New Yarn at Michaels

(Just Spreading the yarn love). We all know that I need new yarn like a hole in my head.  But, maybe I do need a hole in my head.  That's another story.  Run don't walk to Michaels to get their new Issac Mizrahi yarn.  Bulky, colorful, good texture and on sale for $4.99.  Finally, bright colored yarn that's reasonably priced for people on a budget or not.  I called my eldest and her best friend (who are on budgets) and they went a gathered a stash.  I can't wait to see the projects they create.  For crafters who do not frequent yarn boutiques, Michaels has great supplies for this fall.  Very elegant and fun collection.  Here's my stash, I had to accessorize with the lime green knitting needles.

First fiber arts open studio

Today we had our first Fiber Arts Open Studio at Blue Pelican Gallery in Hatteras.  The rain and flooded roads didn't dampen our spirits.  A few women braved the water and came down to meet us and sit and knit.  We had a great time meting new people and talking to customers who are vacationing on Hatteras Island.  You never know who you might meet.

Suzanne, learned how to increase (knit 1, Yarnover) for her triangle shawl.

Regena is learning the knit stitch and the purl stitch to make a hat.

Jenn (owner of Blue Pelican Gallery)  learned to weave in her loose ends to complete her projects.  Plus, her lovely cowl neck scarf sold today.  Same time, same place, next week join us from 10:00am - 1:00pm at Blue Pelican Gallery.  I will reveal our Studio project for October.

Fiber Arts Open Studio

This is the new project I've been working on. Come join me for a wild, wooly and whimsical time at our weekly 'Fiber Arts Open Studio' at Blue Pelican Gallery, Hatteras, NC Wednesday's 10:00-1:00pm.

Musical, Meditation, Morning

Little did I know that when I set my intentions to 'find my own rhythm' it would be such a challenge. Phone calls, alarms, truck noises etc. All burst into the morning silence. So after I got back home I decided to stop on the porch and just 'be' for a minute. Listening to my own musical, meditation, morning.

Taking time to smell the sea

Yesterday and today have been topsy turvy.  Little and big things have been challenging and irritating.  I have a lot on my to-do list this week and I didn't need more interruptions.  I'm trying to find my rhythm in my new environment.  The old chaos tries to slip into my peaceful setting.  I let it for a few minutes, then I shoo it away.  No more holding onto negative thoughts and feelings.  'Shake it off.'  Well on top of that my daughter forgot something and I had to take it to her to her at school.  I was definitely grumbling and shaking inside.  I decided to 'Shake it off.'  On the way home I stopped and smelled the roses, observed the lighthouse, colorful cottages and pulled out my umbrella and stool and smelled the salty sea air.  How's that for finding a new rhythm.  'Pat's back'!

Hats, caps and berets

There is something new on the horizon.  These pictures are just a sample of what is being done.  I am making samples of knitted and crocheted hats for a new project coming soon.  Stay tuned for the reveal.

Organizing the Studio

This is the agenda this week.  Organizing an already WELL stocked studio with more (crap) supplies!      Right now it's overwhelming, there will be a reveal later this month.  I'm going to spread out into the guest room (loom room) too.  How many balls of yarn, knitting needles, books, yards of fabric, paints and glitter does one 'craft junkie' need?

Quiet

This is what I kept busy with while adjusting to the quiet.  There's a void now for both lil sis and me. We decided to crochet these baskets.  I love the electric color.  It brightens the energy in the house.  I'm going to make more.

These are the finished baskets.

Busy work

Keeping my mind busy working on this.  Unpacked it and found only 4squares.  Four more are missing.  I can't wait to see this finished up.  I love this yarn.

Pursuing a Dream

Sixteen years ago I decided to change my life.  I had come to a place where I accepted and loved myself enough to pursue my dreams.  My dream at that time was to simplify my life, live authentically, raise my children in a more natural environment, restore my health, create art, live in a community of like-minded people and pursue a career that helped others and fed my soul.  I wanted to  own and operate a creative arts center using the proceeds from my high-tech business.  My goal was to provide a safe and creative environment where people could come and explore their own unique creativity and relax, release and restore their weary Souls.  I  wanted to inspire and mentor people in the pursuit of their goals, dreams and desires.  I felt that a place at the beach with retreats to the mountains would be healing in of itself  and locating the center in a vacation spot would be optimum.  I wanted to gather a tribe of healers, teachers, artists and coaches to teach and share at this center.

Little did I know that my own life had to come completely undone before I could fully realize this dream.  (I have now found that when you end a long cycle in your life and you want drastic change, every element that built that prior foundation has to come undone.)

Fast forward to today as I am turning 53 this week and my Soul is very weary.  My dream is on the horizon getting clearer and clearer as I release more and more of the old.  I have been stripped down to the bare minimum, my life is being forcefully simplified. (Remember the old adage, be careful what you wish for..). Nothing is as I thought it would be.  My parents, ex-husband and a couple of close friends are no longer on Earth to share my dream.  My older children are young adults and the baby I was carrying when I formed this dream is almost 16 yrs old.  My health and finances are debilitated.  My passion and energy are dulled due to medication and grieving.  But, I'm still here alive and willing to continue on.  Life has thrown me a few curves on the road to my dream, but here I am finally standing on a path of endless possibilities.  A new twist to this journey has now begun.

On the Road Again...

Here I am moving again a year later from the last one.  I'm tired yet hopeful.

Progress Report - Modern Granny Poncho

I just got back to Durham.  I'm supposed to be packing.  The yarn and my UFO projects have stalled my packing progress.  I just started this poncho in June.  I didn't work on it in July or August.  I am getting ready to pack it up.  Hopefully, I will unpack it in the next few weeks and finish it for Fall.  It's now 1/3 completed.  I'm still loving this more sophisticated color way.  This picture does not do it justice.  The sheen from the silk is gorgeous and rich.

Where I create....

I have been working in my studio this summer.  Creating art and writing workshop curriculum.  I'm dispointed that the workshops did not get filled as planned.  I'm not discouraged though.  It was fun to get prepared and relaunching my business and myself was invigorating.  I had been in a healing hibernation for the past couple of years and this year I was committed to putting myself out there.  Which I did in full imperfect glory.  Now, I have to switch gears again I am once again in the process of relocating.  The lady who owns the house that I rent in Durham has to sell it so I have to move out now.  Don't cry for me, I am taken care of.  The Universe is placing me right where I need to be.  It's scary, exciting and full of possibilities.  I'm moving into my studio, my happy place, 30 miles off the mainland on a barrier island.  It's not where I wanted to raise a teenager or live full time, but I'm ready for the experience.  Now I get to create and explore my artistic side unencumbered by time constraints.  I get to live my dream of  living the life of a real artist.  I'm looking forward to finally shedding my past and finding my own rhythm.  Stay tuned for the adventures...

This week in the studio

It's been a rainy couple of days so, I decided to paint.  I'm definitely not a fine artist.  I just love color, texture and making fabric.  So, I decided to practice drawing and painting on silk scarves.  Am I going to wear them, probably NOT!  Are there a lot of flaws, of course!  But, that's not the point.  The point is having fun and exploring different techniques.  I just love how the colors turn out and meld together to form a unique piece of art.

1st Camp Crafty Diva Workshop

I had a great first day at Camp Crafty Diva!  The Sun Realty space is nice and bright, great to give one-on-one attention to the campers.  Sue brought her nieces in for an 'Auntie & Me' crafting time.  Sofie wove a wild & woolly dream catcher, Maddie painted a silk dream catcher and Sue learned to crochet.  Come join me over at Sun Realty in Avon, Nc for more Camp Crafty Diva adventures.