Have I mentioned how much I love spring here in Oregon? This is orchard blossom time and last week I took a little drive down to Roseburg to visit a friend who happens to live in the midst of beautiful orchards.
How lucky is that!? This picture reminds me of Kurosawa's Dreams movie. If you haven't seen it and you think you might like a Japanese movie that is a series of mythic vignettes this might be the movie for you. I can't really say I know what it is about but it has some beautiful dreamy scenes in it, some of which are in a cherry orchard.
Just as I was stepping out to get in the car for this visit to Roseburg, a scary dream happened to me! I heard a sound like firecrackers and smelled the smell of fireworks. I thought kids were playing with fireworks or something. Then I turned around and saw that my neighbor's house was on fire! At first I thought it was our next door neighbor, but it turned out to be the house diagonally behind us. I ran around like a chicken without a head trying to call 911, but by the time I had it figured out the fire department was already there and water was starting to spray over the roof. The fire department had it knocked down within about a half hour. Amazing. As I watched the firemen climbing onto a slippery roof with a live chainsaw and flames shooting up next to them, I thought "what courage! I would have fainted 10 times over by now!" But they calmly chopped holes in the roof and then rescued the dog. Hooray for firefighters! This picture is after the holes in the roof and the fire is almost out. I was too headless earlier than this to take a picture.
In spite of all that recent excitement I managed to get some knitting done. I finished my second Eiki! This little pattern continues to sell and the donation tally is up to $4974. I think we'll break $5K in donations! Thank you knitters.
This time I almost ran out of yarn and it was a nailbiter to the very end, but I managed to squeak it out (I think knitting faster really does work). I added beads to this version and I like how they add a little bit of fancy to the edging without being overpowering. The beads are nearly the same color as the yarn and I didn't add a lot of them so the effect is subtle but very satisfying. The yarn is Sanguine Gryphon's Skinny Bugga which has a bit of cashmere in it, so the feel of the shawl is cozy and comforting. I really love this little shawl!
Now that I've finished that project, I'm itching to start something new. I think next up is swatching that lovely new Shetland yarn.
Upcoming Workshops:
I've got a few teaching gigs coming up this year that have been recently announced. In July I'll be teaching spinning a painted sock, sock heels for toe up socks, and colorwork for socks at Sock Summit in Portland, Oregon. Then in October I'll be teaching color tricks in spinning at SOAR in New Hampshire and color tricks in dyeing, spinning and knitting at Maiwa in Vancouver, BC. So if you get a chance to attend one of these, I'd love to see you.
It's gorgeous! And you managed to mobilize a lot of knitters. :)
Posted by: Francesca | April 21, 2011 at 03:04 PM
I'm coming to Sock Summit and am really hoping to get into one of your classes! I'm bringing my Eiki shawl :-)
Posted by: Justine | April 22, 2011 at 04:23 PM
That house fire by you is scary and shocking. "Hooray for firefighters" indeed! I'm glad their dog could be saved, and I hope they didn't lose too much.
The orchard picture is breathtaking! And your shawl is beautiful!
Posted by: Karen Frisa | April 24, 2011 at 10:55 PM
Oddly enough, my neighbor up the street had a small alley/backyard fire and a visit from the fire department this morning.
The "new" Eiki looks lovely too!
I am also traveling to the Sock Summit and am registered for one of your "Paint Your Toes" classes! I'm truly looking forward to having a class with you!
Posted by: KiniaCat | May 08, 2011 at 04:57 PM