Cross Stitch

     A couple of years ago I went through the KonMari Method of decluttering.  I can't recommend it highly enough.  That being said, one of the results of the process is letting go of things that don't "spark joy" for you.  A lot of what wasn't sparking joy was unfinished craft or handwork projects.  I had several started but never finished cross stitch pieces that I released.  The piece pictured above is one of them.  This little jewel, even in the unfinished state still made me happy so I kept it.  The image of cottage roses in an antique, blue transferware pitcher spoke to my love of vintage and cottage décor.  So, gentle reader, I kept it.  I didn't work on it.  I left it unfinished and waiting for completion.  In an effort to add variety to my "stay busy" handwork this unfinished project is getting a chance to be all that it can be.  I'm going to finish it up, create a frame for it out of pieces left over from #WindowFramed series.  I'll share a pic once completed of course.  The ultimate completion of a project isn't the only time I get satisfaction from a piece.  Sometimes the potential, the savoring of the idea of how it will look eventually, is enough to have me keep a piece waiting.  The stored energy of creative beauty builds until we both agree its time to finish up.  Time to allow it to be what it was meant to be.  Time to fill the space it once held with more creative potential.  This patiently waiting loveliness is a battery fueling my imagination when the space around me seems dark and uninspiring.  

Be Well,

  

                                            

Crochet/Knitting

     I warned you I'd be back.  Also I'm reclaiming my obsolete training and spacing twice at the end of sentences.  We all need our spaces now.  Above is a photo of my current project I'm calling the "pandemic shawl".  I wanted to mark the time in a tangible way.  I've got a sort of theory.  Most folks are generally either detailed oriented or big picture focused.  You either revel in getting the tiny details perfect or you don't.  Here's the thing about me and stitching projects of just about any kind.  Most tend to be better viewed from a distance.  I always say its because of my early theatre training and how everything looks good from ten feet away.  So imagine my joy when I discovered fulling or felting if you prefer.  I can stitch away happily/sloppily, squeezing the therapy out of the handwork and tossing away the pattern following anxiety.  I throw it in hot water a couple of times and all the dropped stitches and oh craps blend into a harmonious pelt of wooly comfort. That's my intention with this shawl if my inconsistency in stitches and fumbled turnings are too painful to leave undisguised.  This is a terrific opportunity to finally use up some of my yarn stash as well.  I started with a lovely variegated periwinkle wool from Brooks Farm Yarn in Lancaster, TX and am now onto a warm carmelly alpaca yarn from Cibolo Creek Alpacas for which I don't have a link.  I picked these up several years ago and have finally stopped saving them for something special.  This is special! Comfort in a scary time.  I hope you are finding comfort where you can.

Be Well Friends,

Kim