Showing posts with label Holland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holland. Show all posts
Sunday, 11 May 2008
...indeed a veritable suitcase full of that wondrous stuff!
What with all the projections of doom and gloom, moans and other sundry patheticisms on my last post, I had completely forgotten that I had ordered this little lot of sunshine and I arrived home from Holland this evening to find it gleaming through my postbox...
What with all the projections of doom and gloom, moans and other sundry patheticisms on my last post, I had completely forgotten that I had ordered this little lot of sunshine and I arrived home from Holland this evening to find it gleaming through my postbox...
NORO! Kureyon colourway no.196At last I can PLAY!!
Ebay - I doest heart thou! In fact, Japan, one heartest thou, also! Now, what to make, what to make...!
Well, as per usual, I was worrying way too much again. The journey up to Holland went fine - I didn't have a place in the carriage, and was indeed seated by the door, but I had the whole space to myself and it was cooler and quieter than the in the coach compartment anyway! (I was rather ill-equipped for the 28 degree temp in Holland, though!) I got paid (FINALLY) for the work in March, the concerts went really well and I managed to fit in 2 lessons with my rather fabulous new teacher. ("You're a lyric soprano, get used to it! None of that 'But I can't sing high' crap - you think too much! And try not to chew those consonants. And breathe normally, like you're about to talk, not like you're about to inhale a bus. And don't sing pitches at me." etcetera, etcetera. You have to imagine this all with a very strong Chicago accent!) It was Absolute Bliss!!
Actually, the lessons were hard work and I'm set upon a very steep learning curve, but I'm also rather excited. There's a whole different world of music to consider now. I have to admit that I knew that I had a slightly bigger voice than the normal baroquies, but between singing the Mahler this week and those singing lessons, I'm slightly more convinced! And slightly shell-shocked, too!
I have a long-running joke with a lovely baroque tenor friend of mine which goes along the lines of sending emails 'advertising' our next concerts. 'Michael would like to invite you to his next performance of 'Tannhäuser' by Wagner' or I'd send him a 'You are cordially invited to a performance of Verdi's 'La Traviata' starring RedScot as Violetta.' ("You mean 'Monteverdi', right?!!" would be in the follow-up email.) I haven't told him about the Mahler yet. I'm not sure his constitution could handle it!
Sunday, 4 May 2008
You know - one of those days when the little niggles and tiny annoyances that normally don't upset you individually, decide to club together and have a weekend of fun and jollity at your expense... I think they had beer, too... *sigh*
Mild Vexation No.1 - I shall be attempting to make my way to Holland tomorrow for for a week of concerts. Normally this isn't a problem: Tours to Paris; metro from Montparnasse to Gare du Nord; train up to The Hague. Roughly 6 1/2 hours door-to-door. Tickets insanely easy to buy online. (It's cheaper than flying, for those that think I'm out of my mind! Remember, I'm Scottish and besides, it's an ideal opportunity to get my knitting freak on!)
But before I continue, I'll add a photo of something nice. Just to balance things up. This is what the postie brought me yesterday morning all the way from the Far East:
A shed-load of needles!15 pairs of 120cm long circular needles and 15 sets of dpns, all bamboo. They're luverley! Okay, so they're not any famous brand and are, in fact, cheap Ebay items, but I am, as previously mentioned, Scottish! Now there is NO excuse to get started on those many pairs of socks that I have queued on a certain knitting site. Except, perhaps, purchasing the actual wool to make them. (See Mild Vexation No. 3)
Where was I? Oh yes, the voyage au Payes-Bas. For the life of me I couldn't figure out why I couldn't buy the tickets online like I normally do, so I ventured to the station to buy one there. All trains were allegedly already booked up for today AND tomorrow (wtf - that NEVER happens) but I finally managed to get tickets after cajoling, begging, using the 'I'm a stupid foreigner' card and, handily, just before I offered a bribe. (The lady at the desk gave in too soon - obviously new to the job.) It was on only passing a post office on the way back that I realised that this weekend is May Day bank holiday weekend. The trains from France will be filled to the gunwales with Dutch folk making their boisterous way back home after a long weekend tormenting the French. Aiee! So, I'll be on a train, filled with noisy Nederlanders and possibly sitting on the floor next to the door for the whole way. (Well, the lady said "Mais, oui, mademoiselle, vous avez le billet donc il y aura une place pour vous sur le train", so I can only hope that because I DO have the ticket for the journey, that there WILL be a place for me on the train...) Time will only tell if it is indeed standing room only.
Mild Vexation No2. - my printer died yesterday. The poor 5 year-old thing gave up the ghost just as I was away to print out the pattern for Sheryl Giles' 'Zombie Socks' which was to be my project for the train. I've been sitting at my compy knitting away, but I can't bring that with me, hulking tower system that it is... (and probably just as well, as I had to frog about 10 rows as I naïvely believed I could knit and read forum posts at the same time! *Insert exclamation of an Homer Simpson variety here*)
Back to the cuff - zombie-flesh green cotton...
Giles' Wavy Socks attempt no.2
And one day I promise to learn about gauge, correct needle size and choosing the right yarn for the job!
P.S. I have to apologise about the fonts - sizing and type - for some reason Blogger is toying with my sense of aesthetics...
Where was I? Oh yes, the voyage au Payes-Bas. For the life of me I couldn't figure out why I couldn't buy the tickets online like I normally do, so I ventured to the station to buy one there. All trains were allegedly already booked up for today AND tomorrow (wtf - that NEVER happens) but I finally managed to get tickets after cajoling, begging, using the 'I'm a stupid foreigner' card and, handily, just before I offered a bribe. (The lady at the desk gave in too soon - obviously new to the job.) It was on only passing a post office on the way back that I realised that this weekend is May Day bank holiday weekend. The trains from France will be filled to the gunwales with Dutch folk making their boisterous way back home after a long weekend tormenting the French. Aiee! So, I'll be on a train, filled with noisy Nederlanders and possibly sitting on the floor next to the door for the whole way. (Well, the lady said "Mais, oui, mademoiselle, vous avez le billet donc il y aura une place pour vous sur le train", so I can only hope that because I DO have the ticket for the journey, that there WILL be a place for me on the train...) Time will only tell if it is indeed standing room only.
Mild Vexation No2. - my printer died yesterday. The poor 5 year-old thing gave up the ghost just as I was away to print out the pattern for Sheryl Giles' 'Zombie Socks' which was to be my project for the train. I've been sitting at my compy knitting away, but I can't bring that with me, hulking tower system that it is... (and probably just as well, as I had to frog about 10 rows as I naïvely believed I could knit and read forum posts at the same time! *Insert exclamation of an Homer Simpson variety here*)
Back to the cuff - zombie-flesh green cotton...Mild Vexation No.3 - I'm still waiting to be paid for the gigs I did in March. Not good. (Actually, this is more like 'Extreme Vexation No.1') The life of a wayfaring musician may seem quite glamorous, and indeed can be, but when you're waiting on, nay, depending on folk to pay you so you can pay other folk, things tend to suck. And there's that gorgeous yarn I've seen on Etsy that is crying out, crying out I tell you, to be knit into something by me, if only I could afford it!
But my moan is at an end. Thank you for your patience and/or indulgence. In reward I'll give you another picture of a WIP.
Giles' Wavy Socks attempt no.2This Time It's Personal...
And one day I promise to learn about gauge, correct needle size and choosing the right yarn for the job!
P.S. I have to apologise about the fonts - sizing and type - for some reason Blogger is toying with my sense of aesthetics...
Monday, 17 March 2008
Man, I'm knackered! The second week of rehearsals for MERG are in full swing and going well - I say well, but really I mean surprisingly well. We (the three singers) have managed to remember not only the arias but also the blocking, staging and dances. Not bad for over a year away from it, believe me!
Holland is dull, dingy, dreich and damp, as per usual, but it's jolly nice to see my friends up here. I discovered that three of the dancers have taken up knitting in the last year, so we've been comparing cables! (Or 'How Not To Cable' as it turns out...) The Swan, one of the dancers, has offered to introduce me to his favourite LYS (expensive) and another dancer, The Lovely Canadian, has offered to show me hers (euro-tastic). You can guess which one my wallet will let me visit... Oo - I have found a rather excellent craft shop in The Hague, though - I had to be torn away from the wire and beads and knitting needles and sparkly things and hooks and jewellery findings and embroidery threads and fimo blocks and hand-made paper and... Actually it was just as well there was a shop next door selling Cadbury's chocolate, or I would still be in the craft shop lusting over everything...
But I have been knitting... mostly Q's draught excluder (still don't ask...) but I finished one of the Brigid socks - hoorah. I'll try and upload a photo, but as I'm not at my own computer I'm not sure if it will work...
Whee - upload successful! Ach well, the photo is not the best quality, but you get the gist... The sock fits, though - a grand accomplishment for me! I'm now on Brigid Two, but I'm also around row 40 of the Wavy Socks - 'tis a pretty pattern! Mum's Coco bag is also slowly being added to, but I'm hoping I'll have a plethora of FO's to post when I get back down to France at the end of the month...
Q's Birthday Bear was a great success, btw, although after being named 'Stanley', he has now been re-christened 'Bear of Chucky' as his blue eyes seem to be unnerving the best friend somewhat... 'Tis easily remedied, but it did make me giggle!
Holland is dull, dingy, dreich and damp, as per usual, but it's jolly nice to see my friends up here. I discovered that three of the dancers have taken up knitting in the last year, so we've been comparing cables! (Or 'How Not To Cable' as it turns out...) The Swan, one of the dancers, has offered to introduce me to his favourite LYS (expensive) and another dancer, The Lovely Canadian, has offered to show me hers (euro-tastic). You can guess which one my wallet will let me visit... Oo - I have found a rather excellent craft shop in The Hague, though - I had to be torn away from the wire and beads and knitting needles and sparkly things and hooks and jewellery findings and embroidery threads and fimo blocks and hand-made paper and... Actually it was just as well there was a shop next door selling Cadbury's chocolate, or I would still be in the craft shop lusting over everything...
But I have been knitting... mostly Q's draught excluder (still don't ask...) but I finished one of the Brigid socks - hoorah. I'll try and upload a photo, but as I'm not at my own computer I'm not sure if it will work...
Whee - upload successful! Ach well, the photo is not the best quality, but you get the gist... The sock fits, though - a grand accomplishment for me! I'm now on Brigid Two, but I'm also around row 40 of the Wavy Socks - 'tis a pretty pattern! Mum's Coco bag is also slowly being added to, but I'm hoping I'll have a plethora of FO's to post when I get back down to France at the end of the month...
Q's Birthday Bear was a great success, btw, although after being named 'Stanley', he has now been re-christened 'Bear of Chucky' as his blue eyes seem to be unnerving the best friend somewhat... 'Tis easily remedied, but it did make me giggle!
Saturday, 8 March 2008
'Tis that travelling time again - I'm off up to Holland tomorrow for a reprise of the dance production 'MERG' (which is Dutch for 'marrow' or 'an inmost or essential part') with the Leine&Roebana Dance Company, and - oh woe is me - I'm leaving my little hermitage! (I chose a career that is not completely conducive to my homebody sensibilities... what's a girl to do?!) But I thought I'd throw on a couple of FO's before I left to go and sing some Luzzaschi, Monteverdi and Rossi... I've been a mad-woman with the sticks recently! Nothing amazing, but I'm pleased that they look okay! I'm staying with Q when I'm up there and I wanted all his birthday pressies finished before I arrived. Nothing like a dead-line to concentrate the mind...
I decided to make a little pouch from the ever-open 'Last-Minute Knitted Gifts' to house the bear I made for Q. Actually, it started off as just something else for his birthday (Q, not the bear!) but he looks cute in it, (the bear, not Q!) so I've decided to combine the two, as it were...
The pouch does look better on it's own, however well-meant my ambition for a bear-bag was, but it does has a high cuteness factor just the same!! I couldn't bear (pun not *really* intended) to cover the wee man's head, so he looks more like he's in a fancy-schmancy sleeping bag!
I'm also making bits and pieces for my Mum's birthday coming up in May - she'll be reaching another mile-stone age and I know she loves hand-made things, being the arty type herself. (You should have seen the great vase my sister decorated her for Mother's Day last weekend.) So far the Wire Rose is for her, as is the Coco bag currently in progress, but I've just finished my first crocheted thing... Okay, it was just a couple of chains and some jewellery findings, but...
Green 28-gauge wire (Hoh yes - I've learned the Lesson Of The Wrong Gauge) and a 2.5mm crochet hook! Oh, and a lots of green glass beads!
I'm now trying to decide what to take up with me to knit... Brigid socks, of course (I'm determined not to suffer from SSS); the Coco bag to finish cabling; I found a lovely pattern for socks called 'Giles Wavy Socks' that is a definite starter; a pile of yarn to make a draught-excluder for Q (don't ask...) and as long as I find a LYS up there, all other demands should be met...
I just have to remember how the music goes now...
I decided to make a little pouch from the ever-open 'Last-Minute Knitted Gifts' to house the bear I made for Q. Actually, it started off as just something else for his birthday (Q, not the bear!) but he looks cute in it, (the bear, not Q!) so I've decided to combine the two, as it were...
The pouch does look better on it's own, however well-meant my ambition for a bear-bag was, but it does has a high cuteness factor just the same!! I couldn't bear (pun not *really* intended) to cover the wee man's head, so he looks more like he's in a fancy-schmancy sleeping bag!
I'm also making bits and pieces for my Mum's birthday coming up in May - she'll be reaching another mile-stone age and I know she loves hand-made things, being the arty type herself. (You should have seen the great vase my sister decorated her for Mother's Day last weekend.) So far the Wire Rose is for her, as is the Coco bag currently in progress, but I've just finished my first crocheted thing... Okay, it was just a couple of chains and some jewellery findings, but...
Green 28-gauge wire (Hoh yes - I've learned the Lesson Of The Wrong Gauge) and a 2.5mm crochet hook! Oh, and a lots of green glass beads!
I'm now trying to decide what to take up with me to knit... Brigid socks, of course (I'm determined not to suffer from SSS); the Coco bag to finish cabling; I found a lovely pattern for socks called 'Giles Wavy Socks' that is a definite starter; a pile of yarn to make a draught-excluder for Q (don't ask...) and as long as I find a LYS up there, all other demands should be met...
I just have to remember how the music goes now...
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