Passion + Efforts is a Yin + Yang

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!)

37 Ways

To Be A Total Badass.

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!)

Stop Thinking Too Much

It’s alright not to know the answers.

They will come to me when I least expect it.

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!)

The Beauty of Truth

Whether it’s good or bad, it is liberating

I don’t always need advice.

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.

I offered to 1) pay for the expensive yarns out of pocket and 2) knit those again free of charge.  The owner accepted none of it.  Instead, she sent out new yarns for two more of Mesh Leaf cowls in Filatura Di Crosa Superior (light teal) and Swans Island Natural Color Merino/Silk (silver.)

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!)

Born to Fly

How do I wait for heaven?

Who has that much time?

How do I keep my feet on the ground…

When I know that I was born…to fly, yeah.

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!)

Journey to Emerald City

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!)

Aller de l’avant (Moving Forward)

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!)

Pay It Forward

Kindness is Contagious.   Good actions give us strength and inspire good actions in others.  Don’t agree?  Once you watch this flash mob, you’ll definitely share it.

Pay it forward. ♥¸.°´° ♥.¸¸.•°´°▪♥ღ

I am still happily knitting!  See?  Here’s one of the proof.

The Anna Cowl, designed by Breean Elyse Miller, is simple as 1-2-3. My kind of mobile, fast knit. Instruction is crystal clear. I knitted it while attended a symphonic band concert almost a month ago.

All you need is 1.3 skeins of Swans Island Certified Organic Merino Worsted (or 325 yards of substitute worsted yarn.)

It’s incredible–soft, squishy, and heavenly.

I knitted a sweater in its fingering weight (here) and absolutely loved it. I definitely recommend the cowl project for last-minute gifts.  Both yarn and pattern are available at Twisted.

What’s next? The best is yet to come.  There are nine more finished projects since The Anna Cowl. I will write ‘em up soon.  ♥¸.°´° ♥.¸¸.•°´°▪♥ღ

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Good Morning!

The moment when I first wake up in the morning is the most wonderful of the twenty-four hours.

No matter how weary or dreary I may feel, I possess the certainty–during the day that lies before me–absolutely anything may happen.

 And the fact that it practically always doesn’t…matter’s not a jot.

  The possibility is always there. ♥¸.°´° ♥.¸¸.•°´°▪♥ღ

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

You Know You Knit Too Much

Bwahaha! You Know You Knit Too Much When…!

 Priceless!  She’s been very well trained.  Thank goodness my kids don’t take tests. ♥¸.°´° ♥.¸¸.•°´°▪♥ღ

Never say never…I finished a lace shawl today only now realized it was knitted in the wrong yarn!

Jokes on me…again…second time today!  This first joke was I woke up frantic about the girls being late for their band practices…only it’s school break!

I digress…back to the fine lace shawl.  Good thing I do love cashmere silky yarn.  Even it’s a mistake, I learned that Filatura Di Crosa’s Golden Line Superior makes a beautiful Textural Healing lace shawl, designed by Shannon Squire. I highly recommend it…for a large-size shawl for sure.

What’s next? The best is yet to come.   (And boy, do I have a temper!)  ♥¸.°´° ♥.¸¸.•°´°▪♥ღ

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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