As summer begins to vanish - I am finding that I have more energy to do 'stuff'. I have been busy spinning, dyeing, knitting and today, I tackle the carder.

Inspiration can be found anywhere ... especially along cooler breezes. Those same breezes might even bring a SALE on some primo fibers too! :)

I am not a big collector, although DH will argue that point. I do seem to have a fine collection of fleeces and yarns, pattern books and needles, spindles and wheels - but, yesterday I imagined what it would be like to collect Dale of Norway Sweaters!

Yes, my bank account would be depleted - but they are *so* beautiful (and functional!) Always the realist - the chances of me knitting ONE Dale sweater to completion is tantamount to climbing Everest!

So, I leave you today with some choice tidbits involving some international mailing. Christmas *is* coming! HO! HO! HO! and you just might find what you are looking for at The Oslo Sweater Shop and The Norway Shop. If you have ever ordered from either ... do let me know! Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! ... Comments, please!

Don't you just love it when a plan comes together? (She says - giddy with excitement!)

My Diamond Fantasy Shawl is finis! My problem yesterday was the fact that I have this complusive need to interpret patterns so their difficulty level increases by 10. If I slow down, BREATHE, and realize most designers/pattern writers are not out to put me in the looney-bin - the pattern works!

I thought this pattern to be fun, not difficult, and well written. It took me less than 2 weeks to complete ... got to love that! (Now, I just need to find a huge blocking board as 'the bed thing' is getting old ... suggestions?)

I am already off & knitting on the lacey Maple Leaves Scarf with some lace weight yarn I dyEd. Christmas will be here before we know it! Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! ... Comments, please!

Don't you love it when a plan comes together?? This bodes true, especially in knitting!

It is such a tremendous sense of accomplishment when one starts a pattern - and completes it post haste. I love that feeling! A coveted finished object is something to be admired and shared.

Alas ... the completion of the Diamond Fantasy Shawl will have to wait at least one more day. I chugged and chugged until 11 pm last night in the hopes of completion. It was not meant to be.

The left point has me a wee bit baffled ... if anyone can throw a 'tip' my way - it would be most appreciated. I mean, we are talking 11 stitches here!

This week has also given way to the fact that while most are thinking in terms of 'Back to School' ... I am thinking in terms of "Christmas is 4 months away." Time for some serious knitting!!

In the photo is one of my project boxes. Patterns with assigned yarns all ready to be knit! I am thinking this year, I might just do some knitting without the recipients in mind. (Selfish?... maybe!) Into a (nice) basket they will go - and the recipients can choose what they desire. (One per person, please.) Sound good? Of course, the twist here is ... I must complete the objects first! Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! ... Comments, please!

Typically - I don't belabor a point. I mean, what is the sense? People either stop listening or stop reading.

But today, dear readers - I must - please bear with me.

Over the years I have been suffering from 2 diseases: selfishness & procrastination. Will power is something *I* wasn't born with. After all ... mottos such as "Life is short" and "Live for today" are etched upon my DNA. Truthfully, how can one live like the Dalai Lama & Ghandi when one desires to be 'more thin, more rich' and 'die with the most toys'? How can we be happy with ourselves or each other when our wedding dresses need to be Vera Wang, our jewelry by Harry Winston and our motor vehicles must cost more than tuition at Harvard? Life isn't easy when you have no will power.

Thankfully my 2 diseases are transforming. They are morphing into 'charity and serving.' Remember my DNA?? ... Well, it has been discovered that a "How can I help?" chromosome is present!! How cool is that?? Living 'disease free' is work - hard work - kind of like exercise - and it is always a work in progress.

There are 'things' that I still want - but more importantly there are things 'I want to do to help.' I tell you this not to brag, not to belittle - but to let you know , baby steps are ok.

If you have been thinking of donating to a favorite charity - please do so today / no procrastinating! Why the urgency??? Well, your favorite charity just might fold due to lack of funds.

Susan, at Farmgirl Fare, has inspired me in ways that you can't even imagine. Her 'pluck', her energy and her zest are just "WOW"!! Now, I ask you to visit her BloG. Her entry will make you cry ... hopefully, your wallet *will* make you thinner - but I guarantee - you *will* be richer! Please HELP today!!

Is anyone else excited about the upcoming season change?

Am I wasting my life away wanting the briskness of chilly nights and invigorating mornings? While I yearn to see the endless array of colorful fall folliage - I think to myself: "Why do I hibernate MORE in summer than I do in winter??"

I have come to terms with the fact that my creativity, my energy and my personality virtually melt in the heat. I am looking forward to reconnecting with myself - with each earlier sunrise and cooler sunset - I feel the old *me* coming back.

I have been contemplating that working with fiber just isn't the same in 'high heat'. My heart breaks for those who live in warm climates year round - those areas where the warmth of wool, alpaca and quivit is just 'to hot to handle'.

But, I digress ... if one doesn't have clothes, food or a home - do temperatures really matter?

While the click of knitting needles and the 'whor' of the spinning wheel can be heard across the globe - I ask you to remember to set some time aside to knit or spin for your favorite charity. Warm woolies for the homeless! Preemie caps for your favorite hospital! Chemo hats for those who have lost or are losing their hair! There is also the possibility of knitting a delicate, LACE shawl or fair isle sweater for a favorite charity to "RAFFLE/AUCTION off"! How cool is that??

But, I digress (once again) ... how does one help when there is so much "ICK" going on in the world?? Does one sweater, one cap, one pair of socks truly make for a more peaceFULL world?? The answer is YES! ... and if you are into trying new recipies ... do try " the recipie for PEACE!

Yes - dear friends, the possibility to serve is endless and invigorating - just like the upcoming season in New England.
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! ... Comments, please!

There is life after the Victorian Lace Shawl!

A Baltic Bootie made from
Peace Fleece. Isn't it cute??

I made it from the left overs of the Snowstar sweater. I see a couple of pair in my future to be donated to charity.

With gas prices/heating oil rising daily - and chillier temps right around the corner - methinks I need some of these booties for me! Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! ... Comments, please!

Life has a way of tripping you up on a daily basis. For the most part, the unplanned interruptions make for exciting adventures. Spontaneity is a JOYous blip on the old radar screen of life!

The recent 2 week heat wave threw me for a loop. I don't like heat and I certainly do not like humidity. Inspiration was lacking / creativity - nil! The Victorian Lace Shawl progress? Suffice to say it will be unique. After frogging a total of 10 times - it will be a piece that is totally individual. Try as I might, I could not get the pattern to work - and with no computer access, I could not throw my questions into cyber-space. Sigh .... it does look interesting on the needles!

But, with temperatures hovering in the 70's this morning ... I am looking forward to cooler weather. Dare I say, I am even looking forward to FALL? Well, my new additions to my wardrobe arrived! Knotty Sheep shirts!!

I am *so* looking forward to donning my long sleeved T!! The beige shirt is organic - and the white is for my MoM! YiPpEE .... now that I am not melting - I can return to being KNOTTY .... join me! Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! ... Comments, please!

Well, vacation has come and gone and now it is time to get back to reality!

I did miss my computer time - and over the course of the next few days - I will be off line once again. Why you may ask?? My studio is UPstairs ... and suffice to say - it gets hot, really hot. The tempertures are to soar, with a heat index in the 115 range ... nope, I am not going upstairs! Not only will *I* feel like melting - the computer actually might.

Anywhoo ... I attempted to start the Victorian Lace Shawl 4 times. My needles are empty at the moment, but that will change due to the wonderful help received from the Victorian Lace Shawl KAL. YiPpEE ... I actually can't wait to start this baby again, today!

And, just for the record, my friend Pamela not only finished her Jack Frost Jacket - but also put an amazing Christmas Pudding Recipie on her BloG. It is never to early to think Christmas & winter.

Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! ... Comments, please!

Well, next week is my OFFline time. It will feel weird ... in a kind of " no smoking/no drinking/no eating carbs" sorta of way. While I don't smoke - I do possess the other vices and suffice to say ... the internet, for me, is one powerful addiction.

No BloGs ... no eBay ... no YahOO ... no email!

Hopefully, I will recharge the Muse and return to the keyboard with fresh ideas, a clear mind ... and a liver still in good shape. :)

While I have the "Jack Frost" still on the needles; committed myself to the Mystery Stole #2 KAL; and signed up for the "Bitchin' Mittens Challenge" ... those projects will have to wait for another day. My intent is the Victorian Lace Shawl. Don't ask why ... I mean seriously, why would you ask a knitter why there was more than one project going at any given time?? (BTW ... 3 projects is my usual limit.)

So on this note, I depart from Cyber-space for a bit - I mean, at least I *hope to*. As with any addiction, I will hear the silent call of my nemesis luring me into it's web. I will feel my fingers gliding over imaginary keys with the subtle sounds of a quick - yet inaccurate typist. And I will dream of pings and bings - all in the hopes of "I've got mail"! Sigh ...

Part of the extra-pooey part of NOT being ONline, is the fact that I can not click daily to help animals! Could you please help me out?? The click is free & fast and it sure does Help! ... Thanks and remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! ... Comments, please!

Two words of the day ... hot & humid .

Don't really care for either - although the later is worse than the former. I admit - I like to be cold. I like thick sweaters and warm woolen sox. I like 4 blankets on my bed. I like mittens too.

No, I am not wishing my summer away. There are many, many attributes to the season that make me smile.

I saw my very first hummingbird this weekend. What a pure joy that was. I love the warm morning sunshine and the way the sun slips into sleep at the end of the day. I love the happy waves at the shore and the call of the seagull playing tag with it's friends.

I love the warmth of the day ... and the way friends gather on a spur of the moment. I love eating light and playing hard. Yes ... summer is wonderful!

Each season brings a different set of smiles ... I just prefer to wear a smile featuring a hand knit sweater as opposed to a bathing suit. :)

I still haven't been doing any knitting ... but, I am managing to keep my spinning wheels happy! Of course, those rogue snippets of bobbin singles end up on a spindle - which keeps them happy too!! This weekend, I spun up some "Merlin", a black suffolk x on my JOY. This JOY was painted by Margrett at Running Moon Farm . Isn't she a beauty??
Do remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! ... Comments, please!

Yesterday, for the first time in a long time - I picked up a spindle. It isn't that I don't love my spindle children anymore ... I just like the production of the wheel much better.

But, there is something to be said about the quiet stillness a spindle brings. It is no fuss - low maintenance and really, really portable. You just have to love that.

Most of the time, while using the wheel, I end up with snippets of singles on the bobbins. I collect them, then create wee skeins for future use or sale. They have such personalities and are *so* perfect for stripes, but they are even more perfect for spindles!

Needless to say - I enjoyed using my Greensleeves, E. Marie low whorl. Elizabeth doesn't make these spindles anymore - and mine is in pink Ivorywood. It is so very girlie.

"Priscilla", a blue faced leicester/shetland x was the remnant left on the bobbin. I quickly Andean plyed the singles and started in on the fun. WhEEEE! Picking up something that you haven't done in a while is a great way to refresh the Muse.

I have included a photo of Miss E. Marie. It is against a backdrop of blended "Priscilla" & "Merlin" a suffolk x. Try something a wee bit different today and remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! ... Comments, please!

Per the recommendation of artist/illustrator Monica Lee - I decided to purchase "Success" which is edited by J. Pincott.

It is a remarkable text in which snippets of wisdom are recited by those to which *we* have deemed successful: Oprah; Steve Jobs; Bill Clinton; George Lucas; et al. Not all those contained within the confines of the covers are billionaires ... some are philosophers & poets. Some are activists who have changed the world for the better. Some are just regular people who found their true love.

While I have only begun to embark upon my journey into the pages of this book - I found a quote by Jon Bon Jovi to ring true to my soul. ".... No matter what you want to do with your life, be passionate. The world doesn't need any more gray. On the other hand, we can't get enough color ...." WOW! My thoughts exactly!

Being an artist isn't the most easiest of professions - but it is a profession that must contain passion! I like the idea that when someone purchases a tidbit of fiber from me ... they also get some of my exuberance, my vibrance - my zest! I try to interpret what *I* see into colors!

One of my latest fiber creations is Bridgette.
I hope these colors tingle & inspire you to create something wonderful!

Comments ... please!

Is it summer where you are??

I find that while summertime has an overabundance of goodness ... it becomes a vast creative wasteland for me.

Weird, I know - but the preoccupation with gardens; beaches; cook outs; sight seeing and just good old fashioned FUNNESS - keeps my mind in over drive and my body tired.
One might think that these venues would spark the Muse ... instead - they hit her over her head with a 2 by 4.

I hop around in cyber-space hoping for a JOLT of creativity from somewhere ... a passing BloG or an rogue YahOO group - but, alas ... I swirl in the vortex of lack lusterness.

What *do* creative types *do* when the creative vibes are stagnant and the bills need to be paid? I ponder this question - a lot. I, mean, I ponder it daily. How do they pick themselves up off their hand painted floor cloths to start another painting or write that new song or sculpt that new piece??

If you know the answer ... please comment. This creative type is spending way to much time pondering what *being* creative actually means. Comments, please!

You know what is really cool about being ALIVE??

Each day brings a new chance to help others and the world around us. I have started to think in terms of things I do daily that might help someone on the other side of the world and the Earth.

Highlights of the week include: drying my laundry in the sunshine; when I change my dog's water, I empty the water dish on my plants; I composted my kitchen waste and yarn/wool ends; I ate organic strawberries and an organic pepper from my own garden; I brought my canvas bags to the grocery so I didn't have to use those awful plastic things; and I signed a petition to save the polar bears from extinction! It is my wish that you would sign it too ... providing a voice for the voiceless is truly an amazing gift that we all have! Please click HERE and tell the people WE ELECTED that it isn't about drilling for oil in the Artic - it is about reducing our codependancy on oil, period.

You see, the changes we make do not have to start off with giant leaps ... just wee baby steps! If we all take a few baby steps every day ... walking towards a better environment and a better world becomes EZ PZ!

Oh ... each one of these babies was dried in the sunshine ... creating art and saving the world ... yes!! It is ** all** in a days work! WhEEEEEE..... comments, please!

Art comes in all forms. Items that seem silly or mudane - maybe even a tad nondescript - can be created into ART. Don't you just LOVE that?

Case in point - dryer lint. While I know some people actually try to spin it - I have a tendancy to toss it ever so gracefully into the compost bin. Ah ... but this is where I should tie my 'creative hat' on a little tighter!

You have to love what one's imagination can envision!
(The reduce, reuse, recycling thing always gets extra credit points too.)

Now, onto the over-dyed, lace weight, Mystery Stole yarn! I think this came out pretty wonderful if I do say so myself! It is a keeper. Buy ART - comments, please!

Over the weekend - I read the most incredible book!! I laughed til I cried. It was *that* good.

First, let me state I am not a big reader. For me to finish a book within the ample time frame set forth by the local library - it is torture. I get distracted - after all, why read when I could be spinning or knitting??

Well, suffice to say, I love dogs and I just had to read Marley & Me by John Grogan. I guarantee, you will love it too.

I also had a brain storm over the weekend ... for those of you who know what "Filene's Basement" was to retail ... my latest addition to The Knotty Sheep,
FIBERleen's Basement will be to the Fiber world! Ok ... maybe that is a wee bit of an overstatement - but, "FIBERleen's Basement" is where I plan to offer fibers & yarns at at least a 25% discount off the original retail! They are first quality fibers that are just sitting unloved and just want to go to a good home!!
Who doesn't love a sale??

Also this weekend - I indulged in my most favorite lunch. Delicious artsian cheeses, a fresh baguette and a glass (or 2) of a mellow pinot noir.

YuMMy!! I spoiled myself rotten these last few days ... a wonderful dog book and a decadent lunch. Any wonder why I had the new business revelation?? My creative juices are flowing now - hope yours are too!!
Buy ART - comments, please!

Isn't it funny how things sometimes don't work out as we had planned??

My sabbatical isn't freeing me creatively. I am shocked. There is no other way to describe it. Frustration is trying to grab my very soul ... but I am determined to keep it at bay!! It is difficult though when the "Jack Frost" front you are working on has decreases on one side ... a straight edge on the other - and you look down one morning (today!) and realize that you are knitting a triangle. C'est la vie ... into the frog pond it went!

My yarn for the Mystery Stole will be overdyed. I just don't like the varigation that took place. I am all for color and even for the dye 'breaking', but I was hoping for a muted tone. I will overdye in a very weak solution - just to take some of the 'edge' off. Hey Melanie - I aim to do you proud!

One thing that I am becoming increasing interested in is food. Not so much to eat, although that is the final result, but where it originates. Thought I would share these 2 informational links ... maybe you are interested too. Enjoy!:
Slow Food and the Meatrix. Buy ART ... comments, please!

Finally ... I dyed my yarn for Melanie's Mystery Stole #2!

The yarn started like this: Naked!

And before it hit the heat - it looked like this:

Now - it sits waiting for a final rinse.

I know that I will alternate skeins during the actual knitting of the stole. I am sure slight variations have occured - which will add some depth to the project. While I understand that variagated yarns do not show lace patterns well, this is yarn was dyed using the same color (Mulberry) just 3 different solution strengths.

I am really looking forward to seeing what these babies turn into! Comments, please!

I have been actively looking for vintage knitting items and sewing notions of late. I find it interesting the way things of the past are still connected to the present.

Maybe that is why so many of us still surround ourselves with antiques and childhood memories. They remind us more of innocence and simplicity rather than high tech and mechanical gadgets.

Recently, I found these Grace Ennis beauties on eBay. I don't know who actually knit the sock - but I wonder - did the knitter knit her loved one an article of clothing out of necessity or out of her passion for knitting? I will never know.

This vintage piece has been washed, needles and all and will find itself in a shadow box on the studio wall. I like the idea of immortalizing this knitter - more of us should think of our fiber art as art! Let's decorate our walls - furniture - and each other!! Comments, please!

Sparks of creativity abound!

First of all - I spun chickens!! Aren't they cute??

Lace knitting??? Melanie's Mystery Stole #2 is going to be a hoot! It is almost like knitting in the dark as you don't know where the pattern is going to lead. Probably best not to be over caffinated or over imbibed while working on it.

If you are looking for a total "Kreative BlitzKrieg" ... there is Dave's challenge! It is called " Bitchin' Mittens and it's purpose is to design ARTsy mitts! They can be wearable or not ... Sounds fun, don't you think??

Have have climbed aboard both Kreative Trains .... my goal is to complete each journey ... Toot! Toot!

Of course, then there are these patterns that my MoM gave me! "The Sweaters Around the World" is dated 1963. What fun!! And the "Great Circle Shawls" is from 1973. The interesting thing about both booklets is the designs translate well into today's
fashion. You *have* to love that!! I am curious ... the shawl booklet dictates size 13 or 15 needles - hmmmm, very interesting!

I am going to be one busy girl this summer!! Comments, please!