squam

Reflecting

Reflecting- that's what I've been doing this week.

And recouping... as much as I can.

 After a 15+ hour drive home on Sunday, and arriving after midnight, it was back to work for me on Monday morn.  I've been getting through the week... but yearning for the weekend.  Some rest is most definitely on order.

Squam was just as amazing as you would have imagined.  The setting, the crafting, the company- truly top notch.  Although it was in many ways hard work- you can't beat the office when your classroom looks like this:


I can't complain about my commute either (sure beats the I-96 drive that usually consumes my morning):


My students coworkers?  Amazing!






I enjoyed spending my days with these ladies- watching them create, and sharing the joy of a completed project with them.

In my free time, I got to hang out with my two most favorite people in the world:
(sorry, only instagram picture of the two of them- more pictures from my camera will soon follow)

Although the days were long and quite jam-packed, nights were peaceful and quiet.  I can't quite explain the charm of cabin, but after a long day, it felt like home. 


Warming by the fire on chilly evenings became the Squam norm (so did toasting marshmallows and making s'mores, no complaints from me).

And then, after cozy-ing up under our big down blankets, I would wake up to this view and do it all over again:
(can you see the screen?  I'm not exaggerating, I actually took this from my bed one morning) 

At meals, there was a large table for people to show off their creations.  Although I loved taking a peek, it made me quite jealous that I was not a student of Squam myself.



And in the few free moments I had, we did have time for a hike up to Rattlesnake Mountain and a dip in the lake (although there are no pictures to prove it I swear it happened, even if it was quite brief).





And now we are home, and after almost a full week back at work, things seem to be getting back to normal.  Laundry is done and put away, the house is starting to take on more orderly shape, and my work routine is back to what it was.  

I've noticed one thing that is different.  My knitting still smells a bit like campfire, but I don't mind.   In fact, I quite like it.  If it stays this way forever, I'd be fine with that too.  It's a remembrance of the experience I had, and a reminder that I can't wait to go back.  Who's in for Squam 2013?

Squam Teacher Feature

I mentioned before how excited I am to head out to New Hampshire this summer to take part in the legend known as Squam.   If you really knew how excited I was, you would know that I visit the Squam blog almost daily, stalk the Squam Ravelry group page, and get a little giddy when a new post from Squam Art Workshops pops up in my Facebook feed.

Now that you have all learned that I can get a little obsessed inspired by upcoming events, it is safe to share why I am excited about today.  Over at the Squam blog, guess who holds the Teacher Feature for February 15th 2012?!  That's right, yours truly.  Make sure you hop on over to say hi and learn a little more about me from my Squam interview.



On another (albeit related) note, have you had the chance to check out the Squam store?    There is always a new handmade offering, available for a limited time.  In the past weeks I have seen the most beautiful hand thrown cups and tumblers, gratitude journals, and now something specifically catered to us knitters.  A kit featuring a fingerless mitts pattern and yarn inspired by the beauty of Squam Lake.


The pattern comes in three sizes, two length options, and two cuff options- making it versatile for a range of knitting skill levels.  The designer of the pattern, Natalie Selles, and the dyer of the yarn, Jill Draper,  will both be teaching at the Spring Squam session (have I mentioned how excited I am to be included in such a talented group of teachers?).  Didn't make it into Squam before it filled up (and it happened so quick!)?   Ordering this knitting kit may be exactly what you need to tide you over until next January when the Squam 2013 session opens up!

Kits are available in your choice of one of the two colors shown above.  It is $30 for the kit (you'll receive the pdf pattern immediately upon ordering, your yarn will arrive in a couple weeks), but you can also buy either the yarn or pattern separately.   Find more details over at the Squam Store- and make sure you keep your eyes open in the coming months for other creative handmade offerings!

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The Big News

So what is it?  I'll be teaching at Squam this next June!



After seeing beautiful pictures and hearing remarkable experiences about this event for the past couple years, I could not believe it when I received an email back in July requesting my presence.  I am seriously- take a look at the list of teachers.  I'm not sure how I was included in this amazing group, but I am beyond honored and truly humbled.

If you are not familiar with Squam Art Workshops, hop on over to the website and look around- I'm sure you will feel inspired.  Maybe inspired enough to join us this coming June?

ps... Need some help getting to Squam?  Let your loved ones know that gift certificates are available- just in time for the holidays!


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