Reinvention

Dictionary.com says: To re·in·vent:

1.to invent again or anew, especially without knowing that the invention already exists.

2.to remake or make over, as in a different form: At 60, he reinvented himself as a volunteer. We have an opportunity to reinvent government.

3.to bring back; revive: to reinvent trust and accountability.

“Women’s lives are about redefinition”, excerpt paraphrased from Anna Quindlen’s book,  Lots of Candles, Plenty of Cake. How does reinvention differ from redefinition? Maybe they are variations on the same idea or theme. It seems to me like it is about making something old anew.

Are we reinventing or inventing or creating or borrowing ideas from others or just doing what we do when we make things? Here is what I’m working on; I have all of this swirling around in my head, mixing together ideas, colors and techniques that I’ve tried and seen before. It pours out it in all these forms and somehow its related and makes sense.

More Pick-Up

I had so much fun with my pick-up samples on the rigid heddle loom I wove off a scarf. I designed this simple pattern to pick-up the ribbon yarns in the warp and let them show more prominently on the surface of the scarf. I also picked up some contrasting yarns to complement the ribbon. I’m on a roll.. as I’m sure I’ll do more of this kind of structure. I especially like playing with color and texture.  (Class schedule is on my website if you are local and interested.)

Trunk Show this week at Uncommon Threads

Trunk Show! Saturday, Feb 25, 6:30-9pm

 

Uncommon Threads, 293 State St., Los Altos, 94022

(Just 15 minutes from Stitches West, lots of free parking)   10% off all Handwerks yarns this evening

 

Join us for a great evening enjoying hand dyed yarns, silk, cashmere blends, superwash merino, sock yarns, lace, refreshments and more with local dyer Laura Schickli of Handwerks! Enter to win a gift basket and meet designer Jocelyn Blair with her patterns and many gorgeous samples.  

No reservation necessary, just come and join the fun!

Finding inspiration

Where do you find inspiration? I’ve been dyeing a lot of yarn lately, restocking favorite colors as well as looking for new sources of inspiration. I saw this incredible cauliflower at the farmer’s market. I had to buy it because of the color. Instead of cooking it for dinner I spent time arranging it with various things in my kitchen. Then I began to see the bag of tangerines in a whole new light too. I love the way they look against the green/blue of the bowl. I had so much fun playing with the fruits and veggies I sent my husband out for take-out.

Ready for new colors?

Pantone has released its new 2012 color report. And the winner is……………. Tangerine Tango!  I had never heard of this color before but when I followed the links and saw what they were talking about I instantly recognized this as a red orange that has been slowly creeping into fashion this Fall.  It’s a color I like and have been seeing in the bright red/orange tree leaves around town. Its bright but not flourescent, more red than yellow and warm but not dull or muted.  It feels more vibrant than most of the traditional Fall colors and I can see how it might be nice in the Spring or Summer too. Can you picture wearing it? I’m warming up to it!

Winter Mittens

Here is another lovely pattern from Twist Collective, Perianth, designed by Barbara Gregory. Two skeins of So-Soft Sock, Night and Lavender, is enough for a pair for you and for a gift. I’m excited about cold weather!

Cashmere Gems

I just finished dyeing 100% cashmere yarn for the fall yesterday as the stock market was falling. How ironic to be handling such a luxurious and valuable fiber as the economy takes a downturn. It almost seemed inappropriate to have so much luxury in my hands. But then I thought of the comfort small things can bring to us in times of upset or worry. Each small skein is so soft, soothing and lovely to hold. It  connects me to the remote places in the world where goats produce the fine soft undercoat that makes up this irresistibly luxurious yarn and the small mill in the UK that spun this unique long-staple cashmere into such a high quality sleek yarn. Comfort in holding it, knitting it and supporting the people (and animals!) along the way that created it.  Timeless.  Cashmere gems. Black Pearl, Amethyst, Jade, Sapphire, Teal Tourmaline.

 

Fall Colors are coming…..

The phrase “fall colors” conjures up  the beautiful fall colors of trees as they change from greens to golds, reds and browns. There are also muted  fall colors of olive, pumpkin, rusty-brown, and harvest reds. Seasonally inspired colors seem natural, soothing and logical.

So how  do we go from these colors, that nature is broadcasting to Fall Fashion Colors?  Every year I look for  connections. This fall we have almost the full spectrum from gold, dark peach, red-violets, light olive, teal, brown and hazy shades covered in mist. For the Pantone versed, they are bamboo, emberglow, honeysuckle, phlox, cedar, deep teal, coffee liqueur, nougat, orchid hush, and quarry. Sounds poetic! http://www.pantone.com/

Does it feel like Fall to you? Are you inspired?

lots of lace

Something to look forward to…

Here is something I’m looking forward to

http://www.violentlydomestic.com/2011/06/16/book-yarn-part-ii-2/