The Source of My Joy

This Bible was given to our family when our youngest child died. My husband and I both became Christians when we were children, but this was the time that tried our souls. I had to be led around by the hand for months. I couldn't remember or concentrate on anything. I remember thinking that only the presence of the Lord in my spirit was keeping me alive.

You may be wondering what does this have to do with knitting or crocheting. Well, it has nothing to do with it and it does. I learned how to do this about the same time I became a Christian at age nine. I spent certain periods in my life pursuing and neglecting both but not usually both at the same time. There was not much time for artistic endeavors when I was raising children. Fortunately we did raise our kids in the teaching and admonition of the Lord. They have been such blessings. Now I find that I have plenty of time and many joys. One of those joys is the time to knit and crochet. I know that it is a joy given to me from the source of my joy. It is only because Jesus chose to suffer horribly and die on the cross that I have survived, and that my soul will live with Him. I have chosen to follow Him, and He has never deserted me.

As I knit and crochet, I am reminded what a great creator He is. He created the Heavens and the Earth. The Earth is so beautiful that it is hard for me to imagine that it was created more beautiful than it is now. I love to knit and crochet. I love to be creative sometimes spending months on a special project. He spoke, and all this beauty was created.

Finished Inspiration

I think I started this sometime in December. It may have been before. Sometimes I have an idea of something I want to start and just start it not knowing where it's going. This is a perfect example. I finished the main part of the scarflette and dropped it while I fingured out what next. Later, I picked it up when I decided to add the pink flowers. I felt like it needed a little glitter so I added lame to the cashmere flowers. After adding them with the little lampwork bead in the middle, I knew that I would need buttons that showed off the little white flowers but didn't clash with the bead. So, I went looking on etsy to find someone who could make buttons that matched the bead. Well, no one could match it, but I did find someone who could make some that didn't clash. Voila, pink buttons. Then, you guessed it, it sat around until now waiting for me to be inspired. I just put the finishing touches on it yesterday with cashmere and lame leaves and vines. I do love to see flowers both in winter when everything is so drear, but especially when spring comes and the weather is still chilly at times, especially in the evening. Hmm what will I start now that might get finished in September?

Please give your comments about what gives you inspiration.

by The High Plains Knitter

Project for Me Finished

I finally finished it. I had to make some adjustments, because the pattern wasn't well written and wasn't the pattern of the sweater pictured in the pattern. But I added a neck to it and wrangled a little with running out of some of the yarns. But, overall it didn't come out badly. I love the yarns in it. I almost decided to just take the yarns and make scarves out of them, but my dh would have shot me. He thinks I don't make enough for myself. So here I am. I'm glad it's done.

My Stash

Ok, this is my stash. And I'm sure that most of you that knit will not be surprised by the size. I've seen much bigger stashes. What most of you are snickering about I'm sure is how unorganized it is, and that it's scattered throughout the house. Well, most of that is due to lack of space. We have a son staying with us for a while while he looks for a job. When he finds one, I will have room to organize. Of course, as you can see, that will also require buying a lot of tubs. Right now the wools have first priority on being locked away, since summer is coming and the moths will be looking for places to lay eggs.

I buy whatever takes my fancy, especially if it's at steal prices. Almost all of this stash was at steal prices. Anyway, I like to put different yarns together and play, see where it takes me.

Decisions Decisions-Project for Me Update

Where am I on my project? Well, I am doing that part that almost all knitters hate. I'm sewing it up. That's the I have to make myself do it part. But, the decisions can be annoying when you come on a problem in the middle of the project and have to decide what to change. As sometimes happens with a kit, some of the yarns ran out before the project did. I had to decide whether to continue on without them, (This pattern would allow that, because the yarns are so variegated) or do I make it short sleeved instead of long. Well, I plan to wear it as part of a nice outfit which means I will always be inside air conditioned buildings when wearing it. I'm cold natured, so I decided to go ahead with what I have. It came out alright, and I don't think anyone will even know the difference.

The problem is when I make the decision, I'm never absolutely sure it will work. Well, it did work, but I am (as always) having trouble fitting the sleeve in. Well, we'll see how it comes out this weekend.

More Summer Scarves

I have managed to add several, but not all of my summer scarves. They are light, airy and fun to make. The only problem is that they are made with a yarn that is no longer available in the US. I bought all I could get my hands on, but I can't get any more. I hope the line is successful, but then if it is I may have to try and find something that will work when this runs out. Well, maybe if you see something that would work you could let me know.
The upper picture is Bouqet of Violets. The middle picture is Earth Tones Bouquet, and the lower picture is Pastel Bouquet of Flowers.

My versatile past- time

Knitting and crocheting are perfect activities for me. If I am feeling energetic and creative, I can push myself to create something new and hopefully write the pattern (sometimes there is just no way to communicate what I have done). Other times, I can take the simplest pattern that I have and just knit mindlessly. I can have several projects going at one time, because I either don't have what I need to finish one at the moment, or I'm just in the mood for something else. I think I have four projects going right now.