Inspired by Spring

I am sitting in my studio enjoying a sunny view of my front yard, with the daffodils popping up and the forsythia already in bloom.

I am normally a person who clings to the last days of winter, since I love cold weather and wintry days so much. But this year, I find myself eager for spring and warmer weather - kind of a new feeling for me.

Yesterday I spent the day dyeing up all kinds of spring colors, and today I am anxious to cast on a new "spring" thing.  I'm not sure what, but something!

The Library

I miss the library of my youth.

We go to our local library just about every week. The one we go to was built, oh I don't know, maybe 12 years ago. And while I enjoy it (because, you know, I adore books), going to the library is just not the same as it used to be.

I loved the library when I was a girl. First off, it was q-u-i-e-t. You know I love that. People didn't have cell phone conversations, or just plain conversations, in the library. You went there to read. An actual book.

I still love looking through the books. One of the nice treasures of life is finding a book you want to read that you didn't even know about an hour ago.

I'm not sure when libraries became more about videos and games, internet and meetings (or maybe it's just mine, but I kinda doubt it), but I miss the old feeling. I miss the heavy wood tables and chairs, the huge card catalog, and the library card that had a metal plate on it. I remember how privileged I felt when I got my library card. Like I'd been entrusted with the safe keeping of a vast treasure. Which, in a way, I had. You respected other people's space and they respected yours.

The stack above are some recent favorites, including Circle of Quiet (I just love that title) by Madeleine L'Engle.

One of the things I do love about today's library is the book sale room! I've found quite a lot of knitting magazines over the years, as well as some great books. All but one of the books pictured above were bought in the book sale room. As a matter of fact, I'm currently reading another book sale purchase...Imagine (How Creativity Works) by Jonah Lehrer. Fifty cents, people. Add a little yarn, a cup of tea, and it doesn't get much better.

Year in Review - 2013

I've never been very good at the whole "looking back" thing, but 2013 was a pretty great year around here, so I thought I'd give it a little go this time.

January

I got a new desk in January.  I still love it.  And well....snow!

February, March and April

Lots of sketching and watercolor painting

May & June

Our big trip to New England...for the first time.  Loved every. single. minute of it!

July, August & September
I made my first batch of soap, picked up the pace on my spinning, knit several socks, and, oh yeah, we bought a loom!

October
Grand opening month for October House Fiber Arts!

November & December
Dyed a lot of wool, started the Fiber Club, and celebrated the holidays and a great year!

Slow Textiles

I checked this book out of the library a few weeks ago, and was browsing through it when I saw this chapter:

And I thought what a great phrase "slow textiles" was.  It conjures up good images in my head.   Of cleaning and processing wool, choosing colors and dyeing, swatching and knitting.  Being mindful of the process, and enjoying the journey.

I like it.

At least I can read about knitting

About a week ago I began having some pain in my right thumb and wrist.  At first, I didn't pay much attention to it, but then it sort of got my attention...and not in a good way!  Long story short, it appears I have some tendonitis on the thumb side.  And since I ignored it at first, it got fairly painful.  It's most likely a repetitive strain injury...bummer.

So I'm in a thumb/wrist brace for at least 2 weeks, basically resting my hand as much as possible.  (Did I mention it's my right hand, and I'm right handed?)  This means no:  knitting, spinning, sewing, embroidery, combing llama, sketching, painting, or weaving....!

I didn't realize how hard it would be to not knit at all...for days.  I miss it.  Actually, it's hard to not be doing any handwork, which is what I'm usually doing during any free moments.

So, in lieu of actual knitting, I'm going to read about knitting.  I started reading June Hemmons Hiatt's classic The Principles of Knitting.  I'm on Chapter 3- Casting On.

It should hold me for a while, after all, it's a 4 1/2 pound book.

Have you ever suffered a knitting injury?

Everyday Life : Tea and Cupcakes

I have a cup of tea everyday (two on Fridays!) and every so often I make cupcakes.  Cupcakes are happy - how can you not like a cupcake?

I find a lot of good looking recipes for cupcakes on Pinterest :

but my favorite recipe is one I've had for a while :

Real Vanilla Cupcakes :  (Makes about 24 cupcakes)

3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
4 eggs
1 cup whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Combine flours, sugar, baking powder and salt.  Stir to combine.  Add butter and mix with pastry blender or electric mixer.

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk and vanilla.  Gradually add to dry ingredients.  Do not overbeat.
Fill cupcake liners about 2/3 full.  Bake for 20 minutes or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.

Cool on a wire rack, then frost with frosting (recipe below).

Real Vanilla Frosting :

1 cup butter
6 to 8 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 to 1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Cream butter until smooth and creamy.  Add 6 cups sugar, 1/4 cup milk and vanilla.  Mix until light and fluffy.  If necessary, add more sugar to make frosting fluffier, or add more milk for creamier frosting.

Enjoy!