A Million

To some, a million may seem like no-thing at all…I always love to hear that a person is looking for “the Next Big Thing,” jumping from product to product, idea to idea…wasting her time figuring out what the Big Thing is and  how the current Big Thing works.

A great life ins’t about BIG things.

It’s about the small things that make a big difference.

For some reason, I was truly convinced that if I criticize myself, the criticism will lead to change.

 If I am harsh, I believe I will end up being kind.

If I shame myself, I believe I end up loving myself.

It has never been true, not for a moment, that shame leads to love.  Only love leads to love.

 It’s time to take a little stroll through the crunchy leaves

and take notice of a million little things in nature .

If I have any energy left, I may pick up and knit a few rows of my Work-in-Progress…How about you?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Perspective and Imagination

Today’s fantasy becomes tomorrow’s reality.   How many times have I dreamed up an idea and then seen someone come up with my idea in the form of a new invention, service, or design, and get credit for a brilliant new discovery? LOL

Everything from dish clothes to sweaters have been dreamed up and written about as fantasy before they became part of my reality.   What does this teach me about fantasizing about designing and experimenting?  Is it just a form of presenting new discoveries before they become functionally possible or practical?  (The well-writen Ruffle Kerfuffle Scarves and Cowl pattern, designed by my talented friend Michele Bernstein is just perfect for the season.)

Maybe my imagination is outstripping my ability to perform so I have to create new concept in the form of fantasy before I may express it as new reality.  Maybe I have to write about it before I may live it.  Maybe I am living it already and do not know that what I write is not fantasy, but, the real thing.

Can I travel into the future or go back to change the past without destroying the fragile “good” fabric of my world as it’s in the moment?

There are so many things to conceive of.  How do I know they have all not been thought of before?  How do I know they are not just fantasy, instead, a new reality I cannot yet comprehend?

When does my imagination run so wild that projecting the fantasy it creates becomes impossible to confirm as real?

When will I have answers to my questions?

How may I learn to translate the fleeting thoughts of new concepts into the actuality of multiple layers of existence and uncharted universes?  When does one person’s fantasy become another’s reality?  (Beautifully shown artwork in this post were from the Art in the High Desert–a juried fine art & craft festival with artists from across the country and Canada, on the banks of the Deschutes River in in the Old Mill District–a pleasant art stroll my hubby and I did in late August.  Next one is on August 23-25, 2013.  Don’t miss it.)

How do I really know what is real and what is not when imagination encircles my world?

How will I know the difference? How will I know whether it’s a illusion or really experiencing the result of my imagination?  How will I know when what I think and do is the real thing?  Does imagination create reality?

At the end of this long-winded pondering, I came to the conclusion that logic will get me from A to Z, but imagination will get me everywhere.

How about you?

It’s a beautiful, crisp colorful, and vibrant fall day!  I didn’t imagine it.  :D

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Testing the Boundaries

At times, it seems to be exactly what I need.  Boundaries help me distinguish my property so that I may take care of it.  They help me “guard my heart with all diligence.”

I need to keep things that will nurture me inside my fences and keep things that will harm me outside.

In short, boundaries help me keep the good in and the bad out.

They guard my treasures so that people will not steal them.

They keep the pearls inside and the pigs outside.

In the past couple of years, I wanted to stretch my boundaries and build my skill set.

I wanted to push myself and try techniques I’ve never attempted or have been reluctant to try…from spinning, to yarn and fleece dyeing, needle and nuno felting, Shibori felting, steeking, illusion-knitting, brioche knitting, swing/jazz knitting,  designing, African flower crochet…and most recently, re-engineering/re-writing a cardigan.

In mid-August, I started Turn of the Glass using MadelineTosh Pashmina in Baltic.

It took 8 days from start-to-finish

and writing out instructions for Size 34 so my friend Sami may follow along.  (She ended up opting out as her hands were bothering her, plus she didn’t have her dream yarns to knit one like mine.)

The next one served as test-editing tool for sizing up the pattern to a Size 42 for my dear friend Kristin.  I reclaimed a bag of Aarlan Royal Tweed–a 70% Wool/39% yarn–from a sweater my mother-in-law started in early 90′s.  (Colors are richer, deeper as shown in modeled photos.)

Initially, I intended to just finish the remaining quarter of a sleeve up and gift it back to her as a Christmas present.   Hmmmm…I thought “Why?”  There must be a good reason why she didn’t finish it all these years and passed the unfinished pieces to me.  Being the most fashion-forward fashionista that my mother-in-law is, I am positively certain that she would not be thrilled to see the finished pullover under her Christmas tree.  Not one bit!

So off it went the extreme makeover.  What do you think?  Would she like the transformation?

It took me longer to decide on the horn buttons than knitting up the sweater.  Though they cost more than the yarn itself, I do love ‘em on the cardigan.

By the way, if you have these Royal Tweed yarn in your stash, get rid of ‘em or be ready to splice together breaking strands…often!

How have I grown in the two years?  Oh so many ways!

My gauge is more accurate and consistent throughout my projects.

I’m less fearful and more willing to try new designs and techniques.

I’m more capable of bringing design ideas to fruition.

I have more hands-on experience with mistakes to relate to my knitting peeps–which sounds really stupid, I know.

I can only relate what I know and be able to say “Oh yeah, I’ve done that.  I fixed it by doing this.” It comes a LONG way, personally.

Have you stretched your boundaries or built your knitting (or hobby you are in) skills through an unexpected outlet? 

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Happy 100th Birthday, Julia Child!

If she were alive, earlier in the week would have been Julia Child, the culinary queen’s birthday.

With teenagers at home, what I probably, actually need right now is pencils, pens, papers, binders and such.

But, why would I want any of that when I could have some beautiful, sweet batterie de cuisine from Dehillerin– beating heart of the household?  Take a look at Julia Child exhibit at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. How I wish I were in Washington, DC, before September 3 to see the iconic kitchen in person.

“Cooking is really perfectly easy; it’s been done for thousands of years. If you love to eat, you will be a great cook.” said Julia Child during an interview in 2002.  This has been an inspiring quote in my journey, not only applicable for cooking, but, everything I do in life.

Maybe a wishful thinking…I love to knit, I will be a great knitter.

I may not be a great knitter…I do have a closet full of cozy hand-knits that not only brightens the spirit, but, provides serious health benefits.

Detours in life certainly lead me to discovering many places I never knew I loved.  Proud to say in my own way, I am failing forward and embracing detours!!!

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Coveted Day of al-fresco dining

Both girls and I should have had a al-fresco dinner…like many people out tonight.  It was 93 degree out around 7 p.m. here in downtown Bend.  Thank goodness my hubby is out of town.  He doesn’t do well with extreme heat.

After 2.5-hour delightful sold-out 35th Sunriver Music Summer Festival concert at The Tower

and a short but sweet recognition of this year’s Young Artist Scholarship Program award recipients (my teen’s 3rd year in the program)

it’s cool down to merely 84 degrees.

As much as I like the warm days and knitting (with Three Sisters my backdrop)

the thunderstorm forecast sounds welcoming.  Anyone else share the same feelings about thunderstorms  when a storm rolls through?  Are you one of those folks that sit on their porch and enjoy watching natures light show, ?

Me?  After every storm, the sun will smile.  For every problem, there is a solution.  And the soul’s indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer.  Like my knitting (for a knit-along,) after third-attempt of starting over…comes a calm and pleasing piece

Birds sing after a storm; why shouldn’t I feel as free to delight in whatever remains to me?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Turn of the Glass

Have you seen this simple, bottom-up shapely cardigan without shaping?

In between designing projects, I decided to knit this cardigan but from top-down, raglan-sleeve, and seamless style. It’s designed by Kathleen Dame for Knitty’s Winter 2011 collection, a complimentary pattern.  Instead of a heavy DK-weight yarn the pattern calls for, I am using MadelineTosh Pashmina in my stash for a while.

It isn’t a big different.  My pre-wash gauge is 25 stitches and 38 rows over 4″–in a 5″ square and Size 5 needles–a 13.63% more stitches and 26.67% more rows than the DK pattern’s.

Negative ease before washing and blocking was 0.75″ to either side of the swatch.

After wash and slight set of steam-blocking, the only change was the negative ease–now 0.5″ to other side of the swatch.

I like how it feels and looks.   Baltic is such a pretty teal color (deeper hues than pictured.)

Technically, to make life easy, I may follow the design instruction for Medium to achieve Adult Small to fit me.  But, no.  Not me.  Like most thing in life, I like a good challenge.  It’s time to number-crunchin’, re-write the pattern to knit from the neck instead of the hem.

Two of my local knit-up peeps will be joining me.  So, I’ll share our projects with you as we go along.  There will be no pressure, contest deadline, or anything…just nice comfortable virtual couches and work at your own pace.  Feel free to knit along if it pleases you, give me a shout-out, and make comments.  I’d love to see pictures if you do!  For me, it’s a great motivator. 

For starter, do a 5 to 6″ swatch in stockinette and one in cable pattern.  Use Chart B for your cable swatch. Odd-number row in this pattern is Purl (private side) and even-number row is Knit (public side where people admire your fine hand-knit) of the fabric.  It means you read 1) from left to right of the charts on Rows 1 and 3 and 2) from right to left on Rows 2 and 4.

I was surprised at how easy the faux-cable pattern was once I got going!  I don’t know what I thought it was going to be like, but, it’s definitely a cinch!  I’m going to work on the math heavily over the weekend so I can get you all some good progress pictures and cast-on details too.

It’s been a very productive week. One of two design projects, hot off the needles.

I always have a motive for feeling and acting the way I do, a reason based on fulfilling my needs.

The reason may or may not be misguided, intolerant, negative, exaggerating, illogical, shortsighted, mistaken or inconsiderate.

But, it’s my best shot at reasoning in this moment in time.   Just is.♥

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Three Days…

to Christmas.   Hey, peeps, what’s up!  How’s everyone’s December going so far?

Although there was frost on the lawn and fireplace was crackling this morning, most days have been rather warm.  Another light-sweater kind of December day.  Instead of bemoaning the nearly warm breeze, I got pampered with good friends at Dudley’s (Kristin, Jewel, LeAnn, and Nancy)…warmed up by oh-so-pleasing Toomie’s delectable.  It’s a good day of fun.  Sorry…no picture to show :0(  Er.  Okay.  I just forgot.  Borrowing this one from last week.

The thrifting angels smiled down at me today and blessed me with these goodies:  1) a dress form that turns out to be too large for my use, 2) a silk scarf, 3) a nice wool blazer by Ann Taylor, and 4) a wool fair-isle vest and a silk hoodie blouse for Upcycled projects.  My plasma must be very cluttered.

The joy of thrift shopping is in the hunt, the search and rescue.  There’s no denial–collecting is in my blood with no 12-step program in sight.  What’s a solution?  Gift to someone else?  Sell on eBay or etsy?

Did you go thrifting this week?  Have you found that your Christmas wishlist has changed because of thrifting?

My quilting needle and floss are humming again.  Here is a birdie started out at Jenn’s a couple days ago–embroidered and beaded.

Isn’t she just adorable?

Hand-sewing is so relaxing and rewarding.

A small project like this is a great way to learn.

May I help you get started on your flock!   This a free pattern from Spool.  Enjoy!  (Next photo belongs to Sew Liberated. Her bird wall idea is inspiring fabulous.)

Here is another DIY that would be fun to do, even with young kids   There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature–the assurance that dawn comes after night and spring after winter.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Bold and Interesting

I’ve been admiring this versatile pattern for months since its debut.

It’s quick and simple once I realized there is no increase on the edge seed stitches after first leaf’s formed.

I had to rip the first nearly-finished wrap out and re-knit from the beginning.

Knitting with large yarn and needles (Size 17) can be so tiring on my arms–it’s more of power exercises than knitting, really–but, I love the beautiful results.

This yarn completely lives up to its name. It was a quick, easy way to make a bulky wrap. I do feel a bit like I snuck into the giant’s castle and did his kintting!

And since I have a lot of relatives/friends demanding knitwear–before it gets too cold and a limited knitting schedule–it will be the perfect pattern for what I needed, last-minute gift or not. Wool Ease Thick & Quick Yarn is super bulky and stretchy. If you are looking for something to use that will stretch to fit, this would be for you.

The yarn has the feel, warmth and softness of wool with easy care of acrylic. Perfect for extra warm sweaters, jackets, vests, slippers and hats.

This knit was totally impulsive. I guess I needed some satisfaction from finishing a project. And looking at it makes me want to drink wine all day! Do you want one too? Get your complimentary copy of Foliage Wrap by Ann Thompson here.

There will be another one–third time a charm hopefully…but in finer gauge, smaller-size needles, and more woolly content.

You know what I’ve been thinking about doing? An Aran knitted tent pattern. Wouldn’t that be awesome (and warm, and fun, fun, fun?)

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Relation with Amish

is unclear, but, the adapted Amish Baskets Crochet Quilt pattern, by C.L. Halvorson, is quite pleasing

Courtesy of aussie8964 (on Ravelry)

I have seen it on traditional Amish quilts many times but always thought it represented a basket of apples?  Now Amish folks don’t make their quilts with crochet, rather with a completely different craft. If you quilt yourself, please share!

Early this morning, our flute baby and her friend Molly took Silver for flute ensemble at the 3rd Annual Cascade Foundation for the Musical Arts .

Abruptly interrupted due to technical difficulty, the instant replay is in two parts. Enjoy.

Next solo competition will be the Sunriver Young Artist Scholarship Program in two weeks. She tells me she is ready, but, I am sensing a bit of lost interest in her playing.

Though losing interest at her age is normal–quite common that most woodwind instrument players totally lose interest around ages 14/15–flute baby has been taken an interest recently in guitar.

Topping off, her band director has asked her last week to take up French Horn because the spot will be vacated by a graduating senior. She is so quick to please and has accepted the challenge, starting Monday. Part of it I guess is the lure of ludicrous scholarship money for a horn player leading her to a hazy decision. Is this the right path for flute baby? We did raise our children in the American fashion and gave her freedom. She earned full scholarship in flute lessons and paid for the instrument. Rightfully so, it’s her choice whether to continue her flute study or not. Only time will tell. Turning into one or other of your parents sometimes sneaks up on you…just about now. I must admit it is trying to just step back and show my unbiased support…no if or but…period. Trust that she will live and find her happy self.

It was a very serious day here…I must now chill and live like an amish?!

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

I am Infected!

…by Double knitting, a very ambiguous term!

My very first Double-Knit Design, I Heart Little Critters
Two-color brioche stitch (like this and this) has been called double knitting too! Not to mention UK yarn called DK or double knitting (in weight term)!

The really great thing is now we have digital photos, YouTube, other videos, and easy information sharing on the web.

My #101 Finished Knit of 52in52-2010 Challenge and #11 FO of the month.
The terms are still confusing, but, it’s a lot easier to learn now than ever before if you mean single color/single yarn tubular, twined, or twice-knit stitches as double knitting) or…These ambiguous terms are all over knitting–almost every cast-on I know has two or more names/labels and shares a name with some other cast on!

Even with today’s easy online communications, the world of knitting is still a tower of Babel with many different terms and expressions–some, to me, self evident. However, some knitters are confused by cast off (or bind off) and don’t know what to do. How much harder is the term Double Knitting?

Once you get into a rhythm and past the first few rows of wrapping your head around how double knitting works, it’s actually quite easy.

To be honest, I was not particularly thrilled about the last bit of the motif design until the hat was bathed and dried.

Though it lost the attractive, organic appeal, I am totally in love with its transformation.


Never judge your project until it’s completely finished. Wish you can touch and feel this double-knit fabric in worsted weight…it’s heavenly.

I will probably test-knit another one or two before finalizing the pattern. However, if you want to start one now, here is the initial 2-color braiding tutorial. The Greek key motif is a 6-stitch repeat. Rest of the beta chart is here.

Recommended needle size used for this project is US 6 or 4.0 mm.
Yardage used (equivalent to Cascade 220 or Patons Classic Wool):
84 grams or 180 yards
The hat (aka beanie or toque) may be knitted as stranding fair-isle or Intarsia.

I’d love your feedback should you knit this up.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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