Creativity Series: Renewal

Yesterday, I was invited to photograph a fashion model in downtown Austin, TX by a photog friend. We had a great time talking and laughing, and of course-taking great pictures. For the first time in a while, I feel like I pushed my self creatively with photography, and I pushed my camera/lens to the fullest. I got some great pics, as did my other photog cohort. I couldn't wait to get home and see the photos.

Photographer: Whitney Christmas, Model: Katy Clark, Austin, Texas

 

As far as the ratio of great photos to the whole, I wish I had done better. I had a little issue with lighting and needed more light in most photos. But I did get some really great shots.

There is something that happens when you push creatively for a day or more. When you devote a day to your art medium, with artistic friends and in an inspiring location. A sense of renewal always hits me, and I am so happy and feel relaxed and creative. I want the creative process to continue as long as possible, prolonging the good vibes. Its the same feeling I get going to conventions or museums, only better. This feeling is why I create art with others. So we can share in something greater, a sense of community, and even perhaps contributing to the greater good of art.

When asked what I am professionally, the answer is always "Artist." Art is the mark of civilization and grandeur, excess and frivolity. But it is as essential to my soul as breathing is to my body. That creative renewal of purpose, setting goals and reaching them, is what its all about, and I believe as universal a feeling as "happiness" or "fear."

Photographer: Whitney Christmas, Model: Katy Clark, Austin, Texas

People can reach this feeling through other means, and this feeling is what I call "following your passion/bliss." But, too often we get caught up in the day to day work, even if it is art, and forget to play. Don't do this. Play. Go out. Try something new. And then come back here and share your success.

Where do the lines blur between work and play?

I love to knit. Really. Don't get me wrong, I love to knit. And sew, and sculpt, and bead, and crochet, and... and... and...

I am in the middle of a knitting project now-a design for a magazine-that has a mid-December deadline. And of course, after focusing on my knitting for months, I don't feel like knitting! I have been playing with polymer clay, so much fun. And this morning I made wire earrings, too fun. Knitting. Knitting in the round in stockinette... For miles.. Is not that fun.

I think all of us who do what we love, especially if its multiple media, find times where its just impossible to concentrate. Its a universal fact-when you have to do something, you want to do other. So how can we manage the fidgets and get on with it?

I get up very early in the morning, and find I am the most focused in the wee hours. Therefore, most mornings, I knit. Especially design work-the math and things come together great when I've just woken up at 4 am. If I try to do the same work say, around 4pm, it just isn't going to work. I get more creative toward mid morning (11am) and try to follow that trend as well. Sketching, clay play, etc, have been coming around then. I'm tired after all that, so anything for the rest of the day is something like... stockinette in the round for miles. Requires no thought. I'll turn on a movie and go to town.

It is key to figure out when you're at your best-for a particular task-and follow that muse. It has helped me get routines going for most of the day. Instead of fighting the trends, like trying to do math at 4pm, I go with them. This makes the work more fun and the play more fun. Try it!

When are you at your best for logic work? For creative?

Nexus 7

I've been neglecting this but wanted to write a status post right quick.

My project for KnitEdge is going well, I have a huge and cryptic spreadsheet going and have started the first piece in the set. I m so excited o be doing this project!

I also received a wonderful gift from my boyfriend. A Nexus 7 tablet. I am loving it, and am posting from it now. Yay for technology!

NaNoWriMo is going, i'm about 4000 words behind the times, but my goal is more to finish the book than 50k words, though if both happen that would be nice. I've been to a couple of write ins so far, and plan to go to more.

Hmmmm What else am I working on? I did quite a lot on Frost Thread last week, and it is going swimmingly. Really beautiful!

Mythos

Below, both Suzanne and I reviewed the Mythos Collection by Fiddle Knits Designs. I have been following Erica Jackofsky's work for a while now and and am pleased and honored to be a part of her blog tour!

Whitney's Take:
 
Mythos, by Erica Jackofsky (Fiddle Knits Designs), is a wonderful collection of shawls and shawlettes designed along the theme of the Gods and Goddesses in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. Overall, I am really impressed and pleased with the collection.

Wrought

In looking at the book from an “art” standpoint, it is pleasant to read and look at. I would like to have this as a coffee table book! The photography is both clear in showing the shawls, and creative in the posing. The patterns are easy to read, and the designs are cohesive, as a group and individually.

There are several features that make this a great informational book for knitters. Several talks are given on gauge particular to knitting lace, as well as tips on knitting and reading each pattern. Pre- and post-blocking gauges are given. I wish this was universally done in knitted lace!

The only shawl I wasn’t wow’ed by was Harvest. The design is interesting, with the curved bottom and angular lace pattern, but, beyond that I wasn’t impressed. Some people love it, though-and Erica is right, it is a great design for variegated yarns.

Allure

My two favorites were Allure and Wandering Waves. I also keep returning to Underworld. Interestingly, these three shawls have different constructions! Wandering Waves is especially interesting as it is knit on the bias, which is explained in the book.

Overall, this is a beautiful collection and I am going to make one or more of them. I often dye highly variegated yarns, and these shawls are great for that!

Suzanne’s Take:

I had the chance to take a look at the Mythos Collection of shawls by Fiddle Knits. I really enjoyed the look of the book because the pictures were beautiful. I felt like I was on a Greek island on holiday. 

The example shawls were beautifully done. The patterns were well-written with added hints and tips. I really appreciated that even though I am not a beginner. 

I believe there is a shawl for anyone in this collection with different techniques to please anyone. I particularly liked Solar Flare, but with no chart for it I have been put off, but still, it has been added to my queue on Ravelry. I also liked Wrought in some ways but the edging looked too tight or too small in the photo. The only one that I absolutely didn't like was Underworld. It just wasn't my taste at all.

Overall, I enjoyed the book but I did not like just a few aspects.

Wandering Waves

Wandering Waves is a free pattern! Enjoy! 

Which shawl in this collection is your favorite? Why?

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo)

Today marks the beginning of the amazing fun known as NaNoWriMo. I am prepared to write my novel, unlike last year! I have prewriting and outlines, character sheets and place descriptions ready to go! Last year, I decided to start writing on Nov. 3, and only got to 15,000 or so words, when the goal is 50,000.

NaNoWriMo is a writing exercise participated in by 300,000 people from high schoolers and college students on up to major authors. The goal is to write 50K words, in the month of November, in something somewhat resembling novel format. This is an interesting exercise, to say the least!

I am currently waiting for a write-in to begin, where WriMo's from my area get together and write and have fun. Got to have some kind of kick off festivities! Maybe someone will bring candy, I didn't get any for Halloween.

I'm sure you can tell from all the exclamation points that I'm pretty excited. What are you excited about this month?

Sierra Shrug

The Sierra Shrug is one of those knitting projects that can be of varying difficulty level. If you're wanting a less brain-intensive knit, the written pattern is set up for that, but if you want something with a little more finesse involved, the following techniques will help you out.

The first place you come to a choice when knitting this is-what type of cast on for the center back panel? Either long tail cast on, a provisional cast on, or another cast on. With a provisional cast on, the lps are available for picking up once the sleeves are knitted and its time for the ribbing all the way around the center opening. Here is a video resource on how to do the crochet provisional cast on: http://youtu.be/Nnu1kk8dUj0 You'll want to work one row before starting with row 1 of the pattern.

Another place that neatness can be added is the edges of the side panel. I slipped the last stitch of each knit row-yarn in back, slip purlwise. On the purl row-yarn in front, slip purlwise. On the next row knit the first stitch in the back, or purl it in the front to create a neat chained edge.


The measurements for the various parts of the shrug are as follows:

Vine panel: 10" tall, 11" wide 

Eyelet Rib: 7" long and 12" wide (The ribbing is slightly wider than the vine panel is tall, for fit.

Final Ribbings: 2.5"


I hope this clarifies and adds some interest to your knitting of this lovely shrug. It is a fabulously fun knit, great lace patterns that are easy to memorize create a stunning garment.

Crochet Cast On

I've recently been crocheting quite a lot, and am finding that my skills are growing into refinement. I'm the newest convert to foundation rows that there is! I've been using the single crochet foundation row for lacy projects, and the double crochet foundation row is great for most other things. The single crochet foundation row is just slightly stretchy, springy really, perfect for firm edges. I used it this morning for the bottom edge of a legwarmer and it turned out great! My mom, who owns Gourmet Crochet, also believes in foundation rows, she is where I first heard of them. But, being stubborn I wasn't a fan, but now I am!

Crochet Cast On:

I have another method that I enjoy to start projects, though. I use the knitting long tail cast on, onto the hook size indicated. This really only works for smallish numbers of stitches. Then, I work off by doing yo, pull through 1 lp on hook, *yo, pull through two lps on hook; rep from * across. This gives a good row to stitch into, as well. Incidentally, it is good for Tunisian crochet as well-as it is borrowing that technique for one row.



Well, my doggie Lily says hello in the form of barking wildly at just this moment! I better go see what she is upset about.

What are you working on? Links are welcome!

Who wants a design KAL?

We do! We do!

Suzanne's first swatch of the snowflake stitch pattern. Isn't it gorgeous?

Your mission, should you choose to accept it:

• Use the "Snowflake Lace" motif in any NEW design

• Finish stitching the design by the end of the year (2012 that is!)

• Take beautiful photos, far away and very close up to show the stitching (email to me by Jan 15)

• Suzanne and I plan to critique the other's item on this blog, and I'd be happy to give any hints I can on anyone else's (Publicly or privately)

I hope someone besides us decides to KAL and keep us posted in comments! I love to see other's design work.

My goal with this is to get both Suzanne and I to finish a lovely shawl design by the end of the year, Suzanne will be wrapping up her "12 in 2012" with the Snowflake Project.

Snowflake Stitch Pattern:

Multiple of 8+7

1st and every other row: Purl.
2: K5, skp, yo, k1, yo, k2tog, *k3, skp, yo, k1, yo, k2tog; rep from * to last 5 sts, k5.
4: K6, yo, s2kp, yo, k5, yo, s2kp, yo, rep from * to last 6 sts, k6.
6: As for Row 2.
8: K1, skp, yo, k1, yo, k2tog *k3, skp, yo, k1, yo, k2tog; rep from * across to last st, k1.
10: K2, yo, sk2p, yo, *k5, yo, s2kp, yo; rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.
12: As for Row 8.

Skp: Slip 1, knit 1, psso
S2kp: Slip 2 as to knit, knit 1, pass two slipped sts over.

Thoughts on Knitting Design Process

Today is shawl designing/swatching day, a continuation from yesterday's efforts, though on a different piece. Yesterday I worked on Arsenic and Anise, which will be lovely and straight forward, but with a big impact in the black and red colorway. The stitch patterns just fell into place, all flowing from one to another. Fabulous work. This is why I design-for the days when it all works out serendipitously.

Slightly less serendipitous is today's shawl. I've had it on the back burner for.... a couple months now, at least 6 weeks. It was the "Mermaid Shawl" but I used the Mermaid yarn on this, and I haven't dyed more for it yet. I'm thinking a different colorway, anyway. I've toiled and troubled on this, until I'm finally stitching it and not really LOVING the outcome. I think its just that I've put so much effort into it that even if it were the most beautiful knitting on earth, I'd still say "meh." Looking at what I have stash wise, it may become purple handspun from dear Suzanne. At least, I think it's handspun (correct me if I'm wrong!) The grippiness of this particular wool is well suited to this stitch pattern, I think. There isn't a lot of it but I can just go until nearly out of yarn, and play that game.

These are the thoughts in my head as I stitch, study the hand-drawn chart, and stitch some more. I think its important that both sides of knitting, and, well, any design/art process be shown. There are days and projects where it just falls together nicely:

The smallish quilt I'm making for my mother. One charm pack is all you need for interest!

And there are days and projects in which it doesn't:

A swimwear I made for a 9 y.o. pageant contestant (Before the days of Honey Boo-Boo)

What projects come to mind for your serendipitous and less-than designing moments?

Wedding Creations

Today my boyfriend and I will be attending a wedding. It will be with his extended family, and should be a lot of fun. Weddings always make me want to create!

For the wedding gift, we made great little air fresheners using little jars, filled with baking soda and a bit of scented oil. They turned out great! about $10 invested for a lot of impact. $4 for 4 jars (Bell 8oz Canning Jars) $1 for baking soda, and $5 for a charm pack of fabric. I already had the scented oils.

I have a couple of knitting patterns that would be great for a wedding day. My favorite three, in no particular order are:

Peter Pan Collar in Silk

A New Leaf Shrug

Sierra Shrug

All of these patterns are available on My Craftsy Store (http://www.craftsy.com/user/174704/pattern-store) and the knitted shrugs are available on my Etsy store.

What have I been up to?

I have been very busy lately, busy like a little bee. I have several "secret" projects going. Lace is happening! I also have made two scarves that I'm just getting ready to photo in the next few days. The first is a crochet scarf with an interesting, wavy, construction-and a beautiful border. The other scarflette is a lace leaf stitch, that has patterning on both the knit and the purl side. I plan to do a tutorial with that pattern.

I've also started writing more. I'm getting ready for NaNoWriMo, or National Novel Writing Month. In November, writers across the US and the world band together to each write a novel in the 30 days of November. The only stipulation is it must be 50,000 words to "win" or complete the challenge. I plan to do it this year. I tried last year but had a lot of life changes going on, and didn't finish. I am looking forward to the craziness that is NaNo'ing, next month!

Do you plan to NaNo? I am whitneync on the site, if you want to add me as a friend!

Creativity Series: On Making Mistakes

There are several categories of "mistakes" we can make in art. Some are technical-IE. missing a stitch in a needle arts project. Some are artistic decisions gone awry. Both types of mistakes can turn into happy accidents, as I'm sure we have all had the experience of.

The point I want to make, with creativity in mind, is that generally, with artistic mistakes the best way to continue is to just... continue, work around it, work with it, work over it, but incorporate that "mistake" into the piece, as it is a part of the artistic journey that you have followed while making it.

With technical mistakes,  I generally have an internal battle. Sometimes, they are small enough that -really- no one will notice but me. Other times, they NEED to be fixed in order to preserve the integrity of the piece. But the hardest one to make decisions about are those that fall somewhere in the middle of that range. Something that might effect quality only superficially, something that may or may not be noticed by others, or something that could be better but is OK as it is.

I tend to notice these mistakes well after making them. Four rows later in a crochet project, for example. I really make the effort to go back and correct these mistakes, most of the time. Sometimes it is a gut wrenching decision -tinking 100 stitches in a knitting project- but it invariably makes the piece better as a whole. By better, I mean that I am happier with it, and isn't that what generally matters?

"Cast On Bind Off" By Leslie Ann Bestor

The cast on that you choose for a knitting project is the foundation for the whole piece. Many people know only one cast on-they may know others exist, but hey! The long-tail cast on is pretty useful. I was one of these people, I'm sad to admit. Long-tail, cable cast on and knitting on were my three go to's. Here at The Daily Artist, we have learned better!

Purchase from Amazon

For a complete dictionary on the subject, I highly recommend the book, "Cast on, Bind off" by Leslie Ann Bestor. 54 Step-by-Step methods. It is awesome. I saw there was another book out by the same title, with "over 200" starts and finishes, but I'm leery of that, 54 is a nice manageable number! Enough to meet every need, not so many that they are redundant (and you can't remember the one you want.) A clever feature of this book is the interior covers. At the front is a list of the cast ons, organized by use, and the back had bind offs. Very very nice idea!

Suzanne and I are loving the Channel Island Cast On at the moment.  It can be found on page 56 in the book. It is listed as useful in these cases: Ribbing (A lot of stretch), Super Stretchy (Socks, hats, mittens, lace) and Decorative. It is really lovely, with a sort of knotted, bumpy edge. Great to add interest and flair to anything really!

It is my pleasure to highly recommend this book to any knitter. From beginner to advanced, this is a subject that is vital for every project, and Cast On Bind Off is a quick reference (or study guide!) to learning the creme de la creme of starts and finishes!



More Information:
Book Title: Cast On Bind Off   
Author: Leslie Ann Bestor
ISBN: 978-1-60342-724-1
Publisher: Storey Publishing
Approximate Retail Price: $16.95 USD
Category: Crafts/Knitting
Techniques: 33 Cast Ons and 21 Bind Offs
Availability: Wire-Bound Paperback

Knitting in Public and Nerd Girl Yarns

I had the strangest experience a few weeks ago. Like a good knitter, I had my KIP (knitting in public) project in my bag as I entered a waiting room. Lo and behold: there was a girl, about 24, KNITTING. I encounter knitters a few times a year, and they generally want to chat. Nothing but hostility and defensiveness radiated from this girl. She knitted along with her orange novelty yarn on knitpicks harmony circs. I was afraid to get out my knitting at this point, she was getting a lot of attention! Finally, after half an hour I cautiously took out my knitting, of course it had to be a lace project! The attention transferred, those that were still interested anyway. I got quite a dirty look from the knitting girl, but she was soon called back and everyone quieted down.

Why is it that some knitters hold themselves above others? I guess it is a human trait, though the rift between knitting and crochet is one I just don't understand. Both crafts have pros and cons, times when one is better, or the other. Knitting does not reign supreme!

 With that being said, I have to announce a new project! I received an amazing skein from Christa at Nerd Girl Yarns, if you will recall from an earlier post. Here is a photo of the color way in case you missed it! This is The Wedding Job, and I have a skein of Exquisite lace weight, which is baby alpaca and silk. Let me tell ya, this is the nicest yarn I've used for crochet, and I am seriously enjoying it. Lace, a B hook, and determination will soon yield a beautiful shawl and pattern! Stay tuned for updates.

Here's how Kickstarter Works

Here's how it works: I set up the campaign (check) and you donate. If I get to or above my goal, you'll be charged at that time, if I don't get to goal, you won't be charged. The payment system is through Amazon so you know it's safe! 

This is an amazing project that I would love to complete-truly luxurious and beautiful knitting needles! How will they be different, you ask? They will be colorful and textural, with perfect tips for lace and beyond, the "base" needles will cost about half of the budget for each set, so that's where quite a lot of the money is going to. The remainder will go for embellishment-with a very small portion being set aside for advertising and sales fees.

These needles will be available in time for Christmas! 

Thanks for your donation-even small donations will help!

Click here to donate!

Crochet Addiction

Beware! I'm going over to the dark side! (JOKING! I love both knitting and crochet! Crochet is, in fact, my first love.)

<3 Crochet

I am fascinated by crochet the last few days. The structure of stitches and how they come together. I just sent off 3 design submissions to a yarn company, all are plays on straight forward rectangular crochet, none are quite what is expected! I thoroughly enjoyed the design process.

Playing with increases and decreases is one of my favorite things to do in knitting; it turns out I enjoy it in crochet, too. I like staggered stitches and transitions that you don't quite expect. One of my crochet victories lately is creating a stitch pattern blend. The stitch pattern starts off based on single crochet, and then I created a transition into a double crochet version-in one row. The swatch looks amazing! Unfortunately I can't show you that, either, so... I'll leave you with this:

Lia Mobius Wrap

Lia is a LOVELY wrap for this time of year! It drapes so beautifully and is very comfortable and secure on the shoulders. Mom (Carolyn Christmas-the designer/owner of Gourmet Crochet) just gave me the original a few days ago, and I'm looking for every chance to wear it! 

Just Ducky

It is officially the first of October, and what is more appropriate than starting the costume making early! Yesterday's project was this oh-so-cute set, a ducky hat and soaker for my boyfriend's little nephew. I think it came out great! It only sort of resembles a yellow snowman :P

It was a fun project, I got to use Red Heart With Love yarn for the yellow and black, and it is soft and squishy. I enjoyed working with it, for this project. It would make a great afghan too!

Acrylic is sometimes icky, sometimes great, really depends on the project. What is your favorite acrylic yarn?

Creativity Series: Effect of Art

The sad truth is, we cannot control the effect our art has on people. The attempt to control that effect is the "art" we are all trying to hone. For example, I don't know an artist who could say they know precisely how a piece will "go off" when first displayed. Sometimes something doesn't turn out the way it was originally envisioned. In fact, I would say most of the time this is the case. Edits are made at every stage in the process, from planning to execution and every step in between.

I will not attempt to broach such a large subject here, I could write a book on the effects of color, texture, shape and scale. But, I will say-don't be deterred! If the first edition of a particular concept doesn't convey what you are attempting, then try again. If the color you mix is not quite right, then mix it again!

It is hard to see a work that I have put time and effort into become garbage, but sometimes cleaning out the closet is what is needed to spark new creativity.

Kickstarter Project

Creativity Knits: Artful Knitting Tools

Creativity Knits is my project on Kickstarter.com. A few days ago you saw the prerelease of needles with fiber embellished ends, in preparation for this very project. I plan to make a line of luxury, artful knitting needles, with only the best in materials and embellishment. These needles will be stained with a specially purposed stain to maintain their smooth texture. Next, there will be some painted decoration near the knob, and finally, the knob end will be fabulous-think rhinestones, metallics, vintage items, and jewel tones. Everything glam!

I am so excited about this project and the potential to really be able to go all out on this First Fifty sets of knitting needles. It is a concept that has been knocking around in my head for many years, at least 7, and I can't wait to make my dream a reality. The final needles will be photographed artfully, for a second set of "art" from them, and then sold in my Etsy Store and possibly another online sales storefront.

Bringing knitting tools to the art side. That's what this is about!

Creativity Series: Skills

There are two aspects to skills needed, but not possessed, for a project. The skill level you have may not be up to what is needed for the execution of the piece, or the skill needed is just simply not in your repertoire at all.

If it is a skill level issue, I have found that being open to learning new skills is essential. Whether you take a lesson, class, or teach yourself, it is worthwhile to expand your skill-set, so that you will be prepared for the later, more difficult, project without spending a huge amount of time on learning. For example, I've never painted with oils. This is something I'm pretty upset about allowing to happen-It would have been better to me to learn oils while learning acrylics, so that I could choose which would be best for a painting. Unfortunately, this isn't the case. Now, with my more advanced paintings the only choice I have is acrylics because I know how they behave. Correcting this is part of my goals for 2013. More skills available gives you more choices in your art. As they say, there is more than one way to skin a cat!

For new skills, classes can be invaluable. An actual teacher, whether online or in person, can often be a great resource for bouncing ideas off of for execution of a particular piece. I'm not saying they should tell you what to do-just simply answer questions. The new skill I would love to acquire is metalworking. Whether it ends up as jewelry pieces or large sculptures, I am going to need a class for this as I have little to no previous experience. If only I could have taken every class in art school! Knowing what you can and cannot teach yourself is crucial. I do espouse the idea of trying it on your own before a class if time or finances are a concern. People are often surprised by what they can accomplish with a bit of elbow grease!

Creativity Series: Don't be Deterred, Planning

It seems like a simple enough concept, to do what you desire with your art. Unfortunately, most artists can tell you this is not how it always happens. Sometimes the hang-up is in the planning/logistic stages, sometimes it is in the execution/skills needed, and sometimes any art just flat does not have the effect intended by the artist!

Planning:
We all know the woes of this planning stage. What supplies and time will come from where and when?

I would say, this is the most frequent time at which a piece is abandoned. We may not even realize we're doing it. The thought process goes something like this, "Oh I would love to make XYZ." And quickly follows, "I can't because a)I don't have time, b) I don't have supplies, or c) I don't have the money." Time and money, isn't that what it always boils down to?

My advise on time-create daily. Make progress on something daily. I know that is sometimes the most difficult part of living creatively-actually making it a part of your life, as opposed to just an idea. Some people work best with setting a time to create daily-say just after the kids are in bed-some people create an area in which to work and go to it as he or she is able-a studio small or large, and others, create a daily date for themselves, with a time and place pre-planned.

Supplies are another challenge. Organize them. Label the bins. Put project sets together of consumables, and keep tools of each kind in a given place. I find that keeping, say, my knitting needles together, all sizes and sets, and then having various project bags going. Usually I keep the needles with an "active" project, but remove them for something "in hibernation" or that will be undone. If you don't like a piece, and can't rework it, then get rid of it! I have trouble getting rid of finished-but-unloved art.

Financial Aspects: Money is a huge challenge to me. Budgeting is not my friend, to say the least. And due to this I disregard new ideas out of hand without really investigating the financial cost of the supplies. Don't do this! If there is an idea you have, look at the supply costs, see if the cost can be spread over a period of time (or if you can make something else to buy the supplies :) Often, when I make an effort to do this, I am not disappointed, I can find a way to work it out.

Having the where, when, and how of making art come together, is an art in and of itself.

"Jewelbox" Knitting Needles

Etsy Listing

This is a project long in the making. I'm not sure where the original inspiration came from, but I made my first set maybe 6 years ago. My mother bought them, and still has them with her knitting needles. I love the feel of fibers, and look of the fancy novelty stuff, so this to me is a natural extension-fiber topped knitting needles. 

A view from above

They are made with various novelty fiber types, including ribbons, eyelashes, tapes, tubes, and more. A generous dose of metallics and black are added into the lovely jewel tones, et voila! Gorgeous is made!

Lovely Points!

The needles themselves are quite lovely, with a pointy but not-too-pointy tip, good for general knitting without splitting yarns.

I've been careful to use all acid free, archival adhesives, so there is no worry about them not aging gracefully-they will, for sure.

I'm off to go knit with my set of super fancy super gorgeous new needles!

Sizing Rectangular Shrugs

There are quite a few different predominant styles of shrug going on right now, I'm going to discuss the easiest-the rectangular shrug. This shrug is made of simply... a rectangle. The length is determined by the back waist length, and the width, by the size of the person and length sleeves desired. First, let's find a picture of what I'm talking about, and a source of measurements.

Child's rectangular shrug with rectangular skirt

http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/childsize.html

Aha! here we are. This is a shrug and skirt set I designed many years ago, but it will suffice for our discussion. If you will notice. The sleeves are long, the knitting is running side to side, and there is ribbing around the shrug opening. If the shrug were laid folded with the opening edges together, it would look like a rectangle that is half the length of the shrug. For length, I am discussing the length from neck opening to bottom edge, and for width, it will be wrist to wrist.

The link given is for the CYCA yarn standards website. It may be reached this way, or by typing in yarnstandards.com, which is easier to remember and what I generally do. This site has body measurements (for sweaters and tops mainly) as well as hook/needle sizing guidelines, yarn wpi guidelines and quite a bit of other information. The guide to ease is invaluable as a designer.

Back to our discussion:
For this child's shrug, the length is about 9 1/2 inches prior to ribbing. This is the back waist length. The ribbing is added after this 9 1/2 inches, making it slightly longer, but with the stretch involved with wearing a shrug, we can assume about 9 1/2 inches is the finished wearing measurement. It is important to realize that the back waist length should be the FINISHED STRETCHED measurement, if the shrug is tight. If the shrug is looser, this length can be longer, but the width has to also be long enough to accommodate this length. So, If the shrug is looser, both the width and the length need to be adjusted.

For the width of this shrug, I used the center back neck to cuff measurement, times two, with again, a bit taken out for stretch across the back. This amount of ease is purely determined by your stitch pattern, your yarn, and your desired fit, so I cannot give an exact measurement, except to say that for this shrug, about 2 inches was taken off. This 2 inches will not be adjusted for in any other part of the pattern, namely the shrug opening.

The measurement I use for the shrug opening is the cross back measurement, shoulder to shoulder. This is not adjusted by any other measurement for a closely fitted shrug. For this shrug, remember we took out 2 inches for stretch across the back. Some might think the opening should be 2 inches smaller, but, for this shrug, the actual cross back is already stretched while wearing, by that 2 inches. That is to say, when the shrug is worn, it is stretched those 2 inches, so it does not need to be accommodated.

While deciding on measurements, be sure that the sewn portion, the sleeve length, is the sleeve length desire or the sleeve length mentioned on the measurement page. This all works together to create a shrug that fits.

SO for an adult:
The back length for a fitted shrug should be the back waist length or the upper arm measurement, whichever is greater. Take into account stretch at this point, as the back will be not stretched lengthwise, while the sleeve will be. In general, I would take about 2 inches off the upper arm measurement for larger sizes, in determining the back length. It is a balancing game. But if the upper arm does not fit, it cannot be worn, while there is some "give" in the back length.

The opening measurement should be again the cross back measurement, with the knitting only slightly stretched, as the actual wearing measurement will be stretched further than this measurement.

The sleeve length is as desired, or the sleeve length to underarm measurement for long sleeves.


For this style of shrug, the total length is the first measurement discussed above, and the total width is the opening measurement plus 2 x sleeve. Ribbing be either added or subtracted from this measurement while knitting, depending on the width/length of the ribbing, and is a design decision.

The measurements used above are for a closely fitted rectangular shrug. For a looser shrug, the opening width should be adjusted, the back length can be adjusted, but the sleeve length is pretty standard.

Please discuss any likes/dislikes of this method!

Ideas

Sketch by Raphael

When do ideas come to you? Do things marinate over a long period of time, culminating in an "Aha!" moment? Do you have a sudden epiphany, a new idea striking (Ouch, that hurt!) at any time of the day or night? Do you work at solving a problem, or let the solution come to you?

The nature of creativity and "ideas" is very fascinating to me. I think we all have all of the characteristics above, at different times for different ideas. Personally, I have painful epiphanies and let solutions come to me in their own time, most of the time. I may let a problem sit on the "back burner" for weeks or months before making a move on it. Right now I have one specific project in mind, that I've been interested to watch the creative process on. The basic idea came to me all at once, but I've been letting it marinate for a couple of weeks now, tweaking it, playing with it in my mind, but--it came to me yesterday that for this project, I'm going to have to start it to figure it out. Work out the kinks along the way. Its not particularly complicated, just something I have very little experience with. I am excited to work on it.

I think this method of ideas/creativity/problem solving is probably the most effective for me. Generally, with my knitting especially, I will work out all the kinks and design points in my mind. Then I will start knitting, but very early on in the knitting process, I write the pattern. The whole pattern, working out stitch and row counts mathematically instead of waiting to get to that point in the knitting. This seems to produce better garments for me. But, with this current project, that won't work! It should be interesting to watch the process develop as the project gets started.

What do you find helps ideas develop? What do you do to speed the process?

Ideas Come From Play

My mom said this to me this morning, and I've been thinking about it while sitting here and knitting, play knitting. I often don't realize how things can come together in an abstract manner until I play. I have a migraine and tunnel vision today, but I'm playing with my knitting and that is making me very happy. I don't know why I have such a hard time with doing things without the goal of sales, or of recording how I do them so someone else can do it. It hinders creativity at times.

What I am doing now is a knit necklace. I'm using fingering weight wool, bare and blue. It fades into blue the further I get into the skein, a fun dye job. I am thinking this will be a lariat of some kind, so I can get into the blue but I will probably overdye it with some crystal light, too. No idea. I started off with 4 sts, and am using a 2 st garter edging on the whole thing. I did some mini cable twists first, and now am on my second leaf. Not sure what is coming next but there will definitely be photos forthcoming.

Speaking of photos, here are a couple from my last shoot of Cassie. I had great fun with her makeup. Bless her heart for being patient during all of that! It took forever but turned out really lovely, I think. The shoot itself was great, I feel like we got some nice photos out of it. I need to get some more backgrounds going and iron the ones I'm using, but things are going well with my photography.

The Wedding Job and Brandi U.

The Wedding Job colorway, On Exquisite (70% baby alpaca and 30% mulberry silk)

by Nerd Girl Yarns

Purchase Here

This is a beautiful yarn, and will get a full review after I knit it up! I'm so excited about this collaborative project, you have no idea! I have come up with a fabulous plan and am now working out the ohsoimportant details! More cryptic comments to come!

Meet Brandi U., a model from my new town. We had a shoot yesterday and it really went well! Tons of great pictures, find the whole shoot here at www.whitneychristmas.com which is my makeup/photography site. Check it out!

I just want to take this moment to say-I'm really happy right now. My personal and creative lives are going well, and that makes me a happy duck!

Going to Grandma's-A Photographic Excursion

Growing up, the only home I knew my grandparents to have was a tiny farm house in central Texas on the Colorado River. Beautiful, idyllic landscapes full of sweeping dioramas of beauty. Green was everywhere. The farm teemed with life. Goats, cows, and our stubborn pony were just the beginning. In the morning, you would wake to the hollering of the peacocks, and if you were so inclined to step outside in the chilly autumn morning, you would see the males' arcs of tail feathers. An amazing sight. Then the guinea hens would come around, the dogs, the cats... the chickens, geese, and ducks. My memories of this early time period are like snapshots in and of themselves. Impressions of light and movement, energy, but with the stark silence that comes only so far from civilization. The "farm" was 17 miles outside the nearest town-which had only 1800 residents. Six of these miles were treacherous dirt road. It was a path, really, in these days of golden sunlight. Insulation from the "real" world.

Now, many things have changed. I am an adult, as are my sisters of course-and I have two nephews. My mother is remarried, my step dad is really my dad, and the farm that has always been there, was sold 3 months ago. Mom is still living out there, until the house in town-the same oh-so-tiny town, is completed. It has been nearly five years since my grandparents moved into town, in an equally historic home. Though, that home's history is not part of our history, the way the farm is. Papa's father built is the farm house, after a huge flood. But, that place in my history will soon be someone else's. And  they will get a husk of what it once was. Year after year of drought and neglect has changed the land, brown over rules green and dust is over it all. Taking photos at the farm was my first really dedicated time to make photos after my lifelong interest in photography bloomed into a passion. Looking at them now, they tug my heartstrings. When the photographs were taken there was the feeling of this place, having always been, would continue to be a part of my life and a part of my future. Soon, it will be a memory, much like the "snapshots" I had as a child.





The House

3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom of fun and games. WIth a basement and remodeled (well, in the 80s ish) kitchen. A very interesting juxtapositon of antiquity and modernity. A basement that regularly floods and high speed internet.





The View from the Swing

We had various swings in this tree growing up. Usually those adventures would start with one of us being the ringleader to Get Er Done. Sometimes it was a rope and tire swing, sometimes we put on shows for the family, complete with hors d'ourves. Sometimes it was a raid on the fabric stash to make some crazy, useless, and probably never finished concoction.

I must say though, I believe my creativity was fostered there in a big way-the serenity and comfort allowed me to express and experiment with out fear of judgement.




The Slide

This was the slide we played on as kids. Once, we took a baby goat (Peggy Sue) up to the top. Needless to say she did make the 14 foot fall. But survived!



Kerosene and Tractor Equipment

Avoiding tripping over old tractor or other types of heavy equipment was a dance we all learned to do, and very quickly. I do have memories of stepping on a nail at one point, my sisters each had the same experience! Wearing flip flops and tromping around in the country isn't a good plan!

The "Tank"

Fish? yep.

Pirhanas? Maybe.

And lots, and lots of mud!




She's Gone Country

This is the current state of affairs on the Farm. Brown, dusty land with mesquite trees and cacti to show for it. But, when it is unexpected, you will find beauty in it!





The Gate

This is one of my favorite photos I have taken, and the first that made use of the capabilities of the camera to shoot and have fuzzy and strictly in focus in the same frame. Much love for my camera!





The Goat's Climbing Tree

The cistern out in the front of the barn, in the foreground of this photo, has always been there. I really must ask about it's history-I am sure it came from somewhere else! That tree was struck by lightening many years ago, and the tree split. Later, it was struck again and that right hand branch was broken off. Lighting does strike twice if the target is ideal-there are no other trees near this one! The Spanish and the Boer goats were avid climbers, getting as high in this particular tree as it was possible to have their weight supported. I guess mountain goats really can climb if those breeds can!

*****

My Papa passed away several years ago, but Grandma is still going strong. We are blessed.

What are your fondest memories of visiting family?

Website and Portfolio

I've been working super hard this evening getting my website and my facebook portfolio up. I did Model Mayhem yesterday too. I am getting some shoots together for this next week, I'm really in the mood to take some photos! I'm very excited about it!

I also received this yarn in Exquisite Lace, a baby alpaca and mulberry silk blend. There is a pretty high silk content, which really makes it shine, I look forward to working with it. Nerd Girl Christa is a really sweet person. Looks like she just ran a Kickstarter project and it was funded! GO Christa! With the quality of this yarn, she deserves a great space to work in. The colors are gorgeous!

My Favorite Photograph

This is Robin, she is a lovely model from San Antonio whom I had the pleasure of working with very early on. I love this photo, everything is really serendipitous. I would love to have some constructive criticism though! I did almost no edits on this one, so bear that in mind! 

I've been thinking lately about my lifestyle goals. I want to create. That is my goal. Whether or not it makes me a huge profit is irrelevant. I want to turn out good work, for myself. If people happen to want to pay for it, that's great, I could use the cash! 

"...Six Impossible Things..." Printable

To indulge my love of printables, I have created this one! I love this quote!

New Knitting Patterns!

I've been designing like crazy, and have lots of lovelies to show for it! The 4 patterns shown below are available on my Ravelry store or at Craftsy. The first two little dabs of knitting are even free patterns!

A fabulously fashionable Peter Pan Collar is first. This is knit in a worsted weight silk/bamboo blend, but can be knit in most any fiber/yarn weight. I do need to take more photos and knit a few more of these, they are ripe for embellishment!

Next, is a Swiffer or ReadyMop cleaning pad. I have decided to start using more renewable cleaners and reusable cleaning towels, and mopping with this was an extension of that desire. Make up a few of these for yourself and for gifts, they are fun and easy, and pretty swoopy-do if I do say so myself!

A New Leaf Lace Shrug (One-Skein Raglan) was a joy to design and knit. I had great fun developing the leaf motif, and the pattern includes charts to make it that much easier to knit! A New Leaf comes in one size-plus which will fit any lucky lady from size XL to XXXL. Be sure to get gauge to use only one skein of yarn!

And, last but not least, Sierra Lace Shrug. This shrug was also a fabulous knit. It developed as I went, without a preconceived notion of what would come next. I adored working with the Cascade Sierra. It was my first time to work with a wool/pima cotton blend, and I love it! This is so much fun to wear-and I get tons of complements!

Gourmet Crochet

I just wanted to share my favorite crochet pattern designer, the fact that it is my mother's patterns has nothing to do with it! Carolyn Christmas is so talented, making truly wearable crochet garments, and lovely decor and holiday items. Gourmet Crochet is full of delightful surprises, like the fabulous Happy Holidays patterns. A Santa doll, amigurami nativity, and gingerbread houses abound.

I also have a few patterns there, but they are no longer in stock.

What is your favorite crochet pattern designer?

The Great Outdoors

This has been a pretty poor summer here in Sweden this year. We have more rain and clouds than sun most days. I am not a huge outdoors person really, I find most of the time it bores me to be out there. I would rather be inside knitting. I do feel a bit guilty when I don't want to go outside when I know I should do it at least for Biscuit.

Yesterday we finally had some sun! So we went outside. I took out some knitting and Biscuit played in the yard, did some drawing on paper and with chalk on his trampoline. It was pretty warm so I wasn't really excited about knitting a sweater right then. I had a oh yeah moment and got my spinning wheel and brought it out on the deck. Perfect project to do outside. Today wasn't as sunny but we went out anyway. Biscuit wanted to draw again and I took my spinning wheel out. I finished spinning an ounce of merino/cashmere top. Great way to get some spinning done and enjoy the outside at the same time.

Do you like taking your art outside or do you only do outside things?