inspiration tuesday(ish)

Ok, you're right, it isn't Tuesday.  But inspiration doesn't mind if we're a day late, right?  

Right.  

This week I'd like to introduce you to the work of Carrie Strine, whose work I just recently came across myself.  As someone who is new to sewing, I found her modern, colorful take on quilting to be so sweet.  I mean, just look at this! 

Carrie also has some wonderful photography pieces.  Her website (and blog!) are great sources of inspiration.  Go check her out, especially if your sewing needs a little 

kick-in-the-pants (like mine!). 

time

I really don't know where the time goes...what happened to this weekend?!  I had such high hopes of all the things I was going to get done but, as usual, things were completely derailed by Friday night.  =)

More craziness to come this week so I'm gearing up for that now.  But I promise to find time for at least a post or two before the weekend...and Inspiration Tuesday WILL be back tomorrow.  In the meantime, I leave you, lovely readers, with this photo.  Sadly, the skating rink this used to identify is no longer with us...but the skate lives on.

she knits

I learned how to knit about a year ago.  My brain, for whatever reason, doesn't like to let me sit and do one thing at at home...just watch tv or a movie?  Nope!  Just talk to family and friends on the phone?  Nope!  So a friend of mine suggested knitting as a way to occupy my brain in a productive (literally and figuratively!) way.  She taught me how to cast on and do a knit stitch and then I ran with it and taught myself the rest.  

I've read a bunch of introductory books on knitting since I started but I've found the following two most helpful...

 

Stitch n' Bitch is just a fantastic, easy-to-read introduction to knitting and really has almost everything you'll need to know to get started.  The Knitter's Companion is a travel-sized collection of all different types of techniques...really helpful.  The other thing I STILL do all the time is search YouTube for video demonstrations on how to do certain stitches, etc.  Being able to see what you're supposed to do before you do it is extremely helpful.

If you're interested in knitting, all I can say is GO FOR IT.  It is very rewarding and, I promise, not difficult to learn!  One great thing about it is that there are sooooo many projects you can complete once you learn just a few basics.  Definitely check out Ravelry, for endless numbers of patterns (lots of them free!) as well as forums where you can get answers to almost any knitting/crocheting question under the sun. 

Right now I'm working on an the Cromwell Court Afghan for my friend Michelle as a Christmas present...here's hoping I finish it in time!  At the moment it only looks like this...

 

Happy (almost) Long Weekend!