Speaking of brothers, *sniff* they're all grown up. Look at them all, in suits and ties no less! I had to go through a crazy number of photos to pull this one (they were all being goofy in the other photos) I guess somethings never change ;)
The ceremony was outdoors, at the Nixon Presidential Library - out in the rose garden. The setting was stunning, the flowers (arrangements, and otherwise) were also beautiful. There were rose petals in abundance.
The bride and groom - aren't they lovely? I saw their photographer sneaking round to the other side - but we figured we shouldn't go sneaking around during the ceremony in an attempt at photographs.
The little ones in the wedding party were especially adorable - I don't have photos of the little man who did a recitation of Mr. Roger's "It's you I like" - very well done and way too cute!
The reception was indoors - and the food was prepared by an ex-presidential chef (and it was very tasty too). Behold, the cake:
Simple and elegant, white and dark chocolate with raspberries...and pastry cream.
Congratulations, Julian and Christina! We wish you happiness, good fortune and health!
Eep, it's already the end of September and I totally forgot to share the fiber I got in August :) It's quite lovely - though I haven't yet made friends with my spinning wheel (I was too crazed working on that shawl)...I saw a sample worked up by Kiki when we met for knitting this past weekend. Her lovely swatch/sample make me realize I really need to get on with learning how to navajo ply properly - course this does mean re-learning how to put more twist in my singles since I had switched to spinning primarily low twist singles a while back. Ah, the joys of learning new skills :) (ps - there's a great tutorial on YouTube right here in case you're trying to get navajo plying down too)
It's not all desert here in Arizona. We have some pretty spectacular riparian areas - I always marvel at the glorious colors of redrock country.
The redrock and the foliage naturally complement each other - Mother Nature sure is clever ;)
...just beware the Poison Ivy. Portions of this area are filthy with it!
The Secret of Chrysopolis Shawl, which I apparently cast on for 2 years ago this month, has been finished, and the knitting needles officially harvested!
it's currently staked out and blocking, getting ready to pack it up and take it with me for a wedding. Finished, it's an impressive 27.5" wide, and probably about 6-feet long. Of course, once it's unstaked, there will be more photos :)
is my speed - not so much focus on the sewing, but the embellishment and personalization. The book starts out with a quick primer on design elements and color theory along with a fantastic listing and explanation of various tools or other materials you might use in your crafting adventures. After the basics are taken care of, the book moves on into the projects. As the subtitle explains, there are projects that include stamping, painting/drawing, stenciling, various methods of image transfer, dyeing and using fiber on fabric (think simple embroidery or applique). Each technique is explained using simple instructions - and my favorite part? The pros (why this method will make you happy) and cons (why this method will make you sad) for each technique are also there for you to guide you on your crafty way.
- in addition to one perfect for crafters (reading "I made this, just so you know. So don't say anything mean about it") - there are 7 others that you may find as perfect as I do including "Don't get too excited. The box is from something else." :)
...an interlude. While I knit like a mad woman, the cats practice synchronized sprawling. If you make like you're going to rub their bellies, they usually will roll to the side:
See? Excuse the extraneous fluff on the carpet - clearly, it's time to vacuum again!
Hmm. Not quite a look I'm excited to be sporting, but I've found I've managed to damage myself again! (worry not, I only have to wear that evil looking boot at night - I'm still trying to figure out if it's Plantar Fasciitis or if I've somehow managed to give myself a stress fracture)
It's the Great September Needle Harvest! The concept is deceptively simple - harvest/free up as many needles as you can from your UFOs by either actually finishing them, ripping them back, transferring the project to stitch holders, converting the project into something else (for example, felt it down and turn it into an ornament, a bag or perhaps even a creature!), give the project to someone else to finish (with their own needles ;) ) or...just pitch it (without the needles, of course). 
