involved things have become I decided that Steven was going to have to come too, so more plane tickets purchased and more plotting and planning......

These are three projects that will be avaible in kits at Vogue Knitting Live through Knitting Central.

No play, all work, yarn being made here, I had to send pictures of what my view has been the last month. I hadn't left the house before TNNA but one time since Dec. 18th. TNNA was such a nice break. Everyone thinks my job is romantic and lovely, and mostly it is but when you stare and the same thing for a month it gets old
Mike has been using the "Man Cave" a lot since his house is a yarn sweat shop. This is what the house has looked like for most of the fall and now into deep Winter. Yarn waiting for inventory
yarn and clothes drying for Trunk Show at Loops (Tulsa) and Vogue Knitting Live,

Endless skeins have been dryed here over the last 4 months. Most are either with me in Tulsa or in NY waiting for my arrival. These clothes are in my suitcase. It feels good to be out on the road again. A month is a long time to be in one spot for me. It was good to rest and make yarn but it feels really good to be out on the road.

I am in Tulsa now but can't put my hand on the phone or cord to put pictures into the computer. I had a big surprise waiting for me here, Mariel came to continue the fun we had with the "Loops Troups" at TNNA in Long Beach. I don't really know how it happened but I'm really glad as it is fun to have a friend on the road. I think Shelley and Gina have decided that Mariel needs to spend the summer in Tulsa after hearing about all the good work we did this summer, so it looks as though Mariel will be an intern again. Hopefully Emily will be able to visit this summer in Oregon.... it was a little sad not to have her guiding hand and joyful presents here too.

Meanwhile Emma and Don are making progress on fixing up there very own house. Emma reports that she did laundry in her very own washer last week, although still cooking in the camper. Mark and Abel are doing well, and we miss each other, me feeling like half my heart is torn out everytime I hear their voices with the missing of them.

Becky has been doing remodeling- check out her blog for pictures, it has gone well although there is continuing problems with the new washer and dryer, even with Jan and Neils help things are not all good. Men are coming to fix things so there is hope.

After VK Live (the day after Steven and I return from NY) Angela will be joining Tanglewood as my new PiPN intern, making Mariel's leaving not so sad. I can hardly wait and so hope she feels the same!

The next day Jan and Neil will be coming for their first visit to Los Angeles! Jan feels she'd like to see the places I talk about when I'm in LA, as you know she has to harvest her lemon tree for her birthday present! She believes she is done lambing for this season.

Mike can hardly wait not to hear about VK Live and for me to get back to a more normal life and take a few days off (really off like no yarn being made after he goes to bed or talking about yarn or his house covered in cashmere, and maybe a homecooked meal). I look forward to getting caught up with orders as everyone is waiting for yarn and getting really impatient about it. Daily I'm getting e-mails from not only yarn shops but retail customers hoping againist hope that yarn is coming their way. I've encouraged our spinners to try and get spinning done in record time and many of them have stepped up to the challenge (which makes me wonder what their families are saying like "Mom why is there cashmere in my sandwhich?" but then I try not to think about it and make more yarn) Cheryl N. has by far been the fastest! I think she set a record of spinning 44 ozs. in two days, fingering weight.

Alexandra has been working too, she has been selling her hand-dyed yarn while still working for Nathan (AKA Woolee Winder). Mataniu has decided to come to work for Tanglewood as well and is our third plier, this should really speed up production....

I have lots of fiber waiting at home to be dyed. Tomorrow I spend my last day at Loops (South) and then fly with the left over (of which there is a lot less) to Manhattan and help Cynthia prepare the booth for...... VK Live. This time next week it will be all over and 6 months of planning and work will be done. I can't imagine what that will be like but look forward to it!

I hope to return to Oregon in Feb. and maybe do a few Trunk Shows toward the end of March and into April. May I will be flying to Westport Yarns to teach a Dye workshop and attend Maryland Sheep and Wool. It seems far away now but it's coming fast!

Meanwhile a check of the clock tells me it's very late and I have another day of work tomorrow. I look forward to visiting with you again and hope we meet very soon, and if you coming to VK Live know that we are putting together a very special booth. If you are in Oregon wondering when I'm ever coming home wonder not. Mike rest assured there will be a homecooked meal in your future. Steven please buy a coat it's going to snow in NY!

Another Week lots more yarn

2010-12-30T14:27:00.000-08:00

Here is one luscious skein of Newport Rocks in Cashmere/Silk

The first week in December was a trunk show in Santa Barbara at Loop and Leaf, and the Santa Parade!
For lunch
While strolling around in the evening I found this amazing store everything Bling
Look this is the Tanglewood Caplet and Cardigan worked in beaded Yak and Silk I was privileged to weave in the ends of this amazing garment
Then on the following Wed. I was at Jennifer Knits. This is the latest made using Tanglewood Cashmere
Jennifer modeling this scarf
The ladies shopping at Jennifer Knits
The new owner of the skein above
The next weekend I was at Wild Fiber and here is a long time friend of Jan's visiting with me in Los Angeles
During the trunk show I finished this hat for a late Christmas gift for Don, Steven modeling
Mary bought this skein and then made this Neck Candy
then we had button madness! Natasha pulled out all her special buttons and we had a field day
Mary with her completed Tanglewood project
Me with mine
My work space, note the basket
This is the contents, cat toys. Lily has taken to taking a mouth full of beads and then dropping them on the floor then playing with them, so now she has her own toy box
Mike has been using these finished gloves
Lily watching TV about Leopards
Cashmere and Silk brewing
It has been raining and raining, the only place to dry fiber here at Tanglewood South is the kitchen
Dec. 18th my birthday
Becky bought this behind my back in Hawaii what a special gift!
Trish my sheep missed my birthday but gave birth to "Chris" a little ram lamb on Christmas Eve
Since I haven't had a trunk show in a couple of weeks, lots of yarn has been formulated and in the process of being spun, plied and is drying. Lots of Tanglewood Spinners are spinning the fiber that has been dyed and shipped out. Steven has put me on a schedule for making yarn and we are sure to be caught up and shipping out all the orders by the end of March. Steven is coming along with me to Vogue Knitting Live but before that I'll be in Tulsa at Loops. I'm so looking forward to seeing all my friends there. Meanwhile it's nose to the grind stone yarn yarn and more yarn

The last days in Paradise

2010-12-16T14:28:00.000-08:00

The last days of the trip. Leaving Becky to sleep in I slipped away for an Island treat pancakes with "apple banana's", and Coconut Syrup. With a view of the beach. So bright the camera unable to show you the blue water and the Spinner Dolphins playing with swimmers and Parasurfers.

Having had enough sun we went to Surfing Goat Dairy for a tour and lunch,

Dinner we had in our room, and look what was outside the shop
The view from our deck
A long airplane ride, and a very cold greeting in Portland. It was a shock to the system, here are my socks..
Thanksgiving at Becky's house. The dawn was streaming in and the kitchen was ready for a big day of food
The golden sunshine of Maui in a fruit, ready for our feast....
The cold was even felt by Lily
Cleo didn't want to go out in the snow
A wonderful dinner with friends and family it was a great time. The next day we went to see the Led Zeppelin Experience.

A day in St. Helens to leave a lot of work for poor Ms. A and a long drive to Los Angeles leaving Cleo to spend the winter with Becky, since Cleo is a warm large cat and Becky's saving money for home improvement. I'm dyeing this week, Mike has given over his man cave and Steven has a schedule for both of us.

Off to dye more!