A Summer KAL!

 If you've followed this blog for a while, you may recall

that I'm a big fan of Lara Smoot's knitted designs.

Above is Lara's Ferry Beach pattern 

that I knitted for my very dear friend

 and college room mate, Karen Johnson.

 And here is Lara's Mirrored Step pattern 

which I knitted for myself.   :)

These and the rest of her patterns are available 
on her Etsy shop.  
I have found each one easy to read, as well as to knit. 

No stress, just fun and relaxing. 

Now, just in time for summer knitting,
Lara is kicking off her newest sock pattern,

 ~ Aquasocks ~

 

She's hosting summer-long KAL for any of her sock patterns.

Lara has great prizes lined up, and there's already 
 plenty of excited chatter on Ravelry.  
Be sure to join Lara's Summer of Socks fun here!

A big thanks to Tracy for loaning me this 
stack of her beloved childhood books.
Fairy tales illustrated by Arthur Rackham. Sigh. 

I didn't want to be one of those bloggers who fills the space 

talking about her cat, but....

this moment was priceless. 

Stanley is rocking the wooden stake back and forth. 

The chipmunk remains steadfast.

Help a Fellow Artist

 Doodling?! Sign me up! 

Last week on Rebecca Ringquist's blog 

I learned about artist Lisa Solomon's request 

for help on two of her upcoming installations.

 If you'd like to participate, there's still plenty of time!

Go here for Lisa's project details.

Pictured above are my two doilie doodles for Lisa, 

and on the tablet you can see her doilie used for reference -

you know, because doilie doodles are so meticulous and tidy. 

No! In fact, she strongly encourages evidence of your own hand. 

I think I've covered that base pretty well.

 Lisa's second project involves French knots.

On purple linen, I made three lime green French knots.

Spending a few minutes cruising around her blog 

is refreshing and interesting. I enjoyed seeing her 

previous doilie project. Her book is now on my wish list....

Having a hand in Lisa's current projects, 

alongside numerous other like-minded people, is exciting. 

I can't wait for her installations to go up, 

and I'll post dates here as I learn of them.  

Thank you for the opportunity, Lisa!

The Japanese Tree Peony's blossoms

have come and gone. 

We enjoyed about one week of lush blooms the size of 

dinner plates, and then a few days of steady rainfall 

knocked them to the ground.

Macaroons For the Road

 Spring 2014 Squam Art Workshops 

festivities begin today!

I am not among the merry creatives this year; 

however, my dear friend Vickie is, so I made her

some coconut macaroons for her 8+ hour drive.

 Each year, coconut macaroons are a highly anticipated 

treat in the Rockywold Dining Room. Mine turned out 

moist and flavorful, although a bit sweeter than what I 

remember indulging in at Squam,

but that just means I'll have to try again...darn!

For my first attempt at the macaroons I turned to my cousin 

Abigail Johnson Dodge's cookbook, Desserts 4 Today.

This is a handy book to have around because the recipes are 

current, fast and include only 4 ingredients. Swoon!

Silky puddings, mouth watering cookies and creative ice creams, 

toasted nuts, seasonal fruits and intriguing whipped creams - 

there's definitely something for every occasion, 

or none at all...which is my favorite.

Squam Lake, fellow Campers, and all that is 

Squam Art Workshops,

I miss you already!

Wishing everyone there an amazingly creative,

supportive and happy time. 

Enjoy the macaroons, the woods and each other. 

(Especially you with the Talismouse - you know!)