Knot-Cha-Chá!™

Beaded Anticipation of Spring and Fiber for Next Winter

2012-02-08T22:55:00.000-08:00

More art batts have been ordered so I can make some art-yarn scarves for next winter like the one in the previous post. It's so much fun to spin wild artsy yarn. There will be some fun scarves in exciting color palettes for next season.

Meanwhile, while waiting for fiber, I have been knitting a very long brioche scarf for a customer and have also started the annual beaded bangle production. All of this is happening during contemplation of working on my books for last year.

The current batch of bangles have wreaths of flowers around them. Some, like this dusty peach bangle could be worn with a ball gown.

Others, like this one in various shades of blue, could be worn with your blue jeans or a summery dress.

This one could go with leathers, a goth or rocker look, or some smokin' hot tango dress.

They will be coming soon to the shop!

Art Yarn Scarf

2012-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

So much fun to make!

This is the scarf that was knit from the art yarn in the last post.

You can also wear it wrapped like a cowl by using a scarf pin to fasten it.

All of a sudden I feel a new zest for spinning!

If you are interested in purchasing some read-to-knit arty yarn or if you want the fiber to spin your own art yarn, Elizabeth Drake, the friend from my spinning guild who created the fiber batt for the scarf in this post, has just opened her Etsy shop. She will be stocking it soon with all kinds of yummy fiber. Mark her shop as a favorite and visit it often to see what she is selling.

First Art Batt

2012-01-31T21:10:00.000-08:00

In the world of spinning, a batt is wadded blanket or sheet of fiber that has been prepared on a drum carder. You can see photos of the process at the Joy of Hand Spinning. The last of the three photos on their webpage shows a solid-colored batt being lifted from the drum carder.

While some batts are composed of solid-colored fiber, others have multiple colors blended together. The wildest of the multiple colored batts are referred to as art batts. I just bought my first one.

It had tons of wonderful colors, with a preponderance of lavender and turquoise. There were lovely textural nubs of wool, pieces of metallic, and other lovely bits to wind up in the yarn. My spinning process was more loosey-goosey than normal because I wanted a wild thick and thin ply.

Here are some other little bits that got spun into the art batt fiber: pieces of lace, tattered hunks of rayon fabric, strands of handspun yarn leftover from other projects, eyelash yarn, and more. The color tone of this batch of extras was most deep blues and royal purple.

Because I wanted to end up with a little more yarn than the batt would provide another ply of mostly a solid media aqua Merino was spun. This one was done with more evenness and about 10% of the original batt was held back to combine here and there.

The result was a fun skein of one-of-a-kind yarn:

Next post, I'll show you what I made of it.

When You Love Your Motorcycle Most of All

2012-01-22T16:41:00.000-08:00

What do you buy it that aging motorcyle that you love but from which you cannot part? What would be the best gift to show it how much you care.

No question, this is it!

Knit Motorcyle Cozy at trixieandmilo on Etsy

Past motorcycle knits like this one by Portland artist Teresa Howell have been displayed around the country. Read more about it by following the link under the photo.

An awesome work of art such as this, that is so far beyond my ability, encourages me to get going on that next project!

Is it the new year already?

2012-01-08T12:54:00.000-08:00

The new year has more than arrived, and I am only slowly waking up to it.

Are you one of those people who can wake up and jump right into the day's first task? Mr. Cha Cha is like that. Is it a guy thing? Such a contrast to my day which starts slowly in a groggy state.

Even though it's a new year and I intend to have intentions about it, it's a slow go right now. Just like starting the day, the year is only sinking into my consciousness a little bit at a time.

Print of At the Vanity by Frieseke for sale on Etsy by ArtdeLimaginaire

Truly, some thinking about changes to routines, the need for better organization, and a desire for more free time has been happening. It's just too lacking in precision to be put into words yet.

How about you? Do you make resolutions? Have you started them already? Any special dreams for 2012?

Holiday at Home

2011-12-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

This year Mr. Cha Cha and I have stayed home for the holidays instead of traveling. It's a rainy day here in Portland after a month of really dry weather.

Our living room feels like Christmas all year round. I love the deep green walls and the wonderful rug we found that was originally in a lodge on the Oregon coast. It's easy to decorate this room for the holidays by adding some pretty flowering plants. Our nearby dining room is red and it also feels so perfect for this time of year.

I have been mostly making hats lately, but it feels like time to use my spinning wheel again. See--it's beckoning over there across the room. Spinning definitely needs to be on the agenda for tomorrow.

Even one tiny spot in my totally chaotic studio has a bit of Christmas cheer:

All the best to you on this special day. May your loved ones be close in spirit even when there is distance between you, and may your most desired dreams come true in the new year! Much love, Sharon

Holiday Lace

2011-12-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Some pretty things to wear or dream of wearing in your decorated holiday home. Or perhaps there's a party in your future:

Designer Crochet Lace Dress "Irish Roses" by Ruchki & Kruchkl

Green and Pink Mohair Flower Shawl by Starknitting

Holiday Red Lace Fingerless Gloves by vivyrok

Vintage Style Bracelet with Beads Stitched to a Ribbon Lace by Mintook

Raspberry Coffee Liqueur Crochet Empire Waist Gown by TranscendentBird

Ruffle Lace Scarf by knittingFashion

Pretty Holiday Home Accessories

2011-12-11T13:51:00.000-08:00

Some lovelies to cheer your holiday home:

Baby Girl Pink Hand-painted Christmas Ornament by Pearle's Pretty Pieces

Scented Silk Flowers - Rose Anemone Hydrangea Berries by Melrose Fields

Merlot Hearts Gift Set Soap Favors by BUBBLECITYSOAP

Pysanka Batik Hand-painted Egg Ornaments by ukrainianeastereggs

Single Red and Pink Bud Vase by cynthiavardhan

10 Beautiful Shabby Chic Pink Rose Victorian Light Covers by Shabby Sweets

From the Winter Garden

2011-12-07T10:06:00.000-08:00

It lifts my spirit to see some of the lovely creations that people have made. Take a look at these and see if they cheer you:

Winter Love--Pressed Flower Glass Pendant by giftforallseasons

Bridal Lace Clutch by ANGEEW

Crochet Flower Earrings by seragun

Wings of Iris-Organza Necklace by jewelra

Felt brooch Chrysanthemum by jooruma

You can see more of this collection here. It's a very dreamy one to get us all in the mood for winter.

He Has Left Us

2011-11-30T23:34:00.000-08:00

No one can prepare you for a beloved parent's passing. Even when you know it is inevitable, you are not prepared for the grief that you will feel, and no one can convey the depth of it to you in advance.

My father passed away on 11/11/11, Veteran's Day and also the Canadian Day of Remembrance. It felt like he slipped out through a tear in the space-time continuum.

My family entered a fugue state. We all could help take care of arrangements, but at the same time each of us felt a sense of unreality cloak our world. The words surreal and unimaginable took up a predominant place in our vocabulary during the week after his passing.

The sense of surreality is but slowly fading as memories of my father grow stronger each day. Shared stories of times with him has made us all smile through our daily tears.

I will forever feel his presence inside me when I make decisions, hug a loved one, or observe the unbounded sky overhead. I will miss him immensely.

The Traveling Victorian Family

2011-11-24T08:11:00.000-08:00

A little holiday gift collection inspired by a Victorian family that travelled throughout Europe by rail. Click on the image to go to the collection and find out more about these treasures.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Crochet Jewelry: Linen Inspiration

2011-11-10T08:13:00.000-08:00

It is so inspiring to see what others are creating in beads and fiber. Any of these crocheted jewelry pieces would make beautiful gifts for a loved one (or yourself).

Some pieces combine elegance with a rustic sensibility, like this beautiful crocheted necklace:

Coral Red Flowers - Linen Necklace by GreyHeart of Stone

See more more linen jewelry by this wonderful shop here.

There is pure romance and grace in this lovely necklace crocheted in cotton of a linen color:

Free form flower crochet necklace by FIBreRomance

If you are not looking for flowers, but still want an organic form, how about this spectacular red coral crochet necklace:

Exotic Red Coral Art Scarf Statement Necklace by kanokwalee

And for simplicity of design, don't you love this next necklace and the way it combines the crocheted piece with chain?

Lace Snip Necklace by Nadene

For free form versatility, you can't beat this combination piece:

Handmade Crochet Necklace / Bracelet/ Ring by rRradlonica

This piece can be deconstructed to provide lots of separate jewelry pieces:

This is about the cleverest idea I have seen and a bargain to get so many pieces in one!

Fashion Tapas: Late 20's Style Cloche

2011-11-01T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ms. Gish Crochet Cloche by KnotChaCha

It’s a cloche with a tiny flare at the bottom. Just enough of a flare to still call it a cloche. Anything less and you’d have to call it a beanie. The crown is a solid charcoal wool and as the hat swoops down toward the tiny flip of a brim charcoal and black wool alternate in a spiral stripe that ends in a black edge. A vertical row of simple buttons decorates one side.

With this low profile cloche you could picture yourself in the late 1920s, a time when in fashion and actions women had been making statements all decade about their independence and worth.

As the decade of the twenties wound to a close, "talkies" were replacing silent films and Ms. Gish’s acting career was slowing down. By 1929, the cloche hat had evolved so that it only had the tiniest of brims—similar to what you see on this hat. Ms. Gish did not appear on screen during that year. I’d like to think that while she was not working she might have crocheted a hat like this for herself or a friend.

Heaviness

2011-10-30T20:54:00.000-07:00

My heart feels so heavy because it is inevitable that my elderly father, currently on hospice, will leave us. Several times this past week it felt like his passing was imminent. And then he would show resiliency. We all would embrace hope, only to have it dashed against the rocky shore of reality when he would decline once more.

This journey through hope and sorrow with my mom and my siblings has been so poignant and painful.

I haven't posted much lately and wanted to write something, but I cannot much think today of fashion accessories . . . so here are some of my sweet photo favorites and one sweet little dress from Etsy sellers whose shops I recommend when you are looking for the perfect holiday gift for someone you love.

Playful Red Fox in Winter by levimitchellphotos

Red Rose Photograph by FirstLightPhoto

Red Bike by Raceytay

Mississippi River Sunset by LaCanforaPhotos

Accidental Heart by RobinPanzer Art

Horse Photography by EyePoetryPhotography

Girls' Dress Vintage Inspired Jane Austen in Shabby Roses by vintageprecious

Time Flies While Working with Beads and Fiber

2011-10-26T10:07:00.000-07:00

Well, actually I find that time flies even when I am not working with beads and fiber. Especially at this time of year the days pass so quickly. My studio is filling up with hats at the moment. (There will be some more chapeau photos soon.)

Meanwhile, please enjoy some eye candy from some very talented fiber and bead artists. The palette of this collection recalls Spring, but each item could easily be worn year round:

Cavandoli Spring Pendant by JoanBabcockDesigns

Long Soutache Earrings by DILETTANTEsoutache

Crochet Organic Bracelet by Fillis Seitisleam

Wrapped Wool Necklace with Felted Balls by mellisam4715

Beaded Bracelet Set by TamaraScottDesigns

You can see some more wonderful work by bead and fiber artists in this collection I curated on Etsy.

Mrs. Chaplin's Cloche

2011-10-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

Valerie is so excited to be back home modeling hats again, and loves to show off this new design of mine:

The classically-shaped two-color cloche has a brim that can be worn down or turned up on one side. A simple button-flower decorates one side:

This hat design will be produced in two sizes. The smaller size (women's Sm/Med) will work best for head circumferences 21-22 inches and the larger size (women's Med/Lg) for a 22-23 inch measurement. I'll be listing some in the shop by this weekend. Be sure to stop by and see some of the color combinations. The one featured here is in burnt orange and plum.

Midnight Girl 1880

2011-10-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

In the mood for a little modern Victorian eye candy? Some lovely accessories, just perfect for the season:

Blue Wool Asymmetrical Three Snap Cape by milocreativestudios

Vintage Style Enameled Silver Brooch by splendent

Goth Style Lace Wedding Fan by kroowka

Midnight Ballet Velvet Tulle Cuffs by MySecretFace

Bolero by angelinadesign

Denim Jean Spats by Fabulize

Asymmetric Ruffle Bag by Stacy Leigh

Best Cookies by Portland Peeps!

2011-10-10T09:30:00.001-07:00

I recently won a delicious giveaway on the Portland Peeps blog--these amazing chocolate and sea salt cookies:

Cindy, the genius cook, baker, and photographer who writes the blog has generously posted the recipe.

Go visit her blog and drool over her amazing photos of mouthwatering food. You might just want to follow her!

Frightening Hair Day

2011-09-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Nightmare fine art print by Jennifer Jacobs at EstroJennDesigns

And you though you were having a bad hair day! How would you feel if you had spiders, birds, ships, and whole villages in your hair?

Check out the entire collection!

Misty Dream Collection and Some Good Reads

2011-09-26T07:56:00.000-07:00

Will You Dream of Me? print by chanyeevon on Etsy

There is a lovely collection of items that is perfect for this time of year that I found on Etsy. It's misty and grey just like it is in the Pacific Northwest in the winter months that lie ahead.

Grey & Black Semi-circular Shawl by MadelinesWardrobe

Wouldn't you want to curl up with a good book while wrapped in this pretty shawl?

Knee High Socks in Dove Grey by Pick Candy Studio

I'd also be wearing these lovely knit stockings to keep warm and I'd be drinking a cup of deliciously spiced hot chai.

Ruffled Linen Bag by sraige

Out of my bag I would pull ones of these two books that are currently on my nightstand:

Both of these books are excellent reads that are delightfully perfect for Fall. They are a little spooky without being downright bone-chilling scary. Neither gave me nightmares and both are magical. They will take you down misty roads of your imagination.

Spooky Road Print by Maddenphotography

Check out more items from the collection curated by Gemlali.

Finished with Holiday Knitting!

2011-09-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

Wahoo! Today I finished all my gift knitting for the holidays--and it's not even Fall yet! I started in January because it was too crazy last year knitting all those fingerless mitts at the last minute.

Can't show you pictures--you never know who might be peeking--but here are some cute patterns for sale on Etsy for holiday knitted gifts. If you are looking for ideas, check these out:

Holly, Ivy, & Steve--Three Christmas Hooligans Ornament Knitting Pattern by dangercrafts

Petal Hat Pattern in Adult, Infant & Child Sizes by PinkPolishDesign

Christmas Trees Beaded Dog Sweater Knitting Pattern by mysavannahcottage

Sock Knitting Pattern: Luxury Lace Socks by WearableArtEmporium

Christmas Lights Alpaca Scarf PDF Pattern by PhydeauxDesigns

Wool Snowbaby Knitting Pattern by woollysomething

PDF Knitting Pattern Bavarian Twist Stitch Christmas Stocking by MountainMist

Xmas Elf Stocking Cap PDF Patten by lillebarn

The Current Darkness in Art

2011-09-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed it? Been attracted to it even?

Creepy Doll: Red Queen Alice Wonderland by CreepyDolls on Etsy

On a recent stroll through our favorite Labor Day weekend art show in Portland, Mr. Cha Cha observed that a lot of the art there was creepy this year, and I said that for a few years now I have noticed the same thing happening on Etsy. There seems to be ever more and more ghoulish photographs, prints, sculptures, dolls, etc. Movies and television shows have also been trending toward vampires, ghouls, zombies and worse.

That started a discussion between us about whether this might be a sign of the times. Perhaps in troubled times or periods of uncertainty, artists create more morbidity in their work.

What do you think? Have you noticed this creative creep toward darkness? Any idea why that might happen? Do you find it edgy and attractive? Do like your dark art straight up or do you like it served with a little humor?

1950s Housewife with Grenade Killer Jello by thestapella company on Etsy

(With Halloween coming up, I'll be featuring some artists' work that you might find a little scary. I'll try to balance it with some Fall features of some more cheerful creations so we all don't get nightmares.)

More Swatching

2011-09-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

You've got to learn to love making swatches if you want to design knitted or crocheted items. I don't really love it, to be honest, but I am learning to like it because is saves time and heartache in the long run.

Some hand knit and machine knit swatches.

When you are knitting someone else's pattern, you make a little swatch (4 inches square at a minimum) because no two people knit or crochet at the same tension. Even on a good day, you might not be able to match the tension in a project that you had when you were working on it the day before. That's because we can be looser or tighter with the hooks and needles depending on our mood and physical state. If you want your garment to come out the right size after spending all that time knitting, it's a good idea to make a swatch. Maybe even two.

In general, I tend to knit tightly and usually have to go up a needle size or two to match someone else's pattern gauge, and if I am tense or hassled or tired, even three sizes bigger.

Machine knit swatches are faster to make but pile up quickly.

Okay, it makes sense to swatch someone else's design, but why do you swatch your own? Well, the ideas that seem the greatest in your head don't always end up working out so well in the hand. A swatch will show you where your thinking was off and help you to modify a design idea.

Accessories are often smallish in nature, and it can be argued that one might as well make the whole item right off; however, if you are making anything larger than a breadbox, or even a toaster, a swatch is a good idea.

Swatch for a current project that's way bigger than a breadbox.

The Wandering Head Model Returns

2011-09-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Valerie's back!

What a girl. She spent her summer cavorting around Europe with the circus midgets. Sounds like they had a wild time! (A whole lot of partying if the truth be told.)

The little ones joined up with a small three-ring venture in the Czech Republic so Valerie had to make her way back home alone. They were sweet enough to ship her by Federal Express with plenty of packing material so she got back quickly and safely.

After having fallen in love with Budapest, Prague, and Bucarest in Eastern Europe, Valerie is newly enamored with Bohemian fashion. She went straight for the chevron scarf when she got back--before even saying hello. In the photo she is also modeling one of my "Seedy and Twisted" caps in a yummy grape color. Course it's been hot here, so she didn't keep them on for long. (Good thing. I snagged them and put them in inventory while she wasn't looking.)

The Day After Labor Day

2011-09-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

It's the first day of my psychological year.

The day after Labor Day always brings a feeling of excitement and expectation. The origins surely go back to grammar school. Putting on that newly purchased school uniform and holding the pencil case full of fresh supplies sent thrills through my little Catholic schoolgirl body.

vintage plaid uniform : SCHOOLGiRL eggplant maroon at shopREINVINTAGE on Etsy

Was it like that for you? Did you play "school" with your friend for weeks ahead of time? I liked to play the teacher and give directions, often assigning math homework before the art projects could be started. Such a little tyrant.

Purple Bicycle Echino pencil bag by NeedfulWishes on Etsy

Such aliveness is in the world today. Don't you feel it? It's the day of fresh starts and new possibilities. More the beginning of the year than New Year's Day. Do you agree? What is appealing to you about the day after Labor Day?