What a weekend....

I’ve been having fun with organs in this area. So much, I’ve not picked up shuttles much. A friend of mine traveled down from San Jose to play a concert on the Dobson organ at St. Dunstan’s. It was so much fun! Those who missed it will have another chance. She definitely wants to play here again.

Then on Sunday, a local organist played a bang up concert on a new Allen in town. I neglected to snap a good picture of the organ. I did take one, but I didn’t catch that it was very out of focus. How does that happen using my phone? I mean, it’s so easy to get good pictures on the phone until you really want them to turn out! Anyway, the concert was fun. He invited good friends who sing in a barbershop quartet to sing. Not your average church concert!

I’ll miss posting the rest of this week. I’ll be preparing to visit an organ museum. I promise to check my phone to make sure I have at least one good picture to share. I hope to finish 2 tatting projects while traveling. One is up to that fiddly finishing stage of the last few elements and hiding ends. The other should only take 3-4 hours to tat….once the shuttles are free.

In the meantime, those here in Monterey can enjoy “locals weather” and the less crowded streets. The sunrise was spectacular this morning!

Sun, what sun???

I took time yesterday for reflecting. Since the fog stayed around well into the afternoon, we didn’t have much to see for the solar eclipse. It did get quiet. And a bit darker for a few minutes. So, we experienced the event, just didn’t see much. Ah well, even if I’m not seeing as often the sunrise show, and the white deer is no longer walking through the neighborhood, our resident yard cat is still coming around for scritches.

Most of my tatting time was spent putting things away. I gathered up the patterns I used for the Fair items. I like to have patterns on hand when I demonstrate. I’ve realized that I am drawn to tatting designs that are as intriguing in the written form as they are in thread. Most of the patterns I use by other designers are readily available on the web or in book form. I usually make a copy that I can mark up with my notes; like what thread I’m using and how much I wind onto the shuttles, what beads I pick, what size picot I use, and any resources I use for tricks and tips. If I’m really going to meet my goals for tatting, I have to keep as good records as I do for music.

The rest of the week I’ll be working on music catching up. I need to work on the harpsichord and plan practice for the sub jobs I’ve committed to. I’d also like to update my material for all things organ in the Monterey/Carmel area. Plenty to do. After a walk to the library and maybe a treat.

of winter sunrise and sunset

Seems this winter is the winter of weather. Last winter I was unpacking/decorating; the winter before house hunting; the winter before that was spent making the transition to empty-nest. Perhaps next winter will be a “normal” winter? Yeah, right! This is the new normal girl! The rain has been welcome. We really haven’t had much damage. Just a little more of clean up chores. Grumpiness done!

The sunrises/sunsets have been wonderful again this year. It’s a great way to start your day. Color, transition from dark to light, and never the same way twice! I am always inspired by the sun rising. I am settled in for a great night with sunsets. Perhaps because I grew up in an area of the country where it rains….alot…., I notice the sunrises and sunsets more. When was the last time you paused for 15 minutes to watch one? BTW 15 minutes is usually how much time commercials take out of an hour long tv show. I think I can spend that much time enjoying nature. How ‘bout you?

I’m reorganizing the studio and study this week. Perhaps I’ll snap a photo. If I finish. I keep getting distracted with reading and jotting down ideas and remembrances. Time for another sunrise to inspire!

Sunshine can be ……distracting

The sun has been coming out more often the last few days. It’s hard to stay indoors and not get out in it. Thank goodness one can tat sitting on your porch! If you’re passing and see me, honk or shout out. I tend to get absorbed by the thread….and beads…and music….

The sunrise this morning was fabulous. I was reminded of a cool window I saw in an older home here. I managed to snap pictures of it and then forgot I had them! So, here they are:

And the nametag is ready for a chain…or something….

Now to settle the design for the Art Raffle…..

A sunrise....finally!

I got distracted yesterday….

By a sunrise….

The weather this summer has been more typical for Monterey area. The cool marine air begets fog just about every day. We’ve had a bit of sun every afternoon. With the fire in Big Sur area though, it’s been overcast more for the morning. Thus, there haven’t been as many sunrises for me to watch from my window. Yesterday was the exception, so I took the time to have an extra cuppa and enjoy the show. I’m glad I did.

The important stuff got done yesterday, just not the next tier down in the to-do list. So, I’ll get started on that in a few moments.

Question first: I’m getting a hankering to do a monster doily. Any favorites you would recommend? 

Now where was I.......

Ok….I got distracted. 

I blame it on “Back to School” sales and watching the kids in the neighborhood get back into their school routines.

I making progress on the bell cover, the stained glass idea is percolating, the Fair display is in the works, and my house is getting organized. To top it all off, the weather is turning and the fog/smoke is lifting. That means I enjoyed a sunrise this morning! Again, I won’t annoy you with pictures as my photography skills are not up to snuff. I enjoy good photographs and recognize the skill it takes to produce them. Skill I would have to work very hard to master. I get distracted by the beauty of what I’m trying to photograph too easily.

I think I’ll go distract myself with a quick romp through my practice list at the organ. Then, on to the shuttles!

A Gigue to thread

Bead added….

Earring tatted….(no picture as it’s a gift)

Walk on the beach enjoyed…..

And as a special bonus, the sky was clear yesterday morning, so I enjoyed a wonderful colorful sunrise!

I have been considering possible designs to tat as I play through the “Gigue” Fugue. The notes are arranged in groups of 3. I’ve been toying with ways to weave in groups of 3. I have several possibilities to try. And wouldn’t it be fun if I had a thread that changed colors in the same proportion as the music changed key centers? I’d like something a bit brighter than the Herbal Garden. The music is so happy and cheerful sounding! That triangle piece is so lush and calm. I’ll just have to dance over to the stash and see what I can find!

Could that be a doily pattern?

If you read my ramblings for long, you know I love a good sunrise. There’s nothing like a cup of tea or coffee while watching the sky light up! The colors can be spectacular, the play of light always delivers.

branch on pine tree with cones forming

The other day, the sunrise wasn’t very colorful. Not a cloud in the sky. Not even a contrail from a jet. Nada. Rien. Nicht. Normally the sun has been between the huge pine trees. The position of the sun at this time of year is behind a massive Live Oak tree. Love the name of that tree! Sorry, squirrel moment. 

I couldn’t even see the sun crest the horizon over the Santa Cruz hills.

That’s when I noticed how the shape of the tree looked circular….like a doily.

As the light grew brighter, more detail came visible. I began to see a pattern in the leaves….like a ring and chain combination.

Just a bit of aha to start the day. Of course, I had to browse the Dover reprint books I have for a doily pattern like my Sunrise through the Oak Leaves. Several fit the bill. Now I have to decide to drop the flag and start a monster doily (rewritten off course), or to stay on task. Tough choice for me! Squirrel!

Just another day in ......

The morning started out wonderful.

The sunrise was spectacular. The hills across the bay were tinged with red, the water looked glassy, and the sky through the pine boughs was getting lighter by the minute. I love sunrise. My little point and click cameras, nor my cell phone, do not do justice to the scene. I won’t make you grimace by trying to capture it that way. You’ll just have to find a place to enjoy a real sunrise! There out there. You’ll just have to look for them.

I’ve also made good progress in the project of installing the organ. I know what I need to do to prep the room. I’m finding people to help and advise me. Today I need to figure out the schedule for it all. I think I’ll leave the figure out the budget until after the trip to the hardware store. That may mean a loan. I hope not. That would make keeping the focus of my energies more difficult.

I’m still revising the written part of the angel pattern. I’ve tatted the “sketch” of the snowman pattern. I hope to finish both today. 

Tis the season for inspiring beginnings and endings

I wish I had the photographer’s talent. This time of year, I often see both sunrise and sunset. The colors lately have been spectacular. That’s because we are getting much needed rain. So, there are clouds in the sky. Where our house is, there’s not much chance of seeing the sun appear over the mountains or even to dip down into the mountains. In the past, I’ve tried to take a photo to share here. I just can’t manage to get the camera or my phone set up right before the color fades. Sigh. You’ll just have to take my word for it, the sunrise and sunset have been beautiful.

TIAS day 10 & rainbow at sunrise

My day started out with a rare gift.

We are normally awake before sunrise. I try to open a curtain or two so that I can see the sky lighten. It was cloudy this morning. (Yes, we got badly needed rain!) So, I knew the sky would be colorful….or at least I was hoping. Well, it was. I glanced out a west-facing window to see how light the sky was getting. I did a double take!

A RAINBOW WAS FORMING!

Really!

After checking out an east-facing window, I reveled in the rainbow growing stronger as the sun hit the clouds. I couldn’t dig out the camera fast enough. I don’t think I’ll forget how that looked for a long, long time. Absolutely gorgeous!

So, I was a bit later getting to the computer. I have completed day 10 of the TIAS. Do look at what Jane is posting of other people’s pictures and rhymes. It’s great fun.

TIAS 2014 Day 10
 

 

after a long hiatus

Life has been lively lately. If I look at what I wrote down months ago for goals and see what I’ve accomplished, I get upset. If I look at what others around me have accomplished with my help, I smile. Guess what?? I’ve been smiling a lot lately. All that is hard to document in this blog. So, I say, life is good.

The sun is rising after I awake now, so I can see some spectacular sunrises.

The Fall term is starting for college kids I’m connected with. Their energy and liveliness is wonderful.

Our Sacred Threads ministry is up and knitting and stitching and bringing God’s peace to many.

The small number of tatting students I’ve been privileged to work with are sharing their talents with a whole lot of people.

Our Organists Guild chapter is embarking on reaching out to other musicians that love the organ.

So, to paraphrase Handel, and I again I say life is good!

back to the drawing board

I’m back to a regular routine. The weather was so wonderful this past weekend, and since sunrise is so early now I rarely get to enjoy a cup of coffee as the sun peaks out. Sigh. But, it is nice to wake up to a light room. Makes it easier not to stumble over the kitty. This weekend, I played outside almost all the time.

After a wonderful birthday Saturday, which included a few hours demonstrating tatting and signing up students, I puttered around and generally enjoyed myself. Of course, I did make sure to write down the ideas I have for more patterns. Now I know I will never realize them all, but it is fun to brainstorm! I like those kinds of storms best! I do need to try to tat with paper more though....

current Bookmark

Well, the pollen count is up….and it’s grey but not rainy. Sniff, snuffle, ahhhchoooo.

And I’m not that much affected by what’s in the air….

The good news about the time change has been I’m awake more often before sunrise again. There have been some spectacular ones with the cloud cover lately. That always starts my day out better.

I’ve been honing my skill at Inkscape and graphic diagrams of tatting patterns the last couple of days. I need a lot more practice….a lot more! I wanted to work up a bookmark design for the class that had rings, chains, maybe beads (but not necessary) and tat samples for the Open House wall in summer colors. So, here’s what I have:

I'm calling this Chicks with Beads



the thread is called Carribean. Very summery!

We’ll see what is chosen and what folks sign up for.

TIAS Day 9

Did I miss yesterday? Well, you'll see why in a bit....I was working rather diligently.

The sky had just enough fog in it to catch the sun and turn brilliant red this morning. My favorite kind of sky at sunrise. It represents what I like in life: just enough troubles to make it interesting.

Well, this is why I missed yesterday. I’ve finished diagramming the Hair Bun Holder. Before you ask to see it, I must tell you: I started with rather small objects as I wanted to make sure I had enough room on the “page”. I think I started too small. When I added the stitch count numbers, I needed size 4 font to fit inside the rings. Too small…..

So, in consolation, here’s my Day 9 of Jane’s TIAS:

TIAS 2012 Day 9

I recognized him immediately. He's the thief of my ball of thread that dissappeared the other day! And I was blaming my kitties!! I caught him in the act of snooping in my cabinet this morning. He was looking for more I think! Now to pen him in and figure out his name....I KNOW it's a HE!

TIAS Day 6 and Hope

The sunrise was lovely again today. The fog cleared over us, but stayed in the hills. As the sun crested the Eastern hills, everything lit up! Sigh!! It was lovely to watch as I finished my cuppa.

Then, I finished Day 6 of Jane’s TIAS.

TIAS Day 6

I'm thinking legs of something with a square body. But, there are those two beads rattling around on the shuttle. Don't have any better idea to what I am making. Such a fun game!

I have been mulling an idea for a pattern. The background: I support the Prayer Shawl Ministry at my church, St. Andrew’s Episcopal, Saratoga. We as a parish also support seminarians. One in particular with a wonderful bass voice has been working with the Veteran’s Hospital near here. He expressed an interest in having something to leave with those struggling with PTSD. As he spoke of the female patients, my mind’s ear remembered his singing “My Hope is Built”.  Shelve that tune for a moment and back to the Prayer Shawl meeting. I ended up with a bit of left over yarn and a cro-tat tool that was given to the group. In looking for a pattern to try it all out, I picked up my copy of Tatting with Visual Patterns by Mary Konior. Her patterns are always an inspiration to me. I tried out her Hope pattern.

Hope by Mary Konior using Cro-tat and yarn

Not that successful, but good enough not to “bin” after a scan. I had tatted that pattern in size 10 and really liked how it worked out. If I had a ton, and I mean a ton, of the yarn, I might try to cro-tat something for the group by joining the motifs together. My quick estimate is 16 yards for each motif. That’s a ton of yarn!

Back to Solid Rock (the tune for the hymn). The meter for the hymn is listed as 8.8.8.8 with refrain of 8.8.8.8 for a total of 8 syllables for 8 lines. Some of you are already seeing where this is going. I’m going to try to play around in my graphic program before picking up the shuttle to see if it will work. I may just get impatient and start tatting……

More on this later