Do or Do Not

There is no try.  Kill fear by taking action and build on that confidence.  A real decision is measured by the fact that I’ve taken a new action.  If there’s no action, I haven’t truly decided.

Ideas alone don’t bring success.  The habit of putting ideas into action is now.

There is never a right time. I can ‘t wait until condition is perfect or put off tomorrow what I can do today.   The most difficult time to take action is the very first time.  After the ball is rolling, I’ll build confidence and things will keep getting easier.

I know. The longer an idea sits in my head without being acted on, the weaker it becomes. However, acting without thinking would make me look like a doer, instead of a thinker. A good idea will grow stronger; stupid ones will go away.  I prefer to wait a week before acting on it.

Instead of stimulating the amount of ideas, I much rather set the target to filtering my ideas internally before polluting the environment.  I will start my creative motor mechanically.  I will sit down and write, put pencil to paper, brainstorm, doodle…By moving my hands, I’ll stimulate the flow of ideas and inspire myself.

I will be a doer, seize the initiative, and live in the present.  Today, I’m taking positive steps to creating a new mind space based on this very solution. Cheers!

The dress coat I mentioned earlier is being dried (will be a long while as it’s heavy, dense…and very cold out.)  It gave me time to think and came up with a solution.

Through a seamstress’ lens, the pocket needs to be relocated from bottom to where the white napkins are placed. But, “How?” you ask. Of course, “steek” and “patchwork,“ I tell you.

Where’s that pair of magic scissors?  lol

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Carpe Lanam: Black Sheep Gathering Finale

 Seize the Wool.  Last day at Black Sheep Gathering (aka BSG).  What an amazing experience!

Complete sensory overload

and high on wool fumes.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, one may wear wool at least 9 months of the year. Imagine that.

At BSG, there is every kind of yarn you may imagine for sale, fibers of all kinds in all preparations (or none,) carders, combs, hackles and other fiber processing tools, drop and support spindles, spinning wheels, looms, knitting needles, and too much else to even begin to list!

Here is one of a few fascinating gadgets I’d love to acquire by Ken Larson of Pedro’s–his Flying Shaft Rug & Tapestry Loom.  You may fly through great projects–warp in 15 minutes, huge shed for ultra chunky/heavy yarn–imagine weaving a rug in just a few hours, on a quiet, relaxing afternoon.  It sure would burn a humongous hole in my out-of-control yarn stash.   Haaahaa…wouldn’t that be sweet!

I find the world to be an amazing place…even the not-so-fun parts, like rolling larger piece of wet felt.  But, wait…problem solved…if you only have this magical Roller Felting Machine, again, by Pedro.  Not only will it save time and my arms, I won’t have to worry about carpal tunnel, sore joints, vertigo physical challenges that may keep me from playing with this fiber art endeavor…ooooh, land of possibility…

Wish I have gone back to see the finished felt piece (in about 1.5 hours) by sparkling Eve and the young fiber enthusiast.  Here you will see some already finished art felt by Eve.  Like what you see here?  The witting and entertaining artist will travel to you and give a up-close-and-personal demonstration.

I am inspired…by one of my favorite new vendors, Tylar Merrill of Thimbleberry Felt Designs.

It was a joy perusing delectable yarns, fibers and other wonderful items. It’s nice to know I can do more perusing of Tylar’s masterpieces when I return home as some of her vividly colorful 3-dimensional felted folk art and clothing are available at Tumalo’s new gallery.  She also will be at my favorite quilt show SOQS in July.

The colors were amazing but I refrained from being out of control.  Below are some of Wooly Walkers‘ design work of art.  (Una Walker–a member of Designing weavers–in a red cardi.)

Following is a discontinued spinning wheel–Louet S90–handpainted by inventive Diane Cutler of Spinning Stripes.  Sometimes, I wonder why companies stop offering what people want and really need.  This is one awesome traveler a spinner should have, a real score if you see an used one being offered!

It’s always a pleasant visit with Diane,  one of my creative explorers. ♥

I came.  I saw.  I ate mainly at the Saturday Potluck dinner.

Other times, I skipped meals altogether–there was NO TIME to eat! Three days of sheep show, fleece show, vendors, classes, spinning, fiber, animals, and spending time with friends who share my passion–it was terrific fun meeting local Ravelers and out-of-towners, especially one that too is obsessed with jazzknitting.  

I can’t believe I finally met and chatted with the one-and-only knitting guru and designer Eugen Beugler.  It was one of the most pleasant conversations I’ve had in a week.  He spoke eloquently and with true conviction and passion.  During the 30 minutes, it felt like talking to an old friend as we laughed, joked, and enjoyed a good conversation on knitting lace, cables, and designing baby blankets–with him pulling out his work in progress to share.  He was so personable, down-to-earth, full of life, and energetic.  Do I dare to think I would be designing when I am over 80?  Now…only wish I were moving to Eugene and be hanging out with him over the Knit Shop all the time!

Can you believe I however missed the BINGO game altogether…mainly due to me working the information booth during most of my free time?  (Pictured below–left to right–are Jo from Springfield and Nadine from Tigard, OR.)

No complaint. I was in great companies.

If April would have me back, I’ll be sure to sign up for that next year.  :D

Next year, I’ll join the BINGO game too–even to be one of the SQUARES–to win one of the awesome prizes!  (Look, here, at–April and her sister Jessica–how much fun it is to volunteer at the Information Booth!)

Next to the shopping, my favorite part of the fiber gathering was Fiber Art judging and exhibit.  In most fairs, this is done quietly behind the scenes.  At Black Sheep Gathering, it is a public affair.  Many of you fiber enthusiasts know Melda Montgomery well, either through Fiberworks and Pacific Basin School of Textile Arts (both in Berkeley, California,) McMinnville Art Center, or Woodland Woolworks.

I learned so much about wool and yarn from the judge’s explanations while she talked about the sheep origins and breeding, the qualities and structures of various types of wool and their uses.

I got to see so many beautiful arty creations and gained a real appreciation for the necessity of choosing a yarn suited to each particular project.  (Shown below represents only a small fraction of entries submitted and judged.)

Fiber Art, a set on Flickr.

Last night was the infamous Spinner’s Lead in show ring, (below pictured on the left is Laura aka Spindrift, one of many contestants in her own gorgeous handspun, handknit)

M.C. by Trish for the entertaining event.

No doubt it was enjoyed by the overwhelming, enthusiastic crowd…even though it made it a late night for many of us started at 8:00 p.m.

A lot of fun.

People walk through the show pen wearing something they’ve spun, knit, felted, or in some way crafted into clothing while leading the breed of sheep that the wool came from.

Next is my friend Shirley modeling her handspun, handknit ensemble out of her spinner’s lead prize from two years ago.  Fancy that!

There is a lot of gorgeous creativity.

Some were very funny.

I was too entertained to remember to take more photographs!  Bad ‘ol me.  But, this blew my mind.

Check out his story in detail.  An a-m-a-z-i-n-g lad.

Contender of the Spinner’s Lead is also this year’s winner of the Black Sheep Cup in the Fiber Art Division–my most admired felted jacket in her Jacob wool by Shannon Phifer of Kenleigh Acres Farm.

Last year (or the year before?) they also had a costume show with Shetlands dressed up. Makes for a fun evening.  (Showcased below is one of this year’s Sheep-to-Shawl winners– a ravishing shawl worn by Laura aka Tinkertots.)

Comparing to fellow spinners/ravelers, I don’t have a stash to take home, other than a couple packs of hand-blown glass beads by a Portland artist. A very good reason…for I’m saving up for something huge in the near future.

My main goal for the show was to take a jazzknitting class, catch up with friends, and give back to a wonderful community that have enriched my life over the past few years.

That’s a wrap for the blissful weekend.  (Here are first and second parts of the hightlights.)

I will be spending most days wandering about, spinning, knitting, felting, creating…(sorry I don’t recall the venture for these lovely bags.)

and oooooooh,  crocheting.  Another awesome meet of a new friend, Heather Lightbody–the cool, hip, originative brain behind Girl with a Hook.

Sheesh…it’s getting very late and I’m heading off to bead with visions of sheep and goats in my head…I can’t help it. I like sheep and fiber. I like the way they feel. I like the way they smell…I like the pretty things that I make out of them.

Seize the day. Hope you all enjoy the show!

Thank you all so much, the organizers for another wonderful event and to all the lovely spinners, knitters, weavers, crocheters, woodturners, needle-felters, and hook-rug artists for creating that magical sense of community!  Next year…I will try to camp out and hubby won’t be traveling then!

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Inform…Illuminate…Inspire

Day Two at Black Sheep Gathering (aka BSG) started off with registering for a jazzknitting class with Ilisha Helfman in the afternoon, six blocks from the fairgrounds.  It was a breeze.

Oddly, I was only one signed up for the class?

As much as I feel bad for Ilisha, I didn’t mind one bit of having the one-on-one four-full-hour personal time, chatting over the joys of incorporating various striped patterns and beads into naturally curling forms and new directions.

As a knitter, I have a strong response to yarn and fiber. They resonate with a kind of musical intensity. I see ‘em in high notes, low notes, intense tones, quiet tones, short staccato, sharp strong or subtle contrast…delightful melodies sent into the universe.

I fall in love with ‘em easily, yet, have any clear idea or plan what I would do with ‘em. Does it happen to you?

Ilisha’s creative art pieces and design thought process provided endless situation where I may draw on what I know as I explore over the coming days.

Each little form I attempt will be a safe haven where I may combine methods, try out concepts, and just let one idea lead to another.

It allows me me to make use of techniques I’ve learned over the years about knitting gathered from books, classes, friends, or the internet.   Thanks for the best afternoon and evening spent at BSG, Ilisha!   I am so “jazzed” to make more playful “music.”

Though I didn’t make it to Mr. Duncan‘s drum carding demonstration, here is his eye-catching Civil War–Beavers Face Ducks–college rivalry, colored batts,

carded in his electric carder.  Dang…most of packages were cropped!  But, you get the picture.  In·gen·ious.

Behind a range of custom built–hand operated/motorized, pretty wide bed–drum carders for processing of fine fiber is my friend Cheryl, long-time booth-mate of Duncan Carders.

She is one heck of a talented spinner, dyer, and lace knitting queen! You can always spot her by her many luscious Anne Hanson lace shawls and wraps, in her glorious handspun,

Each time I meet up with Cheryl at fiber festivals  (more her hand-dyed yarn and roving displayed in her booth, back of the picture.)

I think of my beautiful, colorful, arty friend Lori Lawson (on the left, which I mentioned in my last post.)

Black Sheep Gathering has become the largest yarn/wool/sheep show/market/school of its kind in Pacific Northwest since 1974!  I feel so utterly fortunate to be here in person again this time around.

Each gathering elevates my experience,

provides me abundance of engaging opportunities

to learn new skills.  (Shown below:  Pat Fly on the right teaching sock knitting.)

Below is Judy Taylor of Little House Rugs.  Each time I see her, Judy has some amazing new canvas she is working on,  another one of her custom orders that typically take up to 9 months or more to create.  This one is called something Nursing under the Night Sky?  (Sorry for my poor memory!)  Don’t you just love her intricate patterns, colors, and dazzling effect they create from cramming massive amounts of detail into every square inch? ♥

If you’re in the market area, all you usually have to do is say Boy, I would really like to learn to spin and probably within 10 minutes, you’ll be sitting in front of a wheel

or drop-spindling, spinning your first yarn.  (Left is Wanda of Jenkins Woodworking showing off one of her baby kuchulus; right photo is Connie of Spindlewood Co and off right Barbara aka diJeannene)

From shearing a large wooly animal called a SHEEP, to putting it on something called a SPINNING WHEEL, or a drop spindle, which then turned it into yarn fiber or decorative items.

Scoping out the merchandise. locker hook rug making demo, or visiting with shepherds.  Old friends, new friends, laughing, coffee, bathroom breaks, sheep and lots of wool to look at and feel!

The pink goat (yep, a 100% genuine goat–no sheep,) colored with organic dyes! I am seriously considering purchasing…the dyes, silly…and dreaming of a pygora too

So much beautiful fiber, accessories, spinning gadgets under one roof!

I wanted to take it all home with me.

As much fun as I have, I do miss hooking up with my wonderful fiber peeps (partners in crime)  i.e. Kristin, LeAnn, Nancy, Annie, Monique, Kirsten, Mollie, Mary...   However, I’m ecstatic about meeting Mr. and Mrs. Pocketwheel in the flesh–coolest couple!  (Note to self to ask Jon about the green gem made by their friend in Kirkland area.)

It’s not a huge event so you may usually walk through everything in about an hour or so to get the lay of the land so to speak.

If you find something that looks interesting, take a business card, write on the back the item, and the price.    Spend more time on things you’re particularly interested in.  Compare and know where you saw that handsome skein of handspun to go back to.   Meanwhile, you won’t blow your budget on first few booths you visit!  Be warned:  Blue Moon Fiber Art is a dangerous one to be the first on your list.

Talk to the vendors.  I found everyone so helpful and just absolutely delightful.  Suzie Liles of Eugene Textile Center is definitely a class act and a hoot.  If you don’t have a large fiber support circle in your area, it is really resourceful and fun to talk to people with the same interests here.

If you have the time; look at everything.  You never know what you may find!   Have fun!

It is a pretty easy drive from Bend or Portland.  If you don’t like crowds, I recommend going on Sunday.

You will actually get to talk to vendors then and it is much more relaxed.  Best of all, you may support the local economy too.

There are plenty more to come…the Spinner’s Lead, Fiber Art Division entries, my favorite new vendor and gadgets.  Catch y’all next time.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Land of Fiber Arts and Inspiration

There is a direct correlation between the level of happiness in my life and the amount of silliness I allow into it.  I know.  Really.  I do know!   I’ve done studies LOL.

First day here at Black Sheep Gathering (aka BSG)

is too, too, too magical

and fun

for everyone!

Everywhere I turned,

I was surrounded by COLOR…

in yarns

fibers

vintage

jewelry

and notions

spinning wheels

drop spindles

Wish I had gotten to Textiles a Mano’s booth sooner

to get me one of these unique musical miniatures.  A lady just minutes before me hoarded all that were for sale.  Each one actually spins when wound up.  **Sigh**

It’s an incredible tactile experience too since I just had to feel everything I was admiring.  The sock machine seems to be prettier and more elaborate each time I see one.

WOW!  Ed Jenkins has done it again with his Turkish spindles.  Not only does he do his own creative geometrical shapes, Ed free hands each design and uses Anglo-Saxon runes, Linear B, a pre-Greek syllabary with ideograms (in Pacific Northwest/Mediterranean woods only.)  It’s on my Christmas wishlist should you heart to get me something this year

One of the “must-see” on my list was the Sheep to Shawl competition.

It was incredibly amazing this year.

Two fabulous teams.

Each finished a spectacular shawl.

Both won awesome prizes.  The Scattered Flock took home a blue ribbon and a humongous basket of luxury fibers donated by Ashland Bay.  Team TAM Caliente walked away with a red ribbon and a two-day stay at Huckleberry Cottage on Oregon Coast generously donated by Lois Olund of Bellwether Wool!  Start planning for next year, spinners and weavers.

Teams have to do a fair amount of preparation ahead of time.  The warp’s spun, the loom dressed, and brought to the event ready to be woven.

At the contest, a washed fleece is carded, spun–2 ply is required–and the shawl woven.

Teams have to be formed by folks who may work together on the project including preparation and execution.

Whether you all live near each other–or not–is all up to you.

Regardless, the team is formed well in advance as there is a lot to do.

Though it wasn’t stated in the application, one has to be a pretty fast spinner and weaver in order to be competitive.

Spinning groups and guilds often form teams.  If you have one or more of these in your area, check to see if a team may be formed.  Hope to see and cheer for your team here next year  (Don’t you just love Jo‘s tattoo?!)

Right now I’m putting together a BSG minimal purchase list for the last day of show. The cute little felted cat toy–stuffed with catnip–was by Fox Hollow Farm & Fiber.

Believe me, any non-spinning knitter will be thoroughly satisfied with the multitude of yarn and notion choices at BSG.

I love catching up with my friend Lori Lawson of Capistrano Fiber Arts Studio and seeing first-hand her gorgeous fiber choices.  Lori is a fabulous knitter, crocheter, felter, dyer, spinner, and accomplished wearable artist.  On Lori’s left is her booth-mate and good friend Miryha Runnerstrom of Blarney Yarn.

Here is Miryha’s Fiber Art Division winning handspun, hand-dyed entry.   I didn’t have to look at the tag to know it was hers.

BSG is full of fiber arts and inspiration.  I have barely “scratched the surface.”  More highlights to come as I sorted out over 400 photographs taken during the 3-day event, which didn’t even cover everything offered.

Wishing your weekend is off to a good start!  How is the humid weather affecting you?

It’s a bit chilly here in the valley.   So, there was ample opportunity to wear handspun swag…some absolutely pretty shawls and shawlettes spotted here at the fairgrounds.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Aladdin’s Lamp Wish

Finally granted to the older teen.  What’s the big deal, you ask?  In our home, high-heel platform shoes are absolute NO…until now.  One stipulation:  For each wear, she’s required to perform a 45-minute–very specific–movement exercise prescribed by my honey.  Obviously, the platform shoes are worth it.

Me?  No fiber is too much.  (In the picture below is my friend Jewel trying out Pam’s new self-serve station in the shop.) 

I spin yarn just as Bunny, the talented viola player.

I dye yarn.

I am THE YARN WHISPERER, like these fabulous ladies–Pam (behind the counter,) Sharon (left) and Heather (right.) ♥

Besides a hand spinner, I am a knitter, fiber arts evangelist, mentor, and festival junkie.  It’s a real treat to see Shirley sharing her wealth of knowledge…from fleece to yarn.  And I’ll tell you, she has the best skirting table I’ve ever seen!

Thank you, Jewel, for my brief get-away.

I am so rejuvenated.

What’s your recipe to revitalize and recharge the mind and body?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Tangerine Tango

is the official Pantone color choice for 2012.  If you don’t believe me, Google it and see.  It is really a beautiful color, imho, and I found this Website with a tutorial for dyeing 100% wool this color with Kool Aid.  I’m dreaming of some odd combination…feather-light layers of organza and chiffon spilling over “techno-stretch” Bermuda shorts resembling cycling shorts to the layman’s eye, appeared under light tan Melton wool coats and jackets, tangerine chiffon V-neck gowns, and dark silk cape tops with necks enveloped in raccoon? (Yes, I am procrastinating. But, isn’t it a pretty color and combination?)

For now, I settled for dyeing up some wool-blend sock yarn in three out of five colors required for a pair of nature-themed socks.

First day, I ran out of the dyed.  So, today, I wound up more small skeins in my niddy-noddy and tied up with some cheapo acrylic threads properly.

I love beautiful things.  I love creating.   And I love the details!   Oh boy, don’t I?!   Hand-dyeing with food-based dyes is how I express it often!  This is another peek at some of the steps from my dyeing.  Every play is unique and greeted by joy and hope.

I lurve how the colors came out on both times–makes me salivate.

I love hand-dyeing because of the unexpected quality and unknown element.  The essence of handmade–a piece that is the reflection of me, its creator, and one that can never again be recreated exactly.

I am extremely proud of my 15-minute no-mess, four-step-dye system–similar to kettle dyeing–but less time-consuming with minimal fuss.  I have no real recipe, just keep mixing colors in a glass jar until I think it looks like what I am after.  Next, dunk in the yarn until it sucks up the color.  Then, I nuke it and burn my fingers because I never have the patience to wait…pick it up and take it outdoor to hang and dry.  We should have a dyeing party!  What do you think?  How do you like them ocean blue?   This was taken in the night so its gradient sea hues weren’t truly represented…but enough that you get the picture. (The socks have turned heel already now.)

Have you over-dyed yarn or fabric? What’s your method? I love to hear your Knitta-Knatta!   (Picture below was taken over 3 years ago of my older daughter and her dear friends Chloe who is now in college and Peter!  They are all so grown up since then?!)

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

13 Days…

So now, it’s time for me to sit down and really take the time to figure out what to get each of our children for Christmas.  I’m going to have to concentrate, to shop, and to make.  I’m going to have to come up with my best mom magic to do this.  But, I think I’m up to it.

I’m itching to bead up a cabochon pendant or two for the girls out of this wonderful stash I scored, 25 cents a piece, at the Rummage Sale over the weekend.

How about you? Do you have something for everyone on your gift list?

My second pair of Tipless Oak Glove–Sea Breeze–came out, nearly perfect…

Some leftover purple dye from the first pair broke and stained a small area with red.

Lesson? Wash excess dyes off the gloves between each handle.

Regardless, I am happy with the dyeing outcome and will add a little embroidery to camouflage the stain.

Only thing I detoured from the pattern was added more rounds to the cuffs and less stockinette fabric at completion of the motif-rounds.

Like the autumnal pair, I put the gloves in very slowly to see a visible gradient form up the object as there’s less and less dye available.

They say that nobody is perfect. Then they tell you practice makes perfect. I wish they’d make up their minds.–Winston Churchill. As far as I’m concerned, a beautiful thing is never perfect…and I’m sticking to it    And how our early winter snow has found its way back….?!

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

November

Fiiiirrrst! Skipping away giggling.

That quintessential November has returned. Thanksgiving is coming up. That means not too far away is Christmas!!!!

And you know what that means. I will be knitting/sewing/felting like demon to make those warm gifts and necessities for our families and friends.

Are you feeling the strain of holiday present-making yet?

I’ve been brainstorming since the summer and yet I still feel behind. Ah, such is life.

Meanwhile, I’ve been offered a 40″ handmade loom recently…another craft I’ve been pondering on how to incorporate my love of weaving into my day. Would you say yes if you were me?

Crisp air, warm drinks, and busy busy hands. Don’t hold back and share your passion and love.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…)

You Can Never Have Too Many

fall sweaters!  What a cute little hoodie…perfect for a baby gift.

I fell in love with the whimsy of this Organic Seasons Jacket Autumn pattern from the minute I saw this pattern.

I knew I had to make it.

I was thrilled with this hoodie!

My 6-month-old size was easy to make and is just adorable–in my hand-painted Bordeaux washable ewe–on little wee ones. It took 306 yards–or 167 grams–of Washable Ewe by Stitch Nation, 233 yards (or 127g) bordeaux/earth, 55 yards (or 30g) copper/orange/yellow, and 18 yards (or 10g) red.

It’s a cute sweater.   So you might be wondering. What are the cute elements that caught my attention?

Customization.   Four whimsical graphic designs to choose from, including a seascape for summer, tulip for spring, snowflake for winter, and lovely leaves for fall as shown here.  These special hoodies will be loved for years, but after a child outgrows their sweater, this unisex design can be passed down to a little brother or sister (with the exception of the tulip option.)

Take a careful look on the wavy details.

Notice the pattern is asymmetrical?

The handsome loosely fitting cardigan is crafted in a supremely soft, washable ewe, intarsia-knit with a timely, autumn-theme desigh for polished style.  Intarsia?! Yes, instead of carrying along two colors and alternating which color I work–also known as fair isle–I did it the Intarsia way.

Intarsia is a name for a knitting technique–that uses multiple colors in one pattern–and fits the different colored pieces together like a puzzle.

It’s popped up this year everywhere.  So awesome Season sweater = intarsia.   Now you know.

The raglan sleeves, knit two-at-a-time, make this cardigan a comfy fit.

And if you don’t like color-work, leave it out!  It will look as good plain. Or striped…or duplicate stitches after knitting is done.

A good sweater is like a security blanket—throw it on on dark, wintry (er, hungover) mornings and it’s like you never left the bed.  Which can be a good or bad thing, depending…Sweater trends this season are updated takes on classic techniques—cables, fair isle, and intarsia. (The acorn adornment isn’t a part of the pattern…but I thought it’s complimentary.)

Thanks, Megan aka thewittyknitter, for a relatively easy knit which makes it great to show of the beauty of hand-spun multicolored yarns too.

In fact, I love it so much…I’m thinking of upsizing it for me.  Doesn’t it sound good?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)

Loosen Expectations

No matter how good I am at making plans or predicting outcomes

no matter how strong my belief is that something should be a certain way,

life will often produce results I inevitably did not expect or want. It’s all fantasy. It’s not real. When reality doesn’t meet my fantasy, I wish the world were different.

When I hold tight to expectations, I become easily frustrated, disappointed, angry and humiliated.

When I take myself and my expectations less seriously, I may more easily handle what life hands me and move out of God’s way as I am guided on my unique life journey.

I know I have a tendency to expect things to proceed exactly the way I have planned…as I often do with my dyeing experiment (this batch was done at the weekend retreat.)

I will do my best to release this often frustrating habit…a life without expectations means I accept reality as it is, and people as they are, without expectations, without trying to force.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)