After many months (perhaps it's been over a year?) of dreaming about making a particular purchase, I got a coupon in my email for free shipping. And it was already on sale for 40% off... so I acted on it before I could talk myself out of it.
There's a swift on the way. YAY!!!
Girls - I have a feeling it will make MS&W weekend a lot more fun because we'll spend less time dealing with knots. :)
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Best. LYS Finder. Ever.
I found a new site the other day (new to me, anyway) and I am in deep smit with it. Like Ravelry, it feeds my love for all things organized. It's called KnitMap and it's a yarn store finder - but so much more than your average yarn store finder. You can rate and write reviews, upload photos, save favorites to your account and best of all - the site shows you on GoogleMaps where the store is!
I can't tell you how much time this is going to save me. In the past, before I'd leave to travel for work, I'd check a couple of yarn store directories, like SweaterBabe and Daily Knitter. I'd look through list and then go to the web sites of the stores to see if they looked interesting. Then, for the stores I wanted to visit, I'd enter the addresses in GoogleMap to see how far they were from my hotel. This actually took quite a bit of time to do and I would have to base my selection on which stores to visit on how I felt about the store's web site.
Now, thanks to KnitMap, I just type in a city and it shows me all the posted stores for that city, plus reviews, store hours, and a link to the store's website - all in one place. Just one click and I'm at GoogleMaps to type in my hotel and see if I'll be walking or taking a cab to the store. It's AWESOME!
In order to contribute to the site that has given me so much already, I've started uploading photos and writing reviews from my previous trips. I do hope they are of interest and/or use to other fiber fiends looking for a good LYS. That's why I posted them here on the blog. They should be of more help over at KnitMap. There is also a link to KnitMap on the side bar under "Other LYS I've Visited".
Check it out and add some feedback to any LYS you've visited.
I can't tell you how much time this is going to save me. In the past, before I'd leave to travel for work, I'd check a couple of yarn store directories, like SweaterBabe and Daily Knitter. I'd look through list and then go to the web sites of the stores to see if they looked interesting. Then, for the stores I wanted to visit, I'd enter the addresses in GoogleMap to see how far they were from my hotel. This actually took quite a bit of time to do and I would have to base my selection on which stores to visit on how I felt about the store's web site.
Now, thanks to KnitMap, I just type in a city and it shows me all the posted stores for that city, plus reviews, store hours, and a link to the store's website - all in one place. Just one click and I'm at GoogleMaps to type in my hotel and see if I'll be walking or taking a cab to the store. It's AWESOME!
In order to contribute to the site that has given me so much already, I've started uploading photos and writing reviews from my previous trips. I do hope they are of interest and/or use to other fiber fiends looking for a good LYS. That's why I posted them here on the blog. They should be of more help over at KnitMap. There is also a link to KnitMap on the side bar under "Other LYS I've Visited".
Check it out and add some feedback to any LYS you've visited.
Tiny Knitting
I haven't seen the movie Coraline, but I have heard all the buzz about the handmade knitted garments in the movie. Why hand-knitted? Because everything in the movie was made by hand - all the sets, all the figurines and all the costumes. A machine knitted item would not be allowed.
Althea Crome is the artist who knitted Coraline's sweater and gloves. To be truly awed by what Althea can do, you have to check out her web site, Bugknits. There is a video of her knitting with the tiniest needles ever. But wait until you check out her photo gallery. AMAZING! The smallest fair isle knits ever! I'm sure she is going to spark a whole new interest in miniature knitting.
Knit1fortheRoad has an excellent interview with Althea and you can learn how she got the job and how it changed her life. I really enjoyed reading her comments about it never being to late to follow your passion. There's hope that I'll break the bonds of my cubicle prison and have my own LYS someday!
Althea Crome is the artist who knitted Coraline's sweater and gloves. To be truly awed by what Althea can do, you have to check out her web site, Bugknits. There is a video of her knitting with the tiniest needles ever. But wait until you check out her photo gallery. AMAZING! The smallest fair isle knits ever! I'm sure she is going to spark a whole new interest in miniature knitting.
Knit1fortheRoad has an excellent interview with Althea and you can learn how she got the job and how it changed her life. I really enjoyed reading her comments about it never being to late to follow your passion. There's hope that I'll break the bonds of my cubicle prison and have my own LYS someday!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Completed Project: Shades of Irish Green Baby Blanket
It was started in Ireland and completed in Maryland.
I used Vanna's Choice yarn and modified the Shaded Blanket pattern. The finished size is about 24" x 28". As always, full details can be found on Ravelry.
This blanket was completed plenty early since it doesn't have to be shipped off to South Carolina until early April. I'm happy to finally have a project done early - and another item crossed off my crafty resolution list.
I used Vanna's Choice yarn and modified the Shaded Blanket pattern. The finished size is about 24" x 28". As always, full details can be found on Ravelry.
This blanket was completed plenty early since it doesn't have to be shipped off to South Carolina until early April. I'm happy to finally have a project done early - and another item crossed off my crafty resolution list.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
San Francisco LYS
As hoped, I did make it to two LYS while in San Francisco last week.
My first stop was Noe Knit located at 3957 24th Street.
Click here for an interior photo.
Super cute shop with lots of yarn, notions and books. I was immediately drawn to some beautiful sock yarn, but I saw that it was from a company in New York. I didn't want to buy New York yarn while in San Francisco, so I continued looking at the rest of the yarn for sale. The shelves were organized by yarn weight which was very helpful and the selection was quite extensive. I found other yarns I liked, but I kept thinking about the sock yarn. I finally asked the sales associate (who was super-friendly) if they carried any San Francisco based or made or dyed yarns. She said they didn't and I was super excited about to hear it. Why??
Because it meant that it was okay for me to buy the New York sock yarn!!!
It's Anne sock yarn by Schaefer Yarn Company. So fabulous! I bought just the one skein but I wanted to show both sides of it. The oranges and greens melt into the slate blue-gray. It so reminded me of a pumpkin patch I had to have it.
With more sock yarn, I guess I really have to sit down and start learning how to knit socks, huh?
Next, I walked the less than one mile to ImagiKnit located at 3897 18th St. (18th and Sanchez).
The entry to the store is under the sign on the right of the photo. I was absolutely awed by what lay inside that door. Two large rooms with shelf upon shelf, from floor to ceiling, of fabulous yarn. From expensive yarns to specialty yarns to yarns I'd never seen before. It was a bit overwhelming but oh, so fun. Click here for some interior views.
I must've been in the store for a good 45 minutes, all told. The store was quiet for a Thursday afternoon so I wasn't competing with other yarniacs. The store staff was quite friendly, too. I found so many yarns I wanted and, as usual, they were all quite expensive. I finally decided on just two skeins - not for lack of selection, but for the sake of my wallet.
I got a skein of Crystal Palace Panda Silk yarn in these gorgeous fern tones. I thought it might be perfect for knitting some booties to go along with the Shades of Irish Green baby blanket. I also bought some bamboo knitting needles size 6 (also in this picture) which allowed me to do a quick swatch of the yarn. I :heart: it!
This was my other purchase that I just had to buy...it's hot pink yak yarn!
Okay - technically, it's 75% yak and 25% bamboo and the colorway is called Strawberry. But it's hot pink yak yarn to me!
The company that makes it is Shokay and the fibers are hand-combed from the yaks by Tibetan herders. In addition to being a beautiful color and suprisingly soft, it's socially responsible yarn! As per the company website,
"By introducing luxury yak down to the global market, we hope to create a market for yak fiber, thus increasing the value of the raw fiber to provide herders with long-term employment and a greater sustainable income."
I have absolutely no idea what I'll make with it...though this little stuffed yak seems appropriate.
While ImagiKnit had more yarn selection, I still loved Noe Knit and it's zen atmosphere. I'd highly recommend that if you're in San Francisco to check out both of them. And if you can get your hands on some Shokay yak yarn, I'd highly recommend that, too!
My first stop was Noe Knit located at 3957 24th Street.
Click here for an interior photo.
Super cute shop with lots of yarn, notions and books. I was immediately drawn to some beautiful sock yarn, but I saw that it was from a company in New York. I didn't want to buy New York yarn while in San Francisco, so I continued looking at the rest of the yarn for sale. The shelves were organized by yarn weight which was very helpful and the selection was quite extensive. I found other yarns I liked, but I kept thinking about the sock yarn. I finally asked the sales associate (who was super-friendly) if they carried any San Francisco based or made or dyed yarns. She said they didn't and I was super excited about to hear it. Why??
Because it meant that it was okay for me to buy the New York sock yarn!!!
It's Anne sock yarn by Schaefer Yarn Company. So fabulous! I bought just the one skein but I wanted to show both sides of it. The oranges and greens melt into the slate blue-gray. It so reminded me of a pumpkin patch I had to have it.
With more sock yarn, I guess I really have to sit down and start learning how to knit socks, huh?
Next, I walked the less than one mile to ImagiKnit located at 3897 18th St. (18th and Sanchez).
The entry to the store is under the sign on the right of the photo. I was absolutely awed by what lay inside that door. Two large rooms with shelf upon shelf, from floor to ceiling, of fabulous yarn. From expensive yarns to specialty yarns to yarns I'd never seen before. It was a bit overwhelming but oh, so fun. Click here for some interior views.
I must've been in the store for a good 45 minutes, all told. The store was quiet for a Thursday afternoon so I wasn't competing with other yarniacs. The store staff was quite friendly, too. I found so many yarns I wanted and, as usual, they were all quite expensive. I finally decided on just two skeins - not for lack of selection, but for the sake of my wallet.
I got a skein of Crystal Palace Panda Silk yarn in these gorgeous fern tones. I thought it might be perfect for knitting some booties to go along with the Shades of Irish Green baby blanket. I also bought some bamboo knitting needles size 6 (also in this picture) which allowed me to do a quick swatch of the yarn. I :heart: it!
This was my other purchase that I just had to buy...it's hot pink yak yarn!
Okay - technically, it's 75% yak and 25% bamboo and the colorway is called Strawberry. But it's hot pink yak yarn to me!
The company that makes it is Shokay and the fibers are hand-combed from the yaks by Tibetan herders. In addition to being a beautiful color and suprisingly soft, it's socially responsible yarn! As per the company website,
"By introducing luxury yak down to the global market, we hope to create a market for yak fiber, thus increasing the value of the raw fiber to provide herders with long-term employment and a greater sustainable income."
I have absolutely no idea what I'll make with it...though this little stuffed yak seems appropriate.
While ImagiKnit had more yarn selection, I still loved Noe Knit and it's zen atmosphere. I'd highly recommend that if you're in San Francisco to check out both of them. And if you can get your hands on some Shokay yak yarn, I'd highly recommend that, too!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Call of the Open Road
Tomorrow I'm off to Cal-i-forn-i-a for some sun, fun and relaxation!
Just kidding. I'm heading there for work. San Francisco to be exact (sorry I can't visit you, Mistress). While the trip out there will be long and the meeting I have to attend will be less than exciting (it's still work), I do have two local yarn shops near my hotel to keep the trip fun.
And by near, I mean a short cab ride away. Unless I somehow figure out how to use the buses but I doubt that will happen.
Here's where I'm hoping to go:
Noe Knit
www.noeknit.com
and
ImagiKnit
www.imagiknit.com
While I definitely don't need any more yarn, I've been told numerous times that souvenir yarn does not count.
I should have some reviews for you this weekend after I return home (most likely with a few purchases).
Just kidding. I'm heading there for work. San Francisco to be exact (sorry I can't visit you, Mistress). While the trip out there will be long and the meeting I have to attend will be less than exciting (it's still work), I do have two local yarn shops near my hotel to keep the trip fun.
And by near, I mean a short cab ride away. Unless I somehow figure out how to use the buses but I doubt that will happen.
Here's where I'm hoping to go:
Noe Knit
www.noeknit.com
and
ImagiKnit
www.imagiknit.com
While I definitely don't need any more yarn, I've been told numerous times that souvenir yarn does not count.
I should have some reviews for you this weekend after I return home (most likely with a few purchases).
Monday, February 16, 2009
Feeling Crafty
I've got the crafty bug gnawing at me. It's like an infestation in my brain - all these projects swirling around, some to be completed, some to be started, and some to be planned out. Not all these projects are crocheting or knitting related either.
On Saturday, I headed over to Joann's to take advantage of their class open house where classes are 50% off if you signed up between 1-3 pm. Mark this one off my crafty resolution list - I signed up to take course 2 of Wilton Cake Decorating. I was going to sign up for 2 courses but I thought that might be a bit much as they would be the same 4 Saturdays - one at 9:30 am and one at 1:00 pm. That's just a bit too much cake and frosting preparation for me.
While I was at Joann's, I finally bought the fabric I've been thinking about for months. I had picked up a swatch of it back in the fall, hoping to use it to make curtains for the craft room. But as I have never made curtains before (besides the fabric I "sewed" together using safety pins to make curtains in college), I needed to figure out how much material I would need and what all would be involved. I did the measuring and understood only most of the terms used in the online instructions/tips. I decided to just wing it and get 6 yards of material. Here's what it looks like...
Can you see why I fell in love with it? I'm a sucker for paisley and with these beautiful shades of green and blue and a hint of silver sparkles, I just had to have it. You can click on it to see a larger version.
One thing that I did not notice in the store was the pattern on the back of the material. It's got these flowers and vines in white and sometimes the flowers show up as ghost images on the paisley side. (Click on photos to enlarge - there are a few to see as I don't know which will show up best on your monitor.)
Here's where you can see the ghost images on the paisley side.
I was hoping to make the curtains this weekend, but here it is, almost noon on Monday, and I haven't started them. I'm actually quite close to finishing the Shades of Irish Green baby blanket and that may be the main project for today.
As you can imagine, even with the great sale on the fabric (50% off) and the class, it was a bit of a spending spree at Joann's. I also had to buy a curtain rod (50% off) and cake decorating materials for class (40% off with coupon). I do try to save money when I can.
Case in point - I needed another chair for the craft room so that Sean could also enjoy the room (he reads while I knit/crochet). We found one we liked at Home Decorators but it was $249. Not really a budget item and we couldn't try it out first in a store. So a couple weekends ago, we decided to check out the furniture liquidators place along Route 1. From the road, it looked like there was potential. When we got there, there was a ton of decent stuff and a ton of crap. They buy out furniture from 4- and 5-star hotels who are renovating. There were chairs and ottomans, desks and office chairs, bureaus and big gold mirrors, and shelves of coffee makers. Like I said, a lot of it was crap. Chipped, falling apart or just plain ugly. But a lot of the chairs had a lot of potential. We found this delightful armchair for the craft room for just $30. Yep - $30.
Another bargain item I bought a couple months ago was this cute little ArtBin. I got it for $7.99 from Joann's. It's the perfect size to store my current project plus it has a needle caddy and zippered pouches.
With the curtains and new chair, the next big items for the craft room will be a new cabinet (in which to store all my craft materials) and perhaps a rug. I also need to paint. But these additions and changes are slated for the late summer, early fall. I've got to start saving money for MS&W which is only 2 1/2 months away!
On Saturday, I headed over to Joann's to take advantage of their class open house where classes are 50% off if you signed up between 1-3 pm. Mark this one off my crafty resolution list - I signed up to take course 2 of Wilton Cake Decorating. I was going to sign up for 2 courses but I thought that might be a bit much as they would be the same 4 Saturdays - one at 9:30 am and one at 1:00 pm. That's just a bit too much cake and frosting preparation for me.
While I was at Joann's, I finally bought the fabric I've been thinking about for months. I had picked up a swatch of it back in the fall, hoping to use it to make curtains for the craft room. But as I have never made curtains before (besides the fabric I "sewed" together using safety pins to make curtains in college), I needed to figure out how much material I would need and what all would be involved. I did the measuring and understood only most of the terms used in the online instructions/tips. I decided to just wing it and get 6 yards of material. Here's what it looks like...
Can you see why I fell in love with it? I'm a sucker for paisley and with these beautiful shades of green and blue and a hint of silver sparkles, I just had to have it. You can click on it to see a larger version.
One thing that I did not notice in the store was the pattern on the back of the material. It's got these flowers and vines in white and sometimes the flowers show up as ghost images on the paisley side. (Click on photos to enlarge - there are a few to see as I don't know which will show up best on your monitor.)
Here's where you can see the ghost images on the paisley side.
I was hoping to make the curtains this weekend, but here it is, almost noon on Monday, and I haven't started them. I'm actually quite close to finishing the Shades of Irish Green baby blanket and that may be the main project for today.
As you can imagine, even with the great sale on the fabric (50% off) and the class, it was a bit of a spending spree at Joann's. I also had to buy a curtain rod (50% off) and cake decorating materials for class (40% off with coupon). I do try to save money when I can.
Case in point - I needed another chair for the craft room so that Sean could also enjoy the room (he reads while I knit/crochet). We found one we liked at Home Decorators but it was $249. Not really a budget item and we couldn't try it out first in a store. So a couple weekends ago, we decided to check out the furniture liquidators place along Route 1. From the road, it looked like there was potential. When we got there, there was a ton of decent stuff and a ton of crap. They buy out furniture from 4- and 5-star hotels who are renovating. There were chairs and ottomans, desks and office chairs, bureaus and big gold mirrors, and shelves of coffee makers. Like I said, a lot of it was crap. Chipped, falling apart or just plain ugly. But a lot of the chairs had a lot of potential. We found this delightful armchair for the craft room for just $30. Yep - $30.
Another bargain item I bought a couple months ago was this cute little ArtBin. I got it for $7.99 from Joann's. It's the perfect size to store my current project plus it has a needle caddy and zippered pouches.
With the curtains and new chair, the next big items for the craft room will be a new cabinet (in which to store all my craft materials) and perhaps a rug. I also need to paint. But these additions and changes are slated for the late summer, early fall. I've got to start saving money for MS&W which is only 2 1/2 months away!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
New Project: Shades of Irish Green Baby Blanket
Here's the blanket I started in Ireland. It's for either Decklin or Saoirse who is due to make his or her appearance in May.
Not your average colors for a baby blanket, I know. But Mom and Dad, who love their Irish roots (as you can tell with the baby names), have requested a green blanket. Hence, I'm calling this project Shades of Irish Green. I'm using Vanna's Choice yarn in Olive, Fern, Kelly Green and Linen and the shaded blanket pattern (just like the baby ripple I made). I'm just using a different number of rows per color. More details on Ravelry.
Not your average colors for a baby blanket, I know. But Mom and Dad, who love their Irish roots (as you can tell with the baby names), have requested a green blanket. Hence, I'm calling this project Shades of Irish Green. I'm using Vanna's Choice yarn in Olive, Fern, Kelly Green and Linen and the shaded blanket pattern (just like the baby ripple I made). I'm just using a different number of rows per color. More details on Ravelry.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Completed Project: Knitted Baby Blanket
It took a long time to complete, but I finally did it!
Ta-da! My first knitted baby blanket!
Considering I frogged a bunch earlier in January, it's shocking I finished it on January 30th.
I ended up using 3 skeins of Homespun. The finished size was 31 1/2" by 37" - not exactly square but it worked out fine. More details are available on Ravelry.
I mailed this off to Edward last week and it should be keeping him warm as I write this....that is, if the postal service didn't lose it.
Ta-da! My first knitted baby blanket!
Considering I frogged a bunch earlier in January, it's shocking I finished it on January 30th.
I ended up using 3 skeins of Homespun. The finished size was 31 1/2" by 37" - not exactly square but it worked out fine. More details are available on Ravelry.
I mailed this off to Edward last week and it should be keeping him warm as I write this....that is, if the postal service didn't lose it.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Tales of Ireland - Part 3
After a lovely time in Blarney, we left for Waterford around 1:00 pm. No photos to share of the drive there because there was no scenery to speak of. The fog from the rain made the trip less than scenic, which was a shame as the drive involved many roads right near the coast. Oh well.
We made it in time for the last tour of the day at the Waterford Crystal Factory.
Sean and I had received a set of toasting glasses as part of our wedding reception package and his Mom gave us a set of signed candlestick holders as a wedding gift. But to be totally honest - I didn't really "get" the whole crystal thing. Yeah, it's pretty but why is it so expensive? After the tour at the factory, I now have an entirely new appreciation for Waterford crystal.
We had an excellent tour guide named Thomas. We were taken through the actually factory where artisans were hard at work creating pieces. First, molds are made in either cast iron or wood. Then the items are blown BY HAND into the molds. Here's a photo of one of the blown pieces.
See the heat of the crystal? Amazing! After the crystal is cooled, it is scored to cut off the top (where the crystal met the end of the pipe). Then it is sent off to be carved - BY HAND.
Yep - there's just this spinning saw and this guy cutting the patterns. No computers to measure the depth of the cuts - all by hand and most of it by memory (sometimes guidelines are drawn).
But then there were these guys. I was absolutely astounded at what they did. They work on adding handles to Lismore pitchers. Unlike other items, the handles for this pitcher are added after the carving is done. This, like the rest of the pitcher is done by hand. But this was amazing to watch....
The guy on the left drips the hot crystal onto the pitcher and the other guy uses a tool to make ti the perfect shape. Consistent time and time again. AMAZING!
And how these guys are paid is by how many pieces make it through quality control. If the piece is cut wrong or the shape is off or it doesn't meet specification, no money. That is the ultimate motivator for good product. It takes years to learn the trade and become a crystal blower, cutter or handle maker.
Beyond those amazing skills are the staff members who make special carvings for trophies and commissioned pieces. Here's just a sample of some of their work.
Unlike the other employees, they get paid a salary because some of these commissioned pieces can take months to complete.
See why I have a new appreciation for Waterford? Sean and I bought two tumblers in our pattern - at a great price, too - and will even have them signed. I'm worried about some rumors I've heard that Waterford may close since people don't tend to by crystal during a recession. That and the formal china, silver and crystal doesn't grace the wedding registries of many modern couples who choose more affordable items instead. It would be such a shame for Waterford to close. They are true artisans and to lose their skill would be tragic.
That evening, we stayed in Kilkenny, arriving too late to really see much of the town we did find a way to check out a few pubs. The next day we hit the road again, this time for Newgrange.
More amazing craftsmanship - and this tomb was created before the pyramids in Gaza and the inner tomb has been watertight since then...without any kind of mortar! Just rocks laid on rocks laid on rocks.
Mother Nature was also feeling crafty - she created this gorgeous rainbow as we emerged from the tour of the tomb.
We then drove to Dublin to spend two wonderful nights at the Shelbourne. It is quite possibly the best hotel I have ever stayed in.
While in Dublin, I didn't find much in the way of yarn shops (none, in fact) but I did find a bit of craftiness in the last spot I would have thought to look for it.
We went to Kilmainham Gaol (pronounced 'jail'). The following is taken from Wikipedia on the subject: First built in 1796, it played an important part in Irish history, as many leaders of Irish rebellions were imprisoned and some executed in the jail. The leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held and executed there. There was no segregation of prisoners; men, women and children were incarcerated up to 5 in each cell. The jail was more for political and social crimes than basic thefts (though those criminals were also housed there).
The entire jail closed in 1924 but was reopened as a museum in the mid 1980's. Here's a photo from the last addition to the jail. This particular part of the jail has been featured in movies such as "Michael Collins" and "In the Name of the Father".
In addition to the tour, Sean and I walked around the museum exhibits. There were artifacts of all kinds - letters sent and journals kept by prisoners, posters about the Easter uprising, photos and drawings from the different time periods ... then this caught my eye. Yes - a crocheted blouse made by a 17-year-old prisoner! Quite a cute pattern, I think.
We spent the evening in Dublin on a literary pub crawl which was excellent. But before we knew it, it was time to pack up the suitcases and get ready to head home. It was then when I realized I hadn't done a stitch of the blanket I wanted to work on while in Ireland. I quickly pulled out the skein of green and the size J crochet hook and made 10 chain stitches. Started in Ireland - it counts. (More on that project in another post.)
It was a wonderful trip to Ireland - for crafty and non-crafty reasons alike. Sean had such a good time that he's already planning a return trip, if possible this year. (He's quite the optimist.) I hope all have enjoyed these three posts about the trip...maybe there will be some more later this year after trip number 2! :)
We made it in time for the last tour of the day at the Waterford Crystal Factory.
Sean and I had received a set of toasting glasses as part of our wedding reception package and his Mom gave us a set of signed candlestick holders as a wedding gift. But to be totally honest - I didn't really "get" the whole crystal thing. Yeah, it's pretty but why is it so expensive? After the tour at the factory, I now have an entirely new appreciation for Waterford crystal.
We had an excellent tour guide named Thomas. We were taken through the actually factory where artisans were hard at work creating pieces. First, molds are made in either cast iron or wood. Then the items are blown BY HAND into the molds. Here's a photo of one of the blown pieces.
See the heat of the crystal? Amazing! After the crystal is cooled, it is scored to cut off the top (where the crystal met the end of the pipe). Then it is sent off to be carved - BY HAND.
Yep - there's just this spinning saw and this guy cutting the patterns. No computers to measure the depth of the cuts - all by hand and most of it by memory (sometimes guidelines are drawn).
But then there were these guys. I was absolutely astounded at what they did. They work on adding handles to Lismore pitchers. Unlike other items, the handles for this pitcher are added after the carving is done. This, like the rest of the pitcher is done by hand. But this was amazing to watch....
The guy on the left drips the hot crystal onto the pitcher and the other guy uses a tool to make ti the perfect shape. Consistent time and time again. AMAZING!
And how these guys are paid is by how many pieces make it through quality control. If the piece is cut wrong or the shape is off or it doesn't meet specification, no money. That is the ultimate motivator for good product. It takes years to learn the trade and become a crystal blower, cutter or handle maker.
Beyond those amazing skills are the staff members who make special carvings for trophies and commissioned pieces. Here's just a sample of some of their work.
Unlike the other employees, they get paid a salary because some of these commissioned pieces can take months to complete.
See why I have a new appreciation for Waterford? Sean and I bought two tumblers in our pattern - at a great price, too - and will even have them signed. I'm worried about some rumors I've heard that Waterford may close since people don't tend to by crystal during a recession. That and the formal china, silver and crystal doesn't grace the wedding registries of many modern couples who choose more affordable items instead. It would be such a shame for Waterford to close. They are true artisans and to lose their skill would be tragic.
That evening, we stayed in Kilkenny, arriving too late to really see much of the town we did find a way to check out a few pubs. The next day we hit the road again, this time for Newgrange.
More amazing craftsmanship - and this tomb was created before the pyramids in Gaza and the inner tomb has been watertight since then...without any kind of mortar! Just rocks laid on rocks laid on rocks.
Mother Nature was also feeling crafty - she created this gorgeous rainbow as we emerged from the tour of the tomb.
We then drove to Dublin to spend two wonderful nights at the Shelbourne. It is quite possibly the best hotel I have ever stayed in.
While in Dublin, I didn't find much in the way of yarn shops (none, in fact) but I did find a bit of craftiness in the last spot I would have thought to look for it.
We went to Kilmainham Gaol (pronounced 'jail'). The following is taken from Wikipedia on the subject: First built in 1796, it played an important part in Irish history, as many leaders of Irish rebellions were imprisoned and some executed in the jail. The leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held and executed there. There was no segregation of prisoners; men, women and children were incarcerated up to 5 in each cell. The jail was more for political and social crimes than basic thefts (though those criminals were also housed there).
The entire jail closed in 1924 but was reopened as a museum in the mid 1980's. Here's a photo from the last addition to the jail. This particular part of the jail has been featured in movies such as "Michael Collins" and "In the Name of the Father".
In addition to the tour, Sean and I walked around the museum exhibits. There were artifacts of all kinds - letters sent and journals kept by prisoners, posters about the Easter uprising, photos and drawings from the different time periods ... then this caught my eye. Yes - a crocheted blouse made by a 17-year-old prisoner! Quite a cute pattern, I think.
We spent the evening in Dublin on a literary pub crawl which was excellent. But before we knew it, it was time to pack up the suitcases and get ready to head home. It was then when I realized I hadn't done a stitch of the blanket I wanted to work on while in Ireland. I quickly pulled out the skein of green and the size J crochet hook and made 10 chain stitches. Started in Ireland - it counts. (More on that project in another post.)
It was a wonderful trip to Ireland - for crafty and non-crafty reasons alike. Sean had such a good time that he's already planning a return trip, if possible this year. (He's quite the optimist.) I hope all have enjoyed these three posts about the trip...maybe there will be some more later this year after trip number 2! :)
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