Major Knitter

Presenting the Flag

Michelle and I presented the Wood Badge NE-II-188 Course Flag to our Scoutmaster Ray.  It was a big hit.  

If you don't remember from two years ago when I took the Wood Badge course as a participant, it's an executive management course taught to adult leaders, by adult leaders, in the Boy Scouts of America.  It's the most wonderful training and I highly recommend it to anyone involved in Scouting.  This year I am on staff and in charge of the Bear Patrol.  I have six adults leaders to guide on their journey to becoming better leaders in Scouting... and nearly every other aspect of their lives.  Wood Badge training is truly something that touches every corner of our lives.  I am so fortunate to be working with all the talented individuals on staff and the same goes for the participants.  I'm learning as much, if not more, on staff, than I did as a participant.  And of course, I got to put my crafting skills to good use.  What could be better?

MILS

Don't you just love acronyms that make you wonder?  This one is not too difficult, especially when accompanied by this picture.

It's the Mother-in-Law Scarf I started 4th of July weekend when she was visiting.  I just finished it up and am ready to ship it off.  I am actually quite pleased with the results as I always like the Mistake Rib Scarf.  It's easy-peasy.  Here are the details

• Great Adirondack Yarn Co - Bamboo Cotton - Tropicana colorway 03/11
• US Size 8 straight needles 
• Major Knitter's Mistake Rib Scarf Pattern 

Wallabying My Way Home

I'm making more and more progress on my nephew's Wonderful Wallaby.  I have nearly finished both sleeves despite the incredibly busy week I've had.  

An Even Bigger Sewing Project

My big project for the Scouting event is the Course Director's Flag.  It's a gift that the staff is presenting to him as a gift and I'm quite pleased with how it turned out. 

My knitting friends Betsy and Kathy really helped me out (with quilting advice and fancy machine stitching).  I think the flag turned out quite nice - especially since it was my first attempt at an applique machine quilt.  I learned many things from this project and look forward to trying my hand at quilting again in the future.

A Bear of a Sewing Project

I've got a big Scouting event that I've been preparing for diligently for nearly 8-9 months.  One of the things I need to do is come up with 10-12 placemats for my Bear Patrol.  You know me.  Why do something simple when I can do something complicated?  I proudly present to you my Bear Patrol quilted placemats.

The best part is that this placemat is two-fold.  I'm supposed to have placemats and also some sort of bear related gift to give the participants. Voila!  This will serve both purposes!

These took longer than I anticipated, and actually turned out better than I hoped.  Don't look too closely.  They won't win any blue ribbons at the Iowa State Fair... but I think they'll be a big hit at the Wood Badge course.  Don't you wish you were part of my Bear Patrol?

Wildflowers

When I go to zoos, I appreciate the flora nearly as much as the fauna.  Here's a shot of some beautiful black-eyed Susans at the Queen's Zoo from our trip on BF's birthday.

I wonder what it would take to get the Black-Eyed Susans to grow like this in my yard.  Oh, that's right.  Hard work!  I think I'll stick to my knitting and continue dreaming my dreams of aspiring to be a professional gardener.  

What's Wilma Up To?

It's been ages since I've shared a shot of Wilma with you, so here goes

This is one of her new favorite spots to hang out... on the penultimate stair step.  I think it's a hoot.  She looks so cute.  She was playing with her toy bone before she saw the camera and started hamming it up.

Did you miss her?  She missed you.

The Secret to Making the Wallaby Grow So Quickly

People often ask me what my secret is for making my knitting grow so quickly.  Tonight, I think I can give you a definitive answer:  Mad Men.

Yup.  That's the secret.  BF and I were given the first season to Mad Men (the box set of DVDs) as a gift.  It took us about six months before we finally watched it, and then we were hooked.  Last month, season two was finally available on DVD, so we watched that, too.  Last Sunday, season three started on AMC and we stayed up very late to watch it.  Now, in addition to speed knitting my way through Cooper Sterling's advertising agency of the 1960s, I'm also learning something about the technology of 2009 - I believe I learned how to use the DVR.  

Imagine that -- recording the show so BF and I can watch it at a time convenient for us.  In my case, I'll probably watch it again during the day.  Heck, with Don and Betty Draper on the big screen, this Wallaby might be finished before the week is up.

How about you?  Are you hooked on Mad Men?

Er, I Meant BLUE Wallaby

Drat.  I was so excited to have knit the waistband on my nephew's Wonderful Wallaby.  Unfortunately, after I finished the waistband, I discovered that the birthday boy had requested the royal blue.  Drat.  Double Drat.  Fortunately, I still have some time, so I cast on for another Wallaby.  

In case you're keeping track at home, that's three Wonderful Wallabies on the needles simultaneously.  

While knitting this blue one I watched a great movie - Remember the Titans.  

If you're looking for a great motivating movie, I highly recommend this great sports/civil rights movie mix.  Perhaps it will fuel you knitting aspirations.

Be Sweet's Nadine Visits Knitting Central

Today I went to the trunk show at my LYS Knitting Central and purchased some goodies from Be Sweet.  

Look at all that lovely fiber just waiting to be petted.  I decided not to buy any yarn. Instead I purchased the lovely periwinkle mohair wrap.  It's fabulously soft and I really don't have time to knit anything new at this time anyhow.  Heck.  I can barely keep up with my wishlist.  OK.  Who am I kidding?  You and I both know there's not a chance I can catch up with my wishlist or even my stash. Period.  It's really getting out of control.  Honestly.  So I feel that buying a ready-to-wear item at a trunk show is a step in the right direction.

Thanks Nadine for coming to Westport.  Your fibers are delightful!