Wintery Self Portrait

Project 365: Day 276

This morning when I walked to the train stop, the weather was -9 degrees F with a "feels like" temperature of -19 degrees F. I am very grateful for my new knee length, hooded, down winter coat. I am also grateful for the heat lamps in the train platform shelters. The self portrait was taken on my way home, against the reflective glass of the shelter with the lights of Franklin Avenue behind me.

5 Things for 5 People: Delivered

In April, I jumped on board the 5 Things for 5 People project and in November I posted a little clue about my materials.

My starting point was this apron that I received from my mom's husband Roger's family collection. He has a lot of possessions that have been handed down and I am lucky enough to get neat things from his family from time to time. I recently came into a small collection of aprons, many of which are tattered and stained. These were not precious, fold them up in a drawer and never use them kind of aprons. These were workhorse aprons, some of which still had kleenexes in the pockets! I don't think any of them will be serviceable as aprons now, but I loved the history of them and many of the fabrics were beautiful. So, they have been sitting, washed and waiting for me to be inspired to do something with them.

For my "things", I wanted to challenge myself to make something a little different and outside my usual realm. I melded a few techniques and materials I have been playing with, including fabric from the apron, stamps, shrinky dinks, decoupage and glaze with my jewelry making background and came up with these pendants.

At this point, they should have been received by their 5 recipients (Lisa, Beth, SulkyCat, Michele and Jen), with the exception of Jen, with whom I will connect at a Borealis Knit Night soon.

The Return of Arturo and Sam

Project 365: Day 275

Arturo and and Sam have moved back to Minneapolis! Well, that is actually old news, since they moved back in October, but today was the first time we have all been available to get together. We shared brunch together, talked job and house hunting, weighed the pros and cons of life in Minneapolis vs. Boston and fulfilled Tchazo's need for petting/butt scratches from Sam.

Fondue on the Other Side

Project 365: Day 274
January 2, 2010

Last night we ventured across the river to St. Paul for a delicious curry fondue dinner at Meg and Cyrus' apartment. We had a great time together and enjoyed seeing their apartment. Those St. Paulers really know how to execute the built-in cabinetry. Their apartment had floor to ceiling cabinetry in the kitchen, a built-in linen cabinet and dresser, and a huge buffet. Awesome.

Crafty in the New Year

Project 365: Day 273

When I was in Boston, I attended a Knit In the New Year potluck party at Circles Knitting Salon. I loved the idea of starting off the new year with friends, great food and creativity. It reminds me of the very apt saying, "Start as you mean to go on." Luckily for me, the Crafternoon gang was up for a similar crafting gathering today. Jamie, Jill, Libby, Missy, Cyrus, Meg, Mary Margaret and I all spent a good part of the day welcoming in 2010 together. We snacked on fresh bread and jelly, caramel rolls, carrot bread, fruit and dip, salad, green beans almondine, cheese, crackers and nuts. We knit and we talked about everything from family to movies, from Madonna to Lady Gaga, from pets to househunting. If the saying is true and this event sets the tone for the rest of the year, I am very much looking forward to what 2010 will bring.

When all the guests had left the house and I was doing the clean-up, I came across two little surprises. Cyrus had knit a Christmas ornament and snuck it on my tree and Jamie had hid the little chicken ornament in one of my cupboards. So, now I am wondering, will 2010 be filled with good friends, good food, fun conversation, creativity and fun surprises? Man, I hope so.