The Bedroom by Van Gogh

The Bedroom by Van Gogh
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

I got to see one of my favorite paintings of all time on Monday at the Art Institute of Chicago. Van Gogh's "The Bedroom" has always made my heart flutter. The composition of the simple bedroom, painted with such colors emotes a variety of emotions from me. I would almost bet that the actual colors of the room were not this vibrant or layered. The paint is put in the canvas with a purpose and define the shapes just enough to leave room for the viewer to "fill in" whatever is missing.
I think the painting is beautiful and I got to see it in person

Expedition detail

Expedition detail
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

After visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, I took the short walk to The Loopy Yarn for their Men's Knitting night. I had a good time and got to meet Todd. Todd is an up and coming designer for men's knitted garments. He's modeling hi last design called Expedition. It is a nicely designed sweater and looks great on him, don't you think? I took this detail so you could see the detail of the front (and the cabling.)

You've heard the problem about sweater models being too cute as they distract from the sweater, haven't you? I admit there are times that I've had to put my thumb over the face of a model so I could concentrate on the sweater. ;) Todd has a great smile makes the sweater look even nicer. I have posted a photo without the smile so you can see the sweater.

I'm hopeful that he'll let me test knit a future pattern. {{hint, hint}}

FO!

I've been working on some knitted gifts for the great ladies that work at the coffee cart where I work. My barista knitted items have been pure pleasure to knit.

The second item is the Topi hat from the Spring 2006 Knitty. It was a quick knit and only needed to be frogged once when I realized the size was gigantic and too large. My modifications include using two yarns and striping the hat. If I were to do it again, I would change to two rounds in each color rather than the one. I wasn't able to single stripe the brim to keep the same striping pattern.




My Ravelry details are here.

I like this hat a lot more than I thought I would. I like it so much that I cast-on a version for me using Cascade 220.
I don't have a completed picture of the Barista Colonnade Shawl but I'll remind you of the progress with this picture.

It is the Colonnade by Stephen West from the fall 2009 knitty.

1st & 2nd Mates

You may have watched this vlog about my theater experience with a wonderful crew for How I Became A Pirate. I wanted to share a few more pictures & videos of K & M. I hope you enjoy.
M & K thought it would be fun to make t-shirts for any member of the production crew that wanted a Tartuga t-shirt. Of course, everyone needed a name to go on the back. This is a picture of the back of their shirts. I think they did a great job! The back of my shirt said "kid knittingbrow."

I really like this picture of these two amazing crew members. They had a great time and it shows on their faces. I believe they still like each other after the experience, too. Always an added bonus, I think.



They spent much of the show moving the dinghy.


and they wanted a picture of them holding it.


And what does the crew do during the performances? Check these out.

or this one


Theater should be fun. And this experience was fun.

HIBAP Production Crew

I had the BEST production crew for How I Became A Pirate. Moving bookflats, holding curtains and making a mast crack isn't always a fun evening. These people were great to work with and fun. Thank you Al, Sam, Ryan, Lance, Emilee, Melissa & Kailey. We moved sets and props for 21 performances over three weekends. This does not include tech & dress rehearsal weeks which adds another 5 full runs of the show. My hats are off to the crew. I look forward to working with you again.




The review from the Columbus Dispatch.

KoolHaas "wHip" hat side

KoolHaas "wHip" hat side
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

knit using Aracunia Nature Wool from the Interweave Knits, Holiday Gifts 2007. I completed 7 pattern repeats and it is a bit large. I wear it turned up in the back so it is more of a skull cap. I can turn it down and the hat will cover my ears comfortably.

The stitch definition with this yarn is lovely. I really like how the hat top is worked.

daffodils

daffodils
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

This painting hangs at my mom's house and was part of my senior thesis exhibit my senior year of college. I did a series of flower paintings as part of my exhibit. This oil painting was completed in 1988.

My First Sweater (5 yrs later)

My First Sweater (5 yrs later)
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

It was a beautiful day in Columbus today. Perfect weather for this sweater. I took a class to learn how to knit a Lopi sweater the fall I learned to knit. I remember struggling over the color of yarn and size of the sweater. The class was a good class and I learned a lot through the process.

I didn't finish the sweater during the class and it hybernated a few months. I remember when I finished the sweater. It was a Friday night knitting at Wolfe Fiber Arts and a lot of knitters were there knitting. I had to run in the ends. I still dislike running in the ends. I got all done with the sweater that evening and got a round of applause when I pit the sweater on for the first time.

I think every knitter should get a round of applause when they finish a project. I feel really happy that I still enjoy this sweater.

The "Jerrius"

The "Jerrius"
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

Darla knit her version of the Karius scarf following the alterations that I used for Angie's scarf. Darla's version uses a Patons wool in moss heather. She did a garter ridge every 8 rows and her increases were every 4 rows.

Yummy Birthday Present

Yummy Birthday Present
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

My friend Peggy Lilac asked wha I wanted for my birthday. I don't need any more "things" and Peggy is a great cook. She suggested cooking some food that I could take to work for lunch. Such a great idea for me! Today's food is split pea and rice soup. It is quite tasty. The seasoning is really good and has a hint of mustard. I like split pea soup and make it a lot for myself. Peggy's is perfect for my Thursday lunch.

Behind me is the quilt that N-cubed made for my birthday several years back. I love the quilt and it hangs in my office to remind me of how amazingly colorful life should be everyday.

I've been feeling "old" over the last few days and it is good to have some good reminders of the "happy" aspects of birthdays. The feeling "old" shows up by getting irritated by slow drivers, how young some people look and that I still have so much left on my life to-do list. I'm working on keeping everything in perspective and to stop "talking about" things and to start doing things.

What was your best birthday gift?

Birthday Card from M's 2009

Birthday Card from M's 2009
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

This lovely card was given to me by the M's. It is a Muse of Knitting card. It is a very appropriate card because she taught me to knit. She and her friend Sarah came down to visit me and see the Chihuly exhibits at the Franklin Park Conservatory and the Columbus Art Museum. we had a greattime and enjoyed lunch at Old Bag O' Nails.

My niece and me at a wedding

My niece and me at a wedding
Originally uploaded by knittingbrow

This past weekend was a family wedding. Some many of my nieces and nephews are growing up. I'm starting to feel old.

This is C. Doesn't she have a great smile?