Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Beautiful Waist of Time




So I get home from work last night to a starving husband, eager for me to prepare his “Sunday dinner” (which to his disappointment didn’t happen on Sunday because we ate leftovers from Saturday night’s dinner). Anyways, so I made a beeline home to get started on it, already knowing that dinner would be late that night because of all the prep that needed to be done. He was so excited about dinner that he told me he hadn’t eaten ALL DAY and that he “dreamed” about it, so I couldn’t let him down again, right? So we’re in the garage and I just happened to ask about the latest PILE of wood I see. His eyes light up and he enthusiastically starts telling me about the wood, telling me about the tree it came from, pointing out little nuances in the wood grain and showing me his works in progress using the wood. He then starts showing me other wood in yet ANOTHER PILE that I hadn’t even noticed...uh, there's A LOT of wood in the garage, where did it all come from? I’m amazed at how much he knows about each type wood and listen intently as he struts around pointing this out and that out, showing me what he’s working on and telling what his plans are for other pieces of wood, his workshop, etc. Before I knew it, an hour had passed and I had to get cracking on dinner before it was midnight…but how could I interrupt him...he couldn't be more enthralled, and I mean, he was showing me his wood and we were sharing a moment. Until I mentioned dinner and he stopped on a dime as if I was sitting around wasting time.

Before too long though, he was upstairs, keeping me company in the kitchen putting some cufflinks together at the table and playing the latest cd from The Roots (AWESOME CD!) for me and I was leaning up against the countertop crocheting away while the food was in the oven. We both eventually had to remark on how we were both “working” at that moment and how nice it was to both be at home, listening to great music, relaxing while we "worked" creatively...amazing.

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Emume Bolero


Just finished my second Emume (ee-moo-may) bolero, with one of William's buttons http://www.oruaka.etsy.com/. Emume means Celebration or festivity in Igbo. Still working on the pattern which is still being tested. I really want to keep this one for myself, the pictures don't show the rich color or beautiful drape. I was sad to wind the last of it off the cone. I'm doubtful that I'll find more of it. There's enough to maybe make a nice scarf for myself to remember it by.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Bobble Pillow Duvet


Finally finished this project...the bobble pillow duvet. It took MUCH longer than I had anticipated, I've never worked such a highly textured solid stitch before. It also took a lot more yarn than I thought it would, the bobbles are quite pronounced. It turned out better than I thought it would, thanks to those great buttons I had William to make especially for this project. I don't know if it looks better in the living room or bedroom...it's a great compliment to the wood furniture so I know I'll need at least one or two more. I'm loving having such a great button source in my own home! I love it when William is all excited about a new piece of wood and then shows me a button or jewelry that he's made out of it. He has to keep reminding me that I can't have EVERYTHING. I've been good though...only when the current project needs it, and then it's really whatever I want...which is quite inspiring and now there are many ideas that are actually making it to paper right now, so hopefully more new patterns soon.



On another note...Father's Day is this month. William has been busy making cufflinks in many types of wood, my favorites include Ebony, Bocote, Zebrawood, and Osage Orange. He will be offering free shipping for a limited time in the U.S. & Canada. You can find his shop here: http://www.oruaka.etsy.com/.