Sunday, August 11, 2013

"Sunday Afternoon" of Summer

 This will possibly be my most random post every. I haven't posted much this summer despite lots for fun adventures, including some knitting successes, as well. We usually end our summer with a visit to my parents in Humboldt County, which is from nine and a half to eleven hours away from us, depending on which roads we decide to take and how terrible the traffic is. This year was the first time in over twenty years that we went without any kids, which was a little sad; however we did take our dogs which was a little burdensome, but still fun. My dad built me a spinning wheel this year, and has sent me several pictures of his creation throughout his "building journey." My only responsibility before taking possession of it was to apply some Danish oil to the finished project.

My dad has never really shown that much interest in my knitting, but this spinning wheel has changed that somewhat. Last summer a friend of his, who raises sheep, gave him a huge bundle of romney fleece when he found out he was making me a spinning wheel. I have had it in my garage most of the year, waiting for me to learn to spin. I have a long way to go, but thank to my dad again, I did have an enjoyable lesson from a neighbor of my parent', Eilene, who is an avid spinner.
It would appear that Eilene is also an avid knitter. After our lesson, Eilene showed me some of her sweaters. I practically gushed. They were incredible. She and her husband have traveled the world, and she had knitted sweaters with yarn from wonderful places they had visited, including Florence. My favorite sweater, though, was a sweater she had knit from Philosopher's Wool. I'd kind of forgotten about them, since knitting anything from them is a major investment. Her sweater is the purple-hued one on the upper right. Now, I'm thinking that I need to make the investment in one. What a fun afternoon I spend with her.

 Our doggies took quite a bit of our time since my parents' yard isn't fenced well enough for them to roam outside. On the other hand, they were so cute, we didn't mind the effort. Rollie, our "baby," loved it there, and he loved having his "aunty" Gidget along to bother and....sleep on when necessary.

 Having dogs in tow does limit one's activities, but we didn't let it slow us down too much. We spend a lot of time just hiking around Humboldt County, but we also walked in downtown Eureka with the beagles and enjoyed the somewhat new boardwalk.
 I knit a bunny while we were there too. I think she may be my favorite bunny ever. I bought Julie's bunny pattern over two months ago, after waiting years for her to publish it. I have loved these bunnies forever, and finally Julie put together the most perfect pattern for creating one of our own. I sent this little girl bunny to my nephew and his wife, who had a little girl this winter, named Ollie. They're both very artistic, and I'm thinking will appreciate a little handmade gift for their darling little girl.

On our way home from my parents' house, we stopped in Davis to pick up Paige, who doesn't have to start back at school until the end of September, so she thought she'd spend a few weeks with us. We enjoyed some sushi out on the patio of our motel.  It might have been a little more enjoyable had we not had barking beagles sitting with us, but it was fun nevertheless. Paige knows how to order awesome sushi. It's funny how poor college students know all about expensive food!

8 comments:

Tombstone Livestock said...

I sure hope your dad signed and dated the wheel. Congratulations on a custom wheel. So many people are on Ravelry trying to get info on wheels made 100 years ago or more, some signed others just have to guess on the maker. Even some of the newer production wheels there is no indication of their age. Just need to see difference in changes manufactures make to take a guess.

So now you can add spinning to your bucket list, I did last year.

Anonymous said...

Looks like you had a wonderful time! Glad you got to spend some time with your girl before school starts back up again.

Stephen (our son) just had a job interview in North Carolina. I'm still waiting to hear how it went. Unfortunately, boys are not so good at communications! LOL

Carol said...

Om my, your Dad is amazing! what a wonderful gift for you!

wildtomato said...

Your handmade wheel is amazing! what a special gift.

Thimbleanna said...

Whew! I saw that first picture of the sweaters and thought you had made them all. This summer. That would certainly put us all to shame LOL! Looks like you've been having a great summer. Your little bunny is adorable. Buying Julie's pattern is still on my list of things to do -- a very long list!

Caffeine Girl said...

I admire those of you who venture into spinning. Thankfully that is one temptation I've resisted -- so far!

I am totally in love with that bunny. Must get pattern!



Willow said...

Welcome to the world of spinning! You will love it. Bwhhhhhaaa!

Oh wow, I'd be gushing over those sweaters too. And in Humboldt County, you can wear warm sweaters most of the time.

Julie's bunny: I have the pattern. Must. Knit. Bunny.

WendyBee said...

What a wonderful post! I love the craftsmanship of your father's spinning wheel. What a testament of his love for you. And how gratifying it was to spend a knitting/spinning afternoon with Eilene (I can't remember the spelling of her name). And sushi with Paige, yummm!
Your beagles are so endearing, I love the pic of them cuddling together.
I'm glad you are having a good summer. Such a time to treasure!
WendyBee