I never make a big deal about Earth day ‘cuz I bless my food three times a day and give thanks to mother earth every chance I get.
I don’t feel comfortable teaching my kids that only one day a year we celebrate the earth.
I feel deep in my heart and bones that all children should celebrate mother nature and mother earth every chance we get. I–as a parent, caregiver, and facilitator–can make this a priority. That’s just me.
Today’s reflection: I am an Unfinished Work In Progress. Yep. I’m sure you already know that. lol
One of the good things about life challenges is I get to find out that I’m capable of being far more than I ever thought possible. And at this very moment, I am capable of ripping out 11″ this glorious lace work I spent yesterday knitting up.
Okay, you may laugh along with me or at me. Or, find something else to laugh about. It’s good for you.♥
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
Awaken to a beautiful day and allow myself the opportunity to experience the beauty that surrounds me.
View the world with a different pair of eyes and realize my connectedness with the Universe and source.
Make my today a GREAT one!!
Smile always,
laugh often,
live healthy
and sprinkle happiness along the way…♥
Thank you all for writing me privately. I am thrilled to be back…with a special tribute to one of the finest women I’ve ever met. Grandma Bessie was a truly amazing woman. Although I’m still saddened that you’ve left me in December for heaven, I am fortunate to have the fond memories made during the twenty years that you were in my life. You are not gone as you live in my heart, forever, Grandma Bessie. ‘Til we meet again…you will never be forgotten.
Life is good…go make your today a great one too!!
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
Say what? This sustainable, pedal-powered un-knitting machine has my name all over it, doesn’t it??
A highly unusual Rube-Goldberg-like bicycle, designed to help recycle unwanted woolen clothes, unravels any garment item back to its pre-knitted form. Created by Kingston University’s Imogen Hedges, the un-knitter is one of this year’s best student-design curious contraptions, chosen by the British National Centre for Craft and Design,
While on the fascinating exploration, I stumbled onto the Fibershed‘s Cyclocarder–that can turn my backyard, community center, or farm into a human powered wool processing station. Neat-o-fun!
I am happily be an un-knitter…at least through the holiday.Or a music maker with a boombox like this one.
I wonder how I can get myself an un-spinner…Any idea? What pedal-powered gadget would you ask for from Santa? The quest continues…
For now, I am doing it the old fashion way.
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
Somewhere between Central Oregon, Washington (USPS sorting center where my mail to and fro,) and Portland, these woolly wonders are flowing around.
Have you seen ‘em? I have been losing sleeps, sick to stomach, for the past week. The package of knitted samples was sent nearly two weeks ago…the shop still hasn’t received it. For close up details, more pictures here, here, here, a secret knit here/here, and the leg warmer in Malabrigo Twist to be finished with buttons by the shop. Sabrina’s arm and/or leg warmers is a super simple knit, perfect choice to add to your holiday gift list.
Sad day and tough lesson…USPS told me unless it’s shipped Express Mail and it’s insured…I am out of luck! Even if insured, only the cost of the expensive yarn would be reimbursed. :0( Bad news?My resolution to the shop owner should she accepts (or care to hire me again) is 1) pay for the expensive yarns out of pocket and 2) knit those again free of charge.
On the good side, someone will have an amazing warm winter. And me? I will get to knit ‘em again in, of course, much quicker turnaround!
Nuff said. I will make it a great day…after all, I have my husband and children home…me bundled up with my woolly knits…and smelling the roses!
Life is good.
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
With the whole Christmas rush, husband’s two trips away from home this month, Solstice, Super New Moon around the corner, I am getting frayed & tired on many levels. I feel under PRESSURE at this time of the year–from family, my fiber work, society in general. It’s time to smell the roses…
the night air…and…
For one minute, walk outside
Stand there in silence,
Look up at the sky
And contemplate
How amazing life is.
Today, I decide to CHOOSE for me.
It is brave to follow my own path when everyone around me is following the norm.
But, the NORM does not fit or resonate with me. It hurts me incredibly to lie to myself just to keep up appearances.
I am dropping the mask and say YES or NO as appropriately. I will continue with my day as though this were any other time of year.
Do you feel a big weight lifted off you? Okay, I’m right there…with you. Love to all ♥
Shown lace is Tulip Dream, modified from The Sock Report, a perfect heavenly match with this yarn…glorious 50% Silk/50% cashmere fingering weight yarn, bordered temporarily with Debbie Bliss Party Angel (Super Kid Mohair, Silk, and Metalized Polyester) so I may wear it while spinning up 2-ply yarn to finish. My most-prized composition/knit of the year! ♥¸.°´° ♥.¸¸.•°´°▪♥ღ♥
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
This ad sponsored by ADCOM–made by Florence Ki of Junior Chamber International, Petaling Jaya, in Malaysia–is remarkably creative and full of animation. I applaud the magnificent minds that made this creative project. It makes me nostalgic.
I do have an brilliant idea. It may not make my nation proud, but, who cares. I am darn proud of myself for taking action. Not everyone will to be happy about it. I will do it anyway…simply to live, collect moments and not things. Play big. Act accordingly.
Make your ideas happen, my friend. All you need is a belief. It’s never too late.
Optical Spectrum–Organic Waves and Rosettes–was one of those ideas I let it played out, a couple of weeks ago, using a quarter skein of Caron Vickie Howell Sheep(ish) and a skein of Red Heart Boutique Treasure in Size 10 needles.
A goal is not always meant to be reached. The idea was served simply as something to aim at.
A great way to spend a violent wind-storm afternoon. Once conditioned and rinsed, the points were blocked out…organically.
A nice wrapped scarf started out with a single idea of a classic fan & feather stitch…with random changes…into a wing-like, similar to this last one but totally random on short-rowing.
Another jazz/swing knitting success.
I do hope my teen’s flute mentor will like it as I do…it’s my Pay-It-Forward to her for all that she does for my child.
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
A slum built on a landfill. Someone refurbished a violin shell found in landfill and the idea of making instruments from rubbish resulted in Landfill Orchestra. Absolutely incredible video will make you weep. The human spirit soars…music rising out of the landfills of Cateura, Paraguay.
The most poignant statement for me in the clip is “People realize we shouldn’t throw away trash carelessly. We shouldn’t throw away people either.” Brilliant and beautiful. It’s lovely to see the faces of these young people walking together with their instruments. They could be anywhere in the world.
Never underestimate the power of music! Where there is a will, there’s a way.
Nothing stands in the way of vision and the human spirit. Peace and joy. Happy Hanukkah, my friend.
Coming up next will be my free-spirited “optical spectrum” fiber play…stay tuned.
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
My inspiration today is from eleven-year-old Jaden Carlson, a nice little hit off her new CD Born to Fly.
This little mind will not be tamed and subdued by misfortune. I will rise above ‘em.
The truth is every single thing has a beginning, middle and end. The key to a joyful life is having the faith to hang on tight to hope, even when the end doesn’t seem to be anywhere in sight. My greatest glory is not in never failing, but, in rising up every time I fail.
And this time, I have succeeded…in reverse-engineering/created my very own birdwing, inspired by Stephen West’s design released in 2010.
I don’t always want to be trendy and to look like Crowd Member No. 75. Thus, cabling was added in a portion of the wings–towards the tips–to imitate feathers.
When I go to a restaurant and my husband or children really like something, I’d give it a go in the kitchen sometime at home. What I won’t do is take some of it home in a doggy bag and start to analyse it and break it done into its component part as far as how much seasoning and which cut of meat was used. The same idea should stand for reverse engineering fiber arts/knitted goods in that I gain an inspiration from something and set out to knit myself something similar. I see a hat in a passing and take a mental note of its most endearing qualities, but, I don’t nick it off the passersby’s head and run away with it ’til I’ve counted the rows and stitches and marked down where the decreases lie.
Isn’t it easier to just purchase the pattern?
I love to put my knowledge and skill to use and challenge myself 90% of the time. Rather than “copying,”, I take rather the “inspiring” angle. Yet, each time I venture into reverse engineering play, I always question: Is it unethical to directly copy someone else’s original design, taking measurements and specifications of my desired project, and create my own with a similar design to gift–or even sell the knitted items for profit–depriving someone of rightfully-earned income?
It’s a good feeling when I can replicate a design and turn it my own with added personal touches.
If making profit out of the reversed engineering goods is unethical, what about this? I knit samples regularly for yarn shops and am compensated for ‘em in U.S. currency or yarn. The patterns are always “copies.” Yes, the shop has the “official” patterns, but, they are for sale…and eventually be gone. At some point, the knitted/crocheted samples would be for sale too once the marketing value has been depleted. That seems to be ethically acceptable by all, though?
After the Oscars each year–within a week–there are Vera Wang and Versaci knock-offs intentionally designed to be as close to the original as possible. Shows are produced and aired on public television showing the original and the copy side-by-side…same color, same design, cheaper materials…obviously intended to be an affordable replica for the masses. Garments are then sold. They were designed to be sold, to purchase the knock-off, instead of purchasing the expensive original.
There are inexpensive knock-off perfumes, designed to smell as close to the high-priced original as possible for sale in every drugstore in America. The name subtly changed and in print on the box is a reference to being similar to or inspired by which I suspect is there not to give credit, but, so you know which one to buy. Now, if corporate America is able to do that, then why, for heaven’s sake if I see a sweater in a magazine, write my own pattern, and admittedly my own (not a stitch-counted version) am I not able to sell or distribute the pattern or even sell the item particularly if I add…inspired by…or based on…and credit the original designer?
I can see some of you are already getting upset. I’m sorry. I agree that, if a pattern is for sale and is available, then it should be illegal to intentionally copy that specific pattern for the purpose to sell it myself. However, reverse engineering…similar product, same measurements, different materials, same basic design, not really seeing a problem. A size 34 is still a size 34, I ain’t going to be able to make that different. Just look at automobiles, all manufacturers are reverse engineering parts. It’s why when I go to buy a replacement part, I can choose between my dealers. It’s why Chevy and Ford pick-up trucks look similar.
That being said, don’t worry, if I attempt your shawl pattern or in some child-induced sleep deprivation craze attempt your felted art piece, you are not going to see me reverse engineering it and sell it. I do love designing and playing. Someday, I will put my own work out. I digress. Question of the day. Is examining images or counting stitches, to purposefully replicate an item, over the line…or not?
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
One would have never known that there would be so many different theories and ideas about what The Wizard of Oz represents.
All of the interpretations have led to many different conclusions about the story.
Who would have ever thought that a story that seems obvious–written specifically for children–would have had so many hidden messages in it?
Whammo!! Here I am , December! It’s true what they say about time going faster the older you get. I’m trying to keep up with all of you through your blogs and just doing that is getting harder and harder to manage. So, let’s see…what’s going on? Exactly a month ago, I fancied my way to Emerald City…“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore,” “Lions, and tigers, and bears! Oh, my…” ♥.¸¸.•°´°▪♥ღ
After surmounting many obstacles (ripped back 24 rows of 4th repeat as I accidentally skipped Row 1 of the repeat)…encountering my “Scarecrow,” “Tin Woodman” and “Cowardly Lion” who were respectively searching for a “brain,” a “heart” and “courage”–I’ve finally reached the “Emerald city,” at last!
My quest for “illumination” is complete…after i-cord bind-off 400+ live stitches. “There is no place like home.”
It’s a good feeling.
Uniquely shaped Leafy Greens–designed by Shannon Squire–is another holiday shop sample for Twisted, a very wearable shawl.
Emerald Darkness of Dream-in-Color Starry is very challenging to photograph. In person, the shawl is absolutely stunning and an utter joy to knit from top down.
The embossed leaves on the “private side” is exquisite.
I love this yarn, the pattern, and the finished project.
Both the yarn and shawl pattern are available at Twisted online or in person. It took one and an half skeins for this wonderful shawl knit with awesome yarn. If you are in the area, be sure to “test drive” the glitzy Leafy Greens shawl. Another splendid holiday gift wonder for that special someone. ♥¸.°´° ♥.¸¸.•°´°▪♥ღ
Pantone announces Emerald as the color for 2013. “Lively. Radiant. Lush… A color of elegance and beauty that enhances our sense of well-being, balance and harmony.”
Do you like this choice? Does the Pantone color-of-the-year pick influence your purchases?
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
There comes a time when it feels like my life is on the edge of a cliff.
Nothing is going right. Relationships, jobs, finances, toss ‘em all together, what have you got? A human being, perfectly imperfect.
Take the good with the bad. When everything’s going against me, there’s blessings I lose sight of.
Focus on positives, hang on to them, no matter how small.
And when I’m at the top, I get complacent and take things, people, even myself for granted.
Balance. Stay in the light…
Take these past two weeks for example. My vision has been a blur most days, I’m struggling to get through. Yet, I found every possible daylight and minute to tackle my responsibilities and commitments.
Textural Healing is a perfect traveling project–enough going on not to be completely bored, but, lots of time to look up and enjoy the scenery.
The Filatura Di Crosa Superior cashmere/silk yarn is delicate, soft, but slippery.
Only local shop I know that stocks it is in Portland. If you haven’t knitted with it, you must! It’s the softest and lofty fiber to wrap yourself in. ♥¸.°´° ♥.¸¸.•°´°▪♥ღ
This little shawlette isn’t done yet. I’m going to remove the bind-off edge and expand it to a larger shawl for a gift.
Now, I must digress to the “official” shop sample shawl in Knitted Wit’s Cashy Wool.
It shows off the textural beauty in every tier. (Salted Caramel color is most true in the blocked photos.)
Move over, MadelineTosh Pashmina–my all-time favorite yarn for the last two years. Cashy Wool is my new love now. Great job Lorajean Kelley.
Both the yarn and shawl pattern are available at Twisted online or in person. Believe it or not, it only takes a skein for this beauty. If you are in the area, be sure to “test drive” the Cashy Wool Textural Healing shawl. You won’t be disappointed. It makes a terrific holiday gift for that special someone.
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
This is a place for me to muse out loud about our crafty adventures. I invite you to jump into the comment threads and join the conversation. The awesome thing about blogging is that it is a communal activity. Let's commune!
