It has been extremely cold since the beginning of the year, and we had measurable snowfall for the first time in many years. Admiring the winter wonderland through my kitchen window one morning reminded me of an old German friend who used to call me on snowy mornings, reminding me of the Southern German custom of making Apple Pancakes when it snows! So I quartered and sliced a few local apples (washed, not peeled) and got my griddle going. What a lovely breakfast and a good memory.
During the hurricane my Dell laptop bit the dust. So I took advantage of the After Christmas sales and treated myself to a new Lenovo laptop. I like my Lenovo PC, so I practiced brand loyalty. Thanks to the Geek Squad at my Best Buy store, all necessary files were transferred, and it is set up for me to use, including a wireless mouse. There are still things to find and figure out and I often scratch my head but keep going until I figure it out. Having a camera and mic build in is a real bonus when I try to join a Zoom meeting.
One of my wonderful neighbors who mostly lives in Florida always helps me with my to do list when they are up here. From fireplace parts replacement to TV and computer challenges, she can do it all. Very few people are so lucky to have an electrical, mechanical and computer engineer as a friend.
Right after Christmas I received a huge package from an estate in Northern California. The owner was sending 2 tablecloths and 4 table runners that were never put together. Her mother loved to crochet the intricate shapes and patterns but did not like putting the parts together to complete her projects. So this was an interesting and fun undertaking, resulting in a hexagon creation, a small rectangle table cover from 30 (5 x 6) delicate squares and a beautiful diamond made from elongated pie shaped pieces, worked like filet crochet, probably from a chart. See images below.
I don’t know what her mother had in mind, but I really appreciated the customer’s trust in me creating finished pieces from 4 stacks of components with no directions or images to follow. I enjoyed that so much! It’s another way to preserve our fiber heritage, rather than letting it sit in a box, never to be used.
I have yet to complete the work on the last tablecloth and have another one coming in today. This being a banquet size machine made linen cloth with Irish Lace inspired inserts. A big job – probably taking most of February. I have a waiting list after this one. Usually, I am not quite as busy at this time of year. But replenishing inventory can wait for now.
I do need to complete 2 more canvas pieces for an exhibition starting in April. My 4 pieces of the Quarter Turn Collection, a Homage to the Heritage Lace Techniques, will be featured but I need 2 more lace on canvas pieces for back up. The canvases are painted and waiting for the lace pieces to be added. I will share images of the 2 new pieces once they are on exhibit.
While working on the assembly jobs I have been following the American Figure Skating Championships. They provide nice background music and information while my hands are busy. I have never missed a championship or Olympics since I was a little girl. The changes in the disciplines, artistic and technical levels and the scoring over the decades are amazing! We have some very good candidates to represent the USA at the upcoming World Championship in Boston and consequently next year’s Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Cortina and the Italian Alps.
Most of you probably don’t know that I have a minor in Physical Education. Growing up in Europe, the emphasis was winter sports, gymnastics, track and field and swimming. Rhythmic gymnastics was my favorite, and I was top of my class in shot put and archery. Occasionally I went to a soccer game with my father, but these were small clubs, before good players turned professional, and women became as good as the men.
Listening to documentaries and other informative programs is a perfect way to be in the zone when I crochet. If I have to plan, design or think, I prefer to have quiet, no distractions.
As far as New Year’s resolutions, my only one is to maintain good health and lots of self-care! I already started with a pedicure and facial and some new shades of nail polish. I love all the pretty colors! As a teenager I painted Andy Warhol style on old mirrors with many shades of polish. One of them is still in a beauty shop in downtown Frankfurt. It’s probably because it has a beautiful silver frame.
I also like fresh flowers; they always chase the winter blues away!
This February make an effort to really love yourself, take care of your needs first (like the oxygen mask in the airplane) and the rest of your life will be so much more enjoyable! Every day do something you enjoy.
Love and Joy to You!
“ I do what I love and I love what I do.”
New in the Studio:
Happy Valentine’s month!