The Other Side of the World, Pt. 1

We were recently lucky enough to enjoy a wonderful vacation in the beautiful country of New Zealand. The Incredible Digit Husband's family (on his father's side) get together every few years for a family reunion and New Zealand was the destination for this reunion. I am happy to say that both of the Incredible Digit children did great on their first trans-pacific flight. 12 hours plus another 2 hours on a plane is not easy for a three- and five-year-old but the in-seat entertainment screens helped a lot.

We started out in Christchurch. We saw this tower during a walk in town.

The next day we started our official tour in the coach. Since we had a large group of twenty we were able to have the coach to ourselves. Plenty of room for knitting.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see more of town as it was overcast and rainy. There is a very nice Arts Center, lovely gardens, and beautiful canals that one can "punt" down in boats. Maybe next time.

One our way from Christchurch to Dunedin our Coach Captian/Driver, Brian, asked if we would like to make our first snack stop at the Ashford Cafe in Ashburton. I, of course, said yes (probably a little too loudly) because "they have spinning wheels there". They also have a very nice selection of yarn, spinning fibers, coffee and treats. The lovely woman below helped me in my selection of some very soft possum-merino spinning fiber. I also indulged in a tussah silk-merino blend, as well. The rest of our group enjoyed some hot drinks and sweet pastries in the cafe. As they say, a good time was had by all. Our next stop was Oamaru. A charming coastal town which reminded me a bit of Astoria, Oregon. The town is also home to a colony of blue penguins that can be viewed in day or night tours. The buildings in the area are just beautiful. Plenty of older architecture that has been lovingly cared for and restored. The four of us from the Digit household had a very enjoyable lunch in a nearby park (or garden as they call it in NZ) across from one such building....a lovely church.
Our final destination on this day was Dunedin. Our first stop was at the Cadbury factory. We got a tour and a great explanation of the different steps in processing of the chocolate. We also got lots of samples! Since we were the last group of the day our group leader was being very generous with the chocolate. So much so that the Incredible Digit Boy wound up with a bag full to overflowing. I would fly back to NZ in a heartbeat just for the Cadbury Dairy Milk Chocolate bars.

During our time in Dunedin we were able to see two historic homes....Larnach Castle and Olveston House. Two amazing homes with fascinating histories. The story of Larnach Castle is steeped in soap opera style family dysfunction. It would be too much to list here but, trust me, it's worth reading about here. Our guide, Winnifred, truly made the story come to life. We really were hanging on her every word.

After the tour we were treated to morning tea in the grand ballroom. The scones with cream were soooo good.
Now, unfortunately, Olveston House did not allow any photos to be taken inside so here's a shot of the front with most of our group (minus five who were exploring the grounds). The unique thing about this location is that all of the original items used by the family/owners of the house are all still there. The surviving daughter of the family was the last to live in the house which was willed to the city after her passing. Not to be missed. To be continued..........

We're Back.......

......and still getting used to being home.  Between the time/day change and being gone from our home for three weeks, it's taken more time than we would have thought to get back on a normal schedule.  Photos will be forthcoming soon.  New Zealand was our destination and was absolutely beautiful.  Lots to share about the trip......including a pic of a muscled sheep shearer (maybe named Nick) for Bobbie and Sharon. 

That Which Can Now Be Named

I know, that was very Harry Potter of me.  But I'm so excited now that I can post about a few of the "secret" projects I have worked on recently. 

First off, are two patterns that I tested for Gardiner Yarn Works .  Both are for the upcoming line for Fall of 2008.  

#1 - The Star Mesh Scarf

Fantastically modeled by the Incredible Digit Girl, this scarf is lace-y and light yet warm from the soft wool of Shibui Sock yarn I used.  It is only a four row pattern repeat but has the look of a more difficult design.  I will definitely knit this pattern again and might even use the yarn called for in the pattern -  Handmaiden Camelspin.  

#2 - Kids Stripey Raglan 

This pattern was just a blast to knit.  I actually completed this project fairly quickly and, thanks to the great design, had only two small underarm seams to sew.   This particular sweater is a size six and being modeled by the son of a good friend.  I plan on knitting another in a size four so The Incredible Digit Boy will have one to wear this coming winter.  I used Ella Rae Classic yarn for this project.  It was a good choice.  A nice worsted weight with good stitch definition.  

Now the next project was very exciting for me.  It's definitely not a pattern I would have chosen for myself.  It's the Flow Motion sock by Cat Bordhi.  This is the first of her patterns I've tried and I have to admit I was a little intimidated by the design (lace-y, toe-up, and two at a time).   

I'm happy to say that the socks came out very well and can currently be seen here.   Just goes to show that all types of yarn can make lovely socks.  

Nothing in Particular

I'm nursing a little bit of a cold and am not in the most creative of moods. I blame the extremely crappy weather we are experiencing here in the Pacific Northwest. I was watching a newscast last night that described this month as June-uary. We're definitely more winter than summer right now.

So, since I'm lazy, here's a few recent pics from the Digit household.

The Incredible Digit children standing proudly in front of their Nana's artwork hung in her own home.  
Group photos from our visit with family in San Diego.  One of my husbands lovely cousins, Carla, graduated Summa Cum Laude from SDSU with a degree in Nursing.  We are all very proud of her.  
Another group photo of the more immediate family...us with my husband's parents and brothers.  It really is so nice when we can all be in the same town if only for a few days.  
Following the family visit, the Incredible Digit Husband travelled to Yokohama Bay, Japan for work.  It was a very short 48 hour stay, but his hosts there did take him out for a bit of sightseeing.  This beautiful statue is one of the most impressive of the sites that he visited.  
It is the Great Buddha of Kamakura.  According to Japan-Guide.Com:

"The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha this is located on the grounds of the Kotokuin Temple.  With a height of 13.35 meters, it is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan." 

The site goes on to explain that though the statue was originally housed inside a large temple, a tsunami tidal wave in the 15th century destroyed the building and the Buddha has stood in the open ever since. 

While I did miss him during his trip, I wish that he had been able to stay another day or two and explore the area a little more.  Oh well, we'll just all have to go as a family one day in the future.  

On the knitting front, several of the projects I'm working on cannot be discussed in this forum yet.  I was lucky enough to get pattern for the Malabrigo Slippers by CoCoKnits.  They are adorable house slippers that can be customized with different accessories on the front.....including a separate panel made to look like penny loafers which can hold an actual penny.  Too cute.  I have some Izu yarn by Shibui Knits that I'm going to use.  I'm also going to check out the stock at Stitchjones yarn for some additional combinations.  

But now I'm going to relax on the couch, drink the tea that my wonderful husband made for me and, most likely, doze off for a bit.  Cheers!

Tag, I'm It

I recently got tagged for a meme by the lovely Sharon of Stitchjones so here is all the pertinent info. 

1)  What was I doing 10 years ago?

I was living in Tujunga, CA, working as a full-time temp for the Kaiser Permanente Sales Dept, taking a Two-Dimensional Design class at Pasadena City College, and participating in the Without Alarm II Art Exhibit which was held in the empty Los Angeles City Jail (also used for a myriad of TV shows and movies).   Oh, and not to be left out:  nursing my poor little Jack Russell Terrier back to health after being attacked quite badly by another neighborhood dog.  All while the Incredible Digit Husband (then boyfriend) and I were getting ready for our imminent move to Oregon.  

2)  What are five things on my to-do list today?  (no particular order)

1.  Pick up a classmate of the Incredible Digit Boy and take both to their preschool class. 

2.  Look for a coffee table for the living room. 

3.  Make and drink very strong coffee.

4.  Shower - because my hair looks like a Nick Nolte mug shot.

5.  Say a prayer for a dear friends grandmother who has been diagnosed with uterine cancer (join me if you like).

3)  Snacks I enjoy?

Punschrullar - a Swedish Apricot Marzipan confection available at your local Ikea

Pan Dulce - Mexican sweet bread available at Su Casa Imports or Grande Foods both in Hillsboro

Any kind of dark chocolate but especially with an orange flavor added

Any kind of cake - I'm not choosy

4)  Things I would do if I was a billionaire?

Buy a house for my mom so she could stop renting.  

Set up college funds for my niece and four nephews.  

Donate large sums of money to art programs for homeless/low income children and teens.

Buy and customize a large studio/workroom for all my craft stuff.  It would by my office :-).

5)  Five places that I have lived (besides Oregon)?

Exeter, New Hampshire; Yuma, Arizona; Paramount, California; Eagle Rock, California; Long Beach, California.

Family Fun Time

We have been having some very warm, summer-like weather and decided that a little family adventure was in order.  The Incredible Digit Husband suggested that we have lunch at BlueFin Sushi near Portland State Univ. in downtown PDX.  This a "conveyor" style sushi restaurant and Saturdays are always a good day to go there since all plates are only $1.50 the whole day.  They have a great selection and the service there has been very good every time we've been.  

After lunch we headed to the playground down the block.   We got some great pics of the Incredible Digit Girl

the Incredible Digit Boy
of both of the munchkins (one of whom was doing a Gene Simmons impression)
and with their Incredible Dad.

After the park, we stopped by Otto's to pick up some German/Euro style sausages (bratwurst/british bangers/danish medisterpolse) for grilling at home.  (Did I mention that my husband was born in Wisconsin?) It was our first time there and we were really impressed by their selection.  They also have a sandwich counter that was turning out some mighty appetizing food.  The big plus:  I noticed that a bowl of ice was provided for a couple's bottle of white wine while they ate their food.  Gotta love that.   

Now by the time we got home it was time for naps all around.  We girls, though, could not sleep.  So I did what I've been saying (complaining) that I'm going to do for quite some time. 

I cut the Incredible Digit Girl's hair.  

It needed to be done but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Her hair goes all the way down her back. 

But I bit the bullet and separated her hair into two sections and measured to make sure it was long enough for donation. 
Then I hyperventilated a little bit and............cut both sections!  No more long hair and some uneven short ends. 
I took my time and really made sure I was even on each side as I was cutting.  It helps that my Mom is a hair stylist from way back.  I must have picked up some skill through osmosis.  Once all the trimming was done, this is how my very patient daughter looked.

She is very happy with the results (thankfully!!) and I am pleased that I didn't make any glaring mistakes.  Even the back came out okay.  

While I am looking forward to not having to comb out tangles and knots, I do miss the long hair a little bit.  I think really, though, I'm just a little overwhelmed by how grown up she looks all of the sudden.  Wasn't she just born?!

Has It Really Been Almost A Month!?!

Clearly, I'm not the most regular of bloggers. The good thing is that I do make up for my lack of quantity with some quality pics and info.

So what's the word? Well, it is freezing here today in our neck of the woods. Snow is being forecast for the low foothills surrounding our little valley area and it was a whopping 34 degrees this morning when we checked the weather forecast. This is in sharp, sharp contrast to last Saturday which was almost 80 degrees for the high. A beautiful, sun-filled, cloudless sky kind of 80 degrees. The Incredible Digit children were particularly enjoying themselves in the backyard.

And I got some very pretty pics of flowers from our garden and trees.  

And while the Incredible Digit husband was working in the front yard getting it in order, I got to do this.

The wonderful Sharon of Stitchjones dyed up this beautiful roving, Emerald & Spruce.  I wound up splitting it into three sections.  The first I spun up and plied end-to-end for 2 ply.  The second batch I spun up with a little Angelina in the the same color family to give it a little sparkle.  The third batch I'm thinking of spinning up as thin as possible and plying with transparent or metallic thread per the excellent suggestion of Bobbie at Tiggywinkle Knits.  

I also visited Abundant Yarn and Dyeworks in Sellwood.  What a great place.  There's an overflowing supply of yarn and fiber and a great little cafe.  The Incredible Digit children especially enjoyed the bubbling foot soaking fountain in the corner of the cafe.  It took all of about two seconds for each of them to have their shoes & socks off and their pant legs rolled up.  While there, I picked up this roving.  

I've gone and lost the label so I can't say who created this luscious stuff, but the color combinations are so pretty.  

This pic shows the two different plying methods that I chose.  Looking to your left, my friends, is a batch that has been Navajo plied to maintain the color changes and create a thicker yarn.  The batch to the right has been plied end-to-end for 2-ply and the colors "barber pole-d" for a little more texture.  

On the knitting front, I've been lucky enough to get a few test knits.  I've already finished two for a pattern company based in Portland and I've got another small project for (wait for it).....KnitPicks!!  For all you non-knitting people, KnitPicks is basically Target for knitting/crocheting/yarn people.  Once the patterns/images are available to the public, I will post my versions here.

  

Before I sign off, here are a few pics from Easter.  My kids "clean up good".