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I'm having one of those weeks where time is getting away from me. When I woke up this morning, I was convinced it was the weekend. It's probably wishful thinking on my part, but there is work to be done and I don't know how I could have casually wiped three days off my calendar. While I have an extra dose of coffee and get this day back on track, I have a few random tidbits to share for . . .
THIS AND THAT
~ If you haven't already discovered it, let me introduce you to Stitch Maps. JC Briar has taken knitting charts to a new level with graphic displays of knitted fabric outside the constraints of the traditional chart grid. Wow. Stitch Maps makes it easier to visualize how a stitch pattern will look when it's worked - the ebb and flow of knitted fabric. There are different options available for viewing stitch patterns plus subscription benefits - all kinds of potential fun. If I go missing for any length of time, I'll probably be over at Stitch Maps.
~ The other day my brother and I were reminiscing about the good old days when we actually looked forward to retrieving the mail. There was the hope and anticipation of a letter or a postcard - news from family and friends. Just by chance I stumbled across Postcrossing. Send a postcard and receive a postcard in return - a modern day way of generating fun mail amidst all the junk and bills. Sign me up. I can't wait to get my first postcard in the mail.
~ If you need a shot of color to brighten your day, check out the color patterns at these flower farms. Amazing.
A few weeks ago my daughter, Luz, rescued a tiny, malnourished kitten. She diligently bottle-fed him, and now he's an energetic, bouncing bundle of fur.
Luz is very generous. A couple of times a week she shares her kitty and brings him over to spend the day. Crazy cute.
Sometimes I have to hit the pause button on a knitting project.
That's where I am with Low Tide. I'm closing in on the bottom edge and can't decide if I want to finish it off as written or maybe do something a little different. I thought checking other Low Tide projects on Ravelry would give me some insight, but my research findings are inconclusive.
This is a booth sample. My self-imposed rule is to make the sample the way the pattern is written, but I'm toying with the idea of breaking my rule. Just this once.
While I debate the situation, there's time to consider a bit of . . .
THIS AND THAT
~ We're starting to see signs of spring all around. Snow piles are melting, and I've heard rumors of crocus in bloom. Flowers are a sure sign that the seasons are changing, so why not include a few of the yarn variety? Fork flowers require two ingredients - a fork and some yarn. The instructions say the project is suitable for ages 4 - 12, but I'm certain it would be just as entertaining for adults.
~ I love to leaf through the pages of Wild Fibers. The magazine is informative and shares a glimpse of fiber in faraway, remote places. For a look at the behind-the-scenes printing of the magazine, check out this interesting video.
~ Knitting and numbers. Knitting is all about numbers in so many different ways. If you appreciate numbers, take a look at the latest from Bristol Ivy for a new spin on statistics - The State of the Stock(inette) Market. Over a two week period Bristol compiled statistics on garment type, fabric type, yarn type, color and how garments were modeled based on the "Hot Right Now" patterns on Ravelry. It's interesting stuff, and I can't wait for the next installment.
The Monday after a long holiday weekend can be rough. I divided my time between relaxing and working, so I hope the new work week doesn't bite me too hard.
I also did much more driving than I had originally intended. Road trips to central Massachusetts and New Hampshire - hours and hours of driving. If only I had been a passenger. Instead I listened to the same episode of Wait, Wait . . . Don't Tell Me! so many times that on the final replay I actually got all the answers right.
To ease into the week I have a few random bits to share for . . .
THIS AND THAT
~ These days I keep an electronic calendar, but that doesn't mean I've gotten rid of paper all together. I still keep a paper calendar by my desk so that with just a glance I can see what the date is. Or on really bad days I can figure out what day of the week it is. Knitwear designer Becky Herrick has put together this lovely calendar with seasonal pictures from Vermont. It's on my holiday list.
~ Sweaters. 500 Sweaters. Loes Veenstra has been knitting sweaters since 1955 - over 500 to be exact. The sweaters are documented in a book, and to celebrate her achievement there was a sweater parade. Be sure to watch the parade - so many colors and designs. How many sweaters have you knit in your life? I haven't kept track, but I know it's not 500.
~ I'm all for recycling, so I was intrigued to discover this pedal-powered mechanism for recycling discarded knits. There's a bit of exercise involved, and it even includes a feature for taking the kinks out of the once knit yarn. Extremely clever.
That's enough distraction for one day. It's Monday, and there's work to be done.
Some days it doesn't pay to have a plan. This morning I was going to take a few photos outside, but the dark, wet conditions just won't cut it. Today Mother Nature's plans don't coincide with mine. I'll save those shots for another day and instead share a little bit of . . .
THIS AND THAT
~ The good news. A couple more yarn stores have started carrying yarn from Dirty Water DyeWorks. The website list has been updated. Be sure to check it out and remember to buy local. Don't take your local yarn store for granted.
~ The not-so-good news. I had to raise prices on several of the yarn lines - Bertha, Lillian, Lucia and Marie. The cost of materials has been going up and up. I was able to absorb the initial increases, but with the latest wave I had to adjust prices. I anticipate the other lines will hold steady for the time being.
~ "The Sheep Are Like Our Parents." If you're looking for a rugged, hands-on experience, consider a working vacation with a Navajo shepherdess. Spend time herding sheep in the mountains of the Southwest and get a taste of contemporary Navajo life. Off the grid with a herd of sheep . . . I could be tempted.
In the aftermath of the intense storm that hit us last week we were left without internet service for a couple of days. It took me a while to adjust to the fact that I couldn't sit down at my desk and plug into all the latest. In the grand scheme of things being without internet wasn't such a bad thing. After all we still had power so the fridge wasn't a lab for all kinds of stinky science experiments.
Being without internet meant I had more time for other things, especially knitting. To keep the peace I also did some cooking. On one hand I was almost sad to have internet service restored. I could get used to sitting on the porch and knitting. On the other hand now I have a bigger mountain of work because I was offline. I have knitting progress to share, but it will have to wait for another day when I have pictures. Instead today I have a few tidbits of . . .
THIS AND THAT
~ Last week a couple of knitters and I were discussing knitting in public, specifically meeting situations. The consensus was that it's harder to knit during smaller meetings where more eyes are focused on you, but that for larger meetings and conferences no one really pays attention.
Along those same lines consider sporting events. You wouldn't think that knitting at a large sporting event would draw much attention, but it appears that one knitter raised a few eyebrows by knitting at Wimbledon. You can read the details and one writer's perspective here. I think this writer summed it up when he said, "The tennis family, it seems, is willing to indulge the nutters but not the knitters."
~ One of the benefits of these tough economic times is that people are becoming more thrifty and creative. To keep her wedding costs down this yarn shop owner and bride knit her own wedding dress. Her best advice on knitting her own dress? "Just make sure you leave yourself plenty of time."
~ In yarn bombing news check out this colorful, crocheted crocodile playground. I can't imagine how much time it must have taken to make this huge croc, but it has me thinking. Maybe something on a smaller scale . . .
All fall my to-do list included adding a few new colorways to the website. These are Bertha colorways that I added for the fall shows but never got around to posting live. This task hovered near the top of my list but never made priority status. With the new year I decided to add the colors and cross it off my list.
Since I was adding a few colorways, why not update the website and give it a fresh look. Spend a little more time, make a few minor changes. This was going to be fast and easy. As so often happens what was initially a quick job mushroomed and became a huge project that required computer savvy reinforcements and bottomless cups of coffee. I've long since lost track of my time investment on this endeavor, but I'm happy to report that the project is finished. You can view the final product here. It's the same as the old website in many ways yet different. It's like rearranging the living room furniture. At first the room seems so wonderfully fresh and new, but really it's still the same furniture.
Since I've been chained to my desk, I don't have any pictures of knitting or dyeing to share. Not to mention the weather has been gray, dismal and all round lousy for taking photos. Instead I have a couple of random bits of . . .
THIS AND THAT
~ Granny squares. You know what I'm talking about. Those thick, firm crocheted squares that were assembled to make afghans back in the day. Granny squares have come a long way - there's even a granny square dress. Consider granny squares on steps. A lot of granny squares, a lot of steps. Crazy, colorful, beautiful art.
~ Kids, color and a mountain of stickers. These three things combined can change a room. You can see the transformation over at Colossal. Take some time to click around on this site. It's full of art, design and color inspiration.
~ Finally, a new take on the travel mug. If you use a canning jar for coffee, now you can take it on the road. I'm all about coffee, and timing is everything. Just last week my travel mug started leaking. I'll have to give the cuppow a test run.
As a bonus for cleaning off my desk I uncovered my color inspiration for the week.
A rainbow of color.
I'm not quite sure how we landed on Monday again, but here we are. I have knitting to share, but alas, there aren't any pictures. Yes, it's definitely Monday. The knitting will keep for another day. Instead today is a good day for a bit of . . .
THIS AND THAT
~ Check out these intriguing pictures of shepherds on stilts. Click on the pictures to enlarge. As if getting around on stilts isn't enough of a challenge, note that some of the shepherds are knitting while on stilts. The sheep graze on bog land, and the stilts keep the shepherds out of the muck. Personally I would have opted for a good pair of boots. You can read more about it here.
~ Speaking of sheep if you need a holiday gift for a knitter, you might want to consider the sheep gift from Heifer International. Easy online shopping and a good cause all rolled into one.
~ Looking ahead to 2012 the top color of the year will be Tangerine Tango. The attributes of orange are vitality, urgency and strength. We can use a healthy dose of all three in the coming year.
~ Finally, paper snowflakes. It's that time of year when I like to pull out paper and scissors. Cut, cut, cut. If you need inspiration, take a look at these beautiful flakes made from junk mail. And if you don't have time to take scissors in hand, virtual paper snowflakes may be just the thing for you.
It's hard to believe, but I'm caught up with my dyeing. For the moment. I expect another delivery of yarn any day now, and then I'll be back in the thick of it.
But this unplanned little break has me thinking all kinds of crazy thoughts. Yarn bombing thoughts. I need someone who's tall. I may have to recruit a couple of kids for this project. While these ideas are taking shape, I leave you with . . .
THIS AND THAT
~ Do you ever feel that the days are getting away from you? That the weeks and months are just zipping by? Well, that could be the case if you get carried away with the Unraveling Calendar. Remember - days are meant to be unraveled one at a time.
~ If you ever had the feeling that your knitting was out of control, you may want to consider this. It looks like the handknit version of a Blue Man Group performer.
~ Finally, these knitted snails are adorable. And I love the instructions. "Basic knitting skills required; if you don't have these then get yourself along to a local knitting group." I couldn't have said it better myself.
It's the middle of a busy week. I guess it's that time of year, but I can't keep track of all the comings and goings, all the extra activities. I thought I had a system in place to sync my calendars into one, but apparently it's failed. Just the other day I realized I needed to be in two places at once. It seems that today is a good day for -
THIS AND THAT
~ There are more and more sightings of yarn bombing. I enjoy the clever, creative ways people are decorating with knitting, making the world a more colorful place. The Yarn Graffiti Documentary is a project that aims to chronicle yarn bombing. It's an ambitious undertaking. Be sure to watch the video clip.
~ Language is a lot of fun and more so when you say it in llama. Who comes up with these ideas?
~ Finally, take a look at this giant cardigan for two. Such an adorable picture. I wonder how long it took to make this sweater built for two.
Work is moving right along on the Scroll Lace Scarf. The border is finished, and if life cooperates, I'll pick up the body stitches today. Since I don't have progress to report in pictures (the border I showed you on Monday is the same as the border today only more of it), I thought this would be a good day for a bit of -
THIS AND THAT
~ Knitting meets chemistry. Prof. Crum Brown was not only a chemist but also a knitter. In 1883 he created a three dimensional molecular model out of knitting needles and balls of wool. You can see his model and read about it here.
~ More from the area of science and technology. Have you ever wanted to use your touch screen out in the cold and found that you have to take off your glove? With conductive thread you can now use your touch screen and keep your glove on. Read about Laura Nelkin's experiment with conductive thread. I can't wait to try this myself.
~ If you know of a knitter or crocheter who's trying to cover tuition, take a look at the Beans for Brains Scholarship. This is a great opportunity for some deserving students. Spread the word.
~ There's a fundraising project underway for The Spun Monkey Dyeworks and Lounge. Take a look, contribute if you can, tell others. You can read more about The Spun Monkey here.
~ Finally, how would you like to have this for a garden? It's sure to bring a smile to your face.
I planned to have knitting pictures to share with you today but ran into some lighting issues. I'll try to pull those together for later in the week. Never fear. I do have several fun tidbits to share with you in another installment of . .
THIS AND THAT
~ If you need to create a color knitting chart, check out the chart maker at Tricksy Knitter. Once you start playing around with it, you'll come up with all sorts of ideas. A very handy tool.
~ Yarn Monster is a yarn winder with character. This extraordinary winder even comes with a remote control. Be sure to read the story of how Yarn Monster came to be.
~ Take Knitting Daily with you when you're out and about using a new app for iPhone and iPod touch. This could come in handy when you have a knitting emergency on the road. And it's free.
~ Finally, click on over to the Silk website for fun with movement and color. Follow the instructions and give it a whirl.
And now I'm off to do another round of planning - more dyeing, more booth samples.
There are times when you can be very busy and industrious but not have much to show for your work. That's where I'm at this week. I've played around with dyes and new colors, ordered yarn for a new line of yarn and searched new patterns for booth samples. But I don't have much to show for all my time and effort. At least not yet. That makes today a good day for . . .
THIS AND THAT
~ 'Tis the season for wreaths. I've seen many wreaths that you can make yourself, some better than others. If you like felted balls, this wreath is for you. I appreciate it when items are recycled, giving them a new life. This wreath recycles old sweaters. Very creative. Last but not least, a new use for coffee filters. This coffee filter wreath can be made in either brown or white. Scroll down to see other creations made from coffee filters.
~ In another lifetime I used to embroider. Then knitting took over and there wasn't enough time for the smaller needles. My embroidered projects seem very primitive compared to these embroidered works of art. Painting with embroidery.
~ How about a knitting store/school on wheels? That's what SweaterGirls provide in Albuquerque. They are regulars at the farmers' market and various events around town. I love the trailer - so New Mexico. It's like the bookmobile for knitters.
~ Barb Parry of Foxfire Fiber & Designs is having a Sheep Share giveaway. She is giving away two 2011 Sheep Share memberships. Spread the word and enter to win.
Speaking of contests thanks again to all who entered the Celebration Contest. It's not too late to enter. The contest closes tonight at midnight. Leave a comment and enter to win.
I've been watching the river that flows not far from my house. Ice has been forming. Geese and swans still swim in the frigid waters. The light is dim; the trees are bare. The water is like glass with reflections that are dark and cold. My color inspiration for this week comes from another reflection, a picture taken before everything froze over.
Glass with the last colors of fall.
These days I'm in planning mode. There are new yarn bases to consider, new colorways to ponder. With so many options it's hard to make a decision. Or maybe it's just that the process takes longer. I'm wading through patterns and designs for new additions to the booth. What would I do without Ravelry?
I'm also in the midst of scheduling fiber events into next fall. Scheduling my life that far in advance contradicts what goes on with the rest of my life. I rarely pull off one day in the here and now as scheduled. Instead I'm always rearranging my days on the fly. I've come to think of the events as anchors in my life - the fixtures around which everything else must revolve.
With all of this planning the dye pots are quiet. For the moment. And that's as it should be. While things may seem quiet, there's plenty of activity simmering beneath the surface. It's all part of the process. For today I have a bit of . . .
THIS AND THAT
~ I love to see men knitting; they are an important part of knitting history. All my sons know how to knit, and I've had an increase in male knitting students in the classes I teach. I was delighted to come across this photo gallery of men knitting.
~ And here's an Icelandic man who knits and crochets. This video clip is charming and instructional.
~ There's an interesting knitting/craft project just getting started in Turkey - a bridge between East and West. It's encouraging to see women from such different cultures uniting around a common passion.
~ WEBS is having a celebration of the 200th episode of their Ready, Set, Knit! Podcast. The celebration involves prizes, and you can find more information here.
~ And finally, this display of wool felted sails in western Massachusetts makes me want to take a drive just to see them. There are more photos of the installation here.
In the mist of all this planning I've found that stopping to knit for a bit can help with the decision making process. Project update to follow.
It's the middle of a crazy, busy week - a week stacked with too many appointments, meetings and just plain running around. I'm ignoring an irritated, scratchy throat on the verge of becoming a full blown sore throat. I know I'm due to come down with something, but I've convinced myself that if I ignore it, it will go away. At this point all I can do is hang on for the ride and stay focused on the weekend. Truth be told my weekends are no different than my weekdays, but it's a psychological thing. And so for today I have tidbits of . . .
THIS AND THAT
~ I love to see dogs wrapped in wool on cold winter mornings. This design is cute, and the model is so well behaved. An accessory that every dog should have.
~ I am often amazed and in awe of what some people feel inspired to knit. Take this knitted timepiece. It really tells time. While I would love to have one hanging on my wall, I know I can't devote precious knitting time to making one.
~ And how about this car sock? Notice the windows. Even the wheels are covered. This is the work of fiber artist Olek, and you can find more of her work here.
~ And finally, 'tis the season for candy corn. Candy corn with eyes. I might have to give this pattern a try - too cute to resist.
There's knitting progress to report, but that will have to wait until next time. Instead I leave you with this.
Freshly brewed from the dye pots.
Shades of blue.
When I woke up this morning, I didn't know what day of the week it was. I was hoping it was still the weekend, but I was wrong. Since apparently I'm going to have one of those days, I offer . . .
THIS AND THAT
~ If you want to see some cute animal pictures, hop over to Juniper Moon Farm. The goats have been sheared and baby chicks are hatching. Susan provides updates on a regular basis - sometimes more than once a day. And she blogs about other useful and sometimes random information. Her blog is a good read.
~ This past Saturday was the anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" speech. Patti Digh, author of Life Is a Verb, has compiled a list of her own dreams. You can find the list on her blog. I found her extensive list of dreams to be far reaching, thought provoking and empowering. Now I feel compelled to write a list of my own dreams.
~ I've taken syncing my electronic devices to a new level. As luck would have it everything is running low on power at the same time, but there is only one outlet available for charging. The maze of extension cords is expanding.
~ If you're a fan of flamingoes, you might like this free pattern from Spud and Chloë. While you're there, check out some of the other free patterns. The cupcake pincushion is especially cute.
~ I'm fascinated with time-lapse photography. Recently this clip from the the Minnesota State Fair came my way. What I wouldn't give to move at that pace for just a day or two.
~ I always enjoy the colorful lawn ornaments on display at a farm we frequent.
They change direction with the breeze.
This one resembles one of our cats.
See the cardinal in the basket?
