Marie Grace Designs

Longwood Gardens

Warning: long post, photo heavy, does contain knitting content:

So, after the 1000 Knitters meet up at Wool Gathering we still had a lot of the day left so we decided to take the kids to Longwood Gardens. Now, I'll tell you I wasn't sure this was a good decision because I honestly wasn't sure that acres of flowers and planted gardens was going to hold my the kids attention for real long. I mean it sounds wonderful but how long can you keep a 4 year old and a 9 year old happy with nothing but flowers?

Not only was I surprised at just how much I loved this place but the kids had a great time. There's lots of beautiful flowers (of course) but there's also history to read and lots of room to just relax and be yourself. We strolled around for hours, ate in the cafe, and really just played like we owned the place.

The flowers are amazing to say the least and really the entire place is just beautiful...

I think this one was my favorite of the entire day:

That little bundle of the most dainty, perfect flowers I have ever seen truly looked as if it had been molded from wax. Just amazing.

As you can see I took about a gazillion pictures. I have a terrible habit of taking great pictures of the kids only to find out, once we're home, that there appears to be a tree of a kite or some other strange object sprouting out of somebody's head in the background so I figured I'd just go ahead and do it on purpose and get it over with...

Yes, I know this is a cheesy thing to do but I couldn't help it. It amused me to no end. The really funny thing is that this same boy thinks farting is hilarious but got annoyed at his mother taking pictures of a fountain sprouting from his head.

His punishment? I made him do it again... (and I laughed even harder the second time)

And the most amazing thing of all I found at Longwood Gardens? Well, another knitter, of course!

I spied her from a mile away... sitting on a bench all alone... knitting! You would think I could have composed myself enough to just say hello and make some sort of polite comment about her knitting , but no. I had to plop down beside her and say something really mysterious (and possibly a little scary) like...

"Ohhhh... I just have to sit here for a minute with you! Wait til you see what I have in my bag!"

I'm pretty sure she was really relieved when I pulled my knitting out of my backpack. See, she looks relieved doesn't she...

"So, what are you knitting... I'm making a hooded play vest for my son... oh... really... a baby blanket for a friend... how nice..."

"Ahhh... merino... how wonderful....."

"Oh yes, lets exchange email addresses... I think I have a pen... hmmmmm.... yes a lovely day.... have you seen the fountains...."

So, now there is proof that for every 1000 square acres of planted gardens there are at least 2 knitters.

Anyway... we all really did have a great time partly because the place is so big and open that there was no waiting in line and there was plenty of opportunity to just play. We hung out near the giant topiary animals for a while and Tater climbed a big grassy hill just so she could roll back down. Mac Daddy spent a good bit of time trying to find dirty words in the scientific plant names and was quite successful.

At one point the kids found a large area that had the thickest softest grass ever and they just flopped right down in it...

"Look at you guys... the grass is so thick you've almost disappeared! Oh my... where did you go... Honey, look... where did they go...."

Well, that was the start of Tater's mission to "hide" in every grassy patch she could find. (Ummmm.... hello... we're in the middle of a rather... ummmmm... large area that is rather inclined to have a lot of grass so you can imagine how this went, right?)

"Mama! Can you see me? Did I disappear again?"

"Mama! Look.... I dista-peeeerded again!"

"Mama! Come find me!"

"Daddy! Daddy! Where'd I go?"

"You can't seeeeeee meeeeeeee!!!!"

"I'm Innnn-bista-bull!!!"

She just didn't get sick of "hiding" in the grass. She wasn't just giggling she was belly-roll laughing the whole time. A long time, repeatedly.

I wish I was that easily amused. Then again, maybe I am. (See fountain pictures above.)

1000 Knitters, Kennett Square PA

Well, finally the day arrived to make the 2 1/2 hour trip to Kennett Square to be a part of the 1000 Knitters Project.

I poked and prodded everybody into getting up early to make the drive but they were just as excited as I was so it wasn't really a problem, see....

There were knitters everywhere... knitters in line, knitters sitting outside knitting... knitters sitting inside knitting... apparently by the end of the end of the day 131 knitters had their pictures taken by Franklin (I was #55).

There was lots of snacks and lots of yarn and lots of fibery conversations. You never would have known there was a waiting list and numbers being called and people that had driven hours just to be there. It was more like a general gathering of knitters just because... no pushing and shoving... no complaining about how long the wait would be... knitters are such cool people.

Knitters who had never met before would just strike up a conversation. I heard people chatting about yarns and books and I heard people discussing Ravelry. Everyone was super nice to the kids which made the wait for them so much easier.

A woman, who from what I understand was a reporter for a local Kennett Square newspaper, stopped in to snap a few pictures and ask Franklin some questions about what was going on. (Which reminds me... I need to get a copy of this week's Kennett Square newspaper somehow.)

Finally it was my turn to get my picture taken by Franklin. Ya know... I was so excited about going to get my picture taken and being part of the whole deal but I couldn't help but think for a minute about Franklin and how much work it must be for him. The traveling and all the people and the hustle and bustle. It must be exhausting. Yet there he is being patient and kind... I can't imagine a nicer person. When you sit to have your picture taken he chats with you like you're the only person in the room. If he's tired and feeling the strain of the day it certainly doesn't show.

As for me... I wish I had knit my row a little slower... so to savor the moment... but me being me, the nervous sort that I am... whizzed through my row blabbering about kids and asking if this was indeed Lucy Neatby's whole (in the scarf) and just being thankful that Delores was nowhere in sight and then it was over and I thanked Franklin repeatedly and shook his hand (again) and that was it.

So, here's my picture of Franklin taking my picture...

Those poor, neglected boys...

I know, I know... girls are so much easier to knit and sew for. There's so much to choose from and so many girly colors and fabrics and buttons and trims.

Though boys can be difficult to make things for, especially as they get older, I also find that boys are creatures of habit. If you can manage to make them something they really like you'll be rewarded by seeing them wear it to death.

The trick is to keep it simple, fun, and comfortable. Nothing fussy... nothing that makes you yell "don't get that dirty!" on their way out the door.

So on the fun side I gathered my boys some fun fabrics for some comfy pajama pants. I'll be turning, again, to my favorite sewing patterns from "Favorite Things". All of their patterns are easy to follow and turn out well.

On the simple side I've got 2 knitting projects going with the boys in mind. Quick to knit and easy to wear in boy friendly colors and fibers.

Speaking of boys and knitting... Mac Daddy, Tater, Son The Younger , and I are all heading to Wool Gathering tomorrow to meet Franklin. I'm just hoping he doesn't have Delores along... I'll be nervous enough without her flinging around that Romney attitude of hers.

First smocked dress of spring '08

Made for Tater Pattern: Kimberly's Sundress from Classic Smocking by Cheryl Lohmann Fabric: Green Stars from the Sunwashed collection by Sweetwater

Smocking design: McCoy by Linda McCoy for issue #88, 2003 of Sew Beautiful magazine. Threads: 3 strands DMC #799, and white Modified to add 6 petal bullion daisies (10 wraps per petal).

Easy pattern to follow provided you have some experience with this type of sewing. Fits well in the size 5 I chose but will do the next one a size 6 for a little extra growing room.

I realized about half way through this sewing project that one of my favorite yarns has a blue almost exactly the same shade as the blue in the dress so I ordered enough to do a new dress coat pattern. Its been a while since Darling and Tater has outgrown hers so I'm using it as an excuse to work up a whole new pattern.

Confession Friday... impromptu addition

Well, its Friday already. Another week come and gone.

Ya know, I haven't been feeling like a very witty blogger lately (if I ever was) and I wasn't really planning to do a post today at all but maybe some confession will loosen the articulate congestion I'm having.

I guess I've just been busy... I mean really busy. The new baby goats brought feedings every 4 hours and spring brought plans for tilling and planting and more hiking and sweeping the porch and sealing the deck and... well... you get the picture.

Now none of that is bad and I'm not complaining but maybe a little talking out loud will put it all in perspective. There's schooling and laundry and dishes and cooking like there always is and none of it is ever actually finished.

There's plans with friends and outdoor-sy things that draw us away yet somehow leave me feeling guilty that I'm not at home getting more done.

And the knitting! Oh the knitting!

There are articles to write... like the one about how its more than just gauge that effects the overall finished knitted item. Its also things like fiber content, density, blah, blah. Because you made that sweater with a different yarn than what was called for and you had dead-on gauge but it turned out rather loose and saggy and you're really ticked about it. Well.. its more than just gauge.

How about a step by step demo of an inverted neck gusset? Cause you're gonna need to know if you plan to make that cabled hoodie jacket I finished up a while ago (but haven't written up yet).

Or that embroidery how-to I've been planning because, honey, if you can knit you can embroider. And you should... because its so stink'in pretty. I'll show you how as soon as I get somebody to come over here and play Uno with Tater because if I have to do it one more time I'll barf.

And Franklin is coming to PA for his 1000 Knitters Project. I have to go but I need to get my hair trimmed and figure out how to not look like a dork because I hate having my picture taken but I have to do it. I just have to because if I don't I'll kick myself for years and years for being such a chicken.

And Maryland Sheep and Wool is in just a few weeks (which is just about when our eggs are due to hatch)! I'm go'in... are you? I'll be stuck working in a booth all weekend with a friend. I'll have printed copies of all my patterns for sale right there with me if I ever get them all printed. And speaking of printed patterns did you know I now have printed patterns available for wholesale?

And TNNA is in June and I'm supposed to go but I don't know why. Really... why?

At least I got both my projects for the magazine done on time which I never thought I would because it was a really tight deadline and all I wanted to do was go outside and play and go to Denise's house to see the Llamas so I was up til ridiculous hours of the night knitting to get those done on time. But they turned out great and they are my first magazine projects and I can't wait to tell you about them!

And I want to smock little sunny dresses for Tater and I need to smock something for Daughter The Elder because she feels a bit left out but is way too old for little smocked dressies so maybe I'll do another round of smocked nighties which are heavenly and maybe I'll make one for myself because there's nothing more amazing then a gauzy smocked nighty on a hot summer night with the breeze off the mountain blowing through an open window and your man right there with you.. and.. well.. never mind that part.

And my birthday is looming and why don't they make those black rock band Tshirts in a more flattering girl-cut... ya know... a little fitted? Because 3 Doors Down has a great new single and I can't wait for the entire album to be released and I'd love to have a Tshirt but I don't want another giant baggy guy's Tshirt. Blah!

So there ya go.. no witty stuff but boy do I feel better. Sigh.

Now I just need to go switch laundry loads, load the dishwasher, make lunch, teach math, and oh, yea... I have a knitting group tonight... so I also need to do something with my hair (gawd I need a trim).

So confess something or rant or just drool on and on like I just did but please, oh please say something or I'm just going to look like a rambling idiot... damn I need to lay off the coffee...

4-10-08

A visit to The Llama Lady...

Just to clarify from the last post...

I do not have contraband goose eggs in my incubator. They are domestic goose eggs from a friend that lives down the road (literally).

Anyway...

About 2 years ago I was introduced to a woman I refer to as The Llama Lady because... well, she has Llamas. When I first met her she bestowed upon me bags of Llama fleece from her very own Llama. I still have it and guard it jealously though I don't know how to spin fiber and have no idea what to do with it.

The visit to her that day 2 years ago was the catalyst for my fit-throwing and wanting to move back home. I mean... the Llamas had this view...

and the only thing I had a view of was the stop sign out front of my house that nobody ever stopped at.

So now, 2 years later, we live back home and just minutes from The Llama Lady. She now refers to me as The Goat Lady. Guess we're even.

She keeps offering to take me to livestock sales which I'm pretty sure is a veiled attempt to get me in trouble. See, most women buy shoes they don't need... I buy goats and anything else that looks like it might need a family.

The Llama Lady is even a regular at my Friday night knitting group at the local library. She's been a great student and catches on fast but I'm not sure where I went wrong because all she'll knit is socks.

So anyway, the 2 younger kids and I spent a good part of this past Saturday at The Llama Lady's place. Now, along with Llamas there are 6 horses at The Llama Lady's place and though I'm pretty comfortable around smaller versions of livestock and I can handle dairy cows, horses... well horses are really big and fast and I have no experience with them so they make me a bit nervous. We had been invited to go hang around the barn and help brush the horses just to be around them and get to know them a bit. The only thing that makes me more nervous than being around horses is my very small fragile kids around horses so it was interesting.

Son The Younger took right to it. Tater was a bit more stand-off-ish for a little while but with a little encouragement was soon pulling a stool around and brushing horses like a pro. We were quite surprised at how much horses shed! I never really gave it a thought.

We also got to chat with the Llama and feed them some carrots...

Thank you Denise, Steve, and Morgan for a wonderful day!

On smaller pointy-er needles...

Tis the season for tiny, dainty things.

Things made with tiny stitches and thready-er things.

Things with pleats and neatly pressed edges.

Things with piping and folded hems.

There's something to be said for all the little things in spring. Little birds in the yard with little bits in their beaks to make little nests for little eggs.

So with all the tiny things... how is it that we ended up with this...

Seems the geese down the road like to nest and lay eggs but the fascination soon wears off and they quit setting so we have adopted a few eggs. I forgot just how big goose eggs are... and I just giggle every time I think of what's going to come out of them. Big, silly baby geese.

And of course we couldn't come home with just goose eggs. There' a few chicken eggs in the incubator as well. A random assortment if you will...

If you'd have told me years ago...

If you'd have told me years ago that the highest moment in my week would be the purchase of a new vacuum cleaner I'd have called you a liar.

Other things I never thought I'd get exited about:

-stretch denim.
-high fiber low fat cereal.
-hand-me-down kid's clothes.
-buy one get one free coupons (for packs of toilet paper).

Anyway...

Maybe going to the mall to buy the new Bon Jovi CD cassette tape would have been a highlight moment. Definitely standing in line at 3am for KISS tickets and getting great seats right down in the pit. But not a new vacuum cleaner.

Yet here I am gloating that I just cleaned my house from top to bottom with a shiny new sweeper. I'm pretty sure I cleaned things that aren't meant to be cleaned with a sweeper but what the hell... the dirt needs to go so does it really matter how it goes as long as it does?

The best part was the conversation I had with the sales kid guy. I had pretty much settled on a model of vacuum after reading some Consumer Reports stuff and some online reviews but I still had a few questions...

Me: So... this bag-less dirt cup Hepa filter thing... do you think it can handle hay?

Guy: (As politely as a sales guy can) Ummmm.... you don't plan to clean outside with it do you?

Me: Well no but... those kids... they've got to start sleeping outside! They play outside all day but it still gets pretty cold at night so I've got to bring them in and all the day's dirt and hay comes with them. I need a sweeper that can handle getting all that hay off my dining room floor.... at least until its warmer out so the kids can sleep in their new poly-dome. Then it'll just be the dirt coming off my boots that I'll need to worry about.

He looked a little worried (about the kids... not the sweeper) so I had to explain the whole goat kid thing. I don't think he felt any better after I explained it all.

And so ya know... there's three goats now. We added another little Piggy Pygmy to the growing bunch. He's just a bitty little guy and he looks a lot like Purl. After much creative squabbling the kids decided to name him Nacho. I'll get a group photo soon if I can but I'll tell ya its tough to get a decent pic of all 3 goats at one time and not have the sunny side of at least one of them aimed at the camera.

Speaking of sunny sides... that picture up there is of a cool weathervane I've been dragging around with me for years. We've considered throwing it away or giving it away a few times but I always held onto it in the hopes that it would "fit" someday. Mac Daddy put it up on a high fence post for me over the weekend and I just love it. And dang... I forgot just how big the sky really is! Have you looked up lately? Really... have you? Somewhere with an unobstructed view.

Knitting apologies...

I know there hasn't been much knitting content lately. I just finished up some tight deadline stuff so I'm just sort of getting myself back in order. Stay tuned.