Sometimes - It's a Wheel ....

Sometimes - It's a Wheel .... Sometimes spinning is all about production.

I will admit to loving the meditative state spinning provides: it is relaxing & stress reducing! I feel my blood pressure lower and the endorphins surging! I will also admit that sometimes I need some 'big honkin' skeins' to get me through a project.

Enter: The Wheel!

I feel that the added bonus of wheel spinning is the caloric burn. How can one NOT consider it exercise when hands, arms, feet & legs are all in sync in a woolen dance??... (That is a discussion for another day.)

Over the next week, I will be bopping here & there. BloG posts might suffer, but I do look forward to see how much I can do/create in set period of time!

This is what I have been doing over the last 2 weeks .... instead of "WhEEEE" - today it is "WHEEEEEL"! Comments - Please!
Remember: Imaginations create ... those that don't - copy.

Sometimes - It's a Spindle ....

Sometimes - It's a Spindle ....

Sometimes that is *the only thing* your mind & body can think about. Weird, I know.

I haven't been in the knitting frame of mind of late. Again, weird. Over the last several weeks, with Motu being ill, I had taken to bring a spindle with me outside when it was her potty time. It allowed me several very precious moments of creation & sanity.

While Motu was still with us, DH & I had been discussing the importance of 'moments'. Each one is so valuable - but most are dismissed without much thought or consideration. While seemingly important in bunches ... the single moment seems to have no purpose no rationale to our industrious minds. It's life span is brief ... but then again, so are ours.

Appreciating moments is work ... hard work. But, imagine all that we can do in a life time of moments! Imagine all that we can appreciate too.

While I freely admit to being a Wheel Girl - moments sometimes are best served by a spindle! Check out my Grenadilla wood Bossie!

And then again, sometimes our spindle-moments are best served when passed on to those in need .... if you have extra yarns you don't want - maybe you could take a moment and pass them on to Heavenly Angels in Need I did!

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

Yesterday, September 20, 2007 .... My Motu crossed the Rainbow Bridge.

My heart is broken. There is a huge sadness & emptiness that I am sure will diminish in time - but today, I am numb.

We shared our lives with her for over 12 years. To NOT see her this morning, waiting for her breakfast was nothing short of strange.

I miss you, Mo .... I love you too. And thank you for loving me ....

Looky what I did while listening to Gregorian Chants by the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos .....They are called Move Heaven & Earth! Inspirations are boundless!

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

I debated on whether I should write about the fact that my Motu's last days of her journey on this planet are coming to an end. It is a sad reality that pet moms & dads face on a daily basis.

My friends have spread so much love around her - that I know her *next* journey will be made easy & comfortable. Thank you, dear friends.

But, nervous energy is abundant! It is actually a good thing to get so much done. Random spindles with fiber softly caressing their shafts - which had been long forgotten - have been resurrected: spun & plied!

Spindle spinning is perfect where mobility is a priority. If you are new to Spindles - or would just like to gain some insight - try NANnette's Spindler's List! It is a chock full, jammed packed list with SO MUCH info - your head will literally SPIN!

One of the little doo-dads I obtained when I first started spindling was a wee niddy-noddy. PERFECT for those full spindles I dare say!

This weekend - I also managed to finish my 'Classic T-Top' Sweater for charity. I want to mail my box to the reservation in a month ... hopefully, I will be able to put one or 2 more things inside!

Time to go hug Motu .... and Diesel & Kiwi. In times like these - hugs are even better than knitting or spinning! Remember: Imaginations create ... those that don't - copy.

Hearts are broken and enlightened everyday. Sometimes people break hearts - sometimes it is disasters. While neither situation is good - it is 'people' who can make things better.

I am blessed by many things. 'People' is one of them. Sometimes disasters occur & our 'people' can't save us from them.

My fiber artist friend, Ann, is incredible. She teaches. She creates. She spins. She weaves. A little known fact about FAF Ann: she rehabilitates squirrels.

Ann has 'people' too. Chris, Mike & Jessica Beatty run the Florida Wild Mammal Association. To rescue & assist animals like squirrels, foxes, raccoons - it all seems quite exotic to me. They, on the other hand, have made it their life work.

Unfortunately, their hearts broke when disaster struck in the form of a Fire. While their 'people' couldn't prevent the fire ... their 'people' are stepping up to the plate to help them.

Maybe 'we' could all become their 'people' too. Having 'people' is good ... having even more 'people' is better. Donation addys are listed on their website. Whether if you have $2 or $20 to send - I am sure that the Beatty's would be most appreciative.

As FAF Ann pointed out when she first broke the news of this disaster (and I for one will use myself as the example here ...) sometimes I mention stashes or projects lying in wait. Sometimes I mention the need to declutter the studio when it is jammed packed to the windows ... and sometimes I just love the fact that I have 20 - 30 fleeces waiting patiently to just become something. How weird to have absolutely nothing but the clothes on your back? That is food for thought ... but they lost that too. And the animal's food as well.

Please consider becoming one of the Beatty's 'people'. New sock yarn is nice ... but when you have nothing, having new socks is better!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

The Motu watch continues. I will admit that her wound is not healing - the location of it could not be worse. I do have hope but I am also realistic. I know she is failing. Last evening, while I had her outside, she noticed that DH was home before I did. She tried SO hard to run to greet him. Of course, since I walk her in a sling under her hind legs - she couldn't run, but - oh - how she wanted to.

I appreciate her zest and her non-complaining. When she tries to lie down, I assist so she will lay on the side that is best for her wound. I don't know what to expect when I take her to the vet this week .... good thoughts & energies appreciated.

Of course ... watching Motu means more knitting time. I finished one half of the Classic T-Top Sweater. The other half has already been started .... woo-whoo! I love the fact that someone in need will wear it this coming winter. Three cheers for wool!

Lucky for me today is gray & misty. A perfect day to snuggle with dogs & knit!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

For those of you on the "Motu" watch ... she is doing as well as can be expected. (For those of you new to "Motu" - she is my elder dog - the Grand Dame of the canine world in which I live.)

Her leg sore is still ever present. Part of that is due to it's location (she always lies on it & uses that particular portion of her leg to move, get up and /or walk. ) Her age is also making the healing process take that much longer. Suffice to say ... I have probably used at least 5 miles of tape & gauze.... it is a good thing those First Aid classes have paid off.

My Motu now wears a shoe on her paw constantly. While offering protection from the constant friction of walking & moving - it also provides a safe haven for her bandage. My Grand Dame likes to rip off her tape & gauze. This is no easy feat - although she does make quick work of it. Since the sore does need to breathe on occasion ... I have taken to putting a food container on her leg as a wee bit of protection.

It has helped a bit ... but just like a child, supervision is the key! So ... while I sit & knit on my latest charity endeavor ... The Classic T-Top Sweater - I will be knitting with one eye on my Motu.

(To prove she is a Grand Dame - don't think she will put on a 'lamp shade' without a fight! She is still feisty and - if it isn't a crown - she isn't wearing it!!)

Off I go! I must make sure her bandage is still in one piece. Send healing thoughts her way - or maybe just some bandages!
Remember: Imaginations create ... those that don't - copy.

Labor Day in the US has come & gone. To me, the unofficial start of Fall has begun. Soon, sweater weather will be beating upon my door and I, for one, will celebrate its arrival. Cooler temperatures mean more knitting, spinning, dyEing & carding!!

Three day weekends mean there is more time to be spent with folks you love. It also means that there are a few extra moments to reflect & take stock of current events, both in *the* world & in *your* world. I did both.

The internet has made me some wonderful, cherished friends. Friends so treasured, I would be lost without them. You all know who you are ... thanks for being there and picking up my head when I feel defeated & my heart when it has been shattered.
I also thank you for the kick in the knickers when my journey leads me astray. You guys are the BESTEST!

Three day weekends are also for creating ... I finished the Cashmere Baby Red Sox!
Cute, or what?

AND .... here is some REALLY great news!! .... I also opened up another Knotty Sheep! Of course ... it will be stocked with all sorts of fun stuff! What do you think of an Apricot Mango Margarita?? to kick off the Grand Opening??? WhEEEEEE .... Remember: Imaginations create ... those that don't - copy.

As an artist - it is hard to 'make a living' just doing what you love. I envy those who can sustain themselves with their art - no additional job necessary.
I admire the fact that their competitive edge has kept them one step ahead of their competition and their spunk has kept them in constant contact with their fans. I strive to be that type of artist.

What I don't admire or envy is someone that totally steals an idea. That individual is not an artist .... it is just someone who lacks imagination to create on their own. For that, I feel sorry for them.

In the scheme of things, maybe someone like that will be able to support themselves on stolen ideas. But, how does one sleep with a clear mind ........

I am proud to say, I am making an honest living with my art! It may be a tiny living - but it is all mine. Yes, my 'real job' starts up again next week ... heck, an honest paycheck is always a *good* thing! AND ... as of today, The Knotty Sheep has collected over $150 (taken from MY sales) to be donated to GREYhound Friends! For that I thank you - my customers - very, very much!

I thank you also for supporting my work ... and I hope you continue to do so! I truly love what I do. If you love my batts, fibers & yarns ... please pass the word to fellow fiber addicts! I would rather dye & card wool than cook dinner .... DH will totally understand! :)

On that note - I leave you with a photo of my Hanging Garden Shawl! I love it.

Remember: Imaginations create ... those that don't - copy.

It looks like the Hanging Garden Shawl just might be completed this weekend. I am so excited. After being on Ravelry for just a few short weeks - there are tons and tons of things I wish to create .... Much to the chagrin of my spinning wheels.

While conversing with Talullah Chris - I finally realized I hadn't spun anything in about a month. That is a long time for me. So, I found a few lonely
Kitchen Sinks in the studio & I took them for spin. There weren't that many ... but, I did have enough to produce some modest singles. Both bobbins are resting now - they will be plied very soon.

Creating is about balance. I have heard some people allow themselves 'knitting days' & 'spinning days' - but, I am not one to slot myself into a time schedule of sorts. I create on a whim ... and sometimes I have 15 minutes to complete a couple of rows of my project d'jour. Sometimes, it makes more sense to sit and enjoy the rhythm of the wheel. Yep - balance.

Suffice to say - take a peek at a bobbin of singles from 'Eunice', a finn x sheepie!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Over the course of the next day or two - if you could toss some good vibes into The Big UNI for my Motu - I (we) would be most grateful!

Faithful readers know that Motu is in her Golden Years. She has a few age related bugga-boos that she takes on like the true Champion that she is. Now - a sore has developed on her leg that just won't heal. Scrappings were done today ... and we are all keeping our collective paws & toes crossed.

Well - since bad news dwindles in it's intensity when there is something 'fun to do' ... suffice to say .... "Methinks I am Going Batty!"" Join me??

I love to dye & card wool. I will admit that I usually don't participate in these endeavors as much in the summer as I do when the temperatures fall. There is just something about standing over a hot stove "cooking" wool soup that is unappealing.

Carding can be just as unsavory. I mean, standing and twirling wool around a drum carder is just 'eeewww' when it is hot.

Well, I have been fortunate these last 2 weeks - the temps have been hovering in the 80's. It makes life around wool a wee bit more bearable!

My wool soup:

Turned into:Sawyer

I am *really* looking forward to FALL!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

This is COOL! .... So very, very cool!

Melanie of Pink Lemon Twist fame has bestowed the title of Rockin' Girl Blogger upon my big, fat head. Wanna see my award?

WOW - I am speechless! (Which, to tell you the truth, doesn't happen all *that* often!)

Anywhoo .... part of the award is to pass it on those who inspire .... to those who ROCK! I therefore pass it on to my friend STASIA. While she currently is in a parallel orbit to what is called 'cyberspace' (think new farm, lots of animals and NO high speed internet .... )- she is a true champ & inspiration to me on a daily basis!

My other awardee: KRISTIN! She is such a Kreative!! She is a typical Muse who surrounds herself with color, family and animals! Did I mention color???? Love it!!

All of these women (Melanie, Stas & Kristin) share their talents & knowledge with the world. Thank you .... YOU ROCK!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

A few things of note today!

The first is Ravelry! Holey Moley!! I don't remember when I actually 'signed up' for this ... but - Gee, I am REALLY glad that I did!!

Next is I have found the best dog cookies EVER!! Motu & Diesel have given these babies "2 PAWS UP!" Natural ingredients, ( I mean 1 whole POUND of free range turkey!!) - and they are baked on request. Can we say " super, super, fresh?"

Stop by Rusted Designs and let Jennifer know Motu & Diesel sent you!! Buy & extra bag for your local shelter .... it is a win/win/win. (Your pups get wonderful cookies /shelter pups get wonderful cookies and you are helping to support a fellow artisan!!)

Must go work on the "Hanging Garden" ... fall is coming & projects need to be completed! Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

I treated myself yesterday.

Yep - I really, *really* did. Now, it is "Game ON"! The "Hanging Garden Shawl" will be knit upon all day ... and all night. I managed to do about 20 rows after my 'treat', just in order to prepare for its arrival.

Did I *need* it? Nope. Did I *want* it? Obviously. Last week, Talullah Chris & I were discussing how we used to always wear black. All day - everyday. It was "in". Now, I am all about 'color' and I am trying to get different shades into my wardrobe.

Check out my 'treat" and yes - I purchased the color shown ...
Monet Lavender. Lucky, lucky me purchased the last lot too.

I can't wait until it arrives. Won't the "Garden Cardigan" be perfect for those chilly Autumn Evenings? .....Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Faithful readers and friends know how much I love dogs. Not only my dogs ... but all dogs. Not only do I love them - I respect them. They are unabashed personalities who flaunt their individuality on a daily basis. Kind of like a huge parade float making its way down a 'Main St.' which is a little narrow. I think that is neat.

Today - there are a few 'dog' things I would like to mention. First is this great T shirt from the Humane Society. Football season is almost here .... nothing like sitting on the side lines cheering for your team wearing this Retro Football Shirt! LOVE it!!

Second is
"Merle's Door" - a wonderful book / a really great read from author Ted Kerasote. All I can say is "WOW!"

Last but not least .... Ringo Needs a HOME! My Motu & Diesel just sponsored Ringo on PitBull Central. Please pass the word .... the internet makes this part EZ!!

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

Yes - I have been knitting on "The Hanging Garden Shawl" ... no new pix. It is still in that 'wrinkled new baby' phase. I still have a wee bit over 4 pattern sections to complete - although I am now thinking I might add a fifth. Fickle, fickle me!

I did manage to play with the carder! Want to peek at "I Roasted His Chestnuts?" While the temps have been HOT & HUMID - I felt I needed to be creative with the title - I am TOTALLY thinking Winter! ;)

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

YAY ... another charity vest has been completed!

This one was difficult to embellish. My intent: I wanted to create something 'boyish'. My mind was blank. I tried cars, trains, even an astronaut. Unfortunately, I couldn't get anything to work.

Flowers are EZ ... girl stuff is EZ .... boy stuff is a challenge. Call me a wimp - but a nice little pocket seemed to add a wee bit of flair!

Here is an interesting Tshirt design I found and I thought I would pass on as NFL Training Camps begin this week ... if you love both dogs & football .... you need one of these!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Hey America! ...... Small Farmers need YOU!

And they need you RIGHT NOW!!

"Last Wednesday the House Agriculture Committee voted to increase subsidies that mega-farms use to drive family farms off the land and out of business. Not only does this action further subsidize the demise of family farms, it diverts scarce dollars from vital programs that could benefit all of America. This Thursday, Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin will bring an amendment to the House floor during debate on the Farm Bill that will reverse this move.

The House Agriculture Committee's 2007 Farm Bill proposal is NOT reform. Representative Ryan's amendment is true reform. It would close the loopholes in farm programs that allow a few extremely wealthy individuals to receive multi-million dollar subsidy checks. Rep. Ryan's amendment would restore integrity to farm programs."

The VOTE is tomorrow - 7/26/07. Please sign this petition to help preserve America's Small Farm! SIGN HERE! and pass the link on. 10,000 signatures are needed - BloGdom is huge - and so are the hearts of knitters, spinners & artists! Sign! Sign! Sign!! Thank you!