Gathering stones

 


I've been gathering stones for the Magic Feather Project.



Do you know Jude Hill's work? She's one of those people that inspire me to shut off the tv/computer and reconnect with the things I truly love.  The opportunity to contribute in a little way to her wonderful project was one I couldn't pass up.


For the squares, I used fine cotton from an old pillowcase which I overdyed with tea.


The fabric for the stones is beautiful Indian woodblock fabric from a well-worn skirt. It makes me happy to give these noble materials a second life.


Speaking of sharing and re-purposing, the stunning tablecloth in these pictures I received in a trade with Liane from Enhabiten. I love her overdyed vintage linens. The sweet pincushion was made by my friend Sonia and is embroidered with her own plant-dyed threads.

Getting the chance to connect and exchange with craftspeople around this crazy huge world is a source of joy and inspiration in my life.

Spring cleaning

High time I clear out the cobwebs and start blogging again, don't you think?


I've really missed being here. We have so much catching up to do! But today, I only have time for a quick hello. I have to run (literally). I'm participating in a 10k race this weekend, and need to get one last training session in. This race is actually just a warmup for the main event, which I'm preparing for in the fall. Yes, I'm hoping to complete my very first marathon!


But don't worry, this isn't going to turn into a jock blog. I'm still fibre-obsessed. Perhaps more than ever! I have so much to tell you about: sample knitting, trading handmade goods, designing for gris handknits and some other lovely people, spinning obsessively, sewing stones, crafting it forward... But all that will have to wait for another day.

So toodleloo for now. I promise I'll be back in a few.

Little bursts of colour

Even in winter, you can see brilliant bursts of colours. You just have to know where to look...

Thanks Margie for a magical winter walk! And thank you to everyone for the kind birthday wishes! You make my heart swell.

A northern girl

When I was a kid, I sort of resented having a birthday in February. I couldn't have a cool pool party like my leo sis. But now, it seems so fitting that my special day happens in the midst of my favourite season. I know I sound like a broken record, but I really, really love winter.


This weekend was perfectly cold, clear and sunny.


The ideal weather to don my skis and get out to celebrate turning 42.






The paired-down landscape revealed many treasures.


Also, left-over birthday cake and hot chai tea are the perfect post-ski treat. Who needs a pool party?! Not this northern girl.

Thank you everyone for your lovely comments on my last post. You're so encouraging!

Nonstop knitting machine

I've worked up a few new gris designs:





















And revisiting a few favourites in new yarns:













I just sent a big batch to Bookhou in time for a big design event on Saturday. If you're in the area, I would strongly suggest a visit to see Arounna and John's beautiful shop.

You'll also soon find a few more pieces on Wiksten's online shop, and of course some in my own shop.


And this weekend I'll be finishing up a few custom orders, and hoping to steal a few minutes to do a bit of selfish knitting.


Hope you have a lovely, cozy weekend.

Snowcheck

I've had to take a "snowcheck" on two outings this week because of the crazy storms we've been experiencing. Which in fact is fine for a homebody like me.

I always enjoy seeing other people's creative spaces, and thought that perhaps you would like to see little bits of mine.


Newly cleaned desk. My sewing machine is under the blue and white linen.


I love seeing my tools all organized and ready to be used.


A little collection of sea stones. I think they would like some pretty finery. I need to learn how to crochet.


My new el-cheapo-but-functional ikea book case to hold my growing stash of Gris Handknits yarn.


The artwork in the foreground was a christmas gift from my ultra-talented and dear cousin.


The dear little ceramic owl belonged to my paternal grand-mother Kitty. In her younger days, Kitty was the life of the party, and an incredible hostess. She collected owls, and I chose this one as a keepsake after she passed away.


I purchased this Edwardian blouse for a song at a vintage clothing show I had the pleasure of going to with Margie this fall.



I love wool blankets. The beautiful striped one was actually woven by my maternal grand-mother. It is incredibly precious to me.

Have a cozy weekend!