The Kitchen Sinks cheap relative

One of the things about small business ownership is you have the chance to create something new for it on a daily basis. Creating is key to the over all growth of any business. Faithful customers may tire of the same old same old and you may just grab the eye of a new customer with a fantastic new item.

Introducing: "Cheap Sinks™!" These babies have no frills, no bells & no whistles. Just fabulous hand blended fibers for your spinning pleasure!! The concept is simple ... wonderful, artistically hand blended batts without all the fancies! Less fancies = a more affordable price. OK - it helps if you have looking for something for that guy in your life too who doesn't want all the frou-frou silk & glitz!! Lot #1 is a fabulous guy color ... think sox or a wonderful cap!

Of course, "The Kitchen Sink Battz™" are here to stay. Bells & whistles are needed too! Check out Hold You in My Dreams. Yep .... a little frou -frou adds a little something ... yes?

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

Sometimes ....

Sometimes, the last thing I want to do, during the course of my day, is to work on my business, The Knotty Sheep.

While I love doing what I do ... it is the constant self promotion, carding, dyEing, photographing the wool etc, that gets me nutty. Compound that with 101 thousand other fiber artists also selling what I do ... well, I think you get the picture: frustration.

Just when I think I can't do it anymore ... just when I don't want to do it anymore - I realize, I must! I donate 5% of my sales to PittieLove Rescue.

I digress for a moment, my friend Stasia is one of my heroes. The interesting thing about that concept is ... I really don't do the 'hero-worship/groupie' thing. It is because I know her, and her generous heart, that makes me admit that she is a hero of mine.

You must read her BloG to understand the story of her "Boris"!

I love Boris ... and Val ... and Emma ... and Molly! She has rescued them all.

But, I can't continue without letting you know that so many others also do this kind of thing. They save animals. Artist Bernie Berlin is another. Her 'shelter' is called "A Place to Bark' and right now - she in the running to reap beaucoup dollars - which she desperately needs! If you can spare at least $10, right this very minute! - please do!

More information is found at her BloG, it isn't about the amount of money collected - it is about the amount of donors who donate!

Unfortunately, there seems like there will always be homeless dogs & other animals. Why?? I can not say as I would rather lose my fiber & spinning wheels than my dog, Diesel!!

Thank you Stas for being my Light & inspiration! Thank you Bernie, for being the same! You inspire to keep "The Knotty Sheep" going as it is my way to providing shelter & love to all the pitbulls that I can not adopt at the moment.

So .... if you happen to have that extra $10 I was talking about - please leave it here ... I thank you and so does every homeless dog out there :

The Dog Hat - revisited

I finished The Dog Hat!

It will be sent with 2 other fair isle hats to South Dakota to warm the Cheyenne River Sioux via the Macuwita sni program. Wanna see?

Since I have completed a few fair isle hats of late ... I am itching to do mittens. I don't know why. Today, I had a brain storm ... I want to put all my fair isle mittens on the wall ... you know, like art. I mean, they are art and I totally think this would be so cool.

Wish me luck. Keep in mind, I want 25 Christmas stockings before December 1st.

Where are my vitamins & espresso?
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

The Right Stuff

The knitting content is minimal. I am still working on the Bea Ellis Dog Hat for Macuwita sni. It is coming along nicely - although, since I am climbing the Stash Mountain, I didn't find any cotton yarn to line this baby. Not one to give up ... I created a small K1 P1 rib. Suffice to say that said ribbing likes to 'fold up' on me while I am knitting. Again, not one to give up (but one that gets quite agitated) - I sewed the 2 sides of the hat together until it is finished and blocked. AH ... no more 'folding up'!

I like to knit for charity as faithful readers of this BloG are well aware. It seems an easy answer to the on going question of "How to make the World a better place."

The question is easily answered if we don't try to change the world all at once, in its entirety. If baby steps are allowed to band together - they will make a parade.

The company to which my husband is employed recently signed up with Anysoldier.com . It seems only natural to help those who put their fannies on the line for us while our fannies sit on cushy pillows (At least mine does!) A bag of personal care items is ready for my husband to drop off next week. One shouldn't have to take tampons for granted and the soldiers that we will be assisting (the ratio is 55 males/1 woman) have lost their PX. Sigh ....

Moving on ........

I firmly believe that there is a special place for those who abandon animals at the side of the road, upon their Judgement Day. This place, in my opinion, will be HOT HOT HOT. Again, baby steps are needed and thankfully, there are those kind individuals who take these abandoned creatures in .... feed them, water them, get them proper medical care and love them. There is a VERY special place for those who do this job too ... I am thinking weather conditions in this special place will be quite favorable - with a glass of wine on each cloud! (You know who you are ... and YOU are my hero!)

I could list many more ways to make the world better ... I don't think it is as hard as we all make it. I am taking my baby steps .... want to join my parade?

A Monday Snow

Part of the reason I love wool so much is that I get to wear quite a bit of it, here in New England.

From sox, to mittens, to scarves, to sweaters, to hats .... I pretty much have something woolen on daily - summer is the only exception.

Take for example a woolen sweater. Over the weekend, the sun was shining and the outside temps scooted over the freezing mark. I was happy that I was able to hang my laundry (both Saturday & Sunday) on the line. Said wool sweater was the perfect item to don while running in & out of the house whilst rearranging the clothes in the hopeful attempts that they would dry completely. I lost that battle - but, the clothes stayed out there long enough to get that wonderful fresh air scent into each & every thread!

My story fast forwards to Monday (yesterday) where a winter storm left us 'Ooooing & AHing' over the beauty and magnitude of the snow. Yep - I am lucky to have woolies. But, much to my chagrin, no laundry hanging for a bit. Here is my clothesline:

And my apple tree:

And the corner of my garden fence:

And my blueberry bushes & lilacs:

Did I mention DH & I shoveled the driveway?? Thank goodness for wool sox & LL Bean boots. I hear we might get another storm Thursday or Friday .... C'est la vie ... at least I have wool!

BUSY! BUSY! BUSY!

Yep - I have been a tad busy!

First, there is the new hand spun yarn available for purchase! Christmas maybe over - but Frosting on the Christmas Tree remains an irresistible confection!

Then, there is the completed "Whitney's Hat" for Macuwita sni! While an interesting knit ... I am kind of glad that it is finished. The pattern doesn't seem to be available as I googled it & came up empty - but, it is warm, warm, warm. My GYnormous head squeezed into it - but, if I made it for myself, I would have to do the (gulp!) adult XL!

Last but not least ... do you love FREE Prizes?? Well, Etsy for Animals is running a FUN contest. Prizes have been donated by EFA artists, including MOI! Do play - it is EZ, FUN, FREE & you get to see some terrific shops!! Rules may be found
HERE!

Yes ... busy, busy, busy!! Now, I am off to do laundry & make dinner. O BOY!

Using the Stash

Since we are now on Day 4 of the New Year - I am pretty committed to using up some of the stash that I have in the studio. I must. There are so many patterns and yarns that are popping up before my eyes that I need to make room for their arrival.

I have yet to purchase them, but, that is OK. Each new item have been 'book marked'. One of the things I am going to make is the Team USA Pullover at KidsKnits. I have loved the retro look of this pattern since I first discovered it ... I actually *need* to make it. But first, back to reality: the Stash Mountain must be conquered.

In my project boxes, I found a little ditty called the "Whitney Hat" by Fine Knits Design. I googled a wee bit and found nothing about it. I know I purchased it from Nordic Fiber Arts a year or two ago. Should be interesting as the pattern repeats don't coincide with the amount of stitches. No problem the instructions infer ... the pattern will 'still look fine'.

I am so intrigued by this methodology. My anal-retentiveness aside - I am going to make this baby just to see what the pattern looks like. Here it is in it's infantile beginnings:

This is going to be a wild ride!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Spinning Christmas Trees

HaPpY 2008 to all!

Seems like the last year flew by. It did, I know it did. I know that it's sppedy trajectory thorough Eternity had nothing to do with me NOT paying attention to my surroundings. Nope ... that wasn't it, I know it wasn't.

Yes - the older we get, the faster the days/weeks/months ( and dare I say 'years'?) go by. Mom always told me that would happen, she was right - as usual.

2008 is the Year I will take by the horns and parlay that into Simple Living and paying attention to my surroundings. There is much to be said about 'living in the moment'.

2008 is going to be a Year of JOY and Peace within. Sounds corny - but there is much to do to make the World sing a little louder. I don't have a good voice - but it is ready to harmonize with a global choir.

2008 is the Year of 'not wasting time'. How much time do we really have anyway?? If 'living in the moment' makes us value & appreciate each molecule of stuff & nano second of time ... then we should have gratitude for both molecules & nano seconds.

Time is precious - more precious than anything, really. Last night, while Christmas Carols still played ... I spun "Frosting on the Christmas Tree". Still have a second bobbin to complete ... but I love dorset!

I am spinning extra finely, I want a tight twist when plied as I have sock yarn on the brain when this is fins!

And of course, Diesel urged me on ...

HaPpY 2008 Everyone!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

After Christmas Snowflakes

Ah .... Christmas! I miss it already. Is it OK to say that there are only 361 days until Santa stops by once again??

I don't partake in mall shopping therefore, I miss the return frenzy. My gifts were either made by moi or fellow artists. It felt good to support those who use their hands to make their living. In most cases, I find those that create tend to walk gently upon the Earth. Some artists even support great causes/charities ... yep ... you don't get that at a mall.

Of course, now, I totally feel 'back on track'. The visiting has waned and food preparations have returned to normal. The decorations are still up and they will be for at least another week. I hate to let go .... good byes are difficult. :(

But while the festivities have ended ( I don't *do* New Year's Eve ) - it is time to knit for those in need. This weekend, I parked myself in one of my favorite chairs to knit for Macuwita sni . Diesel urged me on.

I started
Kathleen Taylor's Snowflake Hat. I used some Dale of Norway Hauk that I had stashed.

Of course, with the Patriots playing some history making football - I knit & knit & knit some more.

I dropped the needle size down to a 2 ... and I do love the way the Hauk knit up. Check out it's innards ....

All in all a good weekend. The Pats are 16-0 and Macuwita sni is getting a new hat! Bring on 2008!
Remember .... Inspire Art! Create Art! Buy Art! Be ART!! Comments, please!

Christmas Eve

Well, it is here - the most special night of the year.

It is the night of miracles & magic. Of mystery and moments. It is the night of memories - I think each of us would love to be a child once again.

I remember the anticipation of Santa. Just when I thought I couldn't fall asleep because I was about to burst from excitement ... it became morning and my stocking was so stuffed, it couldn't hang any longer. Santa placed on the chair to the right of the fireplace. Yep - I had the right, my sister had the left .... we never deviated. I guess that was the beginning of a tradition - my stocking still hangs on the right, my husband's, the left.

Christmas has such glorious memories for me! As an adult, I do understand that some folks remember their Christmas' differently. Yesterday, while in Church, I noticed during the final prayer that the man in front of me was holding a picture of a young boy in his left hand. A small girl swayed on his right. But, the man stood there, holding this dog-eared, laminated photo of this happy & handsome boy with his eyes closed and in deep prayer.

The tears welled in my eyes as we moved into song. I wanted to know more: was the boy ill? Did he pass?? I respected his moment of silent prayer and said one of my own ... to the little boy in the dog-eared, laminated photo. Merry Christmas to you ... the man in prayer and the little girl who knows Santa is coming tonight.

When I returned home, I found myself quietly surfing Etsy. I noticed a 'call to arms' for a pre-Christmas disaster. A young mother (and shop owner on Etsy) had passed away in a motorcycle accident and she left 2 small boys behind. All the details are Here - there is a long list of items which have been donated & the proceeds will be sent to the young boys ... a paypal account has also been set up: fund_for_dawns_boys [!at] yahoo.com and an adorable photo of the boys is HERE.
I hope Santa stuffs their stockings extra, extra full tonight ...

Please shop from the wonderful lists of donated items OR send a contribution, no matter how small to their paypal account. Dawn was a single mom and I don't know how I would proclaim the magic of Christ's season to these young boys ... I know the proper Words would be given, but it would be a struggle.

Tonight ... do light a candle & say a small prayer for all those who suffer. While we rejoice and await Santa & the birth of a small babe - there are many whose hearts will break.

Next year at this time, maybe Dawn's boys will be holding a dog-eared, laminated photo of her while swaying to the sound of an organ. But for now - I hope their hearts heal in time ....

Merry Christmas to you ... and may we all use this coming year to love one another, help one another and respect one another. As Oprah says - the New Year is "another chance to get things right"! Merry Christmas!

Christmas - 8 Days and counting!

I am having a hard time believing that Christmas is just over a week away. Seriously, when did *that* happen?

While not totally ready - there is a quiet calm about me. I don't understand why I am not stressed ... although, why go looking for trouble?

In my mind - my thoughts are already embroiled in the makings of Christmas 2008. WHAT? AM I crazy?

Most likely ... YES! To add fuel to the fire ... or yarn to the stash as it were - I am on a journey to knit 25 Christmas Stockings. My thought is to use these stockings as an 'advent calendar'. You know, hang one each day until finally, the last one is hung on Christmas morning.

Don't think even Martha Stewart has come up with that!

The "Gold Brocade" was the first .... this "Reindeer Peace Fleece" is the second ... Holey Moley .... 23 more to go! Woo-WHOO!

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

In search of TREASURE!

A couple of weeks ago, I entered into a Treasure Hunt that the Etsy for Animals artists were sponsoring on ETSY. It was a journey through various artists' shops in search of animals. It was fun ... and a way to see the talent that makes up EFA!

Well, I won! My treasure arrived yesterday and all I can say is "WOW"! My box o'treasure was not only stuffed to the breaking point - the treasure is FAB!

There was a totally 'hot' Christmas hostess apron from Akcupcake; beautiful crocheted wash cloths from Tantalizing Stitches; a beautiful purse from Midnightrabbits; fun & funky earrings from This is It Creations; a beautiful lampwork heart from Rosebud 101; an awesome knitting bag from WSHKR; a whimsical card from Unique Grabs; beautiful mini sculptures from Nanjo Dogz; and additional FUNness from Carelia and Spiral Kins!

I find it very cool & inspiring to be in the company of such wonderful, generous and talented folks.

Yes - Christmas is coming ... time is of the essence, but it is never to late to support artists who support the animals! After all, New Year's is just around the corner - the Epiphany on January 6th .... I will even dare to mention Valentine's Day. Special events & holidays always seem to POP up quick .... SHOP EFA! - we have you covered!

Love my new stamp!!

Faithful readers of this blog know that I love Etsy! It is a wonderful community of artists just bursting at the seams with talent. They are creatives waiting in the wings for their moment of discovery! (What rocks is that **I** am one of those creatives too!!)

Anywhoo - most of my Christmas shopping has been done on Etsy. I love sitting in my slippers mulling over goodies and creating my own wish list - ( which is actually rounding the bend and coming up on mile number 2! That is one long list - but the talent is that extraordinary.)

One of the items I recently purchased was for The Knotty Sheep. I had wanted a 'thank you' stamp for a bit. I thought it would be fun to stamp my orders as they leave the studio - it kind of says "Hey - I am 'in business'!"

Enter Sweet Papery! I saw Farrah's stamps and viola ... 'thank you' became 'thank ewe' and the rest is history!

It is official ... the orders leaving the studio are cool!!

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

The Guernsey is almost finis!

The Guernsey is almost finis!

Yes - I am very excited. It is a Designs by Louise pattern. Perfect for the beginner who wants to be a wee challenged. I mean... this guernsey has a fun 'tree' pattern with likeable mock cables. This isn't your plain stockinette/garter stitch beginner sweater! This pattern held my interest and knit up quickly in worsted weight Peace Fleece.

This was the first sweater I can remember knitting that had the sleeves picked up from the body of the sweater. This will make seaming ... EZ PZ! AND who doesn't like EZ PZ seaming??

If I don't put my Christmas Tree up tonight ... I will finish it. Hmmm .... what to do?

Part of a sleeve, the neckline & seaming or a Christmas Tree?? Stay tuned!

Friends make your Spirit sing ....

Friends make your Spirit sing .... and your heart burst open with JOY!

Thank YOU Stasia ... This Knotty Sheep still has tears in her wee eyes!

Snow means Spin

Yesterday was one of those gray, winter days. A storm was brewing - a cold, raw wind blew against the windows.

The wood stove was crackling ... Diesel was lying all snoozy & dreamlike - it was to be a 'spinning day'.

Jacob was the perfect choice. A little gray - a little lofty. I spun it almost 'lopi' like. It was plied, not only for durability, but also to allow the colors to dance together.

While this isn't the best photo in the world to show you the delicate color shadings - you just might be able to see it's loftiness.

Of course ... if you are looking for "colorful" color shadings ... do check out my
Plum Wine Swingin' Singles currently available the "Etsy for Animals Shop"! 100% of it's purchase price will be going to Little Angels Pug Rescue!! How cool ... this month at EFA it is totally "Hug-a-Pug"!!

Who will be lucky enough to purchase "Plum Wine"?

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

Etsy for Animals

I typically don't watch the news. It is disappointing and I feel completely overwhelmed with the state of the world: the poor economy, the wars & discord, the violence, the illness .... If you accept these messages - you become one without hope. That goes against my very being. We need hope & faith to get us out of bed in the morning. There is a huge difference in being informed about current events and the devastating sound bites that are used to tantalize.

I like selling my fibers on ETSY. It is a community of artists that make me want to push my creative limits. *THAT* is a good thing. What I truly love about it is the fact that I have hooked up with fellow artists who love animals as much as I!

Etsy for Animals is a shop where individual artists donate their pieces to assist animals in some way. Yes - I am repeating myself here as I have already posted about this wonderful group of global animal lovers ... but when I *see* what is out there (when I briefly ran to the [gulp] mall this week ... ) for Holiday Gift Giving ... I say "Ewwwwww"!

Instead ... Support the Holiday Trifecta!! Choose your gifts wisely: A gift that will not only please the recipient, but also the artist who created it, as well as a selected charity ... Yep - Holiday Trifecta!!

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

knit - knit- knit- SPIN!

The weather here is slowly turning into Winter. I have seen a few snow flakes ... felt some gusty wind chills and had hot tea in front of the wood stove.

I am lucky ... I have a warm hearth and wool sweaters. Hot tea and an LL Bean snow jacket ... I was saddened to read that some children on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation spend their winters running around in sweatshirts. Did I mention that they have already seen 6 degrees ... fahrenheit??

Once again, I ask you to join Macuwita sni - it is Lakota term for "I am not cold". It is my hope that you may find time to knit a hat or a sweater for a child in need. I know times are both busy & strained ... The Holiday season is here ... and $$ seems to stretch less far. Reality hit me today when I found out a fellow artist/small business owner has begun to rely on food stamps. Another told me that we all need to use our Given Gifts - no matter what they are - for the betterment of humanity. I knit - therefore I am.

Tonight - in front of the wood stove, I will be working on the never ending guernsey.
The back is done - and I am finishing the front soon. I can't wait to start something else for the kids. Sometimes the best gifts don't need wrapping.

On that note - I have been a wee bit creative. Summer is fast approaching on the other side of the planet!! Maybe I can interest you in a
"Frozen Sherbert Cocktail"?

(Suffice to say ... even those of us with snow flakes swirling around our ears can take comfort in wool which is glowing with warmth!) Please support independant artists everywhere!

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

Small Buisness Slave

I would like to admit that I don't classify myself as a 'small business owner'. A better description would be a 'small business slave'.

The Knotty Sheep keeps me on my toes & my house full of wool. Life is good.

Being on Etsy is a learning experience. I found security & familiarity eBay. While I still have a presence there, I am forsaking the comfort of it's cyber arms for the wonders of a new, exciting & unknown venue. Exhilarating yet tinged with fear.

I held a Cyber-Monday Sale - (starting on late Sunday for Knotty Sheep fans ... please
join - it is always to cool to get advance notice & first dibs on stuff!) It was exciting but, it wasn't overwhelming .... This was the floor of my studio this morning:

I am SO grateful for the items purchased.... thank you for your interest in my products!!

So - in celebration of being a SBS (that is small business slave) - I created a new product line .... "Yarnish Garnish Yarn" (tm). Yep - trademark protected ....

"A Glacier in My Drink" is dancing with whimsical originality!!

Got to love that!!

I close now as my dye pots are simmering, the wheel awaits & the dog needs to go out.

Do check out ETSY for your Holiday as well as future shopping excursions .... the artists are exceptionally talented and if you purchase from us - know that you are supporting our deepest dreams & making us glow. Doesn't *THAT* just make your heart flutter a wee bit??

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

CYBER MONDAY 25% Off Sale!

I will make this post short & sweet .... it is CYBER MONDAY!

Shop The Knotty Sheep / ETSY and save 25%! Yes .... it is TRUE ... the infamous Kitchen Sink Battz as well as my delectable handspun all at a savings to you.

Buy one - Buy all ... just please wait for a revised invoice from moi prior to sending payment. :) (This will arrive later in the day, after I return from 'the day job'!)

Sale ends tonight, Monday 11/26/07 at 11:59 pm - ETSY time, which is US East Coast.

Be Knotty! WhEEEEEEEEE!