ifucanbeadit

What we teach our children

2012-01-31T15:31:00.000-08:00

Winter is a time to stay cozy and warm, generally knitting or beading something that makes us happy. This season has been remarkably free of snow and fairly mild. Still I have at least 3 UFO's on needles and a bead project in the works. Also sewing some fun aprons. This means that I am feeling productive.
What do I do while executing all of these projects? Hmmmmmm. Well, it is election season so I spend quite a lot of time trying to learn about options for the future. Because of this I have formed quite a few opinions of what I see and hear in the media.
Intelligent people use the media to sort through the information and ignore the crazy to get to the sane.
However, this season I feel a little nauseated by the garbage being thrown about. I spent many years raising my children. It went by so very quickly. I hoped that they would be good people, healthy people, kind people, happy people. And, you know, they are. Our children are hard working, kind people who make me proud to know them all.
But I fear for the next generation of young people who are being exposed to such (the only word for it is) Meanness. The cruelty of many of our leaders amazes me and saddens me. Our politicians have become bullies. Is it a wonder that our teenagers follow the examples set by these so-called leaders? Media reports it for all of us to interpret for ourselves, but our children, the children, see all of this and are learning that to lead is to be cruel, selfish, greedy and obstructionist.
What is so wrong for people to pay a fair share of taxes? Not a dollar more? Shame on Mr. Romney. As a Massachusetts resident; you disappointed me then so, in good conscience I could not vote for you now. Sorry. Mr. Gingrich; Nobody should vote for you. You were always a cruel person. You shamed yourself and our country. Go home and sell your books.
I am not disappointed in our President. I am amazed that he has been able to accomplish so very much with the opposition he has encountered from our so called representatives. He will have my support and my vote no matter what. He governs with grace and respect and kindness, and reaches out to opposition over and over. President Obama is the example of good for the next generation. As one of the 99% this President has given me hope and continues to do so. The legacy left by the previous president (that's previous president with a small p)was daunting and still Mr. Obama picked up the pieces and began the incredible task of cleaning up the mess.
One percent; THE one percent. Where do we begin? They will never be able to spend their money in 3 lifetimes and yet they keep it to themselves. With a simple tax adjustment that won't hurt them in the least they could help our country. Banks have exploited people in their greed and even when the previous administration bailed their bums out they still refuse to help people.
Jobs....well now let's see...No more off shoring any job. American companies need to employ Americans. No questions. No exceptions.
Energy. Wind, Solar, Hydro power. Time to be honest and truthful and get these energies up and running. Grants would help but they need to be easily understood by those who could benefit from them. And honestly; OIL, COAL, HYDRO-FRACKING. Just say no to these crazy things. Just say no. Please.
So, I will continue to knit and bead, sew and listen and form opinions.
And Do Unto Others as I would have the do unto me. The golden rule is still the only rule.

Do you watch Holiday Movies?

2011-12-30T19:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I am here to tell you that I do. You name it, I watch it. Series Christmas episodes, Lifetime, Hallmark. Silly I know, but they keep me knitting and beat so much of the "real" tv. Give me a little fantasy and a taste of the classics any day. White Christmas all colorized and schmaltzy. Makes me hum and smile while scribbling on Christmas cards and wrapping gifts. Well I did all of those things. Even finished a couple of knitted and beaded gifties.
Tomorrow is New Year's Eve and the end of the escapism. Sigh. Where do we go from here?
Well, it is an election year so the entertainment will be unlimited. We will hear it all, see it all, and shake our heads over just about all of it.
So let's see. What shall we knit to keep ourselves sane?
I have an unfinished sweater, about 2 thirds finished. So perhaps I will begin there. Then there is the summer sleeveless shell being knit in bamboo yarn with a lacy hem. That's two. Also you will find a single sock in need of a mate in my craft room. I started a pair of awesome gloves just this morning. The possibilities are endless. The baby girl gift for a spring baby on the way. And I have some summer tops in kits just itching to be started.
All at the same time my multiple knitting personality will bounce from project to project.
So if I declare here in print, for the world to see that I will not begin a new project until I finish all of the UFO's I have laying around, will you believe me?
Me neither.
Happy New Year

empty nesting

2011-11-15T09:05:00.000-08:00

Without exception every child has moved in the past 2 months. How does that happen? I went from getting up to make breakfast(s) before the bus to a quick walk with the pups. Less than half the laundry. Lots of quiet.
I miss the noise and confusion. I really thought that I would love the new independence that everybody growing up would bring. But, I confess, I miss the noise and the mess.
Still can't get motivated to make our space just for us yet. Still thinking about keeping things the same for "visits".
Cooking for 2 seemed like a wonderful idea except, some days, I don't have any ideas. How silly is that?
It is wonderful to know that the children (now grown ups) have embarked on new adventures; new lives; new jobs; new places. They make us proud to know them. They are all really and truly, Nice People. They are adults I would like to call friends; not just my kids.
At some point in raising children we have to let go (and I confess, that was tough for me; ask any of them), to let them find their ways in the world. Watching them all step up the next rung of the ladder that is life is awesome. They are making decisions and being responsible for their lives.
When the kids come home it is a party. Without exception, the noise and laughter prevails.
We are well and truly blessed to have them. But one little confession; this mom is a tiny bit lonely without them. Sigh....

Halloween and knitting

2011-10-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

I just love Halloween. Not to be scared, not for blood and gore, but for all of the lovely warm colors. Leaves, jack-o-lanterns, children's costumes and of course, candy corn. This year I have been treated or rather tricked by mother nature who decided to costume New England in white. Not a ghost costume mind you, but a blanket of snow two feet deep. Enough to plow! Enough to shovel, and enough to take down trees and power lines for hundreds of thousands. We in the Berkshires were spared much of the damage. Most of our leaves had fallen and so our friends and family less than 20 miles away are in the dark and it's cold. Tried to drive to family today only to be detoured and turned back at every possible access. I finally returned home and will try again tomorrow. In the meantime I knit. My fun project this Halloween season is a little tiny witch's hat. Knitted and felted and then embellished with needle felting, this little hat sits perkily on the top of a wine bottle. I have the pattern here to share. I hope you will enjoy making and gifting them as much as I did.

Witch’s Hat
Wine bottle topper

Materials: Black 100% wool. (not superwash).
Size 10 DPN’s
One stitch marker
Crochet hook or yarn needle for weaving in ends
Needle felting foam and needle,
Scraps of needle felting wool in your choice of colors
This little witch’s hat wine bottle topper is fast and easy to make. Once felted you can add little embellishments with needle felting scraps, beads or embroidery. Wonderful for a hostess gift of wine or for a bazaar craft table to make a couple of $. Please let people know that terryg shared this with you. Thanks. Happy Haunting.
CO 4 stitches.
I-cord one row,
I-cord next row and increase as follows: K1, kfb, across (6 stitches)
I-cord one more row.
Begin to I cord next row and place stitches onto total of 3 dpns. (2 stitches per needle).
Now you will work in rounds.
K two rounds

Next round: K1, kfb around for 9 stitches
K two rounds

K2, kfb around, (12 stitches)
K five rounds

K3 Kfb around (15 sts)
K two rounds

K4, Kfb around ( 18 sts)
K one round

K5, Kfb around (21 sts)
K one round

K3, Kfb around to last stitch, K1, (26 sts)
K one round

K4, Kfb around to last stitch, K1 (30 sts)
K one round, Purl one round, K one round, Bind off in Purl.

Weave in ends, felt and embellish as you wish. I needle felted the band and bow.

climate change

2011-06-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

Now I truly cannot understand folks declaring that climate change does not exist. Here we are, in the beginning of June and we have seen tornadoes pretty much all over the place. Missouri, Alabama, even Massachusetts. Record heat even here in New England and last night there were thunderstorms most of the night.
Perhaps climate change means more than one thing. The climate, as in our weather, is just one type of change. Climate in the middle east. Demands for change just another climate "of" change. Hm. Politics in the US have become obstructionist in a time when cooperation is vital. We have a president of incredible humanity and intelligence and the "opposition" obstructs even as their own supporters object to their actions.
I feel ashamed of these politicians who waste our time and treasure because they can't get past the "differences". Their veiled racism shame all of us. Get over your idiocy and get back to work.
All people want their social security. All people want medicare. You have pandered to the rich for long enough. Do the right thing for a change. Even many of the "rich" tell you that they would gladly pay their fair share and still you won't listen.
We need to stop wasting our time on the Sarah Palin's, Michelle Bachman's and Mark Sanfords of the world. Ms. Palin shouldn't be president as she actually QUIT her job as governor. She needs to be ignored and not followed. She's only in it for the money, the money, the money. She is making the press her dupes.
Americans of every political party used to take care of one another. Now some would hold hostage the funds for victims of floods and tornadoes to get what they want. What is that about? What has happened to our humanity?
You who would care more for oil company tax breaks than the health and welfare of your constituents are embarrassments. Your mothers would be ashamed of you.
I confess, I escape in my beads and yarns and try to work with good thoughts and prayers that would turn the hearts and minds of these narrow minded people. As I sit here and watch the evidence of climate change of all kinds I look for hope.

I must say

2011-04-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

It is difficult to decide just what to do next in the spring. I want to sit in the natural light and bead my fingers off. But then a little spring cleaning is most likely in order. Winter was a very long season here in the Berkshire Hills. I am grateful for the lovely day we have had even though the little black flies have emerged and are seeking our skin, so tender from being covered safely all winter.
I have discovered that I am quite addicted to French/Victorian Beaded Flowers. After making the bouquets for my daughter's wedding I have continued the craft and feel that I am improving the skill. My flowers are becoming more professional looking. Less loose spots. Using the correct wire and good quality beads seems to be a key to this little seen art form.
A niece-in-law is looking for some stems to add to her "real" flower bouquet for an August wedding. Tea roses and stephanotis were the order. I researched and even purchased a pattern or two for the stephanotis and then ended up working it out myself in a more palatable way for myself.
Beaded flowers are definitely a "practice makes perfect" thing. I use some patterns but then have found ways to work more comfortably as I go along. This is not a craft for someone who keeps a perfect manicure. Your hands take quite a beating sometimes. The process as well as the finished product is wonderfully satisfying. I will add photos here for people to see. Until then you will just have to take my word for it.

this is the little camera

2010-03-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

Polaroid CZA-05300B PoGo Instant Digital Camera

Post Wedding Sunshine and Raindrops

2010-03-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

Polaroid CZA-10011B PoGo Instant Mobile Printer (Black)Polaroid Zink media 80 Pack Photo Paper for Polaroid Pogo Cameras and Printers It was all over in a flash, just as I suspected. The wedding day dawned with a lovely sunrise which I viewed on my way to my daughter's apartment for pre-wedding primping. Hair and make-up and maybe a taste of champagne. After rain early in the week, our weather improved every day until our New England first Saturday of Spring brought 70 degrees and sunshine. Someone was smiling down on this little wedding. (thank you Dad). Everything went without a hitch or with a hitch, so to speak. The bride was radiant, (of course) and kept grounded by her maid of honor sister who was the rock for all of us.
Much of this wedding was hand-made, from the dress to the bouquets, to the invitations, place mats/name tags, favors and on and on and on.
As guests arrived at the reception location they found a table spread with Scrapbooking supplies and photos. All sorts of doo-da's for the guest to share thoughts of the bride and groom. I wondered about this; if people would take part in the exercise and was wonderfully surprised. Everyone seemed to get into the act. What an incredible scrap book they contributed to with thoughts and designs, artwork and photo's.
We had picked up this wonderful little Poloraid Camera on Amazon for a Christmas gift. This little gem takes digital photos that can be stored on an SD card in the camera. And, that was not all. There is this wonderful magic paper cartridge that prints 2" x 3" photos with a sticker backing! The bride had printed out the simple directions and left everything on the table and it was amazing. Everyone had a wonderful time with this little camera. The bride's aunt was so taken with it, we were afraid she would take it home with her. The little photo stickers are all over the scrapbook pages and the memory card saved every photo that had been taken. Instead of signing a guest book, the guests left behind a wonderful journal of the very perfect wedding day.

weddings and beads

2010-03-10T15:28:00.000-08:00

Here we are about 10 days to wedding! My daughter will be married on the 20th and it has been a wild ride for one and all. A roller coaster of emotions and details. Showers! Hair "do's". Dresses, shoes, music, flowers and on and on and on. But overall a lot of fun. I really enjoyed making bouquets for my daughters to carry. One for the bride and one for the maid. Bead knitted purses were started just after Christmas and one is here for you all to see. I am grateful everyday for the bead crafts I have been able to enjoy and I am so happy that these keepsakes will be part of memories to be made for a long time to come.

lose ends

2009-08-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

The loss of a parent is a deeply personal, yet strangely communal event. Dad passed on August 2nd early in the morning, before the sun rose. My sister, husband and I had the honor of witnessing his journey and I will never forget this unique and graceful experience. Many of the things our society believes about death have finally been put to rest. I will look at the end of life very differently from now on. Less fear and more peace.

Indulge me for a moment if you will. My father was a wonderful, kind man. He had a ready smile and loved his family without reservation. Dad worked hard all his life; played hard and loved greatly. My mother was the great love of his life and he cared for her and cherished her in a gentle and warm way. His only regret was having to leave her behind. I know that he will watch over all of us and especially Mom.

Grief is a selfish thing for all of us. We will miss Dad every day and struggle to hold on to the knowledge that he has no more pain. A better place they call it. I hope this is so for he deserved it more than many people I know. I am missing him all the time and have not quite gotten over the fact that I can't pick up the phone and call him or take the dog for a visit. I get weepy more times than I would care to admit and find that my mind wanders often.

I have spent a lot of time with my knitting and stick to simple projects as I find that I have been more easily frustrated.

Dad got in the right line up there as the afternoon of the day he left us, the sun came out and after many days of rain, we were graced with more than a week of lovely summer weather. Thanks Dad....now about those lottery numbers....

I miss you Dad. Love Missy

rainy days and some days

2009-06-24T06:36:00.000-07:00

I'm wondering how anyone could deny climate changes, given the scope of changing weather across the country and around the world. I feel a little like New England has changed places with Washington state and Oregon. Lots of rain, mild weather and not a lot of sunshine. Tomorrow will be the only nice day of the week? Sigh.....I will continue to bead and wish for summer to really arrive and stay for more than a day or so.

If I sound whiny, I suppose I am. Sorry. I will move on to brighter things.

A wedding a little under a year away and I am experimenting with beaded flowers. Tried the wire and beads and found it not as satisfying as peyote and brick stitch. A lovely little daffodil blossom has emerged and a tiny lily of the valley. I am very happy with this craft. I hope to have an entire spring bouquet for the bride by next March. Lots of color and light in weight. Overall, a very gratifying project.

Beaded flowers work wonderful as small embellishment for my felted bags too. Low profile flowers can be sewn easily onto the felted product and give dimension to the piece but are secure enough to survive casual use on an everyday bag. Be sure to take the time to secure the blooms with extra stitching. The thread disappears in the felting and it is a neat contrast in mediums.

An ott-lite is a godsend in the evenings and I bask in the glow of mine every night. Keeps the colors true and I get no surprises the next morning in daylight.

I will try to load some photos soon so everyone can see them.

I wonder if I can bead knit some? hm....later.....

The First Breath of Summer

2009-04-26T18:42:00.001-07:00

Just 3 days ago, I slipped on my winter jacket to take the pup for her morning walk. This morning I slipped on my shorts and sandals to do the same. Spring in New England is such a fickle thing. One morning it is 28 degrees and flurries fill the sky and the next it is 61 and sunny and birds have taken the place of the flurries.

The warmth is so welcome after the cold winter we had this year. I love to hear the birds in the quiet of the early morning. They seem so delighted to be making nests and hunting for worms. I have seen many robins tugging away at the earth and then hopping away with their prizes.

My hummingbird feeder is full of fresh nectar and waiting for the hummers to arrive. They generally arrive by Mother's Day and I take that as a gift from mother nature herself, just for me.

Spring cleaning goes on in fits and starts. Windows have been washed and curtains switched out for happy warmer colors.

I begin to put away my wools and pull out the cottons and silks.....and you thought I meant clothes, but I do mean yarn. Winter knitting is hidden away and summer knitting season begins. This spring it has been baby gifts and bright colored bags. I have a list of patterns I want to try. A pretty top from a magazine, a new beaded purse and perhaps a cotton/silk sweater.

In between the shining up of the house and spiffing up of the yard, I want to straighten out the fibers. Organize the yarns, color code the beads and alphabetize the crafting library. So much to do and so much ambition. However I will most likely take some needles and yarn and retire to a comfy chair in the shade and knit.

Sigh

I do love summer.

light knitting

2009-04-12T20:06:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it is difficult to know where to begin a subject. Why do we do the things we do? Why do I bead? knit? sew? craft? sing? dance? laugh, cry? In some weird miniscule way, perhaps to leave something of myself behind so that someday, decades from now, someone will touch something I have created and remember the story of me. A legacy or perhaps just a pleasant anecdote.

I have arrived at a place in my life that most everyone reaches. Watching helplessly as my parents age and follow the path that will lead to the end of their time here. It has been more than difficult for me and for all of my siblings, and theirs. The last few years have brought changes in health and emotional well-being that (at one time in my life) I never thought possible. My friends and acquaintances as well, relate stories very much like mine. We seek comfort in one another, knowing that we have all become members of the same undesirable club. Looking for ways to allow comfort and dignity to the people who gave us life, raised us and then released us to the world to follow our own paths.

Increasingly I find myself lost in thought about where I came from and where I still travel to in my life. I question my mortality and theirs. Why does it have to be such a difficult road to travel? Does everyone have to be ill or in pain to finish their life? Why don't doctors have the answers? Why can't I find answers for them?

My parents' generation considered doctors and priests more than human. They were the answers. They were always right; take this pill, say this prayer, do this, don't do that. And now after such a long time we find that they are human just like we are. They don't have the answers we need. They are struggling to find them, just as we are. We have put so much responsibility on them all that there is no way to succeed and they are afraid to say, "I don't know".

The past 3 years or so have been spent in waiting rooms, doctor's offices, hospital emergency rooms and solitary prayer. The answers don't come and I find myself struggling to make sense of this natural and yet unnatural journey from birth to death. I try to shield my family and at the same time prepare them for what will come. I struggle to maintain a positive outlook and sometimes succeed and sometimes fail.

The one thing I have learned is that, no matter how hard I try to have control of what will happen, I truly cannot control the outcome of most any situation. Life/death will happen and I will bear witness, but I will not have control.

So I take up my yarn and needles, beads and glass, and make them a tool of my prayers. I reflect on the wonderful things I have had and hope to still have in my life. The people I cherish and love. I knit their stories and bead their smiles into my simple offerings and hope that in my small quiet way I am honoring them; those I know, have known and will know in my lifetime.

I try always to breath positive energy and love into every stitch, every bead. If I have difficulty banishing the negative feelings and energy I set aside the piece so as not to taint it.

Negative energy is for cleaning. I wash, dust and scrub away as much of it as I can. Rake, shovel, scrape, paint, sort, throw away, polish and shine. Once I have exorcised the "dark" and I feel the "light" I can return to the craft.

So why do we do these things? the knitting, the sewing, the beading the singing and dancing? Probably so the light will never leave our hearts for long. You may not see me on my knees in a pew, but you can be sure that if I gift you with something I have made with my hands, I have prayed each bead, each stitch, each note.

My heart is heavy today but I took, comfort in my needles and fibers. You may not be able to know the story when you hold this piece, but perhaps some of the spirit that helped me craft it will make your heart smile.

in search of spring

2009-04-08T07:09:00.000-07:00

Now, I just wonder if spring has given us a pass here in New England. The snow was flurrying this morning when Lily and I took our little first walk. The sun came out to tease us for about a half hour at around 9:00, but then it scurried away and now it is grey and sad out there. For this reason, I would like to return to my bed with a book about the beach. Instead it will be spring cleaning and baby knitting for me today. I keep imagining that if I spring clean the inside of the house, then mother nature will notice how bright and shiny it is and warm us up. I hope for a summer so long and hot that my wool will stick to my fingers as I knit and my beads will stick to my hands so that I curse the heat. Ha! Of course, anyone who uses needles of any type will know that we simply adjust the materials to fit the weather and I will do that as well. Silks and cottons, and pre-strung beads to knit into something cool and lacy will be the order of the season. Sigh!

But, there is hope. I have been knitting tiny things for baby gifts. They make everything more hopeful. Sweet little garments of light, soft colors. They make me smile and know that summer will come and bring sweet little people to wear them.

dreams and possibilities

2009-03-24T20:04:00.001-07:00

This morning I received an email from my daughter. A note to tell me that a job had been posted for Ravelry. Something that is so perfect for me that I dare not hope, but of course I will anyway. A job like one I loved and had to leave. But even better, because I could work from home! Maybe make a difference! So dream I will and I emailed my desire. Then I sent a little resume. I'm not experienced at resume, but what the heck, dreams can lead to possibilities so.......off it went into cyberspace. Now I will wait and hope and wait and...you get the idea. All of the little "sayings" roll around in your head. The ones that used to roll off your mother's tongue, and now you probably say yourself; "if it's meant to be, it will." "You'll never know unless you try." "Don't let the door hit you in the....."oops not that one.

So now, of course, I can't sleep. I hate that! Why can't you just shut off your mind and close your eyes and drift off and stay that way for 8 whole hours?

I got a lovely package today from a little swap group. Green beads on a hank (that's string) that I can easily move to perle cotton and knit with them. Green is one of my favorites and I am designing a little amulet in my mind as I sit here. (another reason why I'm not sleeping).

I have a little yellow spring bag on my needles right now and may get to felt it tomorrow along with the blue one and the pink one I finished this week. Then I will bead on all three of them. Flowers perhaps. It is time for spring, for summer, for bare feet and summer weight yarns. So much yarn, so little time.

woeful inadequacy, did i even spell that right?

2009-03-11T11:13:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned that I just love Ravelry. I have become a true addict. I check my Ravelry messages before I check my email. I have joined groups, exchanged ideas and even swapped beads. I have become linked to other bloggers and enjoy their postings. I feel like such an amateur when I read these posts and hope that my wit is enjoyed by SOMEONE out there. I want to earn the MacGyver badges from iamtherforeiknit. So how do I do that?

Spring is due to spring any moment now. I have knit and beaded away the winter and still feel like there is so much more to do. But now, I would like to do it outside. I am not alone, oh no! There are many others, so very many that feel just like I do. A long, dark, cold winter. We are ready for crocuses, lily of the valley and, yes, even Black flies.

Because, after all, one can knit outdoors too.

2009-02-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

I just loved making this one. It is a long winter necklace that is woven and embroidered over and around half inch cording. It makes me feel good to wear it and it goes with so much. Lots and lots of hours, but so much satisfaction. These remind me of a crazy quilt. So many beads, so little time.

now where was I?

2009-02-18T13:51:00.000-08:00

The last couple of weeks I find that I am truly sick of the cold. I don't mind winter, but the bone chilling cold has gone on for such a long time this year. I have been fairly productive though. My little Valentine necklace here was quite the success and I have enjoyed testing it out. It was so bright and happy that I forgot the cold for a bit. I finished another necklace and even made a third, all of which show up on my Etsy site. It is snowing here again and we may get a couple of inches. Enough to cover the old dirty snow and make things look Christmasy again. I even hit the slopes for a couple of hours and was delighted to find that I could still "shush?" with the best of them. I think I may have to try that again tomorrow on the new stuff. New England skiing is not generally for the faint of heart as there tends to be more ice under the snow than snow, if you know what I mean. New England skiing means sharper edges and a helmet as a fashion statement. I have not skied in 3 years so I need a helmet. Everyone else has one and I am the Mom so tell them all to wear them. I suppose I have to practice all the preaching.

Today, as I recuperate from those few runs, I am knitting and staying warm. I have some lovely new beads from a bead swap and will post them here. I am so excited and looking for ideas. A summer shell with beads in the hem may be just what I need to show off these lovely beads.

Who knows?

Too much time on my hands

2009-02-04T14:43:00.000-08:00

Last week I was wandering around hating the cold weather and wishing for spring. It was so bad, I just could not seem to get anything done. In disgust I jumped online to see what other people were doing. I found a pattern for a sweet little Valentine heart to knit and felt. So off I went to find red yarn. If that wasn't enough I stumbled on to a blog showing some martini olives, also to knit and felt and low and behold! my day was complete. I happily set about knitting the little suckers and felting them in the bathroom sink. What fun! Then my husband came home and wondered aloud what I had been up to. Uh Oh! I had to show him the olives and hearts. He got quiet, but only for a moment; then he laughed and said they were so cool! I am just so lucky! and have way too much time on my hands.

new year

2008-12-29T06:57:00.000-08:00

Well, a new year will arrive in a couple of days. I think about resolutions every year and don't really make them as they never seem to work out. Trying to think of a crafting resolution yields a list so long that I am not certain where to start. I want to bead the other foot of my pair of tap shoes in blacks and whites. So many hours, but the first shoe is sooooo much fun. Then there is the bead knitting. I want to add beads to some shawls and maybe a sweater, but in a very tasteful way. Have the books and ideas, just can't seem to get there. Ah! well!!!! I have bags to post on etsy and need photos. Now, photography is not my forte. That is my daughter's department. She is the one with the eye. The sale sign is out again at Webs, so off I go to stock up. I keep trying to find patterns I want to make and list the needed fibers, but then I walk in and it all flies out the window. We picked up an antique sock knitter and Larry is having a wonderful time trying to perfect the sock! They are interesting. Yards of tubes with heels full of holes. Today I see a pair that is pretty respectable on the machine so will finish them today for him. Wild! I wonder if I can add beads to the cuffs? Silly, of course I can......

didja ever?

2008-10-07T05:37:00.000-07:00

Did you ever get the feeling that there is sooooo much to do that you can't seem to decide where to begin? Well, my friends. I feel that way, way too often. So many projects, I sometimes find myself wandering around and can't remember where I started. I did catch the mate to that tap shoe last week and began a set up row of beading. I'm almost afraid to begin because I will probably sit in one place for a loonngg time. The first shoe took so many hours that I am not sure when I started and if I will ever really finish it. I have been needle felting a foot; yes you heard correctly, a foot, complete with toes, toenails and perhaps even polish. A toe ring? They are all the rage. My daughter finds that a little creepy, but I can't seem to stop myself. If it ends up looking like a real foot, I may have to keep it beside the shoe because I won't want to cover up the details.

Needle felting is a strangely addictive activity. We took a class in March at (Webs...hooray!) and made dolls. Now you must know that I am not the drawing and sculpting type. I try and woefully fail so I tend to stay away from such things. But I found the craft to be so very forgiving that I actually finished the doll (complete with breasts and bottom I might add) and have been very pleased with her. She is in need of a tiny beaded necklace, earrings and purse, but those will come later.

Anyway, the other night, what with it being October and all) I needed a pumpkin. So I sat down with that deadly little needle, (I use one and not a bobbin full) and started stabbing away. A short time later I had the form and then added the color and then a stem, leaf and vine and I was so happy with it. Needle felting makes me feel almost artistic.

Today the sun is shining and the leaves are turning and it is only 37 degrees. I will be felting a bunch of things I have accumulated the last week or so; a couple of bags for halloween, (hey check out the candy corn felted pattern at lion brand; it is cute) and then a purse or two for a Christmas fair. I have a basket full of felted ornaments to embellish with beads and so it goes. I suppose fall cleaning of my home calls to me, but gosh, there is so much to do. Maybe next week.

Theresa's Wedding purse

2008-09-02T09:58:00.000-07:00

Oh my! It is finshed. I am very happy with the gift for Theresa. She will carry it on her wedding day. The silk lining went in by hand and the tatted flowers are all different. Like snowflakes my daughter tells me. Now I turn to warmer things. A right to go with the left mitten. Finish a scarf from last winter. The other leg for the second knee sock and the second sock of a pair of lace socks. Everything on hold for this little bag. It was worth every moment.

2008-08-19T23:13:00.000-07:00

So long away from here. Summer is almost gone and my thoughts turn to long cold winter evenings sitting on the sofa and knitting away. A beaded evening purse in a vintage style is on the 0000 needles right now. Ivory with a vintage clasp top and chain handle; it will be a gift for a bride in October. I have it all knitted and added tatted picots around the outside edge. I am trying to decide on the additional embellishments now. Lined in dupioni. I will miss this one.

The sale sign was out

2007-12-30T11:57:00.000-08:00

The end of the year blowout and I TRIED to resist, but of course I didn't. New felting yarn for at least 3 bags. Some pretty glittery stuff just because it was there and ON SALE. Then there was the silk, but we should not mention that, (except to say it will match my new coat and I have a cool scarf pattern). Okay, so I mentioned it. Oh, and an Electronic row counter. How long will I have it before it dissappears into the sucking void with the old fashioned clicker one, which I think may be with all of my stitch markers, tape measures and darning needles? I also bought a second pattern to match the one in said sucking void that was lost after the last big SALE visit. Have the yarn, could not find the pattern. The best way to find anything I say is to buy it a second time. The original will appear like magic!
Sat with my daughter the day after Christmas and worked her new scarf pattern she got along with the yarn and needles, for Christmas. I searched my stash and tried 3 or 4 times to begin one for myself, but no yarn was right for the project. (that nice silk from the sale should do the trick). Then, of course I can add some beads to the finished project making it truly my own; until somebody sees it and likes it and I give it away.
I have followed patterns (in my fashion) for a long time. However, in recent months, I am more inclined to be inventive. Some of the designs have worked out very well. Some knit beaded evening purses for gifts have been a lot of fun. Of course, I have not written anything down so they were originals. I am now searching for ways to be more diligent. A couple of felted bags have been invented; one in error and one by design. I have found that exciting and would love to do more. I hope there is somebody out there who is also inclined and will share ideas. As for the bead knitting, I find few takers in the near area. I find knitters and I find beaders, but seldom find anyone who is of the same mindset in the general vicinity. Anybody out there?

always looking for an excuse to knit

2007-12-21T16:29:00.000-08:00

And if I can add a bead or 327, then I am a happy girl. New England winters are long here and I am forever holding something in my hand. Knitting needles, crochet hook, beading needles, you name it. I know what televsion personalities sound like, but tend not to look up often enough to catch what they look like. (might drop a stitch you know). My husband's most repeated phrase is "you're knitting again?". I think he's jealous. The puppy has to climb into my lap and put her nose onto the project to get her attention. If I could walk the dog and knit, well.....
I am forever shopping for needles. The dog especially loves the flavor of bamboo circular needles; you know the expensive ones.
We are considering redecorating with hammocks suspended from the ceiling to keep the yarn and needles out of the dog's reach. I am constantly re-organizing and still can't manage to corral it all. My resolutions not to buy another skein fly out the door when I see the Sale flyer or sign. Webs is a favorite haunt and it's an hour away so you CAN'T NOT pick something up. It would be a waste of energy.
The latest project has been elf hats for the family for Christmas day. We are volunteering at a big children's party and everyone NEEDED a hat. (okay, they didn't, but I made them anyway) I will take pictures and share as soon as I can figure out the flickr stuff. Time to make just one more hat.