Leftover

Yarn.   What do you do with ‘em?  In a jar?

On a stick?

In a bowl?

Another great way to use up the leftovers is to create an eye-catchy fashion statement.  Would you wear this hair piece??  I certainly would.

Yarnball ornament?

Yarn-filled ornaments?

But wait…how about a cool window display?  It’s so easy and whimsy too, with just some styrofoam balls and fishing line!

If you make one, where would you hang yours?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Life’s Three Choices

I only have three choices in life.

Give up.

Give in.

Or give it all I have got.

Today, I dare to be brave.  I am on the brink of my breakthrough.

Featured knit is Princess Lace Beret designed by Vera Sanon of SunfunlivingKnits.  It’s super easy, fun, and fast knit.  I ended up with two…this modeled one in Zitron Trekking XXL Duett went to my teen’s school fundraiser for her music programs.

The second one is in my superfine merino 2-ply handspun and Wilton’s cake dye.

 I cranked both out in three days.  Only change I made to the design was extended 1-cord tip to 1.5”; in knot, it’s 1” long.  Also, I switched the t2b and t2f symbols to reflect respective visual slants (while the key legends are written correctly.)

This makes a beautiful gift.  I highly recommend it.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Be Here

Be free to love.  I don’t let go of concepts–I question ‘em. Then they let go of me.  What is a belief, but, a construct made up by a conditioned mind.   I am alive ‘cuz that is what is here, not of a belief in something.

I work hard to stop wishing for things to be a certain way or trying to make a story in my head to fit in a nice little self-created world.  Life can only be what it is.  It will never be different than that no matter how much I want it to be.  Be with what is here.

By creating a belief, I make life personal.  Is it really personal?  Not exactly.  It will happen even if I am not here. This is the freedom that is in the Here and Now.  This is what is discovered when I face my thinking and how it creates a belief that isn’t real.

Anywhere else is just a thought derived from the “would have,” “could have,” “should have,” or “wishing” thinking mind.  Life can never be anywhere…but…here.  So today, I choose to be here–with what is here and be an active participant of life.

In the Here and Now, I come to realize it’s the only reality that truly exist.  I become aligned with love–the creative intelligence of the universe.  I continue to be surprised by the way how love changes my view of life.  When I cease to believe in things in a self-created world, I learn how to allow love to be my guide.

Right now, this very second, wonderful things are happening all over the world.  Live it. Learn it.  Love it.

My liberated Quilts for Boston blocks (shown above) are well on their way to Massachusetts.  Read more about the relief effort by the Boston Modern Quilt guild here.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Power of Positivity

At the start of a day and before bed, I adjust my attitude towards the light and myself, leading a life of gratitude along with affirmations.  I stop and thank the Lord for the blessings in my life.

I would read affirmation that speaks to me in my head while feeling absolute gratitude and say thank-you three or four times upon affirmation.

I don’t know how else to put it.  Life is simply amazing!

Affirmation is like planting seed in the ground.  It takes some time to go from a seed to a full-grown plant.  And so it is with affirmation   It takes some time and nurturing from first declaration to final demonstration.  Hence, be patient.

Daily affirmation has significantly impacted my life.   I’m beyond blessed, grateful, and honored for all that has passed through my life.

An affirmation opens the door.  It’s a beginning point on the path to change.  I choose to keep my mind’s eye open… everything is blissful

Featured knit today is Paper Runner aka Papaver, another clever design by Anne Lernout of atelier alfa.  Merriment…one word to describe my latest color play–fairisle aka stranding, intarsia, and duplicate stitches–in one tunic.  Another enticing element was replacing my own motifs in lieu of flowers or spirals per pattern.

Fabric knit with Ella Rae Lace Merino–contrast colors in Loops & Threads Luxury Sock Balloons and Premier Yarns Serenity Sock Weight Deep Brown–is alluring, svelte.  It has taken a bit longer than any of my recent sweaters, but, every embroidery, intarsia–even ripping back fair-isle details to the beginning of the yoke band–adding vikkel braid before 1×1 ribbing, ribbing held double strands, sewing bind-off, weaving in ends from intarsia work…makes this a very special knit of the year.

As would in fingering yarn knitted garment, the tunic grew tremendously after wash, I had to be careful with handling it and laying it to dry. I love both the length, fit, and drape and would wear it as it was–without the pocket placement.  So, I tossed it in the dryer for 20 minutes in the last “leg” of drying. It sprung back to “shape” and “size“…perfect fitting on my beautiful–tall and slender–model.

Strength does not come from winning. My struggles develop my strengths. When I go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.  Today, I opt to not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.

Older teen performing with her Symphonic Band
at Summit High School this evening

All is well in my world.  How’s yours?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Big Love Comes in the Smallest Package

Love sometimes comes softly in a small package.

It really does.

It may be tiny–10 grams’ worth of Loops & Threads Luxury Sock in Balloon colorway–but, it took my 17-year-old teen 3 hours plus to knit just one bootie of the seamless pair in 2.25 mm circular needles and light fingering-weight yarn, all by herself.

She kinda followed Susan Glinert Stevens‘ seamless version of Saartje pattern and improvised as the zen-knitting journey took her to make it complete.  I wasn’t able to see the final finish with some adorable ribbons for closure instead of buttons (as I did with my pair below.)  Just imagine the cuteness…

Though it was the smallest, dainty little package among humongous gifts at the party, these hand-knit booties was the only one apparently being passed around 3 or 4 times at the baby shower.  My teen is the happiest girl in town…now she wants to knit more of these in different sizes for the growing baby-to-be.  Sometimes, someone can say or do something so small that can fit into a big empty space in one’s heart.

I was aspired…and this is my well-traveled pair.  Can you name the place…or the monumental art installation?

It’s a lovely, sunny, summer-like day.

Being a rare day, I don’t have much on the schedule other than taking the boy to archery practice,..and refreshing on the unruly quilter Tanya Ricucci‘s  Word Play Quilts.

It turned into a lazy, beautiful, sunshine day (the day after fantastic Pole Pedal Paddle)…live it!  I’m grateful for small things, big things, and everything in between. Today, I choose to count my blessings, not my problems.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Power Within

There’s a power within that can change my world. It’s all mine.

I own it. Whether I use it is simple.  I choose to.  It’s that easy.

All that “stuff” going on around me, the noise, the confusion, the chaos.  I can tune it out. Doesn’t mean I ignore those things as if they don’t exist?

The difference is in perception.  What I see in the world is a reflection of me.  Change the way I see myself changes the way I see the world.

I choose to make each day count.  There’s a power that allows me to pick up the paint brush each day and paint it how I choose.  A clean slate. Fresh start. Each day.

Though I stumble, rumble, and fumble a lot, it’s the only way to live.  So I’ll just keep going.  Always progress, not perfection.

Featured handmade today isn’t about knitting or sewing.

Last special–Sellwood Crocheted Cowl–Twisted had for 2013 Rose City Yarn Crawl a few months ago.

This wonder is designed by Megan Dalrympleo in Blue Moon Socks That Rock MediumWeight, colorway Ka-Pow!, pa-Tina!  The special-dyed yarn is available at Twisted, but, you’ll have to call or stop by in person.

It’s absolutely fabulous.

Beautifully textured, in perfect weight and drape.

I run into troubles hooking this up mainly because I didn’t have a sample picture to compare the stitches with. Once I conversed with sweet Megan in person and close-up picture received, it was much easier to comprehend. I had some own trials with missing a dc here and there and ended up to unravel the rounds over and over. Plus, this is a shop sample and new, I counted each loop, each round to insure correctness, thus, the reason why this project take a few days to finish.

On the repeat rounds, it moved along quickly and swiftly as the pattern’s set and embossed in my brain.  It flew intuitively and swiftly. The crocheted fabric felt fabulous, squishy on the neck double wrapped…sad to take it off and send off to the shop.

Be sure to “test drive” it while you are in the Portland area. ♥

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Simple Wisdom

There is no failure except no longer tryin’.

It’s my own thoughts that hold the key to miraculous transformation.

A new cycle begins every day.

Indeed, every moment.

Today, I recognize one thing and what it symbolizes:  What’s meant to be will always find a way.

That’s the miracle of the endlessly continuing Cycle of Life.

Amen for trying to balance in all areas of my life.

Thanks, Caitlin, for the fun photo shoot and modeling the sweater.  It sure looks better on you than it is on me

Initially, I wanted the cowl detachable in Madelinetosh Pashmina Baltic.  Once I got the cowl done, I changed my mind.  That’s okay though…now I have a cowl that goes practically with everything in my wardrobe.

Many changes to my Rhythmic Candombe aka Natasha Cowl Sweater, designed by Vera Sanon, one of my favorite designers, to suit my disproportional figure and personal liking are:

• knit partial lace neckline, hem, and cuffs.
• Main color (frame) in Malabrigo Arroyo Candombe
• Alternating main color with one of 5 Dyelot Stimulus Package Yarn, 104-yard Deborah (50% Silk 50% Fine Merino,) for striping portion.  (1 gram left unused)
• On the fourth waist increase, instead of 4-stitch increase, I increased 12 stitches to 192 stitches for matching 24-round lace hem. Added braid round after last round of increase. Used Size 6 needles for last 6 rounds of lace pattern.  1 round 1×1 rib after lace.
• Stretchy Bind-off in established rib pattern.
• Sleeves:  Started stripes after 1.5”. Decreased every 9th round 6 times to 52, then every 8th round 3 times to 48 stitches. Added an Estonian Braid round, then 8 rounds of lace in Size 5 needles, next 8 rounds of lace in Size 4 needles, and last 8 rounds of lace in Size 3 needles with stretchy bound off.

The pattern’s super fun to knit up.  You don’t need to make any change as I did.  And the yarn?  Malabrigo Arroyo is so awesome–next to skin–I had enough in my stash to knit three or four more full-on sweaters.  Just love it.  You ought to try it if you haven’t already.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Feeling Good

Somehow it’s so easy to find a reason not to…how silly.  I buried it somewhere along the way.

Now I am busy digging deep to find it under all the muck and mire.  Those feelings may hide, but, are never lost.  It’s time to allow ‘em to resurface and welcome ‘em back into my life.  There is nothing wrong with feeling good.

I am learning…I need to learn the art of having fun and being happy again!!!!

Sometimes, I find myself limiting…how much, how long can I feel good, happy…what is this all about?  Yes.  I may even feel guilty about feeling good when there are problems that have to be solved.

My mind loves to play these games.  It’s time to let go.  The source of all abundance is not outside me, it’s part of who I am.

I have everything I need.

Featured today an infinity cowl–designed by Shannon Squire–is one of Twisted’s popular shop projects Paulina Wayna in Cozette–silk and Cotton.  The pattern was originally released as a part of Twisted’s Cowl Club in December 2012, now available to the general public.

Cozette has a very slight texture and a very soft buttery feel.  It is a perfect weight for light knitted garments and wonderful for crochet.  Just heaven!  This is my new favorite summer yarn.

Beautiful pattern!  A must-have.  I’d have it deeper than specified diagram in order to wear it in more ways than shown.

Thank you for my fabulous model, Caitlin Richmond, for playing along in my whimsy pose setting.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Sunshine is Delicious

Sunshine is delicious.  Rain is refreshing.  Wind braces me up.  Snow is exhilarating. There is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.  任何人說陽光帶來快樂從來沒有在雨中跳舞。Translation:  Anyone who says sunshine brings happiness has never danced in the rain. And the kids and I have danced in many rain.

It was a great day spent with COOL friends

and some sewing.  One quilt block down,

one more to go (maybe two.)

Yep…I couldn’t stop (and my best ideas are typically when I am out…with cocktail napkins in hand.)

This is a trial run for Quilts for Boston quilt blocks.  Oh–how did those purple got in there? Remember? It’s a trial run.

Anything goes so long I use Yellow, Blue, Gray, and White.  It could be 12.5″ by 12″ or 12.5″ by whatever.

Another way for me to contribute after To Boston with Love flags.  I ain’t a quilter; so if I can do it, you can too!  Details here..

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Live Fully. Love Openly

Love with my whole heart.

Laugh often.

And make a difference.

Every moment is a gift.

Enjoy the present.

There is nothing to get and everything to get rid of in my spiritual path.  I have to give myself wholeheartedly.

How do you  give?   For me…by not holding back.

Thanks to my friend‘s inspiration and encouragement, my hand-pierced/liberated-letter flags–love, hope–and heart have winged their way to Massachusetts and received by Boston-in-Love.

Quilters from around the world have created hundreds of hand-sewn squares in tribute to Boston. The “To Boston With Love” project will be on display at the Museum of Fine Arts for the free Memorial-Day Community Weekend.

Each mini quilt delivers a message of peace and hope, signed on the back by the artist with his or her country.  The project was a grass-roots effort conceived by Berene Campbell of Vancouver, Canada, and organized locally by Amy Friend of West Newbury.  Big or small–you too can contribute to the community art collage.  All onsite contributions will be donated to The One Fund Boston.

If you’d like to make a quilt to be included in the installation you can learn how to here.  Learn more about the free Boston I Love Memorial Day Community Weekend here.  I will be there in spirit.

Thanks, Kristin, for the local collective effort
and the beautiful group photo!

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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