Dear Blogland,

I haven't actually forgotten to write I am simply a new mother who is also a crafter, and an artist, and a kitty momma, and a wife, and a daughter, and a good friend and a...., and a....., and a........ 

This, that and the other thing too.

And I am not apologizing for my absence either. Humph.

Soo much to keep up on in this life my attention to internet is less right now.  

However I am still staying active, I perfected the art of baby wearing while knitting when my baby was sick and didn't want to be put down for naps.  I have completely quit caring about what I look like/ultra streamlining my beautification habits so I can have ten-fifteen minutes in the day where I read about different sewing/knitting techniques or essays on art.  (Currently reading the wonderful BEAUTY by Dave Beech)

I am still working to simplify everything in my life and honestly the internet makes me feel more complicated than I need to be.  Partially because it is a device of distraction and partially because of my own personal mania of over stimulated joy when I see any little thing that inspires me. I get so easily overwhelmed that I need blinders just like those carriage horses in the city.  I spook easy on the internet.  So I keep a distance.

This is why I am not pinterested in the least.  It will destroy me. I have even quit the big all knowing facebook temporarily while I learn to navigate my life as a mother and then maybe I'll leave it forever.

As I go simple I ask myself what are the things I wish to use my time for?

The list is as follows:  family time, healthy food, knitting, sewing, drawing, painting, walking, gardening, friend time, book time, running time, quiet nothing time.

Given this list I should prolly ditch the smart phone.

Anyhow here is a quick picture of a stylie winter set I just made for a fundraiser.  It is a pair of upcycled mittens, and head band accompanied by a super thick neck cowl.  I normally work with itty bitty yarns and meticulous patterns so I found knitting so big to be quite a joyous event.

All the proceeds from the raffle that this charming gift is a prize for will go to support Delisle Youth Services . A cool organization that works to help teens in the city cope with the variety of challenges that they face.  It is important that young people are supported in our culture of strange media, social pressure, and complicated lives, if you are interested to learn more click the link and find out more. 

Maybe you are super wealthy and you can make a donation to them, that would be rad.

Yup.

Caring is totally cool. 

WWRD

(What would Raffi do?)

Winter Socks

About two years ago I started on the path to sock making.  I have been nothing but delighted with this journey.  To make a pair of socks is an act of love, not only is it a love of the craft but a love of the person who will wear them because a sock takes time to be perfect and a sock may become damaged through daily wear.  

In a way, the relationship one has to a hand made sock is similar to the relationship we have with those we might actually make the sock for.  Skill and patience apply colour and texture to an object that will inevitably become worn and get a few holes.   Of course if you care enough about the sock and the wearer of the sock you can repair them by applying the same skill, patience, colour and texture.

Making something and keeping it in good repair are life skills and it is in this way that the handmade can become a perpetual act of love.

These socks are ones my mum just made for myself and the little person I am building.

And these are ones I completed over a weekend spent knitting with my mum.

The pattern for the teal coloured socks above can be found in Judy Sumner's book, 'Knitted Socks, East and West'.  I highly recommend borrowing or purchasing a copy if you like to treat yourself to a challenge of new techniques. 

Want to Learn to Knit one of these?

I am excited to announce to you all that this coming weekend,

Saturday April 2, from 4pm-7pm I am offering a beginners knitting workshop at The Make Den in Toronto. 1207 Bloor Street West.

C'mon out and lean a craft that is so simple and versatile!! (it is also good at reducing stress!)

Come early and you can shop through the goods on the main floor at the fabulous 69 Vintage.