Monday, January 15, 2007

Otherworldly day

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to attend the New Year ceremonial shoot at Bi Toku Kyudojo where I have begun practicing kyudo. It was like stepping into another world. Here are a few pictures especially for Janice.




It is always hard to believe I am in Atlanta when I am here.




The heater was there in case we needed it, but it was a warm, comfortable day for shooting




After all the shooting was over, it was back to the knitting and petting of cats (and Husband).

Saturday, January 13, 2007

New Addition to Sidebar

I thought it might be nice to add the list of my favorite internet yarn sources to the blog. There are a few international links there, each of whom I have gotten fast and excellent service from. I often price check the European shops for european yarns because even with international shipping the price is often better than what you can get in the US with free shipping. There are also some artisan dyers on the blogroll whose work I love. I will update these as I find more. Enjoy!

Stash Check!

I for one was not sorry to see 2006 go. Fortunately, since most of the hassle was connected with my job and that is making slow progress toward becoming more manageable, 2007 is shaping up to be far superior to its predecessor. And it's the Year of the Pig. How can that not be a fun year?

I am not a Pig, nor am I a Cock (which would have really been perfect for a chicken lover like me) but an Ox. Hmmm, not very romantic or feminine, an Ox. Last year was year of the Dog, and it was a dog alright. 2009 will be the next Ox year, though, and it really will be my year as it is the year we are planning our trip to Japan. We'll see if I actually get there.

So, some knitting, but lots of purchasing of the yarn type goodness. First, in keeping with the animal theme I seem to have going here, is the STR stash:


Colorways in order of appearance L to R: Lucy, Chanticleer, Henpecked, Rooster Rock.

Not only does Tina have an amazing talent for color, she has a thing for chickens of which I heartily approve. These are the most amazing color combinations. I am thinking of trying to get Ophelia to pose with them if I can figure a way to do that without putting yarn at risk. Oh well, we will see. Anyway, for the sake of completeness, here is the rest of the STR stash:

L to R: Cobblestone County, Queen Rock, Ruby Slippers. On order, Titania and Peasblossom.

So, as you see, I am utterly rejecting the whole knit from the stash thing that is otherwise storming bloglandia. My only joy when I am too busy working to knit is purchasing yarn. Also, remember that I have 9 evil friends who believe that the yarn gets way too much of my attention and do everything in their not inconsiderable power to get between me and the knitting.

127 Print makes the perfect pillow for China
They also love basking in the Ott Light. What's a knitter to do?

Next installment, my new obsession with Fleece Artist.