Berlin's Whimsy

Skipping along.

My creativity has passed through phases of intense focus---- learning new techniques and mastering intricate designs--- and then other phases of just coasting, enjoying what is and appreciating the creative foundation I've already set.

I have dived down into the depths of technique while knitting cables or teaching myself to master bread baking (there have been so many outlets for my much required creativity) but on the flip-side I also need simplicity, too, like the rhythmic and zen-like quality of knitting stockinette.

I don't feel that I'm coming up with anything amazing or intricate right now. Rather, I'm spinning up other artist's imaginations in painted wool and fiddling around with the obvious beauty that comes out the other side, knitting up handspun swatches and enjoying the colors that play out in stitches. This kind of knitting is fun for me. Knitting up hats, embellishing them, dreaming about other things, spinning wool in the sunshine.... Nothing new under the sun here, but enjoyable all the same.

***I once belonged to a book club that had the tendency to choose deep "women's" books----you probably know the genre, Anne Lamotte (love her), Barbara Kingsolver, and Amy Tan (love them all). When it came time for another member of the group to choose our monthly book, he chose a dark and violently meaningless tale. I think he chose it purposefully to force a collective gasp amongst our members---a kind of literary slap. The night we discussed his book, another one of our members was missing. A creative and sensitive young man, that member didn't read all of the book. Our host, the one that chose the book, tried to explain his friend's reaction to our monthly book. I don't remember all of the description he supplied about the young man but I remember this part: some of us skip along the tops of the waves of the ocean (life) and some of us dip and dive into each crest and each trough, feeling each and every one, deeply.

That description has always stuck with me because I relate to it. I spend quite a lot of my life feeling each rock and roll---each crest and trough. When I can allow myself to skip along the crests without too much introspection, too much questioning, it's a good thing----it's a bit of a respite for my creative soul...  Simplicity in color is the speed I'm at right now, skipping along those crests with a smile...

The Creative Process---Embellishing Knits

Have you ever noticed that when the same exact recipe is prepared by two different people, it can taste so differently? I have.

Each of us has a unique way of going about things----our own ideas, our own techniques, our own tools and know-how. Moreover, I'm fascinated by other people's creative process---how did they come up with that design or that sewing pattern? Or even that recipe? Often, it's a amalgamation of experimentation, alterations, unique concepts, or even just serendipity.

I like to take things a bit further, to expose the parts that create the whole. In that attempt, from time to time I'm delving a bit deeper in the creative process. To explain more than just show and this is my first post.

I knitted up a simple hat pattern out of one of my handspun yarns. The colors are so spring-like (variations of green and brown). I decided to take that spring effect and go with it. Flowers are opening up all over the place----how about a flower on this spring wool hat?!

Here's how to embellish your knits with a simple little flower---bring a bit of spring into your life, too.

First, choose a color family for your embroidery---one in which you have two similar yarns in different hues (that is, choose a main color--- as in red, blue, yellow, etc----and alter the hue a bit). For this flower, I chose a reddish color which led me to a reddish orange and a peach---both from the same "family" but differing enough to draw attention to both. Some other color combos could be differing hues of green (moss and pea) or yellow (sunflower and wheat).

Use the more subtle color of the two for the base stitching. Stitch large stitches in a donut shape to lay out the initial design---focus on large stitches. Don't pull these stitches too tight for you want them to stretch along with the knitted fabric.

Once you have laid out your initial shape, switch to the more dramatic color (darker) and begin stitching petals to your flower. The petals are stitched using a large chain stitch over the subtle base stitching. Don't overdo the chainstitches---you don't want to completely obscure your foundation stitching, just enhance it. In addition, you want these petals to extend out past the base stitches so they pop a bit. Again, don't pull these stitches too tight. I might briefly wash my hat just to felt it enough to adhere the embellished stitching to the knitted fabric underneath...

Voila!  A spring wool hat for that in-between time of year---a time full of promises of warm summer days but still whispering remembrances of yesterday's cold embrace.

Now off to line the hat with soft cotton jersey knit...

'Shear Spirit' & 'A Fine Fleece': Reviews

It seems April is a fortuitous month for fiber lovers. I had the opportunity to look through two gorgeous fiber books that were published recently. Both books tackle the subject of handspinning, fiber, and knitting but their approaches to the subjects differ.

Lisa Lloyd's book, 'A Fine Fleece' stunned me with not only its beautiful photographs but the knitted designs and patterns were exactly what I was craving but didn't realize it. It's a pattern book I'll keep for the duration of my knitting life.

The patterns are written with the handspinner in mind but they also allow for the understanding that not all knitters spin their own yarn nor have the availability of handspun yarns. Each pattern includes a photo of the project in both handspun and commercially available yarns.

The patterns are beautiful and timeless---absolutely exquisite. I especially loved this aspect of the book because if I take the time to handspin the yarn for a sweater, I don't want that sweater to go out of style anytime soon!

These are patterns that you will turn to over and over again for many years to come---they are works of art in texture. In addition, the resource page includes one of my longtime blogging friends, Jennifer of Spirit Trail Fiberworks!

The other book is Shear Spirit by Joan Tapper and photographed by Gale Zucker. This book differs from Lloyd's book in that it celebrates the source of fiber. Through warm and luscious photos, the reader visits farms from Maine to Oregon and cannot help but feel inspired to pick up yarn and needles or even take up handspinning! There are lovely projects within this book, as well.

I especially liked the Redwoods Earflap Hat.

This book is both coffee table treasure and pattern book. It's one to carry with you to page through in the sun, dreaming of visiting a local fiber farm or even moving to one yourself.

Both of these books are works of beauty and inspiration.

Just some pretty pictures...

I'm not feeling very wordy today, so I'll just share a few images. That's "Fancy Feet" up there, showing off. We're not sure if Fancy Feet is a male or female Silky Bantam.

The afternoon light has been wonderful lately...

This ball of yarn always makes me smile.

"But we don't know how to make anything."

When I picked up my kids from school yesterday, I was presented with a permission slip for an annual overnight field trip. The parent's cost for each student is $100. I gasped a bit at that. Though I've never needed a scholarship for my kid's school activities before, this time I glanced at the scholarship portion of the form which stated that scholarship money was very limited due to the other options students could pursue...

I was pleased to find those other options. Students are encouraged to work to raise their own field trip money. Opportunities consisted of positions at the upcoming school fundraiser ($5 per hour) and students must interview for the each position, babysitting parents' children during the event ($5 per hour), writing thank you cards ($5 each------hmmm, I'll sign up for that one!!), and more...

It also included the option of making items to sell to parents and community members, as well as offering up your services for bidding. I loved all of these ideas, especially the school's aim to provide opportunities for students to work their way towards the field trip rather than just handing out scholarships.

When I mentioned the option of making items to sell, both of my kids whined in unison, "But we don't know how to make anything!" My son added for more effect, "Yeah, I don't think anyone's going to want to buy one of my doodles!"

I told them I disagreed and we went on to discuss all of the things they know how to make... I reminded my daughter of her drawing skills and that we could transfer one of her drawings onto fabric and embroider it and then use that piece to make a bag or some other item. For my son, I mentioned our handspun yarn and how well he can now knit. I also reminded him of his expert origami skills and how lovely a miniature crane looks on a handmade card. We're just starting to get into felting and I told them of all the things that can be made out of felt. We discussed painting and drawing and mini-quilts and hair accessories... and the list went on and on.

In the end, I said, "Yep, I guess you don't know how to make anything, huh?!"

*******

And on the topic of creativity, I know you've probably read it before, but Amanda's book The Creative Family is absolutely lovely. I highly recommend it. There are a number of reasons I personally liked it but for other readers I feel that her ability to encourage everyone's creativity is impeccable. She provides basic activities that are easily obtainable, but more than that, they are presented as a jumping off point for each family's creativity. She also describes the creative atmosphere each of us can create and nurture in our own households. Sure, I know how to sew and knit and many of the other projects within the book, but I still loved reading it because of the "atmosphere" of gentle creativity and parenting the book evokes-----it's like joining a wonderful community of mothers and families from within her words. At $10, it's a steal, too.

Fiber-y Goodness.

We attended a small, local fiber festival this past weekend. I haven't been to a fiber fest for almost two years and I forgot how much fun they are. With other crafty-related experiences behind me, I noticed this time especially how much I enjoy the crowds at fiber festivals. I find the people at fiber festivals as very good natured, down-to-earth, and extremely friendly.

We visited the booth of a local fiber store and my daughter fell in love with a needle felted horse kit. Soon, we'll attempt needle felting---maybe a summer project. My son took a turn on one of her spinning wheels and he marveled at some of the handspun yarn (now that he's a knitter)!

My children's favorite part is visiting the animals. A particularly soft alpaca won my daughter's heart and practically made me want to run away to the nearest Alpaca farm. I think an alpaca could win my heart pretty easily, too!

Of course, there were other fiber animals and they enjoyed a lot of attention, too. I realize how much of a sensory person I am. My crafts are often just as much about the texture and their tactile nature than about the end product.

And remember my post about smells? I found myself attracted to a corner of the event center that featured a local lavender farm's products. It smelled so heavenly! Lavender seems to be a popular crop in this region.

I grabbed information about another fiber festival in my state at the end of September and I look forward to visiting that one, too! I can't miss this much goodness again...

Wool is Good.

It snowed today. Again. It's supposed to be Spring. My kids said, "I think Mother Nature is mistaken!" Maybe they're right.

It was my son's turn to go cross-country skiing today at school. While we gathered up supplies----long underwear, gloves, hat, coat, etc----it just seemed like he needed something more. He is oh-so-skinny and I worry about his warmth. I looked at his skimpy shirt and almost said aloud, 'You need a woolen sweater. That would be perfect.' No go---I haven't knitted him a sweater! Nor socks. I'm working on them.

Sigh, I'm a knitter whose kids do not have woolen sweaters. No Mom of the Year award around here...!

Creating comfort.

Thank you for going along with my musing in my last post. I know there isn't an easy answer (though I do agree that more workplaces with a focus on family friendly schedules and such would come much closer to a happy medium)...

Onward... Creating comfort. I love it and it's apparent in all the things I do: my sewing, knitting, cooking & baking. It's probably why I'm such a homebody, too! It's sort of like my mantra these days, both for myself and for my kids. I will continue carving out a comforting and creative life for them even in the face of all our changes.

It was satisfying to send my daughter off to school for a cross country ski expedition in her new hand-knitted socks yesterday! Hot off the needles and she loved them!

There was Araucania Ranco yarn leftover from the socks and I went straight to work starting one of these scrumptious afghan squares. I remembered seeing these on Knitting Iris sometime ago and then recently noticed they will be included in the upcoming book, Knitalong, by Larissa of Stitch Marker (yippee, it just shipped). I really like the simple design of these squares, probably because they look a bit like a quilt block. Siri had mentioned sewing up a backing for the blocks to make a blanket and that idea intrigues me. Also, I love this Psychedelic Afghan Pattern, too!

Meanwhile, I'm starting on a pair of socks for my son... More comfort.

Quick Weekend.

I'm always the one with food drips on my clothing and spilled red wine on the white tablecloth. It's a guaranteed thing. Yep, that's my wine up there (first glass, too)...

We took a quick trip to Portland this weekend to attend a family wedding. It was nice to be back in the city. We returned to 60+ degree weather with a blazing bright sun... Our first bike ride of the season quickly followed. I love Daylight Savings...

I'm behind on the bags for my shop. In fact, I haven't even started them! Ack. Soon, I promise...

For now, I'll draw your attention to some fun things I found upon returning to the cyber-world:

Knitting: Ysolda's 'Verity' Beret pattern

Knitting: Raisin Beret (More photos here).

Cooking: Quinoa Fritters

WIP it up.

My work station. This little tray follows me around when I'm working on my hand sewing. It has a variety of tools and materials and some of them are noted if you follow the photo over to Flickr.

I have a total of six hand-pieced quilt blocks so far...

And socks. I'm almost finished with my daughter's socks in the Araucania Ranco sock yarn. I really love this yarn. I haven't tested the wear yet but the knitting has been very pleasurable. Oh, and it's on sale here...

And I'm still playing around with stitching up linen into textured pieces for future projects...

No safety in glass houses.

Dearest Children...

I can no longer guarantee your safety in my room. Because my room has transformed from a place of sleeping to a sewing and craft center.

No longer can you casually walk in barefoot (without knocking, I might add) for fear of stray pins and sharp double pointed knitting needles (remember that one time?). In addition, you might find a dreaded rotary cutter sitting upon the cutting mat on the floor or scissors splayed open and thrown to the side in my haste. There are also computer wires, extension cords, stray lengths of thread wrapped around chair legs, and pieces of lint that you might inadvertently inhale. Plop down on the bed, and you might find yourself bruised from the corner of a big craft book or poked by a pen that I left in bed after I jotted down ideas before falling asleep. Suffocation is a real threat from the piles of linen and batting that seem to grow larger each day. Don't even think about going near that hot iron teetering on the corner of the bed.

Yes, I agree with you, I should clean my room. Isn't that the refrain I throw out to you daily? But sometimes Moms are like that, blinded by the glaring sun reflecting off all the angles of our glass houses we live in.

Sigh, sometimes I do enjoy my view, though...

Contact the press!

My son knitted his way through one whole ball of yarn!! He has eight inches of garter stitched goodness to his credit so far. As we drive to and from school with a book on CD propelling us along, I now expect to see him knitting in the backseat, a look of peace and contentment on his face. It truly warms my heart. Of course, it does have its drawbacks, such as his forgetting his lunch today because of his focus on bringing his knitting along.

More things warming my heart...

**This segment of Speaking of Faith. In a time of my life where I could easily slip into bitterness and anger over unfair events, listening to these two compelling advocates of peace speak of turning their own sadness and anger into compassion and understanding is heartening for me.

A Baby Hat. And Bib.

Onto better things... Like crafts! My niece had a baby two months ago, and while I had a few things planned for her, I didn't actually finish them. Until today. When I found out she was in town. I finished one of my go-to infant knitted hats: the best ever infant baby present (the pattern is in this post and also follows in the extended text).

And a bib. Even though it was very simple, I loved the way it turned out. I just embroidered the flower using my free-motion embroidery foot and bit of wool felt. The flower design is a repeat from the fabric pattern on the back.

Again, I was reminded of my goal long ago to have a few little baby presents on hand for that special little baby that enters the world and needs a bit of handmade goodness for their journey. Nothing's better than that.

Sewing Resources: Bend the Rules Sewing

Good.

Finally, my first successful short-row sock! Once I got the hang of it, I prefer this method. It seems much faster and I prefer the look of this heel. However, I wonder about its durability? Any comments or suggestions? For the short-row, I used this technique. The first short-row heel I knit had little holes in the join and I found that this technique eliminated them and looked better.

I don't think I like the short-row toe, however. Perhaps it's the way my toes are shaped, but one of the reasons I prefer my regular toed socks is because they fit well and don't tend to wear holes in the toe like many of my socks do. Maybe it's my pointy big toe?!

Goodness from Coyote Craft.

What a happy surprise to find the above package in the mail today from Bean of Coyote Craft. She put out the word for circular needles awhile ago, just as I was trying to decide what to do with my Clover Bamboo circular needles that I never use. What a bit of serendipity it was. I do believe I made out better through the whole swap and I am still feeling as if I should send Bean more than just my circulars for all the fun gifts she sent me in exchange. I LOVE her circular (and double point) needle cases. Please do check her etsy shop where you will find these fanciful circular needle cases, as well as lots of other lovely things! Thanks, Bean!

Knitting along.

Why are short-rowed heels on socks always causing me so many problems?! I never seem to have much luck. I am knitting a pair of socks for my daughter out of Charmed Knits (Dobby's Socks) and this is what I found after joining into the round after knitting the short-row heel.

I didn't like it (imagine that!) and I ripped it out. I then proceeded to knit my usual heel flap and made it half-way down the foot and I couldn't get over the feeling that I was wimping out and taking the easy route rather than pushing myself to learn a new knitting technique. So I then ripped that out.

I re-knit the short-row heel, using instructions from Charlene Schurch's More Sensational Knitted Socks and on one side, no hole. The other? Another hole. I cheated this time by picking up a stitch right at the hole to hide it. If anyone knows why I keep making this hole (which looks like a Yarn Over to me), please share your wisdom.

It was during this low point in my knitting confidence that I received a welcome offer from a friend of mine who owns a local yarn shop. She would like me to teach a few classes and provide some of my bags to sell in her shop! It is so very generous of her! Initially, I balked a bit at teaching anything knitting related as I don't consider myself a knitting expert by any stretch. However, I think I can come up with some fun ideas, so we'll see...

***Also, more interesting comments on Monday's post. I responded to the additional comments within the comments. For some reason Typepad did not notify me via email of your comments so I cannot respond directly to you. Please check there! ;-)

Flickety Click.

Some of my favorite knitting bloggers tagged me for the 'You Make My Day Award.' How very sweet and thank you so much.

I only recently discovered Mary Jane's blog: Mary Jane, Midge & Mink. In addition to my late discovery of Mary Jane's blog, I experienced another "duh moment" when I realized one day, while fondly gazing at one of my favorite sweater patterns from Interweave Knits, that the pattern designer was Mary Jane! Hopefully, this slip in recognition isn't any indication of my mind growing slower as I age... Part of the reason I had not recognized Mary Jane as a knitwear designer is because of my adoration of her beautiful photos, thus my ignorance of her knitting expertise.

My other nomination came from Lara at Yarnit. She is back in college right now and in much of the same situation as I am at the moment. I appreciate her sharing her own journey to self-discovery and self-fulfillment during a huge transition in her life. I know how difficult it can be to weigh out all the obligations.

And lastly, Christabel of Rhubarb Supreme nominated me, too. I must admit her blog is new to me, but I enjoyed my visit today!

For nominations, the rules are as follows:
"Give the award to 10 people whose blogs bring you happiness and inspiration and make you feel happy about blogland. Let them know by posting a comment on their blog so they can pass it on. Beware you may get the award several times."

Like Mary Jane mentioned, it is difficult to choose only 10 other bloggers (and as you'll see, I didn't---yes, I cheated). Truly each blog I read makes my day. I read many, many blogs but not all of them everyday. So here is my attempt to whittle them down to the ones I read every day (or at least when they update).

1. Knitting Iris----I don't ever miss Siri's blog.
2. Beauty that Moves  Lots to love here.
3. Bella Dia--Check out her re-purposing series.
4. Blue Yonder A must!
5. Dustpan Alley Always good for serious thought or laughs.
6. House on Hill Road Wonderful project ideas.
7. A Friend to Knit With Lovely knitting and parenting.
8. I Have to Say... The kind of peaceful parenting & living I admire.
9. Kirstencan A fellow nerd... ;-) And crafty mom.
10. Uncommon Grace Beautiful and mindful parenting.

***I didn't nominate Megan at The Scent of Water (because Mary Jane did---but I love Megan's blog, and I didn't nominate Mary Jane's blog for obvious reasons, though it would be on my list)!

****Also, might I add a few blogs that are new to me? Please do check them out:

1. Ysolda (She is a young knitwear designer. Not only do I LOVE her designs, but her instructions are very helpful and she continues to update them through user feedback. I found her You-tube instructional video on the Long-tail Provisional Cast-on very helpful).
2. Still Life in Yarn A new friend.
3. The Scent of Green Bananas (yum).
4. Linaloo Another new friend.
5. Lunch in a Box (Need I mention again how helpful Biggie's site is?)

Oh, and then there are my favorite Flickr friends that don't have blogs...

1. Ex. Libris' ---A fellow Mr. Bento lover, I follow her food, gardening, and life adventures through Flickr. I'm also VERY jealous because she's a librarian ;-)!
2. Cauchy---Wonderful knitting and a wry sense of humor.
3. Camilla1967-----Catch-your-breath photos (check out those horse images) and a fellow fiber addict.
4. Clouded Maple---Another Laptop Lunchbox junkie and photographer.
5. Pocket Farmer----Knitting, Maine, farming, recipes, and a sense of humor.

Phew, my right clicking finger is tired now...

They figured it out.

They figured it all out. The PERFECT way to spend their 20 minute ride to and from school each day. What is it? Listening to a favorite book on tape (currently, I'm suffering through listening to Judy Blume's, Otherwise Known as Shiela the Great) while they knit. Ah well, I figure a little less time listening to my NPR programs in exchange for their improved knitting skills is alright by me. I'll expect a cashmere scarf out of the deal, though ;-)!

Hand work.

What peace I find in the casting on of a long and somewhat mindless knitting project. My hands will be full of this wool afghan project for months to come. Comfort.

And this? This is my madness. Still embroidering little things for the shop update next week.

Hats.

I finally finished my son's Floppy Hat. Even though I made him the smallest size, it's still a bit large for him. Ah well, it's still very charming! When he wears it, I understand fully the name of the hat, as he flops the top back and forth.

I like the texture of the garter ridge stitch on this hat. It's knit in Classic Elite Beatrice, 3 Balls of Bark (it's on sale over at JimmyBeansWool right now).

I'm on a hat roll, it seems. On the needles right now is Thorpe. I am very inexperienced in crocheting but this pattern will require a bit of it. I do enjoy the look of crocheted borders on knitting, though.

And soon to be cast on, a Gretel by Ysolda for me. You can view many finished Gretels over on Ravelry (hmmm, I'm not sure if you can view them if you are not a member of Ravelry yet---I guess I don't know how that works).

And after Gretel? Well, there's Koolhaas.

Never will there be a cold head in our family again!

Happy distractions everywhere.

Distractions of the happy sort...This sock yarn. Yummy. The blue-ish colorway is intended for socks for my daughter. My kids both love socks. You would think that with my sock knitting love, I would have knitted them a pair by now, but I haven't.

This photo of some beautiful handmades from Amy----a happy surprise in the mail.

Another happy distraction: Megan's photo exchange on The Scent of Water. The theme is Simplicity. A favorite of mine...

Basketful of Horrors.

I went looking for a pair of circular needles today and this is what I contend with. Pretty sad, huh? It's not like I can't sew myself an organizer of sorts. It's just that I always have so many other fun things on my list.

Instead, I dig through this dreaded basket full of tangled wires only when I must. In all honesty, I think this basket of needles slipped under my bed is a little too indicative of my life right now.

I can compartmentalize like the best of them------a basket of horrors tucked out of sight---but every so often, I must confront that disorganized nightmare and it's never pretty.

Documentation.

These days, with my blog, I seem to document everything I do. Well, not everything--- everything crafty, that is.

I spoke yesterday with a friend on the coast and we discussed her recent introduction to Ravelry. She pointed out the fact that she hasn't documented almost any of her wonderful knitted items made through the years---and almost all of them now belong to others. She's sort of kicking herself now for that.

I knitted a lot of items before I began capturing them in photos and sharing them on my blog. The above sweater was knit many years ago when I truly did not know how to knit very well. Now, looking back, I wonder how in the world I had the gumption to tackle that sort of project with as little knitting knowledge as I had then. It makes me wonder if I was more of a fearless knitter back then. It was definitely fearless knitting.

I think I've always had a tendency towards documentation, though. When I began college, I was an English major working in journalism. I thought I would be a photojournalist. There are boxes and drawers full of photos from those years. I have never been one to journal, though I completely respect and understand the concept. Frankly, I don't journal because when I lay down to bed at night, all I want to do is read in comfort. Okay, it's laziness.

I guess the moral to my story is that I hope you all keep records of your life's work. Whether you dabble in writing, you knit, sew, craft, cook or bake, someday you'll want to see and remember your work. You'll want to know the stories behind your passion and so will others. You'll want to witness how far you've come and how much you've given to the world.

At one point, I included a quote by Mother Teresa on my sidebar and it read: We cannot do great things on Earth, only small things with great love." For me, the quote doesn't mean there aren't people the world over doing great things; rather, each of our small acts of love and giving make up a positive and beautiful whole. And we should all remember those small things.

A quiet New Years Eve.

It's New Year's Eve. My kids are disappointed they won't be spending their New Year's Eve with their friends at the beach, like usual. We're staying home----the mountain roads are impassable (at least for me).

Instead, we will enjoy a little party of sorts by ourselves. Our agenda? The Simpson's Movie, homemade ice cream Sundaes, board games, knitting, bundled up star gazing, and my favorite childhood tradition: a midnight barefoot run to the end of my Mom's driveway and back in the snow (she has a long driveway, too). Why? Because it's there (isn't that the case with children?)! And then some warming up toasty toes by the big fireplace... I like quiet New Years. I always have.

Here's to your own New Year's traditions and festivities!

On knitting.

I knew it was bound to happen. My full discovery of Ravelry's time warp. I uploaded more of my current and future knitting projects over there, as well as browsed far too many other people's projects, too. It's dangerous, I tell ya! What a fabulous knitting tool Ravelry is.

Since finishing up holiday gifts and enjoying the freedom to craft whatever I want, I'm knitting. I find it comforting and I'm now in the odd predicament of actually NEEDING warm knitted items! I'm in the midst of hat knitting----especially thanks to Leslie's hats from a couple weeks ago and my recent discovery of Jared's Koolhaas hat pattern. Also, some of my favorite TV viewing while knitting is fast approaching: the Winter Olympics. Usually I knit while listening to my favorite NPR programs online (don't you just love this capability!)...

And in even more knitting news, I noticed a few new Knitting books coming out this spring. My Amazon wishlist doubled after these discoveries...

Knitting Through It: Inspiring Stories for Times of Trouble by Lela Nargi

How to Knit in the Woods by Shannon Okey

Retro Knits: Cool Vintage Patterns for Men, Women, and Children from the 1900s through the 1970s by Kari Cornell and Jean Lampe

Wow, lots of fun stuff to look forward to this spring!

Fat & Happy.

The meals were eaten, the gifts finished, wrapping paper ripped, thank you's exchanged, snow felt, laughter shared, sleigh bells heard, lights of enchantment watched, happiness experienced, bellies expanded, pictures taken, and new fun projects started... Welcome post holiday.

(The above picture was my eleventh hour gift for my Mom, finished Christmas morning... It really is a clever design and the yarn is oh so soft).

Pattern: Loop Thru Scarf from 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders; Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Worsted Paint in color 8817, 2 balls; Needles: Addi Turbos size 7

Look... there's a FO!

Sightings of FOs (finished objects) are about as rare around here as UFOs.

However, today I present one: My 'Go With the Flow' socks from Interweave Knits Favorite Socks. The yarn is Bare from Knit Picks and knitted up on Knit Picks size 1 dps. I love this pattern---it's easy to memorize as well as pick up and continue on after a looooong break (when did I start these socks? Back in the early summer?). I'm curious to see how well this yarn holds ups. It feels very soft and fluffy.

Like Popcorn.

I'm almost done. I just love this stitch pattern. Maybe it's because it looks like popcorn to me!

Popcorn is a weakness of mine. I've even perused those online gourmet popcorn sites mentally adding items to my imaginary popcorn wishlist. To make popcorn, I use a Whirleypop. In fact, my Whirleypop is probably about ten years old and it's still going strong after so many batches of popcorn...

More little projects.

I mentioned recently my love for little knitting projects. Little projects are relatively quick, useful, and they don't cost much (important for me right now).

Well, I was excited to pick this book up from the library: the newest edition of One Skein Wonders. Look at these cute projects!

There are so many little projects to love...

Knit to process. Craft to live.

Where I used to live, a bumper sticker was ubiquitous amongst the old beaten down Volvos and Subarus: Art Saves Lives. When I first glimpsed this bumper sticker I felt a bit of confusion---what? How could Art save a life?

And then, as the years passed, I returned to my inner creative self, and I understood. I understood how it saved me from that day forward in so many difficult situations. Like those obsessive nights going to the local quilting class, not so much to learn to quilt (thought that was a great benefit), but to get out on my own as an adult---to be me again.

I remember the routine I performed just to earn my time out: fix a gourmet dinner, set the table all perfect, make sure my daughter (who was just a babe) was fed adequately, everyone happy. Everything was just so. Oh, the feelings of elation I felt as I traveled to that class, the radio turned to NPR with adult conversation and abstract topics to muse over.

In the class, the elderly women asked me about my kids and nodded in support and understanding at my tales of diapering and days without showers. It saved me in a time of great isolation.

And I notice my need for knitting in times of doubt. It's not so much a conscious decision of mine---no, it's something I notice when I reflect on those times in my life that pose too many difficult questions without enough easy answers. Like right now. I'm obsessively knitting socks while I decide what school to transfer my kids into after the winter break. Ah, too long of a story to write about here and now. It keeps me up at night.

Again, I understand how much creativity is integral to my being. In a relationship that was not conducive, nor supportive of creativity, I still managed to carve out quite a lot of it, dragging those around me along behind. And sometimes, if I let my mind wander, I wonder where I would be if only I had pursued this side of myself----if only I had not made the decisions I made. If only I had went to art school. But I try not to go there very often----I am who I am today because of my decisions, good and bad.

Instead, I focus on where I am now and what I can truly achieve with the tools I posess. I weave creativity in my children's lives and empower them to follow their dreams----perhaps that's why I am where I am.

I now believe art saves lives. It saved mine. And it continues to do so.