This has been a rough month--actually a rough four weeks for me. One of the things that has kept me sane and not killing people (other than the normal knitting!) has been these:

I was reading some very negitive reviews of these on-line while searching for pictures, but I thought they were WONDERFUL.

After all, some genius combined two of my all time favorite things in the world--Chai and chocolate. If only there was a way to get yarn in there without the fibers...

I would encourage you to at least give these a try for yourself if you like Chai, and if not, then send them to me!

I know, I know, I fell off the world. Lets just say its been a stressful month so far, and as of now is brought to you by excessive listening to this 60's group. Sad but true... I'll try to do better!

I went to the my LYS (local yarn store) today to take advantage of the second to last day of the July yarn sale, and I picked up a few luxury items. First, I bought another Lantern Moon silk taffeta. Our LYS only carries the red and pink ones and since I already have a pink one (somewhere...) I bought a red one.

The red is SO much more shinny and beautiful than the picture shows--I'll try and take an actual picture for Saturday's post.

I also bought a full bottle of Soak for use when blocking my lace or washing handknit socks. Soak currently comes in four scents and is a nice smelling way to care for delicate hand knits.

The yarn store has little sample sized packets--I want to get some of the newest scent, Evening Garden, to see how I like it. Of the other three, I liked Flora the best (that's the one I got today).

So, if you want to pamper your handwork, drool over the Lantern Moon Bags and Soak Woolwash to take your crafting to a whole new level of enjoyment!

I was searching for something a few months ago, and I came across the song "My Love Was Like the Moon" from the album "Thirteen," clicked the preview out of curiosity, and fell instantly in love. I then spent an evening tracking it down over the internet and listening to some of the other sample tracks on the CD, and ended up buying not only the track that first drew me to Vixi and Tony, but "Mal's Song" as well (yes, it is a Firefly fan song and an AMAZING one at that!).

On Vixy and Tony's Website you can hear at least clips of most of the tracks as well as getting a peak behind the scenes of the songs. I was not familiar with the term "filk" until I started hunting up this album, but I realized that the "musical culture, genre, and community tied to science fiction/fantasy fandom" (according to Wikipedia) was something I already enjoyed through the Bard's songs, and something I wanted to hear more of. I haven't bought the whole album yet, but I was intrigued by the skill of the musicians as well as the the nerdoms represented. At the very least listen to "My Love Was Like the Moon" and see if you can resist the haunting melody. Do any of you listen to/have an suggestions of some good filk?

P.S. Sorry I skipped Saturday--there really wasn't anything to show and I was exhaused since I'd had a busy week. I'll try and make it up this week!

For those of you who don't know, there is a fabulous FREE on-line knitting magazine that comes out quarterly with a great variety of patterns all designed by fellow fiber fanatics. Check out Knitty and see the fun summer knitting ideas they've collected for us.

Bonus link! Here is an excellent source of knitting patterns--Knitting Pattern Central has all the knitting patterns in their indexes as well as about anything you would ever want to knit. Do you crochet? Check out the sister site, Crochet Pattern Central to take care of all your crochet needs.

Well, I've had a rather productive week! That doily is still in progress--I stalled a bit midweek, but I hope to finish it by next Saturday.

First of all, I'm on a hat kick.

I swore I woudln't do any Christmas knitting, but I got into knitting these cute, easy hats, and I saw an opportunity to use up some yarn so I won't have to drag it around the world with me.

This is all bits and bobs of Lion Brand Wool Ease (my favorite wool/acrylic blend) and that patter is here if you're interested. Here's one getting close to being done...

...and one just started. Yay finishitis!


Here is a sneak peak at the large secret project I've been chugging away on the last few days. I can't wait to see it all finished! Plus, its getting rather bulky...


I also finished the "loopy" scarf I've been avoiding ever since the regretable pink hot chocolate incident in February where it not only almost killed my laptop but also spilled into my knitting bag...

I love the fringe, but all those tedius circles are one of the other reasons it has taken me so long to just get it out and FINISH IT. I am now mighty.


I have also decided to make some more of those cool felted hotpads--here is one just started.


I've also been working on an interesting project involving 10 bandana's, but I think I'll save that for next week when I know how it finally turns out! What are y'all knitting this summer?

I'm going to share a blog that a friend of mine started peppering me with recipes from during an IM conversation and which made me a) very hungry and b) want to go cook up a mess of something. I'm especially intrigued by the Blueberry Boy Bait on July 6... Check it out the Smittenkitchen and enjoy the beautiful photography as well as the wonderful recipies!

I've been reading alot of different books this week, but the one I'm going to feature today is:

I first heard about Nancy Leigh DeMoss when I heard part of her excellent study on the book of Esther on the radio while driving. I heard some of the girls at MOP talking about this book and decided to look it up. As you may know, I'm reather wary about any inspiriational book that the mass public likes. I don't want to waste my time reading "feel good" theology and the doctrine of happiness. However, I had been impressed by Nancy's radio program so I went ahead and read it.

This is such a wonderful book--it really opened my eyes to some of the lies I was living in my own life and best of all it points out the lies and counters them with the word of God--not the authors wisdom. This is a book I intend to read periodically as I grow in Christ as a reminder to not let myself get inslaved to sin. Nancy has a wonderful, clear writting style and her love of the Father and her ernest desire to help other draw near to Him come across loud and clear. I heartily recomend this book and hope it helps many more women be drawn back into the Lord's truth and closer to Him.

On My Needles...

This week hasn't been the most productive knitting week because I've been flirting with this-

Yes, that is crochet! I'm getting close to finishing a doily as well--pictures will follow. I'm rather pleased with how I've been able to follow the pattern so far with relitivly little problems. I think I'm going to make a pair of roses and make earrings out of them. Of course I have to finish the doily first...

I also finished the "Hope" sweater last week.

This wasn't made for anyone in particular, but rather just to have on hand in hopes that someday SOMEONE I know will have a baby and need a handknit item.

I love the simplicity and elegance of the design--more of these will surely follow.

In other knitting news, I also made my first ever knitted lace bookmark!

As you might be able to see in this pictures, my homemade startch worked beyond my wildest dreams and I ended up with a bookmark that was quite literally "stiff as a board." I'll have to keep that in mind...

What's on YOUR needles?

Question of the Week...

I finally made it over to the new indi-coffee shop, Mugshots and really liked it. Where do you prefer to go to get your caffeine fix? Indi-places or chains? What about things like jewelry? Would you rather shop Etsy or the mall?

Notes From the Dragonlair

I have been enjoying my Brocelïande CD so much that I am going to point you to a link for my favorite song, "Carol of the Birds."  This is actually the song that introduced me to the group.  There are apparently about three carols called that, and I was looking for another version when I happened on this video. I am trying to find some music for it now...  Happy first Sunday of Advent!

Cool Things--Brocelïande

First of all, 

Today I'm going to share group that I just found with you--I have their Christmas CD, but I want to get the rest of them!

  Brocelïande is a quartet on the west coast that plays medieval and celtic music on modern instruments.  One of the things that really stands out to me is that they have a cello in their group as well as a harp which adds A LOT to the overall sound.  Plus, they play and sing very well!  Here is one of my favorite Youtube videos of them--Tha Mi Sgith.  

Here are some interesting things lifted shamelessly off the groups website:

*"Brocelïande plays Celtic music from the British isles and the Medieval and Renaissance music of the European courts and countrysides, with an emphasis on music inspired by or traditionally performed during each of the four seasons. Featuring stellar vocal and instrumental harmonies, their entrancing sound is built on the interweaving of up to 4-part vocals with the lyrical music of the Celtic harp, octave mandolin, cello, guitar, flutes, whistles, percussion, harmonica, and melodeon."

*"Our mission: to use historical music in a socially progressive way, to depict mankind in a healthy relationship to the environment, and to seek the liberation of the human spirit, both present and primordial, in as much as can be accomplished by music and song. . . and to have too much fun doing it!

*Just what does Brocelïande mean, anyway? 

Brocelïande is a fabulous, mystical forest deep in the heart of Brittany, France. According to Arthurian legend, in this magical place the fairy Viviane (or Nimue, according to some) entrapped the sorcerer Merlin . . . and he remains enchanted there to this day.
 
*And how does one pronounce the word Brocelïande? 

It's easy...bro SAY lee ahnd.

*Does Brocelïande use historically accurate instruments? 

No, Broceliande primarily uses instruments from the classical and modern era, we use modern six and twelve steel string guitars, and modern German recorders.

Cool Things!

Here is a fun link for all you knitting types--Lime n Violet's Daily Chum. Here you will find daily articles on fiber, free knitting patterns, Etsy shops of AMAZINGNESS, pretty yarn, book reviews, and new techniques.  You all wanted another fun thing to look at every day right?

Notes From the Dragonlair

One of my family's oldest traditions is to watch "Riverdance" on St. Patrick's day after eating our corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes.  We are very proud of our Irish heratige, and we love the music and the skill shown by the dancers.  One of my favorite parts of Riverdance is the song played on the Uilleann pipes, "Cuchulainn's Lament."  This heartbreaking song captures beautifuly the anguish of the warrios who had to slay his best friend.

As an added treat, here are some increadible videos of the Ullian Pipes as played by Seamus Ennis.  These tug at my heart strings--I want to learn to do that!  Here is another one...Enjoy!

In case you didn't know, this is what the Ullian Pipes look like.

Cool Things...

Just in case any of you are as nuts as I am, here is THE definitive website on the Doctor Who scarf of Tom Baker fame.
Yes, Tom Baker was also Puddleglum in the wonderful BBC "The Silver Chair."  I now know why my mom laughs every time we watch that...

One of these days I am going to knit one of these, and I will wear it everywhere because a) Doctor Who! and b) scarves and coats are a stunning combination.

Jelly Baby anyone?

Quote of the Week-

In Memoriam A.H.H.
By Alfred, Lord Tennyson

"Strong Son of God, immortal Love,
Whom we, that have not seen thy face,
By faith, and faith alone, embrace,
Believing where we cannot prove;

Thine are these orbs of light and shade;
Thou madest Life in man and brute;
Thou madest Death; and lo, thy foot
Is on the skull which thou hast made.

Thou wilt not leave us in the dust:
Thou madest man, he knows not why,
He thinks he was not made to die;
And thou hast made him: thou art just.

Thou seemest human and divine,
The highest, holiest manhood, thou:
Our wills are ours, we know not how;
Our wills are ours, to make them thine.

Our little systems have their day;
They have their day and cease to be:
They are but broken lights of thee,
And thou, O Lord, art more than they.

We have but faith: we cannot know;
For knowledge is of things we see;
And yet we trust it comes from thee,
A beam in darkness: let it grow."

This is just part of the very first part of In Memoriam which happens to be one of myu favorite bits of poetry.  It is amasing to read the song that God gave a man who was lost in grief.  Plus, it makes you think.  Enjoy!

Notes From the Dragonlair

Well, here is another Doctor Who song, Love Don't Roam.  I can't recommend the music video, but I love the song.  This is another "happy song" of mine, but be warned, it WILL get stuck in your head!  And, if you don't watch Doctor Who, WHY EVER NOT?

Cool Things

So, just in case you have time to waste, here is another fun game.  Flight of the Hamsters. Why is propelling small furry animals so much fun?

Notes from the Dragonlair

Sorry this is a day late--I had a busy weekend...



As many of you know, I became a Doctor Who fan this summer.  I have been enjoying the soundtrack for the first two seasons, but there is a song on there that I particularly love.  The Song For Ten comes at the end of the first Christmas special (right after the introduction of the tenth Doctor) and it is such a happy song that I listen to it all the time.  There are several music videos out there, but I am more interested in the song.  So, fellow Whovians enjoy, and those who have not yet experienced the wonderfulness that is Doctor Who, listen and get interested!

Quote of the Week...

"He [Inigo] hated it there [the theives quarter]...
He looked like a skinny Spanish guy it might
be fun to rob. You couldn't walk around with a
sign saying, "Be careful, this is the greatest
fencer since the death of the Wizard of Corsica.
Do not burgle."--The Princess Bride--William Goldman


You heard him--do not burgle!