Favorites from the road

Here's a few of my favorite Cell Phone pics from our road trip. 

We stopped at a little Mexican place in Amarillo, Texas, and they had flavor shots for sodas!  I don't drink soda often, but sometimes a good ol' fashion Vanilla Coke does the trick.

 The sign said this was the Largest Cross in the WORLD!   I don't know if I believe that, but it was pretty big..... and in the middle of NOWHERE!
 This is my official vacation project.  Never mind the fact that I've also finished 2 shrugs and a puppy hat on this leg of our vaca..... this is the official project that will eventually come with us on our cruise.  I'm still new to knitting, so this is super exciting for me. My first top down sweater, and my first go at double pointed needles! Look at that... IT'S A SLEEVE!

My cell phone camera doesn't do this sunset justice, but I still thought the contrast between the dark land and the crisp sky was pretty sweet.  Day 2 of our cross country drive is done... now... on to day 3.

On the Road

It's been too long since I've visited my blog.  I was super excited yesterday, because I thought I figured out how to post a blog from my phone!  As it turns out - it didn't work. wa wahhh - oh well, this is the post I intended to make yesterday : )

  The show is now on a much needed break. We've had this three week lay-off scheduled since the begining of our contract.  Although, the idea unemployment is not

 fantastic.... 3 weeks without tights, pin curls, wigs, fake eyelashes, or heels is MAGICAL!
  We're starting our vaca by driving from Kentucky to

 California.  Yesterday, we drove about 10 hours. I crocheted another little
pre-wedding gifty for my sis...

 and... a Rasta hat for my sis's dog!  She and her fiance asked for one... I think it looks more like a chef hat, but, hopefully once Tanks little beagle head is under it, we'll all be singing songs of freedom.
  Last night, we had dinner at a lovely Waffle House and stayed at a glamourous Motel 6.  In the morning we found a Starbucks in an Oklahoma City Mall.  It was at that Starbucks when I heard my favorite road trip quote so far.

 Elderly Oklahomian: I'll have a... a... grande... a whaddya call it... le-TAH?
 His son: NO! It's a le-TAY! Uh... I mean LA-tay

  Bless the Oklahoma latte men! They made me smile.

YARN STORE KETCHUP, Philly and Atlanta

I've been crazy busy seeing loads of amazing places all over the country. Here's a few of the fiber highlights.

   3 GREAT YARN SHOPS PHILLY.

      ROSIE'S YARN CELLER

          This is the first shop I visited. I walked by it twice without seeing it, which I couldn't believe. It is... like the title says... a cellar.  Nice shop packed with loads of skeins to please all. The staff was helpful, and obviously very passionate about their craft.  I'm sure I would frequent this shop.  It's a little cramped... but great for treasure hunting. I spent quite some time digging through their sale basket.  

      LOOP

            I'm so sad I wasn't able to spend more time in this shop.  It was very clean, bright and spacious.  I literally had 10 minutes tops to run through their shop, so my

 memory of what they have is fuzzy, but I did end up with a great little project bag by Blue Sky Alpacas, and some wonderful roving for felting.   This flower is one of the many flowers I've made from the roving bag I bought at loop. I loved the

 natural rustic color combo.

     NANGELLINI

             Two of the gals in my cast found this shop and recommend it, so I ran down between shows on our last day in town.  I am so glad I did.  It was crazy full of fiber and color.  The owner, Nancy, clearly had a zest for life and a passion for fiber. She excitedly took me up to the sale section of her shop, and then showed me how everything was organized. I don't know if I have ever encountered a more helpful yarn shop owner/employee.  Like I said, this shop was FILLED with color, some things that were a bit too bright for me, but I so appreciated the time and passion that went into the display.  My favorite part was a collection of yarns Nancy had paired and wound and was selling together.  I often mix 2 or more skeins, but I've never thought of having them wound together at a shop.  She sells pairings that she suggests, or will wind combos of your own.  Why have I never seen this at a shop?  Great idea!  I bought two of her combos and made one of my own.  I love them so

 much, I might not ever bring myself to knit or crochet them. I'm sure someday they'll tell me what they want to be. 

ONE GLORIOUS SHOP IN ATLANTA

          KNITCH

               Hands down.... THIS IS THE GREATEST YARN SHOP I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED! Just the building was enough to make me squeal. Exposed brick, rustic wood, and a spiral staircase leading from the first floor to the second floor. As you enter the gate, this lovely creature greats you. Then, a large pot of their own coffee brew welcomes you as you step into the shop.  The first floor was PACKED with all kinds of wool yarns. And, a nice little felting section with unspun fiber. (including lots died by local artists)  The second floor has cotton, acrylic, and a WALL OF WASHER/DRYERS for rent so you can satisfy all of your felting needs. What?  I don't have a washer/dryer in my apartment, and obviously don't have one on the road

. I've tried this whole felting in the bathtub thing and it's a messy pain the butt! A shop like this would be so amazing!    I ended up leaving with some super soft Blue Sky Cotton, and a shirt that makes me so happy.  I wanted to buy another for a friend, but it was the last of it's kind. I found it online at CafePress. I've already been approached by friends who think it's some sort of dietary yoga message.  I know those who really get what I get, will get it too. 

    Visiting these yarn shops around the country has made me so happy. It is so inspiring to see so many places around the country that are thriving and bringing wooly goodness to their community's.   I really hope that some day, I can do the same. 

****One Non-Yarn bit of joy*****   

    I also went to the shop at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design).  I found this ridiculously soft skirt by Vanessa Boulton.

don't be surprised if I wear it every day!

PHANTASTIC PHILLY PHRIENDS AND PHLOWERS

Philly has been a crazy whirlwind week!  I began the week teaching two classes through a great company called Broadway Connection.  I really do miss teaching.  The kids were great! Several of the
 students also came to the show. I gave them a backstage tour and they were so excited.  Luckily my fellow cast mates were good sports.  Dirk Lumbard (who plays Boris) stood there and smiled while they all took close up shots of his face. It was so funny.  Once they had their fill of Dirk they all began begging for the Child Catcher. Luckily, Oliver Wadsworth was still around.  He was a great sport too. The kids were so happy to get autographs, pictures, and to see how the car flies.      I went straight from teaching on Wednesday to a Seder.  It was my second Seder and I have to say... it was absolutely fantastic!  It was lead by Rabbi Jonathan Blake (the husband of our Truly

 Scrumptious, Kelly McCormick). I know so little about the Jewish faith but what I do know, I really love.  Durring the Seder I was reminded of one of my favorite Buddhist quotes - "Believe nothing, no matter who says it, even if I say it, unless it resides within your own heart and your own reason." I love the idea of being able to question religion and the idea of actually getting answers.  There were several people of different faiths at the Seder, and I really believe

 everyone learned something.  Jonathan brought his guitar and several silly items to help explain Passover. I'm so glad we were able to participate. I hope this Seder was the second of many that we will attend.

    I also had some AMAZING friends come out from NYC to see the show and hang in Philly.  Sal Sabella and I spent all day Friday walking the entire city.  The murals around this town are out of control! Every time we turned the corner, another huge display of art would whack us in the face.  So cool!  The most amazing was definitely Philadelphia's Magic Garden. According to their website. The Magic Garden mosaic murals span all over the city.  It reminded me of the 

Hundertwasser House in Vienna, Austria.  I especially loved the mirrored bits, because the reflections change depending on where you stand, causing the whole mural itself to change.  In one of the pictures I took, I managed to get the reflection of our eyes. We had such a great day.         On Sunday my amazing besty of about 12 years, Melissa Cullen, came out with her beau

  Roger Smith.  We shared lunch between shows with great food, and great company.  I've felt so lucky having JD on the road with me for the past few weeks.  Being able to spend time with JD and a few of our friends made it even more sweet.  

     

What impressed me most about Philly (aside from the yarn shops which I will get to in another post) was not the art that humans created... but the art that naturally grew on the trees.  I have never seen such amazing blooms and they were everywhere.  It's like God decided to remind us the reason for the Passover/Easter season.  The trees were screaming look at me, I'm GORGEOUS, and I'm just here to make you smile.

In my mind I'm going to Carolina

     This week, the tour took us to Raleigh, North Carolina.  The whole week was filled with loveliness.  Dirk Lumbard, a friend in the cast had us over to his house in the country.  He and his partner, Andy Ferrell have the most elegant, beautiful home!  I've included a few pictures which, really, just don't even begin to do it justice.  We spent the day on porch swings, in rocking chairs, and ate a perfect home cooked meal.  It's so strange how much we miss the simple things, like having a kitchen.

    I also was able to make it to a shop I'd been looking forward to checking out called Panopolie.  I don't think I've ever seen a shop like it.  Half of the shop was a normal bead store, but the rest of the shop and so many specialty craft items.  Scrapbook items, little glass window boxes, loads of roving, metal working materials, watch parts, charms, vintage watch clasps, keys, and loads and loads of charms.  They offer classes and were very helpful.  The gal behind the counter's name was Mollie.  She was super sweet and said she might come to the show.

   I have roving with me on the road, and I've felted a bit, but the roving I bought here inspired me to make these little felted flower headbands.  They've made me so happy.  I've started posted them on Etsy and I'll be sure to post more soon.

    We head to Philadelphia on Monday.  I'm sure it will be great, but I'm seriously not looking forward to leaving the 70 degree weather or the Southern hospitality we've enjoyed in Raleigh.   

Wholly Craft! - Columbus, OH

Yesterday was a seriously happy day. I mean.. most of my days are pretty happy lately... aside from the obvious stress of being on the road (long drives, too much stuff with too little space, missing my apartment, missing my family, missing my friends and not having a KITCHEN). But.. really I feel very lucky to be making a living doing what I love, with the one I love. That aside, as I was was saying, yesterday was a very happy day. It was set into motion by a fantastic shop we found in Columbus called "WHOLLY CRAFT!" I mean, seriously, just

the title is enough to make a craftaholic like me smile.

I first stumbled upon this lovely little shop while I was looking for LYS in Columbus. I found a great new shop, WonderKnit, and while exploring their website I found a link to their neighbor... Wholly Craft. The shop was filled with so many things that made me smile. The first joyful item we stumbled upon was Shanon Gerard's Plushtash. When JD held it up under his nose I screamed.. "Why didn't I think of that!" The woman behind the counter said "we hear that often." JD is obsessed with the idea of a sweet moustache. I can't believe I never thought of crocheting him one.

Next.... I found a perfect little tree purse by In Hope. I know I have way too many bags/purses with me on the road. But I couldn't pass this up. Trees always made me happy... and it was the perfect size! I love big bags, but I always fill them with too much junk. (the girls in the dressing room started calling me CVS) This new clutch will help me simplify.

I slowly made my way through the bits of whimsy to a small craft supply section in the back. I bought, a set of vintage circular needles (mostly because I loved the packaging), a big vintage belt buckle making kit, two used books on crewel designs, and a blue plastic hoop . I've recently

been drooling over the trees at Wool and Hoop. Unfortunately they didn't have any tree kits left. We'll see if I can actually find the time play with the techniques in these books.

While I was going through the crafty goodness... JD came up with tears in his eyes. He had found something that sent him over the edge of enjoyment. This squirrel print by Berkley Illustration had him on the floor laughing. He especially loved the tie. I had been worried he would be bored at this shop, so seeing him so happy made me even more happy. We bought the 5X7 print for his niece Olyvia. She loves his rendition of the Aladdin song "A Whole New World" called "A Whole New Squirrel" so we figured this was the perfect gift.

I had to stop myself from buying any more. Sometimes I wonder wether selling my own hand made crafts makes me as happy as buying goodies others have made. I guess I think supporting other artists is great cause it keeps the whole hand made movement in motion.

We did end up at the yarn shop next door. The woman behind the counter (who I think was the owner) was chatting with one of the customers about her new book... "Pints and Purls - Portable Projects for the Social Knitter" It's not out in stores yet... but the customer had pre-ordered her copy on Amazon. I loved hearing them talk about the process of publishing the book. I was able to flip through it, and it looks like something I'd love. I've done my best to convert the non-knitting members of my cast, but I still get crap from those who don't

understand my addiction. I find bringing a skein to the hotel bar to be very normal. I even brought my Innovations Knitting machine to the hotel bar in Toronto. (ok - that might have been a bit much, but I was excited to try it out) I feel like this book might actually validate my addiction. I ended up with a few skeins from Wonderknit. I bought 1 skein of Loop-d-loop Fern in white (I've already started a lovely drop stitch scarf), and two skeins of Frog Tree Chunky Alpaca.

To top off my lovely day... I started and finished a new shrug when I got home from work. We have a cast party tonight and I really wanted to wear a new dress... but I didn't have a sweater that matched. Problem solved! I used some left over Brown Sheep Burly Spun in Dark

Charcoal and some sparkly grey and white label-less yarn I bought downstairs at Romni Wools. I've never knit a shrug, and I completely improvised the design... but it totally worked! I finished it in under 2 hours, and I'm super happy with the way it turned out! (please excuse the awkward cell phone pic with the lovely hotel carpet background)

PHEW - Thats it! Yesterday was a long wonderful day!

At last... the begining

This is one of my first Dance Recitals.....

This is my first show at The Music Room. I played Peter Pan : )

     About a year ago my fiance and I started formulating a plan..... I call it our 10 year plan, but we really have no time limit set.  Our plan is to open our own Dance/Music/Theatre studio for children(and adults) with a yarn store/coffee shop/performance space attached. Now... I know this is a gigantic plan.  BUT, I really think we can make it happen!

      When I was a kid, I went to a musical theatre studio called The Music Room School of Performing Arts.  My Mom always called it "The Church of the Music Room", because it was such a great source of positivity and happiness as we were growing up. There were no religious affiliations, it just kept us happy and kept us out of trouble.  The studio had two large dance rooms, a few smaller piano rooms, and a lobby with a few chairs.  Many of the parents would sit in the lobby while we were in class, but there wasn't much there to keep them busy.  Other parents would hang in their cars, in the parking lot.  How great would it have been if the parents could have been sitting in a LYS, taking their own class next door! Crocheting, Knitting or Felting while your children hone their craft! 

      What's better than spreading more love of art, and craftiness?  Food and drink while you work on what you love (or while you do homework).  We want to have a cafe with sandwiches, salads, juice, smoothies, tea and fresh roasted coffee.  When I was a student at The Music Room, the studio shared a parking lot with a Carl's Junior.  Somehow, we ended up spending most of our homework time between classes at this fast food joint. They had a salad bar, and the employees were all very nice.  But, I can't help but thinking how nice it'd be to have had a little cafe next door that was run by the fantastic couple who owned The Music Room (Sharon and Lee Westenhoffer).  

      And... how about a more "grown-up" cafe/wine/cheese bar at night.  In our wildest dreams of this complex, we see a small performance space.  How great to have a venue for our friends (and students) to share their music. I'd love to teach our students how to put together their own songs,  sets, or even full evenings of music.  

      In addition to taking many classes at The Music Room, I started teaching there when I was 16.  I continued to teach there all the way through college.  I so clearly remember the day I finally confessed that I just couldn't manage to continue teaching while pursuing my own career as a performer.  Boy... was that convo filled with a lot of tears.  I loved teaching and, while I feel so lucky to be a WORKING ACTRESS, I know I want to teach again someday.  My fiance also has several years of teaching experience.  He worked with an AMAZING nonprofit called First Stage Children's Theatre,  and the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra.  I could go on and on about those studios, but I'll save that for a later post. 

     I am so grateful for the millions of hours I spent at The Music Room. It provided a fantastic foundation for a fearless imagination and a place to work on my craft in a supportive, loving environment.  I'm even more excited about the idea of providing future generations with a similar playground.