2x2 In the Green mountains

June is not my favorite time to live in the state of Maryland, but this year, it was worse than ever. The 90+ degree heat and high humidity started during the first week of May and continued without significant change. So, we were glad to escape to the mountains of New England to attend a regional motorcycle rally at Mt. Snow, VT.

Ordinarily, we do a trip like this one--eight to ten hours--in one day but this time, we had the opportunity to stop midway in Cornwall, NY, to visit with Paul's cousin and her husband. After four hours on the freeway, riding in full gear in the summer heat, their house (top photo) was sweet relief. If they had only offered us cold water and a chance to shed our jackets, helmets and long pants, we'd have been more than happy. Instead, they cooked us a delicious salad and fish dinner, let us sleep in their guest room, and, as they both left for work in the morning, invited us back on the return trip. It was wonderful!

By noon the next morning, we were in Vermont. The mountain air, clean and dry, felt like springtime. We even had a "spring" shower during the last hour of the trip. We were so close to Mt. Snow that we didn't bother with rain gear, so we arrived at the hotel soaked to the skin. Nevertheless, it was an extremely pleasant ride. Over the next four days, we rode hundreds of miles, enjoying the mountain scenery and charming New England towns. Some of the highlights were a visit to the King Arthur Flour Company--great bakery snacks and an incredible store--in Norwich, VT, a stop at the famous Vermont Country Store, and the chance to hang out with some friends that we only see on these trips. We also enjoyed sleeping in a real Murphy bed at the Mt. Snow Lodge. (I've since learned that President and Mrs. Carter have one in their offices at the Carter Library.) Next year, the national rally for the group will be held in the same place and we agreed that we will reserve one of the Murphy bed rooms.





Here's a shot of Cousin K's front steps and one of Paul napping at the "Iron Butt Motel" (aka: NY Freeway Rest Area).

Luncheon

If you've ever been in the Annapolis Barnes & Noble on a Thursday afternoon, you'll probably notice that there's another layer of noise emanating from the the cafe area. You might even think it sounds like a party because there always seems to be a lot of laughing. Investigate more closely and you'll discover that it's a conclave of knitters.

I've witnessed this gathering a few times and have always lurked at the edges, somewhat timid about breaking into what was obviously a tightly knit group. Once, I ventured closer to ask a question--something about short rows--and I was amazed at how many of them jumped to offer assistance. I was also impressed with the diversity of projects they were all working on: lacey shawls, sweaters and even a sock or two.

Because I was working full-time, I was never able to join them but this week I had an opportunity to do just that. One of the ladies who attends my monthly spinning groupinvited the spinners to a potluck hosted by the B&N group. It was such fun!

"Show and tell" was inspiring--again, lots of different kinds of projects--and I was struck by the quality of the questions and discussion each item received. It was obvious that the group was fueled by a high level of support and they were really interested in more than the knitting. It was as if the knitting had served as a starting point, maybe a bridge, to deeper relationships. And yet, despite the closeness of the group, they were very inclusive and welcoming of those of us who were visitors. I felt comfortable and eager to visit again.

This is Sam modeling her "Matador Cardi".




Kasey was not up to knitting on this day.

Finished BSJ

Here's a photo of one of the finished Baby Surprise Jackets that I've knitted lately, using some leftover wool from one of my own sweaters. I'm hoping that it will fit Lilly this winter.

Baby Surprise Jacket

Elizabeth Zimmerman was a British lady who, during the 1970's published a number of books and even had her own cable show about knitting. One of the things for which she is best known is a pattern called, the Baby Surprise Jacket. The story goes that one of EZ's children tossed a knitted jacket onto a chair and when she looked at it, she realized that she could knit a sweater without side seams, using increases and decreases to give it shape. I call it the "Origami Sweater" because, when it's finished, it looks nothing at all like a sweater. In fact, when I completed the knitting, I gave the piece to every knitter and sewer I knew--no one could fold the knitted fabric in such a way as to make a sweater shape. It's totally counter-intuitive. Here's a photo of one that is 1/3 complete. It doesn't look anything like a sweater, does it?



Here's the same thing, folded to create sleeves.



Now, here's a completed sweater, sewn at the shoulders and with a collar knitted on.
This one is knitted in two solid colorways to make stripes. The increases and decreases create the pattern.



Now, what small person can I give these sweaters to?

Centreville Happening

Saturday was a big day in Centreville. We had our regular farmers' market



and also a number of other craftsmen and artists, who were taking part in an annual street fair put on by the local arts council. A local rescue group brought several adoptable kittens and a young hound named, Maurice, who almost stole my heart. He had the sweetest "voice."













And, since it was also Worldwide Knit in Public Day, the Wild Woolly Women were there to give a public face to knitting and spinning. Next year, I want a "Queen Bee" chair like Rachel!!

Daddy Makeover

Like father, like daughter. Lilly must like Dad's copycat hairstyle.

My New Favorite Sammie

Here's something that I put together for a quick lunch recently. I took some of those round sandwich breads and toasted them lightly. (Warning: if you separate the halves and toast them individually, they get really crispy--it's like eating a sandwich made of old 45's. Instead, pop both halves into one slot of the toaster and the inside stays nice and soft. I learned this trick from Paul's mom.) Spread each half with a light layer of hummus and a bit of fresh, chopped basil. YUMMO!