In which two weeks go by

Grab a cup of coffee...as this one is going to be long.

First off, a week of book signings. The Yarn Harlot is always a good author to see. Her new book is a book of essays, and she read one of the essays, which she's never done before. She also did a Q&A which included wildlife adventure stories. Apparently in Toronto, skunks have more rights than the people who's porches they live under. Who knew? Prior to the talk, I purchased her book and Genypher and I waited in line for her to sign it. She admired my sweater (the first one, the one that's red, and super toasty) and while Genypher was getting her book signed, I kinneared this picture.
The Harlot is wearing Hey Teach from the summer Knitty. It's much cuter in person than in the Knitty photos.

That was Monday. The next Saturday, at Renaissance Yarns, Wendy Bernard of Knit and Tonic did a book signing of her new book, Custom Knits. There are several gorgeous patterns and good info on how to resize and modify the patterns. I kinneared a picture of her doing signings.
They had several of her patterns knit up. I wanted to knit most of them. She also had an Offhand Designs Zhivago bag, which she was kind enough to let me paw through. I wants it. Maybe for Christmas. Or maybe when their fall line goes on sale.

I've been diligently working on my dad's christmas present. No pictures posted here, but there's pictures (ok, just one) up on Ravelry. The goal is to have it done by then end of October...it's looking unlikely at this point, but it's good to push myself...right?

I spent Wednesday afternoon to Friday evening in sunny Los Angeles, where the high temperature was 97 degrees. I was wearing wool socks when I got off the plane. Not comfortable. I did get to wear my tangled cardigan again, but still...too warm for me. Walked along the beach on Wed. night. Got some good pictures.

Did you know that they build fake islands off the coast to hide oil platforms. Complete with palm trees. Orange County is weird. I ate well, but I don't think it was very worthwhile for me to have gone. I did work on the sockies though...and finished weaving in the ends this AM.
Sorry for the crappy picture. Apparently blogger doesn't like shrinkage..but really, who does. And for the opposite of shrinkage...I give you the Airbus 380.
As seen from the Alaska Airlines boardroom (which was very nice). Thing is monstrous. Didn't get to see it take off though...the runway we were watching wasn't long enough.

Radio Silence

I noticed, when finally logging into blogger, that it's been over a week since I last posted. I've been meaning too, wanting to show off the kinneared photo of genypher and the Yarn Harlot, and the book signing of Wendy Bernard. Instead I've been maniacally knitting away on a certain christmas present (lots of stockinette) and doing homework and entertaining out of town guests and basically ignoring the computer outside of work. My apologies.

I'm also not going to post any of those things now. Forward progress is being made on the christmas present list. Forward progress is being made on the wedding to do list. And there's been lots of knitting by the fire time...oh, and I bought season 2 of Supernatural...which is probably the real reason I've been a posting slacker...that Jensen Ackles.

Weekend Roadtrip

Genypher and I took a road trip to Sequim on Saturday. The North Olympic Fiber Arts Festival was being held this weekend and we decided to check it out, because we are wild and crazy like that. I was also feeling a little left out for skipping the Oregon Flock and Fiber Festival. I didn't take any pictures whilst there. Not a one. And that's because there was really nothing to take pictures of. It's a very small event and spread out around Sequim. There were a total of 6 vendors (and I got to meet my work lead's sister, who owns a lavender farm over there, small world) and maybe 5 booths. They did have llamas...and i was pretty convinced they were going to get up and belly dance, as they had bells and jewelry on their heads. It was a nice drive though, and good chatting time. Not a lot of knitting except on the ferry.

We did, however, stop in Winslow before getting back on the Bainbridge ferry and coming home. I mean, we practically had to drive right past Churchmouse Yarn and Tea, so how could we not stop by? Didn't buy any yarn, but bought two books (one on sale, one discontinued) and then we went to Ethel's Fabric Store. We discovered they have a FANTASTIC button selection. I know, because I bought a bunch of them.

Here's a handpainted Lily of the Valley button which will go perfectly with my birthday Divine cardigan.


And here's some caribou antler buttons.


And here's some blue buttons (the larger ones, they're shiny and hard to photograph) and black buttons with silver leaves.

No idea what I'm going to do with them, but I couldn't pass them up. Apparently I'm now collecting buttons as well as yarn. OH, and I forgot...I bought some merino/bamboo roving in this gorgeous story blue color. And no, I don't spin.

Off to the Harlot tonight. Full report tomorrow...and I'll have her new book...weeee!

Birthday present? Check

I finished my mother's birthday present last night...today is her birthday, and while she won't be getting the gift until Sunday, I was done early...EARLY. I'm a little proud of myself. Here's the proof after the click.

I've swatched for the first of the christmas presents. Yes, I know it's October...I don't want a chicken-headless December.

Tomorrow will be a vegetable day...then saturday, Genypher and I are going to the North Olympic Fiber Arts Festival...it should be a good time. Then Monday, the Yarn Harlot is in town for her new book. I missed her the last time, as I was sent to St. Louis on a business trip (boo). Has anyone read the new book yet? thoughts?