Finding Inspiration

For the past few years, when images of Squam would flicker across my computer screen, the thing that would entice me the most was the beautiful embroidery.  It made me long for Squam, for the opportunity to sit and stitch a piece of fabric by hand.  Although I didn't get a chance to take any classes this year, I did get the opportunity for some retail therapy at the Art Fair.

img source: rebecca ringquist

I didn't have much time to leave my booth, but I happened to have a table right next to Rebecca Ringquist- the drop-cloth sampler queen herself.  I purchased a few samplers along with a starter kit- enough to get me started on the long drive home.

Many of my Squam meals were spent with new friend Lisa Gerber.  It was probably our little ones that brought us together, and I am so glad they did.  Lisa was the first person I was looking up and emailing when we arrived home and I am excited about the new friendship that was formed.

Being super unprepared for the Art Fair (notice I don't even have any pictures of the night- it was insane) led me to comment on how prepared Lisa was for the show.  Her table was cute to boot, with all sorts of embroidery supplies and kits.  She was sporting the most simply perfect apron for handling cash and I coveted it the moment I saw it (for both practical and aesthetic purposes, of course).

img source: lisa gerber

Seriously, how cute are those pin-tucks?!  No quicker did I comment than she told me she had them for sale and I made my first purchase.  But before the night was over, I purchased one of her embroidery kits.  It seems to have everything I need to get started, including a stitch guide.  

img source: lisa gerber

So, I was well-prepped with embroidery supplies for our car ride home. Unfortunately,  after the day we had, no stitches were put on to fabric.

Now it's almost time for TNNA, and my dream of embroidery has been pushed aside for more knitting.  After all, after two months of not much knitting, this guy still has a ways to go:  

And my embroidery finds just sit waiting:

I have started an inspiration board on Pinterest, and I even have a couple books on order.  Once I get through TNNA this week, and a couple baby knits for a shower next week, I should have some down time to start stitchin'.   Are many of you out there embroiderers?  I would love some advice on the best place to order supplies (whether online or in stores) and where you find inspiration.

ps... Both Rebecca Ringquist and Lisa Gerber both have Etsy shops where you can purchase their kits- have fun!

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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?

Quick Update From Squam

Yesterday we made the short journey from Boston to Holderness and got settled in quite nicely. We are tucked away in the woods, overlooking the lake in our private cabin. I quickly fell in love with this peaceful, cozy environment upon arrival.

So now that we've established that the setting is amazing- can we talk about the people? Absolutely charming. My class today was so much fun. It was exciting to see the transformation from slipper pieces to completed slippers, all in one day.

Everywhere we turn someone is ready to entertain Elise and make her laugh. She enjoys hamming it up... and the extra attention.

Here's a few phone pictures, make sure you hop on my twitter stream if you'd like to see more.

Checking In

Hello from (chilly) Boston. I meant to whip up a post filling you in on knitting happenings in my life before we left for vacation but it just didn't happen.

Joe, Elise, and I made our way out to Boston on Friday after work and have been taking in as much as we can despite all the rain.

When the sun peeked out for about 15 minutes on Sunday morning, we were able to snap a cute shot of Elise on the USS Constitution.

She even got her first taste of a lobster tail at Mike's Pastry Shop.

Today we drove out to Concord for something different ( and to hopefully keep our shoes and clothing dry by finding some more indoor activities) and I am writing you from the Concord Library as our 1 and a half year old is enjoying books, puzzles, and "blocks on wires". It's either that or her resorting to activities in the hotel room like this:

(she thinks she can do everything herself)

Yes, she insisted her legs needed to go through the armholes.  Life is always exciting with a toddler around. 

Tomorrow we head up to New Hampshire and the magic of Squam begins. Much of last week was spent prepping for this event, our house once again looked like this-

I'll try to check in at least once this week in order to keep you updated (depending on Internet and phone connection, that is), and I'll make sure to take pictures along the way. After almost a year of anticipation I can't believe it's finally Squam time- wish me luck!

I Swear I Took the Picture

Last Monday, after posting about the pending arrival of our new little, Joe and I headed off for a week of relaxation and sun in Mexico (or so we hoped for).

I figured since I was abandoning the blog, the Etsy Shop, and email in general for a whole week, I would have a great post planned when I got back.  It was to be called "The Anthology of a Scarf"  which would include a series of pictures.  Me knitting on the plane, on the beach, by the pool, etc.  I even thought that by then end of the week and all the down time, I would be able to have a second "Like a Lamb" wrap almost completely finished.

Hmm... how plans change.

Things started out just fine.  I took a picture while knitting on the plane.  I had about an inch completed and thought it would be a great intro to the series of pictures.

Then we got to Mexico.

Our first evening there featured a torrential downpour.  Water was leaking in hallways of our open- air resort.  There was almost no place to escape the dampness.

Next day- showers off and on, with a few planned activities to attend.  Then, about halfway through the day (keep in mind we haven't been here 24 hours yet), a slight tickle in my throat.

The next morning I awoke to a full range of fever, chills, aches, and an awful respiratory infection.   Later in the day we heard from my in-laws who were back home and diagnosed with Type A Influenza.  Yup, that fit the bill.

So, from here on out, between the storms and the sickness, not a lot was accomplished on the wrap.  I figured I would come home and share this dreadful story, along with the first picture of my knitting on the plane.  the post was then to be called "All I Have", in which I would explain that I only have one lousy picture for you.

So I sat at home, prepared to write, and opened my phone.

No picture.

Anywhere.

I know I took it.  I know I wasn't quite loopy yet when I took it.  Checked all individual apps- nada.

So now we all must settle for this- a whole week of knitting, sitting before you as I type this post.  What I thought would be 15-18 repeats is a measly 4.  It's just sad.  

And if you're thinking I may finish soon, you're probably wrong.  Free minutes are devoted to sleeping- I gotta kick this thing!

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