ABC's of Creative Pursuits Blog

OK, How Many Crafts Can You Combine at Once??

2011-03-03T15:12:00.000-08:00

Your creative juices continue to expand and inspire us to new heights. How many things are we doing now? 10? 12? A bazillion (as Sheldon might say)? And how many can you use together? Maybe we should have a contest...... Anyway, spinning continues to blast into the forefront of newly requested crafts here at the store. And, if having beautiful and handcrafted materials, is any motivation, it is no wonder.

Here is my most recent acquisition from Zebisis designs, a Fire Turquoise spindle and some fibery goodness. Now I just need to learn how to use it.....

And I have talked a lot about spinning arte yarnes. Here is one that Vicki spun up that she calls "Sweet Potato" and that I used to create another mobius, which I will post the pattern for shortly. Hey, Vicki, any idea what you are going to call your company?

And nothing new about dyeing with us but thought you might like to see some of the recent results. This is some superwash Kona that I dyed up for Laurel.

And here is the project that she has started. I really like the little pops of periwinkle that are showing.....

This is some alpaca lace that I dyed up for a swap project.

Here is the swap shawl underway.....

And something else that we are doing now is continuing to find ways to incorparate beads into our fiber projects. We have done bead knitting and crochet in the past, but I am now also teaching bead weaving classes and turning them into fasteners for wearables.

Here is a traingle peyote stitch project that will become a shawl pin for the alpaca lace project.

I think they will go really well together!

This is a beaded bead I worked on a few years ago that wasn't sure what it wanted to be. I think it wants to become a toggle fastener so I guess I need to dye something up for it to go with. Maybe some of the new alpaca/silk dk we just got in for a ruana.......

The top piece is a pin I made years ago and the second piece is Mary's first freeform piece. We'll have to come up with something for it to go with.

And we all know that organization isn't my forte so I hired 2 experts to help...

Aren't they doing a great job?

2011-02-16T10:20:00.000-08:00

Well, the spinning craze is continuing to grow. So, while I haven't picked it up yet, here are some things that will definitely keep me motivated!

These are just some of Sosae Caetano's beautiful hand dyed fibers.

This is a hand made spindle

from Zebisis Designs. It is sooo

beautiful that I have to learn

to use it when it gets here!

And here are the girls!!

They are just getting out of the trailer
(and all 6 of them fit in a 2 horse trailer!!)

Checking out their surroundings,

and going over to meet Peanuts, the burro next door. Aren't they darling?

And after getting them settled in, everyone was exhausted and decided to take naps, DH serving as "pet furniture". Wonder if I could bring one of the alpacas in as well? Hmmmm.......

Spinning Goes Wilde!!

2011-02-11T20:41:00.000-08:00

Wow, spinning has really become a passion. I'm trying to learn but it is going to take some practice. We have a group who are meeting every Saturday at the shoppe at 1PM for lessons or to just spin together. Join us if you are interested.

Here are some new some new, basic bottom whorl spindles that we just got in. Great for beginers!

And this is an arte yarne I just purchased from dreamfiber/Gerry who was just featured in Knitscene. It is called Koi Pond. Sosae and Vicki are creating some gorgeous custom yarns as well.

And I told Critter that he doesn't get these Koi, so he is hiding his eyes so he isn't tempted. Good Boy!

Arte Yarne Mobius Pattern Link

2011-02-04T10:37:00.000-08:00

OK, I seem to be brain dead today and can't figure how to download a pdf to the blog. So, instead, here is the link to the pattern and a bigger picture. I'll figure out how to get it on here sooner or later (probably later....):0)))

Wow, has it really been that long?

2011-02-02T20:51:00.001-08:00

Unbelievable. It has been almost a year since I last posted here.

I'm going to try to get rolling again with this and, to that end, the first

thing that is taking hold this year are producing your own arte yarns

and learning to spin. This is an original design for a mobius using Sosae's arte yarne. I'll have the free pattern up in a day or two.

Here are pics of our

first 2 classes and

some of the products

available, especially

now that we have connected

with Sosae Casetano,

a local fiber artisan.

Here is Moya's hand spun from Sosae's merino/tencel blend as a single.

Nancy's first attempt at hand spinning using a drop spindle and a braid of BLF in "Sweet Melon.

We will having another spinning class this Saturday, Feb 5th, at 1PM. Hope you can join us!

And the girls are all tuckered out from guarding the precious fibers. Poor things, it is a tuff life......

Traveling Woman & Wet Felting Class Projects

2010-04-24T18:59:00.000-07:00

Hasn't the weather been marvelous?!? Course, I luv the rain and the in between seasons, Spring & Fall. So it has been nice to have an actual Spring for a change.

So, Paige just finished the Traveling Woman Shawl from Ravelry using Sabrina's Anzula Wash My Lace. sn't it beautiful? Paige did an awesome job. It would also look fabulous in a fingering weight. And we had a lot of fun in the wet felting class today. The ladies made some beautiful flowers.

These are Barbara K's.

And these are Barbara M's.

They are all ready to be embellished and used for purses, hats, to adorn scarves, packages, as pins or barrettes. The uses are endless.

And I have to say, I have never seen a dog sleep like this but Meggie seems to do it all the time. I wonder if she will outgrow it..........

Wet Felting Examples

2010-04-22T18:25:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, we are going to be doing a Wet Felting class. I had previously shown you pictures of projects that we will have the instructions for. Here are pictures of the samples I have done and are in the shop now. It is slightly trickier than they would have you believe, but I think I have many of the kinks worked out.

This is the one shown on the felted soaps in my previous post. It is partially needle felted and finished by wet felting.

That needle felting tool from Ashford is sharp-literally!! But it also made short work of the needle felting step in this project.

It has now been wet felted and is ready to be embellished.

And now it is shaped and embellished. It sort of looks more like a butterfly than a flower. Hm........

This is the project that we will actually be doing in the class. It is shown as the black flower in the previous post.

These are the layers ready for shaping and assembling.

They are now trimmed, shaped and stacked, ready to be sewn and embellished.

And Ta-Da!- finished. I discovered that this type of felting doesn't shrink anywhere near as much as knitted/crocheted felting does. So this sample is larger than I would have liked. One of the bugs that I have worked out.And I have never seen a dog whose ears move so far forward!

Wouldn't she look cute with one of these flowers tied on top of her head. Awwww........

Wet Felting Projects

2010-04-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

Boy, what a day today was! We were evacuated for 3 hours while the police checked out an "incendiary" device, which they finally detonated, later saying there were no explosives in it. Yeah, right! And we had a jumper on 18th, I think on the Family Support building. I wondered if it was a full moon but was told by a friend "no, but Mercury is in retrograde". How many astronomical phenomenon do we have to worry about, anyway? Actually, I fear it has something to do with the volcano, which I understand has turned into a second one now erupting. Bless their hearts, let's all send them good thoughts and prayers.

Anyway, wanted to show ya'll the progress on the scrumbling project. Obviously, wasn't able to get much done today but I think it is still looking pretty good.

And remember the felted soaps we did in December? They are an example of wet felting. Easy, peasy. We are going to do a class in wet felting on Saturday, focusing on flowers.

These are some examples and I hope, barring any further unforseen excitment, that I will actually get some shop samples done tomorrow. They can be used as pins, embellishments for hats or purses, barrettes or even to decorate packages. Call the shop for times and details.

And, hmmmm..............I got nothing except.....cute puppy picture!

Scrumbling Again!

2010-04-17T03:24:00.000-07:00

Inspired by Jenny Dowde and her Ravelry group, Prudence Mapstone's newsletter and her "A Scrumble a Week" website, as well as the other multitudinous info on Ravelry, I decided to pick up my Felted Scrumbled Purse and work on finishing it.

First I picked out wool that had colors I liked (purple? Imagine that!) and designed the purse. The yarn used is Loft. This is it before felting, obviously.

And this is it after felting. Sorry a few of these pictures are so blurry. They were taken before I got the new camera that I can hardly use. But at least it stabilizes the image.

And yes, the flap was meant to be asymmetrical (she says!).

Then these are the scrap yarns I pulled to make my scrumbles. My intention is to just cover the flap with scrumbles.

And these are the scrumbles I have created thus far. Scrumbles can either be knitted or crocheted and I am using both techniques.

You can make them in small units then join them or you can create one large one, filling in the gaps as you go to fit the area you want it to cover. I am going to be making small ones, tacking them on as I go and creating whatever pieces I need to fill the gaps.

And we're off!

New Merisock and Projects

2010-04-16T18:39:00.000-07:00

Look at our new shipment of Merisock! Whoo hoo! This stuff is addicting. And in high demand. It took us 4 weeks to get this shipment in. Evidently, there are about 20 retailers in California that carry Punta but only about 6 of them stock the Merisock. Silly them!!

Now I realize that it isn't everyone's forte, but take a look at these beaded socks that I started 2-at-a-time top down out of the same hank (until the dog ate my needle).

Isn't the color variation interesting? I am anxious to do a garment out of it to see the shading that develops.
Another new project that we started is a variation of the Blooming Buds Shawl. This is also a Jojoland pattern called Floating Flowers and, while she calls it a wrap, I would call it more of a scarf as the finished measurements are 10' X 60'. It uses her Rhythm and any worsted weight solid. I'm using Cloud Nine but I think next time I would use Aurora 8 as I find the halo of the Cloud somewhat distracts from the pattern. Another pattern we will start soon is called Rhythm Hidden Squares. She really does some lovely patterns and also writes some nice sock patterns.And this was our last weaving warped up. Love the colors!

However, the Nikki, the outer multicolor, was a little thick for the 7.5 dpi reed and shredded rather quickly. It really should have been warped on a 5 dpi reed.

This was about as far as we got so I think we will either make it a pillow or maybe full it slightly and make a cool clutch. Maybe with a little needle felting thrown in?

But if you want to go finer, versus the 5 dpi, Ashford now has a Second Heddle Kit that allows you to make very fine weaves or create more intricate patterns. Haven't gone there yet but am looking forward to trying it.

And here is Meggie, shop-puppysitter-in-training. She doesn't look horribly thrilled, does she?

Notice her handiwork on my Birki's in the back? Oh, yes, so very talented!!

New Stuff

2010-03-19T15:18:00.001-07:00

We have been working on a lot of new projects lately and most of them seem to be out of some of the recent magazine issues.
This is our version of the Fiery Ruche Scarf from IK Winter 09.

I chose to use Indulgence which gives it a softer, brushed look. It would also be beautiful in DK Merino Silk, giving it a richer appearance with more sheen. And it gives me an idea for our next woven project, a Ruched Scarf. Hm............

This is the Diagonal Lace Scarf from Knit 'n Style Feb 2010 that Jamie is working on using Anne.Obviously, any fingering weight yarn would work, either bright or more neutral. Can you see this in some of the shaded tones of Merisock or Melody? We are also doing ours on a slightly more open gauge to make it more appropriate for Spring, maybe a lovely Easter gift for someone?

This is minimally structured top from Knit 'n Style April 2010 using Prism yarns in Laura Bryant's signature 1 row stripes of 3 different colors.

These are the colors I chose

and this is another possible color combination.

It is done in the round from the bottom up, the cap sleeves are knit separately and the finishing is minimal. One of the beauties of combining 3 yarns is it creates a unique texture and keeps the weight light. Whether done in shiny, Prism type yarns or more matte cottons, this is going to be a fun knit.

Never leave a DH unattended- they tend to get into trouble. We hadn't decided whether to replace our sorely missed Dotty, but sent DH to Albertsons the other day and he came home with the groceries-and this!

We have decided on Megan for a name, so I guess we are keeping her!

Three Tams Calss

2010-02-26T19:12:00.000-08:00

We had a lot of fun during the Three Tams class on Monday. The 3 Js (Jan, Jane and Judy) and Bev all took to the stranded work really well and picked some delightful colors.

Here is Judy's first one. She is going to make 2.

Here is Jane's. I luv the greens!

Bev is allergic to wool, bless her heart, so she is using Lana Grossa Organica for her solid and Twisted Sisters Mirage for her varigated.

Jan working on the corregated rib.

Fun was had by all! I can't wait to see them all finished.

And, of course, everyone is aware of how much I am enjoying this weather. Mandy is also enjoying it and takes the time to play jungle cat, stalking game in the tall grass.
Hope she doesn't bring it in the house!

Woven Ruffled Felted Scarf Completed

2010-02-22T23:38:00.000-08:00

We have been doing a lot of weaving recently and the latest design, as promised, is a Woven Ruffled Felted Scarf. Here Jaime is warping with Indulgence, using a 5 dpi heddle.

After warping, we will be weaving with some more Oceania and Kureyon

again using the clasped weft technique.

The finished woven piece is 80" X 9".

Here all the ends are woven in and it has been gathered to 60". Critter gives it his approval.

And here it is after felting.The finished measurements are 55" X 5".

Angus obviously approves also.

Flower Power Elephant Finished

2010-02-20T07:55:00.000-08:00

When I started this project, I picked yarn that went well with the blanket colors. This was an Angus, my scottish fold cat, "project"- in other words, he had made a nest out of it. So I decided to use it but it was a felting wool, so I knew the project would need to be felted.

Here she is done and ready to be felted.

And here she is post felting.

Obviously, the moral is not everything looks better felted. I'll keep this as a shop sample and make another one for the Project Linus pocket blanket because it really is a cute, fun pattern.

And Angus is pouting because I took away his "project". Poor Boy!

Wow! Needlefelting!

2010-02-19T14:10:00.001-08:00

OK, this is pretty cool if you haven't been hearing about it. It takes small amounts of loose wool, some very sharp, barbed needles and some time. You can be extremely creative, it is a small project that is easy to work on in the summer and makes great little gifts. Having said that, check out these felted bowls here, here, these felted cherries, a ladybug, well, you get the idea. And our friend, knottyknitter40/Darcy just decided to try it one day and has created some darling things. Check them out here ( not everything is needle felting). I just luv the blue sheep!!

Of course, I decided to start with a cat and a kit.

Here is the body before any needling.

Here is the body when I was satisfied with the solidness.
Here I have added the "belly". I am still working on the head. I'm not finding it as easy as everyone makes it look. It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks!! I'll keep you updated.
If you want to try it we have some new Ashford kits in that include everything needed for your first project, a beagle and butterflies. As soon as I finish my cat I want to try the butterflies.

Or Ashford has also put out a kit that has the base, 4 different size needles, 15 different colors of merino rovings and the marvelous new Ashford Needle Felting Book by Barbara Allen. It is a great way to get started if you don't have any scraps (yeah, right!).

And if you are already into this craft and are making big projects, check out this Ashford Needle Felting Punch. This is a very cool gadget, comes with 5 needles that store in the handle when not being used and the needles can be re-ordered.

I think it is going to be a fun summer activity!

Keyhole Scarf Completed

2010-02-19T07:33:00.000-08:00

Well, this was a fast, fun project. And, as I mentioned earlier, it made great use of fibers left from previous projects. So, here are the steps to produce this:

Here is the finished strip. It measures approximately 4" X 90".

The kids obviously approve it.

Here I folded it in half lengthwise and marked where I wanted the keyhole.

And here it is sewn, washed and blocked.

Isn't it rich? I luv the way the textures worked together to produce a deep, eclectic look. However, next time I would make it slightly narrower and a little bit longer.

Up next: I am designing a Woven Ruffled Felted Scarf using the same technique. Stay tuned.

Progress on Elephant and Woven Keyhole Scarf

2010-02-16T19:28:00.000-08:00

Here is the progress on my Flower Power Elephant for Project Linus. I have a body, 2 ears and 2 legs. I need 2 more legs, then I'll embroider eyes and some flowers on her and then I am going to felt mine. Should have the finished product in a few days and I will be working on the pocket blanket Saturday to fit this little girl.

This is called a Woven Keyhole Scarf which I started today.

This is the schematic for assembly. It is similar to a knitted buttonhole scarf.

I warped using solid green Heritage and Santa Fe in Jungle Rain.

I am using a technique called Clasped-Weft which allows you to use 2 different yarns to create either a symmetrical or a free form pattern. Obviously, I'm doing some free forming. I started weaving with the Santa Fe and a Drop Spindle Brushed mohair that was left on the shuttle from a previous project.

When I ran out of the mohair that was on the shuttle, I started to add more mohair but then remembered some Oceania in Spanish Moss that we also had left from a previous project. It is a 100% wool boucle with a strand of lurex that gives it a marvelous purlescent component that, unfortunately doesn't show up in the pictures, although you can see it a little bit in the skein in the upper right hand corner. So off I went with the Oceania.

It doesn't exactly match, but it coordinates well. And the boucle weaves fabulously! Add to that the purlescent element and it is really very cool. I got half of it woven today and may be able to finish the weaving tomorrow then begin the assembly. Stay tuned.

All this planning and weaving just wiped Phoebe out, so she is doing doggie stretches and doggie naps to be ready for the next stage.

Wish I could get that relaxed!

Valentine Ideas

2010-02-10T18:46:00.000-08:00

What a plethera of Valentine day ideas! Here are some simple ones, some different ones and some that are great as gifts.

First , a few ideas for our crocheting friends. These are all free patterns that can be found at Crochet Pattern Central.

Of course, there are always great dishclothes that can be finished quickly.

There are a number of heart based sock patterns. I thought this one was interesting for the "shadow effect" Anyone knit any shadow socks? It might be a great new workshop.

This is the elephant that I am making for the next Project Linus pocket blanket. He would make a great Valentine's Day gift by embroidering hearts on him instead of flowers.

This is the "Sweethearts Scarf"- very cute and interesting technique. The pattern is on Knitting Pattern Central.What do you think about this heart? It is interesting for anyone in the health field, don't you think? Pattern is at knitty.com.

Then this is my design "Every Occasion Drawstring Bag". I'm not a very good photographer, but it is a cute, med size felted bucket bag with a long drawstring. The idea was that I would then create adornments to attatch for each holiday. These are the heart adornaments

which also make good kitty toys for kitties who aren't too uppity to play with them. Critter obviously thinks it is his due- maybe a good behavior medal. Yeah.........
I got stymied last year in trying to produce shamrocks for the next holiday. But I know what I will do to produce them this year-needlefelting!! Watch for it. If it works out the way I think it will, it will also be a class.

Happy Valentine's Day and Opening Olympic Weekend!

Somehow?

2010-01-26T15:19:00.000-08:00

You always hear about it but never think it will happen to you until it happens. We had gotten a call several weeks ago about 2 phone bills that had gone to collections. We denied having the numbers they told us about and an investigation was started. Then, last week, we received correspondence from a sheriff's investigator advising us that they had busted someone who had our mail in their possession!!!!!! And it had included our SSI numbers! They wouldn't verify who the mail was from but it wasn't anything we had missed. If you don't have a lock box, please think about getting one. This sucks!!

Besides that, things are going well. Do I need to discuss the weather? Probably not, as I don't think anyone but me enjoys this kind of weather. I luv it!!!And we certainly needed the rain. So here is what is going on this week.

We received lots of new yarns from Karabella. This is a sample of Aurora 8.

Then we received Hiya Hiya and Denise needles. The funest (is that a word?) thing are the newest Turkish Spindles. Absolutely beautiful!!!! It is no wonder he is back ordered for weeks. 4 of them are already spoken for, sight unseen. I'll definitely be carrying these in greater quantity in the future.

And this is my " Different Ripple Scarf" pattern that I am in the process of revising. We hope to have a new version copy up in the next week, as well as a new Hounds tooth Felted Bag pattern.

And one more comment about the weather. Everyone wants to compain about it but, actually. doesn't the view make the difference?How green is this?

Yarny Goddess Works in Mysterious Ways!

2010-01-12T19:36:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it to TNNA and was very disappointed about it. However, Sabrina and Laura of Anzula Yarns came by on their way home from TNNA, where Sabrina did awesomely by the way!!, and allowed me to "shop" from her inventory from the show!!

Whoopee!! Color me happy!!! The shop is, once again, full of Anzula.

Sabrina has developed a new line of semi solid colors which are gorgeous and we are the first shop to have them along with her varigateds! I really wiped her out of these semi solids. We bought 4 different lace weights, 4 different fingering weights, some rovings and 2 DK weights. And Paige is working up a a design for a cabled shawl using one of the fingerings which is looking beautiful! She hopes to have it written up soon and, if it is finished, Sabrina is going to take it with her to Stitches West! Way to go Paige!

Come check it all out!

Projects and Giving in the New Year

2010-01-11T14:29:00.000-08:00

Greetings, Happy Fiberholics!

How is everyone's New Year going thus far? In keeping with my intentions for this year, I am busy working on Creative Critters 4 Luv, my pet afghans that I will sell and donate the proceeds to various pet rescue organizations. As soon as I get some of these done, I will be starting a website for them and will post pictures for anyone interested. I will also take special orders for specific colors and will donate some to local organizations to sell for themselves. Will keep you posted.

We will continue to have 1 day a month devoted to Project Linus. This month it will be Saturday, January 23 from 1-4PM. We will offer ideas, free patterns and free instructions for anyone who wishes to work a project for them. Hope you can join us.

We will also be collecting hats for CBCC until January 31. Anyone who donates a hat will be entered into a drawing for a $20 gift certificate. One entry per hat.

And here are some of the new projects we are working on. This is the Three Tams from knitty.
We used 1 skein of Aurora 8 and 1 skein of Silk Garden. This was a well written pattern, with 3 different designs. It is done with worsted weight yarns on a #6 needle so it goes much faster than many of the current hat patterns that are using fingering yarns on very small needles so it is a great first stranding project.

This is the Blooming Bud shawl from Jojoland using just 2 colors of Melody.
Melody is a great alternative to some of the Noro yarns. Long color repeats, very soft and good price point. This is a fun, 4 row pattern stitch and don't you just luv the texture? It looks much harder than it is!

And, of course, my gratuitous pet picture. Here Rufus, who now weighs about 13 pounds,

is trying to squeeze into Angus' bed. Angus weighs maybe 6 pounds. Rufus has fallen out of it twice now. I guess I should break down and make him a Kitty Pi bed!

Some New Items at the Shop

2009-12-28T18:10:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about this coming year and am hoping it will be a more positive and productive time. To that end, I have been thinking about the things I would like to change. I, of course, would like to lose some weight and get healthier, I vow to get more organized and I also want to finish and post more new items and shop projects, as well as taking the shop in new directions. I'll talk more about that in the coming weeks. I'm not going to call these resolutions, because that usually dooms them to failure. Rather, they are just things I want to work towards. What are your intentions for the coming year?

So in keeping with these intentions, here are some of the current projects finished or under way:

Jamie finished her first weaving on the Ashford Knitter's Loom. Isn't it great? The colors are marvelous and she really got through it quickly. You can produce items so quickly on these looms. It is really enjoyable.

We just got in some new yarns from JoJoLand. I luv JoJoLand's yarns. They are so soft and the colors are exciting without being too bright. Our newest shipment included Melody, her superwash fingering and Rhythm, her worsted weight which we haven't had before.
Paige is busy making an entrelac scarf with the cream/brown Rhythm. It is coming out beautifully and we will get a picture posted shortly.

Then here is Anne Shirley using Merisock and Santa Fe.

It is a modified Feather & Fan pattern, designed to be a scarf. I doubled the number of stitches to make it a wrap. It can be blocked or left unblocked to resemble a shibori project. I luv the texture and the fact that it is reversable. Too much fun and the picture doesn't do the colors of the yarns justice. They are so rich and really compliment each other. Another variation of the chevron idea.

And this is the Mitered Vee from Jane Slicer-Smith's Swing Swagger Drape book.

I luv doing mitered projects and this one went very quickly as it is using Kureyon so you don't have to change colors that often. Sh......this is for my downstream partner in Ravelry's Worldwide Shawl Exchange and it is a secret.

And this was the scene after Christmas dinner.

The babies got to share our food and were more than ready to also share nap time. There almost wasn't room for us!

Hope you have a great New Year's!

Christmas Eve Ruminations

2009-12-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

Be forewarned- this post has nothing to do with knitting and everything to do with the spirit of the season and finding meaning.

As a child, my Christmases were very joyful. My parents, while maybe not always able to provide everything my greedy child's heart wanted, certainly provided plenty and kept up the great charade of Santa Claus with much enthusiasm. Then, when I was 11, my father was lost in Viet Nam. While I'm sure my mother knew where he was, I and my brothers had no idea and our world fell apart. Since that time, the Holidays have always been very melancholy and difficult for me, and especially so now that my mother has passed. While it was difficult after my father was lost, she made a great effort to still put on all the trappings, long after our belief in Santa Claus had ended, despite her own loneliness and sense of loss. She truly embodied the spirit of generosity and giving, providing our family with cohesion, and it is sorely missed. I blame much of it on all the commercialism of our society, showing that every family should be "picture perfect" with no bickering, no family black sheep, no lack of monetary trappings and lots of social interaction and companionship. Yeah, right! Were that it were so!

I know that one of the issues I have dealt with since my father's loss is depression; it runs in the family, so it is not surprising. It has always been worse during the holiday season and I have struggled with it strongly since Mom's death. It has made the last several seasons totally without pleasure and I had come to dread them and just wanted to hurry through them. I find this season slightly different. This past year has been a trial on many levels but at the time of year that is usually the most difficult, I feel an introspection that I haven't in the past. Don't get me wrong- I haven't seen a miracle or been shown the light. Although, come to think of it, in a way maybe I have. I still feel intensely sad and terribly alone, especially since the family has drifted far apart, but I also for some reason have started to deeply realize that the expectations that commercials put on us are totally without basis in reality. Does anyone not feel some sense of expectations not met at this time of year? Not too many, I would bet. Does it mean we shouldn't enjoy the spirit of the season, no matter how we celebrate it, even if we don't utilize all the trappings our society shows as "normal"? Obviously not. This seems logical, we shouldn't even have to think about it, and I have always known it on some level. Never the less, it has been the case that I wallowed in self pity for what wasn't, what should have been. Maybe this is what my bottom is- I don't think I could have become much sadder, although this I also ignored on a superficial level. Old cliché, but true; when you hit the bottom, there is no way to go but up. I chose to ignore the trappings this year- didn't put up lights or a tree at home, didn't try to buy gifts for family we never see or hear from. And instead of thinking about how badly I feel, although it does leak through at odd moments, instead I feel motivated to look outside myself. Duh, huh? I think about all the usual world wide tragedies, especially the families who have a member fighting for our country and all the homeless and abused animals. But I also have had it brought into my heart all the people who strive to do something to balance these sorrows. Did anyone see the Rachel Ray segment that aired today? About her contest to support worthy animal rescue operations? OMG. It made me feel so petty yet so inspired. I finally (or again, maybe?) understand the cure for depression, loss, grief and worry: to devote yourself to balancing these sorrows.

How is that for a cliché?

Best of wishes to all for this season.

Anzula Thick&Thin Hat pattern

2009-12-01T20:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a quick, easy, basic 1 skein hat pattern using Anzula Thick & Thin Corriedale.

Anzula Thick & Thin Hat
Fits 21-23" head
Materials
1 skein Anzula Thick & Thin Corriedale
#9 16" circular and dbl point needles Gauge: 4 sts=1"

Rolled Brim Version
Cast on 88 sts and join for working in the round, being careful not to twist sts. Work stockinette st (knit every round) for 6.5 from cast on.
Begin decreasing:
R 1: *K6, slip 2 tog knitwise, knit together* around-77 sts.
R 2 and all even rnds: Knit.
R 3: *K5, slip 2 tog knitwise, knit together* around-66 sts.
R 5: *K4, slip 2 tog knitwise, knit together* around-55 sts.
R 7: *K3, slip 2 tog knitwise, knit together* around-44 sts.
R 9: *K2, slip 2 tog knitwise, knit together* around-33 sts.
R 11: *K1, slip 2 tog knitwise, knit together( around-22 sts.
R 13: *Slip 2 tog knitwise, knit together* around-11 sts.
Knit 1 more rnd. Cut yarn, leaving a 12" tail. Thread a yarn needle with tail and pull through the remaining 11 sts, pull tight to close and weave in tail.

Ribbed Brim Version:
Cast on 88 sts and work 1.5 " in 2/2 rib. Continue as for Rolled Brim Version.
Enjoy!

Jamie Learns to Weave!

2009-12-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

Jamie is learning to weave! I talked about wanting to weave with the new Drop Spindle Brushed English Mohair and we decided to warp with CTH's Oceania.

Here is the color combination we decided on.

Here it is warped.

Moving the second strands to the eyes.

Finishing the tensioning.

Weaving with the mohair.

Isn't it coming out beautifully?

It is going to be so soft and rich. I can't wait for it to be finished!