American Rag Blog

What's Up, Doc?

2012-01-19T10:37:00.000-08:00

First, I should have explained yesterday's SOPA/PIPA thing. It's not that we approve of internet pirating, just that the current bill under consideration seems to give the government too much power to censor web sites.

Now ... on to fun stuff.

Here's some yarn that I finished a couple of days ago. I've lost the card, but know it came from Dyeabolical Yarns fiber club last summer. I also don't know what kind of sheep it came from. I see that she has a lot of Falkland posted for sale now, but somehow think this may be BFL.

Last night I purchased a pattern for a long, skinny shawl/scarf that has both lace edging and stockinette body. I'm just not sure whether this will work better with lace or solids, so I'll have both and will know next time.

The yarn for Mom's socks is dry and ready to wind. I need to decide if I want to try Cat Bordhi's "Minnesota Moonlight" pattern again (depends on whether there are instructions for a smaller size) or pick a new pattern.

This is the quilt I'm working on in class for a while. It's called "Deer Friends." The kits were all sold by the time I saw it, but I was able to buy the center panel and then pick fabrics for the rest. I get some funny looks since I started it after Christmas, but I need to have something to work on so I can be there to keep in touch with my longarm customers.

In the longarm quilting world, I have two waiting to be done after newspaper deadline, and one large one coming in the first week in February. It's always slow after Christmas when people are starting new projects and catching up on holiday expenses.

I have three projects on the needles right now. Striped 2x2 rib socks and a pair with Spring colors from last year's Tempted yarn club. The third project is a cabled headband. And, of course, the fourth ... because three is never enough ... will be the shawl/scarf from the handspun yarn. The fifth will be Mom's replacement socks. At least they're all small projects and it helps that I have no attention span, so I have no problem jumping from one project to another. Pics tomorrow ... maybe.

Speaking of attention span, I need to get to work on newspaper stuff and stop playing here. See what I mean?

STOP SOPA / PIPA

2012-01-18T12:55:00.000-08:00

Stop SOPA / PIPA

The American Rag is opposed to legislation in the US Congress that we believe is unnecessary, over-reaching, and ultimately harmful to the fabric of the Internet.

What is SOPA/PIPA? Learn more on Google, Wikipedia, and Stop the Wall

Deadline!!

2012-01-17T16:21:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's Deadline Week again. Getting stuff ready to print, not seeing much of Don (I work in my craft cubby -- a 10 x 10 spare bedroom -- on a laptop until the weekend and then move to the official office to use the big computer).

It won't be long until the sounds of Dixieland fill our ears again at the Fresno Mardi Gras (Feb. 9-12). I have received an engraved invitation to attend Jury Duty on the 9th, so we'll be in Fresno Friday through Sunday. Which reminds me ... if you're going and want to stay at the host hotel (the Radisson on Ventura St.) ... be sure to call the hotel directly for reservations and ask for the Jazz discount. It apparently isn't available on their web site.

On The Home Front
The results of the CT scan I mentioned last week are in. There are "no major changes," and I don't have to have another one for a year. There may not be a cure (yet) for asthma or emphysema, but they sure are good at stabilizing it these days!

Last night I finished plying some yarn that I spun from roving won last summer. It took forever to spin, even though it was glorious stuff, because there were so many other things to do. It's been soaked and thwacked and is drying now. Should be ready for pics tomorrow.

Now I need to get back to knitting. I have two pairs of socks on the needles, and need to start a third pair. The "Minnesota Moonlight" socks I knit from Cat Bordhi's pattern with her new Sweet Tomato Heel were too big for Mom, so I've unraveled them, soaked the yarn to straighten it, and need to get it wound to make some socks that fit. The yarn is NummaNumma, and you just can't waste that wonderful stuff!

Don's daughter, Donna Lane, has been making Stampin' Up cards for a while, and they're so beautiful I suggested that she sell them. She has an Etsy shop now, named "smilewhilestampin." Check it out! You won't believe how great these cards are.

From today's e-mail:

and speaking of dogs, some are really, really patient!

I get great e-mail, don't I?

Stuck

2012-01-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

I can't seem to do anything but sit here feeling sleepy this morning. Don't even have the energy to turn around and see what DVR'd last night.

No quilting jobs until later today. Can't eat because of a CT appointment around noon. Guess I'll just sit here and wait for something to happen.

snore

Home Again

2012-01-09T10:04:00.000-08:00

So, after a week away we're home again. Last Monday we drove as far as Fresno and stayed at the Radisson, so we could watch the Rose Bowl game. Then on Tuesday we finished the drive to Windsor (near Santa Rosa) to visit Don's daughter and her family, and his 2 sons and their families. We stayed there (at a wonderful Hampton Inn) a few days, and drove home yesterday.

It was a great visit. It's always so good to reconnect with your adult "children" and grandchildren. This is Don with granddaughters Sara (left) and Shay (right).

So, after our month with no deadline, we're back at it, ready to get started on the February issue of The American Rag.

Our next festival will be the Fresno Mardi Gras at the Radisson Hotel in Fresno next month. We're looking forward to that one ... it's always fun! Hope to see you there.

Here's to 2012

2011-12-31T11:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all of our past, present, and future friends and subscribers. If nothing else, 2012 should be an entertaining year with all of the campaign shenanigans in the US.

We lost a few jazz festivals last year, and are hoping that, with the economy beginning to improve, some will return and there may be a few new ones. One can only hope ...

We at The American Rag will do our best to keep you informed and to keep jazz and ragtime alive and healthy. Naturally, we can't do that alone. You can do your part by attending as many festivals as possible, taking friends and relatives with you to show them how much fun OKOM is. And remember that a subscription to The American Rag is a great gift to yourself and others.

See you next year!

Don & Cathie Jones and the Staff of The American Rag

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T08:54:00.000-08:00

The American Rag family is always thankful for our family, friends, subscribers, writers, and the staff and volunteers of the jazz festivals we all enjoy.

We hope you enjoy every day of your life, and especially this day of thanks and gratitude for the people and things that fill our lives with joy.

If you see a man or woman in uniform ... including first responders ... thank them for their service and sacrifice so that we can live in a free, safe country.

Pismo Beach 35th "First Annual" Jubilee by the Sea

2011-10-29T21:25:00.000-07:00

Red Skunk Jipzee Swing Band

"Premonitions"

Molly Reaves: Leader, Guitar, Vocals

Pamela Sheffler, Violin

Sam Boorman,Guitar

Justin Au, Trumpet

Kenneth Davis, Drums

Jamie Mather Bass

Watch for this hot group at the San Diego Thanksgiving weekend Jazz Festival!

How To Enjoy An Inflatable Pool

2011-09-23T09:49:00.000-07:00

Jazz and French Cows

2011-09-12T17:16:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered if French cows like jazz?

I hadn't either, until I received this link in my e-mail today. You have to see this amazing video! And watch the whole thing .... please. ;-)

QuiltMonster's Birthday Present

2011-09-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

Our Gammill Statler Stitcher longarm quilting machine, lovingly know around here as the QuiltMonster, was 6 years old last month. We had talked about replacing its 10' table with a 12' table so I could handle king size quilts. With the 10' length it could barely do queen size. Here it is with the 10' table:

So, last month, when there was a down day at the Orange County/Costa Mesa Classic Jazz Festival, we decided to pop up to Yorba Linda and visit QuiltMonster's birthplace, Cranberry Quiltworks. We picked up some quilting thread while we were there, and Don ordered the 12" table. Whopppeeee ... it was delivered last week.

The sewing machine is the same. It's a Gammill Classic, with (I think) a 22" throat. The cord behind it (connection to the computer) used to be encased in hard plastic and drag along in metal trays. It was modernized a little, is now flexible and drags on the floor. The light bar was retro-fitted with a 2' piece added to the center. And now, we can quilt tops up to 115". This is how it looks now -- I had to stand in the kitchen to get everything in!

Isn't she beautiful? That's a lap-size quilt that it's working on, only about 60" wide. It's an amazing machine, and I'm so happy to have it! Let's just hope we never have to move it!

In other news, I have finished all three projects for The Loopy Ewe's virtual summer camp, Camp Loopy. First was something to keep you warm around the campfire. I chose a Stephen West pattern, the Chadwick Scarf/Shawl.

Second was something you would need for a hike ... socks, mittens, or gloves. I chose socks and a Wendy Johnson pattern, Lace and Cable socks.

The third and final project was your choice, but had to use a minimum of 800 yards of yarn. Earlier in the summer I had participated in a fund raiser for the Make-A-Wish Foundation by donating some hand knit dish cloths for a give-away. Knitwear designer and KnitGirlll podcaster, Laura Linneman, offered a pattern for a shawl called "My Wish" with each donation of $5 or more and, of course I got one. It's a large shawl knit on small needles and fingering weight yarn, so it took 850 yards of Handmaiden Sea Silk and almost a month to knit. It's done, and the photo has been posted to The Loopy Ewe, which makes me eligible for a bunch of prizes. Here's the shawl ... light as a feather and really, really warm! And with the fund-raiser, Lynn Zimmerman of Denver raised enough money to grant wishes to 2 terminally ill people.

Good-bye Orange County/Costa Mesa Classic Jazz Fest

2011-08-22T07:00:00.000-07:00

If you're a regular attendee of the OC jazzer, you should have received a card or letter by now explaining that they won't be back next year. It's been a long, wonderful run for one of our favorite jazz festivals. We'll miss it next year.

Thank you John (and his entire clan!), Connie, Larry, volunteers, sound crew, the Costa Mesa Hilton staff, and anyone else involved in this festival. It's been a great ride!

Orange County Classic Jazz Festival

2011-08-02T19:49:00.000-07:00

Meet us at the Jazz Festival this weekend!

Westknits Mystery Shawl

2011-07-20T16:48:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have lost my mind and joined another mystery project. This one, however, is a "knit-along," starts next month, has no finishing date, and I already had the perfect yarn for it. The pattern calls for three colors, and Stephen West is a fearless designer, so I may be in over my head with this one.

And ... it's deadline week. We're working on the August issue and, despite the past month of Don's computer problems, will have it to the printer on Monday.

Back to Tour de Fleece

2011-07-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

Halfway finished spinning this merino. It's deadline week in The American Rag world, so who knows how much will be done the rest of this week. I also have the Camp Loopy socks to work on, as well as the cowl/shoulder wrap for my quilting instructor . . . and a new test knitting project, a small one thankfully.

Camp Loopy Project II -- "Lace and Cable Socks" designed by WendyKnits

2011-07-16T06:28:00.000-07:00

I Love Google+

2011-07-13T10:19:00.000-07:00

Back to Spinning

2011-07-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

Alpaca: Fleece to batt to bobbin to yarn. My photo of the day for Ravelry.com's Tour de Fleece.

It's good to have work that's pretty and an office with a view.

2011-07-11T14:55:00.000-07:00

Best Wedding Photo Ever!

2011-07-10T09:54:00.000-07:00

Joe Flacco (Baltimore Ravens quarterback), his bride, Dana Grady, and their wedding party.

and for me, a time out from spinning yesterday to knit a Preemie Baby Beanie.

What would they have done if it hadn't been marked "Fragile"?

2011-07-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

Today's activities (other than watching "Secretariat" on Netflix ;-) )

Preemie Baby Beanie

Tour de Fleece Day 8

Alpaca on the wheel, Polwarth on the spindle

A New Day

2011-07-08T18:28:00.000-07:00

Can you tell that I don't always have the time or energy to create a daily blog? Was your first clue the fact that I haven't blogged since February? Thought so.

I had planned to post photos from the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee next week, but we aren't going after all. Don's computer has been sick off-and-on for about a month, so he's playing catch-up and doesn't need to be away from home for a week. Since I have breathing problems it takes me some time to acclimate to the Mammoth altitude, so we also can't just pop up there for a couple of days.

Recently I've seen a couple of blogs by e-friends that are just a daily photo of something from their day. I think I'll try that. Because one thing I do is photograph something every day. Knitting, spinning, birds, flowers, there's always something. So, I'll give it a try and see how long I can focus. You already know my attention span is about this <--> long.

So ... I'll start today with an explanation. Ravelry (an online knitting/crochet/spinning community) has a Tour de Fleece every year that coincides with Tour de France, and involves spinning fiber into yarn. I have a spinning wheel and a couple of drop spindles, and about a half-ton of various wool fibers dyed in pretty colors. During the time that Tour de France is going, spinners are encouraged to do something spinning-related every day, except the two days Tour de France rests. On the day of the most challenging ride, spinners are asked to do something with their spinning that is challenging to them.

Today is a regular riding/spinning day. My photo today is from Day 7 of Tour de Fleece. For a few months I have been working off-and-on on an alpaca fleece. Fiber right off the animal. I have two of them. One has been washed and occasionally I card and spin some of it (the other is "resting" in my closet). Today I started using a new "drum carder" and carded a lot of it and spun some of it. That's my photo for today.

Fresno Dixieland Society Sounds of Mardi Gras -- Friday

2011-02-11T21:55:00.000-08:00

It was a short day, with the music not starting until 3:00. We were watching news about the happenings in Egypt, and didn't get to a set until 4:00.

There's no real name for this group -- it was made up of Katie Cavera (guitar/banjo/vocals), Georgia Korba (bass), Dawn Lambeth (piano), and George Probert (soprano sax). They put the group together just for fun, and it definitely was fun. The photo is fuzzy because people were moving around in front of them and I had to snap it fast.

We also heard the New El Dorado Jazz Band, one of Hal Smith's brainstorms. Hal has been working with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band in San Antonio, TX for a few months, but had to leave them due to some wrist and shoulder problems. He put the El Dorado group together from other bands and is playing washboard instead of drums until his injuries are taken care of.

This band is one of the most excellent you could find in this genre: Carl "Sonny" Leyland (piano), Mike Baird (reeds/Titanic Jazz Band), Howard Miyata (trombone-tuba/High Sierra Jazz Band), Marc Caparone (cornet/Climax Jazz Band), Katie Cavera (banjo), Georgia Korba (Bass), and Hal Smith (washboard). This is the hottest group at the festival. I'll get a photo of them tomorrow.

The only other band I photographed today was the Grand Dominion Jazz Band. They're from all over the US and Canada and are one of the best on the circuit. They and the Climax Jazz Band were on the Panama Canal Cruise we were on last month. This pic was taken early in the set -- the seats did fill up.

The last time we came to the Fresno festival we found a great Basque/American restaurant, the Shepherd's Inn. This year they advertised in the festival's program. We went there for dinner tonight, and it's exactly the same as last time. For that matter, it's probably pretty close to the same as it was a hundred years ago! In addition to the entre of your choice (served with french fries), they serve bread, soup, green salad, potato salad, pasta, beans, and finish with a little dish of vanilla ice cream. If you don't know what's about to come, you can easily be full before the entre arrives!

Tomorrow the music starts at 10:00 a.m., and I'll try to get more photos. I can't promise they'll be better, because I forgot the Canon at home and am depending on my phone camera.

Fresno Dixieland Society Sounds of Mardi Gras -- Thursday Night

2011-02-11T08:26:00.000-08:00

The festival kicked off with three bands on Thursday night, and all played to a full room.

First up was the Climax Jazz Band, with a couple of substitutes. Their regular cornet player was not due to arrive until midnight, so Marc Caparone filled in. Marc is a first-class musician and we're always happy to see him on stage. Also one of our favorites, Jim Buchmann is with them for the weekend on reeds.

They were followed by the Grand Dominion Jazz Band, and then Titanic Jazz band. We heard them but did not get pictures. I'll try to be better today.

The highlight of the evening for me was seeing, and hearing, George Probert, alumnus of the Firehouse Five Plus Two, Kid Ory, Bob Scoby and other bands. He has been ill and unable to play for a couple of years, and was invited to play as a guest artist with various bands throughout the festival. Last night he played with the Grand Dominion group, and sounded more like he did in the 1950s, which is a very good thing. Brought tears to my eyes!

For some reason, the music doesn't start until 3:00 p.m.today, so we'll be looking for something fun to do in Fresno. That's not as easy as it sounds.

Fresno Dixieland Society Sounds of Mardi Gras

2011-02-10T18:31:00.000-08:00

We're in Fresno, CA, this weekend for some fantastic music. Click on the title above to get to their web site. From there you can see the location, prices, and download a band schedule.

There are three sets tonight (Thursday) starting at 7:00 p.m. ... we'll be there!

JazzSea Cruise

2011-01-01T10:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! The ball has dropped, the Rose Parade has been watched, and now ...

....we're packing! Driving to San Diego today and boarding Celebrity Cruise Line's beautiful ship Constellation tomorrow.

We're going with about 400 other jazzers on a JazzSea cruise down the west coast, through the Panama Canal, ending in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Thirteen days of warmth, history and adventure with the most fun people in the world -- traditional jazz lovers and some of our favorite bands!

The laptop is not going with, but if it's possible I'll try to post a photo or two from the phone. I've added global access to it for the time we'll be gone, so keep your fingers crossed.

We hate leaving the dogs and birds, but thanks to our friend Dennis, who stays here to house/dog/bird-sit, we know they'll all be fine.

'Bye

Traditional Jazz Youth Band Festival

2010-12-08T07:13:00.000-08:00

JazzSea Cruises

2010-11-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Cabins are still available. We're going and we hope you are, too!

Join the Banjo Snow Train

2010-09-12T09:38:00.000-07:00

On The Home Front

There are 4 (four) football games on TV in our area today. If you need me, I'll be in front of the TV knitting. ;-) . Can't tell everything I'm knitting, but will be working on Don's socks and a couple of stealth projects. If the football is exciting, I'll get the Featherweight Cardi out -- it's just stockinette and increases now, pretty mindless.

Spinning time has been scarce lately, but I did spin some more of the fiber from Tempted Handpainted Yarns & Fibers . I'm having a problem with consistency, and suspect it's because I haven't been getting enough practice lately, and there are quite a few little slubs in the fiber. Still, it will make very pretty yarn!

It's almost time . . . . . Are You Ready For Some Football???

I Will Never Forget

2010-09-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

I will never forget.

Steamers Jams

2010-08-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER NOW ACCEPTING BAND APPLICATIONS TO TOUR WITH THE RHYTHM ROAD: AMERICAN MUSIC ABROAD

2010-08-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

AUDITIONS TO BE HELD IN NYC AND NEW ORLEANS

Who/What:

Jazz at Lincoln Center (JALC ) and The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs are pleased to collaborate for a sixth year on The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad. JALC is now accepting band applications for the 2010-11 season. American music quartets from throughout the United States specializing in jazz, urban/hip hop, bluegrass, blues, Cajun, country, gospel, and zydeco are invited to apply for the opportunity to tour internationally and share their music with the world.

Auditions will be held in New York City at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center and, for the first time in the history of the program, in New Orleans. More information will be available in upcoming weeks at jalc.org/TheRoad.

When:

November 1, 2010 Application deadline

December 17, 2010 Selected ensembles invited to live auditions

January 16-18, 2011 Auditions in New York City

January 20-21, 2011 Auditions in New Orleans

January 28, 2011 Announcement of finalist ensembles for 2010-11 Rhythm Road tours

April-June 2011 & September 2011-February 2012 Domestic performances and international touring

Where/How:

For additional information plus photos and video on the program, applications, previous tours, and more, visit The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad at jalc.org/TheRoad.

Musicians inquiring about applications can call 212-258-9899 or email: theroad@jalc.org.

Background:

Jazz at Lincoln Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, produces an annual series of international tours for ten ensembles performing jazz, urban, and other American roots music to countries all over the world. Through performance, education, and person-to-person interaction, The Rhythm Road program encourages mutual respect and understanding. The program also incorporates free performances by each group at Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Frederick P. Rose Hall, home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York, and at The National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. By December 2010, 150 musicians from 35 ensembles will have toured with The Rhythm Road, visiting over 100 countries on five continents.

Quotes:

“In the historic tradition of such musical alumni as Armstrong, Ellington, and Gillespie, these tours focus on diverse geographic audiences and the dynamic interaction born of music. The emphasis on education as well as performance leads to powerful exchange for our audiences and musicians alike," said Susan John, Director of Touring for Jazz at Lincoln Center.

“Music offers a common language that transcends borders, helps us engage as individuals, and promotes mutual understanding,” said Ann Stock, Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs. “Through The Rhythm Road tours, American musicians communicate something about our culture and the commonalities between people all over the world, touching audiences we might not otherwise reach and forging lasting connections.”

Sponsorship:

The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program is made possible with underwriting support from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the United States Department of State.

For more information:

Anna Kukowski, Burson-Marsteller for Jazz at Lincoln Center 212-614-4560, anna.kukowski@bm.com.

Laura Tischler, U.S. Department of State, 202-632-6454, TischlerLL@state.gov.

* * * * *

Jazz at Lincoln Center is dedicated to inspiring and growing audiences for jazz. With the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and a comprehensive array of guest artists, Jazz at Lincoln Center advances a unique vision for the continued development of the art of jazz by producing a year-round schedule of performance, education and broadcast events for audiences of all ages. These productions include concerts, national and international tours, residencies, a jazz hall of fame and concert series, weekly national radio programs, television broadcasts, recordings, publications, an annual high school jazz band competition and festival, a band director academy, jazz appreciation curriculum for students, music publishing, children’s concerts and classes, lectures, adult education courses, student and educator workshops and interactive websites. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Wynton Marsalis, Chairman Lisa Schiff and Executive Director Adrian Ellis, Jazz at Lincoln Center will produce thousands of events each season in its home in New York City, Frederick P. Rose Hall, and around the world. For more information, visit jalc.org

U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs promotes mutual understanding between the United States and other countries through a wide range of academic, cultural, professional, and sports exchange programs. Through its Cultural Programs Division, the Bureau supports cultural exchanges that support U.S. foreign policy, foster America's artistic excellence, and demonstrate America’s respect and appreciation for other cultures and traditions. The Rhythm Road: American Music Abroad program presents selected professional American performers on concert tours in countries with limited exposure to live American culture. For more information, visit exchanges.state.gov/cultural/rhythm.html.

On The Home Front

I actually don't have anything to report. I've had a couple of quilts to do for a regular customer. One of them is on the last row right now. The next one will be for a new customer and looks to be Trouble (with a capital T). Then there are five or so to pick up Wednesday, mostly table runners.

Other than that, I'm working on a stealth project that has to be finished by this weekend. Then I'll be back to knitting Don's socks and whatever other ongoing projects tickle my fancy!

More Orange County Classic Jazz Festival

2010-08-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

It's over and we've been home sweet home for a few days. I'll let Don tell you more about what we did in the September issue of The American Rag and just post some of my photos. Anyone interested in this part of the blog will probably recognize the faces, so I won't use captions. Just know that I love the zoom feature on my Canon PowerShot S3 and use it often!

I tried to make these small, but for those who have trouble opening the blog, I'll save some for another day.

On The Home Front

Quilting has been slow lately. I took in four almost two weeks ago and have finished two of them. They're really cute -- Owl appliques. I suspect she'll use something like buttons for their eyes. There should be one more waiting for pick-up at Cozy Quiltin' and I'll get it today.

I won't be going to quilting class today, so I'll probably work on the baby quilt. Pics of that one are coming soon.

I took a few minutes for spinning last week, still working on the undyed Polwarth, and "might" have some luscious fibers waiting to be done.

Other than that, I'm working on Don's toe-up socks. One is ready to start the heel, the other will be there soon . I finally found a pattern I wanted to use for Chemo Caps and have one in progress. That's my 'mindless' knitting. Cap and sock pics will wait until tomorrow.

Orange County Classic Jazz Festival

2010-08-06T08:20:00.000-07:00

We're here! It's a bit more difficult to take photos here, because all the venues are in ballrooms at the Hilton Hotel. While the lighting is great for the audience, it's terrible for photographers!

The festival started Thursday afternoon with two sets in the Lobby. We got in too late to hear Robbie Rhodes' piano set, but did hear a bit of the Midiri Brothers Sextet while we were checking in and then looking around for friends.

After the Patrons' Reception, which we also missed, the Pacific Room opened. The Pacific room is the largest of the ballrooms.

The evening started with ParisWashboard, a great band from -- you guessed it -- Paris. They've been here several times before and we're always happy to see their name in the listings.

Next came a band from North Carolina that we think is new to the West Coast, the Firecracker Jazz Band. We'll give them the benefit of the doubt and see if they improve after some rest. We're pretty sure they flew in yesterday.

Third in the line-up was a band that should not be missed -- although they're hard to find : The Fryer/Barnhart International Jazz Band. They're made up of Jeff Barnhart (piano), Jim Fryer (trombone) - both from the Titan Hot Seven Band - plus some of the best jazz musicians in England. Gordon Whitworth (trumpet), George Huxley (reeds), Nick Ward (drums), Brian Mellor (banjo/guitar), and usually Annie Hawkins (bass). Annie was not available this weekend, and was replaced by Genevieve Rose, from Massachusetts. As fantastic as this band is as a whole, Genevieve stole the show. She's young, obviously enjoys the music, and is a better base player than most of the older men and women we've seen!

Finally, Tom Hook's Black Dogs. The originally group, from New Orleans, was once the most popular band on the traditional jazz scene. About ten years ago, they went in separate directions, with a few of them reuniting for an occasional session. The only member not playing during this time was Dave Gannett, who was working to recover from a broken jaw that didn't allow him to play. Last night they were almost in full force. The original trombone player (Steve Yokum) has been working in Europe for several years, and the drummer, Eddie Metz, Jr., was not available this weekend. It felt like the old band with Dave Gannett back!

Here's the line-up: Tom Hook, piano (the Bad Dog), Mike Massessa, drums (the Yankee Dog), Davey Jones, trumpet (the Hot Dog), David Poe, reeds (the Show Dog), Dave Gannett, helicon (the Big Dog), and Pat Gullotta, trombone (the Brown Dog). Whenever and wherever, and in whichever configuration you see this band, they're always fantastic musicians, and a lot of fun.

That was it for the Thursday night festivities.

Now it's Friday and we can't wait to see as many of our favorites as possible!

On The Press

2010-07-26T12:38:00.000-07:00

The artwork for the August issue of The American Rag is finished and in the hands of the printers. It should be in the mail by the end of the week.

This was a very difficult issue for Don because of the passing of Woody Laughnan, Sr., the creator of the West Coast Rag, which became The American Rag when Don took it over in 1995. In addition to the regular stories and columns, much of the issue is devoted to memories of Woody. Don't miss it!

On The Home Front

I've been mentioning to e-friends that I've been knitting and spinning this past week. Someone asked what, specifically, I was doing, so here is the answer.

This is the Mock Cable sock from WendyKnits' "Socks from the Toe Up" book. Don chose the yarn (Malabrigo #854 Rayon Vert), and I chose the pattern. I started them twice. The first time I adjusted the size up from a women's large by using #1 circular needles instead of the #0's called for in the pattern. The were coming out too big. So I unknitted them, rewound the yarn, and started over with #0 needles. The pattern and size both look better. There are a couple of mistakes. I'm cabling without a cable needle (the cross-over is only 1 stitch), and was knitting too tight, so I kept dropping stitches. I think that's fixed now.

This is natural Polwarth, and what little spinning I did during the week was with this. It's fairly fine, but will probably be plied. I'm thinking that I might want to try dyeing it with Kool Aid. We'll see what happens when enough of it is spun.

The next spinning adventure takes two photos, because I've barely started on it - for the second time. This is Merino/Tencel. I ordered it because someone in Ravelry's "Tour de Fleece" spun some and it was so pretty and shiny! Well, yes, it is. And slippery. And short. So drafting is an adventure. It can only be pre-drafted an inch or so without threatening to fall apart. And, of course, drafting while spinning is fun because it's slippery, and it drafts too far it comes apart. It also needs more twist, or it falls apart while you're plying it. Fun, fun, fun!

Since I have just started that, I took a photo of the pile 'o' fiber I'm working from. I love these bright colors, but the first thing I thoght of when I saw the photo was "modern day Medusa."

So, I'll be doing more of this later. Right now, I'm waiting for the gardeners to finish so I can let the dogs out. The carpet cleaner will be here in less than an hour, and they'll be locked in the office for quite a while. They really need to go out!!!

Back to Work

2010-07-20T15:40:00.000-07:00

We're home, recovered from the trip, and ready to resume working on the August issue of The American Rag. Most of the stories, photos, and columns have come in and are ready to be proofed and set up to be dropped into the pages.

The August issue should be in the mail one week from tomorrow. If you don't receive one, maybe you haven't subscribed yet. And if you haven't . . . why not?

On the Home Front

A good thing about traveling is that all the things you've recently ordered will be there when you get home. In my case, I really hit the jackpot with one batt (merino wool, firestar, angelina in the "Persian" colorway), one braid (100% merino wool in the "Olive II" colorway), one thicker-than-pencil roving (50% merino, 50% tencel in the "Bethie" colorway), and the third Loopy Ewe Sock Club package.

Batt, braid, and roving.

The Loopy Ewe Sock Club

Sock Club Yarn - out of the bag.

Before we left for Mammoth I finished spinning and n-plying some Corriedale. The roving was 4 ounces, and it made 277 yards of 3-ply (Navajo ply). It varies from 10 to 14 wpi.

Now I need to decide what to spin next and get some done. The bright colors in the merino/tencel are calling my name, but I also want to get some natural Corriedale or Polwarth done so I can try dyeing. I've missed several days of the Tour de Fleece and need to get back to it. I'm also making a pair of socks for Don, but only have the toes done, so I'll post photos of them when they get bigger.

Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee: Day 5

2010-07-17T19:20:00.000-07:00

And so it ends ... for us, anyway. It continues through tomorrow, but we won't be here to see it.

Today (Saturday) we saw bands that we had seen before. The highlight was Tom Hook and Jeff Barnhart, dueling pianos. I couldn't get a picture of them because the light was bad. They'll do it again at the Orange County/Costa Mesa Jazz Festival in a couple of weeks.

We're having breakfast early in the morning with Jeff and Bev Bishop (Racy Jazz Wearables), and then most likely will head home. We may decide to stay for the Jazz Camp graduation at 10:00, but we're all ready to go home.

(Angie: If we leave early I'll call you -- you won't need to check on the dogs.)
(Mom: I'll call you when we get home -- I remember the appointment Monday.)
(Toto, Peaches, and Elmo: Mama and Papa are coming home! Woof! Squak!)

That's all, folks!

Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee: Day 4

2010-07-17T09:15:00.000-07:00

Day 4 started early with Bill/Shelley/Westy/Eddie at the Whiskey Creek Tent venue. Hilarious, as always.

Tom Hook and the Black Dogs followed them. Once again, it was a smaller venue and a crowd ready to howl with the Dogs!

The usual summer thunder storms moved in early in the morning. By the time the Dogs were playing, it was pretty close. Venue managers were warning people not to touch or stand near the tent's metal poles, and saying that if the lightning moved overhead, we would have to evacuate the tent. Pretty scary, eh? Evidently not if you're a jazz fan! Here's a peek at the metal in the top of the tent, and then the crowd of people who didn't budge an inch after the dire warnings!

And the Jazz Campers arrived mid-set to prepare for their set. These campers seem to get along as a group better than in previous years. The had a great time around the dance floor.

After that, it was 2:00 and time for lunch. The food choices in Mammoth Lakes are terrific. There are restaurants all over town. Fast food, however, is another matter. As far as I can tell, your choices of fast food are limited to McDonald's and Carl's Jr. If there are any others, we haven't found them yet.

After lunch we went to the RV Park venue a little early to get good seats for Titan Hot 7. The RV Park venue is a community building in the only RV park in Mammoth. It's very small, so it's rare to have such a popular band there. However, we were early enough and got good seats. There was a local 4-piece band playing and singing early rock songs, with electric guitar and base drowning out the vocals.

And then it was time for the Titan Hot Seven. The set-up for them was a little strange. The stage is small, so the piano was on the right edge of the stage with the rest of the band on the left. That arrangement had Jeff facing away from the band, and without a microphone. There were no clarinet or banjo/guitar mics, so the 4 mics alloted to the band went to the clarinet (Noel Kaletsky guested with them) and guitar/banjo! It worked out because the trombone and trumpet don't need mics in a small room, and their base is electric.

And ... the campers again were the next to play there. They were invited to play with the group -- there are some great musicians in this group!

The thunderstorms had passed and the sky was blue again, so we went back to the Whiskey Creek Tent venue and heard the last song from Sherri Colby's new band, the Racket Makers. I was sorry we hadn't heard the whole set. They're a very upbeat band and know just how it's done -- as they should be, let by Sherri Colby. Having 'grown up' with the Blue Street Jazz Band, she know's all about it!

The Pieter Meijers Quartet with Banu Gibson (WOW) and John Coccuzi were terrific! Pieter and his guys were as good as always, with John and Banu adding a special spark. When Banu wasn't singing, she played rhythm guitar. I love John's vibes and am so glad he's doing more on the West Coast. Banu is as good as always, putting fun in everything she sings. I hope to see more of her, also.

It was 7:00 when they finished, and we had planned to go to the Holler venue for two of the Mardi Gras sets (Gator Beat and the Black Dogs) but we were all tired and decided to call it a day. Saturday will be the longest day of the festival, and we're certainly getting our share of this wonderful music!

For the family:

Miss Jessica Marie Drew, Circulation Manager

Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee: Day 3

2010-07-16T10:07:00.000-07:00

I think we're finally getting adjusted to the altitude. Yesterday, though, we were really lazy and just didn't feel like doing much. Don is working on transcribing a lecture, and I have socks to knit. Jessica has her computer and books in her room, which also has a TV. She's meeting people and says she enjoys the festival. Of course, she was hearing trad jazz from the time she was born, so she know what to expect.

Yesterday (Thursday), the festival kicked into high gear at 3:00 p.m., and went late into the night. Our friend, Brady McKay, opened the Big Top venue with her band from Sacramento. They played an assortment of show tunes, blues, and a couple of originals, one by Brady, and one by Rebecca Kilgore. Both original tunes were good and Brady's "The Best Things in Life Ain't Free" was upbeat and funny. You'll remember the exquisite reed player from the Wooden Nickel Jazz Band, Otis Mourning. Otis was with Brady and still plays wonderfully!

After Brady's band, we got something to eat, came back to the condo to freshen up (it was H.O.T. in the tents), and rest a bit out of the heat.

The next set we wanted to see was at 6:45 p.m. in the Grumpy's Tent venue -- Tom Hook and the Black Dogs. Yes! The Black Dogs are back! Woof! And they were in rare form, glad to be back together and in Mammoth, and all the Fan Dogs were ready! We all clapped and danced and woofed for an hour and loved every minute of it! After the first song (Canal Street Blues) Jessica told us that this was finally they kind of music she grew up with! Amen to that! Somehow I didn't manage to get a photo of the entire band, but here's one of Tom Hook to tide you over until we see them again!

I've heard that the Black Dogs will be at the Costa Mesa/OrangeCounty Festival in August, and another original Dog, Dave Gannett, will be with them on Sousaphone/tuba. I'm drooling already!!

We had planned to stop for the day after that set, but it was so much fun we couldn't resist going to the Big Top venue to see the Black Dogs again at 8:45. The sound in this tent is bad, a first for this festival. It's loud, and brassy, and the high notes go right through you. Hopefully, they'll get it fixed before it starts up again this morning. Anyway, the Black Dogs did the best they could with it. The tent is much larger than Grumpy's and the audience filled about two-thirds of it, but it just wasn't the same as the previous, more intimate setting.

It was a long day for all of us. We're not used to staying up late. So, when the set was over we came back to the condo for ice cream and sleep.

Tomorrow (Friday) we plan to start the day at 11:45 a.m. at the Whiskey Creek Tent venue. Four of The Professors (Bill, Eddie, Shelley, and Westy) have a killer act that we rarely miss. They remind you, talent-wise, of the Harlem Globe Trotters. All four of them are master musicians, but they get together to have fun, sing and play silly things, and just have a good time. And let me tell you, it's a really good time!

Before I forget, it's supposed to be 81-91 degrees today -- it's cloudy and raining -- and there are flash flood warnings. This could be one of the festivals that people talk about for years to come!

See you later!

Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee: Day 2

2010-07-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure that yesterday counted for Day 1, but there were two bands last night at the Holler site, and two bands at the RV Park site. We went to the Holler.

First up were The Professors, a group made up of the musicians who teach at the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Camp, as well as the Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society Jazz Camps (Youth and Adult). They're all terrific musicians who play with other bands through the year, and get together for this event. Bill Dendle is the Camp Director and also fronts the band.

Second to play was a non-Dixieland band, Steve Lucky and the Rhumba Bums, featuring Miss Carmen Getit, who has a great voice and plays a guitar you won't believe. They're a wonderful, high-energy band that features "jump blues, swing, jazz and rare gems inspired by the '30s, '40s and '50s." If they're ever in your area, don't miss them!

This afternoon (Thursday) the festival gets into full swing. We'll be there, and hope you will, too!

Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee

2010-07-14T07:48:00.000-07:00

It's time for our annual working vacation in Mammoth Lakes, California. We arrived late Monday, July 12, to enjoy a day or two of adjusting to the altitude before the start of the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee. Our new Circulation Manager, Jessica Drew (aka Eldest Grandaughter) is with us. Between her great-grandmother and I, Jessica has grown up with Dixieland jazz and so knows what to expect musicically. Our intent is to introduce her to some of the people and bands who are regularly featured in The American Rag.

Tuesday we visited Mono Lake, as we do every year, to see how the water replenishment is going. It was down again this year, although we spotted a couple of streams running into it that were previously diverted to the Los Angeles aquaduct. Still, it's a beautiful site and a natural wonder with its tufa standing guard and the Sierras behind it.

Tuesday night we went to hear the campers play at the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Camp. The American Rag is a sponsor of the jazz camp, and we try to visit the camp site at least once each year. This year was special, as we were able to introduce Jessica to "The Professors," the musicians who teach the kids how to play jazz. This year there are 37 kids attending the camp. Wednesday we'll visit the high school, where the actual instruction takes place. More on that later.

The jubilee venues are taking shape, with the usual white tents popping up all over town. We understand there will be some music tonight, but don't know what or where as yet. Hopefully, the Holler site will be open today so we can get our badges and jubilee schedules.

Hal Smith Joins The Jim Cullum Jazz Band

2010-07-03T06:32:00.000-07:00

From Jim Cullum's "Jazz Me News:"

Joining the band on July 10 is the veteran traditional jazz/swing drummer and bandleader, Hal Smith. Hal had previously been with the band from late 1981 to early 1982. He is a familiar face on the traditional jazz festival/party scene, performing in and leading bands such as Hal's Angels, The Roadrunners (which appeared on Riverwalk Jazz), the Butch Thompson Trio and the Carl Sonny Leyland Trio, among many others.

Hal is also a prolific writer of prose on traditional jazz (see his article below).

Jim Cullum says, "Hal Smith has the deepest understanding of the critical role drums play in a swinging jazz rhythm section and knows how to make it all come together for the best possible result."

Hal says: "For years I have hoped for an opportunity to play regularly with this great hot ensemble. And, I am delighted to be returning to live in my favorite state."

Michael Steinman says about Hal's playing: "I don't know what religion Hal Smith practices, and it would be rude of me to ask, but he works miracles when he plays. His rollicking beat makes any band sit up straight and play a thousand times better."

Visit Hal Smith's website here.

The American Rag wishes Hal the best in his new endeavor. Jim Cullum could not have asked for a better drummer!

On The Home Front

Yesterday I finished plying the "Fruit Salad" merino. I forgot to take a photo before it was skeined and soaked, so it's hanging now and should be dry tomorrow and ready to photograph.

This morning I decided to check out some YouTube video instructions for N (or Navajo) plying. I had a little bit of polwarth on a bobbin, so I tried it. I love N plying -- and did manage to get a photo of it, although it's a little light.

I'm working now on some natural coopworth/shetland that was sent by a friend to practice on. It came from a farm in her area. There is only one ounce, so I have no idea how much I'll end up with when it's spun and N plied. I hope it will be enough to make something because it's a really pretty black/gray/white. Maybe one of those skinny scarves.

Since I've been spinning at least a little bit every day, I joined Ravelry's "Tour de Fleece." It goes from July 3 to July 25, same as the Tour de France, with two rest days. We will be going to Mammoth from July 12 to July 18, and I won't be spinning then, but I will be knitting, which is a sanctioned fiber activity.

Ready for Mammoth?

2010-06-28T17:32:00.000-07:00

JULY 14-18, 2010: MAMMOTH LAKES, CA. 22nd Annual Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee. Headquarters: The Holler. Guest Artist: Tom Hook. Featured Bands: Barnhart-Midiri Quartet, Bill Allred’s Classic J.B., Brady McKay’s Lounge Band, Cornet Chop Suey, Flashback, Gator Beat, Ivory & Gold, JAS’M, Jennifer Leitham Trio, Louis Ford & His New Orleans Jazz Flairs, Midiri Brothers Septet, P.B.&J., Side Street Strutters, Scott Martins Latin Soul, Sherri Colby’s New Orleans Racket Makers, Sue Palmer Motel Swing Orch., Pieter Meijers Quartet w/Banu Gibson & John Cocuzzi, Steve Lucky & His Rumba Bums, Temple of Folly w/Yve Evans, Terry Myers Big Band, Titan Hot Seven, Tom Hook w/Black Dogs, Tom Rigney & Flambeau, The Professors, Jazz Camp Youth Bands, Wally’s Warehouse Waifs, Kim Richmond Quartet, Karen Marguth/Jason Wanner Duo, ABC’s of Jazz. A.E. Badges: $85 until 3/15 then $90 until 5/15 then $95. Daily badges available at the gate. Contact Info: Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee, PO Box 909, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546-0909. 760-934-2478 or 877-MTN-JAZZ (877-686-5299). Email: mljj@qnet.com Website: http://www.mammothjazz.org/ Lodging: 800-367-6572.

On The Home Front

This is the final template -- for now, anyway. Mom and I agree that this one is pretty and makes us smile.

I don't know if it was necessary to order a "jumbo" flyer and bobbin in order to ply the two regular bobbins of spun yarn without knots, but I did it. They haven't arrived yet, but I'm hoping for later today, or tomorrow at the latest. In the meantime, I understand that it's good to let this sit for a day or two so the twist can "settle."

Today's mail did bring me a skein of handspun 3-ply yarn from an e-friend in Connecticut. I didn't get it to knit with, but to use as an example of how beautiful and consistent handspun can be. You would never know that this yarn didn't come off a machine -- it's gorgeous! In the package she also included a bag of roving to for spinning practice. It's a Coopworth/Shetland mix. I'm getting quite an education in sheep and their wool!

The weather is getting really hot, and it continuously surprises me that we're so far into the summer. I'm amazed that July starts later this week. It seems that just a couple of weeks ago the trees were getting new leaves and the flowers getting ready to bloom. We have roses, gardenias, azaleas, trumpet vine, lilacs, queen ann's lace, and some pretty yellow flowers whose name I don't remember, all blooming in the back yard. And in the field below us -- thousands of tumbleweeds. The rain we had this year brought them out, and the heat is now doing it's best to beat them down.

I think I'll sit by the fan and knit a little before dinner.

The American Rag Online

2010-06-25T17:12:00.000-07:00

The web site has been updated. The Coming Events page is current. A new link has been added. If you haven't been there to take a look ..... why not? While you're there, be sure to take a look at the Subscription page!

On The Home Front

This is the last of the templates that I think I could live with. There are others that I like better, but let me know which one you like best.

I recalculated the Cotswold yarn and it's 65 yards. It's finished now and sitting with the other two small bits I've finished and kept from the practices.

Now I'm working on some dyed Falkland, and it's really easy to spin. This is the first of two bobbins I'm spinning it on. I've ordered a "jumbo" bobbin for plying, and am trying to get equal amounts spun on these two bobbins so there won't be any wasted. The dyer named the color(s) "Fruit Salad."

This is my excitement for the last two days. After updating the web site this morning, I slid into my cave and played with fiber until this afternoon, when I rode with Don to the post office. Now, I think I'll see if I can get him to take me out for dinner.

It Ain't My Fault

2010-06-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

On The Home Front

Another template trial ... not so sure I like brown maps.

The vet's office finally received the S/D dog food they ordered for Peaches a month or more ago. They say it doesn't taste good (why not?), but if she'll eat it, it will disolve the stone in her bladder. We haven't given Peaches too many things she wouldn't eat, so let's hope she'll like this. The stone doesn't seem to bother her, but evidently it has sharp edges and can cause some bleeding, so we hope this fixes it.

Once again, I stayed on the computer yesterday until I was blurry and not able to knit, so there's no progress to show.

The Cotswold did get plied today, and will be soaked and hung tonight. It only made 63 yards. I guess it will just stay skeined until I run across a pattern for 63 yards of something, or use it in something scrappy. I have ordered a "jumbo" bobbin so I can ply more yarn at a time. This 63 yards over-filled the bobbin that came with the wheel.

Now, I'll decide whether to try spinning the BFL again, or maybe some Merino. Another decision . . .

20th Annual America's Festival

2010-06-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

JUNE 24-27, 2010: LACY, WA. 20th Annual America’s Festival. Headquarters: Saint Martins University’s Marcus Pavilion. Featured Bands: CanUS, Grand Dominion, High Sierra J.B., Ivory & Gold, No Inhibitions, St Louis Rivermen, Titan Hot Seven, Uptown Lowdown, West End of Chicago, the Wolverines. All Events Badges: $70 until 1/1 then $75 until 5/31 then $80. Daily badges available. Contact Info: GODJS, Charlotte Dickison, PO Box 924, Olympia, WA 98507-0924. 360-943-9123. Email: charlottedickison@comcast.net Website: http://www.olyjazz.com/ RV Parking: Pat Herndon, 360-956-7132. Email: herndon@reachone.com

On The Home Front

So far, this is my favorite template -- it reminds me of Mardi Gras!

The Cotswold is spun. It will probably be plied to even out the thick/thin spots.

I keep starting to spin some dyed Bluefaced Leicester and just can't seem to get it right. Corriedale is good, Cotswold is great, and Polwarth is a lot like Corriedale . . . but the BFL is fighting me. So, I'll put it back for a while and do something else.

On the needles:

The "On Hold" sock from WendyKnits first book, "Sock from the Toes Up." The yarn is Malabrigo Sock, but I can't find the tag so I don't know the color.

Mom's scarf from my first handspun. It's undyed Corriedale. The pattern is from a Spin-Off magazine and is easy and really fun to do. It's a little scratchy, so I'm hoping that soaking and blocking will soften it. As I said yesterday, it will probably end up in the closet anyway -- the yarn is pretty bad.

Both of these projects have been on the needles for a while, and are not progressing very fast. The longer days keep us doing other things while the sun is up. Seems that by the time I settle down to knit, I'm too tired and just want to sit. Good thing there's no sock deadline!

Jazz in the Olympics

2010-06-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

Jazz in the Olympics is back -- April 1-3, 2011. Read about it in the July issue of The American Rag, which has gone to the printer and will be mailed later this week. If you don't subscribe, why not? Click on the link on the right, to The American Rag Online, and find out how to subscribe!

On The Home Front

This is the next template up for consideration. What do you think?

The last of last week's quilts was finished this morning, and all have been delivered to Cozy Quiltin' for the owner to pick up. Hopefully, there will soon be more. This afternoon I'm just grateful for a little time to do what I want.

What I want to do is finish spinning the Cotswold. I didn't weigh it before I started, but it looked like about 2 oz. It's making one slightly-over-filled bobbin of yarn. So, I need to decide whether leave it as a single, or ply it, which would leave half as much yarn. This is what it looks like now -- not much different from yesterday, just more of it.

The Southern California Quilter's Run was changed this year from July to June. The first part occurred last week, and the second is this week. Cozy Quiltin' is decorated to the hilt, and there are treats and give-aways stashed everywhere. They've added two more cutting tables and another register to make purchasing easier. These temporary additions are in the classroom, so there are no classes this week.

So ..... what will I do Wednesday afternoon? I can stay home and spin, or knit with the ladies at Fanciwerks. Tough decision!

Here's To The Future

2010-06-20T16:22:00.000-07:00

The American Rag will have a new employee starting next week: our 19-year-old granddaugter, Jessica Gdowski. Jessica is currently attending Victor Valley Community College. Acknowledging that Don and I are -- to put it nicely -- no spring chickens, we thought we would like to give Jessica a chance to see if running The American Rag would be something she'd like to do when (and if) we ever retire.

Jessica will be attending festivals with us when time and studies permit, starting with the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee next month. Look for us there and say "Hi." We like to meet our subscribers, and want you to meet Jessica. She's a very special young lady!

On The Home Front

There are a few new blog templates available and I'll be trying them out for a few days, so don't be surprised when the view keeps changing! And please leave a comment to let me know which templates you like and don't like.

I have been absolutely swamped with quilting jobs lately. I think there have been around ten in the last three weeks. These are just from three customers, so I don't know that it's an indication that business is picking up, but I hope so. We have decided not to sell the QuiltMonster (Gammill Statler Stitcher), so we're hoping to keep it busy.

It may have been mentioned here that I have the attention span of a gnat. It's actually about three to four years. That's how long the passion for watercolor painting and drawing lasted. That was followed by quilting, and I've been doing that for a little over four years now.

Last winter I picked up knitting again when I found that yarns have progressed since I put the needles down years ago. You've seen my renewed passion for knitting in the blog. I'm still knitting when time permits -- and was introduced through some e-friends to the world of spinning. Seems natural to move from knitting into wanting to make your own yarn, right? Don offered to buy a spinning wheel for my birthday, and of course I found the one I wanted immediately -- my birthday came early this year! Meet the Ashford Traveler, double drive, double treadle.

Isn't it beautiful? It takes an awful lot of practice to get a decent quality yarn, and I'm still in the practicing stage. I was able to buy a pound of undyed Corriedale roving from a supplier in Washington and have gone through about half of that. I have produced a large ball of not-very-good, thick and thin yarn that I'm using to make a scarf. I told Mom I would make her something out of my first yarn. She may have to hide it in a closet, but that's okay!

This is what I'm working on right now. It's dyed Cotswold wool from Nistock Farms. It's wirey, and not completely clean. It doesn't smell very good, but still has a little lanolin in it, and that makes up for a lot.

I also bought a Golding spindle from another e-friend and am playing with that.

That's pretty much my story for the last month or so. Quilt, spin, knit ... and work on The American Rag.

Life is good.

Are You Ready for SacJazz?

2010-05-21T16:45:00.000-07:00

Over 450 sets of live music!
Memorial Day Weekend, May 28-31, 2010

Louis Ford / New Orleans Jazz Flairs
Arbors "Statesmen of Jazz"
Molly Ringwald Quintet
Ray Obiedo & Mambo Caribe
The Quebe Sisters Band

Bill Allred's Classic Jazz Band

Cornet Chop Suey
New Orleans Ale Stars

Royal Society Jazz Orchestra

Billy Mata and Texas Tradition

Tom Rigney and Flambeau

The Little Charlie Caravan
High Sierra Jazz Band
La Descarga!
Delta Wires
Steelin' Dan

and dozens more!

On The Home Front

My darling husband said I can have an Ashford Traveler spinning wheel for my (early) birthday. We haven't ordered it yet, but it will happen soon! In honor of this -- and to have a place for it to live -- I've been busy decluttering the sewing room. Still have a way to go, but it's getting there. Here's what's been happening in spare time:

The Brandywine Shawl -- has not gone much further due to the casting on of other projects! This needs to be finished in time to take it to Mammoth in July.

The Featherweight Cardigan (pattern on Ravelry) is a very lightweight, short waisted, 3/4 sleeve cardigan made with lace weight yarn. I'm using Malibrigo lace. It starts at the neck and works down. The collar and front bands are added later.

The Loopy Ewe Sock Club pattern and yarn for April isn't going at all. The yarn is nice and the pattern (Wendy Johnson's) is good, it just doesn't inspire me, so this is where it stands.

Wendy's "Oh Hold" sock pattern. I've had this Zauberball yarn for a while and have been wanting socks made from it. The Zauberball socks I made for Mom for Christmas were so comfy I couldn't wait to have some for myself!

My latest passion, as you can tell from the opening paragraph, is spinning. I have 2 drop spindles and have bought some roving from a couple of e-friends (and they gifted samples of some others ♥). I've fallen in love with this process, and can't wait to get the 'real' spinning wheel!

Finally, we're getting The American Rag's June issue ready for printing, so there has also been some work going on around here.

Return to Nashville

2010-05-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we mentioned that some of our musician friends -- specifically Danny Coots, Jerry Krahn, and Ike Harris, all Titan Hot Seven band members -- live in the Nashville, TN area. The band was performing at the Chilliwack, BC jazz festival when the flooding began. When they returned home, they found that Danny's and Jerry's homes had escaped damage; however, Ike's home was destroyed.

Jazz friends Liz and Kent Burrell sent the following e-mail:

Hello Jazz Friends,

We've all seen the news broadcasts and the horrific scenes of cars, buildings and people being washed away in Tennessee and surrounding areas. Several lives have been lost and thousands of people have lost homes and property. Nashville is home to many musicians including our friends Danny Coots, Jerry Krahn and Ike Harris from Titan Hot Seven. Thankfully, they and their families are safe but Ike's home didn't fare as well. This is a picture of the scene at 6:00 a.m. last Sunday. By 3:00 p.m. when Ike returned from the festival in Chilliwack B.C. Canada, the house was totally under water and everything was lost. His 1923 Steinway grand was flipped over with such force that the lid came off, went through the living room wall and knocked over the refrigerator in the kitchen.

There are many people who will need help in the days and weeks to come and there are centralized organizations to handle this assistance. However, Ike and his wife Mina and their son Brad obviously have immediate needs. (We've heard that they are staying with Danny and Kimberly Coots for the time being.) If you would like to help, a check in any amount would be greatly appreciated. Please make your check payable to Ike Harris and mail it to:

Jerry and Pam Krahn
321 Southwinds Drive
Hermitage TN 37076

Don Jones from The American Rag has graciously agreed to print an article in the next issue (to be sent out in early June). And there will undoubtedly be announcements and "pass the hat" fundraisers at up-coming festivals and other events. In the meantime, if you have other friends who might be inclined to help Ike and his family, please feel free to forward this email to them.

Thanks for your care and concern.

We will be telling the story in the June issue. I didn't want to wait that long. If you are able to help Ike and his financially, we know he will appreciate it. If you are not able to help financially, please keep the family in your thoughts as they rebuild their lives.

On The Home Front

Yesterday I discovered that I have an addiction. That's right. My name is Cathie, and I'm an Orange addict. Not the fruit, the color.

My e-friend Andrea (Plays Well With Colors) recently posted a skein of yarn for sale that ranged from light yellow to orange/red -- with a range of oranges in between that made my heart beat like a bass drum! I pounced on that yarn faster than you can say "PayPal," and it arrived in the mail yesterday.

While petting this gorgeous yarn I realized that this has always been my favorite color. I don't think I've ever said so out loud; my normal answer to the favorite color question would be blue, or red, or whatever came to mind at the moment.

So why, when I was a teenager, did I want (and get) an orange carpet for my bedroom? And when the first Mustang came out, and a friend of Dad's parked his in our driveway one day, why did I stare at it with tears in my eyes? I've always assumed it was the car that I loved, but now I don't think so -- it was orange!! My favorite flower is the California Poppy -- you can see all of its colors in that skein of yarn. And my bird? Orange.

I believe I've proved my point. I will never again say anything other than orange is my favorite color. Yesterday, while petting a skein of yarn, I had an epiphany, and my life is forever changed.

Tom Lord's Jazz Discography

2010-05-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

Don let me know that Tom Lord has a link to The American Rag Online on his site and requested that we reciprocate, which I will do next time I update our web site. In the meantime, I took a look to see what Tom has done. Here's the lead-in on his site:

"Everything you need to know about virtually any jazz record ever released.

The Jazz Discography gives you accurate, detailed information on over 100 years of recorded jazz in all genres."

".. a treasure trove full of surprises that will fascinate any student of American music eager to know the most recorded songs, the most recorded musicians, and the nature of jazz itself" - The Wall Street Journal

Take a look for yourself -- Tom Lord - The Jazz Discography.

On The Home Front

It was pretty quiet around here today. I finished the binding on the new lavender bag and listed it in my Etsy store. I also posted a note, with a photo, on Plurk, and was told by a friend that she had made a bag just like it -- from instructions on the Better Homes and Gardens web site. Well, it was fun while it lasted!

After promising myself that I wouldn't buy any new yarn for a month or two, I read Sheri's Loopy Ewe blog last night and joined the 6-week challenge to knit a tank/short sleeve sweater before July 1. Earlier I had admired a "Featherweight Cardigan" that someone had just finished, and decided to make it for the challenge. It looks just like it's name -- featherweight -- is knit with Malabrigo lace yarn, and is waist length with 3/4 length sleeves. Looks like it would be perfect for nights in Mammoth. And how could I resist a 20% discount on anything Malabrigo?

Here's a picture of the Featherweight Cardigan from Hannah Fettig's pattern.

Not Ready for Prime Time

2010-05-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's all about The Home Front today because I've been so busy working on project bags, I have no idea what's happening in the jazz world today. Sorry.

Here's the not ready for prime time portion of the blog -- the newest bag. As you can see, it isn't ready to be listed on Etsy just yet. I need to hand-stitch the binding, and then it will be listed with the others. Tomorrow cutting will commence for at least three more in different fabrics.

That's it for today. Don is working in his office, Elmo and the dogs are asleep, and I'm heading to Mom's house to check out her new computer monitor.

Tennessee Flooding

2010-05-02T17:31:00.000-07:00

Our friends in Tennessee have had a rough few days with thunderstorms, flooding, and tornadoes. The American Rag staff are holding our friends in that area in our hearts and hoping they'll be able to ride out the storms with little or no trouble.

On the Home Front

I finished another Mary Engelbreit fabric 7-pocket bag this morning and listed it in my Etsy store. There are now five bags available there: three Mary Engelbreits and two in different styles. More of the 7-pocket bags will be available soon -- I have one in purples ready to put together tomorrow. I'm also thinking about putting 6 pockets inside a few to make them even handier for use as project bags, totes, or purses. We'll see how that goes. There's also some really cute cat fabric calling my name at the local quilt shop.

In other news, I took a serious look at the completed nine rows of the Evenstar shawl. I had put in a lifeline at that point, so, theoretically anyway, it should have been correct. Well ..... there were the correct number of stitches on the needle, and there were stitch markers in what I thought were the right places, but somehow, when I started to work a row, there were not the right number of stitches between markers. I have no idea why I'm not able to do a row correctly on this gorgeous shawl pattern, but it just doesn't seem possible. So, I've frogged the nine rows and put the yarn away for another day, and possibly another pattern. Sigh ....

Now, since the TV in the family room isn't working -- we have sound but no picture -- I'm going to partake of my other favorite pasttime, and do some reading. I'm almost finished with John Grisham's "The Partner," and all the pieces are coming together.

Time Flies

2010-05-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been more than a month since I blogged. We've finished the May issue of The American Rag (52 pages this month) and if you haven't received it yet, you will soon. The copy we mail to ourselves to judge delivery time arrived yesterday. There's a ton of color in this issue, and I think it looks great!

On the Home Front

Quilting is still really slow. I've had maybe four quilt jobs in the last month. The Gammill is still listed for sale in a couple of places and I'm seriously thinking about listing it on eBay. I change my mind every time a job comes in and I get to play with designs again. It's a lot more fun since the Creative Stitch program came out.

I haven't been making quilts myself, but have kept the Baby Lock busy making project bags. In fact, I've opened an Etsy store for them. Two are listed there, with three more ready to sew. Three sold to friends before I had a chance to list them there. I think I'll be changing the design a little to put more pockets inside. Average size is 12" wide x 11" high x 3" deep.

On the knitting side, I've finished another pair of socks. Nothing fancy, just stockinette stitch with Austermann Step yarn -- the one infused with aloe and jojoba oil. I started the Brandywine shawl for the third time (!) and finally caught on to the pattern. There's one visible mistake, but it's below the first lifeline, so I'll live with it. And I've started the WendyKnits pattern socks from The Loopy Ewe Sock Club. It's a nice, easy pattern with super soft yarn, but going very slowly due to time-consuming bag production.

Spring has sprung in the desert and the yard is looking great. The roses are blooming now, and the trumpet vine will be blooming in another week or so. Don and I are both fat and sassy and feeling fine. We're looking forward to vacationing before and during the Mammoth Lakes Jazz Jubilee in July.

A Message from Robert Ringwald

2010-03-26T06:57:00.000-07:00

We received this e-mail the other day from Bob Ringwald:

From: Robert Ringwald

Subject: Watch and Listen to the Bohem Jazz Festival from Hungary Online This Weekend

Our own Vince Bartels will be there. I have appeared at this festival twice. It is really a nice, friendly, well-done and very professional Jazz Festival. Some of you may remember that Tamas Ittzes brought his band from Hungary for our 2008 Festival. They were a big hit. Please sign up and help Tamas keep this festival alive.
--Bob Ringwald

***************************
Dear friends, we desperately need your help in getting this message to as many people as possible.

Thanks a lot, Tamas
**************************
The 19th International Bohem Ragtime & Jazz Festival featuring top American and European musicians will be broadcast live on the internet at http://www.jazzfestivalmarketing.com/live-e.html March 26-28, 2010.

You can view the whole event and even download the concerts later on for only a few bucks. With your subscription you'll not only have the opportunity to be part of a great event of 15 hours of music but also help to save Hungary's premier classic jazz festival.

Bohem Festival OnLine: 3 days, 5 concerts, 15 hours of music live, delivered right into your home from Kecskemet, Hungary. http://www.jazzfestivalmarketing.com/live-e.html

Join in and be at least virtually with us in Kecskemet, Hungary on the next weekend! (March 26-28, 2010) Last year our internet broadcast had 30,000 visitors! Don't miss it this year! And let your friends know about it, too!

Please, visit http://www.jazzfestivalmarketing.com/ to watch Hungary's premier jazz festival and to help to save it at the same time. We'd need about 2,000-2,500 online visitors to break even. (Last year's broadcast was free.)

Sincerely,
Tamas Ittzes
"Dr. Bohem"

PS.: As far as I know, this is still the only jazz festival in the world that is being broadcast through the Internet. So we have a second world debut with this technology.

Inspiration

2010-03-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

Inspired by my new Plurk friend KnittinGeisha, it's time to restart the blog.

Nothing much has been happening since we returned from Monterey, except the April issue of The American Rag is on the way to your mailbox if you're a subscriber. If you haven't subscribed . . . why not???

The artist profile for April is Andrew Barrett, who is a terrific pianist and son of master trombonist Dan Barrett. I remember when Andrew started his musicianship as a youngster, playing a washboard. It was rumored that Dan told him if he did well with the washboard, he could have a set of drums. When we next saw him, several years later, he was a featured artist in a Ragtime program in Pacific Grove, CA. This young man will go far in the music world!

On The Home Front

Since the last blog entry I've finished another "Everything Bag," this one for darling daughter Angie. There's one more to be finished, but I'm bored with them now and have started a smaller bag of a different design.

The Aestlight shawlette is finished, but I think I've already posted that photo and one of the beginnings of the Brandywine shawl.

The girlie socks (WendyKnits' design "Traditional Gansey" from her "Socks from the Toe Up" book) are done! I used Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock yarn for these. It's amazing how it softened up with a soak in WoolWash. These are for darling granddaughter Jessica.

The Loopy Ewe Sock Club socks have been started. The pattern was designed by Wendy, so I'm familiar with the directions and they should be quick and easy.

The Evenstar shawl is the only other project going right now and it's going very slowly. The pattern is lovely, and not difficult, but I haven't used lace yarn before -- someone described it as knitting with cobwebs -- and I keep getting the stitch count off and having to frog it back to a lifeline. So, I'm taking this one very slowly.

Check out KnittinGeisha's blog. I'll add her to the blog list on the right. And I'll try to be better about posting. No, really! I will!

Boys And Their Toys

2010-03-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Two of my Plurk friends have posted hilarious blogs today. I'll refer you to them, because I'm still laughing and it's impossible to blog something intelligent with tears in your eyes!

This, from my friend "Northern_Light"
Boys And Their Toys

...and a link to another blog from "news_hound" in Wales
Permission Slip

Enjoy!

Road Trip

2010-03-08T15:31:00.000-08:00

And so we trekked to Monterey. We stopped in Bakersfield for gas at Arco and ice cream at Rosemary's Creamery. And in Paso Robles for Starbucks. Other than that, we stuck to the trail and took about 8 hours to get there.

We're "early to bed and early to rise" type people, so we don't get to see as many bands as some, but always manage to hear our favorites and, if there are any, the bands that we haven't heard yet. I'll leave this subject to Don in the April Issue.

There is one thing I want to show you, and it's almost not visible. At the 9:30 a.m. Sunday set with Jeff and Ann Barnhart, and Joe and Paul Midiri, the stage lights were blinding Ann and Joe so that they couldn't see their music. With those lights off, Jeff couldn't see his music -- and the audience could barely see any of them! One young man (a musician) in the audience supplied Jeff with a penlight, which he held in his mouth, aimed at the music. It was this kind of showmanship that earned Jeff the "Musician of the Year" title.

It was a great festival, as usual, and keeps its place as one of our favorites -- not only for the music, but also for the unbeatable location.

On The Home Front

My job on road trips, once navigation is handled, is to knit, crochet, or hand-sew quilt bindings. This trip involved finishing a knitted dishcloth and working on the Austermann Step socks. One is to the point of starting the heel gusset and the other is not quite there. These will be on hold for a bit, because .......

In today's mail were the 3AM Enchantments Petite KIP bag that matches the project bag that I made last week . . .

. . . and The Loopy Ewe Sock Club project for March! Now I know what at least one of WendyKnits' stealth projects was! The scarf pattern is cute, too, but I can't resist Wendy's socks.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some gorgeous wool to wind!

March Madness

2010-03-01T12:26:00.000-08:00

Not the basketball variety . . . the jazz variety. There are five jazz festivals, one ragtime festival, and one concert -- and don't we wish we could get to all of them!!!

March 5-7: Dixieland Monterey - Jazz Bash By The Bay, Monterey, CA
March 11-14: Tribute to Bix Beiderbecke, Racine, WI
March 12-14: Clambake Jazz Festival, Coos Bay/North Bend, OR
March 19-21: Palm Springs Classic Jazz Festival, Cathedral City, CA

March 21: Norris Center for Performing Arts concert, Titan Hot Seven, Palos Verdes, CA

March 25-28: Redwood Coast Jazz Festival, Eureka, CA

March 26-27: Charles Templeton Ragtime Music Festival, Mississippi State, MS

Look for us at the Monterey festival. We'll also be blogging from there!

On The Home Front

The Quilt Monster was very, very busy last week and there are six quilts ready to be delivered. One will be picked up here and the other five delivered to Cozy Quiltin' for pick-up tomorrow. That's all for now, so until more come in I can get back to medical transcription for a couple of days. I've had to extend the course again, so now I have until July 22 (or the next extension) to finish.

In the knitting department, now that the Aestlight shawl is finished, I've returned to the girlie socks. They're WendyKnits' "Traditional Gansey" pattern, hopefully in Jessica's size, although they look a little small.

I've also started some purse/car knitting -- a pair of socks that are straight stockinette using self-striping yarn. I've been anxious to use Austermann Step yarn, the one that's infused with jojoba and aloe. So far my hands aren't any less dry, but then I only have the toes done.

Finally, today is the first day of the Brandywine Shawl KAL (knit-along) and I'll be starting that tonight. I'm hoping it will also be good car knitting for the trip to Monterey later this week.

Spring Ragtime Festivals

2010-02-25T16:06:00.000-08:00

March 26-27: Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival, Mississippi State University. Frederick Hodges, David Jasen, Carl Sonny Leyland, Adam Swanson, Terry Waldo. (Info: 662-325-2559)

April 21-25: Zehnder’s Ragtime Festival, Frankenmuth, MI. Jeff Barnhart, Bob Milne, Pete Devine, Kerri Price, Don Burns, Judy Carmichael, Adam Swanson, (Info: 800-863-7999)

On The Home Front

It started out to be such a good day! We were finally out of the Verizon Fios TV contract, and Dish was coming to get us set up with them. It's a really long story, but they installed the wrong equipment, disconnected 2 TVs from the sound equipment, and one TV isn't working at all. Six hours of phone calls to Dish have gotten us nowhere. They're argumentative, sarcastic, and not even close to helpful. Don did get direct phone numbers to a supervisor and a technician who had been slightly helpful. When he tried to call them back just now . . . he got a recording that the numbers had been disconnected. Customer Service (ha!) now says they'll be back tomorrow morning. I'm not holding my breath!

The sad part of all this is that we had Dish for about 10 years before switching to Verizon and loved it. We only switched to Verizon to save a few dollars, but it's true that you get what you pay for, so we were anxious to get back to Dish.

Now for some happiness!! Ravelry's Plurknit group is starting a KnitAlong (KAL) March 1st. The project is the Brandywine Shawl by Rosemary Hill and -- surprise -- I just happen to have the proper amount of Malabrigo sock yarn in a red/rust colorway called Boticelli Red. I also have the proper size needles, and a road trip coming up next week. So, I joined the KAL.

The Seaside Shawl that I started Sunday will have to wait. The charts are not difficult, but for some reason I have trouble getting through a row without creating extra stitches. That makes it not-so-good for a road trip project. And I do have a pair of socks to finish, too.

Chilliwack Jazz Festival

2010-02-23T14:47:00.000-08:00

This is one of our absolute favorites! If you can make it to Chilliwack April 29-May 2, I guarantee you will have fun!! Here's what Frank Grace said about this festival in the March issue of The American Rag (on the way to your mailbox later this week):

It’s going to be a “hot time” in the old town of Chilliwack, Canada when the jazz sounds of some of the leading festival bands resounds throughout the 22nd Annual Chilliwack Jazz Festival at the Chilliwack Fairgrounds Arena on April 30-May 2, 2010. Chilliwack audiences will be listening to new and returning favorite bands who are noted for their musicianship and ability to entertain.

And this is the Coming Events listing:

APR 30-MAY 2, 2010: CHILLIWACK, B.C. CANADA. 22nd Annual Chilliwack Jazz Festival. Headquarters: Chilliwack Fairgrounds Arena.. Featured Bands: Titan Hot Seven, The Professors, Uptown Lowdown Jazz, Dixieland Express, Big Bang Jazz Band, Stompin’ Hot Jazz Band, Company B, Youth bands, and more!! A.E. Badges: $55 until 3/31 then $80. Daily badges available. Chilliwack Happy Times Jazz Society, PO Box 565, Chilliwack, B.C., CANADA V2P 7V5. 866-300-7111 or 604-795-3600. Email: chilliwackjazzfestival@gmail.com Website: http://www.chilliwackjazzfestival.com/

On The Home Front

The name of the game for the past week has been "Quilting." When my friend Donna said she would drum up some work for me, she meant it! Last week I picked up 6 quilts, and only had to farm out one of them because it was too big for the Quilt Monster. The last one is on the machine today, so all will be delivered tomorrow. Hopefully, there will be more by the end of the week!

The manly socks are finished -- and they're too big. I did a swatch, and just guestimated from there. Next time we'll know how to do it right!

The Aestlight shawlette is also finished -- with the WendyKnits "Exonumist's" edging. It looks terrific! I still can't get the camera to capture the true color, so you'll have to take my word that it's a luscious red-brown with green flecks.

The next shawlette is WendyKnits "Seaside." I started it three times last night. Kept getting about to the 9th row of the set-up chart and finding the stitch count off. Finally, on the third try, it's going much better. I'm using Malabrigo again, turquoise this time. I'll take a progress photo tomorrow.

Here We Go Again

2010-02-19T17:05:00.000-08:00

It happens every month . . . the dreaded DEADLINE. The deadline for submissions is the 5th of the month preceeding publication. The deadline for getting it all put together and to the printer is . . . Monday morning. Therefore, we will be working all weekend -- again.

I'm guessing the March issue will be printed Tuesday, the 23rd, and will be mailed around the end of the week. So, if you're a subscriber, start watching your mailbox around the first of March. If you're not a subscriber . . . why not???

On The Home Front

You know what they say, "Another day, another quilt." Or something like that. The little pink/brown/blue quilt came off the Quilt Monster late yesterday, and another one has taken its place. This one is from the same customer (I have 5 to do for her), and has African-themed fabrics. I have a 'jungle' quilting pattern, and can't wait to see if it will fit. If not, I'll have to do something generic. I'm pretty sure I'll be using black thread on this one.

In other news, today's shipment from The Loopy Ewe was pretty exciting. They just got "The Knit Kit" in the other day, so I was lucky to snag one. It "includes eight essential knitting tools," a stitch counter, double-ended crochet hook, tape measure, thread cutter, collapsible scissors (TSA compliant), stitch markers, point protectors, and darning needle -- all in one handy-dandy little case. I thought it would be good for traveling. I'm the navigator on road trips, so once we're pointed in the right direction, I return to knitting.

Here's a close-up of the yarn. It's Zauberball, and I think the color is called Ombre. Or maybe it's Farbe: Stone Washed. Hard to tell since I can't read German. I like this notation: 100gr fur 1 Paar Socken, which is, of course, why I bought it -- fur 1 paar socken.

San Diego Jazz Party

2010-02-16T14:40:00.000-08:00

DEL MAR, CA. 2010 San Diego Jazz Party. Honoring Jazz Legend, Drummer Jake Hanna. Headquarters: Hilton San Diego/Del Mar. Guest Artists: Trumpet: Ed Polcer, Randy Reinhart; Reeds: Harry Allen, Houston Person, Antti Sarpila; Trombone: Dan Barrett, John Allred; Piano: Johnny Varro, Rossano Sportiello; Vibes: John Cocuzzi; Bass: Richard Simon, Nicki Parrott; Guitar: Howard Alden, Eddie Erickson; Drums: Jake Hanna, Joe Ascione, Ed Metz Jr.; Vocals: Rebecca Kilgore, Eddie Erickson, John Cocuzzi, Nicki Parrott. Tickets: Patron badges at $220. Includes all events and Patrons’ Friday cocktail party, plus Saturday Jazz Brunch. Reserved table seating in the Hilton ballroom. Single-session tickets on sale as of Dec. 1, 2009. Contact Info: San Diego Jazz Party, 8959 Caminito Fresco, La Jolla, CA 92037-1602. 858-453-0846. Email: dcooper4@hotmail.com Web: http://www.sdjp.org/ Lodging: Hilton San Diego/Del Mar, 800-833-7904 or 858-792-5200. Ask for the $130 Jazz Party rate. This rate must be reserved before Feb. 5, 2010.

On The Home Front

Don just brought the mail in and my "Work in Progress" book has arrived from Interweave. I'm a little disappointed. For one thing, it's about a quarter of the size that I expected it to be. And from the description I had expected the blank pages and the charting pages to be together -- like, one on the left, the other on the right. Nope. The first half of the book has the blank pages and the others are in the back. I really expected more for the price. At least the cartoon on the cover is cute!

The manly socks are more than halfway done. One is complete and the other has something like 40 rows and the ribbing to go. The leg isn't as long as I would have liked it, but the yarn was running out and I didn't think there was enough for another complete pattern (10 rows). We'll consider these 'practice,' and do better next time.

The edging on the Aestlight is more than halfway. It's going slow because it's my mindless knitting project, the one I watch TV with. These projects need to get finished, though, because I have that Zauberball waiting to be made into socks for me! (We won't talk about the dozen or so other yarns waiting to be turned into something beautiful!) (And we never, ever, discuss my Wish List at Loopy Ewe!)

New Summit Jazz Venue in 2010

2010-02-13T11:30:00.000-08:00

Juanita Greenwood, festival director for the Summit Jazz event previously held each October in Denver, Colorado, announced a venue change for their 32nd staging, “The Summit Jazz 2010 will have a new hotel location due to the closure of previous location. Our new venue will be the Red Lion Denver Southeast located at 3200 South Parker Road in Aurora. Dates are October 1-2-3, 2010. Bands are The Jim Cullum Jazz Band, Titan Hot Seven, High Sierra Jazz Band, Alan Frederickson Jazz Ensemble, Ivory & Gold Trio, John Cocuzzi, Jeff Barnhart plus others to be announced. For more info contact http://www.summitjazz.org/, 866-883-2288, 303-670-8471.”

On The Home Front

Quilting work is starting to come in again -- I picked up six last week and have two weeks to finish them. The first one is on the machine now. There are appliqued hearts in every-other block and she wants the empty blocks quilted with hearts. It will need more than that to hold it together properly, but I don't know what the 'more' will be yet.

The Aestlight shawlette is still in progress. I think the edging from WendyKnits' "Exonumist's" shawl is working well. It's lacier than the edging in the Aestlight pattern. I still can't get the camera to take a good picture of it, the color is always off for some reason. The manly and girly socks are also still in progress. Both have had the heels turned and so have become boring. They will be finished, eventually!

And finally . . . if you want a dog that's more like a cat . . . get a Pekingese! Peaches is my third Peke, and they've all had this trait. At times I'd swear that she has cat genes. She has the attitude, that's for sure. Call her without food in your hand, and you'll get "the look." You know the look . . . the one that says, "Surely you don't expect me to move from this spot in the sun for nothing!"

Jersey Jazz

2010-02-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

SPRING SEASON OPENS

Sunday, March 7 (NJJS) – The annual Pee Wee Russell Memorial Stomp – founding event of the New Jersey Jazz Society — will once again fill the Birchwood Manor in Whippany with hot music for the entire afternoon, from Noon to 5 PM. Tickets are quite reasonable, so they are likely to sell out: $30 in advance, or $40 at the door, with a $5 discount off either for NJJS members. It could pay to join first, if only to receive Jersey Jazz each month! Students with credentials are admitted for $10 advance or $15 at the door.

Vince Giordano and his popular Nighthawks have been invited back, plus the Mark Shane Trio with vocalist Terry Blaine, Jon-Erik Kellso’s EarRegulars Plus, and Kevin Dorn’s Traditional Jazz Collective. Plus, of course the Scholarship All-Stars. Good music, good food available, good dancing, good value overall. Bring a few good friends. Buy advance tickets through http://www.njjs.org/.

On The Home Front

A quilting friend sent an e-mail referring to this blog item, "Hari-kuyo: Festival of Broken Needles." It's a wonderful story, even if you don't work with pins or needles. My bent and broken pins and needles are kept in an empty prescription bottle until it's full, so they can be thrown away without hurting anyone. I may have to perform this ceremony for them!!

Something on that blog led me to this one, and a wonderful video demonstration from the Japanese Furoshiki store, Kakefuda Kyoto. Funny thing, though, when some girls walk out of the store at the end of the video, the furoshikis that they purchased are in paper bags! Watch the video and you'll understand the irony of that ending.

The monster quilt binding is three-quarters finished. Tomorrow's quilting class takes up half of the day (unless it snows tonight), so the binding should be finished Thursday.

The Aestlight shawl is in the final stages -- I'm knitting the edging now, and then will find out what to do with the stitches that are holding at the top edge.

We're having a little weather in the desert today. This morning the mountain tops could be seen above the clouds, but now they're not visible, and most the towns have disappeared, too!

Hot Club of San Francisco

2010-02-07T15:00:00.000-08:00

We've seen this band twice, and they immediately became one of our favorites. Here's what Cam Miller had to say about one of their CDs in his Choice Cuts column.

The Hot Club of San Francisco, Bohemian Maestro: Django Reinhardt And the Impressionists, Azica Records, 16 Selections, TT = 59:10

If you’ve seen the October issue of Jazz Times, it would have been pretty difficult not to notice a two-page photo spread devoted to the Hot Club of San Francisco used in conjunction with Andrew Gilbert’s account on the increasing popularity of gypsy bands.

Well-deserved recognition for the San Fran strings-only quintet (it also plays under the name of Le Jazz Hot) led by solo guitarist and banjoist Paul Mehling and whose personnel includess the versastile Clint Baker on bass and classical violinist Evan Price (Turtle Island Quartet).

Though solidly in the great Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt’s corner in terms of both music and instrumental make up, Mehling also leads his band into the land of Jelly Roll Morton on banjo with a delightful take of “The Pearls” and adds the suupport of the Aeros Quintet that includes clarinets, necessary for Django’s “Improvisation No. 3.” On three selections, the addition of pianist Jeffrey Kahane puts the band into a swinging mode, and for a closing statement in keeping with impressionists other than Reinhardt, Mehling’s group essays DeBussy’s glorious “Claire De Lune.” Credit Price with the exquisite arrangement.

In conclusion, unlike other Django band replications that seem to be more interested in the Belgian guitarist’s technique than his music, the Bay city fivesome puts more emphasis on the spirit of the melodies.

GRADE: A + (For info, orders: http://www.azica.com/)

On The Home Front

Earlier today I told Sandra (ManyHorsesMane) that I would post some artwork. Unfortunately, my camera turned everything into a fuzzy, colorless mess. So, as soon as I find out why it's doing that, I'll post photos of some of my artwork that I've kept. Things that were sold or given away are no longer available -- the photos were lost in the Great Computer Crash of '09.

Instead, you may now be in awe of the Valentine's Kit that I received from Loopy Ewe yesterday. I'm not sure what to do with this yarn -- most likely a shawl, but suggestions would be appreciated. I mean, it feels sacrilegious to even think about winding something called "Chocolate Strawbery Ganache!" It's so beautiful as is!

On the other hand, I know exactly what to do with Keri's 3AM KIP bag! She's an absolute wizard and I'm in awe of her talent.

It's time to watch the Super Bowl pre-game show and then the game. I'm guessing that the Colts will probably win, but hoping the Saints can do it. Who dat say they gonna beat dem Saints??? Who Dat!!!

Jazz Art Wearables

2010-02-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wanted a shimmy dress? Or a cushion to save your chair while you dance? I have both, and more fun "Jazz Wearables," thanks to Jeff and Bev Bishop and Racy Ltd.

Jeff and Bev set up shop at most of the jazz festivals and you haven't lived until you've shopped with them! Catch them at the Fresno, CA, Seaside, OR, and Monterey, CA festivals . . . and check the rest of their schedule here.

On The Home Front

The charity quilt is off the machine. I'll get it trimmed and bagged tomorrow and run it over to Cozy Quiltin' so they can pick it up.

I can "run it over" to Cozy because my little car came home today. I ran it into a curb last week and its front wheel was sitting more than a little sideways. You wouldn't think a curb could do that much damage. And, for the record, there was no cell phone involvement -- I reached over to the passenger seat to keep some postcards from falling off. Luckily, it happened a block from home. It's all fixed now, thanks to AAA, and back in the garage where it belongs. I love that little car and its turbo!

I did a couple of rows on the Aestlight shawl last night. There are eight more rows of Bird's Eye before I start on the edging substitution. I haven't compared the stitch count yet, but I'll be using the edging pattern from Wendy's Exonumist's Shawl. Wendy used this edging on her Aestlight and it's beautiful. I'm not sure why it photographs purple, when it's mostly reddish-brown.

Basque in Fresno

2010-02-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

Don and I met in a Basque restaurant. Yes, really. It was at the afterglow party in Los Baños following the second Santa Nella Jazz Festival. Mom and I were at the festival because our friend George Probert had "asked" that we be there (he actually said "You will be there!"). We didn't usually go to afterglow parties, but we were on vacation and had a day to spare, so we went. The Swiss Firehouse Five + 2 band played at the festival and were invited to the party. With a tuba playing a waltz, Don asked me to dance. Eighteen months, and a lot of trips to Fresno later, we were married.

A couple of years ago we were at the Fresno Sounds of Mardi Gras Festival and someone told us about a Basque restaurant in Fresno. Naturally, we had to look it up. It turns out that there are two Basque restaurants in Fresno. You really should go -- it's fun and the food is fantastic! I believe this is the one we visited: Santa Fe Basque Restaurant and Bar, N. Maroa Ave., Fresno, CA.

On The Home Front

Today's job is a freebie. It's a charity quilt. I don't remember who it's for, but it's obviously not Quilts of Valor. This one is a bit of a chore. The quilt is nice, but the back isn't wide enough -- it should be at least 4" wider than the quilt on each side. This one is about 1-1/2" each side. I had to sew muslin strips to the sides so I'd have room to work. Also, the back had to be sewn together and pressed. The batting is polyester (I prefer cotton or wool), and came in a package. That's not always bad, but it does hide thick and thin spots.

Elmo says, "Stop complaining and get back to work!"

And Toto slinks away at the sight of a camera.

Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival

2010-02-02T15:51:00.000-08:00

From the Ragtime Calendar:

March 26-27: Charles Templeton Ragtime Jazz Festival, Mississippi State University. Frederick Hodges, David Jasen, Carl Sonny Leyland, Adam Swanson, Terry Waldo. Info: 662-325-2559, library.msstate.edu/ragtime/festival/index.html

On The Home Front

Every other Tuesday a lady we've known for fourteen years comes in to clean our nest so we can stand to live here for another two weeks. On that day my job is to stay out of her way, so depending on the time of the month I end up in the office working on the Rag or in my 'sewing/painting/knitting/quilting/study/TV/treadmill' room doing crafty things.

Today it was the SPKQSTT room, where I started the hand-sewing part of the binding on the commission quilt. My quilting instructor can complete the binding on a queen-size quilt in an evening, and it would pass inspection at any large quilt show. I, on the other hand, can take weeks to hand-sew the binding on a lap-size quilt. I don't know why this is. I've been hemming skirt hems since I was old enough to hold a needle, so it's not lack of knowledge. I guess I just get tired of sitting, or bored doing the same thing for hours. However, I'm really trying to get this one done faster since there's a good possibility that it will be sold. I've almost finished one side . . . and I will keep going a little more today before I stop to do some knitting. The manly socks, girly socks, and shawlette need to be finished, too. Right???

Elmo says, "Right!!!" (She knows where the sunflower seed treats come from.)

Enter Jim Buchmann

2010-02-01T15:24:00.000-08:00

Not entering the jazz scene, he's been around for quite a while. Jim is scheduled to become a permanent member of the Titan Hot Seven this month. He will be replacing Bob Draga, who apparently is moving on to other things. We wish Bob well in whatever he chooses to do, and hope we will continue to see him on the festival circuit.

Jim Buchmann (photo at right) is also known as "Gentleman Jim," and the nickname fits him. He is one of the nicest musicians we've met, and one of the most talented, too. In my opinion, there are few reed players on the circuit who play as well as Jim.

If you'd like to know a little bit more about Jim, the story is on the front page of the December/January issue of The American Rag. If you are thinking of subscribing, be sure to add $3.00 to the subscription cost and request this issue!

On The Home Front

After a break yesterday for brunch, football, and knitting, Jan's quilt is finally on the machine and a little more than halfway done.

The fabrics are all batiks and much prettier than in the photo. The quilt is twin size. She made it for a 2-year-old boy. I suspect he'll love the horses! Jan's favorite quilting design is called Meandering Suns. You can see it on the darker blocks, even though it's a bad photo.

The heel is turned on one of the manly socks, and the other one is about halfway.

Now comes the hard part . . . staying interested long enough to get the leg of the sock high enough. I can't tell you how many knitting projects I've started and not finished -- because once I'm through the interesting part and know what the design looks like, I'm bored with the rest of it. Socks aren't quite as difficult because they're small. So there's some hope these will be finished.

It's In The Mail

2010-01-29T15:57:00.000-08:00

Our mailing service should have delivered the February issue of The American Rag to the post office by now. If you're a subscriber, start watching your mailbox. If you're not a subscriber . . . why not? Here is some of what's happening in this issue.

On the front page this month is Frank Grace's profile of Mat and Rachel Domber of Arbors Records. On page 5 there is a story about the Medford Jazz Jubilee's inclusion of venues and bands' sets specifically for swing dancers (and those, like me, who love to watch them!). As always, you'll find Uhl's Tidings, Cam Miller's Choice Cuts and Rimshots, Frank Grace's Festival Roundup, Lew Shaw's Jazz Jottings, Jack Lebo's Big Band Report, a Jazz Club directory, Coming Events, and assorted stories.

As one Fox News anchor puts it, "If you don't get it, Demand It!" See The American Rag's Online Subscription page for information.

On The Home Front

Red sky at morning . . . .

The quilted wallhanging was delivered yesterday. Today I quilted a lap-size quilt for a friend. She used a line of patriotic themed fabrics, mainly eagles, in Civil War era colors, and I quilted it with a stylized flag design.

Don's friend Herb e-mailed today that invitations have gone out for their 60th high school reunion in September. I've never been to one of mine, but someone elses might be fun!

Now it's time for knitting. The gusset increases are done on one of the manly socks and I'm now working on the other one. It's slow going with so little time to work on them.

The Back-Alley Strutters

2010-01-28T14:07:00.000-08:00

I knew there were quite a few jazz musicians on Facebook, and wondered if any of the trad bands had pages, so I typed in one of the band names. It didn't come up, but The Back-Alley Strutters did. If you know anything about The American Rag, you know that we're huge supporters of youth jazz camps, bands, and musicians. If you see a youth band listed at a festival, please try to catch a set. They really are good! Click here to visit and leave a comment for The Back-Alley Strutters.

The Back-Alley Strutters is a group of young musicians who have been playing together for two and a half years. They have performed from Chilliwack, BC, to Vancouver, BC and as far South as Sacramento, CA. All of the members have attended Jazz Camps and clinics. Each member has been recognized as "Jazz Stars of Tomorrow" by the distinguished Vancouver Dixieland Jazz Society.

BAND MEMBERS: Jeni-Rae Stacey - Trumpet,Vocals / Sarah Clay - Trumpet /Georgia Nelson - Clarinet / Daniel Northgraves - Tenor,Vacals / Dyllon Mitchell - Bass / Johnathon Sankey - Banjo / Josh Hill - Percussion

On The Home Front

Yesterday afternoon in quilting class at Cozy Quilt'n I continued with the construction of the three bags. Doing three at a time is pretty slow, so yesterday was devoted to ironing fusable fleece and interfacing to bag parts. Next week the sewing will start.

The quilting 'business' is picking up. This morning I finished a wall hanging for one of my customers and also received a quilt to do for a friend. Then, an out-of-area quilter that I've done work for before called to see if it would be okay for her to give my number to two of her friends. The saw her quilt and asked if I would do theirs also. Hmmmm . . . let me think about it . . . how soon can they get here?

This just arrived in the mail. I'm not sure what I'll do with them, other than the Zauberball. I gave Mom some Zauberball socks for Christmas, and they felt so good I want some for myself. The silk will probably be a shawlette someday.

Fresno in February

2010-01-26T16:12:00.000-08:00

The Fresno Dixieland Society's Sounds of Mardi Gras jazz festival is coming up soon -- February 4-7. Bands and guest artists include Grand Dominion Jazz Band, Climax Jazz Band, High Sierra Jazz Band, Bob Schulz Frisco Jazz Band, Yosemite Jazz Band, Titanic Jazz Band, Devil Mountain Jazz Band, New Eldorado Jazz Band, Blue Street Jazz Band, George Probert, and Carl Sonny Leyland. There are several special events, including one of the finest Parasol Parades on the festival circuit. All four venues are under one roof at the Radisson Hotel. More information is available at 559-292-3999.

On The Home Front

The quilt, named "Wedding Quilt" by the pattern creator, is off the machine!
The quilting was finished today and the binding sewn to the front. Now comes the hard part -- cleaning up any loose threads and 'nests' on the back and hand-sewing the binding. The quilt is 97-1/2" square, so that's 390 inches of hand stitching around all four sides. Still, if this one doesn't sell, I'll be glad to keep it!

In the e-mail today was a notice from The Loopy Ewe that I've won the lottery!! No money involved, other than what I'll send to them. It's the 2010 Loopy Ewe Sock Club lottery. They send a kit every-other-month during the year with patterns and specially dyed yarns. It's so popular, the have a lottery to choose members for the coming year . . . and I won!

And finally, Peaches was awake when I went by with the camera. I tried to get one of Toto, but he saw the camera and ran. Just like kids, they drag their toys out and won't put them away!

The Preservation Hall Times

2010-01-24T15:42:00.000-08:00

This was in my e-mail this morning.

"Over the last year, more than 20 of American music's most exciting artists traveled to Preservation Hall in New Orleans to collaborate with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band on classic New Orleans repertoire. The end result is a timeless and joyous celebration of New Orleans music. Proceeds from the sale of the project will benefit Preservation Hall and The Preservation Hall Music Outreach Program. The album is set for release on Fat Tuesday, February 16, 2010 in standard CD, deluxe edition and double-LP collectible formats.

The mission of Preservation Hall, to showcase and nurture one of America's greatest indigenous national, cultural treasures - New Orleans Jazz, is as important today as it was when Preservation Hall officially opened it's doors in 1961."

You can find out more about this on the Preservation Hall web site. The Hall and the people who keep the music alive need us, and we need them!

On The Home Front

Other than yelling when there's a touchdown, it's pretty quiet here today. Don is wrapping up the work on the February issue of The American Rag and has a TV in the office tuned in to the football games. I'm watching in the family room and knitting. Go Vikings!!!

The sky was blue most of the day, but now the high clouds that preceed the next storm are heading our way. It was a little chilly, but you couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day.

The dogs are mostly sleeping, Elmo is squaking for attention, and the parakeets are doing whatever parakeets do.

Both manly socks have reached the heel stage, and I've started creating the gusset on one of them. Tomorrow I need to finish my quilt so I can do some quilting for customers.

Almost Done

2010-01-23T16:21:00.000-08:00

I'm happy to say that my work on the February issue of The American Rag is finished. All of the proofing is done, and the Coming Events and Want Ads pages are ready to go. Don is finishing up the major portion of the work (the other 39 pages) today and tomorrow, and it will go to the printer Sunday night. Every month we're amazed that we've done it again!

On The Home Front

The storms have passed and the sun is shining in a beautiful blue sky. The mountains are covered with snow and the view from our little hill is amazing. The one with the most snow is Mt. Baldy. Here's a bit of it from this morning.

You can tell where I merged the photos by the dark streaks in the sky. It was impossible to get it all in one photo. I stuck the camera's nose through the fence and snapped away.

I've been working on the manly socks, feeling guilty that I've let them go while I was working on the shawls. So, the Aestlight shawl is temporarily on hold while I work on these. The one on the right is ready to start the heel. The one on the left needs two more patterns (twenty rounds) before it's ready for the heel. I like to work the tricky parts at the same time, so I'll get the twenty rounds done and then do both heels.

To Change The Subject . . .

2010-01-21T06:42:00.000-08:00

For a bit of different jazz content, today I'm posting the "Cookin' With Jazz" recipe that will be in the February issue of The American Rag. Just making sure everyone is ready for Valentine's Day!

If you have trouble reading it, send your e-mail address to me (do not post it here!) and I'll e-mail the recipe to you.

On The Home Front

Back to quilting today. I think I got a photo of the quilt in progress that shows the quilting designs. It's almost finished.

This is my favorite project bag:

This bag was designed by my quilting instructor, and the pattern hasn't been written yet, so I made it in class with her giving instructions as it progressed. There are three large spaces inside plus a pocket for measuring tape, scissors, etc., and three pockets on each side of the outside. On the inside, I have WendyKnits book "Socks from the Toe Up" in the middle space, along with the pattern charts for two pairs of socks. In the other inside spaces I have two pairs of socks in progress, one pair on each side. In the outside pockets I slip the bags for the needles I'm using so everything for the two projects is kept together. I love this bag! I love it so much, I'm making three more. Here are the fabrics that I cut for bags yesterday.

Next Wednesday we'll start sewing the pieces together. Because you can't have too many project bags. Right?

The Dream Continues

2010-01-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

From Frank Grace's "Festival Roundup" column for the February, 2010, issue of The American Rag:

"“The Dream Continues” with a weekend of nostalgia, fun and jazz at the 21st Annual Tribute to Bix, dedicated to the past reputation and music of the Bix Beiderbecke period, to be held at the Marriott Hotel in Racine, WI on March 11-14.

Conceptualized by Director Phil Pospychala, the festival started from The Good Time Jazz Club in Libertyville, moving in 1990 to Kenosha, and the last nine years at Racine. Phil’s determination has resulted in the festival being recognized as one of the most unique festivals on the U.S. circuit today.

This is a festival where you quickly get emerged in the scheduled festivities: You can expect to hear a full schedule of trad music from the early 1920s; two days of buying (and selling) new and rare vintage records, books and sheet music; participating in a mystery record contest; sharing Bix birthday cakes; and the highlight of the festival is a Thursday “mystery” bus tour to Chicago visiting some of the notorious venues of the Prohibition Era, old haunts of Bix and other period legends."

To read the rest of this column, which includes details about this festival as well as the Southcoast Clambake, the Redwood Coast Festival, and the Charles Templeton Ragtime Festival, subscribe now to receive The American Rag!

On The Home Front

It's deadline week for The American Rag, so lots of work and no play on the home front. I did promise a photo of the Aestlight shawl progress, so here it is:

I can't flatten it out for a full picture until the lace is finished and the top stitches come off the yarn that's holding them until it's time to work them again.

The rain has slowed down for the moment. Everything looks so clean and fresh, and the air smells good, too.

Sea of Cortez

2010-01-18T18:40:00.000-08:00

It's too late to get in on Jazzdagen's South America cruise, but from March 26 to April 6 they'll be cruising the Sea of Cortez on Holland America's Zaandam. It's a 12-day round trip from San Diego, visiting Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto, Guaymas, Topolobampo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarto. There's also an optional Copper Canyon train excursion that shouldn't be missed! In addition to all of that, there's music on board: High Sierra Jazz Band, Wally's Warehouse Waifs, Greetje Kauffeld, John Cocuzzi, Kristin Korb, Tom Hook, Bob Leary, Eddie Metz, and Randy Morris. It would be difficult to find a better group of musicians!

Contact Jazzdagen for more information: http://www.jazzdagen.com/, jazzdagen@aol.com, 800-433-0078.

On The Home Front

The quilt is on the machine. The top border and two rows are quilted -- three rows and the side and bottom borders left to do later this week.

It rained today -- yippeeeee -- we are desperate for rain, and it looks like we'll be getting more over the next few days. There was a bit of flooding on the roads around here, and at one point, I thought I might find out if Volkswagens can still float. But I made it to my destination, and by the time I started home the sun was shining through the clouds. There was even a little rainbow!

This photo was taken through the windshield of the car with my Droid phone (thank you, Mom). That phone can do almost anything!

Fifteen or so rows of Bird's Eye lace are done on the Aestlight shawl, and there are another 15 (I think) to go, then I'm switching to one of the WendyKnits patterns for the lace edging. I like hers better. Pics tomorrow.

Arbors Records Invitational Jazz Party

2010-01-14T15:38:00.000-08:00

This weekend will be a blast in Clearwater Beach, FL. Mat Domber knows how to throw a party! Here's the listing from the Coming Events section of the December/January issue of The American Rag:

JAN 15-17, 2010: CLEARWATER BEACH, FL. 2nd Annual Arbors Records Invitational Jazz Party. Headquarters: Sheraton Sand Key Resort. Guest Artists: Pianists: Dick Hyman, Bernd Lhotzky, Louis Mazetier, Rossano Sportiello, Jeff Barnhart, Chris Hopkins, Norm Kubrin, Ehud Asherie, Tom McDermott; Warren Vaché, Duke Heitger, John Allred, Bucky Pizzarelli, Nicki Parrott, Jerry Bruno, Ed Metz, Jr., Antti Sarpila, Bob Wilber, Dave Bennett, Aaron Weinstein. Featured Bands: Harry Allen/Joe Cohn Quartet (Allen, Cohn, Joel Forbes, Chuck Riggs), BED (Dan Barrett, Joel Forbes, Rebecca Kilgore, Eddie Erickson), Chris Hopkins & Echoes of Swing (Hopkins, Lhotzky, Colin Dawson, Oliver Mewes). A.E. Tickets: $250. Contact Info: Arbors Records, 2189 Cleveland St. Ste. 225, Clearwater, FL 33765-3234. 800-299-1930 or 727-466-0571 or Fax: 727-466-0432. Email: mrd@gate.net Website: http://www.arborsrecords.com/ Lodging: Sheraton Sand Key Resort, 1160 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach, FL 33767-2703. 800-299-1930 or 727-595-1611. Ask for Jazz Party rate $199.

It's probably too late to get the special room rate, but still worth a try. Wish we could be there!

On The Home Front

Everything else took a back seat today -- the quilt top, back, and binding had to be pressed so I could get it loaded onto the quilting machine. I'll have 2 customers' quilts to do next week. It's loaded now, waiting for a decision on the quilting pattern and thread. I can't decide if I want to do an edge-to-edge design, or take the time to do some custom work on the individual blocks. I hate doing queen size quilts . . . there's just so much fabric! I'm only 5'2" with legs so short they barely reach the ground, and the wingspan of a parakeet. But I did it, and here it is on the machine waiting for a decision:

And, just because it's my blog and I can do what I want, a picture of camera-shy Toto just before he made it out the door. What a beautiful boy!

Many Out Of One (or Two)

2010-01-13T17:18:00.000-08:00

While proofing Cam Miller's "Rimshots" column for the February issue of The American Rag, I found this:

Many Out Of One – Besides being a cracking good band, when the Titan Hot Seven is hired, a festival director has the option of hiring four other groups made up mainly of Titans: Ivory & Gold (Jeff and Anne Barnhart), The Jerry Krahn Quartet( headed by guitarist Jerry Krahn), The Usual Suspects (headed by trombonist Jim Fryer) and We Three (J. Barnhart, Coots and Jim Buchmann, unless Bob Draga retains the reed seat on a steady basis.)

He didn't mention that if the Blue Street Jazz Band was also at the festival, they'd have at least two more groups: JASM (Jeff and Anne Barnhart, Sheri Colby and Matt Bottel). And, of course, some of the Blue Streeters break off to form Blues Renditions (Sheri Colby, Jason Wanner, Sam Rocha, Nate Ketner, and Rich Canfield). Our traditional jazz musicians certainly are multi-talented!

On The Home Front

We had an unexpected visitor yesterday.

Several pairs of doves visit all spring and summer, and hang out by the koi pond and the bird feeder. We don't usually see them in winter. I don't think they migrate, but they don't winter with us.

Quilting class is one of the highlights of my week. I signed up 4 years ago when I retired, just to have something to do out of the house. Since then I've made some great friends and, even though I'll be slowing down with the quilts and switching to smaller projects, I'll keep going. Today I finished the commission quilt, which may be the last of the large quilts that I make, since we're trying to sell the quilting machine and I don't want to pay someone else to quilt them for me. Here's a piece of this one. It's 91" x 91" and will be backed with the darker brown fabric.

The Aestlight shawl is still going slowly, since I need to work on the socks, too. I think I'll work on it a bit now and will be posting another progress photo soon.

Up and Running

2010-01-12T15:34:00.000-08:00

Actually, The American Rag web site has been back up for a few weeks, but now we have the ability to update it. There were more hoops to jump through than you can count just to get control of it after our former web host disappeared. Our local computer guru is now hosting it for us, and he had time today to come over and get it set up so that I can make changes. The first change was to put a link on the home page to this blog. Maybe now someone (other than my family) will read it.

Thanks, Mom! I don't know if I would have kept doing this if I didn't know that you and Angie were looking at it once in a while!

Yesterday while it was on my mind, I made the room reservations for Monterey. Last year we stayed across the street from the Portola at the Hotel Pacific. They have "junior suites" that are outrageously beautiful, and not as expensive as you'd think.

On The Home Front

There isn't much to report today. I spent the morning on transcription practice and watched the episode of "House" that I taped last night. Then Matt arrived and spent an hour or so finding the best way to send web site updates to the server.

Elmo surprised me this morning. Evidently she was feeling lonely in the family room, because as I was transcribing in the 'sewing room,' I looked down and she had walked in for a little visit. Sorry I didn't think to take a photo. Peaches was right behind her . . . hoping for a little nibble, I'm sure! Thankfully, both dogs are afraid of the beak.

Now it's time to watch some news and do a little knitting, probably socks, before dinner.

Back to Work

2010-01-11T14:55:00.000-08:00

Our December "vacation" is over, and we're working on the February issue of The American Rag. I've just been proofing Cam Miller's story about the Monterey Jazz Bash by the Bay.

This year they are celebrating the 30th anniversary of this fantastic festival, which is one of our favorites. We like to attend festivals in places that have other attractions, and Monterey has plenty to see and do, much of it within walking distance. If you're planning to go, look for us -- we're planning to be there!

On The Home Front

Yesterday was our 13th wedding anniversary. We watched the Arizona Cardinals (our favorite team) win their playoff game, and then we went out to dinner. Jessica picked up the Ishbel scarf and it looks great on her. What more can you ask from a Sunday in January?

Today was Quilt Guild meeting day, interesting as usual, and too long. After some story proofing I'll get back to knitting. Still have 2 pairs of socks going, and started the Aestlight shawl Saturday. Wendy (WendyKnits.net) substituted one of her edgings for the Aestlight pattern edging and it looks better, so I'll use Wendy's edging on mine, too. The substitute edging is from her "Exonumist's Circular Shawl" pattern, which can be found on Ravelry. This one is going slower, though, so it will be a while before I get to the edging.

From the Ragtime Calendar

2010-01-07T11:05:00.000-08:00

The Eau Claire Ragtime Festival starts tomorrow, January 8, and goes through Sunday, January 10. Here's the info from the Ragtime Calendar on Page 8 of the December/January American Rag:

Eau Claire Ragtime Festival, Eau Claire, WI. Carl Sonny Leyland, Ivory and Gold. Four concerts, sing-a-longs, food and root beer floats, Saturday symposia and silent films, 1907 timeline and vintage dress display, twin piano lounge, Friday dinner, Saturday dinner, Sunday buffet and Frigid Frolics farewell bash. (Info: 715-834-2668; e-mail .info@ecragtime.org).

I suspect the list of artists is quite a bit longer than this, but we have a difficult time getting information from the Ragtime groups, so this was taken a month or two ago from the Eau Claire web site. Click on their link or give them a call to see if there have been any additions since then.

On The Home Front

There isn't much to report on the home front today. Don picked up his new glasses and is back to work. I'm going carpet shopping with Mom this afternoon. The dogs and birds are napping -- their favorite pasttime, other than barking. Yes, Elmo barks, too.

I have time to get in a couple of hours of transcription practice, if I get to it soon. And later there will be time to knit. Have a great day!

Second Sunday Jazz Clubs

2010-01-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for some inexpensive entertainment this weekend, check out these Jazz Clubs/Societies:

* Napa Valley Dixieland Jazz Society, Napa, CA - Jelly Roll Jazz Band - 707-939-9018.
* Monterey Hot Jazz Society, Del Rey Oaks, CA - Black Tuesday Jazz Band - 831-626-3146.
* Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society, Sacramento, CA - Rent Party Jazz Band - 916-372-5277.
* Greater Olympia Dixieland Jazz Society, Olympia, WA - Duwamish Jazz Band - 1818 4th Ave, Olympia, WA.
* Austin Traditional Jazz Society, Austin, TX - ATJS Jam Session - 512-451-6350.
* Suncoast Dixieland Jazz Society, Pinellas Park, FL - Bob Leary's Neopolitan Six - 727-397-1875.

If your jazz club is presenting traditional jazz on a regular basis, and you don't see them listed in the blog, talk to them about advertising in The American Rag's club/society section!

On The Home Front

Today is lesson day at Cozy Quilt'n. I'll be working on the commission quilt that's almost finished. Hopefully, I can at least start the borders today, and finish the piecing next week. Here's a peek at the photo that's in the magazine the pattern is in:

I think this is the only other current project that hasn't been posted yet. It's a dark blue sock (darker than the photo) with a diamond pattern for Don. Sometimes diamonds are a man's best friend!

Last but not least, Elmo is finally getting the hang of sitting on the wider door of her new cage, but isn't too sure of what that camera-thing is in her face!

SacJazz Traditional Jazz Youth Band Festival

2010-01-04T16:06:00.000-08:00

The Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society and Sacramento State University are holding their 5th annual SacJazz Traditional Jazz Youth Band Festival on Saturday, February 13, 2010. If you're going to be in the Sacramento area, I can promise you that there will be good music at the TJYBF! Some of these kids are already playing professionally.

In their words:
"The Trad. Jazz Youth Band Festival is an all-day festival dedicated to the performance and teaching of traditional jazz, with combo bands performing non-competitively.

Every combo receives feedback and lead-sheet clinics following its performance.

Also included: an optional Friday evening (pre-festival) hosted jam session, master classes, noon concert, Evening Showcase concert, and admission to the STJS 'Jazz Sunday.'

TJYBF is believed to be the only scholastic festival for Dixieland or traditional jazz, and is open to school bands, jazz club-sponsored bands, and independent youth bands.

Anyone may purchase a festival pass to attend performances. For 2010, we welcome Jason Wanner (piano) as our guest artist/clinician."

On The Home Front

It's been a busy day! I had forgotten that I had a quilt to do for a new customer. It's now quilted and ready to return to her, but it took most of the day. Here's a little piece of it while it was on the quilting machine. Each block is an apple, with 'peels,' stems, and leaves appliqued, and I just happened to have a quilting design that matched!

Our landscaper showed up today with some trees that we had asked him to get for us. He replaced a palm that had died by the koi pond, planted our live Christmas tree in the front yard, a Purple Robe Locust tree also in the front, and a Crepe Myrtle in the back. We're looking for some beautiful purple blooms this spring. Here's the new Crepe Myrtle backed by the sunset.

Jazz~N~Aweigh to Florida and Beyond

2010-01-03T14:20:00.000-08:00

Readers of The American Rag know that Jazz~N~Aweigh is a terrific cruise/tour agency headed by Diane Cottingham. This month Diane has scheduled a 3-day pre-cruise tour of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami that leads into a 10-day JazzSea Caribbean cruise. On board the Celebrity Cruises ship Equinox there will be 6 bands, including the JazzSea Jammers.

Diane's tour includes 3 nights in Hollywood, FL with breakfast each morning, a welcome dinner party, a day tour of Miami that includes South Beach, the Art Deco District, Coral Gables, and Little Havana. There will be a visit to an Alligator Farm, an Airboat ride, and a casino stop. Contact Diane at 206-542-9332, 800-348-5800, or http://www.jazz-n-aweighnews.com/ to get the full scoop on the tour and cruise. We have travelled with Jazz~N~Aweigh and with JazzSea, and can vouch for a wonderful time with both of them!

On The Home Front

Ishbel is finished! According to the directions, it should be 48.5" across the top. Did I do a swatch first? Nooooo. Per the instructions, I purchased 4 ply fingering weight yarn (Malabrigo) and the correct needles, and happily started knitting. The result? It measures 36" across the top. The good news is that I intended it to be used as a scarf, and it will be large enough for that. Here it is, blocking on the floor.

Now, back to the socks, and then possibly another Ishbel, or maybe a WendyKnits pattern, this time for me!

Tomorrow it's back to the books . . . actually, the sound files. Transcription study starts again after too much time off; first to recover from shingles, then the holidays and some marathon knitting. Toto's just happy soaking up the afternoon sun.

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called 'Opportunity' and its first chapter is New Year's Day." Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Adult Jazz Camp

2009-12-30T16:11:00.000-08:00

If you're an adult . . . and you play an instrument . . . and you'd like to learn to play traditional jazz . . . check out the San Diego Adult Traditional Jazz Camp. It's scheduled for January 14-17, 2010.

The 2010 faculty includes Clint Baker, cornet; Alan Adams (Director), trombone; Jim Buchmann, clarinet/sax; Katie Cavera, banjo/guitar; Marty Eggers, tuba/bass; Hal Smith (Assistant Director), drums; John Royen's piano class is sold out.

All facilities are located at the Lafayette Hotel & Suites in San Diego, CA. Instruction will include sectionals for front line and rhythm. Students play music together and with faculty members throughout the weekend. Tuition is $400, and enrollment is limited. Call 619-297-5277 or e-mail jazzinfo@dixielandjazzfestival.org for more information.

On The Home Front

I forgot that there was no quilting class today -- it was open sewing. So I worked on a commission quilt that needs to be finished soon. It only needs two more rows and the borders to finish the piecing, and then I'll quilt it. Once that's done I can list the Gammill for sale on eBay and Craig's list.

Remember yesterday morning's sun on snow-capped Mt. Baldy? Not so much today.

I'm thinking that when George Air Force Base was built here because we have sunshine almost every day of the year, it must not have been planned in an El Nino year! We've had clouds every day for the last week or so, and that's just unheard of.

Eight more rows to go on the Ishbel shawlette. There have been a couple of "oops" rows, but I'm thinking no one but me will ever know. It's dark, so the color doesn't show very well, but you can see a bit of the design now.

Speaking of knitting, today I received the kit from Dye Dreams' Four Seasons Mitten Club for the Winter 2010 mitten. I (and a few others) suggested the name in a contest that Wendy Johnson held on her WendyKnits blog. She created the design, and I was the first to suggest "Celtic Frost," which was ultimately chosen as the design name. Thank you Wendy and Dye Dreams! The yarn is blues and greys, and soooooo soft. I can't wait to finish Ishbel and socks so I can start the mittens!

Swinging in the New Year in NYC

2009-12-29T13:04:00.001-08:00

If you're in the Big Apple looking for some New Year's Eve entertainment, here's some information nabbed from Yehoodi.com:

Swinging in the New Year: 2009 New Years Eve Dance Parties in NYC NY

*FREE Concert by Champian Fulton at Lincoln Center. 8:30 and 11:15 performances. At the David Rubenstein Atrium. See website for details.
*New Year's Eve Party at the Tribeca Grill, featuring Ron Sunshine. 375 Greenwich Street, NYC. For reservations, call (212) 941-3900.
*New Year's Eve Party at the Montauk Club - POSSIBLY SOLD OUT. Featuring Michael Arenella and the Dreamland Orchestra. $75 a person. Email here for more info.
*Subway Soul Dance Party at the Bell House, 149 Seventh Street, Brooklyn. $30 in advance, $40 at the door. See http://subwaysoul.com.
*New Year's Eve Party at the Players Club, 16 Gramercy Park South, NYC. Featuring The JC Hopkins Biggish Band with Queen Esther. Tickets for non-members of the Player's Club are $225. See http://www.theplayersnyc.org for more info.
*Bootleggers Ball at 450 Union, Brooklyn. Featuring The Mad Jazz Hatters, Stumblebum Brass Band, Main Squeeze Orchestra and more. See website for more info.

On The Home Front

Sunrise on the mountains was beautiful this morning.

Elmo is one upset little bird! She had her wings clipped this morning, and the experience was pretty traumatic. She had to get in the carrier, ride in the car to Apple Valley Feed Bin, and suffer the indignity of being held by people she doesn't remember who ended her flight career. Poor baby. She really didn't fly well, anyway, which is one of the reasons she was clipped . . . she kept flying into windows and walls. Now she's hiding in the corner behind her toy, pouting.

It became evident that I won't be able to finish knitting the socks by Thursday, so I'm concentrating on the Ishbel. Almost finished with the "B" section, then "A" one more time, and finally "C." So, about 18 rows to go. More pics tomorrow.

Jazz Cruising

2009-12-28T12:06:00.001-08:00

It may not be too late to sign up for one of the jazz cruises coming up in January. Both are listed in the Coming Events sections of The American Rag web site and the newspaper, but I'll list them here, too, because they're both too good to be missed. We have cruised with Jazzdagen and JazzSea, and both take excellent care of their travelers and give you more than your money's worth in entertainment! If you haven't been on a jazz cruise yet, there's no time like the present!

JAN 8-23, 2010: Depart From: Valparaiso. South America Cruise. Aboard: ms Crystal Symphony. Itinerary: Valparaiso to Miami through the Panama Canal. Stops in Coquimbo, Lima, Guayaquil, Cartagena and Key West. Guest Artists: Brady McKay and John Cocuzzi. Featured Bands: Cornet Chop Suey, Pieter Meijers Quartet w/Danny Coots, Randy Morris, Clive Collins. Fares: *NEW RATE Starting at $3,620 PPDO. PLUS $1,000 per person ON BOARD CREDIT. Airfare: $EXTRA$. Contact Info: Jazzdagen Tours, PO Box 1706, Studio City, CA 91614-0706. 800-433-0078 or 323-650-0255 or Fax: 323-650-0950. Email: Jazzdagen@aol.com Website: www.jazzdagen.com Seller of Travel: #2026058.

JAN 15-25, 2010: Depart From: Fort Lauderdale, FL. 2010 JazzSea Caribbean Cruise Party. Aboard: ms Celebrity Equinox. Itinerary: St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Barbados, Dominica and St. Maarten. Guest Artists: Tex Wyndham. Featured Bands: Bob Shulz’ Frisco J.B., Climax, Dick Williams JazzSea Jam, Grand Dominion, Coast-To-Coast J.B., Tim Allan’s Banjos Aweigh. Fares: Starting at $1,183 PPDO. Airfare: $EXTRA$. Contact Info: JazzSea Cruises, 3256 Seven Seas Dr., Tavares, FL 32778-9285. 800-323-3881 or 772-597-3084. Fax: 772-597-3086. Email: Neuzone@aol.com Website: www.jazzsea.com Seller of Travel: #1991-280-414.

On The Home Front

Don is busy, as always, working on the next issue of The American Rag. I'm trying to get back into medical transcription study mode today, and would much rather be knitting or quilting.

I did make some progress on the Ishbel scarf yesterday. I'm now on the 4th row of the lace portion.

And moving up the leg of the sock, but slowly. Ishbel is much more interesting right now!

Fourth Sunday

2009-12-27T09:00:00.000-08:00

Trad Jazz today:

Society for the Preservation of Dixieland Jazz, Covina, CA, 562-596-7635.

White Rock Trad Jazz, Surrey, B.C., 604-591-7275.

South Bay Traditional Jazz Society, Sunnyvale, CA, 408-371-9191.

Black Label Tavern, Las Vegas, NV, 702-453-8451.

Call before you go to be sure there's music this month.

On The Home Front

Football! We love football! USC beat Boston College in the Emerald Bowl last night. Today the NFL games will take precedence. I don't believe we have any favorites playing today, but tomorrow night may grant one more try at the playoffs for Bret Favre.

Another day of knitting will commence soon. I started the Ishbel shawl/scarf yesterday and am almost to the lace portion of the pattern. Malabrigo yarn is absolutely luscious! It's softer than you can believe, and the colors are amazing. Still working on the blue and white socks, too. The heels are turned on both socks and the legs are going fast. Here's the Ishbel shortly after it was started:

Not a Creature was Stirring ...

2009-12-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

Not around here, anyway! The dogs and birds were welcomed to stay up all night and watch for Santa, but Don and I were tired. Our little family Christmas was wonderful. We always enjoy being together. The food was contributed by everyone, and it was all good . . . especially Mom's Tamale Pie Casserole and Angie's salad. The dishes were speedily placed in the dishwasher and it was time to open gifts. It appeared that everyone received something that had been on Santa's list. The dogs had paper to play with, and Elmo was treated to a few more than usual sunflower seeds.

And so another Christmas ends with one wish continuing to echo . . . Peace on Earth, good will to men.

On The Knitting Front

I've been waiting to work the heel on this sock until there was plenty of daylight, quiet, and nothing else I should be doing. I'm fairly new to sock knitting and have been learning from Wendy Johnson's book, "Socks from the Toe Up." I made a bit of a mess of the short row heel on my first pair. This one, on the Traditional Gansey pattern, is different. So, I sat down with it this morning and finished the first one! I love the way it looks.

Now I'll continue with the other one.

Merry Christmas to all . . .

2009-12-24T12:00:00.001-08:00

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band concert last night was fantastic. They really rocked the Walt Disney Concert Hall -- and it was a full house! I couldn't find a review online, so you'll have to take our word for it. The Second Line through the aisles had everyone on their feet, clappin' and dancin'.

If you're looking for some high energy New Year's Eve entertainment, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will be at the Disney Hall for two performances that night. Information can be found here.

On The Home Front

We're just about ready for the family to arrive and start the Christmas Eve celebrations. Tea is made, coffee is ready to go, soft drinks are cold, and everyone is bringing food.

I tried to start the Ishbel shawl this morning but, possibly due to lack of sleep, the instructions for starting it are getting the better of me. Instead, I'll keep working on the two pairs of socks that are in progress and revisit Ishbel tomorrow. It looks so easy when Wendy does it!

Peaches seems very excited that Santa will be here soon.

. . . and to all a good night. Merry Christmas!

Preservation Hall Jazz Band

2009-12-23T13:54:00.000-08:00

If you're in the Los Angeles area tonight and looking for something to do, you might see if tickets are still available for Preservation Hall Jazz Band at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The venue is fantastic and the band legendary. The concert starts at 8:00 p.m. We'll be there!

On The Home Front

We're almost ready for Christmas Eve. We bought a live tree this year, a "Fat Albert Spruce," and it has been decorated.

I made a quick trip to Cozy Quilt'n and Fanciwerks Yarn Shop to wish my friends Merry Christmas, and came home with two new Malabrigo yarns. At least one of them will be used for the Ishbel shawl pattern by Ysolda Teague. The colorways are 855 Aguas and 854 Rayon Vert. This photo doesn't do justice to the colors, they're gorgeous.
The blue has a bit of purple in it, and the purple has a bit of green.

The Day The Web Site Died

2009-12-22T09:06:00.000-08:00

A month or so ago someone called to tell us that The American Rag web site was down. Calls and e-mails to our web host brought only silence. Because we had always had a good relationship with him, we waited patiently for him to get back to us. It just didn't happen. Evidently, he had pulled the plug and gone out of business.

Happily, we are back up and running today with a new and improved web site, hosted by our local computer guru. We will continue to make changes to the site and welcome suggestions for improvements (not that we'll use them, but we will listen!!).

If you previously had a link on the web site and would like to see it there again, please let us know. We had no access to our web site once the plug had been pulled, and so lost all of the previous links. Please do not ask for a link if you are not in some way affiliated with Traditional Jazz or Ragtime.

In Other News

Tomorrow night we will be going to Walt Disney Concert Hall in L.A. to hear the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. We often attend classical music concerts there, but this is the first jazz event. We're looking forward to it, and only wish the drive was shorter. It may be a challenge to host the family Christmas whoopla here after getting home in the wee hours, but we wouldn't trade either one for anything!