We'll keep this posting short and sweet - check out the SHOP and if you're interested in any of them let me know... I'll be adding more as these sell off - but the ones we're starting with are all one of a kind sets.  Remember, the proceeds go to help Living Free Animal Sanctuary - during these uncertain times, the animals still need help - you can save lives!!!

I did some yarn dyeing with my pal Chuck weekend before last - and decided to offer the cotton yarn we dyed for sale on the site!

Not much else to say - I started a scarf (the one row scarf from Yarn Harlot) using 2 skeins of wool I hand dyed - alternating the skeins - 2 rows of color A, 2 rows of color B - they're the same color mixes - it just keeps the coloring a little more mixed...

I promise a more exciting post next time.  Thanks for checking out the shop, and as always, feel free to re-post and email with any questions!  thanks!!!

 
 
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What a wonderful day!  I am pleased to share a lesson I learned.  When working on freeform pieces, it's important (as in painting, ceramics and probably most other arts) to pay careful attention to the piece and when it's time to stop that you stop... the piece will usually hint to you when it's time... the wrap told me today that it was done... and it is!

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I haven't sewn in my label (yet) but it's complete - here's a recap - a year ago this month I started this wrap after a class with Janice Rosema, a freeform knit/crochet artist living here in southern California.  Her class was inspirational and empowering - there are no mistakes in freeform work - but some things work together better than others...

I bought a felted fleece from Ozark Handspun and began knitting and crocheting pieces to be joined to the fleece.  Most of the year that it took to finish the piece sat on my dress form - waiting for me to revisit the project.  It has become the latest obsession, and now that it's complete, I have mixed emotions.  I'm glad, but wish that a second (different) piece had already been started so that I could continue the process with another piece... but it's not started... and I can't decide if I want to do one in browns/neutrals OR greens/blues/yellows... thoughts/opinions? 

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One of my favorite parts of this piece is the button - it's a cabinet knob from Edgar Berebi - a spider cabinet knob with swarovski crystals in it - I had the back part of the knob cut off so that it's flat, then we tapped the back and put a eyelet screw in the hole... wrapped that bit with yarn and attached it.  It's a bit heavy, but heck; the entire piece is heavy... it's colorful, warm, and will take a person with a lot of presence, personality, fashion sense (and courage) to pull it off!

I'm not sure what's next, but today's a great day - because this project is complete!

 
 

Jonathan, Jason's friend, wrote on www.menwhoknit.com this morning...

"At 10.03 am this morning Jason passed on, thankfully he did so in the comfort of his own home, he had been spending the past days in hospital, though not unexpected to me it came quite sudden."

It's hard to hear - but was expected - we were told that Jason would most likely not survive the summer by his doctors.  We knew he was fighting the fight, but in the end, the knitting community from around the world with all our prayers and good hopes for him could not save him -

I never met Jason - he was only a friend from the internet - but somehow I feel like I knew him - his passing brings me right back to the passing of my father a few years ago - when he lost his battle with cancer... It also reminds me of something my Grandmother wrote years ago... it's not totally related, but I think there's a relavent message in it:

"Remember that each new day is a fresh start for us all. Yesterday with its disappointments and failures is behind us -- irrevocably gone. Tomorrow, with whatever promises it may bring is beyond the door of the future. All any of us has is today... so make the most of each today, and the tomorrows will take care of themselves."

We were lucky enough to learn of Jason's story... and over 100 people participated in the making of squares to construct a blanket for him.  We showed Jason (and ourselves) that there exists, in the world, hope and concern for others... even those we don't really know--- we proved that our families are not exclusively those we have met or know - that the internet friendships we have developed are equally important.

Jonathan - (Jason's friend) was brave and wonderful during these difficult times - and I hope to continue to know him and learn from his compassion and love for others - It's July 4th - Independence day in the United States - and this day has taken on a whole new meaning for me now. 

Take time to call someone you love - or send them an email - spend 3 minutes and make sure they know you care - do it now... because this moment, right now, is the only one we really have.