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!