back and forth

therein lies the rub. much ado about knitting is just that. the movement of back and forth. work one row then once you reach the end of the line, turn it around and start all over again. sharing the elements of my work is an important part of the whole process. making it and then writing about it. back and forth.

today, i tried to find that sweet light, the one that would show you exactly what my latest knitted creation looks like in terms of colour texture and beyond. i started out in the kitchen, the hanger teeter tottered back and forth as it tried to find balance on a cobalt blue push pin. stark white wooden door provided a back drop (worked beautifully the other day). this time, the image was somewhat washed out or hidden within the shadows of this cloud covered day.

i took a few more shots back and forth between flash and no flash.

then i went into the living room where most of today's light is just now. back and forth between holding the piece at eye level and laying it down on the desk. back and forth between flash and no flash.

as i look through the images i find myself going back and forth trying to decide which one i like best.

the malabrigo sisters

the malabrigo sisters and their cousin manos clasica (as seen in the photo below) are wonderful yarns to work with. the contrast of soft and not so soft, of bulky and not quite so has created some interesting results. the clasica gives strength to the work while the malabrigo brings with her that most incredible defining moment of softness.

the photo was taken in my living room on a particularly sunny day ... that is the only reason i can think of as to why the clasica does not show her true colours. if you notice in the second image the brown really does lean toward a more orangy hue. i am always struggling to find the words to describe colour. perhaps i'll not try so hard and just feel them. that is the basis upon which i choose yarns that will blend together in my mind at least to make a very interesting landscape.

the experience of just doing it, just knitting for months and months has given me the confidence to knit without a pattern. i have some basic knowledge now about what may or may not work and it is so exciting to see things come to fruition in a way that makes me quietly proud and often surprised. i have quite a collection  of neck warmers growing, not sure whether to put them out there yet in terms of selling on a small craft table somewhere. therein lies one of my dreams.

malabrigo worsted, malabrigo rastita y manos clasica

art works

staring at a blank canvas is often a bit daunting. begin by covering the journal so that you can learn to see from the inside out.

try not to pressure yourself into making a plan ~ if you do, the process might feel like an angst-ridden thorn in your side 

set aside a space ~no matter how small~ this place will transform itself into your very own studio 

the result : each and every time you go in there,  the muse is waiting for you. she's jumping up and down excited to show you what you can do 

vision and revision : everything you have seen felt been witness to in your life will find its way home to you

under the influence of the most loving and incredibly talented people in your life anything can happen on that landscape less travelled

use what you have in terms of materials 

be willing to look beyond the original purpose of a thing a place a name

believe

trust

art works 

reflections

studio pat on a monday morning