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.
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!)
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!)
As I became adult, what begins to distinguish me from childhood is the ability to know how much is too much and what is not enough.
Naturally, most kids don’t know limits.
While too much candy can make your stomach hurt, I can’t imagine daily life without the choice to fill the mind with words and images, ideas and images that are healthy and soothing to the soul.
These things can challenge thinking in a positive way.
Perhaps, challenge myself to read and gather energy from words that are more specific to my life. Many choices…next to knitting, sewing, beading, playing with mixed media, hiking, cooking, photographing, etc. etc.
Featured Knits today are inspired by the Sellwood Bridge. Twisted ribbing on the neck and leg/arm-warmer set mimics the meandering nature of the Willamette River, which flows under the beautiful and historic Sellwood Bridge. The pattern was designed by Shannon Squire especially to participants of 2013 Rose City Yarn Crawl in Portland, Oregon, a few months ago. One set was in Blue Moon Fiber Arts Victoria and the other in Socks That Rock MediumWeight–in ka-POW!, pa-TINA colorway. I loved knitting ‘em. The bias repeats in between the stockinette fabric are just my level of enjoyment: engaging, easy to read/memorize, no tricky bits. Both the pattern and yarn are available at Twisted. However, you will have to call the shop for BMF yarn–they aren’t offered online.
There’s been no big splashy stuff here lately and I can’t seem to finish anything. But, I’m finding great delight in the small stuff. Like this sewing project…more on that tomorrow. I could stare at ‘em all day.
What brings you real joy? Do that…Be that…Share that…Spend more time with that and get more joy! ♥
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
It is like a camera. Just focus on what’s important and capture the good times, develop from the negatives, and if things don’t work out, just take another shot.
The Sartoria Cowl designed by Star Athena–in Blue Moon Fiber Arts’ de-Vine (jabberwocky)–makes the ideal, last-minute gift knit. Who could have thought de-Vine is 100% wool! It behaves somewhat like a synthetic ribbon, but, each single thread reveals after wash. It feels wonderful, toasty warm, and squishy. Personally, I would shorten the length by 2” to 3”. Double the length in order to wrap it twice is out of the question as it would be very weighty for my personal liking. All-in-all, it’s a fabulous design pairing with super duper dyed yarn. It served me well during the photo shoot on the chilly day in February.
I find the herringbone stitch is hard to knit at times, so I use a crochet hook when needed.
The cowl, originally released as a mystery knit-along, is now available to the general public at the shop as a complete pattern. Be sure to test drive the sample if and/or when you are in the Portland, Oregon area. By the way, you may purchase the sample cowl (included five beautiful buttons) for $121.00–in person or online.
Happy weekend, my friend! Go for whatever makes you happy! ♥
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
Every minute spent worrying about the way things were is a moment stolen from creating “the way things can be.”
Swim Meet at Juniper Swim & Fitness Center Bend, OR, on May 4, 2013
I spent a significant amount of my adult life working hard and becoming proficient in things I thought I loved doing ‘cuz society told me I needed to do these things to become successful. I was on a very secure road, but, how happy was I? Eventually, I threw all that away to take some time to look at myself in the mirror and spent quality time with my children. That was back in 2004.
Some folks still questioned me…whether or not I had made the right decision. They doubt my quality of life has indeed improved.
I may not live in a big house or drive fancy automobiles I once did. But, I can tell you this. I am finding my own way. When I love what I do, I’ll never work a day in my life.
Every day, I take an honest look at myself and sift through the things I enjoy, or may enjoy, and narrow ‘em down.
I enjoy what I’m doing so I work harder at task.
When I work hard at something I care about, I get better at it.
When I’m better at something that encompasses my joy and effort, good things happen.
I am having this talk with my 17-year-old teen. The idea that she’s supposed to know exactly what she’s going to do with her life when she hits 18 is ludicrous. There’s nothing wrong with bouncing around the things she loves until she finds one that becomes a viable career option for her. You’re the future of this world. Take time to explore and light up a whole roomful of possibilities.
Check out Larry Smith’s 14-minute funny and insightful TED talk “Why you will fail to have a great career”…what do you think of it?
No one can argue the amount of effort you put into something determines what you get out of it. But, I think the problem is that most people don’t really know what they are passionate about in the first place. Most people aren’t that introspective. At 17, I wasn’t for sure. Look. If you have actually followed your passion from day one. You are passionate about the competition. I have the utmost respect for you and your accomplishments
For my kids…Everyone has something to give. Find your life purpose. Flawlessly, your passion will be exposed. Don’t be afraid…Be yourself. Follow your bliss. Be all that you are, kids! Shine bright.
The Serriform scarf and shawlette shown above–in MadelineTosh Light Merino (Burnished)–is a super fun and satisfying knit. Shannon Squire originally designed it as the February 2013 pattern for the Twisted Mad About Tosh Club. The pattern (and the scrumptious MadelineTosh yarn) is now available to the general public at the shop. Be sure to test drive the sample if and/or when you are in the Portland, Oregon area.
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
Dave Becker, conductor of the Oregon Ambassador’s Band, Director Emeritus at Lewis & Clark College and State Band Contest Co-Chairperson
Go read all about this well written,terrific article. I love Chris McCombs’ exceptions, awesome pictures and quotes.
Lily the Elephant, a beautiful motifs…fabulous quick knit/gift in Brown Sheep Lanaloft Sport (Scottish Hillside and Celery)
Today, I focus on making as many mistakes as possible.
Lily the Elephant Baby Legwarmers in Brown Sheep Nature Spun Fingering (Blueberry colorway)
Be amazing at making mistakes, make more mistakes in the next year or two than I’ve made in my entire life.
Boy, do I learn when I make mistakes. Amen!
I love trying new things,
making mistakes along the discovery journey,
to learn my weakness and strength,
and to grow a better, well being. I really do.
Deep Night in Kaleidoscope was one of my favorite own-design crochet hat made in December 2010
Now that you have skimmed through Chris’ badass post…which of the 37 ways spoke to you most?
Rose & Lily–the Elephant hat and leggings designed by Lenka Ilcisin & Emily Williams as February pattern for Twisted’s Itty Bitty Baby Knits Club–is now available to the general public. Test drive these samples at the shop if and/or when you are in the Portland, Oregon area. Here is an excerpt about the design by the designers:
“New kid at the Portland Zoo this winter – Lily the tiny baby elephant! Her mom, Rose-Tu, couldn’t be prouder as she shows off her new baby to the adoring onlookers. Share in Rose and Lily’s cuteness with this mommy (or daddy) and me hat set, with plenty of sizes to fit kids and adults of all ages and sizes. Add on legwarmers for the kidlets and you’ve got a cozy matching set for the whole family.”
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
It may be that when I no longer know what to do, I have come to my real work.
And when I no longer know which way to go, I have begun my real journey.
It’s the dawn of a new day, the beginning of a new me.
The dreams of my heart are sprouting into view.
Don’t give up. Don’t let go. My miracle is at hand.
Today is a magical day.
I choose to make it so. All is well in my world.
The blue neck warmer is Stratosphere Cowl, designed by Kat Buckspan. It took only 91 grams of a skein of KnittedWit Cashy Wool (in Winter’s Night colorway)–with 26 grams left unused. The superwash Cashy Wool is so soft, yummy, and delightful next to skin!
The pattern and yarn are available here. Stratosphere is a popular knitted project among Twisted’s customers. If you are in the area, stop by and test drive the shop sample.
We had a fabulous visit to Portland yesterday, mainly to support my 17-year-old who placed 10th–out of 31 flutists–at this year’s 2013 OSAA Oregon Solo State Music Championship. Hope you enjoy the instant replay.
This may be the last recording of her playing flute in public. One more solo audition in June–in front of a panel of judges in private session, no parent or other audience allowed–she will then retire from flute and french horn competitions/public performances altogether. No worry…music is in her blood. She has been composing, singing, playing an acoustic instrument. Who knows. Maybe she will let me videotape and share one of her busking adventures this summer. Talking about summer…what’s your plan for the hot days ahead?
Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!
(still doesn’t do texting, MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook!)
Sometimes all I really need is a hand to hold, an ear to listen, and a heart to understand me.
Whatever I need, my higher self is always there for me…loving me, guiding me, uplifting me, nurturing me…
So today, I take time to silence the doubtful mind.
Go within and my gentle whispers will be heard…
Trust for I am never alone. ♥
Neither are you.
Back in early December, just few weeks before Christmas, a package of five–número cinco–glorious shop samples was lost in the mail. Sad and tough lesson…USPS told me unless it’s shipped Express Mail and it’s insured…I am out of luck! To-date, I still wonder where they landed…who is fortunate to be blessed with ‘em, someone who really needed to be warm and had no way to have a good Christmas.
Not only the pattern is awesome, both yarn are to die for…luxurious fine, silky, soft yarn are echoed in its sophisticated palette of solid colors. This floaty, ultra-feminine scarf is heavenly to wear next to skin. See how easy this beautiful design is…I knitted both two-at-a-time. One with leaves and the other in plain mesh. This is my favorite project and yarn of the year!
I made the green and black infinity cowls above (aka Anna’s Cowl) for the older teen for Christmas. Sadly, they are too feminine for her taste…gotta respect the teenager’s prerogative. I’ll bet you have your own stories to tell, don’t you? Good thing: I love knitting ‘em and are off to charity.
The russet mittens in Knit One Crochet Too Elfin Tweed is a shop sample knitted back in January that took me out of my comfort zone.
Pine Court designed by Shannon Squire is simple with precise instruction. The cable insert kept it interesting to change up stockinette knitting. I typically like my mittens snugly fit. But, I’ve come to appreciate these baggy-style of mittens. Lofty and comfy feel to the hands. It kept me nice and toasty when I was photographing shop samples.
What project(s) and/or event(s) have gotten you out of your comfort zone?(Catching up on a week’s worth of posts that didn’t go out as scheduled…)
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!)
