I've started to knit again!

Several years ago my lovely sister Claire took up knitting, and became a knitting maven. There's just no other way to describe her. She was a fast learner, moved on quickly to complicated projects and eventually a local knitting store asked her to give lessons. I think she mostly traded work for gorgeous wool and needles :)

I was looking for a hobby so I thought I'd try it. I signed up for classes at a local knitting store called...wait for it..."Ewe Asked For It". Looking back, I think the name alone should have sent me running fast in the opposite direction. But I soldiered on. It didn't come naturally though. The teacher wasn't unkind, but found it more interesting to focus on the more advanced knitters in the group I guess. At the time I pretty much took everything personally. As in if a dog looked at me cock eyed
.
So I gave up for awhile, and Claire tried to lure me back with very thick gorgeous purple yarn and very much coveted by veteran knitters bamboo knitting needles. I did much better with the bigger yarn, because of course it's easier to see your mistakes that way. But I eventually lost interest as I had quite a few other issues to deal with and never finished that scarf.

Before I headed out for a month of traveling last month I downloaded every single issue of AIM magazine. This is a free magazine that comes out once a month and they have archived issues on their website going back to 2009. (You can download them at www.artisansinminiature.com) This is a fabulous dollhouse and miniature magazine full of free projects, including free miniature knitting projects. I think you can see where this is going....
Lately I have been working on that scarf so I can work on my knitting skills and because I have been having trouble sleeping and knitting is relaxing, if it's a simple scarf that's half done. Or maybe even 3/4!

Before I sign off, where are all my beloved blogging friends? I know, probably excitedly glued to your tv sets watching the Olympics. I have a confession to make. I don't like the Olympics! They just interfere with my regularly scheduled favorite shows. (Although this is less true of the summer games.) I don't watch them. I don't read the inspiring articles about them in women's magazines. Oh, and it gets worse. When our apartment heats up like an oven, I retreat to our bedroom, where it's coolest, and watch ABC's Bachelor Pad on my laptop! Well, now you know the worst. I hope you still find me loveable :P 

Shell Candle Vase

Jeepers it is hot today! Although I guess that depends on who is reading this and where you live :) It has been 27 degrees Celsius today in Edmonton. I have no idea what that is in Fahrenheit!
Since I'm no longer on Galliano Island near the ocean and can't take a cool plunge (just picturing it feels delightful) I settled for making an arrangement with shells I collected while I was on the island. I like how it turned out.  

I love being able to keep part of the ocean with me in landlocked Alberta.

I love the effect of the light came in the window and hit the laminate floor. It wasn't planned! Although maybe I should take credit for it and claim masterly photography skills...

 

Some unexpected treasures that came my way

Whenever people ask me what's new with me these days I always mention that I have fallen in love with dollhouses and miniatures and have dived in to all sorts of crafty pursuits with a great deal of enthusiasm.

This usually sparks some very interesting conversations. People like to tell me about their experiences with the miniature hobby (there are lots of undercover miniaturists or mini lovers that don't even know it yet!). I also get to learn about a variety of fascinating crafts that people are creating.

When we were on Galliano Island we visited our dear friend Barbara, who runs the fantastic Artists' Gallery Stone world. She had other guests around at the time, and as I started to tell the story of my Grandpa's Room box, she quietly slipped away, and came back and presented me with the adorable items you'll see in the picture I've posted. They are slightly bigger than 1:12 scale, which is the standard scale most adult miniaturists work in. It's closer to 1:16 scale, or play scale, which is a size that would look appropriate in Barbie's kitchen :) Nevertheless, I am thrilled with the gift, and will certainly find somewhere to display these beautiful little treasure. The iron skillet in solid cast iron, and I am inspired to learn how to make a fried egg from polymer clay to go along with it.

My Grandpa's Roombox

Today I am so pleased to be able to celebrate my Grandpa's 97th birthday with him in person. My Grandpa is one of my favorite people. Anyone who knows him will tell you that he has incredible integrity, generosity, tells the best stories (he is Irish after all!) and has a way of making you feel loved and appreciated.
I hope the following photos convey the excitement and happiness we both felt this morning.

The room box is designed to fit into an old chess set. My Grandpa and Step-Grandma are looking at me as I deliver a small speech off camera!

Half of the room box is decorated as a carpenter's work room, because wood working has been a lifelong hobby of his. The other half is a library/den since my Grandpa is an avid and enthusiastic reader.

I have have the cutest Grandpa of all time.