Happy First Day of Spring!

Consciousness is the basis of all life and the field of all possibilities. Its nature is to expand and unfold its full potential. The impulse to evolve is thus inherent in the very nature of life.

-- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi

Happy Ostra / Welcome Spring!

This is a mat for my healing altar made from sari silk. I figure that the mat and I have suffered enough that the love and dedication that I have towards the people I put on this should benefit. I have never used sari silk before so mine may be unique. The joins are wound around bits of wood which have stabbed me in so many places now that I think donning some chain mail armor is in order.

But the colors are so lovely and varied that I forgive the wood joins. Just seeing the final product gives me great joy. I equate this project to all the experiences that didn’t quite go as planned. Our trials, tribulations, and successes are all tied together sometimes by pain other times by understanding and wisdom. These different fabrics of our being make us who we are today. So instead of dwelling on the difficult times, we should focus on the whole picture for each of us is a beautiful creation with colorful differences that make us special; unique.


Here is how QOH is evolving. The stark contrast of fibers between the healing mat and this shawl is almost unnerving. The Schaffer is so soft and luscious that my hands sing to knit it. I am in love with this project and it is my reward at the end of the day.








Here is a bit of beading from a class I taught today. And if I have not sung the praises enough of my DH I will take a moment to do so. After much stringing and nary any serenity when my threader jumped ship last night, my DH came in at 5 am and finished stringing all my beads. Thank you, thank you and a thousand times thank you. I am so blessed. :)





This is an easy pattern but the rayon is slippery beyond belief and the beads will drive you a bit loco until you find your rhythm. Once you do, the whole thing flows like the tides and is quite enjoyable. You can get this kit at www.swallowhillcreations.com.






I finished the basket weave scarf for the wonderful guy who orders all my parts at work. He loved it. :)

I am still waiting for visible signs that winter is truly over for another year. I’m hoping Phil just didn’t freak out at a new handler and want to get back to bed. :)

But seriously…thank you to all you bloggers who have posted their flowers sprouting forth in beautiful colors…I will enjoy spring vicariously through your pages for now and deep in my heart.

Bright blessings and happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

A Different Kind of Meme

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Where Have All the Flowers Gone?

“To know how to choose a path with heart is to learn how to follow intuitive feeling.”

-- Jean Shinoda Bolen

Isa is the ice rune in the Nordic tradition. When you draw Isa then you know it is a time to stand still and go within. Winter is the time to use what you've squirreled away over the year and contemplate the lessons you have learned.

On the verge of spring having an ice storm made me reexamine my life's path and do quite a bit of self-introspection. If you asked me what I wanted to grow up and be I would always say a healer. But healing for pay has always been so hard for me because the people who came to me could rarely pay and I didn't ask them.

But when my family was created I needed a steady income and healing got put to the back burner. I would say I still lay hands, prepare tinctures or essences or send reiki at least once a week but all of this is because I love to give of myself and nothing more.

Well, last night I dreamed that I needed to make a resume and go see another healer that might be looking for a reiki healer. I forgot while Mom and Dad were both in the nursing home that I had been given her card and only just found it yesterday.

So it seems although other bloggers have flowers and colors I have ice and snow and now I know why. I forgot to use what I had been given to create the path I am supposed to be on. So I will spend the week copying my certificates and polishing up my resume and make an appointment to see this healer and see what happens. It never hurts to try right?

In knitting news, I finally figured out how to do Fair Isle. I know all you seasoned FI knitters are saying there is nothing to figure…but I could never get the twisting of colors right to avoid holes.

Every year for Ostra (1st day of spring) I make a container of sorts for my goals and aspirations for the coming year. I take a word or phrase that embodies each goal and by way of numerology turn it into a color. This year I made rows of simple Fair Isle for each color. I know this may look easy peasy but I am proud as punch of my accomplishment!

So with a new path in sight and a new technique learned I'm ready for spring now…please?

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
☺

Room For a Positive View

“I can change. I can live out my imagination instead of my memory. I can tie myself to my limitless potential instead of my limiting past.”

-- Stephen Covey

This is the poncho I am making for the Fair. I really think it looks nice with the fancy ribbon in it. But truthfully, I hate knitting with ribbon yarn that has holes or railroads in it. The needle keeps getting stuck and I curse a lot. I've tried to change this negative view because the result is so lovely. I guess the lesson is that even though adding these little touches is a great big pain and takes twice as long, the result is worth the effort. Kind of like most things in life. :)

These last few weeks have been like that. There were times when I just wanted to give up and have a pity party for myself but I kept trying to stay positive and lo and behold after Mercury went back into place on Wednesday everything was suddenly okay. So on the next row of ribbon, I will remember that the sweet Patons is only 10 rows ahead of me and everything will work out okay in the end.

What does not destroy me, makes me stronger. Friedrich Nietzsche


Remember that Kool-Aid I dyed a while ago? Well, I decided it would look great as a drop stitch scarf. It is actually quite long. I went over the three-foot mark thinking it wouldn't be long enough. *ooops*. Well, I was wrong...and it is more then adequate...but if you wrap it around and then loop it in itself it looks really cool. I hope at least someone at Fair thinks so.

Two goals down for the month already *yeah me*.

Also, DH and I revamped the blog today. I really like the new drop and drag aspect of Blogger.

Have a nice weekend.

Ruinwen
:)

March Goals

I forgot about recording my goal list until about 2 am…so without further ado…

FEBRUARY GOALS
* Keep on working on Bridget's clapotis - I try and do at least 2 rows a night, usually more – haven’t been getting to bed early enough
* Finish both Valentine's Day gifts – did three: dragon, sheep and drop stitch
* Start that poncho for Fair – didn’t start
* Finish blanket for Fair – 1/3 done
* Keep working on tank for LYS – still coming out wonky
* Do another pattern repeat on QOH shawl – didn’t do

In other words, I really missed the mark this month. :(

I did complete two classes with patterns so I guess that counts for something. And things have been hectic so I will cut myself a little slack.

MARCH GOALS
* Finish drop stitch scarf for Fair
* Start poncho for Fair
* Finish beaded necklace (this will take me all month)
* Keep on working on blanket for Fair
* Work on clapotis once a week
* Finish basket weave scarf for nice guy
* Design a cell phone case

A lot of these are little projects…if my mind doesn’t wander then I should be okay.

I’m really going to try and focus myself on these projects…I want to get back to QOH too. But I’m not going to stress things and just try and do the best I can while using the yarn I have.

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

A Bit of Beading

I managed to get a row of beading done using a size 14 crochet needle. This is the top of a choker and I added a bead and then knit a stitch. I'm going to do another row of beads and then do my decrease for my center triangle...

I was pretty proud that even with BIL's kids here I was able to manage a whole row of 84 beads. I've got to hand it to him being there for both kids the way he is...and he cleans up too...my son said, "Mom, can we keep him?" :)

So that is my little update. We've got the Grandparents and my sis on her way...so the house is full and not much else will get done today.

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Community

The purpose of relationships is not happiness, but transformation."
-- Andrew Schneider

I haven't actually had a profound quote post in a while due to lack of time and focus so bear with me.

My DH pulled out his back pretty bad and has slowly been recovering. I am more than happy to do everything because he has always been there for me...but it does leave me a bit more tired than usual. (See below project and you can guess what I've been drinking boatloads of). :)

My BIL moved in with us and again I am happy to be able to have a home that has enough rooms to be a haven for others in need....but again all this testosterone is a little exhausting... :)

But in the midst of all this chaotic change is the strength of a community. The little cardinal in the tree reminded me of how people bring light and color and beauty to difficult times. I am so blessed to have wonderful family and friends. But this year I realized as people helped me in every way possible to lighten the temporary heavy load, that my community is like a warm blanket of love and support that I really only recently discovered.

Being in the center of town I meet a lot of wonderful caring people, where my son goes to school are the most beautiful giving people...just like all you wonderful knitters uplift and cheer me up daily with your comments and blogs.

Suddenly I feel transformed and light as if everything will be okay no matter what and that is a wonderful feeling.

So from the nice person who lets me in when I'm trying to merge into traffic to the cheerful person who answered my call at the IRS and made everything clear with a smile...and everyone in between...thank you for being there when I needed you. :)



I do believe that my blood is half coffee and half chai but whatever your poison...here is a little cozy for your cup. It is made to go over the cardboard holder and keep your precious crafting hands from accidentally hitting the cup. A simple little stash buster...

So I am off to ram beads on a crochet needle and we'll see what comes of that...

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

I'm Late

"Talk does not cook rice."

-- Chinese proverb

My Blog Anniversary was Feb. 12...

I have not been as present as I wanted on this blog because life kept getting in the way...but I never totally gave up either.

I have come to realize that my life may always be like this and I want to make sure I have time to do the things I enjoy and be with the people I really care about.

I'm always knitting or crocheting because to me it is like breathing...I need to keep busy creating or I may just fade away.

I have learned so much over this past year. I feel I have really grown as a knitter. My goal for this year is to get my patterns up on payloadz and work on my Master Knitter degree....and learn a whole bunch more.

I'm experimenting with knitting with beads right now...the important thing is I'm having fun.

Thank you for sharing this journey with me. So many of you are such dear friends. When I read your blogs or see you have posted on mine it gives me joy. One day I hope we can get together and sit and knit together and share our lives and stories.

Bright blessings to you all,

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

P.S. The pic is from snapshirts.com - they take words from your blog and make a jpeg that you can use anywhere or you can get shirts or other things made up at their site.

I've Been Tagged

In catching up on my blogs I realized that I was tagged by chezchelle to tell six weird things about me. I'm not tagging anyone since most people have done this already...but if you want to play then feel free. :)

1. I hate having a dirty sink. As I sit here right now away from home typing I am thinking of my dirty sink. I ponder if I will have time to wash them in between going home, chipping ice and picking up my son to take to the LYS...do you think I could go home on my lunch hour and do it?

2. I dream about knitting. I frequently have dreams where I will be knitting and drop a stitch or something. I even take it a bit further as I will mentally go through a pattern I've memorized to relax in meditation. If only those rows counted!

3. I love paranormal romance. My bookshelves can attest to this. I write stories about it. It is kind of an obsession of mine. I'm blessed with a very understanding (and most times a very encouraging) DH. ;)

4. I love Pokemon. I really, really do! Pikachu is my favorite while Bulbasaur will always hold a dear place in my heart since he was my very first...and we made it all the way to the Indigo plateau together.

5. I collect sugar packets. I have them from all over the world since I was about five. Everywhere I go I stuff two in my purse and friends always bring them to me so I have quite a huge collection.

6. I've always wanted a llama. Even before I started hardcore knitting I wanted a llama. I was told I was zoned for only one and I thought the little guy would get lonely so I have not acted on this dream of mine. I do frequently buy alpaca yarn...and my sis got me a miniature llama which I just adore.

I know that there are scads of weirder things but I didn't want to give you TMI. :)

Happy crafting and remember the wierd stuff is what makes us all individuals!

Ruinwen
:)

Chock Full of Flowers Choker

Here is another design just approved by the LYS. It is a simple crocheted beaded choker with three flowers.

And...I made the pattern as I went so I actually am ahead of the game...

Anyway...I've been feeling awful about Ms. Ewe all day. I mean I can see her as I type and feel as if I left her down. I was at the shop today and one of the most talented people I know confessed to me hating the loop stitch so much she sewed in loops after knitting. Let's just say I feel tons better about hating that loop stitch now. Tomorrow when I work at the shop I'm going to bring Ms. Ewe and see if I can finish all the fleece. I want to get her done...really.

I have one more promised design to get done before I can return to fair, charity and maybe some knitting for me...

There's still a lot left to this month...maybe I can knock out a few goals too.

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Basking in the Sun

Dragon scarf

Here is DH's dragon scarf. It was fun to make and I think it turned out nice. He likes it which is really what matters.

I was thinking of a dragon hoodie for a kid with spikes down the back of it....but I need to finish some other projects that are due first.

Ruinwen
:)

Scarf for my Sis

My sister's scarf all dropped and airy as a feather.  I love the colors and the fun I had making this scarf!

Drop Stitch Scarf

I made this one for my sis for Val's Day and she really liked it.

This is a drop-stitch scarf that you drop every other row at the end and since it is made with wonderful sproingy (technical term) yarn, then it magically grows to twice its length.

I'm going to make another one with the yarn I Kool-Aide dyed a while ago. Also, sock yarn would work fab.

Ruinwen
:)

Meet Sheep

I purchased three Morehouse Farm kits and I really enjoyed everyone one of them. This is the Sheep Sampler scarf. You can't tell from the picture but there is basketweave stitch, bobbles and then seed stitch up and down the little guys back. My son picked out the eye color.

He loves him and says that sheep's favorite food is pizza with milk.

Ms. Ewe who is not happy with me is bleating softly. :(

Ruinwen
:)

Until Further Notice…Stash Only

For a while, we need to cut back on spending and I want to do my part so I will not buy any yarn until after Fair in May…and then only if I need it.

I mean really I do have enough to last the year through…it’s not like I’m really being deprived of anything. It might even give me a chance to make some of the stuff that I’ve been putting on the back burner…wouldn’t that be nice?

The LYS gives me yarn for proto-type designing classes so there are no worries there either. I’ll be okay folks. Really. :)

Happy Crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Our internet is down for the time being. So forgive me if I don’t post to the blogs as often or have no pictures up. :(

Happy Candlemas / Imbolic / Groundhog Day!

Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow for the first time since 1999. So that means an early spring!

January seemed to go by so fast. Here is what I got done.

JANUARY GOALS
* work on sheep - never got to
* work on clapotis for Bridget - I'm on the length repeats now *yeah*
* Finish dishcloth - finished both
* finish intermediate class in crochet - never got to
* start a simple tank top to go with shrug - started and writing up pattern as I go
* start poncho for Spring Fair - never got to

Okay so I could do a little better...I've been working on a scarf for my son for Valentine's Day that looks like a sheep and it is almost done. I have something else that is *top secret* until after Valentine's Day...

FEBRUARY GOALS
* Keep on working on Bridget's clapotis - I try and do at least 2 rows a night, usually more
* Finish both Valentine's Day gifts
* Start that poncho for Fair
* Finish blanket for Fair
* Keep working on tank for LYS
* Do another pattern repeat on QOH shawl

We all know that I get sidetracked...like this month I went crazy with that afghan pattern and still have one on the hooks...I also fell in love with some Schaffer yarn (lambswool) and started on the Queen of Hearts shawl that I've been wanting to make. This is the yarn I earned for classes and could never afford otherwise...I'm in love with the whole project. It will be more of a cape in the end...and I will look like little red riding hood...but who's afraid of the big bad wolf?

I digress...

May the blessings of the season bring you creativity, inspiration and the sweet bliss of crafting.

Ruinwen
:)

Diagonal Baby Blanket

Here is my diagonal baby blanket. It is crocheted starting at the edge and you increase two blocks each row and then decrease two blocks each row. It is 3' X 3' and made of Patons chunky, angora, and Zarone.

We are trying to get people interested at the LYS in making blankets for the new hospice center that opened up here in town. I am sending this blanket to the shop to show how nice this pattern crochets up. I actually really enjoyed making it too! I am making another one for Spring Fair.

Hope everyone is surviving the cold...and the week...

Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)

Dishcloth Swap

I wanted to thank Von, Denise, Teyla, Indigo and Sue for the beautiful dishcloths! Teyla and Indigo yours are on the way. Each one of these is so different and special in its own right. Thank you for letting me be a part of this swap!

In my last post, Kathy wrote that she wanted to know where I got the pattern for the reversible cable scarf...After grueling over technique and such I'm proud to say, I made it myself, and if you or anyone else would like a copy I'd be more then happy to share it with you if you send me an e-mail request. One of these days I'll have PDF links but not yet...sorry.

Ruinwen
:)

Reversible Cable Shawl / Scarf

Yeah. I finished a project before class! I even have the pattern done. I really had fun making this. I want to make it in something drapey and have it be more shawl-like but c'est le vie. This is Cascade 220.

So far I have not been a very good blogger...I really keep trying but I just can't get up before 6 am...I don't know why I suddenly need so much sleep.

In fact, I seem behind in everything...I haven't even opened Christmas cards up yet. :(

DECEMBER GOALS
• Finish shrug - done - pattern is done too
• Finish penguin - done - recipient liked it, said he had character
• Finish sheep - not done - my son has given me 'til Imbolic
• Work on crochet class I, II, III - 1 is totally done and I've taught it once
• Write up shrug pattern - see above
• Work up reversible cable class - done - that's why I'm posting

Since Jan is already a good way in, I'll be easy on myself.

JANUARY GOALS
* work on sheep
* work on clapotis for Bridget
* Finish dishcloth (this pattern is giving me all kinds of trouble - but I really want to figure it out and get it to Indigo)
* finish intermediate class in crochet
* start a simple tank top to go with shrug
* start poncho for Spring Fair

I didn't do too bad in Dec all things considered.

I hope everyone has a happy and safe weekend. Happy crafting,

Ruinwen
:)