Random inspiration

Pink-White flower
Originally uploaded by knitalatte1

What a week. Being a part of inspiration staycation has been awesome.
I don't want it to end! I couldn't wait to get home from work each day to check the site for the latest post and instructions on how to play with photography, art, writing and my own creativity. I've come away full. Full of joy, hope and amazement at the possibilities that lie ahead. Art feeds the soul like nothing else. Thank you Kim Klassen for all you've done to make this event possible.

Slowin it down

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how quickly the hours pass by.

Has it always been like this, or is an awakened awareness?  I’ve got so much I want to do and I don’t want to waste a single minute.

I know I’ve got to work and make a living, responsibilities and all.  But what I’m talking about are those hours that are mine, truly mine.  I figure they add up to about 3-4 per day.  They are the precious ones. The hours that I can spend knitting, crocheting, dabbling with photography, blogging, connecting with friends and family are the ones that I’d like to last longer.  They are the hours that make me feel so grateful to be alive. Joy can blossom, Ideas can be born and Growth happens.

Granny Stripe report...

It is hard to put into words how much fun it is to complete a colorful row on this blanket.  What I can say is that it keeps me smiling and wanting more.  Yes! A journey of pure Joy is coming my way as I’ve plenty of rows ahead of me.  And it is the journey that matters, right?

And someday I hope it will be handled as a vintage find.

Inspiration Staycation Day 2

Inspiration Staycation Day2
Originally uploaded by knitalatte1

I knitted this pair of booties with angora and then took a photograph. I wanted the yellow wall to be muted a bit, so applying the 'vintage effect' tutorial really helped achieve this. FUN!

Kelly over at the blue muse has asked us to write.
and I'm all for becoming a better writer, so this is what
is on my mind...

Take the plunge.    Do I have the courage?    I’m on the edge of creativity but never immersed and that scares me.    What fears?    Face them.    Will they disappear or just move out of sight?    Name them.  Acceptance, success, failure or a bit of each?    I’m committed to try.    Is that enough?    Jump in.

Inspiration Staycation Day 1

Inspiration Staycation Day1
Originally uploaded by knitalatte1

I didn't know what to expect, but what happened was a feeling of pure joy as I worked with paint. I was so in the moment that all my cares just flew away. Kim Klassen, thank you for introducing me to Connie and her lovely blog dirtyfootprints.studio.

Granny stripe progress, Lucky #7?

Seven colors, seven stripes, seven hours.  Yes, it is taking me about an hour per color. That ought to make it easy to manage my crochet time schedule.  I am hooked on hookin this fun-to-make blanket.  I had a great train ride up to LA. I pod on, hook in hand and gazin out the window here and there to see the beautiful ocean view wiz by.  Once I arrived at Union station, my daughter picked me up and we were off to Santa Monica for some fun. We spent the morning doing a little shopping. First stop, Rachel Ashwell’s store ‘Shabby Chic Couture’. I love her books so I just knew her store would not disappoint. The displays of vintage furniture intermixed with gorgeous linens inspired me to go home and get out the sewing machine, must make something!  I chose a pair of ruffled pillow shams that I adore to add to my Target simply shabby chic bed. Second stop, the Urban craft center.  Lots of fabric, yarn, and books on display and there is a really large area for classes. I picked up a pretty fabric remnant that I want to make into a pillow.  Well, as you can imagine, all that shopping worked up an appetite and a girls gotta eat, so we went on up the hill to Topanga Canyon for lunch at the Canyon Bistro. Yummy!  Thanks sweet daughter for the best day!

Granny Cozy

Yes, its true, I’ve started yet another new project.  Crazy! But, in my defense, I’ve been wanting to start this project since May, but have been patiently waiting for the yarn to arrive from across the pond.  Well, yesterday my package finally arrived and I’m so happy.  I ordered the lucy-pack from Country Crafts in the 17 yummy colors that Lucy of attic24 used in her pretty granny stripe blanket.  Thank you Lucy for the tutorial and inspiration. (Love, love her blog!)
DK Special by Stylecraft is cushy soft.  So last night I made a foundation chain of 120, went on to crochet the first couple of rows and then decided it was a bit too narrow.  So, RipIt….Then I went up to 180 and started over and this time I’m happy with the width.  Just the right size to use as a cozy cover during nap-time. I’m hoping to make substantial progress tomorrow while riding on the train from O’side to LA.

Hope your weekend finds you happily enjoying your favorite projects.