Where Hands Create.

Memorial Day 2010

Wendy Solberg - Sunday, May 30, 2010

As part of our festivities for Memorial Day Weekend 2010, we should consider the true reason for this day, which we too often forget as we enjoy the early summer, arts fairs, etc. Despite being the daughter of a career Army soldier, I have at times failed to consider what the day truly stands for in my excitement for a day of rest and fun.

As a result, I did a little recon on the subject of Memorial Day. Memorial Day was official "proclaimed" by General John Logan, National Commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in 1868. In the proclamation, he noted the following as a way to observe the day...

"...gather around their sacred remains and garland the passionless mounds above them with choicest flowers of springtime....let us in this solemn presence renew our pledges to aid and assist those whom they have left among us as sacred charges upon the Nation's gratitude,--the soldier's and sailor's widow and orphan."

So if anything, take a bit of time this weekend to remember those that have served. In my case, I am going to consider how blessed that many who served returned. Here is a picture of Dad in Vietnam in 1969 (and please note the ever present Camel cigarette); if you haven't met Dad he is on the far right...

Before I totally leave the topic of Memorial Day - I also found a neat poem as well that I felt just suited the day - and got my pride in being an American fired up.

Forget me not.
© 2001 Bill Chance

Remember rockets red glare
bombs bursting in air
gave threw the night that our flag is still there.

Our forefathers reminder of a price to be paid and responsibility to inherit the United States.
Rockets red glare bombs bursting in air
Words fallen on ears unwilling to hear.
deaf no more we all know now the price of freedom the price of war.

Freeborn children listen and see a new generation paying for you and me
Don't be so blind or so deaf to the sights and sounds Americans have left,
Let freedom scream in our ears and minds never forget those left behind.
Freeborn children stand tall and see! does the banner old glory yet wave for thee

God bless America.

Now, there is no reason that fun should not be had on this great weekend as well... And fun is usually around us - particularly when their is shopping of great art to be had! Yesterday, Mom and I made our annual trip to the Kerrville Arts & Crafts Festival, and this year was splendid! It started out great as we entered and obviously Mom got pegged as a trouble maker... The "hey, little lady" has a very different meaning now. Smile.

While we were off at the Fair, Dad was minding the shop. Thank heavens as we have gotten in more great yarns! It never seems to slow - thank heavens! We have gotten in a fresh shipment of gorgeous Mountain Colors yarns to include their new sock, Crazy Foot. AWESOME - and the colors are perfectly beautiful!

We also received another shipment of Hand Maiden yarns with several new yarns that we haven't had before to include Sea 3 (big Sea Silk) that comes in a kit to make a great looking vest! All you can say is 'ooooohhhhh'.

Lastly, as I have been a bit slow in writing blogs - there has been great stuff happening that I have failed to commemorate in blog form! The first is our first meeting of our Sock Club! Unfortunately our package of yarn and patterns did not arrive for our meeting on 5/15, but this didn't stop us! We had a great time knitting a beautiful sock with Tanis Fibers yarn... This group of folks is going to be THE BEST! We had such a nice afternoon - and the sock is awesome. Fonza, thanks for getting ahead for us and teaching us all! Here is a great shot of Shirley, Fonza, and Michelle!

We also had "Cathy with a C" stop by, which is always a treat, and share the gorgeous afghan she has knit for her daughter. I do love to see finished projects!

Well, I have blogged! Off now to open the shop and perhaps to get a little bit knit! Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

--General John Logan, General Order No. 11, 5 May 1868

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Yellow!

Wendy Solberg - Tuesday, May 04, 2010

This morning (a Tuesday) I am driving up to Comfort, and the color of yellow is just amazing! The wildflowers along my drive have shifted from the earlier blue/purple of the bluebonnets to an outstanding yellow with patches of melon (Indian Paintbrush). I just couldn't help but stop and take a picture - knowing that the picture never touches real life and the moment truly appreciating nature provides.

The colors of our environment sure do inspire us to knit with color! I am at the present working in a rainbow of colors! The project that has the majority of my time at the moment is the Dipped Infinity Scarf from Laura Chau, and it is so much fun! The colors ooze into each other.... I also chose colors of the rainbow for my scarf.

We have recently received another batch of new yarns and kits from Tanis Fiber Arts. The colors she dyes are rich and bright and on top of amazing yarn bases. Tanis has also put together several baby blanket kits for us - and they are mega cute and again filled with color. Here is a quick snap of our front table today with the DK from Tanis. Thinking of combining these with some of the new shawl patterns we have gotten from Two Old Bags...

Other fun things are in to match with our 24/7 Knitalong that is slated to start in June... I am anxious to cast on the shell in the newly arrived hemp (we got 3 and 6). The shell is made in the 3 and am thinking I will use a emerald green, Midori.

But wait, we had more new goodies arrive as well that fit the color excitement that I am currently in... The String Theory Colorworks hand dyed striped sock yarns.... Ohhhh... The yarn is a treat to knit with - and I know as I am currently working a sock in the purple/black combination. Great yarn base, and honestly you cannot beat the fun of watching the socks stripe magically with these bright colors!

Lastly (and then I will stop with the colororama) - we got an initial selection of Aracauna's Ulmo in some great colors. Over the last couple of weeks we have found some great tee-shirt sweaters made out of this nifty cotton. AND the colors cannot be beat! I am really digging the tee from the new Saturday Style book (which has a lot of GREAT stuff in it).

Seems so funny to have an appointment to talk about Fall yarns today as I am totally having a blast with Spring/Summer yarns. But someone has to do the tough job. Smile! Thank you all for continuing to support us so that we can have this much fun adoring and knitting with great yarns. I hope you are all half as inspired as we are to cast on and create!

Now - your mission if you choose to accept it - find a great bright color and knit yourself something special. It can be small like a bandit scarf, a felted bag, or a sweater! Just do not let these colors fade before you have a chance to soak in their radiance!

Happy Tuesday!

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