I'm learning a lot

I understand that will keep me young. But, right now, my head feels like bursting, my muscles ache, and I have way too much on my plate. So, if you asked me to do something, and I’ve forgotten or muffed it, please remind me. Well, not that I muffed it, unless I haven’t clued in. I’m learning a lot.

The Blackwork is buried. We discovered the upstairs toilet has been leaking tiny amounts for quite some time. So, a trip to the store to pick up fresh seals, hours stripping paint off wet plaster, and shifting things so that they don’t get covered with the fine dust of “remodel” activities. Until things get repaired and re-shifted, no pictures.

Oh, and another storm is due later this week. My question: Will we end up in someone’s paper for a Science conference this summer? Too much to clean up, repair, and put away for me to write it! Guess I’d better get busy!

Atmospheric River aftermath

Well, the best laid plans.

I’ve been busy lately. Mostly dealing with the aftermath of the Atmospheric River. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atmospheric_river 

http://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/02/california-rains-put-spotlight-atmospheric-rivers 

Now, you know you’re not crazy to be reeling from the weather when your state is named in Wikipedia, Science Magazine, and the subject of MIT papers. So, to those who live through hurricanes, typhoons, and tornadoes, I can relate much better to how your storms are described. That’s not to say our storm Monday was on the par with those weather events. It is to say, “I’ve had a taste.” We lost a smaller tree over the wall into the street. I’m still trying to figure out how to deal with it as a wise consumer and responsible citizen of the city. I’ll get it. Honest.

So, while the people who have the equipment work on the tree, I’ve been working on a design idea. That spawned another design idea. I'm calling it Joy for now. That needs to be tatted up to see how it looks. That needs….was that the door AGAIN? "Yes, I know our tree is down. I've been told by the city I need to get a contractor. Yes, I know the city should clear the street. Do you know a reputable contractor who could handle this job? No, well, nice to meet you. Have a good day. I should get back to the clean up tasks." So, I should have a picture soon.

I neglected to get a photo of the Blackwork sample before I sent it to its resting place. I hope to fix that mistake tomorrow. Along with preparing for the next wave of storm to hit this weekend. Why is it the worst seems to happen on a Holiday or weekend when all the sane people aren’t at work?

What do you do when the ideas come fast and furious?

Brain dump!
(Which doesn't take long for me snigger, snigger)

I found some adorable buttons yesterday in a thrift store. They are now in process of becoming a jewelry set for a fundraiser. That’s all I’ll be able to share about that.

I recently attended a mini-workshop on Blackwork. http://www.nordicneedle.net/guides/stitching-techniques-guides/blackwork-embroidery/  I have several great ideas of how to combine that with tatting. I should have pictures next week.

In the meantime, I invite all to attend an upcoming organ concert:

“Bach By Popular Demand” 

featuring James Welch

Carmel Presbyterian Church, Carmel, CA 

Saturday, February 18 at 3 PM

Organ and Sackbut Recital 

featuring music of Renaissance, Baroque and contemporary music 

for organ and bass sackbut 

Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, Sunnyvale, CA

Friday, February 24, at 7:30 PM

I'll be the one tatting in the corner!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I enjoy truly international Holidays a great deal. It’s fun to celebrate something that crosses borders and is significant in more than one culture. Especially if it involves gift giving, spreading joy and love, and general wonderful time with family and friends.

This year, it’s my pleasure to share with all a wonderful new pattern by Muskaan:

Block Heart Bracelet designed by Muskaan

I tried this out using both needle and shuttle with Lizbeth size 20. I think it will work with either tool just fine! I prefer shuttle, mostly because I felt clumsy using the needle, dropping it to pick up the other needle, and finding out where the first needle landed when I crossed my legs. No blood, but it interrupted my concentration, which of course opened the gates for an error. Just me trying to keep sane.

I so enjoy all my International tatting friends! Please take a moment to visit their blogs and leave them a comment. I’m going right now to thank both Georgia for sharing the pattern and Muskaan for creating the pattern!

Another milestone

Halfway through another 100 posts. Who’dathunk……

Not much to show as I’ve been cleaning up, organizing, and dreaming up another design. Soon, I promise! In the meantime, here’s my version of Jane’s TIAS 2017: 

Jane E TIAS 2017

She is worked in color Carousel. I thought these colors would be "Jane" and I think they fit nicely!

Crosby weather continues

Life has settled into a routine lately: A day or so of storm, a day or so of cleanup, a day or so of Spring Cleaning (yard and house). What I need right now is a day or so of tatting to finish off these designs! Soon….I hope.

Jane's TIAS 2017 Day 10

I have been tatting 

Oh, almost forgot to explain the title of this post! For many years, Bing Crosby hosted a golf event he called a Clambake. It still brings wonderful fun to our area. The best in Pro golfers come and play spectacular courses. Part of the event is a Pro-Am tournament that raises money for charities. Lately, Bill Murray has been entertaining all while making his way around the holes. Various sports celebrities also join in. The weather usually throws a bit in for the fun. The long-time residents call it Crosby weather. They will say with a wry grin that if it is going to rain and storm in February, it’ll be Clambake time.

This year is no exception. Rain, wind, and general chilliness are forecast. As I write this, the wind is howling, the rain is coming in sheets, and it’s just dank and cold. A good day to rest, tat, and sop up the water seeping into the basement.

Rest and filing

I have my design trials in mind. Whew! I think I’ll let them percolate for a day. Today will be a good day to practice at the organ. I took a moment the other day to organize my photos from Jan 2017. I hadn’t shared this one of the flag: 

Coming together!

Needing a walk on the beach

TIAS 2017 Day 8

Well, the design thoughts are coming fast and furious! 

I’ve not got much to show, just sketches on scraps of paper and several trials in thread that got binned fast. I’m hoping a walk on the beach will help focus me.

In the meantime, here’s my version of Day 8 TIAS 2017: