Generally speaking I'm a finisher. Pretty a-typical for a knitter I know. I don't usually have 4 or 6 projects going at any given time. Rather, I start something, I finish it, I move on.
Not so lately. Looking around the house this AM I realized I'm a "work in process" wreck. I've got the Stash Bag from One Skein almost done, I have to sew the bottom of the bag closed and attach the strap. Last night I started a pretty summer scarf using beautiful ribbon yarn I got recently. It's an experiment of sorts. And I have no less then 4 knit and fulled, and dry purses on the work table all waiting for needle felting or other embellishment. They're on their way to a gallery in MN, Ripple River Gallery, where they will be on consignment.
So what's the crazy deal? Why so many WIPs? It could be that the yarn stash has been growing lately and I'm anxious to try new things. It could also be avoidance. I should be packing and preparing to move in 4 days, and so I knit. What else.
Whatever the cause of this unfinished object mayhem I resolve to put an end to it. I hereby declare that I will not cast -on a single stitch until I have finished what I have started. I like things so much more when they are finished.
Watch for a parade of finished objects, coming soon to a blog, this blog, near you.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Crafting for a Cause
Crafting for charity is a concept that has been around for ages. And it's everywhere. You can knit hats for cancer patients, or the homeless. You can make blankets for premature babies and children in need. You can knit blankets for shelter dogs. You can contribue locally, or globally. The possibilities are astounding really. From time to time I will showcase those causes that I've been a part of. It's my way of spreading the word.
One of the charity crafting causes that I support is Crafters for Critters. It's a one woman operation really, a website featuring handmade items donated by independent crafters that are then sold with all the proceeds going to animal rescue groups. Each quarter they give to 3 or so different rescue groups, one is always greyhound specific. The groups benefiting are rotated, there by sharing in the giving. There are some great things for sale, jewelery, knitting, sewing, and all kinds of craftiness. It's a great place to do a little gift shopping, gifts that give twice.
I chose to support Crafters for Critters quite simply because animal rescue is something I believe in and that touches me personally. There are far too many great dogs in this world that through no fault of their own are languishing in shelters , or worse on the streets. Irresponsible pet guardianship and careless breeding are the cause.
I currently have two rescue dogs. The Mike aka "Bubby" and Layla. They're both GREAT dogs. Mike has been with me since he was a 12 week old puppy. He and his 12 litter mates and their mom were rescued by Animal Ark a no-kill shelter in Minnesota when the puppies were just 3 weeks old. He moved with us to Texas. Layla was adopted from the Town Lake Animal Shelter here in Austin, TX. She had been a stray.
The Mike is one of those happy, thinkin dogs. He is an expert sleeper, and will do anything for food. He's the meathead of family. Layla has come along way since we adopted her. She was extremely undernourished, and afraid of everything. Now she's beautiful and graceful, and busy. In England there is a saying "no sheep, no collies" and if you've ever known a herding dog you get it. But Layla's only sort of a collie and is content to herd The Mike and my knitting if I'm careless. (Yup, Layla moves wool from room to room whenever she gets a chance).
Myself, my partner, and both dogs train in agility at the Lee Mannix Center for Canine Behaviour. We do it because it's fun. It's a great way for us to all spend time together, and it has truly changed the dogs' lives. It gives them confidence, and an outlet for their athleticism.
But I've digressed... I was speaking of crafting for a cause. When your done looking at the Crafters for Critters website do a Google search for "charity knitting", find something you believe in, and get to knitting! It will make you feel good, it will make other people feel good, and knit by purl it will help to make the world a better place.
Peace!
One of the charity crafting causes that I support is Crafters for Critters. It's a one woman operation really, a website featuring handmade items donated by independent crafters that are then sold with all the proceeds going to animal rescue groups. Each quarter they give to 3 or so different rescue groups, one is always greyhound specific. The groups benefiting are rotated, there by sharing in the giving. There are some great things for sale, jewelery, knitting, sewing, and all kinds of craftiness. It's a great place to do a little gift shopping, gifts that give twice.
I chose to support Crafters for Critters quite simply because animal rescue is something I believe in and that touches me personally. There are far too many great dogs in this world that through no fault of their own are languishing in shelters , or worse on the streets. Irresponsible pet guardianship and careless breeding are the cause.
I currently have two rescue dogs. The Mike aka "Bubby" and Layla. They're both GREAT dogs. Mike has been with me since he was a 12 week old puppy. He and his 12 litter mates and their mom were rescued by Animal Ark a no-kill shelter in Minnesota when the puppies were just 3 weeks old. He moved with us to Texas. Layla was adopted from the Town Lake Animal Shelter here in Austin, TX. She had been a stray.
The Mike is one of those happy, thinkin dogs. He is an expert sleeper, and will do anything for food. He's the meathead of family. Layla has come along way since we adopted her. She was extremely undernourished, and afraid of everything. Now she's beautiful and graceful, and busy. In England there is a saying "no sheep, no collies" and if you've ever known a herding dog you get it. But Layla's only sort of a collie and is content to herd The Mike and my knitting if I'm careless. (Yup, Layla moves wool from room to room whenever she gets a chance).
Myself, my partner, and both dogs train in agility at the Lee Mannix Center for Canine Behaviour. We do it because it's fun. It's a great way for us to all spend time together, and it has truly changed the dogs' lives. It gives them confidence, and an outlet for their athleticism.
But I've digressed... I was speaking of crafting for a cause. When your done looking at the Crafters for Critters website do a Google search for "charity knitting", find something you believe in, and get to knitting! It will make you feel good, it will make other people feel good, and knit by purl it will help to make the world a better place.
Peace!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
On the Move, In 10 Days
I'm moving. Moving sucks. Moving means packing all your things in boxes and not knowing where anything is, and not being able to get the things you love.
Besides yarn, I love books. I have a LOT of books. So to begin the moving process I start by packing books. The last time I moved I had 33 book boxes of books. I am quite sure that this time around I will have even more.
I packed the knitting library, except for 3 or so books I knew I'd want to look at, for one reason or another. Packed the rest. I have now opened that box no less than 3 times. At the third un-taping of said box I got smart. I un-packed all books related to knitting and fiber. On moving day they will ride on the front seat of my car. Right next to my yarn which I have made no pretense of packing.
Moving also means a moratorium on buying yarn. Mostly. I admit I did sneak in one last trip to the LYS and made two small purchases off ETSY. But no more! I resolve to not buy any yarn until I am moved, and settled, ok maybe just moved, to the new house.
In the meantime, to sooth my knittin' jones, I've been reading knitting blogs, surfing Knitty for patterns, working on the 10 or so felted bags for a consignment order, and packing and unpacking the fiber arts library.
10 days, just 10 more days...
Besides yarn, I love books. I have a LOT of books. So to begin the moving process I start by packing books. The last time I moved I had 33 book boxes of books. I am quite sure that this time around I will have even more.
I packed the knitting library, except for 3 or so books I knew I'd want to look at, for one reason or another. Packed the rest. I have now opened that box no less than 3 times. At the third un-taping of said box I got smart. I un-packed all books related to knitting and fiber. On moving day they will ride on the front seat of my car. Right next to my yarn which I have made no pretense of packing.
Moving also means a moratorium on buying yarn. Mostly. I admit I did sneak in one last trip to the LYS and made two small purchases off ETSY. But no more! I resolve to not buy any yarn until I am moved, and settled, ok maybe just moved, to the new house.
In the meantime, to sooth my knittin' jones, I've been reading knitting blogs, surfing Knitty for patterns, working on the 10 or so felted bags for a consignment order, and packing and unpacking the fiber arts library.
10 days, just 10 more days...
Thursday, March 15, 2007
The Birth of a Blog
I Couldn't keep myself off the blog bandwagon any longer. I'm here and I make stuff.
This is Right Out Loud the place where I will showcase the things I've made, talk about yarn, relish the creative life, and share my craftiness with y'all.
I work with natural fibers to create wearables and accessories. I run an ETSY shop rightoutloud.etsy.com. And I have lots and lots of yarn.
It's been winter so I've been working mostly with wool, and felting. Making things like these lovelies.
I plan to post frequently. So check back often and thanks so much for looking!
This is Right Out Loud the place where I will showcase the things I've made, talk about yarn, relish the creative life, and share my craftiness with y'all.
I work with natural fibers to create wearables and accessories. I run an ETSY shop rightoutloud.etsy.com. And I have lots and lots of yarn.
It's been winter so I've been working mostly with wool, and felting. Making things like these lovelies.
I plan to post frequently. So check back often and thanks so much for looking!
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