TA DA!! The PF cardi is finis!! I kicked butt this weekend & completed it. I paid special attention to the details - I have never been 'known for' seaming & sewing. I yearned for that flawless look at I think it came out quite nice!! I did some 'Karyisms' on the collar - as what was printed didn't appeal. I also used vintage buttons for a completely individualistic look. I love this cardi and it will make its public debut on Thanksgiving Day. (Ok .. You are getting a sneak peek here!) Am I crazy?? I love Peace Fleece colors SO MUCH that I want more ..... sigh!! Here she is .... My Peace Fleece cardi!! TA DA!! Tag me ... You are it!

I have been working like a crazy woman the last few days on the PF cardigan. I decided that I wanted to wear it Thanksgiving ... sigh! I don't know about you - but sewing sweaters together seems to take forEVER (and then some!). And the weaving of the ends? I must remember to breathe!! Plus - I am also working on a scarf for my
ELDER. I would like to be able to ship this sometime during the second week of December - along with a few other goodies. I am making this scarf double thick - and it is being made from thel, silk, angora and alpaca ... toasty!! Of course - the Dubblemoussa mocks me every time I walk by it ... but my confidence is growing - I will tackle *IT* soon!! What are you knitting or spinning today?? .... TAG ME - you are it!

I have been suffering from the 'Feelin' Shoppie Syndrome'. It is an unavoidable happening which surfaces from time to time. Anything & everything fiber related is up for grabs. While I am waiting on the 'Dubblemoussa' to arrive - over the past couple of days I have purchased some new fibers. Wonderful fibers that I am looking forward to receiving!! First - I made a stop at Wonderland Dyeworks. Alice had kindly picked my name in a recent contest for FREE fiber. I picked "Harvest" - but then again - how could I not pair that with "Autumn"? Then, the vivacious Linda D from Grafton Fibers posted THESE ... how could I pass them by? So - 2 colorways are coming to play with me. Didn't need any of them - but wanted them all. And since the dubblemoussa & these fibers will be arriving shortly ... I have been busy working on the Peace Fleece Everyday Cardigan . I chose the 'Ancient Fern' colorway - but to be quite honest - all their colors are saturated with color. Check it out!! TAG ME ... you are it!

For some unknown reason - the cyber gods still will not let me post pictures. C'est la vie! Thankfully - I still am able to do 'clickable' links. I marvel at other BloGs that have photos and snippets and html stuff - but alas - my BloG is one of simplicity. There are no bells & whistles. I wish that there were - but, for now, just call me 'Plain Jane'. First, I must tell you - I am beginning to offer my sculptures for SALE!! (I know - unabashed plug to make $$). I am really excited as needle felting is just one more way I can work with fiber!! It is such a blast too ... of course - when I stab myself it hurts like the devil - but - the final product just astounds me. Making 3 dimensional objects from fiber!! WOW!! "Espresso et beignet" is both whimsical and delightful! The cup can actually hold paper clips or other small things. YAY - both beauty & function!!
Secondly - I think I am going to try my hand at fair isle.
The Dubblemoussa was the item I needed this weekend to keep my ears warm! That wind was whipping off the ocean to the tune of wind chills that felt like 10 degrees! The sad thing is - I doubt I will finish it much before August. Wish me luck ... until then - a warm cup of espresso will do just fine! TAG ME ... you are it!

Can't believe that I am posting twice in one week! Woo-
WHOO! Maybe I am inspired to write because it snowed today - that has put me in the absolute BEST mood! Here I sit,
swilling honey laced tea with a woolen sweater and woolen socks adorning my person. Of course it isn't still snowing -
but it was a nice surprise this morning. AND - speaking of writing ... my dear friend STASIA entangled me in her web of
letter writing. Being one who loves to get nice snail mail (no
bills or junk!) - I entangled freely. With the magic of the first snow, I received my LEX number today!! The Letter Exchange is keeping
the ART of letter writing alive. I think I have 'checked off'
about a dozen listings to which I would like to respond.
If you like to write letters - I encourage you to check out this service!! You might just find a interesting pen friend or 2!!
TAG ME ... you are it!

Today, I came across the BEST quote ever! It was written by Mother Teresa and I thought I would share it with you. My wish is that you will take this message to heart and share it with others: "People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway. "

Vacations come & go! Mine came & went all to fast. I don't really feel energize & relaxed as it was a time to catch up with old friends & to make new ones. But, ANY time that is spent doing different things in a different place is a welcome change in a basically boring routine. I would LOVE to show you pictures, but for some reason for which only the cyber-Gods know - I can't! C'est la vie! I did travel to Block Island (RI) and my accomodations were beautiful as always!! Yes - I have stayed at this B&B the last 7 years.
THE BLUE DORY INN is centrally located in the Old Harbor district. Perfect for strolling & eating. The shopping this time of year is pretty non-existant - but with the natural beauty of the island - who would want to be INside?? Even while running to & fro on the island - I did manage to knit on a scarf that will be gifted to a friend's niece! I am hoping that due to the beauty & calmness the area provides - I knit a ton of good, healing karma into it as this friend's niece suffered from a severe car accident a while back. Thankfully - she is on the mend. AND - just like I need another hobby - my good friend STASIA has addicted me to the craft of letter writing once again. As I child I collected wonderful papers & notecards - just to have. I think I was the only teenager on my block who owned wax & a letter sealer! While I admire the immediacy of the internet and the wonderful way with which it connects the world - I also enjoy receiving beautiful hand written messages on fine papers & cards. I love opening them and I love admiring the stamps. Weird?? Nope - just simplistic in its old fashioned quality. I think I need calling cards ... wouldn't THAT be fun!! What have you been up to .... TAG ME - you are IT!!

I am screaming with delight over my new auction win! Nope - not from eBay - but from the wonderful FUNd raising auction provided by DANCE AS EVER ! Who could resist a hand knit, Bonnie Franz, cotton jacket with the word PEACE knitted in 98 different languages?? Certainly not I! If you scroll down the auction page - you will find my new wearable ART piece. I will be stalking my mail box until it arrives. I am tickled that I am helping the ARTS which inspire, enlighten and educate all of us thru various mediums. I encourage anyone to assist these precious programs when they can. Government funding has diminished so many ART programs in recent years! ART is a GREAT way to nourish the soul and experience life in a creative way!! THINK ART! AND - to TOTALLY change the subject .... I also recently discovered the pleasures of liquid soap. I am not talking about the run of the mill, harsh & abrasive store bought stuff. I am referring to liquid GOLD - that refreshens and relaxes at the same time. A delicate, pleasing scented soap that makes you want to wash your hands ... A LOT!
BAUDELAIRE SOAPS are fabulous. If you are looking for something new or perhaps a wonderfull gift - I recommend these soaps HIGHLY! TAG ME ... you are IT!

I have finally been busy in the studio once again! YiPpEE!!
Once I begin to create - it keeps on coming. I find it weird when that happens. A momentum develops and I gladly accept it into my life! All to often, distractions keep me from what I want & what should be doing. I procrastinate and then get frustrated when I don't accomplish certain things. It feels great to finally be on track! Klaudette has made a come back and I must say, I am pretty proud of
KLAUDETTE! TAG ME .... you are it!

So - I truly haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I find summer to be SO unproductive for me. I can not stand the heat or humidity! Give me a cool (or cold) New England day - and I am in heaven. I have decided to plunge - fearlessly- into my art & fiber passions. "The Knotty Sheep" website will miraculously appear in cyber space one day - I will be offering my Klaudettes and fine art pieces. I am tickled and I hope to complete it soon. On the knitting needles: The Everyday Cardigan from PEACE FLEECE in the Ancient Fern colorway. Their yarns and colors are spectacular!! AND - I love the fact that it helps wool growers from various parts of the world. Truly - it is a Peace FULL enterprise. The BAGHDAD BLUE is truly inspirational!! On Miss Robin, the wheel - silk from Carol, THE SILKWORKER - although, miracle worker is more like it!! Carol has an incredible eye for color! Her silks are always in demand - so much so - part of me didn't even want to share her website!! (Bad ME!!) :) What have you been up to??? TAG ME ... you are it!

Well, I did it! I completed my first lace item!! Thanks to Miss STASIA who enabled and encouraged a group of us to do this - I am now the proud owner of "The Creatures of the Reef" shawl designed by DOROTHY at Fiddlesticks Knitting. I must tell you - this is one of the best written patterns I have ever laid eyes on. Fear not - if *I* can do lace - anyone can!! At the widest edge - this shawl measures approximately 84". Perfect for my 6' frame! Please take a peek and don't forget to TAG ME to let me know what you think!! You are IT!!

August is HERE! For me, I get in the mindset that 'summer is almost over'. It helps being in New England where the leaves will begin to change and the shorts will give way to sweaters. Lately, it has been hot & humid with tropical type downpours. Yes, sweater weather will be here shortly (I hope!)! I have been busily working my way thru the COTR (AKA Creatures of the Reef) shawl - I am on row 84 - I still half about 2 thirds left to do! I will try to post a picture soon! (HI! Deborah!) AND while 'surfing' late last week, I came upon a charity that sparked my interest: ADOPT~AN~ELDER. After doing a little research (thanks Alicia!) - I discovered this organization to be an excellent venue for keeping Native Americans in their homes while in their twilight years. Some of these 'elders' live in very remote parts and have limited means. I figured "I CAN" purchase food twice a year for someone who doesn't have any. "I CAN" knit warm woolies for someone who is chilled. "I CAN" let someone, somewhere know that they are loved & valued and that they are not alone. "I CAN" make a difference! You can too!! It doesn't take much to make someone smile! TAG ME .... you are it!!

OK - so I know that I haven't posted in AGES!! Life has been good & busy of late, without computer access on the weekends to boot. That really diminishes my internet time! C'est la vie!
I have been enjoying the wonderful weather that summer provides! I have also been playing with fiber non-stop, and boy! is it ever fun!! First, I have been spinning on Miss Robin almost nightly! I am still neglecting my spindles ~ but I love the production that the wheel provides! I am also knitting my first 'lace' shawl! It is called "Creatures of the Reef'. My friend,
STASIA formed a Yahoo! group so we could all comiserate together. It has been a true confidence builder!! Stasia has a button on her BloG to connect you quickly to this group ... please join for a wonderful experience! I have also ordered an Ashford "JOY" from Margrett at RUNNING MOON FARM! Margrett has even painted the treadles with a 'sheepies by the sea' theme! I will post a picture when it arrives! I can't wait to try the JOYness out! Well, in a nutshell, this is what I have been doing! How is your summer going?? TAG ME ... you are it!

WOW! I can't believe that it has been so long since I did a BloG update! Time flies! I did complete several fibery projects: both spinning & knitting! I always have something on the wheel & needles. It is my spindles that are being neglected. Not for any particular reason - it is just 'not where I am at' right now. I seem to be moving in many different directions - the wheel soothes me as I must 'stay put' to do it. I honestly LOVE my spinning time ~ it is the way I begin & end each day. Kind of like winding up & down. Got to love the irony! What have YOU been doing? TAG ME ... you are it!

Even in the recent heat - my creative juices are still flowing. I have continued to knit socks by day, spin by night and draw on my "Artist Day" on Thursday. I believe I am more grounded when I have the opportunity to express myself thru these venues. In the coming months - I would like to take all of these endeavors to the next level. I am not sure what this will entail - but it will be an interesting journey!! I have included a picture of "Miss Nell" - let me know what you think .... TAG ME! ... You are it!

The biggest disadvantage of the arrival of the Summer Solstice - as soon as it is here - the days start to get shorter. Seems like Spring never arrived - and lo & behold - here the calendar is telling me it is now summer! Ah well ... the garden has the tiniest of shoots popping up. Thank goodness for farms such as Diamond Organics !! YuMMy!! I love supporting organic farmers. Pesticide laden & genetically modified fruits & vegetables have become the norm. How sad is that?? I also purchased some 'heavenly' roving. It hasn't made its way here - but I know Dulcenea will be most wonderful. (Should I mention I love supporting sheep farmers too? Especially those that aren't typically mainstream!) Considering the weather has been less than perfect of late - I have been able to knit & spin TONs!! I also got a new Klaudettecompleted too! Feel free to place a bid ... I think I need to buy more roving .... ggg! TAG ME ... you are it!

The last 2 days have been amaZing ... the sun has shone! The warmth received from the golden rays has rejuvenated my spirit. It has been the longest winter ... virtually no spring to even mention. Granted, the sun peeked out from the clouds mid-afternoon, but it was still enough to cause JOY! While knitting outside, I finished my 24th pair of slippers for the Ship's Project. I am quite pleased with the colors in these. I use all my tidbits of yarn for the slippers - and sometimes the colors just sing! These are screaming!! I hope these bring JOY to whom ever receives them! This morning - I was BloG hopping and I stopped to visit at THERESA's - and she asked 3 amaZing questions: "What surprised you today?"; "What moved you today?" and "What inspired you today?". These are excellent questions!! My answers: how much I got done when I stayed OFF the computer; my pedometer - my goal is 10,000 steps a day. (Man - do I have a lot of walking ahead of me!); and a bee collecting honey while I was mowing the grass. Neither me nor the mower bothered this little fellow from his appointed rounds. Nature is amaZing! What were your 3 answers?? TAG ME ...you are it!

I finished my 23rd pair of Ship's Project slippers today! I am glad when I accomplish something. The Old English Sheep Dog & wool blend is almost completed too. Does anyone else get bored with spinning the same thing day after day?? AND - have you ever left your project half way thru spinning it only to realize that when you start again - you are spinning differently?? Weird, huh? That is why I am pushing forward to complete this. I hit over a thousand yards - me thinks that will be enough for a vest. (It is 12 wpi!) I also completed some art work too! Look at KLAUDETTE and look at my pastel sheepie RIVER. LINNET, River's care taker, has given me permission to draw her sheepies! Now THIS is going to be fun! TAG ME ... you are it!

It has been a very fibery last few days!! First, RIVER came to live with me! Her fiber is such a delight ... it is a sweet cream color - I am thinking this would make the PERFECT fisherman's knit sweater for the Beach House!! Secondly, today I received my order from HOMESTEAD Wool Farm - the colors in the photos do NOT do justice to the finished fiber batts. Most of these prepared batts are just $1 an ounce! That is right, ONE DOLLAR !! If you scroll to the bottom of THEIR fiber for sale page - I purchased the Patriotic batts & Morning Glory ~ aren't they absolutely divine?? Give these 2 vendors a 'whorl' - you will be glad that you did! (Let me know what you buy!!) TAG ME ... you are it!

The weather has been wild here for over a week. Sigh ... still great for fibery fun though! I have placed my "Travaux d'art en marche" ~
"Art works in progress" in the left hand column on this BloG. I want to see how long it takes to complete things. That first item, the Belted Galloway sweater - will take YEARS I am sure. I am not one for graph patterns - but I was up for the challenge when I started it on May 18. The thrill has worn off! I really feel like I will finish the sheep dog/wool blend with in the week. Haven't complied yardage yet, but I hope to have enough for a vest. After that - I may continue on with the afghan ... who knows. I also finished a
KLAUDETTE! What is really cool about this art piece is the needle felted spindle that goes with it!! I LOVE to needle felt!! Great ... just what I need is another hobby! TAG ME ... you are it!