Inspiration Central

What inspires you?

For me, it may be a photo.

A conversation.

A dream.

Whatever the inspiration…write it down. Make a record of some sort.

Over last couple of years, I’ve been inspired to share those thoughts in an effort to motivate and spark creativity and curiosity in myself as well as others.

I may never get to some of those projects; but, they’re there in my bank waiting for the right day, right time.

Reading through some of my journals, I am reminded of my multitude of interests. Maybe you’ll find something that sparks your own interest…

I believe you and I are meant to live joyful lives. I believe we may uplift our lives making choices to create the life of our own choosing. And creating things with my hands brings me joy.

Tea, Anyone? Service for One is another quick holiday gift accessory that I have had in my to-do list.

Once the basic design and instruction sketched out, it knitted up rather quickly…about an hour, two max.

More fine-tuning, felting this one down-to-size, and adding loops for a stirrer.

It will be packaged up to a good home next week.

As much as I like to work on my own designs, I do have a deadline approaching for a test-knit shawl (actually two at a time) I must return my focus to. What’s on your needles?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Not-Back-to-School Blast

No large crowds! No chalkboard. No bathroom pass. No ringing bell to signal the beginning and end of the lesson.

If my kids are hungry, well, they don’t have to wait for the lunch hour.

Ours don’t sit at a desk all day.

They can put their feet up when they want.

Hubby and I love that we may tailor our schedules and assignments to our children’s needs at a pace appropriate to their learning styles and individuality.

For most folks, there is a certain amount of time you do for school. For us, it’s just a certain amount of work.

Without administrative necessities of a traditional school–dealing with things like attendance rolls, discipline, doctor’s notes, and permission slips–educating does take so much less time.

This week is the week our COOL families take to celebrate our freedom as homeschoolers, at beautified Columbia Park mid-week, instead of directing the learning or scheduling going on in our homes.

We do not have someone else telling us or deciding for us when we may be a family or when and how we must learn.

No one else may take my children for 7 hours each, Monday through Friday, from September to June and make us work around their schedule.

I’m very grateful for the training we’ve invested in our children–the house is virtually running itself, with very little that they can’t do.

New term, new pencils, new papers…

Life is good–without a doubt, when I got to spend a couple of hours in the afternoon with an awesome homeschool mom/fearless knitter

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Silky Orchid

I love triangular shawls, but, sometimes they are difficult to keep in place without a pin.

Hana, on the other hand, in its distinguish curve makes a difference. It measures 56″ wide, 12″ center deep, and 7″ short ends.

It may simple be tied like a scarf or have longer ends that drape gracefully around the shoulders.

The gentle crescent lends itself to numerous ways of tying and draping, making it a versatile accessory to the Fall wardrobe.

The shawlette is knitted in one piece starting at the outside edge, with a very long cast on (393 stitches,), work the 12-repeat Japanese lace (instead of 14 per pattern at Kristina‘s request,) and then shape the narrow, long curved body of the shawl with an unique set of short rows.

The interesting combination of true lace and simple stockinette stitches–in DK weight Silk Bamboo and Size 5 Addi Lace circular needles–makes Hana a fun, pretty, incredibly useful, affordable–3 balls of Patons Silk Bamboo, 307 yards,–and fast 7-hour project.

I was a little apprehensive about the fake tubular bind off at first…but worked out perfectly.

I wear my shawls mostly as scarves and this one is perfect for wrapping around the neck or shoulders–it shows off the pretty edging, yet, is plenty long enough to stay put.

This one, after re-blocking to elongate the flowers to show its true beauty, will be going to my friend Lindy when we meet up on the coast next week.

Me…I will work up some handspun for another interpretation of my very own Hana. Thanks, Kristina, for a fabulous test-knit experience, and PLEASE do publish the design as I know many of my friends would love to knit one for themselves

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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