More more thumb, then done...I mean finished.

I'm making some fingerless gloves for a friend in California.  These will be just the ticket for taking the chill off a morning walk or drive during the winter months.

They are made out of Baby Alpaca, one of my favorite fibers!  This is a new pattern for me too; I've not previously made the fancy fold-over hems at the wrists and fingers, but I really like the way it looks.

I have to say that I had a rough start.  The pattern called for size 5 needles, and the opening of the mitts were huge!  I was already past the cuff pattern...and ripped it all out.  Ouch!  So, then I started again with the same number of stitches, but used a size 4 needle.   I got to the same spot. The sizing was much better, but it looked as though the mitts were going to still be a bit big.  They would have probably been OK for someone like me with large hands, but for my friend, this was not going to work.  After a discussion with my knitting buddies, I decided it was worth a try to change to size 3 needles and continue knitting.  I cast on the second mitt right away so I could make sure I changed needle size at the same point.  Now the mitts look just like the picture on the pattern, and they fit perfectly.  So, I will need to write down a few "notes to self" on this pattern. 

Music in the mountains

Oh my, it's been busy around here...and I haven't found the time in front of the computer.  Anyway, I'm going to finish the story of Guitar Town.

I'll make mention of some of my favorite guitar players.  First up, it's Joe Robinson.  A few years ago he won the "Australia's Got Talent" competition; he's truely gifted!  I first saw him when he was just 17 years old; now he's around 20.  He's grown up and filled out, and he's trying to make his way into the guitar greats with his own style. I hope he makes it big.

John Jorgenson is another; he's a 2-time Grammy winner and a legend in the guitar world.  Over the weekend, I heard him play in three different bands he's put together: acoustic quartet, blue grass, and electric.  He can play anything!! I bought his latest blue grass CD; it's fantastic!!

Laurence Juber is another GREAT talent. (In the picture above, he's the one on the left.) He played with the Beatles for years. I HAD to buy his latest CD and get it signed by him. It's just him playing the guitar; it's lovely - tunes you're familiar with; and his skill is amazing. You can check all these guys out on iTunes or probably YouTube as well.

And finally, Tommy Emmanuel.  He is THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE GUITAR PLAYER I'VE EVER SEEN AND HEARD.  What he does, seems like it would be impossible to do.  And yet, he does it effortlessly and is a great showman.  Every part of his being "lives" the music. 

If you ever get the chance to see any of these guys, do it; you won't be disappointed.  They are some of the best in the world.  They will astound you.

A Colorado Mountain High

I traveled with my family in Colorado to an annual event at Copper Mountain Resort: Guitar Town.  This is my second time to attend...and it's unbelievably awesome.  The event draws top guitarists from the US, Australia, and Canada. It's two days of free entertainment from an outstanding list of performers.  It's a constant stream of music from noon to about 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Each artist does about a 40 minute set.

But first, here's the setting, as seen from the balcony of the rooms we were staying in.  Aw, the smell of fresh air, laced with pine. The elevation is above 9,000 ft. That's not always a welcoming aspect of the experience if you're a musician who lives at sea level. Many of the performers seemed to get winded pretty easily.  But the beauty of the setting for outdoor concerts is magnificent.

And here's what the stage looks like; we got out lawn chairs parked in the grass about 7 rows from the front, so it was pretty good.  More tomorrow...

Knit and Talk

I usually try to have some "knit and talk" projects.  Recently, all I had was "knit and concentrate" projects, so I needed something quick and easy from the stash.  Washcloths to the rescue.  And I knocked out 2 in no time.

Two bucks

No, not the monetary kind... Antelope.  These two young bucks have been casually crossing my property on a regular basis this past week. I took these photos through the window.  They are handsome animals... with interesting coloring. 

So, are ya comin', or what? You don't have to stop at every clump of grass.

Yeah, alright, I'm coming.

A ride out to Pinion Ridge

The weekend opened up another opportunity for a 4-wheeler ride...this time to Pinion Ridge on top of Union Pass. We rode 37 miles, round trip.  Much of it was in beautiful timber.  The higher in altitude we climbed, the more wildflowers we saw; we especially admired the Indian Paintbrush, which was particulary vibrant.

We rode on, until finally the trail climbed a hill, a grassy slope above the timber.  Here is where the view opens up and treats you to quite a great view of Green River Lake and the Wind River Mountains as you look to the east. 

Here we are at the trail's end.  If you look over your shoulder to the west, you can see the Grand Tetons, and to the north, the Pinnacles.  It's a grand view!  A haze was moving in and out of the valley, and the sunlight was changing constantly. It was difficult to capture a good image, but we sure enjoyed the view as we ate a late lunch on top of the mountain.

Driving back down the Union Pass Road, we found a field of purple flowers. Time for a final photo shoot.  The sky was looking pretty dramatic too.

It's finally a FO

I finished knitting the cotton tank top!  I tried it on, and it fit!  Yahoo. Tomorrow I will wash and block it; then, it will be truly finished and ready to wear!