Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Sketch'n Part IV

Another edition of the sketchbook exchange has come around. Here are the drawings I did in Heidi's book:

Pink Swirls:

Flower


Rain:
It rained alot the day I drew this one :)

Rain


Moby:
I've been seeing lots of cool drawings of whales lately - and thought I'd draw one of my own...

Whale

Happy Little Trees:
I think Bob Ross would be proud :)

Happy Little Trees

Starfish:
I drew this while sitting in traffic court. I was inspired by the "star" shaped badges of all the police! (I got out of my ticket by the way - the police officer didn't show up when my name was called. He actually was walking in when I was walking out - ha!)

Starfish

Fancy Crane -

Crane

If you want to see more drawings from this exchange - the Flickr group is here.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Patapsco in the Early Freezing Morning!

Sunday morning (early!) Larissa, Kim and I headed out for a hike/photography session at Patapsco State Park. After starting our engines with some coffee from Panera - we headed out!

We took the Cascade Trail which winds around the woods following a stream.
Here is the start of the trail:

Patapsco State Park.

The morning light was beautiful coming through the trees and even though it was freezing - we were too busy looking around in awe to care...

Patapsco State Park

We reached the Cascade Falls not long after we started. The water level throughout the park seems to be rather low and it was no different at the falls. The volume of water seemed on the low side, but it still made a picturesque spot for some photography.

Cascade Falls


Besides the larger main falls - there were plenty of little mini falls and rapids...
Cascade Falls

Cascade Falls

And in case you don't believe me that it was cold... check out the ice formations!

Cascade Falls

Ice Bubbles

I couldn't get over these ice "bubbles". I have never seen anything like this before! So so cool.
Ice Bubbles

This frozen twig baffles my mind:

Frozen twig

How the heck did that happen?! It's encased in a solid inch of ice on all sides!


It was fun to learn a little more about the settings on my camera. I played around with f-stops and shutter speed a bit more than normal. I think I ended up with some good shots.

Cascade Falls

Larissa and Kim were great teachers!

Cascade Falls

Kim brought her tripod and was practising long exposures - she got some great shots too - take a look at her site if you get a chance.

Larissa and I were prone to wander a bit more though and went ahead to see more of the park. We found some great little settings like this serene little waterfall and pool:

Patapsco State Park

The crazy ice formations didn't end at the main falls either - we saw this in the frozen mud near the small waterfall:

Ice

Ice crystals! It reminded me of Superman's ice cave!

There lots of other little treasures around too...

Patapsco State Park

Patapsco State Park

Patapsco State Park

After our hike to the falls - we headed back to the main parking area in the Orange Grove section of the park and spent some time at the Swinging bridge.

The Swinging Bridge

The water was so calm and reflective - such a beautiful day!

Patapsco State Park

I was a site in handknits that day too - I wore my new Fading Cables hat and an old Multi-directional scarf.

me

Go check out Sarah's blog for the hat pattern.

Here are some better pics of the hat:

Fading Cables Hat

Fading Cables Hat

I just love how the cables get smaller and smaller towards the top. An awesome pattern made even much luscious with some M-M-Malabrigo yarn.

*Sigh* I love it!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Free Pattern - Vineland Mittens

I have an early holiday gift for you! A new free pattern!

May I present my Vineland Mittens:

Vineland Mittens

Stats:
Pattern: Vineland Mittens by Jody Scofield

Free downloads:
Ravelry users: click here
Non Ravelry users: click here

Yarn: Orange and blue = Berocco Ultra Alpaca
Pink and brown = Cascade 220
Needles: Both samples were knit using size 5 needles - gauge is important!!
Notes: Special thanks to Sarah for test knitting this pattern - she knit the pink and brown one!!


This pattern was inspired by a visit to Shenandoah valley. You may remember my weekend at Bryce Mountain blogged here.

We visited several vineyards while there and I just couldn't get those curling whirling grapevines out my head.

Vineland Mittens


Vineland Mittens


Vineland Mittens

I hope you enjoy the new pattern!

Thursday, November 06, 2008

Just Jesting

The only thing my husband has ever asked me to knit for him is this hat:

John's hat

Stats:
Pattern: Shadow Hat #119 by Maureen Mason-Jamieson
Yarn: Knit Picks Wool of the Andes
Needles: Size 7 Addi Turbos
Alterations: No pompoms (per hubby's request - Thank God!) Pompoms are cute on kids - not adults!

This hat's construction is very unique. It was knit in a long strip - then closed into a tube - then you add the brim and bind off the top. So I was hoping it would fit him at the end of all that because you can't really try it on as you go!


It's also my first time doing shadow knitting. Not sure if you see it in these pictures, but there are triangles on the sides...

John's hat

I think it looks like a jester hat!

John's hat

Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Did you Vote?



Did you?




Here is the line I waited in (sorry for the crappy cell phone shot)

I am so happy to see such a great voter turnout!

Everyone was happy to wait too - I had some lovely conversations with the people in line next to me.

Go vote! We can make a difference!




Monday, November 03, 2008

Sketch'n Part III

I thought I'd share a few drawings from the latest edition of the Sketchbook Exchange I am participating in.


Who?

Elephant

PS - this is NOT a political statement - I just felt like drawing a circus elephant :)

Tree

Lotus flower

Thanks for stopping by!