Sneaky Peeks

It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future.

-Yogi Berra

It's been a busy week on the Sunflower Farm. Evenstar is nearing completion (WHEW!) with only one clue yet to go. This has given me more time to focus on the other Fellowship of the Ring patterns.

Goldberry is being proofed even as I write: she will be released tomorrow, when I will post all the vital measurements & materials & such. She will retail for $6 like Rivendell, but again I will offer a $2 discount to FotR subscribers. You can either purchase from me on the sidebar, or on RAV, in which case I will refund $2.

But I just couldn't wait to show pics.It was a beautiful day yesterday, so I took her outside...

Just look at that color run!

I found a stand in for an actual live model!

A word about the two add-on patterns: Rivendell & Goldberry: I had wanted to include these patterns in the original $45 offer, but could not find a suitable yarn. Once I found Twisted Fiber Arts, I knew I just had to use their colors, which were perfect for these projects.

I did these 2 patterns first, not to increase my income, but for other reasons:

• They were relatively simple repetitive patterns that I could easily pick up in between working on Evenstar, when my eyes were tired.
• They were portable projects, which Evenstar definitely wasn't.
• They give you a quick alternative to a larger project like Evenstar & Dwarrowdelf.
• The colors & yarns are suitable for warmer weather.
• The yarn is brighter and thus easier to see at night than Dwarrowdelf which is all dark & twisty ( and I wouldn't have it any other way!)
  

Now that my Evenstar knitting is no longer taking up most of my time, I am able to go full bore on Dwarrowdelf. It is past the halfway mark and off to test knitters today. Happy happy! Joy joy!

I blocked out the back panel & one end yesterday to check measurements and to make sure I was happy with the bottom edge design, which did not show to its best advantage before blocking.


I decided to expand the chain motifs that link the arches into a motif reminiscent of the Misty Mountains, before finishing it off with a simple Ktbl rib to match the side panels.

I am ready to pick up the stitches for the second side - YAY! Very happy with this one and looking towards a mid May release.

For those wanting to pre-order yarn:

• Goldberry takes a double ball (560 yds) of Twisted Fiber Arts Kabam! Evolution - Lagoon (or other fingering)
• Dwarrowdelf takes 3 skeins (1185 yds.) of Madelinetosh sock - Thicket (or other fingering)

I ALMOST FORGOT!

SINCE GOLDBERRY ISN'T AVAILABLE UNTIL TOMORROW, I AM EXTENDING THE SUBSCRIPTION OFFER THROUGH SUNDAY MAY 2ND

THE $2 DISCOUNT ON RIVENDELL & GOLDBERRY IS GOOD WHENEVER YOU PURCHASE, AS LONG AS YOU ARE A SUBSCRIBER

Home

"When I think of home, I think of a place
Where there's love overflowing
I wish I was home, I wish I was back there
With the things I've been knowing
Wind that makes the tall grass bend into leaning
Suddenly the raindrops that fall have a meaning
Sprinkling the scene makes it all clean"

from The Wiz, music & lyrics by Charlie Smalls

When my boys were small, I got into the habit of saying, "Home again; home again" as I pulled into our garage. And like the properly trained children they were (HAH!) they chimed in from the back seat with, "Jigitty Jig!"

It was but one of the many family rituals we performed.

When asked "What did you do at school today?" if the answer was art (or gym), someone would inevitably respond brightly, "Oh! And how is Art (Jim) doing these days?" When one of us claimed, "I'm hungry" the correct answer was clearly, "How do you do Hungry? I'm Susan."

When on vacation, we opined, "If it's cheap, it's cheery. If it's free, it's fun!" a hand-me-down from my father. When at home, we said goodnight with Eskimo kisses & bear hugs.

First ornaments on the tree at Christmas were always new: one for each child. And new pajamas always made an appearance just in time for bed on Christmas eve, to ensure sweet Christmas dreams.

We hold hands around the table when we say grace before each meal. We give books at every occasion. We think parsley is an underutilized herb that could have many more practical applications than just serving as a plate garnish (don't ask). and we are inordinately fond of the number 12 (long story).

Last night's "Glee" episode was about home, but more than home as a place. It was really about home as a state of being. The hour closed with the song quoted above: "Home" from the Broadway musical, The Wiz. Dorothy sings it at the emotional climax of the show, as she clicks her heels three times...

What makes home...home?

Home is where everybody knows your name. Home is where we run to. Home is sweet. Home is safe. Home is the place there's no place like. Home is where we hang our hearts - right next to where we hang our hats. Home is where we are most true.

Every one of us is born with an innate desire to find home. Just as surely as homing pigeons.

I believe it is an echo of our longing for God.

Reread the lyrics and compare them to this passage from The Lord of the Rings. These are Gandalf's words to Pippin at the battle for Minas Tirith, when Pippin states, "I didn't think it would end this way."

Gandalf responds: "End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path. One that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass. And then you see it."

"What, Gandalf?" Pippin asks. "See what?"

The camera is close in on Gandalf's face now. His eyes shine with a look akin to wondrous mirth, and a smile seems to break at the corners of his mouth and eyes. "White shores," he replies in a slow but steady voice. He turns his head to look away from Pippin, seeming to gaze into a distance just off-camera, where we cannot see: "And beyond, a far green country under a swift sunrise."

Home is where we belong. Whether that is heaven, church, or house in the suburbs; a close knit family, a circle of friends, or our own inner peace. Home is where we rest our weary heads and dare to close our eyes, knowing we can trust our environment.

Families, friendships, relationships, places (even our interactions on the Internet) have their own traditions, sayings, habits, & inside jokes.These are rituals, as surely as the sacramental acts found in any church.

And just like the rituals performed in church, they mark us as members, as part of a community, as family.

They are the bread and wine of life, initiating us into the fraternity of humankind, the communion of souls. They are the glue that binds us and the lodestone that brings us...

home at last.

And now a side note to my husband of thirty-onederful years today, who has always held & sheltered me from life's storms as best he can and braved them with me when they cannot be avoided:

I am so blessed to have you in my life: someone who not only let's me be me, but actively encourages it, in the truest sense of the word. You give me the courage to be me.

I love you more today than that candle-lit night we first said, "I do." I did, I do, and I always will.

Wherever we go, whatever life brings, as long as we are together, I am always home.

Rivendell Errata

Pg. 2 Written directions round 23:

Reads: k1 tbl, p1, ssk, yo, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, k2 tog, yo, ssk, p1, k1 tbl, p1; rep from to end

Should be: k1 tbl, p1, ssk, yo, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, **ssk**, yo, **k2tog**, p1, k1 tbl, p1; rep from to end

Charted directions are correct.


I don't know how, but this one slipped by both test knitters & 2 proofreaders. Sorry guys.

True Colors

I see your true colors
shining through
I see your true colors
and that's why I love you
so don't be afraid to let them show
your true colors
true colors are beautiful
like a rainbow

-Billy Steinberg

My world these days is full of color.

The daffodils have faded, but the lilacs are in bloom and the crabapple is snowing pink blossoms. The woods out back have entered the greening season and the sky is this incredible clear blue - like you could drink it down.

Much as I love Lord of the Rings, there is a certain challenge inherent in putting together this series of patterns:

Color...or the lack thereof.

Many of the plot components are dark in nature: mines, mountains, armor, castle walls...

There is a whole lot of brown, black, green, silver, grey, & white. It can, at first glance, appear to be a monochromatic palette.

So I have done a lot of work hunting down projects & yarns; shapes & patterns that are anything but. I look for ombres & tweeds, handpaints & beads, shades as well as solids.

Another of the "add on" patterns is almost ready for release. I have finished my sample, and am waiting for the final test knitter to complete her work.


This is Goldberry: a 64 by 16 inch lace scarf with a water lily motif.

The yarn is Twisted Fiber Arts Kabam in Lagoon Evolution - 560 yds (double skein) Meg custom dyes it in one continuous color run from silvery sage to brilliant turquoise. It's a fingering weight bamboo blend, so light enough for all season wear.


Although Goldberry's origins are uncertain, Bombadil clearly identifies her as having been found by him in the river and her title "Riverwoman's daughter", strongly suggests that she is not a mortal human being, but rather a spirit of the river. She is most often pictured sitting amongst the waterlilies and wearing a silvery green gown.

The pattern should go on sale sometime next week. Once again, as with Rivendell, price is $6 with a subscriber discount making the price $4 for those of you who have purchased the entire series.

Dwarrowdelf is coming along also. She should be out to test knitters next week, with a release date in early May.


I have completed enough repeats to give a yardage estimate: 1200 yds. (3 skeins) fingering weight. I am doing mine in Madelinetosh sock in Thicket.


After that, the next release will be either the Bombadil hat or the Strider cowl.

Meanwhile, the Evenstar KAL is drawing to a close. Clue 6 goes out tomorrow and then it is onward to the border and...

BEADS!

ADVANCE SUBSCRIPTION DISCOUNT FOR THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RINGS COLLECTION END SOON

$45
FOR SEVEN PATTERNS THROUGH THE END OF APRIL

AFTER THAT, PATTERNS WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE FOR INDIVIDUAL PURCHASE AS THEY ARE RELEASED AT $6 -$8 EACH

Ev'rythin's Up to Date

Ev'rythin's up to date in Kansas City
They've gone about as fur as they c'n go!
They went and built a skyscraper seven stories high,
About as high as a buildin' orta grow.
Ev'rythin's like a dream in Kansas City,
It's better than a magic lantern show!
Y' c'n turn the radiator on whenever you want some heat.
With ev'ry kind o' comfort ev'ry house is all complete.
You c'n walk to privies in the rain and never wet your feet!
They've gone about as fur as they c'n go,
(Yes sir!)
They've gone about as fur as they c'n go!

- Rogers & Hammerstein

If you are wa-a-a-a-ay more observant than me, you might notice the "Add to Cart" Buttons look a wee bit different today. That is because I have added direct download capabilities.

No more waiting for me to get the notification from PayPal and email your pattern. Now you will get a download link, along with an email that includes the link in its text. Each link is good for 5 tries. Instant gratification...

The only exception is the $4 version of Rivendell for FotR subscribers. I still have to do that one manually so I can cross check with the database.

Yes, I have joined the twenty-first century!

I am instant oatmeal! I am microwaves! I am the Ipod (at least version one anyway!)

I am digital. Hear me roar!

Yep, ev'rythin's up to date all right. but as to the "gone about as fur as they c'n go" part?

Not even close.

Over the next week or so, I will be revamping the site with separate pages for each pattern. No more sidebar clicking. YAY!

Oh! And those privies? Extra charges may apply...

Riddly Riddly Ree...

Vision -- It reaches beyond the thing that is, into the conception of what can be. Imagination gives you the picture. Vision gives you the impulse to make the picture your own.

- Robert Collier

When my sons were small, they were less than fond of eating out. Oh, they liked the food well enough; what they hated was the wait. Brought up on microwaved pancakes & instant pudding, they were unaccustomed to the idea that one might have to delay their gratification till a later point in time.

So we, the adults, became experts at the art of misdirection and subterfuge. We learned all kind of new tricks to keep the lid on the temper tantrums & whining, which loomed just beyond the present moment. One of those tricks was Riddly Riddly Ree.

The game started with one of us proclaiming, "Riddly riddly ree; I see something you don't see and its color is..." The game then passed into the twenty questions phase, "Is it bigger than a bread box?" "Is it here on the table?" "Does it move?"

Once someone correctly guessed what "it" was, that person got to pick out another "it" and off we would go again. This continued till the food arrived or the participants became disinterested, whichever came first.

Vision is on my mind much these days. I have severely dry eyes, have had for the past four years. but it is getting worse. It has become more & more difficult to focus, especially my right eye.

The increasing time spent at my work is undoubtedly the cause. I spend my days either knitting (often in fine yarn) or working at the laptop, charting, writing, communicating, filling orders, looking for yarn, etc...

Yesterday was my annual eye check and I am under orders to: drink more water, use the computer less, & take more frequent breaks while working.

I also have a new prescription and will be getting lachrymal plugs in two weeks. It is hoped that these measures will both alleviate the discomfort & increase my visual acuity back into the normal range.

As with most things in our lives that are working well, we take our eyes for granted. Only when faced with the prospect of their diminished capacity, do we begin to really value what we have. I no longer know what it feels like to have normal vision.

My eyes burn, itch, & go out of focus from the moment I get up until the time I retire for the evening. By 9:00 in the morning, I have a splitting headache. By 9:00 at night, I can no longer see either the television or the computer screen clearly.

I no longer see something you don't see. Now the tables are turned. You see something I don't see. And sometimes the best I can do is guess at what that might be. Riddly, riddly ree...

My outer eyes may struggle, but my interior vision is as acute as ever, thank God. I can still see with my minds eye.

I can look at a yarn and "see" what it wants to be.

I can see my husband's fatigue in the set of his shoulders when he arrives home after a long day at the office.

I can see my friend's heartache, as she speaks of her lost son.

I can also see my mother's world in the movie "Mona Lisa Smile" which was on FX this morning.

Mom went to Connecticut College for Women in exactly the time period and under the same restrictions depicted in the film. If you are not familiar with it, the movie tells the story of a "liberal" female teacher at Wellesley, who confronts tradition and challenges her students to "see" not only art, but life itself, from a new vantage point.

How we see, affects what we see. What we see, affects what we do. And what we do has the power to change not only our environment but the environment of others.

Poor vision needs to be addressed, else we lose our capacity to see clearly. We must protect our sight, whether the solution is new glasses, new attitudes, or a whole new way of looking at the world.

Rivendell

You feel there`s something calling you
You`re wanting to return
To where the misty mountains rise
and friendly fires burn
A place you can escape the world
Where the dark lord cannot go
Peace of mind and sanctuary
by loud water`s flow

- Rivendell by Rush

MEASUREMENTS
22 in circumference, 19 in tall
MATERIALS
300 yds. fingering weight yarn
Sample knit with Twisted Fiber Arts Muse, color: Netherfield Evolution
size 3(US) 24 " circular needles
yarn marker
Gauge: 7 stitches = 1 inch in lace pattern (blocked out)
charted & written directions
intermediate lace knitter

May It Be

"May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh! How far you are from home"

-Enya

Work on Evenstar seems to be progressing at a fast clip (or as fast as one can go at 560 stitches a round.) Everyone is doing such beautiful work! I am inspired and amazed and so wish I could share mine with all of you...sigh...soon...

I am really pleased with how the Fellowship patterns are coming along. Dwarrowdelf goes out to test knitters next week, and Rivendell is almost ready to release. Test knitters are finishing up, so I will write it up and proof it next week. April 9th at the latest.

Here are some shots of my completed Rivendell.



I am hoping to talk my lovely DIL into modeling it for me on Easter. Pretty please????

The arches remind me of Rivendell's glorious architecture.

This pattern was not included in the original Fellowship of the Ring patterns. I had a glimmering of the idea, but had not located the proper yarn.

Tolkien used color so prominently in his writing. In this case, he used autumnal hues to communicate the elegiac nature of the Elven civilization. This is a race which is nearing the end of its time in middle earth.

When I saw the colors of the Netherfield Evolution from Twisted Fiber Arts, I knew I had to use it. The base yarn is Muse, a lovely sport weight combo of silk & wool - light, soft, elegant, and it drapes beautifully. One ball is all you need. I used maybe 275 yds. of mine.

Rivendell will be a $6 pattern, but I will put an additional button on the sidebar just for FotR subscribers - your price will be $4. Please do not use this if you are not a subscriber - I will check.

Here is a sneaky peek at another add on, this time in Twisted Fiber Arts Kabam - a fingering weight bamboo blend.

This is my Goldberry scarf. And it shades from silvery green to turquoise blue. More about it in later posts.

I have to run now. I hope all of you have a blessed Easter Weekend.

May it be...