Where does the time go?

July was my most recent post in this space. I'd like to say that I'm not sure how this absence has happened, but I have some pretty good ideas.

My eldest in her element...

Our girls are growing and the eldest is developing her own small and closely guarded orbit of activities, school and socializing.  Both of our careers are going swimmingly and are keeping pace a frenetic full-time rate.  And when given the chance to "make" or blog in the last six months, I've chosen the former. (I've also developed quite an Instagram habit.  I wish that it hadn't impacted this space, but I believe that it probably has.  Sharing pretty things and progress shots is such instant gratification with that app.  Come and find me there if you like.)

Window screen in Syracuse

I had opportunity to visit Syracuse, NY for the first time in the spring with some of my friends who I found on my first Squam adventure. We attended the Yarn Cupboard Retreat that was hosted by the lovely and kind Susan Miller.  The event was well organized, really affordable and packed with gracious people.  The classes were fantastic and the "faculty" of the retreat was amazing.  My classes were taught by Jill Draper, Cal Patch and Norah Gaughan.  Be still my knitting heart... I could barely get over my triplicate fan-girl reflexes.

Cal helped me navigate crochet and I learned a lot about the options for color work in crochet.  I have not actually crocheted anything since attending, but I'm tempted... and I now own a crochet hook.  And best of all, was the chance to spend a couple hours around the table with the charming Cal Patch.  There is something about her that just exudes kindness and also makes me want to giggle. Weird, I know.

Norah's class was all about deconstructing cables.  She had oodles and oodles of swatches and garments.  And shared so much really interesting information with us on her methods and experiences.  I was a little awestruck by the body of her work, not just how prolific she is, but also how inventive she has been in her design.  I left feeling very inspired.

And then Jill's class.  It was my last class, and was a cowl pattern called Twister, designed to intentionally pool the colors of a skein of her hand-dyed, superwash Hudson.  And I loved it.  The class, the project, getting to hear from Jill.  And I wear the cowl ALL the time (Ravelry details here).  It is double layered and crazy durable and warm.  And Jill shared with us a little about her business and how carefully and intentionally she selects farms, breeds and mills.  All that talk of sheep and sustainability made me want to rush home and reclaim my agrarian roots.  But alas, reality struck as soon as I returned to the other side of the rainbow.

"Embracing the wobble... as Jill says"

Pooling beauty

My finished friend

Any way, it was great.  A perfect getaway with lovely friends, doing things that I love and with people whose creativity and commitment inspire me.

P.S. Susan's registration is open for this year.  Just sayin'