i had to laugh when i walked in the door of my brother’s family’s house for the first time and saw this—i think it pretty much tells in a nutshell the story of a large family, haha!
let me back up a bit and tell you about our travel day yesterday
we woke to a beautiful day for flying—clear skies and cool morning air.
we took off just as the sun was peeking over the horizon and i snapped a nice photo series of how it lit up the misty fields as we rose over ohio with it.
a moment later, the blue, blue of the sky emerged above; the colors were fantastic together, with a final whip of cloud in crisp white to set off the extravagence
debby and i got our knitting out as soon as we were settled in the back seat, establishing a fully-equipped knitting zone in our little space
debby worked on her sprossling; she has the body pieces all done now and is starting the sleeves. she wants to have it finished before she starts school in two weeks
she’s knitting with briar rose sea pearl, in a beautiful green/blue colorway with streaks of goldy-brown.
her buttons arrived the other day from moving mud
i think these are going to be stunning—the mostly clear-brown glass is a brilliant contrast with the sweater fabric; they positively light up from within.
i started the flight by casting on one of the sleeves for my vintage shirt in spirit trail sunna. yay, i’m finally off to the races with this sweater. i’m working mine in colorway green velvet, a beautiful bottle green mix. my friend barb will be test/sample knitting one in ancient stones for jennifer’s booth and one in rosewood for herself.
by the time we stopped in missouri to refuel and take a break, i had the first cuff done and the sleeve shaping well-established; i’m looking forward to lots of progress on this over the next few days.
as we descended for our landing, i couldn’t help but notice that these fields reflect the colors in my yarn. look at them stretching as far as the eye can see into the distance—missouri is truly flat.
robin is such an excellent pilot; it’s easy to enjoy the takeoffs and landings when we fly with him. once we got low enough, debby suggested i take a landing shot. i didn’t think it would work, but when i downloaded the photos
they did look pretty cool
once we were aloft again, i switched to my pea vines shawlette project so as to save the easy sweater knitting for more hectic surroundings (7 KIDS!!)
i thought maybe i could finish it before we landed in austin.
but we flew even faster than robin had estimated and i didn’t quite make it
i also took a short nap; might as well take advantage of the opportunity (did i mention the 7 kids??).
we flew through some tall cloud canyons and landed without a hitch in austin around noon just ahead of an oncoming thunderstorm.
my brother picked me up on his lunch break and we headed back to town, where i got to sit and knit for a while at his job site while watching a big thunderstorm (that’s when i finished the shawlette). it only poured for a short while, but it was dramatic; i’m glad we got in underneath it.
my SIL deb picked me up after work and once we got home with the kids, there were a couple of chaotic hours of baths and dinner preparations, followed by a movie while we all settled down for the evening. joe’s family moved into their new house a year ago and i hadn’t seen it yet; they finally have one that’s the right size for them and it’s really nice.
this house was a couple of years in the planning (convincing the contractor, for instance, that yes, they really do need all those closets) and another in the building; i’m so glad they are finally in it. there’s plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the company. seven kids suddenly doesn’t seem like as many as it used to . . . . they’re getting so big—life is actually a little less chaotic than i remembered from previous visits, though joe says school mornings are still a bit painful.
joe is quite a good cook and enjoys taking charge in the kitchen and trying all sorts of techniques and recipes (he showed me his wok last night while we did the dishes, hee-hee!). i love the new outdoor fireplace with bread oven built in—i heard a rumor that he’s planning to make pizza in the bread oven on friday evening, mmm. too bad david isn’t here . . . we miss you david!
like i said, i finished the pea vines shawlette yesterday and this morning i got to take some photos of it. i really want to block it but i don’t have the tools here, so it’ll have to wait til i get home
you can see here how the top half is designed—a little simpler, but with a bit of openwork that suggests pea fencing.
someone asked whether you could eliminate the nupps if you didn’t want to work those and i don’t see why not. i could also see adding some beads in those spots instead.
in fact, i think the bead enthusiasts in the knitspot ravelry group have convinced me i should try it. i’d want something big and clear enough to look like a dewdrop. i’m also wondering how it would look with both nupps and beads. or with the beads right near the nupps so they magnify the effect.
uh-oh; i may be in danger of knitting with beads for the first time, if i can get my hands on the right ones soon enough. it all depends on where i find myself in relation to knitting supplies in the next few days . . .
it might be easier than i think; on the enthusiastic recommendation of so many austin knitters (and wow, you do know how to get whipped up about your LYS), i’m planning to check out knit night at the knitting nest with my niece susan. and if we happen to find beads there, who knows what could come next??
with the pea vines shawlette off the needles and in need of something i could practically knit in my sleep, i put a few more rows onto my les abeilles scarf while we watched godzilla (a family favorite; the tape’s cover is so worn that it’s half missing)
it was hot when i arrived yesterday and it’s hot this afternoon too, but it was nice and cool in the morning and evening. today i woke up before dawn, but stayed in bed for a little while to snooze; i don’t get to do that enough at home (or more correctly, i don’t get to bed early enough at home to do that).
i hung around while everyone sorted out their backpacks, lunches, socks, and shoes, but once they were out the door, i buckled up junebug, the dog and headed out for a long walk to take advantage of the temperature early in the day.
junie, a jack russell terrier mix, is new to the family within the last two weeks. isn’t she cute? their two older dogs both expired within a week of each other very recently, so they adopted junebug from the humane society shelter. she’s two years old and was actually very well trained in her former home; she picks up her leash to tell us when she needs to go out and she sits and stays pretty well. she’s also very quiet alone at home all day, not mischievous at all.
she’s also apparently a little camera-shy, though it could be simple coyness on her part here. we headed out for a walk around the neighborhood and stayed out about an hour; she walks really well on the leash and keeps up a good pace (i walk very fast). she likes to stop and explore if i let her, but will stay apace if i keep moving. i think she really enjoyed our outing, but was a little tuckered out afterward.
and then there’s pickles, my nephew joseph’s tiny kitty. she’s a good pet too, though a little harder to take pictures with, heh.
it’s been a nice quiet day at home here with the kids all at camp and just me and junie in the house. i caught up on my email from yesterday and wrote this post; now i think i’ll spend some time on the pea vines pattern so it can be test knit. after that, i’ll knit if there’s time before baths and dinner (not likely). and then, it’s off to knit night; maybe i’ll see you there!
46 thoughts on “full house”
I think this was my favorite post. I felt as though I were there with you. It is nice to have friends and family.
Even before blocking, that pea-vine shawl is looking mighty fine – I think you have a winner there.
Looks like an awesome visit! I love the outdoor oven. That’s brilliant.
You know what you could use for your beads? Magatamas – they are teardrop shaped and while a bit pricey, really yowza-wowza in the small but big impact department. There are some clear crystal ones that’d look just like a small raindrop at the end of a leaf.
It’s a shame you two didn’t enjoy yourselves more!
Pickles, like in The Fire Cat? She DOES look a lot like Pickles the fire cat. (One of my favoritest books from when I was a kid!)
I LOVE the kitten picture!!! It gave me a much needed smile.
There is a great bead store in austin called “Sea of Beads”. Enjoy austin. It is a great city!!
Oh Anne, what beautiful pictures of your flight! While it scares me to fly I really do love being up in the air!
Pea vines is absolutely scrumptious! I can’t wait to get started nupps and all. 🙂
This made me miss my hometown of Austin!! I’m an 8th generation Texan, and Austin is where my bones resonate most quietly. The huge clouds, the storms. The knitting. The enthusiasm. Have fun!
I’m really liking that shawl you just finished. I might even have to treat myself to some of the yarn you made it with. Is it a one skein project, by chance?
after a summer baking bread in a hot kitchen, i’m really envying your brother’s outdoor bread oven!
i hope you continue to have a good time with your family–sounds like you’re having fun already.
OMGoodness, you seem to be having a wonderful time and now I’m missing my homestate of Texas. I just started my “firefly” shawlette and now I love the shawl you just finished! There isn’t enough time to get all this done. You are fantastic!
Such a lovely flight & I am always worried about flying in one of these aircrafts. Enjoy you stay with your brother.
Beautiful pictures all! I’m so glad you got out of Ohio before the big storm we had yesterday. Have a great time in Austin – one of my favorite cities!
Pea vines!! LOVE it! Beads, hmmm…? I like beads… If I’d known you hadn’t made the leap yet, I probably would’ve waxed poetic about it the last time I saw you — beads are fun 🙂 But I can’t imagine giving up the nupps; they look just like little peas, and all my students know how much I love fresh peas…
I’m going to have to start looking for yarn for the vintage shirt, since I already know (without seeing it) that I’m going to want to knit it. Is it a fingering weight yarn?
I know you are having a ball at The Knitting Nest – it is truly one of my favorite yarn shops. It makes me wish I lived closer – it’s like my LYS away from home.
I love the picture of Pickles! And please look south and wave to my sister and all my friends in San Antonio for me, okay?
I’m going to be in Austin in the fall for a conference, and I definitely want to get to The Knitting Nest – I’ve heard all sorts of great things about it.
Great pictures Anne! Great story. Love Pickles. Loved the flight pictures. Love Pea Vines. Love the pizza oven. Love Love Love!
Do you need test knitters? I’d love to be one for the pea vines shawlette – have a great time in Austin!
Oh, Junebug! She’s even more beautiful than the knitting, which is saying a lot.
Love the pea vines shawlette! Can’t wait to see it blocked. Will there be a larger size too?
Lovely pictures as always. It’s amazing the room in the back of a light aircraft for knitting! I’ve spent hours doing that. The Pea Vines looks wonderful and I can’t wait to see the finished photos. Have a wonderful break with your family very well deserved after all your hard work in London.
Anne- Looks like a fun household- things will seem quiet when you get home.
I’m afraid of small planes. But did a double-take- did you say beads????
That’s great that you are having such a nice visit with your brother and his family! And the pea vines shawl is wonderful!!! I’m definitely going to want to knit that.
Thank you so much for joining us Thursday night at The Knitting Nest! It was a pleasure to meet you, the lovely and smiling Susan, and your delightful friend Debbie!
Your designs have always been a favorite of mine. Now that I have had an opportunity to touch/feel some of your projects, I shall definitely be paying more attention to the quality of your yarn selections.
Enjoy the rest of your time in Austin!
I hope your visit continues to be relaxing and fun. Can’t wait to hear about Friday’s pizza!
It sounds like a lovely trip. Before I moved to Missouri, I thought it was flat. What you don’t see from the air are the bluffs on both sides of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. West St. Louis County starts with the hills that go all the way down to the Ozarks. I also didn’t think Missouri would be as green as it is. Unfortunately, the heat index may be close to 112 degrees today – makes me wish for my former home in the Finger Lakes area of New York.
I would love it if you would add beads to some projects.
An outdoor oven and a double-wide fridge – sounds like a cook’s dream!
Love Junie and Pickles – adorable!
The Pea Vines looks great even unblocked. I’d definitely give that a try with beads. Of course we’ll expect Les Abeilles to be done before your return – ha!
Hope Knitting Nest visit was fun.
Your brother and sil make me feel like a slouch – I only have 4 kids and our days seem just as hectic! There’s a secret to this I’m sure!
Enjoy your time with your family!
Have a wonderful time with your family! Pea Vines is gorgeous – I’m already thinking about yarn/bead possibilities.
I think Pickles wants you to knit her something.
Wonderful photos! Thank you for sharing them. Do you sell the pattern for the pea vines shawlette on your website? I can’t seem to find it. Maybe this is something of yours in the works? Enjoy your family time!
I love the whole post! But I especially loved Pickles.
Love the pea vines shawlette! I can see it as a stole too as well as a hat…
Beads in lace are always a good idea. Always.
If you don’t believe me, just ask Sivia!
Junebug & Pickles. Love it. Fantastic post–glad that your trip is going well and you are enjoying your visit and getting knitting done. It’s so nice that we don’t have to wait until you get home for another post!
What a truly adorable wee kitty!!!!
So glad you had happy travels 🙂
I wish I were closer to Austin! About 4 and 1/2 hrs away. I just about fell over when I pulled up Christina’s post. 🙂
Hope you have a great visit!
So nice to spend time with family, especially if you haven’t seen them in a while. The animals just look like loves!
I can’t wait to see the shawl blocked out. It looks so gorgeous unblocked, I can’t imagine what it’ll be like blocked!
Your family time is making me miss my family..although I have a great hubby, a large dog and 5 cats…
The Pea Vine shawl is on my list of things to do..I can hardly wait..the yarn is waiting and ready.
Have a wonderful visit.
the colorway is perfect for the pea vine.
i love that pizza oven. we will have to convince david that you need one!
junie looks like a sweetie.
I’ll admit to a momentary stab of envy when I saw the photo of the humongous refrigerator! I grew up in a large family and still grocery shop as if I were going to feed the multitudes. my standard apartment-sized refrigerator is woefully inadequate. 🙁
I miss Austin, where I lived until quite recently, and still visit yearly–Hill Country Weavers, Central Market, and great food everywhere. I have a pea vine story–and will have to have that pattern!!!
Oooh, an outside fireplace with built-in bread oven. How COOL is that???? Yummy, warm bready goodness, nom nom nom.
Wow! I love that outdoor oven and the king-sized refrigerator! The knitting is very beautiful, as always.
What a trip. “Seven children. What do you think about that?” – Maria from Sound of Music. ha ha ha. Do they sing?
You’re crackin’ on that knittin’. I’m working on my Luciole and loving every minute of it.
Enjoy your trip.
Let me first say that that is the most awesome fridge I have ever seen!! We really could have used one when I was growing up in a family of 8…
That outdoor fireplace and bread oven is also superb. I could use one of those now. Although it is a bit hot out for bread baking these days.
Lovely sunrise photos, btw. I’m very jealous…
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