So, I've been singing this song in my head ever since we spent the night in Saratoga Springs, NY. You know the line: "You went up to Saratoga, where your horse naturally won". Or something like that. While there we went into the local shops, including this hat shop (this is their gallery page, so you can get a taste of it). I felt as if I'd walked into My Fair Lady and bit my tongue, hard, from repeatedly saying, "Move your bloomin' arse!" I seriously had no idea that folks really live like this, where they come into town for the racing season, wear fancy hats and live it up! My blood flows a much muddier color :)
We tasted The Waters in town...YUC!
There were some very fun shops there. The Saratoga Tea and Honey Company was a sweet stop. My grandson had lots of tastes and I saw an April (my birth month) teacup, something I haven't seen in ages. My daughter loved the leather and metal "follow your path" bracelet in the jewelry store. There was an olive oil shop that wonderful scent called you in from the sidewalk!
I treated myself to some new yarn at Common Thread.
I treated myself to some new yarn at Common Thread.
The funny thing was, I saw hand-dyed and I thought cool-local...but when I got it home, the tags show the company is in Van Nuys, CA!! That is where I grew up, so I thought it was pretty funny that I got it all the way across the country and it came from right here!
New yarn |
Colors blend |
I got this for the specific purpose of making myself a new medicine bag.
I've not had one since 2008 when I passed mine on to my mama, as she passed on.
I wore that one daily, for years.
After making dozens of these, I've learned that I like the thinner yarns much better. That is one factor that drew me in, along with the feel and the color.
After making dozens of these, I've learned that I like the thinner yarns much better. That is one factor that drew me in, along with the feel and the color.
Old medicine bag |
This yarn was available in a few different color schemes. There was another one I liked too, which had some dark green in it. I liked the woodsy feel of that. I thought about getting both, but this was splurging enough! You can see the other colors here. There are about 4 others I really like! We talked about the fact that this reminded us of my youth, my Free Zuma Beach days. So with that in mind, I decided to do something for me.
The weaving begins |
As soon as I got the top band of the weaving on, it occurred to me that I should include some beautiful waves in it. You can see that started here. For those of you who do not weave, I'll do that by not continuing all the way across for a few passes. I've not decided if I will add any other yarns or do the whole thing out of just this one. I have considered adding only creamy, tan colors. I have that beautiful tan Alpaca, that I love. So maybe.
As I've spent time caressing this yarn...it is so soft! ...
I'm remembering my teen years and my authentic self and I thought maybe I'd add some of my puka shells to it. Maybe.
Old puka shell necklace |
This necklace was mine when I was a teen. I wore it every day (I'm big on that every day thing!). But there is a big difference in the neck of a 16 year old and one of a, hmm 55+ year old! I'm considering using some of the shells here. My best friend and I got these from a family friend who got them for us straight from Hawaii, where he lived...the real deal. They cost us, but they were real! Haha It still fits, but is not comfortable.
Decisions.
I'm working slowly. There is no hurry. I'm taking care. I'm feeling this one along the way.
Happy at 16! Puka shells too :) |
Celebrating |
Nice timing, I thought. So I'm using it again.
Something Silly |
The Stocking Tub |
Last happening...if this tub is out...a Christmas Stocking is in process!
This plastic picnic-style container holds all I need while building a Christmas Stocking.
I'd rather use a basket, much more romantic...
but this thing is so functional! lol
I've had it since the 1990's ~ I'm sure it'll last my lifetime.
My favorite thing about it is that because it is solid, nothing ever falls out and gets lost.
That is important to me when I work on these, as they are all gifts or orders and I like it to be as stress free as possible.
Starting the name |
I don't want to give away to much, so you'll have to wait.
But, I will show it later. Promise.
The last days I've been working hard to do some for others, some for me, and some that's been on my mind for a long while. Maybe I'll write about that next time.
I hope you are spending your days doing things you enjoy too.
~Nancy
Photos by NAE @pomegranatetrail ©2015