Gentle Peace

Don’t let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace~~Dalai Lama

May a gentle peace be yours throughout this day. It’s easy to fall into the cycle of trying too hard to do too much, too quickly because of worldly demands. Even if the world outside is not a gentle place, I may still be gentle within me. Breathe. Live it. Celebrate it. Life’s a dance.

It has been feeling like fall for a week, with schools in session and a chill in the air. I am so glad to have some ‪‎knitting‬ time today even if it is only for a short while. Indoor Flyer is my dogs’ favorite toy. They adore it, especially the ones knitted in Red Heart’s Glow-in-the-dark yarn. It’s a riot–great for an amusement ride. Get your pattern for FREE. Use coupon code Katan at check out, good ‘til September 26, 2014.

Inspired by the grape vines that saturate the Walla Walla Valley’s Wine Country, winding cables and plump bobbles travel up the length of this pretty cabled scarf, mimicking the end-of-summer grapes ripening on the vines. First Crush is a versatile scarf that may be worn buttoned up to keep your neck warm or worn with just one buttoned edge, creating a draped shawlette that rests just off the shoulders. The pattern is FREE while it’s being test knit.

Squeeeeeee. The Perfect Pouch! It’s magical–perfect for shopping, stuffed with plastic or nylon shopping bags. Perfect for carrying plastic doggie doodoo bags I need for trips around the neighborhood. Perfect for boys and girls. Clip the pouch onto the purse, belt buckle, backpack, or laptop case. Carry it in the car or leave it handy by the door. This is an everyday pouch; adorable and practical. It’s an addictive quick knit and a fabulous STASHBUSTER. Mine are being felted. Super fast knit. The pattern is FREE ’til end of September.

Whovian Rage. Police Box Afghan is going at the top of my To Make For Me! list. This Tardis blanket is the best looking crocheted version I’ve seen yet.   Imagine–more than a few teens and adults will fight over this!

Thank you for stopping in and sharing my blog with friends. It brings me great pleasure to take you along on my journey of self discovery, self love, and crafty adventures! Visit me on Facebook here for more inspiring projects. As always, they are FREE.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

ღ¸.•*””*•.¸¸”

         ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ

  ƸӜƷ•.¸¸.• ƸӜƷ

(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)

Love Note to Self

Be the love I want to receive. Give the love I want to be. Then watch my inner fountain overflow with the love I already am, I heart-light, me.

Today, I tell myself I’m lovable. Just ‘cuz some folks haven’t been able to love me in ways that worked doesn’t mean I’m unlovable. Everything in life comes to me as a teacher. Pay attention. Learn quickly. Pause and remember. I’ve had lessons to learn. Some of which hurts deeply; but, I can still love. I still am loved.

Don’t ever let anyone dull your sparkle, my friend.

Whoo’s My Cutie Blanket brightens my morning. This can be yours comes the winter days. Courtesy of Red Heart (North America,) the pattern is free.   Thank you, Michele Wilcox, for designing such delightful beauty!

Check out my Facebook page here for more inspiring projects.   I will put up another inspiring sweater project later today when I return home.  As always, they are FREE.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

ღ¸.•*””*•.¸¸ ”
ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ
ƸӜƷ•.¸¸.• ƸӜƷ

(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)

Find My Tribe

The ones that make me feel the most ME. The ones that lift me up and help me remember who I really am.

The ones that remind me a blip in the road is just that–a blip–not to mistake it for an earthquake. Even if it were to be an earthquake, they would be there with an earthquake emergency supply kit.

They are the ones–when I walk out of a room–they make me feel like a better person than when I walked in. They are the ones even if I don’t see ’em face-to-face as often as I’d like, I see ’em heart-to-heart. I love my tribe.

Today’s special knitting treat is Knitarin-Karin Hess‘s new design Pulswärmer Rosemarie–in both English and German–FREE ’til August 24th.  No coupon code needed.

For you Whovians, this is just what the Doctor’s ordered.  Scrappy Tardis Afghan crochet pattern is FREE. Thank you, Jessica, for the Doctor Who pattern instruction.

Are you ready to inhale some fresh crispy, autumn air and hang out? Fall is somewhat a rebirth. It always makes me feel vibrant and excited, like knitting up Lehdet. Can you read Finnish? Mia Saranen, the designer, would love to hear from you. She needs help in translating the pattern to English. Meanwhile, I’m forging ahead with the help of Google Translate.

Check out my Facebook page here for more inspiring projects.  As always, they are FREE.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

ღ¸.•*””*•.¸¸ ”
ღ(✿◠‿◠)˙•٠•●ღ
ƸӜƷ•.¸¸.• ƸӜƷ

(still doesn’t do MySpace, Twitter, StumbleUpon, DiggIt…but caved into Facebook, a smartphone, and a little bit of texting!)

Every Ride Can’t Be all Downhill

but a nice cider every now and then helps…I must admit I’m addicted; seldom a day goes by that I don’t knit at least a couple of rows.

Today could have been a day of solid progress as long as I didn’t bite off more than I could handle.

Yet, I discovered another step in learning to readjust my attitude and expectations so that I could find joy where I may not have expected it… finding the joy inside of all the work.

I love designing.  I love working out the math.  I love fitting the jigsaw puzzle pieces together…but the stress involved in getting so MUCH to work congruently can be daunting.

I did find a way to readjust the attitude and enjoy the ride today…with a few COOL friends by the pool (only regretted that I didn’t take some photos.)  Life is good…even though I am fighting a very, very bad cold!

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Luxury and DIY

To some that may sound like a strange combination, but I believe in using good materials for DIY projects.  Seeing others so passionate about knitting and designing inspires me.

I am up for the challenge again…an air of familiarity about it.  I want to create something fashion forward and design-driven–nothing synthetic, as I believe in the beautiful complexity of organic nature–using beautiful yarns that are widely available in today’s marketplace.

I start seeing hints of that in some lines I’m playing with, but also feel that there is  room for more.  Ideas and inspiration come from the world of fashion and I like the challenge of figuring out how I may deconstruct it and make it myself.   The next design play, in a Gigantuous swatch,  is a classic piece I dream to really get wear out of.

I’m also very moved by the Japanese crafting scene and  love its simplicity and styling shown in craft books.

Experimenting is key, I can’t be afraid to make mistakes.  Just go for it…I’ll  learn more that way 😀

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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