Have You Ever Met a Tree?

Every tree has a season given by Mother Nature.  And I love this one.

Every tree, every growing thing as it grows, says this truth:  You harvest what you sow.

With life as short as a half-taken breath, it tells me don’t plant anything but love.

Everything I see has its roots in the unseen world.

The forms may change, yet the essence remains the same.

Every wonderful sight will vanish, every sweet word will fade.  But I will not dishearten.  The source they come from is eternal, growing.  I will not weep.

The source is within me.  And this whole world is springing up from it.

The source is full.

Its waters are ever-flowing.

Drink my fill.   Embrace the current season of my life.

Subduction Zone Cowl (in mico colorway) modeled above is one of four shop samples I received from Twisted last week.  I cast on the cowl–designed by Kat Buckspan–this morning and finished it in the evening.

Once the set-up row is in place, there was no need to look at the instruction again.  Very intuitive.  Cabling keeps me zen. Counting the waves…going with the flow. When it’s in Tosh Merino, it’s heavenly.  (You’ll need two hanks for this 8″ by 50″ infinity scarf/cowl.) 

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

My Toolbox

I’m always finding more tools for my toolbox

This free global online event is one for sure, especially, as I read the first few lines…Do I feel that my life is speeding up?

That life everywhere is becoming more chaotic?

…and at times seeming to spin out of control?

My answer is YES…

It looks to be fascinating.    Will you join me at this “energizing” event?  ♥

Here in the high desert, the leaves are constantly changing.

Are you looking for knitting inspiration, deals on yarn, holiday gift ideas?  What about a beanie?

Or a beret?  In green/gray Malabrigo Twist?  The 100% Baby Merino Wool yarn is perfect for this beanie. It is soft and knits up beautifully.  Where my swallowtail lies would be replaced with buttons by Twisted, the shop in Portland.

It’s a one-skein wonder, super duper fast and fun to knit-up project for a selfish knit or a gift for someone special.  This one was knitted twice, all in an evening.  I kid you not.

I love most about the seamless cable brimmed hat is the knit-on i-cord edge and the braid–designed by Shannon Squire–super pleasant to make and it’s stylish.

What fall projects are you working on right now?  

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Greatness

In the past year, I have arrived at not merely accepting whatever comes in life.   My parents told me at young age I was born for greatness.  I was created to be a champion…in life.

The ultimate prize isn’t out there as many believe.  I’m fully convinced that the only prize is the one I have inside.  I have gifts and talents unlike anyone else in this world.  If I have something to give–something wonderful and special–I’ll do whatever it takes to make it happen.

I may be anything and everything.  That’s what I keep reminding myself.  I choose to not hate ‘cuz someone broke my heart, my parents’ constant bickering while growing up, or my close friends betrayed you.  I choose to not be concerned with things I have no control over.

I choose to cry when I need to, then let go when it’s time.  Letting go is easy, simple as removing my hand from a pool of water.

Greatness exists in all of us.  Today, I choose to create.

Imagine.

Inspire.

Share something wonderful.

Meet new people.

Make someone’s day.

Follow my dreams.  (More on this shop-sample hat tomorrow.)

Live my life to its full potential.  Just live.  Let go of all the not-so-wonderful things in my life and just live.

And one day, when I’m old(er,) I will look back with no regrets.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Freedom to Choose

the simple, serendipitous things really is the best.

Each day I have a choice. I may make the world better for those I come into contact with. Or I may make it worse.

From the mother with a cranky child in tow to whom I give my place in line at the grocery checkout, to the mailman/woman I smile at, to the husband to whom I give the benefit of the doubt.  All too often, it takes a Katrina, Hurricane Irene, a tsunami, Tohoku earthquake, Christchurch quake, a medical crisis, or a 9/11 to encourage me drop my guard and embrace my common humanity.

While others call it random acts of kindness or pay-it-forward, I call it the ministry of the everyday” or uncommon sense.  Whatever I call it, it’s the everyday opportunity to reach out to others and let them know how important they are.

How do I change the world?  One person at a time. One person at a time…

At this point in my life, I’ve noticed–for the 50-year-old me–I think more and more about my purpose here, the meaning of life, how I am going to make an impact. I had tea with a friend last week. We were talking about the fact that we may not all be Oprah; but, in our small way, we may positively affect another person. That is what it is all about, isn’t it?   On a small scale, one person at a time. Love, kindness, joy, inspiration. You all touch me.

I’m not a Pollyanna. I truly believe that with all my heart. It is what hauled me out of the depths of mood swings and has been God’s greatest gift…the awareness of purpose. I try to do at lease one good thing a day–even if I don’t get out as a person–I can be nice online too.  (Oh yeah, I made another Brainy Zany in wee size that fits a preemie/newborn….and it went home with my knitterly friend Sami yesterday.)

And that’s what it’s all about…Today, you and I connected. And if enough people do this, we can change the world.

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Which Side is Up? Front?

Down? Back? Does it really matter?  Not with this unique fashion of the jazz age.  Orbitius!   Brainy Zany!  Yes, I know.  That’s not the name of the lovely pattern.  But doesn’t it just sound awesome?

Wrapped Hat is a super quick and “unlock your creative genius” test knit for Anne aka al-fa.  The best thing about this cloche is the fit: chunky weight and super cozy.   The cute, sassy toque knits up quickly with large needles and looks amazing with MadelineTosh Vintage in Clematis or any aran-weight yarn.

Knit in a richly dyed, lustrous alpaca blend–top down, in one piece–this Brainy Zany cloche hat is a perfect companion to a winter outfit and waiting for the ride. Warm and stylish, the pattern would look good for showing off some chucky spinning experiments.

My 1st one–reversible piece–came out nearly perfect, weighs 96 grams (or 150 yards) in Debbie Stoller Alpaca Love, Peacock Feather colorway.

Pretty swirls and blocks of color (if choosing variegated yarn) are produced when you use short rows to create the top of this hat.  Totally geeky, super fun knit I have had in a long while. It’s rhythmic once you get a hang on the side-way, short-row cable and ribbing design element. It was way too addictive to put down after casting on. The result is so sophisticated and intricate.

I used smaller needles than called for since I have a tinier head than an average person. It’s still a tad big, but I think that works for this model.

First one took about three hours to make as I needed to comb through the pattern for possible correction, modification, and suggested clarity/flow. As written, it is appropriate for virtuoso, genius knitters–some challenges for fearless rookies, apprentices.  Such can change should Anne decide to incorporate some changes.

I say everyone should make at least one. Me? I made another one in Dusk (plum purple) after spending a full day of recovery…practically doing nothing but trying to clear my eyesight.

This time I hardly need the instruction. In about two hours, a perfect versatile cloche is born (weighs 95 grams or 148 yards.)  This will be one of my main birthday and Christmas presents to relatives and friends this year!

As a bonus, I learned a new name for the Wrap & Turn in short-rows used in the pattern–shadow wraps.  Very useful. I already put it in good use in my fair-isle knitting.

I have added Shadow Wraps tutorial along with other short-row methods–plain, yarn-over, double-stitch, and Japanese short-row to my tutorials/utilities resource page.  Check them out if you are looking to try something different.  What new technique have you acquired lately…and are happy with?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

It’s Groundhog’s Day!

What’s the verdict? Did he see Putz. I see my shadow. Will winter last longer? Oh…wait. What winter?

I love bloggers.  I am inspired by your great sense of style and terrific photography.  I love to read the comments, get feedback and hear everyone’s opinion. Still, I love the chumminess that develops with a group of knitter-friends, face-to-face, sharing and chatting as we knit. (Image ganked from Kristin.)

It’s a wonderful thing.  Look just how gorgeous Christy look in her felted hat, embellished with lively embroidered leaves and flower.

Wow…seriously…Stylish.  Fashionable.  Emma is one of 40 fabulous designs, by Cathy Caron, off of Hit Knit Hats.  I think it will look good on me.  Now, where the heck is my copy!?  Are you a hat person?  Does any style work for you or a specific style?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Knitting Trend

What do you consider the latest trend in knitting?  Cables, fair isle, ethnic, punk? Cowl necks, slim outlines, sparkly yarn, big sleeves…whatever?

I’m fascinated to hear what you have to say.  On my part, I think cables are still as popular as it were four years ago–not just in knitting–but in commercial sweaters.  Heck, I even saw a cabled bag the other day!   In mainstream fashion–not just knitters–chunky knitted items are really popular in general.  Models came stalking down runways in scarves so big, they threatened to engulf the skinny things and wearing just really cozy, comfy stuff  (albeit in rather more fashion-forward shapes than I’m accustomed to.)   My theory is that this is a reaction against troubled turbulent times–we turn to what is familiar and comforting.

As far as color goes, I watch the home furnishing industries.  Color for most of the items we buy is controlled by a few, if not one entity, Patone Insitutute.

It decides what color cars will market, what home fashions I will buy–if I decide to buy–what colors will be marketed in clothing. Check its website.  The design industries follow its decision.  Yarn colors migrate toward it too.  The last time I looked, tangerine tango is being introduced as Color of the Year 2012.  I see some of this in Talbots Women’s clothing.  Vibrant Neon Flamingo wall paired with neutral (sand,) hint of purple furniture and pillows, and dark woods.   Acid Yellow tempered with softness of Seabreeze and Lilac are another combination.  I am seeing a good mix of hot neon colors with soft pastels as well.  It does take a while before all previous stock of old colors is sold before the new moves in.

Lace is big as ever in hand knitting and store bought stoles and shawls.  It is seen in gloves, scarves, and beret-hats as well as ski-shape, pull-on hats.  Cables are everywhere.  If you have an upscale department or specialty shop in your area, browse through them to see where the trend is going.  Look at major department stores in the North.  New fashions gradually move South.  So, what have you seen?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Double the Dose

of Hat Obsession. I have no words for what I saw on this supermodel a month ago. This hat says it all and has me OBSESSED. I am absolutely in love with hats. (Image Credit)

It’s no secret that I have a thing for newsboy caps. This one was designed and made for my friend Myria as a comfort/healing cap, in my hand-dyed, hand-spun light worsted yarn.

The refined, slightly larger version fits me quite well–modeled by the 10-year-old grump (at least then.)

So this hat is my fashion obsession at the moment. I have had Loops & Threads Kaleidoscope in my stash forever and glad to finally have a design that is a marriage made in heaven. Deep Night has been crocheted twice to arrive its final destination.

A very cozy, warm, yet stylish choice. Second modification is Cosmic Latte in Beige Jo-Ann Sensation Angel Hair, perfect fit for my 10-year-old.

I like this one best–both the feel and appeal–modeled by my 13-year-old teen. Although it works for my small head with some finagling, it really is a bit too snugly for most adults.

Third time’s a charm? It’s a common belief that the third-time something attempted is more likely to succeed than previous two attempts. The proof of the pudding is in the eating–in this case, the wearing. 😀 This one I name Forever Young, in lavender hue

Jo-Ann Sensation Angel Hair is great to work with. I have made a cloche for a friend’s daughter three Christmas ago with this yarn.

Today, it’s still her favorite hat–last seen worn at the Christmas Parade in town, earlier in the month.

It’s a little ridiculous how fast I can churn these hats out. The heft of these bulky yarns makes for a firm/sturdy structure and no need for any extra stiffening in the brim–especially if you held yarn double there.

Have you ever searched hat on Ravelry?  BE CAREFUL. If you do it, you will fall down a rabbit hole–and that rabbit hole is FULL of hats. It’s just more evidence that hats own the Internet and that their plan to take over the world is going as planned. LOL

I hope you like my plays!

Having been up to my eyeballs with test knitting, clothes refashion–on a bit of accessory-making binge–and cleaning, I’ve given myself the week off/time-out from knitting, crocheting, spinning…to clear my mind, get ready for a designing project for a high-end commercial builder.

Next week, I plan to raid my stash of MadelineTosh worsted and fingering yarn for a clever sweater design by my Bay Area friend Connie, yellowcosmo. You won’t want to miss this.

Are there fiber-y things you’ve seen this season that you’re DYING to have?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Ten Days…

I got up early–not a small achievement for a hardcore night owl. The day really started out with some promise, with aromatic breakfast. Oh my, were they good. Warm. Fluffy. Sweet. I want to go the simple, healthy route next…with pureed delicata or acorn squash next.

Who else is noticing a distinctive chill in the air and frost on the ground signifying winter is here to stay? It sure brings out a craving for the warm comfort of a seafood chowder. Sweet and savory broth envelopes winter vegetables and succulent prawns in a creamy blanket that carries just the slightest whisper of heat to remind me of warmer days. This quick chowder is easy to prepare…sure to be the next staple in the kitchen repertoire!

I felt pretty accomplished before Thursday Knit-Up social this morning at my favorite bookshop cafe with friends. Besides Jewel and Kristin, it was wonderful to have see Pam, Lynn and Christy.

Lunch with Kristin at Toomies right new door was delightful.

It was a great day to refuel and be energized. Do you spy a hat? Why yes. You do. The duckling yellow has drastically transformed to welcoming, soothing hand-dyed lavender petals–Spring aromas come alive in winter–modeled by my good friend Pam.

Nothing works to inspire creativity quite like a stroll in the high desert.

A visit to downtown on a slow day carries me away in mind, body, and soul.

Timelessness lives on this town.  It’s a magical and enchanting land.

A beautiful place that is blessed with breath-taking wonders

…even though I was stuck with a $32 parking ticket.

It has been a really long day after working the concession booth, at the high school’s choir concert tonight. I’m so ready for some fiber play 😀 How was your day? What’re some of your great encounters?

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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

Halos of Hope

I was watching/listening to this amazing interview with Pam Haschke (aka Raveler HaloPrez) in regards to her journey with conquering cancer and the mission of Halos of Hope.  It got me thinking…

12 days…to Christmas, everyone is in the holiday crunch as we wind towards the close of the year.  You’ve gifts to buy, gatherings with friends and family, baking and cooking, plus stitching like a fiend to get all those last-minute hand-made gifts done!  I get it ‘cuz I am right there with you. (Shown below is a similar hat worn by a friend recently and had to make one.)

As I listened to Pam, I realized that New Years’ Day would be the perfect day to spend a little time thinking of others and crocheting a hat, two, or three. What do you usually do that day?  I typically sit in front of my in-laws’ TV–in the valley–watching The Tournament of Roses parade, live from Pasadena, California.  Why not spend that parade-watching time crocheting a hat to donate to Halos?

So, it’s decided.  That’s what I’m doing this New Years’ Day. This one took only more than half a day, much faster if I weren’t so stubborn in using various sizes of hooks (last two tiers in 1.9mm hook!) instead of decreasing in layers using larger hook throughout the project.

I’m making hats (at least two) to donate to Halos of Hope and do invite you to join me in the effort. I reckon many of you are abroad but encourage you to find a local hospital or cancer center in your community that would accept a hat or two and make one for donation.

Not sure where to look for a hat pattern? Here on Ravelry is a list of patterns with 556 complimentary crochet patterns for some inspiring ideas.

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I can’t think of a better way to welcome 2012 than by taking a couple hours and making a hat for someone who is going through cancer. I hope you will join me in this.  Spread the words. Oh my…twelve days to Christmas…no time to chat…back to knitting only from stash! Come back tomorrow and I will reveal more about the duckling yellow hat then 😀

Happy crafting and keep those creative juices running!

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