A Sensory Pad

Today I spent most of my free time gathering materials which took about 3 hours and sewing which took about 45 minutes making a sensory pad for a friend of Eric's. Since he likes the sound of Velcro pulling along with music, I incorporated those things in the pad. Along with a few things to play with. The smile and happy noises were well worth the time spent. Let me know if you want directions. Here is the finished project.

I am still very tired from Eric being sick over the long weekend, but I hope to catch up on sleep soon.

Sick Boy

Eric is sick again. There seems to be a very bad tummy bug with a high fever going around Tucson. Eric is holding on to the baby Elmo that Candy knit for him, it is the only thing besides me that he wants.  

Eric is now on Pedialyte. He seems to be tolerating it at 20 ml per hour. I wish I could get it higher,but I don't want the eyrping to start again.  As soon as he is asleep, I will try to get to my bed instead of sleeping in the rocking chair tonight. 

I did not finish the rag rug. I did however finish a hat that is was being knit on size 6 knitting needles. I also cast on the next hat and tinked it because it was not big enough to turn into a mobis scarf.  I am now about 1/2 inch into the brim.  

If Eric is feeling better tomorrow, more will get done. 

My random comment of the day is, if you want a fast check out at the store, don't get behind the person with the full cart and stack of coupons. By the way, I saved over $45.00 with coupons today and my friend Lisa saved even more. 

Exhaustion

Exhaustion and pain hit hard and fast today.  Thank goodness Eric was in a nap mood today. 2 naps latter and all I can say is my pain level is down. I am not sure why exhaustion and pain seem to go hand in hand for me.  I am hoping for a better day tomorrow.  My semi grand to do list was only half way done. As John says there is always tomorrow. 

Clarfication on Today.

This is to clarify that Blue is not a type of fiber but a color. Any farm girl should know that, no matter how tired you are.

If you reek of cigarette smoke don't cram yourself into a full elevator, just wait for the next one. You left Eric and I gaging. You were also lucky that no wild eyrping went on because of the smell.

I can't figure out where the time went, but my best friend / love of my life and I have been married for 31 years as of today.

It is possible to design a hat pattern in 48 hours and have it typed up too. Pictures take longer. Where are all my models at midnight?

If you find yourself weaving all over the road, just maybe you should put that phone down.

Not everything gets finished in a timely manner when a big and urgent project lands on my sewing table.

A Senior Recital

I have been lucky enough to be invited to Brianna Finkelstein 's Senior Recital at the University of Arizona Holsclaw Hall.  I have know Brrianna since she went around on her mothers hip. It does not seem possible to me that she has graduated from the U of A.  This is her last performance in Tucson before she heads off to grad school to continue her studies in oboe.  

The program includes Oboe Sonata in G Minor, S 1020 with Allergo, Adagio and Allegro, Attributed: C.P.E. Bach.  Overheard on a Saltmarsh by Erin Goad.  three Romanzen, op,94 by Robert Schumann, Nicht Schnell 1 and 3. Finishing off with Fantaisie on Flotow's Martha, Op. 23 by  T. Lalliet 

I really enjoyed the piece Overheard on a Saltmarsh.  The only way I can really describe it was that the music flowed like silk in amazing colors of sound.  The English Horn played by Rachael Kamradt added a wonderful layer of texture to the music.  

Meily Mendez was wonderful on the Harpsichord and Piano.  She showed mastery and passion in her music. Although I do have to say that Brianna stole the show.   Brianna showed both mastery and grace while playing the Oboe.  She coxed a full range of notes from her Oboe.   All in all it was a very enjoyable evening.  If you ever have the opportunity to hear Brianna, Meily or Rachael in concert please take the time to enjoy a few hours of wonderful music. I am quite certain that Brianna will make the world a better place where ever her life leads her.  

Spinning Styles

I was taught to spin by the wonderful Kathy Withers and I really enjoy spinning. I aspire to be as creative as Kathy someday. I learned even more from the Journey to the Golden Fleece, I learned to get more creative. Although typical me, I did not finish the paper work. The yarn I learned to spin is gorgeous.

I really enjoy playing with fiber and seeing what develops. I find it calming. I find spinning relaxing.  I enjoy creating new yarns. I enjoy weaving and knitting with my handspun yarn. I have even mastered lace weight yarn on my spinning wheel, not just the drop spindle.  

I have learned to wash, card and comb my fiber from raw fleece.  I love to pull out my drum carder to create special batts to spin on occasion. I found that I prefer to send my raw fiber to Spinderella's Fiber Mill.  I do not need to process my fiber from fleece to yarn for every project. They also have a special needs adult child at home that requires full time care like Eric. I feel it is right to support those in my community that keep their children home like John and I do. 

That is why I don't like the trend by some in my local spinning community to master every spinning style from worsted to silk thread. Don't get me wrong I find learning something new everyday is essential.  To buy the raw fleeces, skirt, wash, and do everything including dying the fiber.  Then to do this with every project. It is not that I am lazy, but have a finite number of hours to play with fiber.  

Its not that I don't enjoy learning new things, but the constant push is just to much sometimes.  I do not feel the need to take classes on a weekly basis.  I do not need to become a master spinner. I am not going to become a professional teacher.  I prefer to be an artist. My need to create and relax are my priority.  I hope that this is the right track for me. I wonder what my fellow spinners feel about this.

Please feel free to use the links that I have provided to find some wonderful fiber people. The opinion's are my own and I have not been paid to include these links in my blog. I trust and like these businesses. I have also not asked for permission to include these links, so if you see blank spots in the future, it is because I have been asked to take down the link. 

My Fitbit

For those of you who know how much I love my Fitbit, you will understand why I was upset when I found out this afternoon that the battery died sometime yesterday.  I never received notice on my email that the battery was running low. 

Even though my numbers don't show it today I did a fantastic 55 minute workout today with biking, stairs and rowing. Well there is always tomorrow's work out. 

Have a great weekend everyone. Try to stay dry and safe.