Tag Archives: new hampshire

Back to The Balsams’ Visiting Artist Series in Dixville Notch, NH

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It’s the most exciting phone call of my year: when the Balsams’ Activities Coordinator, John Kennedy, asks if I am able to return for their Visiting Artist Series this summer.

CCM at Table Rock above the Balsams Grand Resort in Dixville Notch, NH

CCM at Table Rock above the Balsams Grand Resort in Dixville Notch, NH

“Yes! Please!” is my unhesitating reply.

As a Visiting Artist, I have the pleasure of conducting knitting & embroidery demonstrations and workshops with resort guests.

Felt Hat Embroidery Demonstration at the Balsams Grand Resort in Dixville Notch, NH

Felt Hat Embroidery Demonstration at the Balsams Grand Resort in Dixville Notch, NH

My first year, I even attempted a felting demonstration, with fascinating results.

The Balsams is a treasure. Luxurious accommodations and to-die-for dining are set in the northern New Hampshire wilds of Dixville Notch (where the first voting in the country happens each election).

Enjoying the bike trails of the Balsams' wilderness in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire

Enjoying the bike trails of the Balsams' wilderness in Dixville Notch, New Hampshire

Hiking, mountain biking, swimming, tennis and golf galore can fill up your days, while fantastic food and dancing to Rick Erwin’s Orchestra in the ballroom complete your nights.

If you’re looking for a fabulous getaway this summer, I highly recommend a stay at The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel.

And if you happen to visit between June 29 and July 6, 2009, I will see you there!

This Weekend in Canaan: CCM Felt Hats at “Twisted” Fiber Show

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Detail of freehand ribbon embroidery with caribou antler buttons on knitted felt hat.

Detail of freehand ribbon embroidery with caribou antler buttons on knitted felt hat.

My wet-felting neighbor, Kathleen H. Peters was inspired by the United Nations declaration of 2009 as the International Year of Natural Fibre.

So, in association with the Cardigan Mountain Art Association, she’s gathered together natural fiber artists from the Upper Valley of New Hampshire for a 2-day fiber show and demonstration.

“Twisted: A Celebration of Natural Fiber Crafts and their Modern Turns,” will feature spinning, weaving, dying, basketry, felting, knitting, rug hooking, mill history and more.

Where: Canaan Street Meeting House, Canaan, NH
When: 10am – 4pm, May 2nd and 3rd, 2009
Cost: Free! Refreshments included.

I’ll have 7 knitted felt hats with embroidery in this show, so come out and see what’s new.

My Garden This Morning: Enter Asparagus!

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Spring asparagus shoots return

Spring asparagus shoots return!

Last spring, Andy & I dug and planted our first-ever asparagus bed.

Initial trench digging after sod removal.

Initial trench digging after sod removal.

It was several days of hard digging, with lots of attention to building a rich soil bed for our 50 young, mail-order crowns.

Andy spreads the tentacle-like crowns over a hill of rich compost.

Andy spreads the tentacle-like crowns over a hill of rich compost.

Technically, we’re supposed to let this year’s shoots grow, without harvesting any to eat, so they can continue to nourish the roots and develop into healthy, beautiful, fern-like plants.

Late summer asparagus plants (left) little resemble spring spears.

Late summer asparagus plants (left) little resemble spring spears.

I’m just not sure I can wait another year to taste them!

Mmmmm... to eat or not to eat?

Mmmmm... to eat or not to eat?