t does wool

January blues~

2012-01-25T16:11:00.001-05:00

the January blues...
can be good for you...
yes..it's true....

the soft light blues..
the inky black& blue blues...

the knit blues...

the faded skinny jeans and sweater blues...

these blues can make you smile...
leave you warm...

she...
me...
we love the blues...

patterns: Agnes and Bria basic pullovers...everybody needs at least one~

silly poetry~things white and blue

2011-12-24T11:47:00.000-05:00

It has been sometime..
I am aware...

But there have been things to do..
and I have much to share...

white things..
things to wrap..

a little angel
up very tight..

and something in blue..
for a little girl true..

and a tree that was chosen..
with definite care..

stockings were hung..

and a wish..
to be made..
to you..and yours..
may it be Merry & Bright...

From me to you..
with love and affection...
I'll be back soon..
I have gathered quite a collection..

(silly poetry by me..have a beautiful Holiday~xo)

t..& honey~

2011-10-24T14:55:00.000-04:00

a cup of fragrant tea.. steaming ~

and a plate piled up with very hot buttered toast,
bread...cut thick,very brown on both sides..
with the butter running through the holes in great golden drops,
like honey from the honeycomb...

talking in warm kitchens,
of breakfasts on bright frosty mornings,
of the honeyed sun that still lights the evenings.
of the air that has turned chilly..

of the sweet sound of the bees that are no longer audible...
comfort drips like honey ....
and life seems large enough to hold me..
this ..

honeyed loop....
large enough...

to wrap your soul..
textured like a honeycomb...

loose or wrapped..
surrounded ...quite comfortably so~

some things need no words

2011-10-10T08:36:00.004-04:00

“Why do we embroider everything we say

with special emphasis

when all we really need to do

is simply say what

needs to be said?

Of course

the fact is

that there is very little that needs

to be said.”

Charles Bukowski

and ....

all that...

needs said....

right now...

is...

thank you,al~x

a study in texture....

2011-09-19T20:49:00.000-04:00

“What do I make of all this texture?
What does it mean about the kind of world in which I have been set down?
The texture of the world, its filigree and scrollwork,
means that there is the possibility for beauty here,
a beauty inexhaustible in its complexity,
which opens to my knock,
which answers in me a call I do not remember calling,
and which trains me to the wild and extravagant nature of the spirit I seek.”
Annie Dillard

the seasons are changing....
a season full of the texture of the world..
a season of filigree and scrollwork...
inexhaustibly complex....
will soon be opening to my knock....

a study in texture...
fibers...from a recent journey..
fibers from afar..
kakishibu cotton..
ami ito-from persimmon extract...
jersey tape..
kasuri linen paper...

such interesting names...
such interesting fibers..
combined...
layered..
wild..
extravagant...

so what does this mean?
everything I had envisioned...
the nature of this knit....
was all I was seeking....
has answered a call...

it is wrapped and worn...
and now....
autumn is near.....
a season of texture.

[pattern:Chinese Inspired Top...Setsuko Torii,fibers from Habu]

wrapped up~

2011-08-19T01:19:00.000-04:00

"We can’t get so wrapped up in our own misconceptions...
that we miss the simple beauty of the truth." Deb Caletti (Stay)
 

and the truth is..
I am wrapped up.... in my own little truth...
in that, there is no misconception

and there is simple beauty..
that is wrapped as well..

and texture ...wrapped ...

and things...simple beautiful things...

treasures from another trip... to be unwrapped...

and in the unwrapping..
there are no misconceptions...

My Atlantic is calling....I must leave again.she smiles...she smiles.....

...for those who want to know..
the top was made from some fabulous cotton bought here...
and the pattern is VogueV8323....simple..
and I love it..
and oh..
the color is oyster...most appropriate,wouldn't you agree?..

looped.....

2011-07-17T20:51:00.002-04:00

A project of crossing lines..
to form a loop..
a never ending circle..
of soft grey...

whorled..
curled...

hung...
draped

a ringlet...
around and around..

worn..
with loose abandon..

the project starts..
the project ends..
the loop..
has come full circle...

a composition sustained~

2011-06-26T19:24:00.003-04:00

"Whether people are fully conscious of this or not,
they actually derive countenance
and sustenance from the 'atmosphere' of the things they live in or with.
They are rooted in them just as a plant is in the soil in which it is planted."
A.A.Bühlmann

I sit near the window...
in the early morning light...
a cup of tea....

and some buttons...

I sit..
finishing...
rooted in the atmosphere...

and for a moment I watch..
a house wren feeding her newest one
one just out of the nest..
mouth open...waiting,trusting..accepting of nourishment...

I retained my countenance...
fully conscious of the ways I have..
been sustained...fed..by the hands of beautiful friends
this yarn...

these buttons...

sustenance for the soul...
and
for the body~

the laughter of time~woven

2011-05-24T20:36:00.001-04:00

"No story is a straight line.
The geometry of a human life is too imperfect and complex,
too distorted by the laughter of time
and the bewildering intricacies of fate to admit the straight line
into it's system of laws."

Pat Conroy (Beach Music)

A story..
a life..
imperfect and complex...

I am bewildered by the time that has passed..
the intricacies of fate...
that have kept me from..
this safe haven of mine.

time...
woven..

into a system where laws do not
take precedence..
where...
in a moment of courage..
you embark on a task with
tenderness and faith...

the geometry...
the lines...
each one..
a delicate thread...
reaching..stretching...
farther...

you allow the lines to form..
take shape..
and you laugh..
at the simplicity of the story..
a story of color and form..
of airiness that surrounds the whole...

a system of lines..
dancing across your heart...
delicate threads that form strong bonds...

a story..
of my life.

time~

2011-04-18T12:26:00.001-04:00

It was a quiet time...

a time for spring...
a time for blooms..

a time for birthdays...

a time to gather the tools...
draw out the plans...

and fulfill the promise...

a promise made long ago...
for a sewing time...

and in my quiet..
the lines came together...
and a birthday gift was created for...
the one who thought...
the promise would never be kept~

it just had to be the right time you see~

containment~

2011-04-07T14:27:00.001-04:00

there is a sense of containment,
that these last unsettling days of early spring
bring me,a feeling of being trapped,in a way,by the gray and desolate days that have become the norm over these past months.
the rain plays its tapping on the windows..

I feel the wind rise through my soul..
I am silent within...
that sense of containment..

so..I decided to project this feeling...
and create..
a container ..of sorts..
a take off on my needle rolls..
a book...
a needle book...

stacked....
wrapped....

a place to hold..
to contain...

to pin....

and a key...
the key to unlock..
the containment~

back to basics~

2011-03-28T20:09:00.000-04:00

"She waited for the train to pass.
Then she said,
"I sometimes think that people’s hearts are like deep wells.
Nobody knows what’s at the bottom.
All you can do is imagine by what comes floating to the surface every once in a while."

Haruki Murakami

she sat...
and waited...
hair a muss..
things needed done...loved ones needed taken care of...
time to get back to basics...
the ABC's...

a basic cardi...
Annabel Bliss Cardi...
All Buttons Cardi...
basic..garter stitch...
Bliss yarn...gradients of charcoal grays

an array of buttons...from All Buttons...gifts,being used....
a reminder...the buttons..
that at times her mother used to do that..

mend with any buttons she had...
she didn't like it then...
she laughs...she likes it now...

the trains have passed by...
it's returning to normal again she thinks..
back to basics...
folded neatly...
put into place...

never apologize for taking care of basics..
like baking birthday cakes...

with ribbon flags..
that seem to have floated to the surface...

no..
no apologies...
sometimes you have to turn off the computer..
and get back to basics...
get to the bottom of that deep well...
and...
getting back to basics...
she says it is time to do taxes........................................

February frost

2011-02-21T18:47:00.002-05:00

"February dawn --
frost on the path
Where I paced all winter."
Jack Kerouac (Book of Haikus)

I have paced,
on my path
this February...

amid the frost
and the snow...

and like a short Haiku
my February Frost ...
implies the season of the work...

just enough to keep me warm...
while I anticipate...
the arrival of the next season~

my imperfect winter storm

2011-02-03T22:04:00.001-05:00

This is how it started.
Without much warning,
the lines began to merge...
and the gray had gathered into
an energy of its own.

It began to grow very quickly...
and take on shape...

the rhythm was set...
and I continued..
round and round,
impressed by this imperfect winter storm.

I was caught up in the moment
knowing that a certain type of perfection
can only be realized through an accumulation of imperfection.
And like any perfect storm...
it ended...seemingly suddenly...
and what was left was a comfort...

a comfort that will encircle me..
and keep me warm..

through the gathering storms yet to be.

twisted in the red chair

2011-01-17T13:37:00.000-05:00

"What twisted people we are.
How simple we seem...
and how spectacularly we
contort ourselves before our own eyes,
and the eyes of others...
Roberto Bolaño

so here I sit...
in the red chair...
this Monday..
in pewter..twisted...
and twisting..
contorting myself..
creating..
simple enough..

but not simple at all..
something for me..
something twisted..
something pewter..
we will see if it will be spectacular or not~

the elves and the hat maker

2011-01-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

"All those poor elves I haven't set free yet,
having to stay over during Christmas
because there aren't enough hats!"

J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix)

I sometimes think of the fairytale about the Elves and the Shoemaker
I know...
you are laughing...
but seriously...
with so many ideas swarming about in ones mind...
who couldn't use a little help now and again?
An elf could come in handy,finishing up those projects.
Now,I would certainly treat them very,very kindly...
and would set them free..
when they are through with their work...

after making some hats...
for a new little one..
a he little one..
someone...far away..
at the bottom of a whole other continent...
taking his time to get ready to
face this world..
while those already here..
are anxiously awaiting his arrival..
so we{smiles}...
made blue...

and green,

and stripes..

and ears..

and knotted or not..

so what do you think??
enough hats???
for awhile anyway {smiling again}...
should I release the elves??

magnolia days~

2011-01-04T22:55:00.002-05:00

"In our past lies our future.
By our own hands and decisions ...
Whatever you do,
put forth your best effort even if
all you're doing is chasing a never ending rainbow.
You might never reach the end of it,
but along the way you'll meet people
who will mean the world to you and
make memories that will keep you warm
on even the coldest nights"

— Sherrilyn Kenyon (Acheron)
A year has passed...
and therein lies our future...
decisions will be made...
and right or wrong..
we will grow,
hopefully and learn as the days push
forward in this band new year~
magnolia days have come and gone..
and will come again..

but until then..
we may feel like we are chasing
a never ending rainbow...

but then again..
the rainbow just may find us...
a rainbow of color..

something to keep us warm..
as we make memories.....
in the snow..
in the cold...
in the long winter days ahead..

I have met many beautiful people along the way...
YOU..you are all beautiful people...
and for one of them,
Camilla..
I have designed this Ear Warmer..
The Magnolia Ear Warmer for her beautiful
line of rainbow like handspuns
And I am offering the pattern to you all..
a gift for the New Year..
something to make by your own hands..
and something that will keep you warm..
on even the coldest night...
and hopefully you will dream of magnolias~
a wish for a beautiful 2011 to you all...

reaching out to you...
and asking a bit of forgiveness...
for my lengthy absence..
and hoping to visit you all soon~

the things about friendship~

2010-12-06T11:32:00.002-05:00

"One of the strange things about friendship
is that time together isn't canceled out by time apart.
One doesn't erase the other
or balance it on some invisible scale.
You can spend a few hours with someone
and they will change your life,
or you can spend a lifetime with a person
and remain unchanged."

Michael Robotham (The Night Ferry)

True friends you are..
our time apart has not been canceled out..
in my unplanned absence from this refuge of mine.
I have changed..
yet stayed the same in my time away...my time under the bell jar...

funny how hours turn into days turn into weeks..

turn into a month...

December..

and the winds and rain and snow have touched us all..

Thanksgiving has come and gone...

and Christmas and a New Year are on the horizon.

and I want to say..

I appreciate all of you ..

friends..

and leave you with a gift of friendship.

Crossed Lines Mitts pattern..

for you all..

enjoy your white time

crossing lines~

2010-11-15T16:00:00.001-05:00

"... if you cross a line and nothing happens, 
the line loses meaning....
You keep drawing a line farther and farther away, 
crossing it every time....
You'd be surprised at how easy it is ....
To lose yourself--to get lost.
Or maybe you wouldn't be surprised.
Maybe some of you already know.

To those people, I can only say: I'm sorry."
— Lauren Oliver (Before I Fall) 

there are lots of things...
I have learned along the way..
I had it written down differently..
the way the lines should cross...
trying to replicate some old hand smocking I had once done...
I kept crossing lines...
farther and farther I went...
but they kept losing meaning..

so..rather than giving up..
and feeling I had lost my way...
I decided to look at it..
from a different perspective..
cross the lines...
and reconnect...

and I found..
that this way...
not crossing so many lines..
and drawing them in..gave a form..
and the form...
had meaning...
I liked this shape...
that was what I had learned...
but you probably are not surprised~

and now it seems...
yet another pattern must be written..
but you knew this {smiles}

dreams and whims~

2010-11-06T10:35:00.004-04:00

"I mostly lived in my dimension
Built up of fantasies and dreams,
Hardly a seeker of attention,
Yet, I preferred to act on whims."

T.K/Varenko

I am..
hardly a seeker of attention...
I live in my dimension...
quietly enjoying the light~

I fantasize...and dream...
for that is what keeps my days..
from veering off course...
those twists and turns of life... 

and even though..
at times I am like a moth..
securely wrapped in its cocoon... 

I have a built up dreams...
soft dreams of a tarn spotted amid a mountain glacier..
a pool of silvery water..
cool and pristine~~
the snow falls..
I close my eyes..
and even though I know..
this is pure whimsy...
I prefer it this way~

p.s.:I'll have another pattern ready soon~~~

designing....devising....sharing

2010-10-25T23:54:00.002-04:00

"...As we surge up into the world, 
we try to devise a shape, a plan. 
There is dignity in this. 
Your whole life is a plot, a scheme, a diagram. 
It is a failed scheme but that's not the point. 
To plot is to affirm life, to seek shape and control..."

Don DeLillo 

We do this,
we all do,
we plot,devise,seek ways to shape...

our daily lives...
and there is dignity in this...

but,that's not the point...
It was time..
for me,to diagram some shapes...
of my own...

to design,create...
and by taking a little control ...
I do not think it failed...

And to affirm this ..
I decided to share...to gift..
these thought out plans,these designs..

in hopes..
that they would bring some pleasure to a life.
keeping your hands warm...
and maybe your heart as well.

my designs have been made available in PDF
for download by clicking on the links 
on the right sidebar....
a gift to you all...
Chinese Waves...(the gray ones here)
Greek Waffles...(the black ...)
and Gray Dawn(the twisted cable mitts)... from my previous posting
Enjoy~

Style

2010-10-11T20:17:00.002-04:00

"Style is a very simple matter;
it is all rhythm.
Once you get that,
you can't use the wrong words.
But on the other hand here am I sitting after half the morning,
crammed with ideas, and visions, and so on,
and can't dislodge them, for lack of the right rhythm.
Now this is very profound, what rhythm is,
and goes far deeper than any words.
A sight, an emotion, creates this wave in the mind,
long before it makes words to fit it."

Virginia Woolf~

so,I have the key...
it seems..to the style...
and I sit,crammed with ideas...
and visions...

but the key is to put these ideas...
into a concrete form...
a shape...not just a vision...

so I find the rhythm...
for the styles...
and to me...
this rhythm becomes profound...

and the idea dislodges...
round and round...
the styles becomes concrete...

the deep waves in my mind...
the sight...
the emotion...
all seem to fit...

there are no wrong words...

so,it seems that... 
it was a simple matter after all...
I have found my style...

(my personal designs to be written soon~ )

secrets~

2010-10-02T16:29:00.003-04:00

"I not only have my secrets, 
I am my secrets. 
And you are yours. 
Our secrets are human secrets, 
and our trusting each other enough 
to share them with each other has much to do 
with the secret of what it means to be human." 

Frederick Buechner

I have my secrets...
and I am my secrets....

secrets...
that are on their way..
secrets going across the sea...

human secrets,that I am trusting...
to share with you...
hoping she will not mind...

something..
to warm her hardworking...
talented..hands...

something with the colors...
of Autumn...
something I made up as I went along...
and I think...
that sharing this with you..
has much to do with what it means to be human...

the blues~

2010-09-21T22:03:00.004-04:00

"We treat desire as a problem to be solved,
address what desire is for
and focus on that something
and how to acquire it
rather than on the nature
and the sensation of desire,
though often it is the desire between us
and the object of desire
that fills the space in between with the blue of longing."

Rebecca Solnit (A Field Guide to Getting Lost)

and there was desire...
first from one..

and then another...
as they focused on the acquiring of that desire...

I began addressing the nature of this desire...
deciding they should be similar...

yet separate...
it seemed to me that this would solve many problems...
and the colors of that desire...
the sensation...blue...one warm...

one cool...
to fill the spaces between the longing.

problem solved?

not quite..
there was another desire...
you see...
and guess what the color of that longing would be?

(p.s....I am not liking Blogger's new set up...
it's giving me the blues...
anyone have any way to reduce these spaces??
that's my desire...
I have tried editing the HTML..without any luck...)
*clarification...spaces from text to photos...
I like the wide space of the page...
not the wide spacing in the posting~ ;))

meant to be broken~

2010-09-07T10:06:00.001-04:00

"It's just that...I just think that some things
are meant to be broken.
Imperfect.
Chaotic.
It's the universe's way of providing contrast, you know?
There have to be a few holes in the road.
It's how life is."

Sarah Dessen (The Truth about Forever)

I do think some things....
are meant to be broken...
imperfect....

with holes in the road...
wandering grapevine...
Selene is...
finished...blocked....

warm and cozy....
and perfectly perfect to me...

providing the contrasts...
are good enough...
and the motion is not too chaotic .....

and hoping you will bear with me...
as I search for the keys...
to unlock....
some things....that's the way life is,
you know?

a wrap is in order~

2010-08-30T15:19:00.003-04:00

"In that moment,

when watches and clocks misbehave
and you feel a cold vapor wrap itself around your heart,
you unconsciously draw a line at the bottom of a long
column of numbers and come up with a sum
Perhaps it's one that fills you with contentment
and endows you with a level of courage and
an acceptance that you didn't know you possessed.
Or maybe not."

James Lee Burke (The Glass Rainbow)

It was time...time to accept...
and release the cold vapors that had wrapped about my heart...
when someone you love ...
is told something that will break all hearts...
it has become time to be courageous for them.
so..
I decided that a warm wrap...
perhaps something,
something that may fill one up with contentment...
was in order...

so I unconsciously drew a line...
and came up with a sum...
9 days and 190 cm later...
I have Selene ...finished and ready to block...

again I brought out the Cocoon ...
in a shade of gray...
one that has clouded my recent days...

but there was light in the background...
that had endowed me with a sense of courage..
some for me...
and some for the other...

there were long roads ahead
some that were ripped...
right from the pages of a good book...
and other roads that may be harder to travel...

but long walks...
and memories....

would surely bring us to a place to reflect...
a place of calm...
a sense of serenity ...
a place of acceptance..
or maybe not~

happy/sad

2010-07-31T19:47:00.009-04:00

"So, this is my life.
And I want you to know that I am both happy and sad
and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be."
Stephen Chbosky

It has been a sad time...
and a happy time....
and I am struggling daily to reason it out....

So...
my projects sit...
in the sun...
beautiful ideas..
and colors... and threads...

they sit and wait....
until things are sorted out...
until the sad and the happy merge once again....
into all happy~

I have a tendency to keep things...
hard things... jarred up...
I am letting a few things tumble out of that jar...
for now... in hopes that prayers will be answered....

everything is not black and white....
but how wonderful it would be...
if it was all blackberries and cream...............

~like a watermelon~

2010-07-13T14:48:00.001-04:00

"But happiness is not always loud and bright and crowded.
Happiness ripens like a watermelon,
sweet and rosy on the inside
with only a thin top layer altogether free of small black pits.
And, like a watermelon,
the whole thing can be covered with a plain dark rind."

E.L.Konigsburg

It is July...
it is summer....
and happiness ripens with each sweet watermelon

not too loud....
just bright enough...

this watermelon was made...
for a perfect little girl..
who is as sweet and rosy on the inside...

as she is on the outside...
and there is a thin layer...
altogether free of tiny black pits~

where there is a layer of natural sweetness...
Now.. really...
what could be better than not being loud...
or crowded...
and being able to savor the sweet taste of melon...
right down to the dark rind?

~bliss

2010-06-28T19:40:00.002-04:00

"It's good to be just plain happy, it's a little better to know that you're happy; but to understand that you're happy and to know why and how and still be happy, be happy in the being and the knowing, well that is beyond happiness, that is bliss." Henry Miller
I recently had a chance to meet bliss...................
Debbie Bliss that is.................... that's right...
THE Debbie Bliss...................... knitting designer extraordinaire.
and her lovely daughter Nell...
learning the how...and why...
and understanding a little more about her and her work... just truly made me plain happy.

A preview of new books to be released...

of new yarns...and new colors...
and a trunk full of her wonderful designs... well... you see...

beyond happiness...
and I am happy in the being and the knowing,
knowing that I have something just about finished..
something special to show you... right after the blocking {smiles}.....

three things...

2010-06-20T09:37:00.001-04:00

"You [I] have control over three things – what you [I] think what you [I] say, and how you [I] behave. To make a change in your [my] life, you [I] must recognize that these gifts are the most powerful tools you [I] possess in shaping the form of your [my] life." — Sonya Friedman There are three after all... and I thought it would not be fair... to only make one... the three are all about fairness... and I had the control over the making... so... again... I took control of my skills... and tackled the Japanese books that I so adore... [did I ever tell you my neighbor is Japanese? and that she could translate for me?] no?? I don't like to impose...even though,I know... she would not mind it at all... that is my behavior... the pattern... light and airy.... perfect for summer... I made a change,however... I left off the bottom ruffle... not wanting it to be to fussy.... so now there were three... three gifts...recognized ... made simply... with simple tools... fitting their form... worn... and loved.... now...about dinosaurs and bracelets.......

etcetera~

2010-06-07T20:21:00.005-04:00

"...self etcetera lay quietly in the deep mud et cetera (dreaming, et cetera, of ..." e.e.cummings hardly e.e.'s intent.. etc... to leave out most of the poem... etc.... there has been much going on,etc.... since I last wrote,etc... and...finally.. I have something to show you, etc... I took out my measuring tape,etc... and opened this book,etc... and took out some Amy Butler fabric.... etc... and before you knew it... etc... I had this dress... already for someone special.... etc.. and I even had time to... enjoy some watermelon....etc... and catch up on my etcetera....{smiles}

having an edge~

2010-05-19T17:58:00.011-04:00

"Does something which exists on the edge have no true relevance to the stable center, or does it, by being on the edge, become a part of the edge and thus a part of the boundary, the definition which gives the whole its shape?" Lucy Grealy~ Confusing at first off... but really it is a valid question. Sometimes I feel as if I am on the edge... and not part of the stable center... but,don't we all at times? On the edge of creating... and then not... and then finally stabilizing... stabilizing enough to create... a few little things... forming an edge... a soft edge... but still having a boundary. Am I confusing you? not my intent... my intent is to give the whole a shape... and I think I did... give the whole a shape... at least I hope I did... a hand made,hand quilted pillow... something to take the edge off a hard chair... something to stabilize and make someone feel centered. something that gives the whole a shape. and a handmade woolen needle keep.. with an acorn pincushion... something that may become part of the edge.. and that leaves me at the edge... of my roll.. {smiles}

and the number is~~

2010-05-19T05:55:00.003-04:00

The winner of the photo is: Random Integer Generator Here are your random numbers: 16 Timestamp: 2010-05-19 09:53:59 UTC Sarah please email me~~ and thank you all for your kind response~~ p.s. I'll be back later with an updated posting. until then...have a beautiful day.

little gifts of friendship~

2010-05-07T15:48:00.007-04:00

"Why did you do all this for me?" he asked. "I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.' You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing." E.B. White (Charlotte's Web) that Charlotte~~~ so smart.. really... a question I have asked a few times myself of late. because,I too...do not deserve it... and yet... I have been blessed...with some little gifts, some little gifts of friendship~ unexpected gifts... of wool.... and buttons... and fabric... flowers...and more.... but beyond the tangible of shells and photos and books... I have been given love... and friendship... and that in itself... is truly a tremendous thing... it is... I have been swatching... and dreaming..thinking...reading... and working way too much... and offering a bit of some shameless self-promotion again... the editors of ARTFUL BLOGGING liked my header so much, it is featured in the Summer issue of ARTFUL BLOGGING MAGAZINE under "banners we love~" so I'd like to take a moment to thank them again for the honor... and I'd like to thank you all for your wonderful support by offering a giveaway of one of my prints... I have a 10"x10" of this ranunculus... ready to be sent... leave me a comment...if you are interested. and a wish to you all for a most beautiful Mother's Day... and if you are not a mother... then a wish for YOUR mother ;) xoxo

in the right light~

2010-04-17T23:18:00.008-04:00

"In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary." Aaron Rose It is the right time for me to be infatuated with the lush beauty of ranulculus. tissue like petals that unfurl... from tightly budded whorls... when the light is just right... so when this last lesson was to reflect on light and abstraction... my choice would be easy. Easy,because I find these extraordinary blooms so intensely romantic... and reflective of Spring. and this photography challenge has a been an extraordinary opportunity for me to step out of the box... I have learned that even with a very busy schedule one can see things in the right light, and find the right time to explore different venues... and realize that you are only a landscape photographer at the seaside... because everything there is in the right light. at the right time, and to me,everything there is extraordinary. So thank you to Carolyn and Camilla for the offer of a chance to try something new.. here is a bouquet of ranunculus... curvy stems and feather-like leaves for you... and for you ALL.

I went in search of a color and a name~

2010-04-11T09:40:00.005-04:00

"The whole world, as we experience it visually, comes to us through the mystic realm of color " Hans Hofmann Our world is a spinning blur of color. I took a moment to stop the spin and went in search... of a lesson on color... and a name for it... I went to find the name of the color of my Atlantic. My place of vast solitude and peace... my retreat from the maddening spinning world... I found the color of the sea, reflected in a book... in some yarn, sometimes darker... sometimes lighter... just as the sea itself. and reflected in a scent lightly held against the skin... and in a vase holding the light scent of a flower... the realm of color of a woman in a favorite sweater... and in the aged painted wood of an antique ice cream churn... in the visual experience of some new silk threads... and of the color woven in throughout new fabric... the color reflected in a cup of tea... and in a card to buy some tea... the color of spring.... the color of April sky's through colored glasses... a blend of blues and of greens... lights and dark's... this this the color of my Atlantic. And you thought I would wrap myself in grays.... {smiles} well...I did... along with the color of my Atlantic. So what is this name? The name of the color of my Atlantic? We will call it the mystical color of water~

comp perception~

2010-04-03T19:32:00.010-04:00

"It is one of the commonest of mistakes to consider that the limit of our power of perception is also the limit of all there is to perceive." C.W.Leadbeater hmmm~~ I made one of the commonest mistakes.. thinking that my perception... of this weeks lesson ... was all there was to perceive. it was composition and perspective... not just perspective... As I had incorrectly thought. it is always good to read thoroughly... and double check... I should have taken my own advice...{smiling} then I thought... after realizing my error... that still life doesn't have to be created with many objects... and I stood fast in my minimalistic approach... and then switched modes quickly ... in a lame effort to cover ... and display the baby socks I just knit.... a little gift for a new baby boy... Handmaiden yarn in shades of pale baby blues... and muted browns..perfect colors... and a stack of some muted blues and browns for a little something sewn as well... My perception is that I may have saved this ?? or am I failing again to consider all there is to perceive? Either way... it was another fun challenge... and Easter Greetings to all who celebrate!

~eggs 101

2010-03-27T21:31:00.002-04:00

"Tis the part of a wise man to keep himself to-day for to-morrow, and not to venture all his eggs in one basket" Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra It's that time of year... for eggs.... laying .... and dyeing... and having lessons about... first...white on white. one egg... one egg in a white basket... and one soft... because who could resist a soft boiled egg? then on black... a black nest... black bokeh.. white egg... then.. well.. time to play... a dozen...cage free...browns... basking in the light... and more whites... in the light... lined up on the sill... and a painted...and crackled one... resting in a nest of moss... held gently in an old wire egg cup... and why not try a feather... a delicate white wisp of a feather and some texture.. and trying to remember not to put all the eggs in one basket... I decided to keep to-days for to-morrows omelet...

xo~

2010-03-19T15:10:00.003-04:00

“This is not a letter but my arms around you for a brief moment” Katherine Mansfield I want to share something with you all: This is a copy and paste of an email I received from Wordpress: from:dmca@automattic.com Hi, The blog has been removed (only the blog owner can currently view its content) while we get in touch with the owner. If it does return to public availability, your content will not be included on it. -- Anthony so it seems we have won after all!! proof that doing the right thing does exist. Power in numbers and faith in the system. Exposure of the wrong. thank you so much for your complete support ~ and for the time many of you took to complain as well~ I could not have done this without you~ I truly believe that~ to answer some questions... I was notified by an anonymous person leaving me 2 comments on my blog. it seems strange to me why this person would want to remain anonymous... I have questions... but I am moving in the right direction. so I am smiling as well. I had to file a formal complaint. that in itself is a long process ~ You must show evidence of what was stolen and then validate it with your postings. It seemed like it took forever... too much time. 12~ yes 12 postings and subsequent images were stolen~ not 1...12!!! an obsession it was~ but time to move forward... but not forget. and time to remember the wonderful community we share... here in this virtual world. Thank you all... for you kind words.. thoughts... encouragement, I believe in the good of people... and YOU ALL have proved that good people are still here. please read here and here words so well expressed by my friends... words you all need to hear~ ~hugs xoxo ~t

~thieves and thievery~

2010-03-17T17:48:00.007-04:00

“To teach thieves a lesson is very meaningful. If nothing is done to them, they will become more daring.” Wu Jian I am here... today... to make a point... a very important point. You see... I...my words...my thoughts...my images.. have fallen prey to a thief. An outright thief. This person..has stolen not just one... this person has stolen many of my posts... has backdated before blogging even exited as we know it. This person has stolen my images...and my watermark remains on some. This person has stolen from my dear friends blogs as well... and possibly many more.... A violation...an encroachment ...an intrusion; a sick obsession... This person must be stopped. I am asking you all, to take a moment of your time, please, and make a complaint to Wordpress... about this outright thievery. Plagiarism... Because YOU could be next. I am considering my options. I almost deleted my blog after being notified of this crime... yes, crime... it is the virtual world... but no less a crime has been committed. But then,I would be the one to suffer...to pay for the wrong doing... I could make this blog entirely private... but that is not what this is about. I have contacted Blogger in hopes of making this blog more secure. Secure from thieves... persons who have no original thoughts... or ideas of their own... and in some unfortunate way obtain some sense of being... some sick sense of satisfaction... from stealing the words and ideas of others. I have NEVER used this blog as a forum.. for political... for religious... or otherwise..than to try to create and inspire. And I am sad... sad and outraged and need your help. I believe in the power of numbers...the power of many. ~theresa

little things~

2010-03-14T19:56:00.006-04:00

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things" Robert Brault So...have a seat...and we will talk a bit, about the little things... about little things, for little ones, and little eggs...soon to be hatched and a little focus on some scrumptious yarn for a another project or two... and little earrings... so delicately handmade... and generously given... and the littlest and sweetest buttons... and quite possibly the best project bag ever... hand made... with every perfect little detail... for carrying the perfect little project... and we will talk about the little things we found.. yes...we will enjoy the little things... for these are quite the biggest things I think..

~yin yang~

2010-03-01T08:28:00.002-05:00

"The ebb and flow of will is like the movements of the tides... if we cease our vain struggles and lamentations long enough to look away from the personal self... we realize life is going well with us after all." Charles B. Newcomb So then, I put aside my lamentations regarding the weather, the struggles of working with 3 fine strands of yarn, and finished the sleeves. My Japanese tea leaves is complete. But there is that ebb and flow of will, and as you can see, I have chosen a completely different buttons. These reminded me of yin and yang, or yin yang as it is know, how polar or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other in turn. you can vaguely see it within these images, but I have used contrasting gradients of tsumugi they are interconnected,yet independent, and these gradients of yarn give rise to each other, and complement and enhance the whole. So I have come to realize that life is going well after all. There are new projects to be started... There is hope for Spring... And I need to start a Friday Night Knitting Club... anyone interested?

~needing sleeves

2010-02-15T20:40:00.004-05:00

"A true leader always keeps and element of surprise up his sleeve, which others cannot grasp but which keeps his public excited and breathless" Charles De Gaulle hmmmm~ loaded words.... I have no sleeves.... and I need some sleeves... no surprises there... what I truly need to do is lead myself... into some time... for me.... away from the snow.... away from the grasp of work.... now that would be exciting... and finish the sleeves. then I could breathlessly decide... which buttons to use on my Japanese tea leaves and finalize this project... because there are always choices... always a plan or two... up some other sleeve... something else to delve into something to keep me busy... and something to keep me excited and breathless... like the thought of Spring... {smiling}

how to begin~

2010-02-03T19:29:00.006-05:00

"I think I could,if I only new how to begin. For,you see, so many out-of-the-way things had happened lately that ALICE had begun to think that very few things indeed were really impossible" Lewis Carroll I have been thinking~ sometimes it's hard to begin~ and wishing~ wishing for things to be done~ and wishing for new things to start~ and believing~ because you simply must believe in something~ So many out-of the-way things have been happening. The magazine is finally available~ 2 weeks seemed like such a long time to wait for some~ And it was possible to feel like a queen~ with a small crown~ a swap package arrived~ all the way from Tasmania ~ and as I unwound~ I realized you could stay connected in a multitude of ways~ and that very few things were impossible indeed~ I could begin~ at the beginning~ and create~ and so can you~ {I hope you like my journal... made of cotton and wool and all things good... I need to draw something for the cover~ for the opening I have left~ so I must again begin to think~}

~published!

2010-01-19T19:42:00.004-05:00

"My heart gives thanks for empty moments given to dreams, and for thoughtful people who help those dreams come true." William S. Braithwaite I have been published... Yes...me... I can hardly believe it myself... but here it is in black and white and living color. I have been keeping a secret since last July. When I was generously asked if I was interested in having an article published about my blog by a sweet Flickr contact...luvpublishing... President and Publisher Kellene Giloff, of the Stamptington Company and ARTFUL BLOGGING magazine... And it has arrived... the Spring 2010 Issue... Featuring T Does Wool... Words and images.... I hope you will enjoy... they have done a fabulous job... I am totally thrilled.. a huge amount of gratitude I offer to Kellene... and the the magazine editors... for this once in a lifetime opportunity. And a huge thank you all... for supporting me with your words of kindness along the way....

~january indecision

2010-01-12T19:24:00.004-05:00

"Then indecision brings its own delays, And days are lost lamenting o'er lost days. Are you in earnest? Seize this very minute; What you can do, or dream you can, begin it; Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” Johann Wolfgang von Goethe January...2010... and here I sit..feet up...indecisive for so long... the holidays have come and gone... and I have sat...delayed... pondered and dreamed... and finally... finally...I have made a decision... I will use the Habu... the tsumugi silk charcoal time to use... use it up... and enjoy... it will be my Japanese Tea leaves ... so I begin...and I will work... and savor each stitch... like a cup of good tea. no need to rush... it is January... a time to be slow.... a time for waiting...for spring... for yarn balls... and treats... from far away... a time to send...and for others to wait...just a little. but a time to seize the moment... try something new... something magical... I will not regret this January. no...I this time I will make decisions... and be happy with them.

~absolutely cabled~

2009-12-27T08:48:00.000-05:00

"In passing, we should note this curious mark of our own age: the only absolute allowed is the absolute insistence that there is no absolute" Francis Schaeffer Absolutely...no more cowls... but,of course, there is no absolute.. so... a cabled cowl absolutely cabled... when I begged off cowls... twists and turns that kept me absolutely intrigued... right up to the end. Aran style... in winter white...this was absolutely supposed to be something else... a gift..this yarn was... enough for a sweater... but I thought that this...close and near.. a big hug... might be the absolute best choice for it. held double... {with a few skeins left...for something else} because,there is always something else, absolutely...right? something white, something sweet.... who could absolutely resist a homemade marshmallow? at this time of year....really... one is all you need to top your hot chocolate... or... just absolutely yummy all by itself.. and I would not want to miss the chance to wish you an absolutely, perfectly fabulous New Year... so... Happy New Year...and may it be the absolute best you've had so far.

~winter

2009-12-21T15:02:00.006-05:00

"Winter,a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey and enjoy every idle hour." Jane Young I have embarked upon a sentimental journey, this first day of winter... Yes...it is my wedding dress... put it on... for sentimental reasons... we were married in the winter... although not in December. I tried it on with the new Japanese woolen slippers... that I decided to make ... during an idle hour... on my Sunday afternoon... Wool... well... perfect... suede bottoms... and brushed cotton covered insoles... a fun experiment.. comfy slippers, wool..and warm... for the winter... and this time... the Japanese book had been translated..{smiles} I'd like to gather a golden moment here... if I may... to get a little sentimental.. and offer some thanks... things I should have done before... I am thankful... for all of your support and friendship along the way... I have been too silent about all the recognition I have received this past year... I was honored by Shutter Sisters here and here and here and here and here I was interviewed by the lovely Bree of Citrus hearts here I have been given awards on several blogs...thank you all... I do not want to forget anyone... if I have...it was not intentional... I have won some contests...one here and here I have been given and blessed... Thank you... and MERRY CHRISTMAS!! P.S.{I have just finished another knit...it is blocking... and I may have another post very soon ;)}

~points~

2009-12-08T21:12:00.005-05:00

"I am not a teacher:only a fellow traveler of whom you asked the way. I pointed ahead-ahead of myself as well as you." George Bernard Shaw I am making a point... or I made a point... a silly,but sweet point... what a silly name for a pointed hat... meathead ... we'll have to name it something else, because that will NEVER do... I am sure.... that point is clear. But the point is.. it is a gift... so no modeled views right now... that would ruin the point...would it not? Slubby and soft... a peachy pink... perfect color for a girl. you get my point... there are lots of points out there right now, it's the time of year for points, making a point, buying a point, expecting to score some points... with Santa that is... I hope you all score some high points... Me...I just want a peach... a sweet,round,fresh,juicy peach.... a taste of what was... I have made my point....

simple things~

2009-12-01T19:37:00.007-05:00

"Only those who have to do simple things perfectly will acquire the skill to do difficult things easily." Friedrich von Schiller I am far from doing things perfectly,but... I must say..the more I allow myself to delve into that which is somewhat difficult... i.e.:reading Japanese...when I cannot read Japanese, do I feel a little more skillful because of it. This time...3 bags... 3 purses...3 catchalls, 3 Japanese fabrics,3 complimentary wools, and one determined woman. Determined to have somewhat of a handmade Christmas... so I have begun... I need to fill these bags...with girlie things... fun things...and I will. I have gotten out the ribbon... and I need to put up the tree... baking has begun... but ... first... I have to announce the winners of the giveaway... Today is Mr. TDW's BD... so he was the one to choose... .1. Camilla...the Namaste Knitting bag large... .2.Nicole...some smaller Namaste goodies... Email me with your addresses...and I'll have them off... And a huge thank you to all... to each and everyone of you... for all your comments on the previous posting... and those participating in the swap....an update will be posted here...

thanks~giveaway.....

2009-11-25T20:08:00.004-05:00

"Follow through on all your generous impulses." -Epictetus That is a quote I keep nearby...something to think about and remember. Especially at this time of year. Tomorrow being the Thanksgiving Holiday here in the states. Two words... thanks... giving... two important words... Two words we all should think about. I have another Namaste knitting bag. The Namaste needle binder to giveaway.... a thanks..for just being there. But this time something else ... something special... the wonderful people at Namaste... have graciously donated some of their items for me to add to the giveaway... buddy cases...totes...pens.... they were also following through on their generous impulses. So two words... two people... two winners. leave me a comment within the next week and you could be one of the two. Now I have promised some updates on the SWAP... I have created a blog especially for it... and you can find the updates here. There are a few more days to register... so don't delay... come on... follow through on your generous impulses... you will be glad you did. And a wonderful and happy holiday to all who celebrate Thanksgiving tomorrow.... And a thank you to the wonderful people at Namaste.

~a giving swap~

2009-11-15T19:41:00.004-05:00

"Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love." Lao Tzu I made a gift. This is the pattern. It is meant to be a sundress. But I thought,"why not a fall jumper?" So I proceeded confidently. a knit bodice... Crisscrossed in the back... I decided on two strands of Sundara... two separate but complimenting colors, with a profound result. very regal... so it was perfect for this little princess. a deep regal purple baby corduroy... I made pleats...instead of gathers... and of course it had to be lined with a lighter color sateen. After all it is for a princess. She loves it... so happy she twirled and twirled... I should have had a modeled view... but she wore it with a pink polka dot top {smile} she is after all a princess...so she may do as she likes... Do you have this book ? As I said earlier, I have been thinking about giving... and wondering if you wanted to as well. I would like to organize a swap. A Knitter's Magic Yarn ball swap. And am looking for say...30-50 people to pair up for this. The idea is simple. You wind a skein of yarn around some trinkets... let's say you start with a small pincushion...or whatever... and continue to wind...adding a few things here and there... and finally you have a ball. All wound with treasures to share. tie it with a pretty ribbon and send it off. We could aim to send it the first of the new year... I know this year unfortunately is rapidly approaching an end. So let me know if you are interested. I will do the match ups and send each person their partner. I'd like to have all interested names and emails by the beginning of December. I think this sort of kindness is something we all could use now and again. So...what do you think??

the day is finished~

2009-11-09T21:27:00.008-05:00

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in' forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day, you shall begin it well and serenely..." Ralph Waldo Emerson I am in search of serene. A week with the flu has left me blundering... But I have done what I could... rested... slept... read... no knitting... but I wanted to show you this... nothing absurd... wool strips hooked on a woolen background. hand dyed wool.. made into a pocket... reminiscent of the Early American pockets... a bag...a purse of sorts. can hold your knitting... or some small essentials. the pattern is a simple flower, Autumn colors... in a flower pot... Something to remember the day that is finished... and tomorrow we start anew.....

~the right tools~

2009-11-03T19:32:00.006-05:00

"We shall neither fail nor falter; we shall not weaken or tire... give us the tools and we will finish the job" Winston Churchill With the right tools, you can do anything... so they say. With the right glasses... you can see clearly... with the right pen... you express your thoughts on paper, with the right needles... you complete the perfect knit. Namaste... I left you with this last time... simply meaning "I bow to you." But also meaning this Namaste... and their Vintage Needle bag ... the right tool for you and your knitting... and this tool goes to: Sarah...Bee House Hives!! Sarah...email me your address...you won!

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-11-04 01:04:40 UTC

By the way; My tools at this time are paint brushes and ladders. Fall home projects will be keeping me busy for a few weeks. Wish me luck in a quick completion won't you? So I can get back to my needles ;)

I do smile~and a giveaway

2009-10-25T21:35:00.009-04:00

I do smile.... I do... I have be given an award...by Camilla A Kreative Blogger Award ... an honor from a friend. who herself has such a wonderful, and creative blog. That makes me smile ;) Along with this award,comes some stipulations, as they always do:

1. Copy the award to your site.

2. Link to the person from whom you received the award.

3. Nominate 7 other bloggers.

4. Link to those sites on your blog.

5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominate.

...and list 7 things about yourself. hmmm...then...I do not smile.... no problems with 1 & 2...[ the award is in the side bar] #3...I shy from,because I want to nominate you all. you all are inspiring...and you all deserve awards... and 7 things about me... well..that is the hardest of all. I've said a little here and he re and here ... but... you know, I really shy from that... so what I will say is: In true Virgo fashion,I am my own worst critic; I am soft where I should be hard; and hard where I should be soft; I try very hard not to be artificial; I try to be true and loyal; I do smile-although in front of the camera I freeze; and I love to laugh-even if I come across as serious. see...a frozen sort of smile... but one none the less. and some knitting... well that always makes me smile. And I want to make someone else smile. So in honor of me receiving and award...I am having another little drawing. a surprise,because after all it is Halloween week, so some mystery should be involved. You will like it... you will smile... I'll reveal it in a week or so. leave me a comment and I'll count you in... until then... all I will say is Namaste... smile.

a little black magic

2009-10-21T22:35:00.000-04:00

"That old black magic has me in its spell. That old black magic that you weave so well....." Johnny Mercer

The witching hour is upon us... and all the little ghosties and ghoulies will be on the prowl, for sweets that is...;)) .

So in honor.... I made a little black magic of my own...

conjured up another pair of these ...for a friend ... who just happens to be

the it behind Halloween Madness

oh,and beware... you never know what sort of web you may get tangled up in. Happy Halloween...hehehehehehehehehe...............................

Tasmanian toasty snood~

2009-10-12T23:00:00.004-04:00

okay...now,what is a snood? snood (snd)

1. A small netlike cap worn by women to keep the hair in place.

2. A headband or fillet.

3. A fleshy wrinkled fold of skin that hangs down over a turkey's beak.

tr.v. snood·ed, snood·ing, snoods

To hold (the hair) in place with a snood.

hmmmm. looks like a cowl... but I begged off cowl's last winter... it's that whole , pulling it over the head,messing up your hair thing... but Michele... so beautiful,kind and generous... gifted me this wonderful alpaca... straight from the alpaca's in Tasmania... and I wanted to use it close to my body, to feel the warmth and softness. tried several patterns... and not really happy with any, started this snood... from Rowan Winter Gifts... and came to love it... problem is... it's not a net for my hair, it's not a headband, and oooooh... I hope it's not that fleshy turkey thing... don't tell anyone... we'll just call it a cowl for now.... and seriously...how could I not share this...?

unpredictable/transformable

2009-10-05T20:22:00.004-04:00

"We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are" Max De Pree So I changed my mind. With all of your input. The other buttons went... these remain. Really, it was an after thought. I had fully intended to use the others... but there were only 7 ... I need 8... so I was looking for a substitute... the rest is history. I bought these in Maine a long time ago some sort of antler each button unique in shape, but similar in tone...the right tones for my etole... etole transformable from La Droguerie my Autumn etole... clearly transformable.. a shrug, a scarf, a wrap of sorts... I don't feel comfortable publishing the pattern. it was a gift. What I can tell you is it is basically a long rectangle... garter stitched edges. buttonholes...and 4 buttons... either side easy...quick do it in 15 ~~hours~~ minutes... you can figure it out... you are unpredictable,no? transformable,yes? try it...

~daily fiber

2009-09-27T12:57:00.002-04:00

Have you had your daily fiber?? Really...have you?? I've had mine... it's growing...this fiber... it's nearly complete...maybe today... if I can focus... but I need your help... a decision must be made... these buttons?? do you think I should use these buttons?? and be honest... you have the strength of fiber to be honest with me... more fiber...handmade...and man-made... acorns.. happy autumn...

~gifting~

2009-09-13T17:08:00.009-04:00

"Do the kinds of things that come from the heart. When you do,you won't be dissatisfied,you won't be envious, you won't be longing for somebody else's things. On the contrary,you'll be overwhelmed with what comes back" Morrie Schwartz I am overwhelmed by your kind birthday wishes.. and response to the previous posting. If I did not get the chance to thank you personally by e-mail,please accept this thank you.Thank YOU! It comes from the heart. Now you are all thinking that I must be as slow as a snail... {really,I just wanted to use this photo!} About the drawing...but it is now... today... just give me a minute or two... I wanted to share my quick fingerless mitts design. Share the pattern with you all,in hopes you may try them yourselves sometime... Traveler...Fingerless Mitts... ©T Does Wool Less than 1 skein Rowan Alpaca Cotton color/Thunder US #8 needles...I used straights,because that is what I had at the time,but can easily be converted to in the round. finished size before seaming..8"x 11" Cast on 34 stitches. Ribbing: K 2/P2 throughout for 1 3/4 inches Ending on wrong side row. Next row,begin Stockinette stitch continue straight for 7",ending wrong side row Next row,make thumb-hole opening: K 5,cast off 3, K to end Next row: P 26,cast on 3 stitches,P 5 Cont straight St. stitch for 1 more inch ending wrong side row. Next row: Begin K2/P2 ribbing for 1 more inch Cast off with a sewn bind off for more stretch. Reverse thumb-hole opening on second mitt. Block/Seam/Wear! Fall is really almost here. The leaves are turning,and the jewels of autumn are all around us. my inspiration for my new project...e'tole transformable combining Dream in Color Smoochy and Rowan Kidsilk haze, has made an interesting fall shade/almost tweed like with a soft halo. the pattern, and Dream in Color were both gifts to me... and a look in my jewelry case was fruitful in finding a beaded necklace that matches it almost perfectly. I also started Rowan's Toasty Snood from Winter Gifts. Made from a camel colored alpaca... a gift from a friend in Tasmania... and Lena...don't forget Lena , I am still working on her... My autumn list is full.... Using all of my gifts is a pleasure. Reminds me of my friends everywhere, And how thankful I have been to find them... So now for my gift... my giveaway...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Timestamp: 2009-09-13 23:43:05 UTC

after counting 3 times,including the double entries

it is:.......lisamac333.... I need you mailing address...

and thank you all..

Me and my Shadow....

2009-08-31T19:34:00.004-04:00

"We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure,joy follows like a shadow that never leaves." Buddha This is my Shadow....my winter shadow... I am wrapped and shaped... warm and ready for the colder days and nights ahead. I have a new brooch...I thought I might use it for the closure. or just leave it loose, open, free.... or I may add the buttons later... but for now...it waits...shadowing me... We have returned from our travels. The days were warm and sun filled. Leisurely and full of laughter and joy...pure days... ones to remember ... I designed these fingerless mitts on the way home.... as a request. Made from Rowan Alpaca cotton ...soft and warm... and I promise to write up the quick pattern. My birthday is this Friday. September 4th. And I would like to give away this hooked bag that I made. Hand dyed woolen strips... carefully pulled and placed... the pattern name is Tennessee Posies... lined with a brushed cotton. perfect as a project bag... or use it as a purse... either way... it will belong to one of you... and may come filled with another treat or two... just leave me a comment to have your name entered. you must leave an email if I do not have it and if you blog and link this...let me know.... I will put your name in twice... for being twice as nice. I'll be back in a week or so to reveal winner. Until then...

Summer light~

2009-08-16T18:34:00.005-04:00

"Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it" Margaret Thatcher Yes...finally...this sweater is completed... I am satisfied... And I can move on... It's been a slow paced summer... and the summer light is falling on this winter shadow. Knit in the round... Kidsilk haze and Blue Moon Socks that rock heavyweight... the exact yarn...a copy all the way... something for me to warm up the chills ahead.. We will be leaving the city flare this Friday...there are lists to make... and packing to do... for 8 days away at the shore... a peaceful place.. where the sound of the tide lulls you to sleep... I will see you later then... refreshed...and hopefully with my shadow in tow...

this time...

2009-07-20T19:29:00.006-04:00

This time.. will be the right time... just a little more time... will be needed... I found some time today... I sewed the shoulder seams and knit the collar... Now,I need to make time to finish the sleeves... Because time is running out... almost time for vacation... And I took some time, to make some folds, to make some paper flowers... Michelle found the moment in time and showed it first, she has the links, if you have the time... And while I was folding... another flower was found... put away some time ago... forgotten,really... so glad I had the time today. "Take time to deliberate but when the time for action arrives, stop thinking and go in." Andrew Jackson

~no demands~

2009-07-03T21:23:00.004-04:00

"He who makes great demands upon himself is naturally inclined to make great demands upon others." Andre Gide I am still here...I am... making no demands upon myself...or others... Thank you for waiting... It is summer...everything moves a little slower... days are longer... naturally... Oceanside Organic cotton color(#2)...Drift.. a pale,pale ocean green...naturally Match it with the rolled neck jersey from this book ... and one special little girl will be very happy... That is if I can stay focused... and keep working... find my natural rhythm again... But I am making no demands... I am enjoying myself...naturally.. and you should..as well... It's summer...

You know you want this...

2009-06-13T19:04:00.003-04:00

"Trust that little voice in your head that says "Wouldn't it be interesting if..." And then do it..." Duane Michals Trust me... you want this... you do... 2 skeins of Suri Merino that's it... free pattern...here... make it bigger...make it smaller ... just make it... you want it...you do...you won't regret it it's all about trust... I am loving this shawl... and this hand spun...Patience... by Elaine... and this as well...hand dyed and spun...she rocks the wheel... she does...thanks E. xoxo Now everybody...go knit... Trust me...

material girl~

2009-06-08T16:33:00.004-04:00

"...Living in a material world And I am a material girl You know that we are living in a material world And I am a material girl... " Madonna... Japanese fabric...that is the material...again... Seems that a certain birthday girl wanted something hand made for her birthday... And she chose this book ... And some fabric I had on hand...a delicious Japanese cotton, (sadly, no longer available...) Had to have pockets... and tied...at the top...for a summery look. cut...sew...done... and I thought I'd add this fun sundress... tutorial found here ... because when you are 6... you like to have fun, ride a bike, get girly... and play dress-up...

as I am...

2009-05-28T22:20:00.003-04:00

" We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are" Anais Nin So- here I am again...in front of the red door... really, welcoming you all in, and wanting to show you my Veste Croisse ... It seems that my decision to make this particular sweater with the Rowan Summer Tweed was a good one,at least for me. The pattern is loose, not to be bulky, so the drape that this yarn affords me is perfect. Slouchy, not sloppy... soft and airy for cool spring and summer evenings... a mix of silk and cotton,in a nubby tweed, who's color I have yet to capture exactly...but, then... we don't see things exactly as they are...all the time... sometimes we need to look deeper... the perfect button...a gift... the pattern...a gift...in French...translated by me... the yarn... Particulars: I shortened the sleeves to accommodate my taste (I'd be pushing them up anyway) and I think I may play with the button placement a bit. Otherwise...I am in love...

a favor was asked...

2009-05-18T00:09:00.004-04:00

"The end is to build well. Well building hath three conditions: firmness,commodity and delight.: Sir Henry Wooton...architect A favor was asked of me by Martine , to please try out her new fabric line and tell about it. Of course...I would be delighted ...easy...I like to sew... She sent me the tribal collection ... and Zanzibar... Each a true delight. Hand painted designs made of linen and cotton. I had several ideas, but remembering those three earlier conditions, and I wanted to do something to show off the uniqueness.. thinking and thinking I finally made a decision. Instead of one project using all of the fabrics, I would do two different types of designs. I made a fabric sewing tray...or knitting if you prefer... Designed to hold a few things while you stitch...or knit... Or used to hold necessities on a dresser or desk. Approx. 6 1/2" x 5 3/8" with curved sides...reminiscent of a camel back sofa. and the second was an oven mitt...inspired by these children's mitts... I took the liberty of enlarging the pattern for a grown up... *thanks Al* and was quite pleased with the result. So, I hope I have attained the three conditions to build well, and Martine...I hope you approve..

the beauty of numbers...

2009-05-05T20:11:00.004-04:00

"Numbers are intellectual witnesses that belong only to mankind" Honore de Balzac...France I needed to first grab a pencil,then the ruler, the numbers were there,in this book...waiting. I measured... I marked... I cut... I sewed... I folded,pleated and pressed.... pocketed,tagged and top stitched... the numbers kept me intrigued as I went along.. the numbers well arranged and easy to apply... and soon, I had not only one... but two aprons... ready for the giving... pink and green... two colors of Spring bold prints on wonderful cotton... two fabrics for each.... two gifts... for two women... and one beautiful bleeding heart for you all. Happy Mother's Day to you all this weekend... Hoping your numbers add up to a perfectly wonderful day!!

doubts & certainty

2009-04-26T00:43:00.005-04:00

"Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty" {quote} from the movie DOUBT... When I purchased this Rowan Summer Tweed I was certain what I was going to knit..... it was going to be Whitby from this new magazine ... but,I doubted that I would like it in the end... so, instead I decided to make this Veste Croisse... this,I had no doubt,that I would love... I was certain of it at first,I was doubtful of the yarn, but as I made progress, I knew,with all certainty that this yarn...silk and cotton...tweed would be perfect...light,summery,just was I was hoping for... yes,I am certain I will love wrapping in this. and when this arrived from Elaine {thank you again} I knew, without a doubt, that I loved it, I still am not certain,however of what to make... but,whatever it becomes, I am certain it will be loved...no doubt here and this,well the Rowan Summer Tweed... reminds me of this color... without a doubt...

truths

2009-04-12T22:06:00.002-04:00

"All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them." Galileo the truth is, I really don't like to be photographed... never have... probably never will... Nothing worse for me than taking my own picture, except, Having someone else take it....(especially when your caught picking flowers with your hand at a weird angle) The pleated wrap is complete... and worn... and loved... the truth is, I made this for one reason, to take along to the beach, when the evening tide comes in, and a slight breeze fills the air. and this, well,the truth is, just because.

I had

2009-04-05T22:17:00.006-04:00

I had... a little stack of Japanese fabric. linen... purchased just in time from here. bought to make a gift. a little baby gift. It is sometimes hard, to choose the right thing... you want the gift to be worn, you want the gift to be liked... I thought... I decided... I cut... I sewed...

little red birds... all in a row perfect for Spring I lined it... with a neutral cotton, for a little warmth on chilly days...

and it was finished with a tiny vintage button.

a raglan sleeved kimono style jacket...

from this book ...simple,but delightful,

for a new baby, that I am soon to meet...

Every child begins the world again....Henry David Thoreau

Drinking from the stream...

2009-03-31T00:12:00.001-04:00

"...Make a small thing great,and the few into many- Take on the largest things when they are still small, Start the hardest things while they are still easy..." Tao I must apologize. For many things. My life has taken a sudden turn towards the disarray.

I wish I could show you some finished knit. I have been neglectful.

I apologize if I have not gotten to thank you all for your lovely comments... or left comments on your blogs ... I am sorry. I have received many gifts over the past few weeks. Lovely gifts. From generous and lovely friends. Friends from far away and friends from not so far away.

Lovely Michele... One was expected...the others not... As I unwrapped,I felt the true beauty of the person A person who took such time to choose and send. Every piece,including the wrapping a treasure.

And Chawnee... a trade of a knit for a sewn came with so much more. Tactile and tasted... socks so lovely ...the fit like a glove.

And Lin... who gifted me with a precious piece of vintage Japanese velvet,

artfully crafted by her hand into a precious pincushion.

There is an old Chinese proverb:

"When you drink from the stream,remember the spring."

I have drank from the stream.

I am thankful...now,to remember the spring...

I now have 3 bags full,

full of yarn and things,

bits and pieces,odds and ends,

maybe they can be put to some good use.

They prepared,they drew and we have some winners.

Would Lisa from Littlefish Studios, Greenolive, and Nicole-Cocoknits please email me with your mailing address...I'd like to send you your bags!

Plainly content...

2009-03-16T19:11:00.002-04:00

"Manifest plainness, Embrace simplicity, Reduce selfishness, Have few desires." Lao Tzu from the Tao Te Ching The pleated wrap from the cover of the new Debbie Bliss magazine Artful Yarns Cliche in the palest of summer grays a blend of cotton and linen to make the perfect summer wrap. simple garter and stockinette stitches combine in this simple pattern plain,understated,but charming none the less. Adding a charm,using elastic this time,instead of yarn to make this simple bracelet once again. doing a little cleaning up...here on the blog feeling the need for simplicity,and white, plainness... with that in mind...and a little past my 1 year blogiversary, it is time again for a giveaway. This time a surprise... actually,let's do 3 grab bags of a sort. spring cleaning from my stash...odds and ends. so if you are interested in helping me on my pursuit of simplicity..let me know. I will enter only those people who leave me a valid email..and a valid interest. I know many of you don't need any more...and that is fine,too. Just say no,thanks :) And thank you to all for the welcome interest in pause for breath. I will post the winner here..in a week or so. Spring is arriving...take a deep breath!

An open invitation~

2009-03-09T17:42:00.002-04:00

"What move men of genius,or rather what inspires their work, is not new ideas,but their obsession with the idea that what has already been said is still not enough." Eugene Delacroix...France This is an invitaion to you, to you all, to please join Nora and I on our photographic journey here Pause for Breath...our joined effort ... a look into ourselves... through the beauty of combined photography Please join us. We'd love to hear your comments

Ink and thoughts...

2009-03-02T14:33:00.003-05:00

" A small drop of ink falling like dew upon a thought,produces that which makes thousands,perhaps millions think" Lord Byron this is my ink...Shibui and Claudia's hand painted ink with thousands of drops transformed into this Point Mousse Cardigan rows and short rows of garter stitch knit in one piece composed while the mind had a chance to settle,a chance to think the simplest and least clad creations leave you with a sense of most beauty it was a struggle to decide on the closure but these metal,curved beauties a treasure from a friend, easily won over the amazing assortment that have been gifted to me by the most amazing persons. Winter is nearly over a new month has begun Spring is really just a dream away (don't forget to chage your clocks this weeked!)

uncomplete~

2009-02-21T19:04:00.003-05:00

My mind feels itself set in motion. Wandering ,searching, unable to settle on a single thought, forcing me to search for many outlets... this gilet is uncomplete... made with two strands of contrasting yarn a Shibui worsted merino and Claudia's hand dyed sock named the same-INK...but slightly different. The sock yarn has some degree of variation...much like a pen running out of ...ink... but I like that... an unevenness... an imperfectness... creating some depth and character.

and Lena

well, it is uncompleted as well. I must confess the ribbing is a drone...

so that is why I started the French cardi...an effortless garter stitch...

allowing my mind be free to do its wanderings. struggling between dream and reality

one of these two will seize me...

forcing me to settle and finish... to be whole again.

to have completed.

a sweeter week

2009-02-11T20:03:00.004-05:00

Life can be untidy,

and a little less bright at times.

Fraught with mixed messages, I delved into my dark side.

But the darkness can be stimulating, and

Victory does not seem as appealing

sometimes you need something to dull the sting of a sorry triumph.

Something pure

something to help you realise

"the most sublime act is to set another before you" William Blake( 1757-1827) England

so...

that is my course

and along the way I will share some sweetness

and even a little tang and next week I shall knit.

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy sweet week.

almost...

2009-02-02T15:18:00.003-05:00

This is Cocoon in scree...remember?

It was almost Haven...

But I changed my mind. You do that,don't you?

Use your right to woman's prerogative?

I decided I wanted this instead.

It's Aimee... or, almost Aimee..

I made some modifications,

knit it in the round,

and changed the decreases to give the shoulder more shaping.

The yarn is soft and warm...the perfect shade of grey for me.

I feel all snugly,

like I'm in a cocoon,when I am wearing it. I almost went sledding..

got out the old Radio flyer...

but I changed my mind

that prerogative thing again, and decided to sew

or maybe I'll fuss with the amaryllis-

see if I can get it to stand up straight....or almost straight

Either way,

today is our anniversary

and I've spent almost all of my life

with the man I love...

hmmm...dinner out? or in??

puzzled

2009-01-26T10:11:00.006-05:00

I have been thinking... there is a Latin word ..reinfecta... it means the business of being unfinished; without accomplishing one's purpose

why have these berries survived the harsh Winter?

I suppose I have just been puzzled of late,

people,

nature,

so I decided to work a puzzle...

maybe help me sort things out... an Early American puzzle ball,

made of over dyed velvet,and over dyed linen

and a piece of antique wool paisley.

Old buttons and new buttons and linen thread

I cut... and I sewed

everything by hand

and it was puzzling to think that these pieces would fit together...

into a ball.

Now,there is controversy as to the purpose of these balls,

whether used as pincushions

or for fun

it did give someone much to ponder... but in the end...

it did come together

into a treasure...

I think I will use it as a pincushion...

or then, maybe just for fun... my purpose this month was to finish a knit...

I have not achieved my purpose,

but there IS work going on

there are sleeves...and a back... there is even a little opening in the ice...

a promise of Spring.

So, then...

I have been thinking...

comfort for a friend

2009-01-19T17:21:00.003-05:00

"We shall find peace. We shall hear angels, we shall see the sky sparkling with diamonds" Chekov An angel for Nora comfort... peace... courage... a flickering flame... to lead the way... be not afraid... you are not alone...

hush...

2009-01-11T00:49:00.000-05:00

a hush fills the air

a silent storm

a land of white

there is work going on

there is more work to do

the back is complete

rolled and ready

like these graceful dancers

my hands will move the needles

so,welcome

into my land of white and not so white

where I plan to be for quite a while

and the reward can taste so good.

white cashmere

graceful ballerinas

Lena

January...basics

2009-01-05T09:40:00.001-05:00

January. The first month of a new year, all the traces of the Holidays are gone everything is put away everything is clean But it's January January is bleak January is cold dreary,lifeless The sun rarely shines here,the snow gets dirty. I want to hibernate. I have difficulty choosing projects,completing anything. I want this January to be different. So after lengthy bouts of thinking...and wondering... I came to a decision. Now is not the time for complexities. Now is the time to get back to basics. My grandmother taught me to knit as a child. and that is what I did...knit...everything garter stitch. At that time, in my childish mind...the most complex I could think of was K1P1... So I have decided to go back to basics... and K2P1 will be my friend...for awhile, until I have completed this project.

Lena...from Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Collection. I am using Berocco Pure merino Dk in a pale,slight grey. Sort of a winter white. Barley. And I have the perfect button a gift that needs to be showcased

and I believe this is the way to do it...

but you undoubtedly will help me decide

So I will work,and work...and hopefully complete this project... to make this January different for me. I did get a little sunshine though

Isn't this scarf lovely?

A ray of sunshine to start my month thank you Lucy.

for the buttons,too And thank you for remembering my hands!

Embrace imperfection.

2008-12-28T12:11:00.000-05:00

My bam is blended. A blend of everything good from my stash...alpaca,silk,Debbie Bliss cotton,Habu mohair...in pale minty greens,palest duck egg blue, muted ivory. It is soft. It is pale. I am not perfect, nor do I want to be . Imperfection is an art. It is not my style to make a promise I cannot keep it is not my style to make New Year's resolutions. I will not resolve to run 5 miles a day like I once did... or to lose weight,change my hair,or change my ways... be better or do better. I will not resolve to knit faster.... to finish all projects...

a New Year is upon us, a chance to take life again, a day at a time.. just to be... or try to be... another year, to just try

I am paled by comparison to be in the company of so many talented people. I have been influenced in a good way by all of your creations. So with the New year upon us,

whatever course you choose,

my advice is

a day at a time

try.

Enjoy And Have a Happy one!

I have decided to let the computer do the choosing on this giveaway.

Random Integer Generator Here are your random numbers:48

Timestamp: 2008-12-28 00:58:22 UTC

(minus my comment and a deleted comment)

the winner is:

MISTYBLISS

*Michelle-email me your postal address;

the sock book and some other goodness are now Yours!!

and thanks to:

Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk wristwarmers by her... Christmas warm wishes from her...

and

the art of imperfection

Shades of Gray...& a giveaway

2008-12-21T17:00:00.002-05:00

"..But today there is no day or night Today there is no dark or light. Today there is no black or white, Only shades of gray.." I am progressing. I am confident. I must move quickly. The circling has kept me motionless for much too long. It is fitting that I should break free of the spiraling by knitting in the round. I am only seeing shades of gray... Thermis. Gray. Shades of gray. Sublime Cashmerino Silk Aran Granite...a shade of gray. a waffle stitch cowl,circling,soft,warm,comforting. Haven...

Rowan Cocoon ... Scree...a soft heathered gray

haven-a safe place to be... Daria Bracelet...

Berocco Seduce Anthricite

a charcoaled gray...linen,silk,encircling...

a quick last minute gift

awaiting a charm And another gray area of a sort...

I love to knit children's socks,baby socks,but my gray area is grown up socks.

I have this book...New,never used and I would like to give it away!

If you would like it...let me know,I will choose a name in 1 week

It could be yours...with some other goodies.

And in the spirit of the Holiday

I have written up the pattern for the Huswifs needle rolls

And for a short time will email you a Pdf if you leave me a comment with your e-mail.

Best wishes for a Happy Holiday Season to all.

"The only true gift is a portion of thyself"...Emerson

going in circles

2008-12-15T22:02:00.004-05:00

Fouetté: A turn or spin on one leg, the body being propelled by a whipping motion of the free leg. It is usually performed by a female dancer. Spinning around and around,going in circles. Very graceful for a dancer. Not so graceful when you need to be moving forward. Pretty tree,the Nutcracker, reflections in the window, the dancers go on and on unlike myself,who has only been going around and around. to start at least 5 projects and then frog them all, only to end up winding around and around so,I followed the flow of this satin ribbon, and wrapped and tied, and packaged and sent. I will write and bake. I will prepare. I will knit. Once I stop going in circles.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...

2008-12-08T20:12:00.001-05:00

"... He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, .... Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! ...There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight..." By Francis P. Church, first published in The New York Sun in 1897 I was sitting and knitting this Habu gear linen, making a reverse bloom washcloth from Weekend Knitting, and hanging the stockings,getting into the spirit, when something magical happened...Santa came early... a package from Belgium full of all sorts of treats, a knitted pin,a knitting needle roll, bags for the girls,an apron and... some real,Belgian chocolate.But that was not all... He also brought gifts from Australia. Buttons...the most wonderful buttons,curved ones,smooth ones, wooden ones,carved ones... such a treat...I couldn't believe my eyes. A spoon for stirring and linen for sewing... gifts wrapped with tissue and hearts, Now,who could not believe in Santa Claus? Thank you Nathalie...for thinking of me... And thank you Nora for making me feel so special. I BELIEVE...you should,too!

Zakka Revised Pattern

2008-12-06T15:09:00.006-05:00

Zakka Revised By T does wool Problems or questions contact me at http://tdoeswool.blogspot.com/

Enough Felted wool, either knitted and felted or try an old woolen sweater felted to cut a 7 ½” diameter circle for base of bag and 6” x 23 ¾” long piece for lower half of bag. Cotton or desired fabric, 10 ½" X 23 ¾” long for top half of bag. 40” of 5/8” wide cotton twill tape for drawstring…or desired medium Matching thread, pins, sewing machine. If you have a locking stitch ,use it, especially on the side seam where the casing opens. Have all pieces cut to size as stated, pressed and ready to go. ½” seam allowance used Sew top and lower half pieces together along the long edge. Press. Topstitch. With right sides together sew the body, leaving 2 ½” open from the top (to form casing) Press ¼” in along this open edge and topstitch. Fold and press ¼” on top edge of the bag body..fold down another 1”, press and sew along the lower edge to form casing. Carefully pin the body to the circle (bag bottom) adjusting where necessary,sew and then zigzag for a neat inner seam.

Turn right side out,press and thread drawstring thru casing.

Finished.

Enjoy

Hint:I traced a cereal bowl onto the wool and cut out leaving a seam allowance for the bottom!

Thanks to Nora... and you can click on free pattern link on side bar to make a copy!

December and gifts

2008-12-01T11:12:00.004-05:00

Now,tell me,is it wrong to model a gift? Is it wrong to want to keep that gift? Of course,I will give it away,but I had to have the softness against my skin just once! It is the colinette zero...this one the one called whirley fig, the yarn is a chunky weight,but it is both thick and thin, creating a textural landscape over your knit. I thought the color went well with my new red coat... the pattern is the Dolores Park Cowl and if you have never made one,you should.. it works up quickly,in a couple of hours, even if you stop and admire the yarn every 15 minutes! I've made 2 this fall for gifting...I am hoping they like them... I also finished the Side Slip Cloche from Boutique Knits as a gift... another dust pink yarn...this one is a handspun from Shadyside Farms. It also worked up slubby,thick and thin..but an aran weight. I did not model this as you can see...didn't want to mold it to my head,I may not take it off!

And I modified Nora's Zakka bag pattern ,to use a felted wool,

and Japanese cotton...all pieces were cut and sewn...

I have the instructions all written down and I promise to share!

Chocolate and pink...what every girl needs!

Hard to believe it's December already.

It will soon become winter officially.

Winter is the time for comfort,for

good food and warmth,for the touch

of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire:it is the time for home.

-Edith Sitwell

Happy Birthday to my husband Andrew today!!

(I call him my junior senior citizen!)

May you enjoy December.

rekindled...

2008-11-29T10:58:00.006-05:00

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.-- Albert Schweitzer Thank you Elaine for the exceptionally wonderful gift, I am so pleased to now own this Porom. you have rekindled my inner and outer spirit... the hat is so cosy and warm the Sublime yarn is a luxury...soft and totally squishy... and you are so generous to send me some of my very own... being the yarnsnob that you are... I expect only the best ;-) your knitting is impeccable... and your taste in choosing buttons..well,it matches my own and thank you for sharing the gift of friendship. the vest is complete,ribbons added and ready for wrapping, I changed the front a little..I did a panel of double crochet,instead of picking up stitches to form the front bands,and it worked perfectly ... I have to confess a little secret...I abhor picking up stitches to form these bands. What about you? Oh,and Erin ...the swap is in the bag...and on it's way... Thank you all for your well wishes...I have an MRI on Monday. I need my arm to hold out for Christmas!

well,the nerve...

2008-11-23T10:36:00.006-05:00

Well,the nerve... the nerve of my nerve to start acting up now... when there is so much to do, so much to finish,stopping me cold in my tracks...

I was moving along quite nicely on this Christmas gift, an adorable girly vest ...

using some stash yarn ,in a color called conker...a rusty red,perfect for this season,

when a stiff neck...turned sour...and a pinched nerve took over.

so,instead I blocked (finally) my mohair scarf...a simple 2 x2 ribbed combined with stockinette for some added interest,but again,I would have to say,

the nerve of Classic Elite to discontinue the colors I needed in this yarn

I instead combined two similar shades in this long, 105" to be exact,scarf...

and wrapped and wrapped my neck in this luxurious silk and wool and mohair. If you can stand a few hairs on your lips while knitting,then run and buy some mohair...any kind...Rowan has some wonderful types...or you could go with the Habu

as I have,but I'll have to be content just looking at it for awhile...

and be happy with the snow soup!

And Happy Thanksgiving to all...I have much to be thankful for...

enjoy your time with your family and loved ones.

compartments...

2008-11-15T21:06:00.004-05:00

Compartmentalize: To separate into distinct parts, categories, or compartments... that is what I did today... moved things here and there.. sorted them out... everything in a perfectly orderly place... this helps me clear the way to create...to knit...or to make these... another needleroll,another huswife ,this one a little different than the others, this one made with mostly wools,some cottons,velvet and buttons... with compartments. I like to work with wool... knitting or sewing,making rugs. nothing compares to the richness of wool,the texture,the depth of colors, the ease of workmanship.

this one made for someone who loves flowers, who loves to garden, who loves the richness of the earth,someone who also works with wool... this one is for you,Lucy ... enjoy... and I promise there is some wooly goodness coming from the needles, next time.

just tweed

2008-11-09T17:57:00.006-05:00

TWEED: a rough woolen fabric;

Sheep thrive in the hills and bogs of Donegal,

and indigenous plants such as blackberries,fuchsia and moss provide the dyes;

Magee of Donegal, located in Ulster, is the most famous tweed manufacturer in Ireland.

TWEEDY: given to wearing tweeds.

TWEEDLEDEE and TWEEDLEDUM: oh,well...

It's made from Debbie Bliss Chunky Donegal Tweed ,and has the most interesting flecks of fuschia, and blackberry and moss colors throughout.

This is my Drop collared cabled jacket- the pattern from Debbie Bliss.

This yarn was originally destined to become something else, as a matter of fact,it was 1/2 into becoming Debbie Bliss' Kilcar. I was having doubts whether I wanted to finish that particular pattern...so it slept in my knitting bag for almost 1 year,that is,until I saw this and said "yes"; it is the one.

the ripping began and the needles came out, ebony needles... and with the black tweed,

I began my journey into the land of moss stitch once more...

this time with cables added,for a bit of interest.

Black is hard to work with,hard to see,when using dark,ebony needles,but I persisted...

and now I have a sweater I truly love.It fits well,has a nice swing,but not too baggy.

And I just happened to have the perfect buttons...

(thanks again Alison )...

you see,I have been busy...I made these mitts also...a Rowan pattern from Martin Storey

winter gifts ...made from RCY silk wool DK in limewash...and again I am in love.

call me a TWEEDY...

and these knits will be my tweedle dee and twedle dum...

I will be wearing them together...a lot!

for fun

2008-11-03T09:34:00.005-05:00

Okay,I did this shot just for fun,and the hat...well,it's for fun,too! it's my own design,made to go with the little pinafore dress I just made... I need to tweak a few things,before I print the pattern.A reverse stockinette,this was done flat,only because I didn't have the circulars I needed. I want to do it in the round,and maybe change the earflaps a little. All in all,I like it and it matches the dress perfectly...now I need to purchase those rolled cuff jeans! I used Berroco ultra alpaca... in a shade called couscous... should be soft and warm. last week I received a beautiful gift from Claudia a beautiful enameled ring box with the most beautiful pewter bottom perfect for any tiny treasure...thank you! and the swap gift is knit...and will soon be sent. my sweater is blocking,and I promise there is more progress on this... I just have to work in all the gifts,too...how are you doing on yours?

tricks...treats...

2008-10-28T08:32:00.006-04:00

Trick is a word with many meanings.Some imply deception;

this time it is an indirect means to gain an end.No deception here...

only an adorable Japanese pattern book and yes,you guessed it...written in Japanese.

That's the trick...getting past the "I don't understand this language" and liberating your creativeness. The trick is to rely on the skills you have,your ability to look at a picture and run with it.

In the end you will have an adorable little project,fit for an adorable little someone...

you could call it a dress, or a pinafore...a bit over over dyed lace for a flutter sleeve...

buttoned up the back...

a front pleat,and everything top stitched...

even a little pocket for some added interest...

combine that with some imported French fabric and now what do you have...yes a treat...

and before I forget...this yarn is a serious treat,like a bowl of cotton candy.

Colinette one zero...in a special color for October(breast cancer awareness month)

Whirley Fig...I love that name...now this will become a Christmas gift,so I don't want to divulge too much right now...

So I'll leave you with this:

like it says on the ribbon...

turning a square...

2008-10-23T21:37:00.003-04:00

Okay...we all use an iron,right? Tell me why,then, I am on my 3rd Rowenta in the last 10 years-or better yet...why do I keep buying them? Yes,the are the best,yes, they press so nice,yes,they are so expensive,yes,yes,yes...but why...well,I needed a new one.... and I needed to steam block the top of this...

turn a square by the brooklyn tweed...I had a lonely skein of Annabel Fox dk donegal in navy and a lonely skein of noro without a label...so there you have it...another gift...

another hat. This pattern works up quickly...and to use the noro in this way is really such a colorful treat...to watch the colors advance...I cut out the pinks and purples in this skein to make it more suitable for a male...

but really...male or female a great pattern all in all.Now...I don't want you to think I have forgotten about my blissful sweater (in need of 2 sleeves) or my cabled cowl (1/2 completed)

It's just that I am always being summoned,

for something or other,

and I can't get back to them...

for now....

fortunate

2008-10-17T13:32:00.008-04:00

FORTUNATE:favourable;favoured;felicitous;happy;lucky;prosperous; successful... I have been fortunate... Fortunate to have found such astonishing people in the most unlikely places... lucky to have made new friends... lucky that Nathalie found me when I was not looking, happy that Steffen wanted to trade... yes,I have been fortunate... Nathalie sent me this wonderful scarf. All the way from Belgium. Sent just because...just because I liked it... that is fortunate... Made from felted wool and woolen yarn,it is a unique,one of a kind,handmade creation. It is warm...warm from the fibers and warm from the heart with which it was given. It wraps and buttons,it makes me happy.. And I have been lucky,lucky enough to trade with Steffen for the most wonderful papers.Tags...notepads...calling cards... lucky that they are mine. Handmade and so delightful... almost to pretty to use. This is a surprise ,a project for a swap...I won't give anything away,except that well,isn't it fortunate that Erin and I are teamed up?...lucky again. And fortunate to have the most incredible readers...friends I am happy to have found.

choices~

2008-10-11T16:39:00.005-04:00

Our lives are filled with choices. What we choose,how we choose defines our being. We can choose to do good,or not...to be honest,or not...we choose when to awaken,when to sleep...when and what to eat...we choose the jobs we want,we choose how we spend our idle time...on and on into infinity... Choices are important...like choosing the right wool , in the right color, for the right pattern. (or choosing not to lotion your hands before taking a photo)

or choosing the right pattern, for the right gift, for the right person or choosing to use your antique needles ,with this wool ,to make the most beautiful mittens. or choosing to have your Mister,choose the winner of the giveaway...this way it would be fair, without question ... So Tracy, e-mail me your address...YOU, are the winner of choice. ...thank you all-I truly wish I could send you all a huswife...I am not sure how I am going to proceed about the pattern,whether I will make it available, or sell some on Etsy...my choice right now is to keep you posted.

doubles...

2008-10-05T15:12:00.005-04:00

double entendres...double standard...double negative...double take... double needle rolls,double huswifes ...made with cotton and linen and wool and buttons... made with warm autumn colors...to welcome the season... one for a trade... (with Stef ) one for a GIVEAWAY... leave me a comment,here on the blog and next week,I will draw a name from all the comments and announce the winner here... so leave me a comment... no double talk... oh...I made this for me...only one,no doubles... a folded heart needle keep...it opens up flat... has a pocket for herbs,lavender or whatever. Maybe I'll make a double of this sometime... but for now, go...double quick...and leave me a comment. the huswife could be yours. wouldn't that be doubly nice!

t does wool

January blues~

silly poetry~things white and blue

t..& honey~

some things need no words

a study in texture....

wrapped up~

looped.....

a composition sustained~

the laughter of time~woven

time~

containment~

back to basics~

February frost

my imperfect winter storm

twisted in the red chair

the elves and the hat maker

magnolia days~

the things about friendship~

crossing lines~

dreams and whims~

designing....devising....sharing

Style

secrets~

the blues~

meant to be broken~

a wrap is in order~

happy/sad

~like a watermelon~

~bliss

three things...

etcetera~

having an edge~

~~and the number is~~~~

little gifts of friendship~

in the right light~

I went in search of a color and a name~

comp perception~

~eggs 101

xo~

~thieves and thievery~

little things~

~yin yang~

~needing sleeves

how to begin~

~published!

~january indecision

~absolutely cabled~

~winter

~points~

simple things~

thanks~giveaway.....

~a giving swap~

the day is finished~

~the right tools~

Random Integer Generator

I do smile~and a giveaway

a little black magic

Tasmanian toasty snood~

unpredictable/transformable

~daily fiber

~gifting~

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

Me and my Shadow....

Summer light~

this time...

~no demands~

You know you want this...

material girl~

as I am...

a favor was asked...

the beauty of numbers...

doubts & certainty

truths

I had

Drinking from the stream...

Plainly content...

An open invitation~

Ink and thoughts...

and the number is~~