Knitting on the Edge

Knitting brings people to their edge the same way that a very long walk does. At some point during a long walk, the beauty that surrounded us so plentifully before seems to be lost. It becomes just the same, one step, then another, one tree, then another, and we may wonder why we even began this tiresome journey in the first place.

During a large knitting project, we may lose the enchantment that we felt at the beginning, and the project becomes just another knit stitch, then another, in the same boring colour that we have been working with for many weeks. We may wonder why we ever started this tedious work in the first place, and feel like we would just like to be rid of it.

We cannot be rid of it until the final detail is attached to the project, the final loose yarn put into place, and then we are reminded of the beauty that we saw at the beginning when we first dreamed this project up. Staying with it even though we wanted to jump off the edge and forget about it will help us learn to keep our focus, and allow us to share our beauty with the world. 

 
Taking on a large knitting project is an adventure into your patience, and your focus.  It is an adventure into excitement, joy, and boredom.  It can be something that once you dive into will not let you go until it is certain that the work is finished.  The skeletons in your closet may well be wearing half knitted sweaters. 
 
So, why would anyone even want to take a large knitting project on?
 
Well, why would anyone want to do any large adventure?  There is a thrill, an excitement, and a wondering about our own personal stamina.  We may see the rewards at the end of the project before even casting on our first stitch, and in that moment, we may clearly understand the benefits of the whole project.
 
So, pick up your yarn, strap yourself in, and dream about what beauty you can create in this world.

Smiley Bubbles Baby Doll

I am beginning to really enjoy creating little toys for babies, and when I get in the mood to do that, then I get in the mood, and there is almost no stopping it!  I imagine lovely little chubby fingers holding onto the doll, and smiling away.  While working with the handspun, and naturally dyed yarn, it's even more exciting to know that the babies will not be exposed to any harsh chemicals in the name of saving a few bucks.  With this doll, they will be cared for in a way that is special, and still a little different in the culture that we live in.



The idea that this is also helpful for the environment is something that has me grinning from ear to ear as I create.  I mean, really, how could it get much better than that?



If you are looking for a gift for a baby, and want to make sure that the gift is something that is special, and that was created with health, happiness and love of the baby in mind, then this doll is a perfect choice. With this lovely little doll, there are no chemicals added. This is a natural gift that as it breaks down over the years will not cause harm to people or the environment. It is a wonderful size for little fingers to hold on to.
 

This baby toy was created with handspun yarn. The natural dye used for the yarn that creates the body is the spice tumeric. The dye used for the hat and sweater on this lovely little doll was beet juice. The dye that was used for the eyes and mouth of this doll was blueberries.
 

While working with the blueberry yarn, the intention is to hold sweetness and healing for the person who is receiving the toy.
 

The stuffing for this doll is an organic wool blend.
 

To care for this doll, handwashing in cool water and laying out to dry are recommended.
Hours invested: 6 hours plus spinning and dyeing time.

Smiley Bubbles Baby Doll Shipping Included

Canada $74.00United States $77.00International $80.00

The Queen Snake toy pattern is coming!

I have been working hard getting the Queen Snake toy pattern completed, and it should be available for purchase soon.  This pattern is the beginning of a series of creations that are inspired by the wonderful Maitland River.  The Maitland River is me, my family, and my community.  The water of the world has the power to unite us.  It also has the power to divide us.  I listen with both sets of ears as I learn how to spread ripples of unity.

The Queen Snake is a small snake, growing no bigger than 58 cms.  It has a green or brown back, and 4 stripes on its belly.  It is nonvenomous, and loves to eat molted crayfish. They love to live in trees that hang over the water. This snake is threatened in the Maitland Valley watershed.  Often this is from habitat destruction or pollution.   

I am interested in hearing if you have seen these snakes, and would be thrilled to see pictures of these snakes in the Maitland River!