The designer David Hayes closed his shop a few doors down from my work in Beverly Hills.  He is (according to rumor) one of the original costume designers for the famed TV show "Dallas" - although I have not been able to confirm that... anyway, as I was walking through the alley to move my car, I saw this dress form in the back!  I talked with the people there (it was their last day and they were hauling things to the trash) - a small transaction later, I am the proud owner of this oldish dress form!  It needs a little bit of work, and I have NO idea what I'm going to do with it (remember, I have a "new" one at home) but it's mine, in my garage and waiting patiently for its new role in my life.  I also got some of David's labels and intend to sew one to the back neck of this form to help remember where it came from...

I got a little rough and dirty on the cleaning up of this bowl - took a bit too much material off of the bottom part - but I think it still looks good... we're gonna fire it to see what happens - I may leave the bottom half raw (unglazed) to see what it looks like... maybe just glaze the inside and rim.... any thoughts?

This is probably the best bowl I have done so far - symmetrical and pretty even - and I had just learned the technique of using a chamois on the lip of the bowl to make it nice and smoothe and rounded...

here's the yarn bowl in progress - as greenware and ready to be fired - I am thinking of using the fun Raku glazes and firing techniques on this one since it's for decorative/non food use anyway!

and for those of you asking me about the kitties... here's Wink all snuggled in her bed - I put one of my knit blankets down for her to sleep with... she curls up in a ball on her back and sleeps like this all night long... nothing like a comfy kitty!

I was reminded by an email from one of my good friends in High School about some of the t shirts I designed or help design for the theater department at Deer Valley High School in Glendale, AZ during the years 1988-1992.  She has had shirts from the shows she has been in transformed into a neat quilt!  Her mom actually made the quilt - and I am sad that I don't have all these shirts any longer... I still have the "Into The Woods" and "Grease" shirts - if I had more I'd make a quilt of my own... but years have passed... I have moved many times... and I don't know that I'd be able to get ahold of any of these so many years later.  I appreciate having the images, though... it's nice to look back and remember...

Here's Kristen's quilt - I helped design five of the shirts on here - it touched me that she shared these images with me... I had forgotten about some of them!

I designed this on the bus on the way to school the day the submissions were due... a quick sketch - turned into a shirt... it could have been better, but I love that it has survived... this has been almost 20 years ago... can you believe it??

This one is a modified version of the sketch I used for the backdrop for this show... when doing the backdrop, I accidentally lowered the wrong drop and the day after sketching the design in magic marker (the drop was about 20' x 30') I was informed that I had lowered the wrong drop and instead of doing it on the seamed backdrop, I had drawn on a quite expensive lighting backdrop that was seamless.... a major mistake that was not repairable... I still have this shirt, thanks to my dad (rest his soul) who had saved it for years and years...

it's funny that I don't remember if I was in this play or not... I THINK I had a line or two at the end of the show.  I DO know I designed the shirt... some people may find the image of the bedroom window familiar - it's my bedroom window from the house I lived in as a kid... New Middletown, IN - I did a painting of it recently...

My favorite times in High School were on stage or rehearsing or spending my Saturdays working on sets... I don't know for sure if I had much to do with this shirt - I think I may have drew the knife... but that'd be it if anything... on the back, however, I did sign my name along with the rest of the cast - we all wore black and white for this play - with one accent of red somewhere on our costume.  (I wore red socks) - I was Plato in this play.... loved it and miss the fun of theater...

We go together... like ramalamalama da dinga de ding a dong... oh yes.. I was in Grease... I was asked by our director, Ms. Surloff, what role I'd want to play (we were all asked) and instead of saying, "I'd like some sort of lead - anything with a solo, please" - I said "I want to be the Teen Angel!" - I loved the song, Beauty School Dropout and knew it was a solo... what I didn't know was that it was the only time the Teen Angel appeared in the show... so I got what I asked for, and was annoyed a bit that I didn't have a larger part... but I was onstage... in the background, dancing on top of "Greased Lightnin'" and having a GREAT time with my friends... especially Kristen, who shared a "picnic" with me on stage during the show... every show we packed our prop lunch boxes with a real picnic and I loved drinking Yoo Hoos during the shows.... aah the memories. 

I did the lettering and ring border for this design, and the comb I had added was removed to add the boy and girl in the car, drawn by another student... the collaboration worked really well and it's now a bit of history.

I have this show on videotape - and I have played it to remember the fun times... I have Grease, Into The Woods, Rebel Without a Cause and Brigadoon from Deer Valley High (on VHS converted to DVD) - I wish I had these shirts still... but the photos mean even more because my dear friend Kristen has reminded me of the fun I had in High School.

On another note, I was also in the Positive Force Players (sponsored by Planned Parenthood of Central and Northern Arizona) for I think 4-1/2 years and even though during that time I had probably 20-30 t shirts with the logo, I don't know that I have one any longer...

So there you go.... bored yet?  anyone reading about my High School t shirts?  I know, I know... it's not knitting... not clay... not painting... but it's part of my life... and remembering the moments that still make us smile is important... so there you go...

I received the best valentine EVER from my good friend Chuck - he's way too clever - he found a valentine of a girl KNITTING with YARN and a KITTY! - The only thing that could have made it more perfect would be if it were a boy knitting... but how thoughtful!

Since it's so amazing, I'm sharing it with you - wishing you the best of Valentines days - (or "V day" as some call it!) - hoping that you are able to take time out of your day to hug someone... (probably a good idea for that someone to be a person you know) haha

For those of you who know me - you probably have heard that I have always wanted an old sewing machine - and when the time was right I'd probably get one.  I found this one today in Pasadena at the swap meet - I paid $20 for it - as is... original bent wood case, it has accessories stored under it... the wiring needs to be replaced, case cleaned up, and so far, I know for sure I need a manual and the knee control bar (whatever THAT is!) and probably someone who can show me how to use it

I have not touched it yet... took a few photos just to show what it looks like and to share it with you... I want to work on it and get it restored - I did some searching online and so far I think it's a 99-13 Singer machine - probably made around 1929-1930's - and if the little bit of research I have done seems to say that I spent about $50 less than the original $70 this might have cost in its heyday...

If anyone has any suggestions as to where I can go for manuals, parts, or how in the world to use this thing, please feel free to comment or email me - If nothing else, I really like the case - and once it's cleaned up it'll be gorgeous! - I just found the key (hidden under the machine) which locks the top into its base - yippee!! - I can lock it up...

While we were putting away things and cleaning up from the holiday decoraing, I had the bright idea of putting things in the attic.  We have a big attic by Southern California standards, but not huge... (you can stand up in it) - anyway, early Sunday morning, while Gregg was putting things away up there with my help, he accidentally put his leg through the ceiling of the office - making about an 18" x 18" hole and dumping 30 year old insulation (no asbestos, thankfully) all over whatever was below...

What happened to be below was my metal crate of Noro Silk Garden - I don't know how to get it clean... any suggestions?

Gregg is fine - a little scraped up -- and needless to say we stopped putting things away for the day - but the garage is a bit more organized from our efforts!

As a wonderful thank you from Kristen Kapur (Through the Loops) for test knitting a pattern for her, I was given 880 yards of 100% merino handspun custom dyed by String Theory on Etsy - it's AMAZING - I can't wait to figure out something to make with it - it appears to be about DK weight - I am thinking it might be enough to eek out a vest... I LOVE the colors - and am so thankful for the opportunity to test knit her pattern AND to get to work with her gorgeous Handspun!  (Thanks, Kristen!)

Sunday afternoon (after falling through the ceiling) we picked our friend Chuck up from the airport and went antique shopping in Pomona, CA - I got caught up in doilies... I have an idea of what I want to do with them - I'll let you just be curious for now :) 

I also got a new friend - a boyd bear lamb - with an intarsia lamb sweater - how cute is she?! 

Just a quick post to wish everyone the best of holidays - we're not even awake yet - haven't opened presents - I wanted to send a photo of my tree bedecked with its white boas as garland... and show you what it looked like this year.. 9' tall and fake (thank you, Target!) - my fav. ornaments this year are still the 2 collars from my childhood doggies, Otis and Sugar - two peekingese doggies who filled my family's lives with joy and love for many many years...

This is Gregg's tree - vintagy and fun - he calls it his crazy tree... we only put up 2 this year (only?) - and we have enjoyed them every day.  We don't know when we'll take them down... probably a few weeks into the new year.  The last photo I'm putting in here is the one of my nutcrackers... I have quite a few now... we add some each year - they're fun and silly and it is so easy to collect them.  The biggest problem with holiday decorations is storing them - they take up a lot of space!

Have a wonderful holiday - take a minute and call your relatives to tell them you're thinking of them - it's getting close to the new year - it's time to focus on the good we're all going to do together in 2009!  Thank you for sharing part of your time with me and for reading my ramblings.  It's so wonderful to have had the chance to get to know so many amazing people through the internet!  OK OK - time to go open presents!!!

XOXOX  

Kyle

Self Portrait - Painting in Progress

I'm working on my self portrait for Acrylics class and it's coming along nicely so far... I have the background begun and I'm pleased with the way the colors look.  The staircase is from an antebellum mansion that is now owned (or was, anyway?) by Ashland (an oil company) and it's located in Louisiana - I think Baton Rouge?- anyway, it's probably gone now because of Katrina, but the photo remains, and I am in love with the curves of the staircase, aged plaster walls and old wooden stairs.  This one is due on December 16th, so I have to get going on it - I plan on working more on it this weekend. 

Thankful

The list could go on for miles... but here's a quick list of what (and who) I am thankful for this Thanksgiving, 2008-

- My Health - My Family - My Wonderful Animals - Eyesight, being able to move... drive a car... communicate effectively - Sanity (or insanity, depending on the day; I'm thankful for both) - creativity (the little I have) - my yarn stash - the support of my partner in my endeavors - friends online - friends across the country (and around the world) who I don't see as often as I'd like - sending (and receiving) random letters or packages in the mail - Knowing that everything happens for a reason and in time, everything passes - the comfort of knowing that my father and grandmother are both at peace, no longer suffering with illness or age - my history and the path that led me right here, right now - the courage to know who I am and the freedom in my country to be out and proud (even if that doesn't include the freedom to marry; at least I have the freedom to love) - and as corny as it sounds, I am thankful for every breath, every blink, every smile and laugh - I'm thankful I'm alive...

I'd love to hear who or what you are especially thankful for this year - if you feel inclined, email me or post a comment.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving -

Lyrics to the "song of the moment"

the song is beautiful and reminds me to be thankful for every day...

I'm Alive - Willie Nelson

It's so damn easy to say that life's so hard
Everybody's got their share of battle scars
As for me, I'd like to thank my lucky stars
That I'm alive and well

And it'd be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you sat and watched go up in flames
You were on, on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me, I'm alive

And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see?
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well, God, I'm alive and well

Stars are dancing on the water here tonight
It's good for the soul when there's not a soul in sight
This boat has caught it's wind and brought me back to life
Now I'm alive and well

And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see?
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well, God, I'm alive and well

What a beautiful place for a retreat - nestled north (I think it's north?) of the Golden Gate Bridge, we were at Point Bonita YMCA - bunkbeds, staying up late, knitting and learning...

The grounds were beautiful - we saw deer, racoons and even a skunk (who was cute!) - I was enamored with the fog, cool temperatures, drizzle, moss and atmosphere - it's not what I'm used to in Los Angeles, that's for sure! 

a short and easy hike down the pointe brought us to this big steel door through the mountain - it is the entrance to the path that leads to the lighthouse - and is open only a few hours a day a few days a week - I loved the rust colored algae or rust or whatever it is around the door - the color was so beautiful!

I tried to get a photo of the bridge at night - and while I was very still (sat my camera solidly on a post, set the timer, did long exposures) I didn't take into account the mist and fog in the air... it's fuzzy because San Francisco is a bit fuzzy - it's misty and hazy and foggy and I LOVE it!!

Here are some other photos from the trip - I had a great time and suggest any guy who is interested in knitting visit the Men's Knitting Retreat website or the group on ravelry!

Poor Darrellllll... (founder of menwhoknit.com) - when are ya gonna get out of the brigade? :)

a view from inside a part of the brigade (used for WWII I think) - not sure what this really was, but we thought it'd be a great place for a bar or dance club - that is; if they'd put up some railings...

Mr. Farris again taking great photos of the city and the bridge...

me and my buddy Michael - he helped me immensely with my circular sock knitting machine... (and he MADE a pair of socks on his while doing so!) - see that sweater?  he made it - an insanely talented guy - can't wait to learn more from him and the other guys next year!

and last but not least, Point Bonita Lighthouse - a beautiful spot... (and I got great cell phone service out there!)  I know I didn't show much knitting on this post - but knitting WAS done - I just didn't photograph it... I got about half of the front of a sweater done, and took a few classes as well.  we learned twined knitting, hand spinning on a drop spindle, freeform knitting/crochet, mosaic, and entrelac among other things.  Wanna be involved next year?  please do... just get in touch with the guys who organized it and they'll email you as it gets closer.  WonderMike and HizKnits from Y Knit were the ones in charge this time -- amazing men - along with everyone who attended...

I can't wait to go back!

we are still safe, but eek - I make one lousy post about preparing for disaster - and talk a tiny bit about how it's important to be prepared... then fires erupt all around us... (this is the view looking from our house across the street; fires are only a few miles from us in the hills you can't see because of the smoke)  We are keeping safe and remain prepared (I was a cub scout for exactly one day) - if anything else happens near us I'll let you know :)

I tried quilting once... Mom and I went out and selected fabric.  we cut and pieced it by machine.  She set me up with the quilt on the hoop and showed me what to do.  I did 2 hoops worth of quilting and decided it's not for me.  Quilting is "hard!"

While I doubt I'll be a quilter as my mom and other relatives, I am definately an admirer (and collector) of quilts.  Some of my quilts have a history - and some of my quilts were just purchased.  (they still have a history... I just don't know what it is!)

That's the sad part about our culture, in my opinion.  I think it's important to remember who people were... where we came from... so for that reason, I added a new tab to my website this weekend - labeled "Quilts" it shows some of my collection... and with any luck, the information I gain from those who visit and help to input may help me catalog my collection.  I will continue to add quilts as I aquire them. Please take a look and let me know if you know anything about any of these or if you have any suggestions as to how I can identify patterns or even date them.

I am amazed that the 3 day weekend is over... tomorrow; back to work... starting school tomorrow evening... and this coming weekend it's the L.A. County Fair!  :)