tangles and mud

A saley sale!

2010-09-10T15:25:00.001-05:00

I just put all my buttons on sale, grab 'em while they're hot! I know they'd love to come home with you!

xoxo.

Find the deals here

Here we go!

2010-09-08T09:03:00.002-05:00

Alrighty dears, here's where you can find me.

RoseWoolls Designs

I'm completely moony-excited already.

xoxox

Cat

Moving, delays in leather

2010-09-01T20:48:00.003-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about tangles and mud lately. And I've decided it's probably high time to move along, and let it be part of my history. I love the name terribly, but since I don't do clay work anymore- and lets face it, I still can't find any inkling of want when it comes to working with clay still- I don't feel comfortable using it to share my new leather work, where I am seriously heading. (Really, I've fallen harder than a rock off a cliff for leathercraft.) This place, this blog, it feels stale to me. I'm proud of what I've accomplished as tanglesandmud, but it is time to mosey on down the path, I'm not excited by it anymore. It has become a burden, which is something I don't have room for in my life. I'm too lit up and excited about my knit hats, crazy yarn, leather, leather leather; and this name is dragging me down.

It may seem silly, to let a name I chose gladly and proudly bother me so much, but it does. And I need to shed this skin and live fully in this lovely life I have been building and let the past be past. It's time to move on.

I think I have settled on a new, better, and deeper name for my art's designs. I can't wait to share it with you, but first, photos must be taken, a new Etsy shop needs to be tweaked and twirled and I've decided to move to another blog space. I'll link everything here to the new space, of course, and tanglesandmud on etsy will stay up until the items expire, or are sold (which would be even better! hee!)

I need to make a clean, fresh start to match this chapter I've fallen, scraped and climbed into. I am ready to settle down, buckle up and really SHOW you what I am capable of. (and show myself, even more) I have things to say, show and share with you. Accomplishments are so close to being made it is getting ridiculous. I am going to do my best to stay fresh, to share, to ask for critique, to keep deadlines I make to myself, and therefore you.

But I've been letting my emotions for clay stagnate my actions forward. I love what I made at Cub Creek, but my artist self is still scarred from the emotional toil it took out of me. So. A new start, a new blog, and then, and I'm promising, cross my heart, stick a needle in my eye promise, that I will have a boat load to share, and I'll do my best to keep posting regularly and I'll be creating up a storm. I can do that because I've been so productive already, I truly believe that changing names and direction will be the boost I need. I am excited to be excited about my art again. It's been a struggle, trying to force myself into this silly mold I thought I had made for myself. I'm grateful that I've finally realized that it's time to let this chapter of life go. That moving along isn't giving up, it's living life to it's most creative, happiest fullness. I can't say exactly when I will be ready to share everything new, there are photos to take, headers to pick fonts for, and plans to fufil. But I can promise you this, it will be soon. I'm out of town this week for work, and once I get back to my studio's desk and my camera, I am going to fly!

And now, the most important bit of this whole entry:

Thank you, dear readers. I can't wait to share my newest thoughts and paths with you. Thank you for reading this scattered girl's thoughts and waiting out my long time between posts spells.

You're the best. Really. Truly. Like kitties and pies you are the best.

xoxoxo

Cat

Breath

2010-08-23T20:55:00.004-05:00

Get Humble

Brought to you by today's yoga thoughts.  Nearly cried. Wish I had.

A double sided satin ribbon

2010-08-23T09:47:00.000-05:00

Is just what the Chartreuse Doctor ordered.

What silly little thing did you do today to make yourself happy?

xoxox

Collections

2010-08-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've recently unearthed my stone collection from when I was younger. It's amazing to me, that through out all of my moves in my life, and in the past few years, I am able to hold on to little things like these earthly gumdrops.

Some of them look simply tasty, don't they?? And dearie dear, do I love some tigers eye!

(do you like the flower?? I made it late one night, and am thinking about the next to come, any color suggestions?)

Have a spiffy day!

xo ~cat

Happiness is...

2010-08-17T18:38:00.004-05:00

Being at work, in a corporate office, and realizing that I was holding/wearing three things that were made by my own hands.

It was comforting indeed.

What do you treasure?

And:

Wheeee!!! LEATHER!!!! YAY!

The sound of the rain

2010-08-05T17:22:00.003-05:00

Dear darling person,

It's raining today, it started as I drove home from work, straight into the storm. I counted at least 40 lighting bursts within 15 minutes. The long, hair thin cracks of light in the sky, and the bright explosions of light that fill the sky. It wasn't even that dark yet, and the sky would sizzle with brightness. Then the thunder began, cracking like a bullwhip. I love storms. Luckily, this place has had a good round of them this summer. It pours, it can pour for hours, so that the whole world is eaten up in soft dark gray water. So you can hardly see if you're stuck driving. I'd rather sit on my porch getting sprayed on by the drops that jump back up to the sky. My yarn grows into a river, reminding me again why a rock garden on the side of the house would be such a good idea. A place of quiet to help with times of rolling, avalanche like thunder and buckets of cool rain.

The thunder is purring away now, sloping through the clouds, following the rain, the wind has let up and the trees are once more quiet. The kitten will soon come out from under the bed. She'll go straight back there if it starts again, which it has habits of doing. Right when you think it's over, that it is safe to venture out without an umbrella and rain boots (I really need a pair...) it begins all over again. The wind dancing hard through the leaves, the water pouring down the sky, the thunder shaking the widow panes.

I love thunder. I love the shocking surprise of it, even when I know it's coming, after seeing a beauty of a lighting strike sprint across the purple gray clouds. But you never quite know how loud it will be, how soon it's coming. It's like the game we played as kids, racing to pop the most balloons by sitting on them. you know you'll hit the floor with a bang, but oh the fun of the suspense!!! It might take one or two hops to get that balloon to surrender. It might take two seconds or thirty for the thunder to roll into my head. I love deep sounds.

Do you?

for the love of old things.

Whooooopies!

2010-08-05T17:08:00.002-05:00

So. Who doesn't know what a whoopie pie is? I learned about them when I lived in the Shenandoah Valley of Virgina at the bakery I was lucky enough to work at. They're not limited at all in flavors, we did chocolate, pumpkin, vanilla, and even red velvet once!

Esentially, they are two cupcake tops with some sort of cream filling in the middle. Like a moonpie without the chocolate dip part. (do I have that right southerners? I'm learning...)

And so, I present, via the darling J, Raspberry Lemon Woopie pies:

1/2 c butter (room temp)
1 cup and 3 tsp brown sugar
1 TBSP grated lemon zest
1tsp vanilla
1 large egg
2 1/4 c flower
3/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup whole milk (all I had was 2 percent... so I added some of the heavy cream worked just dandy!)
3/4 c heavy cream
1 cup fresh raspberries! (I used frozen)

Heat the oven to 350.
Mix together butter, 1 c of sugar (holding the 3tbsp back), & lemon zest til light and creamy. Add vanilla and egg and beat the heck out of it. In a second bowl, combine the dry ingredients and add them to the wet stuff alternating between the milk and the dry, mixing everything before adding the next dollop.
Drop the batter in 2 tbsp mounds about 2 inches apart on to your baking sheet (parchment paper is very helpful here) * Also very important, try your best to make these as evenly shaped as possible, nothing's worse than lopsided woopie pies... at least, not while you're trying to make these tasty beauties. * Bake until puffed and pale golden brown around the edges, 12-19 min. Be sure to rotate the sheets in the middle of this!

Right before serving the whoopies, whip cream and the 3 tbsp of sugar together into soft peaks.
fold the raspberries amongst the cream. Plop a healthy amount on the bottom half of your pies, and then add the top.

Then try not to eat them all at once. I made these for my friend's birthday party and so I can't tell you how long they last, since we ate them all that night. But man, they are some of the prettiest desserts you'll ever see, all that yellowy pinky goodness!mmmmmm

xoxox

Razzleberry lemon woopie pies

2010-08-02T22:17:00.003-05:00

Recipe to come soon, sadly, they did not last long enough after being put together for me to photograph them. I took this photo whilst mixing them up (yes, all by hand... I have no whirring contraptions in my kitchen... yet!).

I think it is my new favorite photo of me, if I do say so myself... which I do! Aprons do wonders for your mood when cooking. I wear them out and about town some days too, they are also fun as the dickins to make.

I will be making them again, and am not afraid to change the berries!

I keep waiting til I have more time, more energy, more photos, something profound to pop in my head for this poor blog. It's time to just start posting what I'm doing, no matter how silly it is. Now, let's see if I can do that!

Newness

2010-07-18T11:05:00.004-05:00

I've been busy, I've been thinking about what to say about this art I've been learning. All there is to say is that I love it. I need more tools. I am tres excited to share my new endeavor with you.

I hope you enjoy them too. The hydrangiea design is what really kicked me into high gear about leather. I was feeling good about my beginner skill, but blocked on what to do with it. And then I thought back to my first real leather inspiration, this woman is amazing. Please do check her out.
But I thought about what it was that kept me coming back to her site, her art, and it was the individuality, and how she welcomes her local world into what she does. So I did too. The hydrangias in the back yard were in full, bluest blue bloom, and I took some into the house. And then I made two, incase I messed one up when I stained and painted them. But I'm happy with both.

The cuff with one painted blossom is mine, and I've been wearing the heck out of it. But the other is up for grabs, please contact me if you'd like to have it come home to you! The rest are up for grabs too! (and need good homes)

The daisies aren't quite done, but will be today!

love you all.

Braiding

2010-06-24T09:02:00.000-05:00

This is how things get done around here at Casa Del Fidgit...

She's such a helper, isn't she?

If it weren't for my Mr....

2010-06-23T20:27:00.006-05:00

If I could, I would live of the smell of these flowers.

I'd also probably eat grilled corn and cantaloupe every day this summer. all. the. time. But he doesn't like these things as much as I do, so luckily my diet is much more diverse than my taste buds demand. He's quite handy to have around, and even makes me tend towards a more even diet! teehee! He may be convinced to eat peaches every day though... hmmm...

Coming soon

2010-06-23T08:59:00.000-05:00

learn something completely new. You'll be amazed at what happens.

I'm feeling quietly confident in my learning curve, but not so much yet that I'm ready to offer up anything to the shop quite yet. It's coming, I hope to thrill your eye-buds (get it? like taste buds, but eyes! teehee, oh, I kill me... snort!)

I'll be to my knuckles in pits soon

2010-06-19T20:55:00.003-05:00

Peach pits, that is. I have a kitchen sink full of peaches I bought at the farmers market, and I CANNOT wait to start baking with them. The few that have fallen prey to my snacking have been the juiciest peaches I have had in a long, long time. Perhaps ever, dare I say it!

Aren't they breathtaking?

Summer does have its perks, and peaches are way up on that list. Now, can someone please do something about this blasted humidity??

xoxo

p.s. made a cobbler out of some of the peaches, YUUMMMY! Anyone need a new recipe for this dish? I'll share!

Pleasures...

2010-06-19T20:49:00.005-05:00

There is little better than sitting still after a day of crawling around on the floor, trying to install a sink while the hot water is still dripping because the shut-off valve is funky. A new couch to sit on is also quite the perk, don't you think?

But I did it. That is, after three trips to the hardware store (thank goodness it's practically around the corner, or else I might've cried), panic, and following relief thanks to the lovely man who helped me figure out how to fix my hook up hose issues.

Whats that? Oh, alright, here's how it looked in progress...

Fidgit helped, of course.

The color is called artic stone, more pigment than I had pictured in my head when I chose the paint chip, but I love it.

Now all I need to do is get small feet for the tall cabinet (and hope Shawn likes it where it is). Oh, and bleach and seal all of the grout in the shower and on the floor.

After that, I need my house painter friend to stop by and give the trip a quick bright white pick-me-up (I don't do oil based paint... I'm not precise enough, and he's a pro!) and this bathroom will be finished, friends. Finished.

Geeze...

2010-06-08T17:50:00.004-05:00

Who knew how hard it is to take a photo of your own hair pulled up in a pretty clip! I've tried and failed you again, dear readers... I'll have to try again the next time Shawn or someone is around to take the photo, make sure it's focus and I'm in the frame and all that... Sigh... Normally, I'm quite good at self portraits. They were always my favorite assignments in photo classes.

Though I did think up a new way to show the pins off! How do you like them on yarn? I feel like showing the actual flower pin you'd be buying in my hair might gross some people out, (no matter how clean I say I am!) and they're just SO plain on a white background.

Would love to know what you think!

xoxo
Cat

dream space

2010-06-04T10:28:00.000-05:00

This is where I work out designs, write to you here on this blog, and write my letters to friends. See the box on the second shelf??? She's my newest favorite thing, and I will share her next time the light is better, as you can see, it's quite dark in here for photos at the moment, and needs some sunshine to be properly shown off.

I love this desk, it is from the ubiquitous Ikea, and I've had it since this blog was started (see? you can just make it out under the pile of supplies and the hat...) The space to work on is huge, the shelves are lifesavers, and once I get some hooks, I'll be able to hang things from the bottom of the shelves and along the side supports. Crammed full. That's a good desk.

I love this room, and can't wait to paint it. Soon, soon!

my own horn...

2010-06-01T15:13:00.002-05:00

Have you seen the new flower pins in the shop? I love making them, the wee bits of fabric slowly turning into ruffled shapes, choosing the right color of beads to finish them off... It's nice to know there's something so pretty to do with my fabric scraps! This batch is all bobby pins, but I have done them with brooch pins before as well, but the bobby pins always get the most attention when people see them in person, so I've stuck with that for now. I do hope you like them!

I always get compliments on mine when I wear one, I bet you'll have the same luck! They're just so nice pinned up in one's hair. Simple and sweet.

I wish I could have gotten a shot of me wearing one for you, but it JUST wouldn't work out today, soon though, promise!

Rainy day snacks

2010-05-31T16:40:00.000-05:00

It's been raining forever today! Really! We're working somewhere between 7 and 8 hours, I can't believe there's so much water left in the sky still. I've had to pull some of my potted plants up on the porch, so they wouldn't drown! (which may be over reacting, but I'm new to all this planty business, and am trying very hard to keep everyone alive and happy. (so I can eat them later...)). hm. :)

The thunder has let off for a bit, though it was strong enough that a crack of lightning cut the power for a few seconds while we were lazing about in bed this morning. There's not much better than that, snuggled into bed, listening to the rain and having a kitty who is a bit freaked out and wants you to be awake and about the house now, please. Poor Fidge spent the morning under the bed when she wasn't trying to get us up.

At one point the rain let up so we ran out and bought provisions; pizza supplies, breakfast goods, milk, and at one point some blackberries threw themselves at me and I just couldn't leave them there, now could I?? After lunch, knitting, and reading, I decided to make shortbread. It's pretty good, but the next batch will have more vanilla and a touch more salt. Dangerously easy to make, and even more dangerously easy to consume.

Didn't my snack turn out pretty? It looks so dainty.

Fish, fish, fishy fish.

2010-05-27T09:42:00.000-05:00

It was delish, this little fish.

It's when I make meals like this for lunch on weekends that I find myself pining to work from home more than usual.

le siiiigh.

Fidge thought the water was divine. In case you were wondering.
I did not set out to share on purpose. greedy kitty.

fun with fractals

2010-05-25T09:38:00.000-05:00

This amazing sculpture is outside of the new Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. It is well worth the money (only $8) just to look around the building. The art is the icing. And so much of the collection was simply thrilling!

Tea is for the mornings

2010-05-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

Summer time is nearly upon us. I can tell, because in the mornings lately I’ve not wanted the comfort of hot tea that I’ve been enjoying for the past months. I miss it, but am usually too warm already to even think about hot water. But I missed the quiet minutes while I drank my tea, so I took matters in to my own hands (as we all so often must, and should). I brewed some chai tea, added some brown sugar, let it steep for a lot longer than normal, added some cream and popped it into the fridge overnight.

The morning was blissful with my glass of cold, spicy sweet comfort.

I miss the moments of tea when I don’t have the time or the temperature to drink some at home. At work it just doesn’t seem as lovely, as quiet. It’s mostly a way to keep warm in the icebox I am lucky enough to work in. There, it looses the peace and the ritual. So, for real tea I must drink it quietly, at home in my sweet cave of plaster and wood.

Sweet milky thoughts

Crowd my brain, crown my tongue.

As morning creeps up and over my toes.

Mornings are for tea

A place to wake.

If you have any, I'd love to know what your rituals for the mornings or evenings are... especially if they involve teas or coffees. The drinks that have certain steps that you must partake in to enjoy a cup.

The season changes

2010-05-20T18:40:00.005-05:00

Saturday was the first day for this market's season, and ever. I was searching for one that used to be close to downtown (or "up"town as the fancy folk around here like to call it) and while it was closed, a new one was opening. Bonus, new market opens at the most reasonable time of 9am. I like. So I put on a summery orange sherbet colored skirt, grabbed my camera and some cash and headed out to see what there was to eat.

For it's first ever showing, I was pretty impressed, it has grand potential to be MOST awesome! There were plenty of new plants to buy for your garden.

And a few butchers, lots of farm-fresh happy chicken eggs, some delectable looking chocolates and soap even! And a pickle man. Well, let's be fair, THE pickle man. :)

I ended up with a bucket of growing lettuce (on the cheap! I mean, think of how many salads I can eat between batches growing!!! hooray!!) And some beef short ribs that I cooked up in the slow cooker, which was the first time I've come close to "making" BBQ sauce. It passed the Shawn test, so I'm pretty happy with that!
Did not take a photo of the cooked ribs, they probably wouldn't have looked as yummy as they were, and we ate them before i could even think about taking a picture.

As I was leaving I ran into some of our friends who were setting up to play some music outside the market area... If they keep doing it this will be the BEST market. perhaps ever.

I also succumbed to some strawberries. And ate them all within 2 and a half days. Delish. Summer does have its sweet spots.

wishes

2010-05-19T19:18:00.001-05:00

I wish I could type a letter on my new old typewriter.

my kingdom for a type ribbon.

ca-chunk-ca-chunk-ca-chunk-diiing

This may become more common

2010-05-13T10:24:00.002-05:00

I got this recipe in the mail the other day from a good friend. It is YUMMY! So I thought I should share with you! I meant to take a photo of the meal on our plates, but it was too late by the time I thought about it, and rice and lentils all mixed up in a tupper-ware is not so pretty.... Instead you get a photo of the Berbere spice getting measured out.

May I present
Spicy Ethiopian Lentil Stew:
2tsp oil of your choice
2 cups chopped red onion
1 tbsp minced and peeled fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves
3 tbsp tomato paste
1.5 tbsp Berbere Spice (see below...)
3 cups veggie broth
1 cup dried small lentils
chopped fresh cilantro
cooked Batsmati rice

Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over med. heat. Add onions, and cook until tender (15 min) stirring occasionally. Add ginger and garlic, cook for 5 more min, stir frequently. Add tomato paste and Berbere spice, cook 1 min more. Gradually add broth, stirring to combine with a whisk until blended. increase heat to med. high and bring to a simmer. Rinse the lentils in cool water, drain and add to broth misture, simmer, partialy covered for 35 min or until lentils are tender. stir occasionally. Stir in some salt to taste. Serve warm, over rice, sprinkle with cilantro. Now. I am going to add some diced tomatoes next time, it needed a little more... texture or something but was quite good! And I was very proud and surprised the Berbere spice worked out so well!

There are a millionty-one opinions on how to make Berbere spice, so I'd recommend searching around and choosing one that pleases you the most. I used chili powder, ginger powder, cloves, cinnamon, coriander, allspice, black pepper, turmeric, ummm... crushed red pepper... I think I wrote it down, and if anyone wants my "recipe" for the mix, let me know! It was yum, vegetarian (which I'm not, but was searching for something to serve to my friends who are) and pretty healthy I think. It would be easy to add tofu or maybe chicken.... not sure. but I will make it again!

Weekending

2010-05-12T20:38:00.004-05:00

I spent a few glorious hours out on my front porch. I love my glider. It is heaven. The breeze was cool, the sun was out, the book was as good as ever (I was re-reading the Narnia series... I love them, have I told you that lately? Next up on the re-visit list is probably the Wrinkle in Time series. I adore the books of my not so distant youth)

I mean... who wouldn't want to sit here all day?

I had brought out my sketchbook with me too, but got so into the book I finished it and then realized I had been sitting long enough that my keester was half numb... so I got up, ate and went out with some dear friends for a drink or two. I loved this Saturday, it was breezy.

Thar She Blooms!

2010-05-02T16:57:00.003-05:00

One of my favorites.

And since they need ants' help to open and bloom, it does make me appreciate the little buggers a whole lot more! (did you notice the one in the first photo?)
I planted a few more in the front yard, and will have to move this one in the fall, I think she's not getting enough light, there's only this bloom, and no other buds to speak of.

And look what I got this weekend!

Next month, the workshop! Hooray for learning new things! I can't wait to share this new project!

Hooray Hooray Huzzah!

The morning view

2010-05-01T08:58:00.007-05:00

As I was driving home last night, the moon was low, large and light orange. I love the moon, I thought to my small self, almost as if I had forgotten how terribly I adore that rock in the sky. And I do. It comforts me somehow, whenever I see it. Especially on the nights she brings out her best dresses. The night I first saw the moon as a red giant, I was on top of a mountain and was totally blow away at the majesty. I feel that way about small rocks sometimes, in a smaller way. I always try to find an interesting rock when I go places like the beach and the mountains, or just somewhere new. They remind me of the place, yes, but also, of being outside. And have you ever seen a prettier stone than agates? Now, I've not found one of those on the ground, but do own some. One in a ring, others from when I was a young rockhound. (Which meant every time we visited my grandparents we went to Old Towne Rock and Gem and I was allowed to choose one or two polished stones to bring home). I need to take their photos, I just rediscovered them unpacking the other week. Seeing old friends is always such a reward.

Here's a glimpse of my morning. This is the table in what was once the dining room in this house. We've turned it into the record& book library with an eating nook. I never have been one to want a formal dining room, so this is perfect. And it's in the heart of the house, so the music goes everywhere when Shawn puts on his DJ hat and plays the records. I love it here. I love my table cloth, and my aqua cup. You've probably seen it before, if you've been reading a while.
I adore it.
You will probably see it again.

I've also made another blog-me-how-to-write-truthfully- decision. I've been writing letters to a dear friend (yes, the kind with stamps) and I've realized how open I am, how easy it is to say whatever it is I wanted to say. And that's how I was trying to write here. But I was feeling blocked and untrue when I was trying to write as myself here... Not sure why I was blocking myself, but hey, when don't we all do that at?? So. I' m going to try my best to pretend I'm writing a real letter. And we'll see how that goes from here. I think it will work. I'm excited.

A bonus photo of Fidge, she had been laying quite relaxed when I brought out the camera... Now she just looks too snooty not to share!

I did retouch this photo, it had come out too blue from my camera, evening light is still tricky for me. But relearning how to use a "real" camera is SO much fun! I uped the saturation and sharpened it a bit, just so you could see what it was I saw when I took the photo.

Now we're getting fancy!

2010-05-01T08:34:00.003-05:00

I put the Merci Beaucoup shawl pattern into a pdf format!! I noticed that whatever it was that I had done trying to format it in a a pretty way just wasn't working nicely in the blog post, so here's a polished version! All the bold type in the right place, all the information looking swell. I am quite pleased.

I've loaded it up onto Ravelry.

If you do not have a Ravelry account, check it out, it really is a valuable tool. But if you still don't want it, but need the .pdf, please let me know and I'll be happy to email it to you, it is free after all!!

Let there be Tiles!

2010-04-21T06:42:00.005-05:00

Good morning dears!

I will be posting these tiles tonight after the office-work. I have more, but surprises are nice, aren't they? And plus, who knows what I will need to make tonight, so I don't want to promise you too much. I much prefer my home-work. Home work is art, it is craft, it is little pieces of my soul and thoughts coming together to create. Whatever that creating is, I am pleased as punch to be able to make it.

(I love this one, the little black eggs are so snug in their nest... Does anyone know if there are birds who lay black eggs? I think emus lay dark blue ones...)

I hope you have a sweet and tart lemon bar kind of day!

Edit time! I just listed all three of these tiles. Sadly, I must go clean the bathroom floors instead of posting more. But it's only because my mum is coming to visit tomorrow! She deserves clean bathroom floors!

A new experiment

2010-04-20T06:50:00.005-05:00

Oof, tried to post these photos this morning before work but the photos would not load up as lickity-splickity as I needed them too. So here's what I was thinking about this morning.

I wish you were here to see the sun on these yourself, it is stunning.

mmmm... green.

More pondering.

2010-04-19T17:50:00.006-05:00

I have a few peeks at what I've been working on and squirrling away. There is no way for you to see my work unless I show it to you, I've realized. I have learned that I need to promote my work. It is me, it is what I do it is what I am proud of.

So without further ado, I give you bits of my thoughts and parts of my soul, for that is what all art is, don't you think?

The first two are small sculptures, all wool. The pink one is a pod scultpure I've made a small series of. I'll be sharing the rest of them soon here. The idea is to have a multitude of these pods, hanging from the ceiling. I love things hanging from ceilings, it changes the space in such a cozy, tent-fort kind of way.

This blue one was supposed to be part of that series, and it might still be. It is a big departure from the rest of them, in shape, size and details. While beading this, I could not help but imagine the bluest oceans, fish swimming in and out of this little haven. Rocking in the sway of the waves, with the sunlight dappling through the kelp.
It's funny, how much the ocean can move me to create, when I'd much rather be in the mountains most days. But beauty is everywhere, and I am grateful for the inspiration whenever it comes.

This is a work in progress. I started it a few years ago and it got set aside in the vast shuffle of moving, learning to live in Charlotte, growing, and while moving into my new house, I found it again, and am tickled purple with the strides I've made with it. I can't wait to finish this!!

And so, it is late to be on the computer for me. I will go knit, drink some tea, or maybe read... I'm revisiting the Narnia books again. They are such a childhood comfort, along with the Hobbit and Madeleine L'Engle's works. I've missed reading, and am enjoying books with relish!

Have a lovely night, dear people!

Etsy Etsy Etsy!

2010-04-06T21:02:00.005-05:00

I've been working on my photography, of my work mostly. Figuring out how much tissue paper to put over my lamps, how to set the tripod so I don't have to keep wiggling it back and forth every time I take a close up... All those exciting things. Which really is exciting, I'd missed using a real camera, and this is such a great exercise!

One of my main goals this year is to put as much extra time and effort into my etsy page as I can (the widget is on the right in the side bar). My buttons and tiles are not for me to keep.

They are for you, for my friends, for the strangers I just don't know yet.

I hope that if something calls out to you, you are able to bring it into your home.

Here are a few of my buttons being modeled in their favorite medium. Wool.

Seasons

2010-03-28T09:52:00.003-05:00

For a long time now, I've realized, I haven't really gotten all that into spring. I've always liked it, but it's fall that gets me going, knitting, spinning, crunching leaves. But now that I have a house, and its yard has a respectable amount of daffodils, I'm really enjoying spring. It makes me want to create color, dig in the dirt (I'd forgotten how awesome digging is, the smell of dirt on my hands).

I'm really enjoying spring, and taking advantage of it as much as I can.

Here's some of my daffies, I can't describe how happy I am that there are plenty of them, and there is more than one kind planted about the yard. I can't wait to separate them and fill them in with more kinds. And Hyacinths. I have to have some of those next year. HAVE TO people. And some purple tulips. And some sort of flower that is green. I love green flowers.

It was great fun taking photos with my new camera and tripod (the tripod is like manna in this low lit house!!!)

oh. and I have my giant desk back finally, after having to store it at my mom's house for about 3 years (felt like eons)!!! And I have a cute little old chair to go with it.

heaven.

Setting goals

2010-03-22T17:37:00.003-05:00

I've decided to do one thing for the house every day. So far, since last Sunday I've done the following:

Pulled out an ugly beach grass bush (SO do not belong in the middle of the state!)
Cleaned 2 rooms in prep for family & delivery of much needed shelving, made by my dad.
Started painting the front door.
Finished said painting, just need to scrape the extra off the windows.
I took Friday off to do yoga (5 weeks in a row so far! Another goal)
Saturday was cleaning, rearrainging and pulling out the other ugly beach grass, as well as giving 3 more hair cuts in prep of pulling out.
Then my dad & 2 of the brothers got here and they did some amazing things.
Sunday I planted my new herbs into their permanent pots
Today I started basil, tomatoes, put some cuttings in soil, and sprinkled some flower seeds as well.

Not sure what will be the task tomorrow, but I'm really enjoying this! Small steps really do add up! hmmmm, maybe I'll give the other three grasses their hair cuts.

Seriously though, usually, I'm against pulling plants up and out, but these things are a)ugly and b) silly, and c) I can plant better, more local-appropriate and far prettier things in their places. Not to mention gain enough room for a third raised bed in the veggie garden.

oh, and this is what the front door looks like now:

Taking a que

2010-03-12T20:50:00.002-05:00

A new dear friend of mine posted seven (or was it 8?) things not readily known about her... And I think I should reciprocate.

1. Fidgit, the kitten-cat (because she is still small) has the sweetest smell, I often embarrass her by smelling her belly and armpits. I can't help it, she smells so KITTENY!

2. I can't remember how old I was, but I think early highschool, when I realized, to my horror, that I have my father's feet. Same shape, but smaller, whiter, and thankfully less hairy. Took me years to be able to look at my own feet without shuddering.

3. I have learned that I am a shy artist. I am trying to change that.

4. I love the sounds of fabric, tearing it, the swish swish of corduroy pants, the stiff sounds of silk... Except for the sound those damn windbreaker sports suits make, I hate that sound, it's too plastic (because that's what they are made of), I think mostly because you have no choice but to make noise if you are wearing one. Sound should be a pleasant choice.

5. I also adore having working dirty hands, from drawing with charcoal, to getting a hole in my gloves and having blue hands (and there was that one time I just didn't care and both hands were completely blue, I mean BLUE, people. And then I went to my writing class and the prof. stopped in the middle of his opening talk to ask why the hell they were so. - it remains one of my favorite memories.)

6. One of my goals this year is to make as much clothing as possible. So far... I need to work on it, but I did sew together the happiest of blanket tops!

7. I miss learning. I need to take a class soon about something I know nothing to little about. Or else I'll figure it out myself, which is fine, but learning from someone is so rewarding!

8. I know very little about music, any type. Which amuses and confuses most people who I've met in the past two years, seeing as the man I adore is a heavy duty awesomely talented musician and a rock 'n roll buff. I am forever reminding them that I don't know about such things, but I'll talk anyone's ears off about making things. Always.

So that is that, now, how about some rock music?

http://www.youtube.com/user/darbyscrub#p/a/u/0/LQfgxMPGJ4Y

(be gentle on the visual quality, but I promise, these fools kick it in person!)

some sweetness

2010-03-08T22:00:00.007-05:00

Daffodils smell heavenly, I keep getting whiffs of sent when I lean closer to the flowers next to me.

And now, some sweet, if blurry, pink toes.

Simply because I need these things today.

Fidge spent almost the entire night on the bed, something that never happens, she only got up to watch her birdie telly that comes on every morning at the feeder on our deck. It was a small bliss to feel her tiny body by my feet, such a lovely surprise. Kitten-cats are a welcome break from troubles of the world, don't you think?

Seeing work

2010-03-02T18:54:00.003-05:00

I have several projects going. Started a new little one last night, for the joy of it. Spinning yarn is so good. It's been a while since I've spun anything that I haven't washed and carded myself, too, which I learned when I finally broke into this braid of scrumptious yellow roving I bought out in Asheville at SAFF this October. I don't usually buy things other people dye, since that's part of the fun for me, and I don't have an unlimited textile/fiber budget (small pout!) But I couldn't resist these yellows, and since it is kind of a hard color to get saturated when you dye your own, it became my treat that day. (Let's not talk about the giant fleece I bought... that was a different kind of treat. I planned to buy that!)

So I'm spinning daffodils now. And even though it's snowing, I know I have the real things on my kitchen window... I love daffodils to infinite amounts.

Here's a glimpse of what I'm doing tonight, spinning yellow yarn in my new ORANGE cordoroy pants (can't tell you how happy they make me, but man! Orange pants, say it out loud, and try not to smile when you say it.)
And there's a book to read later in that amazing leather chair too! Life sure is nice!

So I leave you with a photo of little miss Fidgy, who's keeping me company while I wrap someone's birthday presents and spin new yarns and write to you, dear reader.

oh, and how about a preview of my sort of secret project? wheee!

Crossing things off

2010-02-25T22:47:00.004-05:00

The best thing about lists is crossing things off of them, don't you think?

I have finally started finishing the finishing touches on my art. I got two nearly finished, the embroideries are laced, but I need to figure out a better way to use the frames I have. And if I want to use the glass or not. Right now I am not sure. The frames also need to be repainted, but that will take a trip to a hardware store for some spray paint. I hope I'm on a roll. I need to show these to people. I'm ready to share them. And that is such an exciting feeling!

Here's what the ironing board looked like while I tried to match the pieces to their frames...
AH! Only TWO, only almost finished!? eeep! :) I need to get to the thrift stores this weekend and find more frames for sure!

In the mean time, here's a glimpse at my end of a collaboration I've happily found myself in, and man, have I snuggled in and gotten comfy with this project!

Yup, that's a giant ball o' yarn from a Cotswold fleece that was cleaned, carded, spun and is FINALLY being knit by yours truly. I am having so much fun with this! And it smell so good, I can't even tell you, it makes me think of spring and long for chilly nights all at the same time.

There's a busy weekend a head of me, whatever happens!

Collaboration

2010-02-15T22:18:00.004-05:00

Combining the brains of artists is so exciting for me. I love the thrill of explanation, exploration, trading sketches and ideas... And I Super DUPER love that sheep have brought me to a new collaboration with a brilliant artist. This is someone who speaks what I've wanted to say, what I'm learning to be brave enough to say loudly and with pride.

I don't know if it is because I moved around so much as a child, but I've always been wary of sharing the innermost parts of my creative self. The artist part you could say, I suppose. I am learning to cast off my fears and just plain say what it is I want to! That the only way to connect with like-minded folk is to get up off my arse and find them, and when I do, say HI! I'm Cat, wanna trade? To talk? To pretend? To play that we are sitting across from each other with a bodacious pot of tea and crumpets, with sketchbooks and pencils and ink at the ready, even if reality tells us we're far apart and have never met in person. That doesn't mean I don't want to meet the locals, of course!!! It's just that I've come to realize how MANY people share my ideals about the parts of the world that should and do make it go 'round. And how, with the mighty power of the internet, we can find each other and grow and learn so much!

Hooray!!!!!!!!!!!

:) Nothing like a shower and a good email to end the day.

Sweet dreams!

(this is one of my favorite mugs, by Kat Antis, a lovely lady who lived in town when I was at the pottery residency of tepid doom. )

Hmmm

2010-02-07T11:08:00.004-05:00

Well, I think it's time for a new banner... I got a hair cut yesterday, Finally, and when I signed on this morning, the old banner bothered me. So, that means I'll change it soon, hopefully this week, but no promises as my list of "to-do" is long and changes order frequently. It's hard trying to be organized with all these new ideas popping in my head.

I'm off to the yarn shop to work a few hours, I do like the short Sunday shifts. While I'm there I will be picking out new yarn for an old pattern of mine, to see if what I wrote a few years ago makes sense. If it does, I'll share it with you here eventually. (Could I be a little more wishy-washy about deadlines??? sheesh! Maybe that's my problem!)

Anyways, here's the first version

I was in Appomattox, VA for a pottery residency (no, I don't mess with clay right now, I'm quite happy playing with textiles, but someday I'm sure I'll go back to mud.) Knitting really helped keep me sane while I was there. I'm much happier now, and am excited to rework this pattern!

Wow.

2010-02-01T19:59:00.004-05:00

You all are awesome! I am so surprised how quickly people on Raverly found my pattern, and such encouraging, lovely comments about it! Merci Merci to all of you!

P.S. I've changed the blog's address to www.tanglesandmud.blogspot.com, instead of the old orangeknittycat, so please update your lists if I'm on any of them! I'm hoping that by making my etsy shop and blog match, I'll be motivated to post things in my shop soon!

Now, off to the store, for we have NO food!

Have a wonderful night!

First Pattern EVER

2010-01-29T11:14:00.009-05:00

Well, first that I've written and shared with you that is I've finally gotten off my bum and have decided that since it is typed up, made twice, and I still like it, you should have it too!
So here it is, the Merci Beaucoup Shawl
I designed this pattern with my mom in mind, she wears shawls all the time, and it made sense that after helping me move from VA to NC, she needed one. And it might have been mother's day. Can't remember, the important part was helping me move. Not the easiest, not the worst, but I think the most exhausting move I've done so far. She's a brilliant woman, my momma. Hers is the shawl below in the grass, hopefully someday we will remember to take a proper photo shoot with her in it.

Hope you enjoy the pattern, and if you have questions, please leave a comment and I'll try my best to answer it. Please remember that I've made this shawl twice, but no one else has tried it, so be gentle if I've missed something! It's easy to knit through you own pattern and not notice glaring mistakes.
And a close up:

Edited to apologize for the weird html crapola that was appearing throughout the pattern. I will try to figure that out and will put it back up in its rightful place on this page soon. For now though, it is available on Ravelry.com as a free downloadable pdf. Right here, in fact. If you don't know what Ravelry is, it is SO worth signing up for. It's a vast pattern library, community, project journal... and an hour eater :)

xoxox

“It is written: He who makes the best egg salad shall rule the heaven and earth.”

2010-01-26T21:43:00.008-05:00

Have you ever seen What's Up Tiger Lily? No?!? Well, if you want to learn the importance of a really good Egg Salad (yes, it IS a proper noun), and what role it can play in Japanese gangs, I highly recommend it. Oh, and Woody Allen is involved. Need I say more?

Yes. I did just make some Egg Salad. It will be perfect tomorrow. Not that I want to rule the heavens and earth, too much to do!

Anyways. I've just become involved in a MOST exciting project, which I'll tell you about later when more is firmed up and sketched out.

( I mean, wet yer pants whilst doing the happiest of dances kind of exciting here, people.)
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.
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More importantly, I have also realized that I'd forgotten to give the artist part of me the attention it deserves. I've always been one, but damn is it easier when you're a kid and your mom gives you her seed catalogs to cut up and paste on to cardboard, or to be completely satisfied with a swath of watercolor paint across a page with a single, precious, velvety white rabbit sticker leaping across it. If I had it with me, I'd tell you what I dictated to my mom as the title. Maybe next time I'll grab that giant portfolio and start taking photos of it. I realized this the other day, and there was probably little I could have done about it if I had realized it sooner... I mean, I bought a house (eeep!), then the holiday daze kicked in full swing and work was CRAZY with trade show prep. My poor little brain had no room to stretch out, and I aim to fix that. To make solid times that are for drawing, doodling, photographing, writing, whatever I please, as long as I'm using that artist side of me. I need to let that bird fly wild and high! She's been perched on her... erm, perch too long!

Which leads me to my next mission: to build a mini light box and start taking photos of the art that I have managed to squeeze out over the past year. I need to finish most of them, well, no, they're done, but I need to get them ready for the public's eyes. I can't keep these pieces of fabric folded up forever, that wouldn't be fair! These stitches need some room to breath! To be seen!

So. That's what's that for now. I think that this blog will be taking a turn from the knitting blog it was born as, and I'll try to use it as my artist statement. There will probably be some strange, twisty thoughts. But I am willing to let you see them. They're art too.

Pondering again

2010-01-18T23:31:00.002-05:00

I've been wondering if I should close this blog and start fresh. I have so many new ideas and think about the world in such a different way than when I started this blog... I want to start a new beginning, but I don't know if the blog-o-sphere is where I need my thoughts to be. There's so many things to think and talk about, I'm just not sure if these pages are where I want to be.
For now, though, I'll change the layout and template, see if that helps shake the dust off this poor thing.

Yarn is good, yarn you make (from almost scratch) is better.

Living in a Home

2009-11-22T21:10:00.008-05:00

We raked. and raked and raked. And then the next day (today) we raked some more... Now that it's raining, I'm glad we did finish this morning, or else we'd be stuck with little mounds of mold-breading, damp leaves. ick. But in a while, all the leaves we dumped in our back yard (no leaves in plastic bags to go rot in the landfill, thank you!) will become a lovely addition to our gardens. I can't wait to see what sprouts up in the spring, and then make my own list of necessary plants. Which will include as many bulbs as possible. I love them. Daffodils, hyacinths, crocus, tulips, oh, and lilies, don't forget the lilies!

I am feeling rushed to start creating again. but am fighting the urge to start ten new projects. I know, not so deep down, that the rooms I want to make in need to be put together or I will just end up frustrated and stressed. These are not things that help encourage creativity. I need to slowly put these rooms together, breath, make myself satisfied, and THEN. Then I should stitch and draw and spin and dye to my heart's content. I'm keeping myself busy until then by finishing projects, organizing the rooms and relaxing.

The rain outside right now is steady, and helps with all this relaxing I am cajoling into my head. Our bedroom is done being painted, I have fabric for the curtains (oh, these will make me so Happy!) And then all we will need are some bedside tables and some art up on the walls and it will be the sanctuary of sleepyness that we need. I am happy and warm. I think I will go wind up some yarn...

(what?? I said I was TRYING not to start more projects... didn't say it was working. And what else can you do when sweet smelling wool and silkblends are screaming at you from behind the closed door? What I ask?!?)

when you lay down in tall grass, this is what greets you.

Busy, thinking, doing, making.

2009-11-16T19:08:00.003-05:00

Well, I had amped up some momentum on this blog, but then... Then I became neck deep in a project that will last a long time. One that I am in charge of, that will make me feel better and stress me out, probably at the same time. I bought a house. A REAL- live house, people!!!!!! You'll have to do with the kitchen and bedroom shots, I haven't been around the outside with a camera when it's still light out yet, but it will come. Oh, it will.

After we made serious headway yesterday I finally feel like this house is going to be a Home, my home! It is a magnificent 1916 Craftsmen bungalow, with slate blue siding and white trim. The inside colors are slowly being replaced with choices that make my mind happy. So far we have the celery green in the kitchen, which is accented with one small charcoal grey wall, and bright white trim. All of the trim, molding and wainscoting will eventually be bright white, the dingy looking off white has GOT to go!

The dining room is an icy aqua, the color name is "cool dip" and it certanly is. The bedroom is deep, twilight-almost-dark teal. I held my breath when this color was picked out, it could have very easily been too dark and drab. But it is vibrant and happy, hoooooray!

The cat is happy, the man is unpacking his records (which equals happy) and the books have found their way to the shelves, I can't wait to get my giant desk back from my mom's house and really organize the office room. I'm still suprised that this beautiful place is mine. I can't wait to dig up the garden and plant veggies this spring and summer... I am going to be able to do so much now! All those things that can't be done in an apartment, not properly at least. There will be many nights of knitting, sewing, drawing, movie watching and snuggling with friends and family (it's funny, how those two words have become so easily interchangable in the past year or so) in this house.

I'm off to make some tea... and to try to organize the fabric.

love!

Forgot some awesome

2009-08-22T07:14:00.003-05:00

Back in April, I went to a small but lovely sheep farm on its shearing day. Shepherdess Alice is an amazing woman, lemme tell ya! She's got a great (and growing) flock of Shetlands and Icelandic and a pretty bunch of Finn sheep too, along with the money sheep (meat). I'm going to let the photos do the talking now...

First you have to herd the sheep (walk slowly with your arms out.) into a smaller and smaller pen, and as you shear, the big guy helping just picks up a sheep out of the waiting pen and plops her on the shearing table.

Shearing tables are awesome. Much less bending over, and the sheep can just stand there resting its head in the holder (it looks scary, but is not.)

This is Flynn, the Finn, the first bottle baby of the season, I can't remember if Alice had any more, but he is SO cute. She's kept him as a wether, and his fleece will be coming down to me in the fall after shearing!! YAY!

This is Harriet, the Icelandic. This was her first shearing, and she was somewhat of a rescue, which is why she is SO small. Icelandic sheep are small anyways, but she is just teeny-weeny!
See, wasn't kidding!!

Alice gets to look out her kitchen window to this... but usually with all the sheep on it too. Prett, no? I was so lucky to get up to the Shenandoah Valley again, I miss that place! And I had a great time too! All said, I came back with half of Harriet's fleece (which I just finished setting the twist on this week, photos soonish I hope), and a whole Shetland. The Shetland missed out on a photo shoot because when we put her on the table, she LAID DOWN. Would NOT GET UP. So I had to be a little more involved with that shearing, making sure she didn't try to get up and jump, or roll off. We named that yearling Noodle, and her fleece came home with me. I've washed, but not carded Noodle yet, but all that oatmeal-grey goodness is calling my name, so it will be next.

Crafty Sweat

2009-08-15T13:22:00.004-05:00

Thanks to all who came out last Sunday! The Bazaar went really well, tons of people, despite the heat, I hope they'll do it again! This was the first show I've done that I felt really ready and prepared for. I had change, water, cards, a cute table cloth, STUFF and everything. The only thing I forgot was a snack, but cookies were being sold, so that wasn't even an issue! Here's my table:

And various shots of the table, forgot to take one just of the tiles and my button tree... oh well.

The only problem was, in my desire to avoid the sun and being burned to a crisp, I placed myself under the patio's roof... not a problem until I realised that the AC units were right behind the table. (the suckers blow out HOT air to the outside... oops!) Heat ontop of Heat was not the desired affect, but it worked out. So there was lots of sweating and water drinking, but the tiles and flower clips did great!

I need to take photos of everything that was left over (there's plenty) and put them on my etsy site, but everything's so crazy with some exciting stuff, that I haven't had the brain space to do anything about it. Soon though, I'll have this week all to myself as Dudeman is off on a mini tour with Mich Easter. (YES, he is that cool!!) Not that he gets in the way of crafting, it's just easier to do that kind of thing by myself. If you see anything in the photos you NEED, just let me know and I'll pop it up there for ya.

Have a good one!

Hooks

2009-08-08T17:00:00.003-05:00

So the company I work for had a HUGE crocheter based following... Makes sense, but it also means that I have had to own up to talking about improving my crochet skills and actually do something about it.

I bought a stitch dictionary of crochet patterns, not just motifs and granny squares, and have been making dishcloths, practicing reading the patterns and being productive and stuff all at once. It works out well as a movie project, but mainly they've become my " But I don't WANT to work on what I should work on" projects. They're quick, so nothing gets neglected too long. And now I have a pile of cloths for my dishes. As one gets nasty, I make another, it's a pretty good system.

I still like knitting better, but I do LOVE being able to knock out some dishcloths and really play with chain stitches on top of them, exploring what textures make a better scrubber and the like.

The best part is, I have a huge pile of Creme de la Creme, our cotton yarn. It is hard as hell to find in a store, but I really enjoy this cotton yarn. It's soft and colorful, and in fact, I have some that will become a shawl someday. I'm not a huge 100% cotton fan, but this stuff is my exception.

I have no pictures of the dishcloths because it is time to make another, and who wants to see nasty cloths? yuck! So instead, I present my newest favorite sweater. Modified Memories of Ukraine from The Natural Knitter knitted in red Silky Wool. I wore it to work the other day (yes, the office is that cold...) and love it. Want to wear it every day. except on the days I have to wear my other favorites. I also love this photo, makes me giggle.

I love this yarn, and have more in a mossy brown color... I'm thinking a cardigan this time. Any pattern suggestions? (though I'll probably end up making something up, you know how I am)

Don't forget Charlotte People, Craft Bazaar tomorrow!

Busy Busy

2009-08-03T19:57:00.004-05:00

I swear, I kept meaning to write and say hi and be all up to date.... Then I kind of gave up on it, but lately, well, I'm feeling the urge to write again, lots of things have happened and lots more has lined up to happen soon.

First big news, I work for This lovely company now! I love it... it's a great fit for me, and they GIVE AWAY FABRIC and YARN every once and a while. (can you believe it?!?)

I'm test knitting a stole I made last year for my mom, hopefully soon it will be done and photographed and up on Ravelry. That's the plan at least... and maybe that will help kick me in the direction of writing up more of my patterns, but let's not push it, right?

Things have been pretty busy around here since changing jobs, but I've managed to sew up a few dresses, which have become one of my favorite articles to wear, so comfy! I have plenty of fabric to make more out of, and perhaps some more skirts, which are a regular occurrence in my sewing repertoire. A few bags and toys have also been made with the machine as well.

Here's the sweetest thing I've made in a long time, cute, no?

It was made for a very special new big sister, and the skirt was promptly pulled off and thrown aside. I rather fancy the nekkid bunny myself, but wanted to give the option in case she felt modest one day. I am so in love with the tail... I have a few more to sew, to sell but I think I might skip the skirt... any thoughts?

Speaking of selling, a little self promotion here:

On August 9th (it's a Sunday) I'll be at Snug Harbor, one of the best bars in the whole city of Charlotte, if you ask me. They're putting on their first ever Craft Bazaar, and I'd really appreciate it if any of you who can would come out and support everyone! I have no idea what to expect, and am super excited to show my clay work from Appomattox (LOTS of tiles), as well as a good handful of sewn bits and bobs, and perhaps some yarn, but I'm just winging that part. (read... too in love with the yarn to part with it yet.)

I'll try to post again about knitting stuff, and with more pictures soon. I'll leave you with this guy:

He'll be at the Bazaar too. Have a great week!!

You smell like Democracy!!

2008-11-04T10:22:00.004-05:00

At least, that's what we decided Fidgit was saying when we came home from voting this morning. It only took an hour. Please vote.

And because its been... oh forever since I posted last, here's a couple projects.

This one is a knitted top and fabric skirt i made for small sister back in, oh, July or so... I gave it to her at the beach, and it fits perfectly! It's big enough for a shirt to go under, an d she'll be cute as heck with some leggings underneath too!! ( She does not usually wear the top hat, but because I'm the big sister, I convinced her it was a good idea to protect her super hero identity.)

This one's for me. And Oh My Goodness! I love this sweater, Francis Revisited, the best free pattern EVER and it shoots off the needles, a perfect long, nothing but movies and lazying about weekend project. I might make another one, slightly bigger for lounging. This has also been done for a while... There are a few other finished things, but we'll save them for next time, whenever that may be.

Wet and fuzzy

2008-08-23T17:44:00.004-05:00

Here's what I find now when I go into the kitchen....

freak.

In fiber news, spent another delightful dyeing day at my friend's home. I had not dyed anything for a while, and was itching to dye the few pounds of roving I had so I could spin them up. I'd say it was a most successful day!

The VIVID BRIGHT orangeyellowredgreen roving was inspired by Skittles candy (not a huge fan of the purple ones, so I left them out.) This will eventually turn in to a wicked hat or pair of fingerless gloves. Can't wait!

I'm very happy with all the other colors, I was trying to get a range, instead of sticking to my normal, comfortable colors. There are a few not pictured, but then I couldn't surprise you with them later on, now could I? ( And they were dry already and the light sucks in the apartment at the moment... but whatever)

soft is swell

2008-08-11T18:21:00.003-05:00

Spinners, have you tried bamboo yet?!? DO IT! It is so soft!!! I found it smooth and easy to spin, I barely had to pre-draft it. The fibers are long, the carbonized bamboo I have is a beautiful, steel/smoky gray. I'm sure that natural colored bamboo would dye wonderfully, it has a wonderful sheen. oh... you probably want to see some now, don't you? Here is the first 2 oz, with the twist set.

About 93 yards, I will be ordering more from Miss. Babs soon!

On knitting, I am trucking along on a sweater that will warrant photos soonish, a few present projects, so no pictures for those until they are given away... umm... I have yarn waiting to get on my needles to make some long fingerless gloves with some natural colors of hand-spun. And for this post's knitted picture, a cowl I made the other day with super wash merino yarn I spun and dyed.
It is a bit big for a cowl, but I'll be able to tuck it into my coat so the looseness is not a problem!
Who wants a Fidgit update?

he's getting bigger! eep!

Fruits of Summer

2008-08-02T20:39:00.003-05:00

I finished my Pi Shawl this Tuesday but just now had time to block it out, I have to say, I'm so glad this yarn has been used up! I bought it before I was ready for it, but now I can more than handle lace weight yarn and enjoyed this project. Skipped the usual lace edging in favor of a simpler solution: Yo, K2together round, knit two rows, crochet bind off plus two rounds of crochet. thought my hand was going to fall off after that! I'm happy with the finished project and now only need a pin to secure it!

Went to the farmers market today as well, here's the haul!

there will be fresh guacamole, backed acorn squash, and yummy sautéed summer squash coming to our dinners this week! Not to mention to DIE for peaches, nectarines and the best blackberries I've had in a loooong time.(the bacon is not from the farmer's market. it is from good ol' H. Teeter)

Oh! here's some of my latest hand spun yarn as well! The green is much more greenie blueish, but I was tired of fighting with the camera and computer to try to get something more true to the tone. The red is pretty close, and plied with cotton sewing thread. I love this method of plying, it gives such a neat texture and plenty of room to play. I think the red will become a hat soon..

And lastly, some amazing clouds

Cover your shoulders!

2008-07-27T12:27:00.002-05:00

Now I can wear my summer dresses and tank-tops to work and other chilly/more formal places!

aren't you proud, momma?

I also have three newly spun yarns done, they're just drying so more of that to come...

and if you ever watched the cartoon George of the Jungle, remember Super Chicken? His sidekick Fred the Lion? Kinda, not really? Well, let me refresh your memory*:

*clothing animals, unless necessary, is not something I usually support or condone, especially if it's a cat, buuut in this case, it was too good not to, after the idea was kiddingly brought up. I mean, give me something that good, it's going to happen! ( Fidgit doesn't seem to mind either, he just keeps running around like the little sweet spaz he is)

How can you not be happy?

2008-07-10T10:11:00.002-05:00

I'm quite satisfied and have lots to show you! First off, a knitting project present for some new friends who are about to have a baby! Little baby E has the coolest room set up, and when I saw it, I knew what I was going to make, a little blanket that he can drag behind him and is easy to tuck around a car seat. ( and if he doesn't like it, it matches the room at least! haha!) The yarn is Universal Classic Chunky, and I have to say, I liked knitting with it a lot, it went fast, is almost as soft as a baby's butt, and it's machine washable (key for a baby blankie, I think).

Then I've spun up the plummy roving, the colors are close, but the light pink is a lot less... fleshy... in real life. Not sure what will become of this yet.

And for some exciting colors, a batt and roving (the greens) from Miss. Babs all spun up. Both were a lot of fun to spin, especially the batt. I highly recommend Miss. Babs, she is a super sweet person and ships to Charlotte in a flash! I never have to wait too long to get things from her, I looove it! And her colors are so vibrant and saturated!! I think these two yarns will eventually end up in the same project... any suggestions?

farmgirl me!

2008-07-07T17:27:00.003-05:00

Well here I go! First Dani made me join Plurk. Then I found out that her and another friend had joined in with a bunch of other plurkers to help form the Plurkette Hencircle, started by Miss.Violet of Lime and Violet, which I admit I have not listened to yet, but plan on fixing that soon.

So I asked to join the Hencircle, especially after reading what it was all about. A group centered around building a community? Of like-minded, wanting to make as much as they can and spread the good farm girl word and way of living?!? Darn tootin' I signed up!

In the last few years I have made a real push to make as much of what I need as possible. I'm not the best with potted plants, my herb garden died before I was able to reap the benefits, but I might try again later with a slightly more better game plan than "OH! pots! seeds! dirt! I'll plant them and grow them and who cares if I've forgotten to water these things before..." oopse.
Anyways, I did manage to stick to my plan of making my clothes ( minus underthingies and jeans) for a whole summer instead of trying to buy things that were both affordable and in line with my style ( bwahahaha, impossible). Besides, makin your own skirt is SO much more satisfying, you spend less time and money you'd have used up trying to find one that fits perfectly and is in a non nasty color/ non- hoochie mamma length.

Then I went to a pottery residency for 6 months, camped for two of them and house camped for the remaining. In the sticks, with a gross kitchen and mostly dumb people and man o' petes, I was miserable. But i was making, and stocking up on my fiber plans whilst moaning away in clay land ( I did get a whole bunch of awesome things out of it, and a few amazing new woman-friends , so it really wasn't all bad). While I was there I learned what made me happy:

making functional pieces of art, to include knitting, sewing, embroidery, spinning, dyeing and etc.
tromping through the woods
being with real-life human beings who love and care for each other and will for the rest of their lives
my tribe of friends is one of the most important parts of me. I will kick anyone's arse who messes with one of my tribe. really. and I fight scrappy.
I like clay, but do not love it the way I do fibers
I want and need to make something every day. Even if it's one piddly row on a glove (I don't do socks)
Cooking is a must. dinner and baking. breakfasts.
Making gifts for those who deserve it, no matter if it is a birthday or some official gift holiday. presents make a day.
writing notes and letters to people I think about but don't always call like I should. Really, send me an addy and I'll eventually send out a postcard.
Making messes and leaving them there until a project is done. (this also helps me finish things, small space = not a lot of mess room)

My bonuses for being at Cub Creek ( the program) was that I got to move to Charlotte, live with my Amazing man, meet a whole ton of fiber freaks, musicians and lovely people in general, get my fibery groove on, and top it off with a little orange freak-o of a kitty.

I know this has gotten rambley, but that's just how I work I guess. I'm looking forward to the projects, conversations and new people!

That's me in a blog post.

( and a parting shot of my little fuzzman)

he's so cool and yes, he knows.

Plumtastic

2008-06-28T13:05:00.002-05:00

Some Corriedale roving I hand-dyed. The pink came out first because I forgot the vinegar, was really supposed to be reds and oranges... oopse... ( it is pretty, but I'm really not the pink type. Something had to change) Then I dumped the rest of the roving into my new giant pot and made a purple color and let the tips of the pink soak up the purple while the rest cooked (with vinegar this time)

And here is something I'm quite proud of, the first skein of yarn from my Cormo fleece I bought raw with my friend Angie last summer. I still have plenty to comb out, and this is about 150 yards... so a ways to go before I get my sweater's yardage done, but it feels good to start on it finally!!

Finished things!

2008-06-19T10:12:00.002-05:00

I finally finished the Danish Tie Shawl a couple days ago, wish it were cold enough to wear... though I probably could use it where I work, it is freezing in there more often than not!

And I spun up my Border Leicester roving I had traded for sock yarn and dyed at tvini's house a while back (the first dye party).

I love my wheel and have just ordered more roving so I can have more and more fun making pretty colors and lovely yarns!

Fidget

2008-06-13T14:38:00.001-05:00

now he is ours! we love!

Feel goods

2008-06-12T15:02:00.004-05:00

So I finally got brave enough to watch The Golden Compass . I loved the books and had avoided this move because of this, but i have to say, they did a pretty good job sticking to the story and getting all the information ( and there is plenty, this is a detail detail kind of story) to the viewers. While I was watching I was knitting, of course, and finished a caplet and made a hat out of my hand spun.

The next night I plied some superwash Merino wool I had dyed at one of our parties with some black cotton thread. I love it! Incredibly soft and squooshy and light. I am so happy I bought this wheel, we are such a good fit!! I did the thread ply because I wanted something more than a single, but did not want to loose yardage and really wanted to let the colors stand on their own, not next to each other.

Here's a progress shot of the danish tie shawl, i have been neglecting it for a while and am going to sit down and give it some lovin' right after I post this.

Whew!!

2008-06-09T19:17:00.005-05:00

It was a busy week last week! So, a little more development on my new spinning wheel. It came to my work, Dani supervised and documented the unwrapping and putting togethering. It was one of the best lunch times EVER! She's an Ashford Kiwi, I love spinning on a wheel to bits already, here's my first large chunk of yarn done:

I've had the rust color for a good while now, I dyed and blogged about it when I was still in good ol' Harrisonburg, VA. The white is corriedale and came with her. I'm quite happy with the 140ish yards I have, the most regular thickness is about 5wpi, but it is thick and thinner.

Thursday I "taught" a little girl how to knit, and learned I can knit from the back side as long as it's a knit stitch. And then I went home and spun more.

Friday Prabir and the Substitutes (myspace), one of Shawn's old band ( and the one he was playing in when I met him, for some Cat's life trivia) came to play and stay at our apartment, but I was getting up early to go to the Dragon Boat Races with Cristi, so I dropped by the bar, said hi, had a drink and went home to bed.

Saturday Cristi picked me up and we headed to the races in which our dear friend May was rowing. There was some knitting

Lots of sweating and hydrating

some cheering ( they are rowing back to the load in/out spot, the race pictures were way to small and you couldn't see the right boat anyways. sorry) more sweating

some crazy lady spotting

check out that fun fur fan! She kept putting it away whenever I went for the camera, she may have suspected our amusement... and then we sweat some more.

After the majority of the races we left, ate mandetory icecream that immediatly mealted all over my hands, lemee tell ya, there's nothing like melting icecream cone to make you feel like a five year old all over again.

And after recovering in the car's AC we made our final stop at the Davidson Needlecraft Center and both picked up some half- off yarns and I also widened my embroidery floss palette. It was a most lovely day! I just wish I had more pictures... especially of that fan! haha!

It was a good day and then the Alternative Champs (myspace again) show was that night and it was awesome funny and rockin'! I'll leave you with a photo of part of their costumes... and one of my favorite shots I took that night. ( they dress up every show as something different, this time it was 70's style preps. it was interesting. )

Sunday was recovery,and the traditional thrift store exploring. I had some major mojo and found an almost complete collection of Make it Yourself: The Complete Step-by-Step Library of Needlework and Crafts. It is an encyclopedia-like collection of 20 books and I found 13 of them! for 80 cents each. Score!

and now Monday's almost done.

~whew~

Darcy

2008-06-05T13:25:00.002-05:00

now, what could be in here??

a wheel?! for me???

and I get to paint her and make her the prettiest thing with two treadles?

YAY! YAYAYAYAYAYAY! YAY!!!

Laters :)

Myrtle Beach

2008-06-01T15:22:00.007-05:00

So last weekend we went to Myrtle Beach to visit some of Bf's friends and go to the beach, have a vacation, go to the Hard Rock Cafe's new amusement park, and generally have a good time.

The first night we went to a "Mongolian Style" grill... the food was good, but they had the weirdest combos in the regular buffet lines. By the end of the meal we all broke down and started coming back with very odd combinations of food. Here's my last plate:

canned peaches, some fluffy orange cake stuff and one of those nom nom good sugar dougnuts and a piece of crab wrapped in bacon.

and here is Bf's last plate:

thats right, bacon wrapped crab and chocolate pudding.

The next day we went to the amusement park, rode the Led Zeppelin ( highly recommended) and saw the magical mystery tour bus, it was a decent park, but needs more rides. We were glad that we had free tickets, other wise the story may have been different.

Then there was beach time and we met a new jelly friend. it was lovely to jump in the ocean again, I love it, but not enough to live there, eventually the sand would drive me crazy. ( as it would end up no doubt, in allll of my yarn. yeucky-doo.)

in all the vacation was awesome, plus the three kitties who decided to adopt our bags as beds were pretty darn sweet.

I knit a little on the way down and up on Pi, which is growing steadily, I have about an ounce left of yarn and am hoping that it will be done soon! The tie shawl is also growing, it tricked me into thinking it was finished so I pulled it onto some waste yarn last night and alas, it needs at least a good 5-7 more inches to be finished. :( boo.

there will be more very exciting news later this week! VERY exciting news. Stay tuned for the awesomeness that will occur!!!!!

Oh, and I should mention it was the second weekend of biker week and we saw all sorts of butts in thongs on the backs of those crotch-rocket/ ninja speed bikes... it was... interesting. We stayed as far away from the traffic as possible and it all worked out in the end. Minus the dumb old traffic we got stuck in for a bit on the way out.

Work in progress

2008-05-22T15:39:00.008-05:00

Last week when I only had one project, turtlegirl76 "kindly" offered some of her own. Never fear, multiple -projectitis has struck again! Currently I have a lace weight Pi Shawl, a Danish tie shawl in a handspun Peruvian Merino, dyed by yours truly last weekend with a bunch of lovely people.

Next I'm gearing up for some flip top mittens which need designing and making.
the first pair will be this:it is really much darker in real life...

This yarn used to be a thrift store sweater:

I am still combing out my fleece so it will be ready when my wheel gets here.

The former sweater above will become another shawl of some sort, along with two other sweaters that still need to be torn out. then there's the embroidery ( sorry, lighting sucks and so no pictures) . And there are about six bags floating around in my head that need to be sewn up soon...

And there are some other things that will be talked about later...

OH! and I got my wraps per inch gauge from Karatstix (etsy shop name) last week too!

there. that's better.

Finished

2008-05-15T12:59:00.003-05:00

My brother graduated from college in three years this weekend, a sister couldn't be more proud! It was a crazy, non-stop weekend and the ceremony was wet and cold, but I am glad I went, it was worth seeing him walk across the stage.

I also finally finished this bag: it has been hanging around begging for buttons and button holes for a good while. The straps are recycled from an uuugly bag I found in a thrift store ( looked like a dirty dairy cow). I am quite happy with it and will post it up on my etsy store very soon.

I have also started the Pi shawl by Elizabeth Zimmerman, it is my first EZ pattern, and I have to admit, I'm totally obsessed. It really got going the morning of the graduation ceremony, and I've been rocking it every moment I can get. I also made it a special stitch marker I'm so excited about it!

Being outside

2008-05-05T15:58:00.004-05:00

Here is the black and pink roving I dyed last weekend all spun up, I think there is about 40 yards, not exactly sure, haven't felt the need to get exact with it yet. It is the Romney wool that Tvini shared with all of us, it spun up nicely, and is a think and thin 2 ply yarn now. I'm happy with it.

And speaking of happy, I was outside at the park the other day and took this photo,

Aren't roses lovely?

Before I forget to post this photo again, here's one of my newest fiber friends... Guess who it is!

People are Dyeing EVERYWHERE!

2008-04-28T10:40:00.005-05:00

Well, maybe not everywhere, but yesterday a lovely group descended upon tvini's lovely home to paint and Crockpot dye yarn and roving and generally have a wonderful time.

There were large pots

some bamboo cooked in the Crockpot and came out beautiful after the mad scientist figured out the chemical maneuvers

Yummy goodies

Jetsyknits with her wrapped up colors ready to be steamed while Knitdiva painted away

And then turtlegirl ( the mad scientist mentioned earlier) made an amazing thing on her roving experiment

The results were a cloth line full of beautiful fibers and a bunch of happy knitters!

Here is what I came away with, the red and blue-green braids were painted and the lavender gray was done in the crock pot over 3 batches.

Now, tell me that's not a great day! I would've liked to get better pictures of the finished roving, but it's a yuck day out and none of my lamps are great for lighting, oh well, can't have everything!

Threads and Oats

2008-04-15T20:30:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I pulled my muslin out of it's container and slapped my new hoop on it and started tracing a sketch on it. Didn't like that one, turns out, the idea behind it is one that needs to get fleshed out and built upon more before I can start. More drawing, more tracing, more scratching of the head and lots more erasing. So instead I started this:

Will keep you updated, promise.

This is another week o' practice for S, so I decided to go to the grocery store and buy lunch stuffs, a girl can eat salads only so many days in one week. It was there, trying to decide what it was that I wanted to eat for lunch tomorrow that it hit me. I can make COOKIES! I haven't be able to for one reason or another ( a grosssssssssss nasty ass studio kitchen being one of them.) Happily I gathered my supplies, and these delights just popped out of my oven. They are, in the words of the little sister of my life, Ms.L., yummish! interesting note ( or not) this is the first food I've posted about. go figger

And to finish up, two finished projects:

Stole for mah momma

and a hemp market bag

And on Wednesday, she dyed.

2008-04-09T10:56:00.005-05:00

So... What's a girl to do when she comes across nice, soft wool, on sale, a very very good price for her small wallet, but it's a yucky yellow-brownish color (mustard perhaps)? She buys 6 skeins of it of course, thinking that the answer is in her crock-pot.

And so the yarn comes home, gets put in the sink, some math is done. Crock pot is turned on while the dye dissolves, the kitchen window is wrassled open ( it was painted shut) so any lingering vinegar smell is gone by the time S comes home (hates HATES the smell of the stuff-and for good reason). Yarn is put into the crock pot, cooks and cooks for 40 minutes, is rinsed, squeezed ever so gently and *poof* mustard turns green!

Yucky Yellow:

Cooking...

Much Better!

Drying on the roof

It has been a most happy morning.

(The yarn is Araucania Natural Wool, in color number 37. Now it's number pretty)

This one is a lot of talking.

2008-03-31T10:27:00.003-05:00

Need to get some thoughts out of my head so I can think about them, it's all good stuff, no complaining, but it is rambley.

I've realized something in the past week or so... I've reached a new point in what I know about knitting, my confidence in what I can do with two pointy sticks and some yarn and what I'm willing to try, mess up, and fix.

I'm making my mom a present. It has a lace-type panel in the center and at one point I forgot what I was doing, looked at the stitches that I had just knit, the row below it, and read the stitches correctly!!! I knew what they all looked like, and was able to figure out where I had gone wrong and found my place again. I'm sure that I've been doing this for a while, but actually realizing that I can read stitches was amazing. It is a huge boost of confidence to know what I can do.

Then we went to the book store, specifically to buy a book ( not just browsing!), probably on knitting, and I realized that none of the books that this store had were any that I needed anymore. I can work out my own patterns, I look at what people are wearing, have knitted, sewn, and go home, figure out how to make it fit me best, change this and that and make it... this new realized freedom from patterns was exciting, but at the same time I was left feeling a bit ... sad... I'm the type of person who just can't buy stuff to buy it, I have to use it. ( so i can buy yarn and fabric without knowing what i will do with it, but knowing that i can make something with it means i can buy it, heehee). So this kind of meant that I don't need books anymore. At least not pattern books. Now I need reference books, full of images that are inspiring, that don't necessarily have directions in it, well, except for techniques... but even then I like figuring them out on my own and tend to refuse to look it up until I'm ready to scream.

Anyways. Lots of good things to figure out, lots of good things are happening in my life. I can feel things falling back into balance and I have to say, its kind of exhausting getting back on track. :) I can't complain. I just got a job at a local yarn store and i can't wait to see what will happen then! I'm selling my buttons, going to start seriously pounding pavement to get my other art out there, and I have met so many amazing fiber people already, I am thrilled to pieces. I am a lucky, lucky thing.

WiPs

2008-03-23T21:40:00.002-05:00

So... I went from working on only one project, finishing it, grumping over my next project for a few days to picking up a forgotten mesh bag made of green hemp, starting a thank you present for my mom, spinning a bit of the fleece I have (you know, just to see what it will look like now that I know what I'm doing with my spindle) and itching to start... oh... let's see... two or three more projects...

Wheee~ I'm back in action!

(psst, wip= work in progress for any of you non-knitting folks :) )

Yellow Yarn for Friday

2008-03-21T08:04:00.004-05:00

Here's my latest handspun yarn!

I've had the roving since last spring, dyed it with dandelions, spun singles, made a tam:

I love this color! and really, I'm not that into yellows on my body, but heck, it works and I'm not arguing. It is the most buttery soft yellow, and the wool is pretty soft too.

i finished something!

2008-03-19T10:32:00.005-05:00

The Candle Flame shawl is finished! I bound off yesterday with NO yarn left! It got a little hairy in the end, had to pull some rows out so I could finish with enough yarn, but there's no more! And I love it, it's so comfy and warm (yes, I am wearing it right now!)

All of the necklaces are old projects, I haven't wanted to make another in a good while, though I'm starting to feel the need to pick up beading again. We'll see. Mostly I just felt like taking pictures of pretty things.

And this lovely shelf is my craft shelf!!!!! I told you I felt like taking pictures of pretty things...

Well, I'm off to get ready for lunch with one of my newest friends!! Man, Charlotte is full of crazy awesome people, especially the fiber obsessed kind!!! ( I'm talking yarn, not Metamucil) I think I'll fit in fine here.

Spring in the City

2008-03-16T16:08:00.004-05:00

I admit, I was worried that after being inundated with nature, a city would seem... well, full of buildings and concrete. There's plenty of both in Charlotte, but the good news is that most of the neighborhoods have lots of trees, and I live right by a little park. So there's plenty of naturey goodness to keep me satisfied before I'll feel like I need a hike. ( The top flower is Evergreen Clematis and it has such a lovely sweet fragrance! )

In art news, still working on this shawl,

almost done with the last skein of yarn, though I cheated and made the skein smaller by using it to make a hat for my friend. Hahahaha!!

And I updated my Etsy shop the other day too! So now there are a few bags I've made up there as well, check it out maybe you need something, it's in the link section of my blog. And check out the rest of the site as well, it is chock-full of awesome craft artists who all need some lovin' patronage! :)

A new view

2008-03-13T09:32:00.004-05:00

Love.

I friggen love Charlotte already, I've been here since Sunday officially and have already made a deal with a wonderful lady to sell my buttons at her store, I'm going to drop them off today... oh, i should take pictures of them too.... hmm. we'll see. She turned me onto the weekly local knitting gathering, the knitting guild ( WHEEEE a fiber guild AND knitting?!?!?! too sweet!!) and was just generally friendly and great.

So of course I went to the knitting night (at books a million= BAM/ BAMers for future knowledge). And everyone was so nice, and some of them already knew about the buttons and sounded quite excited to check them out, which made me excited, and I ended up staying untill 10:00, so that was... oh, like 3 hours of knitting with great people. I can get used to that.

Here's a couple pictures of knitish things, a new pair of fingerless gloves, and some Australian wool from Henry's Attic that I dyed ( commercial dyes and a crock pot) and spun on my drop spindle. Not sure what will happen to it, but it will be something good.

I am as happy as I could be. Love to all.

Where I'm at

2008-02-25T10:59:00.003-05:00

The sunset is from my weekend in Vermont, it was a long drive for really what amounted for just one day... but grandmothers are worth it, and isn't the pink light going straight up awesome?!
.
This is my new doormat, all ready and waiting for me in NC, and I can't wait to get down there and start feelin like a real live person again.

the knitting is my new pair of fingerless gloves, I'll post a finished photo soonish I hope!

EEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

2008-02-09T10:56:00.001-05:00

That's what I've been feeling like these past weeks as I gear up for another move (hooray moving!). I am glad that I came to Cub Creek, I do not regret it in the least, being here I've learned so much and have made a few very dear friends and have a nice amount of work to leave with. Things are looking up, wayyy up. I've decided to concentrate on my fiber/textile art, and let clay take the back burner for a good while, fiber is what gets me excited, more than clay does. I'm not abandoning clay, it'll come back up every so often, so it is all very exciting. And now, I am going to go work on my sweater and leave you with this poem:

Thousands of sheep, soft-footed, black-nosed sheep--
one by one going up the hill and over the fence--one by
one four-footed pattering up and over--one by one wiggling
their stub tails as they take the short jump and go
over--one by one silently unless for the multitudinous
drumming of their hoofs as they move on and go over--
thousands and thousands of them in the grey haze of
evening just after sundown--one by one slanting in a
long line to pass over the hill--

I am the slow, long-legged Sleepyman and I love you
sheep in Persia, California, Argentine, Australia, or
Spain--you are the thoughts that help me when I, the
Sleepyman, lay my hands on the eyelids of the children
of the world at eight o'clock every night--you thousands
and thousands of sheep in a procession of dusk making
an endless multitudinous drumming on the hills with
your hoofs.


Carl Sandburg.

Things that are pretty

2008-01-26T15:21:00.000-05:00

A necklace I made with a ceramic bead/tile from the gas firing a while back. And the green roving is now bulky green yarn that will someday be a hat or some fingerless gloves... any suggestions?

Baby birds and Boxes!

2008-01-22T14:33:00.000-05:00

So Finally we fired the wood kiln!!!!!! The first photo is all the work we had in the tube of the kiln( its the front part) but we also fired the middle chamber as well. I'm really happy with what came out, especially because I had no clue what was going to happen, as I've never fired a wood kiln before. So here are some the results! When I get better pictures taken of other pieces, I'll post them as well.

Its been so long

2008-01-08T18:53:00.000-05:00

It was a great holiday season over in my world, hope it was wonderful in yours as well! Here are some presents people got... including one for moi by me.

Waiting is no fun

2007-12-20T15:25:00.001-05:00

So I think the universe might be telling me to stop trying to rush things... And really, it's been quite subtle about the whole thing, so it just dawned on me today, while I was waiting for my *new* crockpot-dyepot to heat up to a simmerAnd at the same trying to untangle some single ply yarn I had spun up a few nights ago... ( I'm still waiting on the dye as I type, so hopefully it will work, I have no idea...) and as I was trying very hard not to break the yarn (which it did) and not stare at the pot trying to convince it that boiling is a fun thing to do ( it hasn't caught on yet) I realized that maybe I need to concentrate more on the moment and a little less on the future. Maybe. I have yet to decide if I would like to take the universe's advice. Probably should. but waiting is not one of my strong points. And besides, I did finally untangle the yarn and wound it up in a ball, I think the yellow and blue will be a hat someday.

Oh well, and maybe someday we'll fire a glaze kiln again. Perhaps in January.

Done-zo

2007-12-06T22:29:00.000-05:00

Finally, some finished work!

More Tiles

2007-11-24T18:24:00.000-05:00

Here's an update on some of the tiles I've made in the past week or so. The gas kiln should be done and cooled by sometime early this week... Not sure how long it cools down for, but it is well into being fired at the moment. Finished work soon!!!!!!

beauty

2007-11-19T18:21:00.000-05:00

One of the things that has made moving to Cub Creek worth while is all of the nature that I can't seem to get away from... Ok, so it's a blessing and a curse to live out in the sticks, but it has its perks. Like this:

wadding

2007-11-18T22:09:00.000-05:00

Wadding is what happens before one can put work into an atmospheric kiln (like soda, salt or wood kilns). The reason for this is to prevent one's shtuff from becoming stuck to the kiln's shelf and therefore ruining the shelf and the piece, as one swift whack with something hard is the only way to pry it off after the glaze has attached itself to the shelf. This happens because of all the shite floating around the kiln while it is being fired. In salt and soda firings you pump salt or soda into the kiln at a certain, very high temperature and it melts to your pieces creating a very cool glaze and it makes normal glazes even cooler. or it makes them ugly as hell. but that's what re-firing is for. And in the wood kiln, ash is what settles down and melts on to the pieces. Its all very neat. But it means extra work for yours truly. What in god's name is wadding you ask? It's a secret formula you carefully glue (yes, i use Elmer's) onto the bottom of your piece.

looks like this:

This takes a long time. It better be some pretty cool stuff coming out of the salt kiln or I'm going to be very busy refiring things and that might make me cranky. who knows. It'll also just be nice to have some FINISHED things finally.

And here is some knitting. Same yarn, the open knitted looking side is not felted ( really, it's called fulled) and the denser, softer side went through two cycles of hot water and a little soap to shrink it down. I basically did the whole, "oh shit I just shrank my favorite wool sweater" fiasco on purpose. It should turn into a bag when it is done. Might not.

Tiles are taking over my life

2007-11-17T21:14:00.000-05:00

This cat button is a cross between my buttons and my tiles, I made holes in the side and back of the disk after absently carving this cat while on the phone one night. I liked it too much to put holes through the top, like a normal button. It now is sew to my curtain and I plan to surround it with more embroidery.

At the moment I am not only making my own tiles of various sizes and shapes and motifs, I am also the prime tile-layer down at the big house. This means I spend a few hours everyday laying down some lovely slate tiles and then later grouting them. It can get a little uncomfortable, but I can get in a great rhythm once I get going. It's nice to have something concrete to see at the end of the day. But more importantly, the tiles I am making!

I can't remember how exactly I got to them, but it had something to do with the buttons. Anyways, I roll out the slabs, smooth them down and then use a nifty cookie cutter like device to punch out squares of clay that I then carve into. Most of the designs are abstract, with heavy textures. On others I have been exploring bird motifs and seeing how far I can go with this whole bird fixation I seem to have developed since moving to Appomattox.

There have also been some sculptures out of said tile squares...

Since I started with the curtains, I suppose ending with some newer embellishments has a nice symmetry. The second bird is about seven inches above the first one, there will probably be more of those as time goes on...

my new best thing in the world

2007-11-13T20:29:00.000-05:00

My bed. that's right, the one I haven't slept in for about... oh lets say... about 3 and a halfish months or so, as I slept on an air mattress for a awhile, then moved to Cub Creek and slept on one of those foam mattress cover things (an egg crate is what I've hear people call them but they do not resemble one at all...) in a tent for the past little-over-two months. Finally the big house is done enough to move my bed into! Rejoicing happened big time.

I've moved from buttons to tiles and am really loving them, each one i get to carve the heck out of and sometimes its a beauty and I keep it. I've also come up with another way to get fibers and clay together, i'm going to be using some of the tiles as PIECES OF ART by sewing them onto canvases and other fabrics and then embroidering around them, possibly beads will also become involved with this. This new range of possibilities means that all the tiles do not have to be... tile shaped, so I've had fun mushing and throwing them into new, crumpled up forms.

Still want to knit a sweater. Still don't really know which one or what kind. well, no, something with skinnyish sleeves and cables. yeah, too bad the funds are too low for that kind of thing. I may have to start searching the web for cheap-o yarn deals ... hmmmmm.

So I have no pictures of the tiles, but here is my little sister's first finished knitting project EVER. We sat on the couch together while I knitted a certain brown and blues scarf for someone special... It was probably one of our sweetest things we 've done together so far.

2007-10-31T12:37:00.001-05:00

Here are some more pictures from the workshop! The bird cup belongs to me now, another photo of Ron working, I think he is making a tea pot. And a carved goat tea bowl that I assume he plans on either salt or wood fire. And then there's Roxi, everyone's favorite giant lap dog. She used to live at Cub Creek, but has since left to pursue graduate school with her poppa. Like I said before, the weekend was great! Here's a video of the last piece Ron painted with some of his favorite characters ...

Workshop at the Creek

2007-10-28T21:21:00.000-05:00

After three days of pretty heavy, always steady rain and then a workshop, I'm too worn out to tell you all about this past week and weekend, but it was great. Ron Meyers came up to Cub Creek to do a workshop/demo for two days. I love his work , the people were great, he is such a warm, real person that you couldn't help but feel nice listening to him tell stories and explaining his work. Yes, that is THE Ron Meyers in the photo above, one sweet lookin old man, huh? And below is one of his works, it's the, well, blue plate special... duh. anyways, he told us he makes these most places he goes, called them his ...well, i think i know how to spell the word he used, chachski. but i think some how it starts with a k... anyways, I love that word. I love all my chachskis too.

I'll add more photos, including the tea bowl I bought from him later this week when I'm hiding out in one of my favorite places for a few days. Yay! Whee!!!

Numba Two

2007-10-25T15:58:00.000-05:00

Here's something that i made really quickly hoping that it would spark some sort of creative flow yesterday... or the day before, it all runs together out in the sticks... anyways, it didn't work like I'd hope it would ( i still felt very uninspired after making it... boo.) but i still like it. then i went for a walk and found a place to lay down in some tall grass... lovely,no?

And now that it's been cooler, the salamanders (newts?) have moved into the studio. They're lovely animals but have a habit of stopping where I tend to walk and I have almost squashed one already... almost.

finally the rest of them

2007-10-25T15:45:00.001-05:00

freaking finally blogger let me finish posting my photos that i've been talking about. here's the bird i embroidered on my curtain ...
A small selection of my army of buttons that's still growing, they'll be (hopefully) sold to the masses via yarn stores when they are done. I might glaze some, but most will be put in as bare clay into the wood kiln and the salt kiln. I'll explain about those later when i have work done in the actual kilns.
and this is a piece of melted glass i found in the back of John's house in the mud one day. It must have been melted in the fire it is an amazing little find. I might go out looking for more some day, but first it has to stop raining.

So that's what I've got. It's nice. oh, in the background of the glass picture you can see a blurry vase hung from the ceiling with pink yarn I spun. It's part of a series I may or may not expand to many many vases hung with spun yarn. Time will tell.

picture day!

2007-10-23T15:32:00.000-05:00

Finally they decided to let me post some pictures of my work! My curtains, some yarns with no projects yet planned... my second sculpture here...

and of course, as soon as i tried to put more photos up, the damn thing breaks again... geeeeeze people. get with it!

Oh well, at least I figured out what to do with my alpaca, Mitered knitted scarf/shawl/small blanket! ( it all depends on how much yarn i have... white, black, dark-deep blue, light blue,dark gray, light gray. very nice and soft)

Curts, mommy! Curts!

2007-10-20T19:51:00.000-05:00

I have found a partial solution to all the stress and distraction that comes with living and working in the SAME space. (Sleeping in a tent doesn't help either, but that's another can o' worms). The problem: I get distracted... easily, especially when it comes to what is going on around me, and since I'm here to work, and haven't gotten nearly as much done as I had hoped would happen, I was getting stresssssed. Tensions were high, until i decided to put up some curtains around my space to block out all the visual noise. Works like a charm. I can pretend i'm alone! This is Great! Now I have a cozy studio that I can work in without so many "breaks". It's kind of like being in a tent all over again, but with much more of a Lawrence of Arabia feel to it, I'm in love and have already started embellishing the muslin. Here's to keeping sane in a crazy situation! woooooooooo

So I tell you about my lovely, potentially life saving curtains, and blogger isn't letting me post pictures. they will have to come later I suppose.... damnshite.

I was also going to show you some yarn I've spun, some alpaca that is turning into a scarf (?) the little bird that's growing on my curtains and my latest sculpture and new and growing army of buttons... oh well.

( when I was small, we were moving away from CT to Japan and my mom took down my curtains. this was not, apparently, ok with me. I went running to her after discovering them missing crying, " Mommy! Mommy, Curts! Curts!". Curtains and I go way back.)

Creeker

2007-10-09T12:57:00.000-05:00

So now I've made it to cub creek foundation ( www.cubcreek.org) Which means I will be spending a year living in Appomattox making things... I will be concentrating on clay works mostly, but of course, I can't to one thing for too long before I remember all the other things I know how to make and there will be many many fiber projects spilling out of my studio as well as ceramics. I'm looking forward to what this year will bring me, and am trying very hard not to look to hard into the future, as that always leads to craziness and frustration. The moment I'm in and the week ahead at the most, that's all I am trying to think about. It is harder than I thought it would be. Thanks to my darlings who help pull me back down from the crazy shelf I often find myself on.

But here's a work that's almost finished...

Catch up time...

2007-08-01T15:19:00.001-05:00

So this one's for ray after he called me out on not blogging for so long... I've been busy and here are a few projects to prove it! (excuse the wrinkles, it's how i live )

This purse is one of my favorites i've made thus far, I hand beaded the center on a piece of felt with whatever beads i had already laying around. the fabric is a gray corduroy that I made a blazer with last winter. The skirts are all part of my determination to buy no new clothes for as long as possible and only make new / remake things already in my closet. So far so good and it started in June!

Ok, so it's warm, and my brain flits around when i'm in the sun

2007-07-24T20:00:00.000-05:00

And as a result of the sun making my brain not focus, I havn't been finishing much else besides skirts, lots and lots of skirts, and of course, of course I have no pictures of them somehow. I also made a dress!! one of those projects that have to be ripped out, and started over completely with a whole new pattern (of my own making, hence the ripping out).
I've also been spinning a whole bunch of the orange with white roving i dyed a while ago, my unlikely goal is to be knitting it into something warm and cable-ly by the time the leaves match the yarn. so i've got to get going on that! yikes....
Speaking of yikes, my computer is about to die and i dont want to go back inside the coffee house to plug in. so hi, i'm alive. woooo!

I have many projects that are in the middle of being done

2007-05-31T21:39:00.000-05:00

Making things, be it knitting, pottery, sewing, hanging dry wall or linking dandilions together into a crown for my little sister, is incredibly satisfying for me. There isn't really anything else I can see myself doing but continue to make things and hope and pray and beg I can keep doing it forever and manage to support myself some how. And believe me, I've tried to think of how things would be different if I had,say, decided to major in biology instead of art... it makes me shudder and feel yucky. So this must be the right thing for me to do. I hope.

Thinking about how miserable I would have been if I had chosen another major/career is kind of reassuring though... ( ok, maybe I wouldn't be miserable, but damn, it would've been horrible-bad-no good-times more often than not I imagine). At least I have something Im good at, and enjoy doing. Someday I might have to get that nightmarish office job to eat and live somewhere not in a box, but for now I'm pretty sure I've got a good deal with life going and I don't think it should change the way its going. I mean, sure it can get better, that would be cool, and I am sure that things will also get worse, but as long as i can make things, I'll be ok.

Huzzah for making things!