Creative Project Weekly Ambitions

"The Inspiration for This Blog"

"Creativity for Functional Purpose"

"Blast From the Past Visits the Present"

Taking a moment before heading off to bed for the night. I felt lost the last week but at the same time, after some major life altering decisions after moments of epiphany while gardening and feeling the coolness of the dirt as I intuitively placed seedlings and seeds, I enjoyed my weekend with my little growing family. A trip to the local bookstore reaped the reward of finding materials that I absolutely love, notices that my writing is starting to appear in the published realm-spurring me to write more but selectively and knowing I don't need the income to keep the lights on, I come into a new week of a new month; yes, it is the second week of June but I feel like we're still at the beginning of something new.

Found this great book, "The Gentle Art of Domesticity: Stitching, Baking, Art & The Comforts of Home," by Jane Brocket and absolutely love it! Fantastic way to view being creative while tackling and learning to turn around our view of the everyday tasks that have to be plowed through and not seen as drudgery. It has helped me to improve my focus on setting schedules, completing tasks that need to be done and then left as done, along with give me time to focus on Tristan's education, our time together connecting, playing, making memories, and last but not least, making time for myself and the many, many creative endeavors I have that I seem to dabble with as I move along.

Remember my closings on wondering why there were Cheerios in my shoes or under that coffee table.....the first photo here says it all.....even if it is Kix......~Mom

PS-

Yes, each week I focus on one particular creative project, write about it, and then move on to the next one waiting when the week is over, the weekend is enjoyed, and Monday comes round full circle to greet us with the feeling of where did the weekend go?

Cast Your Vote, Help a Little One

"Colors of the Baby Rainbow"

"Little Feet"

"Stitches, stitches, stitches.."

"Little Princess"

Ah, the long awaited post....finally. I had thought of this idea for some time, and with much more intensive thought over the Mother's Day weekend, I chose not to reveal the gender of my second child. There's more to the story of my decision but why continue to put focus on the negative when I can turn this into something positive and for the benefit of someone else, someone in need? So here it is....

Calling all friends, family, fellow fiber artists, and anyone interested in giving a hand to this project. For every vote cast, boy or girl, a donation of hand made items-hats, booties, and preemie size blankets-to be made to the children's hospital in your local area. I have many friends from all over the states, and would love to see where this will go. The voting will go until either my due date-July 16th-or when we make the announcement of the birth of our mystery child.

When my son Tristan was born, although a full term baby, he came a week early; swallowing and aspirating on amniotic fluid put in NICU @ the Vermont Children's Hospital for four days to clear him out and get him ready to be able to come home. After 30+ hours of labor into delivery, not being able to take my child home was devastating. After nine months of waiting for this little person to arrive, there was an empty feeling at first, frosted over with numbness of having to see him attached to wires and hanging on each progress report as to how he was doing. We both had a tough time going into the unit, just wanting to take him home. Watching other families there with their babies also made it hard to be there. We were very fortunate to watch the healing progress of our child, knowing that we would be taking him home at some point; knowing there were babies there, at least one not going home...its more than I want to give acknowledgement to but know that it does happen.

So, how important is gender? Why are some so overly consumed with boy vs. girl, pink vs. blue when it comes to colors? All I have and will ever ask for is a healthy baby, one I can take home and not feel lost as to how to start the journey of motherhood. As I continue my journey into motherhood, expanding our little family, I hope to hold my baby sooner than 13 hrs later, no wires attached, tests conducted, and to take this child home when I should be doing so. I can never dispute the wonderful care Tristan received in his time of need, because the staff, especially the nurses, were wonderful with him and put my mind at ease that he was receiving the absolute best care he needed. To look at him and listen to him today, you wouldn't know this event ever took place....miracles do happen, as do the speedbumps in life.

So, love the baby....boy or girl.....ask for a healthy life....and forget about pink and blue....

~Mom

PS-

I will need knitters/crocheters to help with this project. Currently, I have two on board but depending on the number of votes cast, there may be quite a number to fill.

April Showers Brought Mother's Day Snow

"Rainy Day Painting"

"Toy Cars Have Many Uses"

"I'd Rather Be Gardening"

"Can you see the snowflakes?"

Last Wednesday, we did our creative project, which was fun. We worked with Playdough today but I couldn't get a good shot of him at any time we were working the dough to make letters, shapes, smell it.... So far, the little man is not too hung up on painting but I think with time, he might change his mind. We're painting again tomorrow but with our fingers instead. And if not, its not a big deal; I trust he'll like what he likes, and not push him to be over the top with achievements. I want what's best for him but I want him to want it for himself. Happy, a life filled with sunshine with the occasional cloud-those do come, even if you don't want them to-and to just be; that's my goal as a parent and what I can give to my son.

And yes, we got snow on Mother's Day....something else. It was interesting to look outside, watch the snow fall in large, wet flakes, see that it wasn't sticking and staying. The day before, I took Tristan to Lowe's for their kids' workshop for a building project; he attends these little workshops and is really becoming more and more hands on with the building. I'll have to post about his projects.

Its been so busy here these last couple of weeks; I still have a list of things to do, writing to get through, soap to make (seems non-stop), a garden to continue planting, and priceless moments to spend with the man of the house-yes, the toddler rules the roost. I'm also research reading and reading to pull myself away from the "heady" stuff to give myself a mental break. And the fiber work? Yeap, still slaving away at that project, and wondering why the potty chair lays in pieces and there's Cheerios under the couch and coffee table....~Mom

Wednesday Creative Project

"The Artist at Work"

"An Army of Ants"

"Oh wait! Here I am before starting the project!"

Wednesday's creative project this week. Its called an "Army of Ants" and I thought this would be a fun piece to do together. Tristan wasn't too interested in the taping the piece of denim to the cardboard, as he was sifting through his markers and checking out the electrical tape I used for the project. Yet, once we got to the part where we could decorate the fabric, he was all hands on deck to do his art-which I have no issues with; besides, the cutting of cardboard, taping of fabric to the cardboard piece will come along in time. His reaction to my applying the marker to the pads of his fingers was priceless; imagine having your mom applying marker to your fingers to create "finger print bugs."

I found this project in a great book about using art to learn and work through the alphabet; the book shows to work up to four projects in one week, making it 26 weeks to work through the alphabet but I've shortened it for us here at home by working through two letters at a time and one project per letter. The book is geared for older kids, like grade school but I believe with a little modification, we can still use some of the project ideas. Listed below is the activity and the supplies needed and directions to conduct the session.

An Army of Ants

Materials:

-thick cardboard

-scissors

-scrap fabric to cover cardboard

-masking tape (or tape that you can find that will secure fabric to cardboard)

-inkpads (or washable markers)

-fine tip markers

The Creative Process:

-Cut the cardboard into an 8" x 8" square.

-Cover one side of the cardboard square with scrap fabric and secure in place with tape.

-Draw a block-style letter "A" on the cloth covered square.

-Demonstrate how to create ants by covering finger pad with washable marker, color of choice, and press it onto the tablecloth. Place two prints beside each other, touching. Add legs and antennae with the marker.

-Encourage your child to place "ants" all over his/her tablecloth.

Reference:

-Campbell, Kelly J. "Art Across the Alphabet: Over 100 Art Experiences That Enrich Early Literacy."

Looking at our bugs, I was glad we used the black marker; something tells me if we had used brown, our ants may have taken on the appearance of cockroaches-run screaming from the room, please! Of all the bugs in the insect world, those are the only creepy crawlers I absolutely can't stand-YUCK!!!!!!

Our next letter is "B" and we'll be painting with paints that begin with the letter "B." Here's to Wednesday Creative Projects! ~Mom

Pattern Directions for Converted Sweater Project

Toddler's Pullover Sweater

(converted directions based on cardigan pattern)

Sizes:

-6 mos. (12 mos.)*

Shown in size 12 mos. When only one number is given, it applies to both sizes. Note: For ease in working, circle all numbers pertaining to your size.

Finished measurements:

-Chest= 22 (25)"*

Yarn:

Sensations Rainbow Classic (Art. 09122458); 100% acrylic; 11 oz. (312 g.); 615 yds. (562 m.); bulky weight.

-1 skein # 42588 Green/Grey Rainbow Classic*

Needles & extras:

-Size 10 (6 mm) needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

-Tapestry (blunt-end yarn) needle

Gauge:

-11 sts. and 20 rows= 4" (10 cm) over

-Garter stitch (stockingnette, or knit every row)

TAKE TIME TO CHECK YOUR GAUGE.

Note: Use long-tail cast-on throughout.

Back:

-Cast on 30 (34) sts. Work Garter st until piece measures 11 (12)". Bind off.*

Front:

-Cast on 30 (34) sts. Work Garter st until piece measure 11 (12) ". Bind off.*

Sleeve: (make 2)

-Cast on 26 (28) sts. Work Garter st until piece measures 5 (7)". Bind off.*

Ribbing:

-Sleeve ribbing

-Cast on 10 (15) sts. Knit 2 rows, purl 2 rows. Work alternating stitches until pieces each measure 7 (9)". Bind off.*

-Bottom edge ribbing

-Cast on 17 (19) sts. Knit 2 rows, purl 2 rows. Work alternating stitches until piece measures 8 (10)". Bind off.*

-Neck ribbing

-Cast on 5 (7) sts. Knit 2 rows, purl 2 rows. Work alternating stitches until piece measures 5 (5 1/2)". Bind off.*

Finishing:

-Sew shoulder seams, leaving a 5 (5 1/2)" neck opening. Sew sleeves onto body of pullover. Fold pullover at shoulders; sew sides and underarm seams. Weave in ends.

Attach ribbing: As you sew on bottom edge and sleeve ribbing pieces, you will notice a gather or "pucker"," which should only be slight; if you notice an extreme gather, detach and start again. Gathering should be uniform for a clean appearance and ensure that sleeves can stay in place if pushed up and that the body of the finished sweater doesn't ride up or cause discomfort for the wearer. Weave in ends.

*You may have noticed an asterisk noted throughout the pattern directions I've listed here. My son is almost three years old but being a novice in the world of knitting, my stitches, depending on the fiber base I'm working with, can be looser or tighter in conjunction with the pattern directions; therefore, I put in all caps that it is important to check your gauge.

I wanted to create a sweater for my child but felt I lacked the confidence to move forward into the world of increase/decrease stitching; remember my swiss cheese reference in my previous post discussing the finished product and the importance of including (after making notes for revisions) a pattern for others to follow. When I found the original cardigan pattern, consisting of blocks (rectangles, if you will), I began to see how it could be converted into a pullover; the ribbed pieces were a "brain baby" during the formation of each piece that would become the body of the sweater. I wanted a sweater that my child could wear outside, when the chill is still hanging in the air in the mornings when we garden, something consisting of a fiber base that could be easily cleaned and cared for (therefore, the choice of acrylic), and assist with my learning process of working with different fibers for functional use. Am I happy with the end result? Yes, I am. I will have to expand the neck ribbing as he grows until he can no longer wear the sweater but I'm willing to work with that as part of my learning process on the knitting playground. Happy creating! ~Mom

Resource:

-Better Homes & Gardens 1-2-3 Knit: Project-packed Beginner's Guide.

*distributed exclusively by Leisure Arts.

How to Transform a Cardigan Pattern into a Pullover Pattern

"Let me turn....."

"Ribbing on sleeves"

"Stockingnette Stitch for body & sleeves"

"How Do I Look?"

Now, I'm not an experienced knitter; I barely learned by teaching myself and a high level of long distance encouragement from a dear college girlfriend to go ahead and learn how to knit. I've been at it for about a year now, and I absolutely love it! It took me 20 years, most of them spent in discouragement on my own part plus the factor of being left handed while the women in my family are all right handed, just to learn to crochet; so I didn't plan on learning how to wrangle two needles, let alone one hook! Mind you, I consider myself a creatress, and love the challenge of a new project and the pursuit of the end result. The road always goes in two directions for me each time: I either don't try it again or love it so much that I can't resist to keep going in the direction of additional like projects.

I was given a huge bag of yarn, needles, and books not too long ago-I think it may have been just before the Fall melted into the cold of Winter by a neighbor-sweet soul. After sorting through, orgazining my new "stash," I started working on other fiber projects-hoodies, hats, scarves, etc...then, it hit me to try a sweater. I trialed increase and decrease stitches by experimenting with baby booties, and after the results of swiss cheese or moth eaten outerwear, I almost gave up on the sweater idea. It was right after that thought I looked in one of my "new" books again. Two sweater patterns, one for a toddler and one for a baby. The baby pattern is increase/decrease stitch loaded, so I looked at the toddler pattern a bit more closely. That's when the lights went on; I could see how you can alter a cardigan into a pullover with measurement modifications to the pieces, as needed. As I worked each panel-there's a total of four (one for the front, one for the back, and one each for the sleeves), I wondered about ribbing for the cuffs, bottom edge of the sweater body, and the neckline. Ribbing is NOT my best stitch, no matter how many times I've painfully followed the directions and almost resorted to using my needles as kabob skewers instead of the knitting they're made for; although, my understanding is that knitting needles can be used for so much more than just knitting.....

As I completed the panels for the sweater body, stitched each panel together where indicated by pattern directions, I settled into the idea that I was going to try ribbing. I managed, after much thought, a way to work my ribbing so that it works for me and how I can grasp the stitch. After some time, an additional week of fiber work and tearing out stitches-experienced knitters call it frogging-I managed to put the final touches on my toddler's new "spring gardening sweater." Happy with the results, I'm working to turn my modification over for publication. I'm not reinventing the wheel, mind you. I'm giving hope to other beginning knitters like myself that you don't have to make millions of scarves or hats before tackling a sweater for someone you love; just look from a different angle. Pattern directions in my next post.....~Mom

Why Do I Write?

"One Little Step At A Time...."

So I get the news last night that a college friend of mine is deciding to step off the social network scene and concentrate on constructing and working on her new blog. I think this is a great idea, yet feel sad at the same time. So, I started thinking to myself...."Why do I write?" Quite a few other questions and contemplation popped into my head as well but this is where I want to start for now.

I started my own blog(s) after reading others, finding out that it could be good for my business (and being a free service isn't a bad perk), and finally the pull into writing again really hooked me into blogging. I wasn't sure how I was going to do, if I was going to stay consistent or not, how often would I be writing, etc....so many questions, and yet forging ahead with my decision to blog. I started out with a business blog, which shortly after I shut down my first website; I had jumped the gun and wasn't totally satisfied with the services I had available for my site, so the decision to take a "time out" came after much deliberation. Did it hurt me to make such a business decision? No-if anything came of it, it was peace of mind that I didn't have to stress about what my site was and wasn't doing. I could pull back and continue with a clean slate.

Blogging didn't stop there for me. I went on to create a page that speaks of who I am as a mother, how I manage to stay at home with my child-soon to be two children, how I find time to create, let alone write, and how I manage to keep my sanity to a level only I seem to understand. Many entries and projects have gone onto the cyber canvas to let readers in on who I am and how I operate. I got involved in a creative project for the 2010 year, of which I've been struggling at times to keep up with it yet finding my own way through the process. Trust the process.....words to live by....

Who I am as a mother, urban homesteader, independent business woman only scratched the surface for me. As I've been going through the creative projects each month since January, I started to feel a stirring of sorts. I know who I am as the many hats I wear within a day but who was I to myself? I wrote in high school, worked my passion for art into sketches that most are but a memory of yesterday, and then with my four year committment for my undergrad degree, the writer emerged once again. The artist-the creatress, came forth as well. Four years came to a close, I chose a different career path which radically changed my life, struggled for what felt like an eternity, and in the process, found myself morphing into a mother....the emotional changes, let alone physical and mental were the greatest challenges I have learned to come through since my college days of endless studies and mountains of papers written to turn over for credits....little did I know....

So, now as the author of three blogs, a mother of one soon to become two, urban homesteader, independent business woman, freelance writer, artist, creatress, thinker.....I could go on; I look at the importance of why I write, who I'm writing for, and what I have to say. Yes, I've been on the social network scene for a bit of time now but I have been questioning its importance. Yes, I've reconnected with friends, which is great but how important is that arena to me, really? I can do without it; I don't play games or copy and paste numerous posts to catch the attention of friends. Some postings are wonderful, great ways to converse but some are just not necessary. I can stay connected to friends and the few family members through emails, phone calls, and maybe even the occasional visit; those things in life are not extinct, at least not yet.

Rainy days are great for relaxing with a book, playing with the kids, taking an extended nap, and the creative process of placing words down from the thoughts that loom at the forefront of the mind. I write to share what's going on, be it from ideas that manifest into something tangible, what's for dinner, creative projects, time with my little one, random thoughts, business, homesteading......giving my perspective on the world and how I choose to live in it.

~Mom

Choices

"In an age when we are told that good mothering is just a matter of finding the right sitter and learning how to arrange "quality time," most of us could never have invisioned how completely we would be taken delicious minature people." ~Linda Burton

Prayer

"God is not a cosmic bellboy for whom we can press a button to get things done." ~Harry Emerson Fosdick

Creative Project Turned Functional

This should probably have been placed on my biz blog but something just seemed to fit for me to put it here instead. Not everything creative that I do pertains to my business, as this set was done for my son; I knit the cap and scarf, while my mother crocheted the mittens (I added a string to make sure he doesn't lose his "Grammie made gloves").

I love working with fiber, love the feel of the yarn slipping through my fingers as I work the needles or hook to manifest something useful out of nothing more than a ball or skein of fiber that could always substitute as a cat toy-no cats here. Tristan also seems to love to pick through my yarn basket that sits behind my rocker near the fireplace-he's perfecting his pitch with my yarn these days.

I am currently working on a few fiber projects at this time-yes, all at once but in stages. A sweater for myself, a couple of throw rugs for the kitchen, repairs to a hoodie I made for one of my buyers, and a "I need a moment" throw that I've completed and then tore out to restart-its hot pink. Busy? A little but it keeps me focused on the knowledge that each project will manifest into an end result and be something functional when completed.

Over the years, looking back at times, I've always done something creative; I've learned in more recent times that functional creative projects seem to be most satisfiying for me, and when I can share that with people who are looking for something locally tailored/made, it makes me feel like I'm doing my part in the cycle of working with natural materials to create something made by hand, something of quality and not mass produced to satisfy with low pricing and the idea of if it breaks, it can be easily replaced because there are a million more. I consider myself a one of a kind person, and I like to make one of a kind creations.

So, know that Aunt Sophie and Grammie were doing the right thing when knitting gifts for family, that their efforts were to be praised, not hidden in the closet and forgotten about. Although, the holiday motif and farm animal sweaters when you're a teen just didn't go over big in junior high, those lovely women were putting their love into those moments of creativity.

I'm still finding Cheerios in my shoes but now I want to know how they get stuck to my yarn. ~Mom