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!
Thursday, August 24, 2006
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!
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!
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
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!
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!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
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!!
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!!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
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!
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!
Thursday, August 10, 2006
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!
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!
Monday, August 07, 2006
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
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!
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!
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