paying it forward....

One aspect unique to our little corner of an entire universe of blogland is 'the giveaway'. Our community of bloggers graciously share of themselves through all manner of gifts. Jen, who has a phenomenal photo blog, americana, had a 'paying it forward' giveaway. She sent me a most beautiful handmade notebook (in the image above) and now I will reciprocate by sending a gift to someone else.

I have knitted a cozy pair of socks and will gladly gift them to someone who in turn is willing to gift something to another blogger. If you want some warm socks and you are willing to 'pay it forward' please leave a comment on this post. I will draw a name from those wanting to participate this Saturday (January 31) at 6:00 p.m. The socks are a basic sock pattern knitted out of Hand Maiden cashmere/merino blend.

Waldo Emerson said that the greatest gift is a portion of thyself - to me, a handmade gift is a true reflection of that sentiment. Happy weekend everyone.

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Ester of  Kosenrufu Mama is the winner of the socks.

please tell me

Please tell me that the above does look like an elephant. I am continuing my 'learning to sew' journey and I thought I would make this elephant pattern that came with a bag of fiber stuffing I bought for my Christmas ornaments. It was supposed to be a pillow-like thing made up of two pieces. I wanted it more three dimensional so I devised a bottom piece to separate the legs into four and make the elephant be able to stand. Meh! Don't know what I think. I doubt I will be making any more stuffed creatures...I am more of a 'function' person.

I most definitely subscribe to the quote by William Moris (he generated the arts and crafts movement) "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful". If I make something it needs to function: cover a table, cover me...you know what I mean. I also made that bird whale thing on the bottom of the picture..... WTF? It is supposed to be a bird...looks like a whale, now my cat plays with it.

Happy weekend.

a good week

This week much was accomplished. Beautiful fabrics comprising some sumptuous silk were sewn up into a pieced table runner, with a modern twist. The runner will make a trip overseas to this wonderful person. A reciprocation for a lovely gift from her side of the world. Some soft cashmere knitted up into slouchy socks to be worn around the house, especially when lounging around with a magazine.

It was a good week... and very fitting since January 10 was my first year blog-aversary. A whole year of communing with all of you wonderful, talented, and inspiring people. I don't have enough digits to count the number of bloggers whose blogs gave me inspiration and ideas and whose kind words could (and can) be counted on to encourage.

flawed beauty

When my children were little I used to sew them clothes. I did not really know how to 'sew' but I muddled my way through it. I have not sewn for a million years until this Christmas when I made little ornaments out of those fat square bundles one buys at the quilting store. I had a few bundles left over so I thought I would make a quilt. I don't know how to quilt.

I am grateful for my camera lens that can make anything look beautiful. You can't see the crooked lines, the puckers and caught fabric, and all the mistakes. Many, many pin pricks and bleeding fingers later (I cut myself with the rotary cutter), I got my quilt. Next time, I am taking a class. Apparently, there is such a thing as a walking foot that helps tremendously plus a thousand bloggers who I am certain would have provided guidance. (You did not want to see the face of the sewing machine woman at the sewing center when I asked her if they sold a 'running foot' for my sewing machine).

I love my quilt with all its flaws because it is only through our willingness to be imperfect that we can strive to achieve something beautiful. The hyacinth is just for viewing pleasure.

and so I raise my glass

I am starting out my year with the unforgettable words of (ahem!) Bon Jovi:

"It's my life, it's now or never, I ain't gonna live forever
I just want to live while I'm alive (It's my life)
My heart is like an open highway..."

Every year I make a long string of lame resolutions that typically include drivel such as: losing five pounds, exercising regularly, spending less money, being a kinder gentler person...you know the ones - you make them too! I generally break most of them.

This year all I wish for is: love, good fortune, abundance, health and happiness, and I want to dance like no one is watching. I raise my glass to you all, my friends.