My Creative Space: Knitting Board Basics

Okay, so I bought this knitting loom well over a year ago, you know how it is, on an impulse you buy a new gadget, get it home then realize you have no idea what to do with it or how to work it. The dodgy instructions didn't help either :)

Then, earlier this year, oh lovely library, I find this fab book on how to use a 'knitting board'.  It's packed with how-to's and projects and is the only one I've seen on the subject.  It's called Knitting Board Basics by Pat Novak and Kim Novak if you'd like to take a look.

So I got to work and did a few rows in stocking stitch, then decided I was competent enough to try some 2 colour knitting :)  Dots no less.  Here they are:

And I'm even prouder to say I'm using wool from my stash rather than going out and buying new supplies.  I know it's a bit late for resolutions being a quarter of the way through 2012, but I'm making the intention of using what I have rather than going out and buying new.  So far, so good.  And knitting on the loom is very relaxing and doesn't seem to be as hard on the hands, so if you're interested on having a go they are quite inexpensive - especially if you have one already in your stash!

More creative spaces to explore here!

Autumn Fair Afterword

What a great community event the fair was yesterday - people as far as the eye can see!  And my little stall a part of it all :)

I was really pleased to sell some of my arty spirit dolls as I enjoy making them, and really put my heart into them.  It was great to see that people enjoyed reading the labels I'd made for them too - I figured if you give a painting a title, you can give an art doll a title too, as well as a little story of its creation and meaning. 

As well as enjoying chatting to friends and other mums, I made a list of things that made me smile and grateful for the day:

My best friend helping set up the stall

Duncan going off into the village to get us coffee to keep us going!

Selling 2 of my dolls to friends who were there to support me xx

Possibility of work in the future helping others with creativity

Encouraging an older lady to go buy some canvas boards, brushes, paints and have a go at painting - she was so lovely :)

Friends seeking me out to give support and have a chat

"You've got really lovely art" - a young visitor to my stall.  Bless you xx

Taking a week off painting, sewing and crochet - I'm going to spend the time spring cleaning the house and making it look a little less like a messy art studio and more like a home.  "Honey, I'm back!"

Countdown is progressing ... to the Autumn Fair!

Here's a little peek at what I've been working on for the past few days ...

A bag made from my very own pattern - very pleased with myself!

Pictures I've been painting for my stall - the green pic with a heart is for the silent auction

I apologize to everyone who's lost touch with me for the past month - I have been SO focussed on the Autumn Fair that's happening this Sunday that everything else has almost ceased to exist for me!  (Just ask the rest of the family!)  Only 4 days to go, then my life can return to relative normality ... bliss ... never imagined I would yearn to be 'normal' ... :)

A room with two views

Oh ... my ... goodness ... have I been feeling strange today!  There appears to be some sort of mutant virus doing the rounds, everyone has differing symptoms though the common ones are feeling dizzy, fluffy headed and vaguely queasy.  So I've been wondering around hoping that no-one would want to speak to me as I couldn't concentrate on anything, and was more than likely to fall over into the bargain! 

Instead I spent my day being kind to myself, drinking tea (but of course!) and being gently creative.  This involved painting some of my spirit dolls which I will be selling at the autumn fair.  I really should share some photos of them belong too long.  Anyway, whilst replenishing my strength this lunchtime I was sitting in one of my favourite spots and thought it would be nice to share them with you too.  They are my creative thinking spots, and I'm lucky enough to have 2 in the same room!

As it's summer and we have no need of the fire, we like to have a change about and move the sofa in front of the fireplace, where I'm sitting now, giving us a view of the outside and my fantastic, oversized red chair which was a Christmas present this last time round.  I've always wanted a really huge chair that I can curl up in with room to spare, and one was found!

Swapping sides and sitting in this gorgeous chair I can now see my lovely fireplace sofa, complete with pile of crafty, inspiring books and magazines.  It's also the dog's favourite spot for a kip.  Can you see the row of tiny, knitted and felted hearts?  They will be for sale on the school's craft stall - I have been very busy!!  They are so cute I'm not sure how many will actually make it to the stall ...

There you have it - a little peak at my little world of creativity and inspiration - where's your favourite place for contemplating the world and what you want to do next in it?

Pinch, punch, it's the first of the month ...

Woah, where did February go?  March already, and just over 3 weeks to the fair!!!  I still have lots of making to do ...

Do you like the pic of a praying mantis we found in our garden last month?  Actually it's more accurate to say my husband found it on his foot :)  He calmly put it in the plants - I'd have been running round in circles screaming!  But I do love the look of them at a distance - they look otherworldly don't they?