A Web of Life

Really it's raining

2011-03-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

march 18th. View from my bedroom window

Yes those are rain drops blurred on the glass. I thought maybe I'd keep track of how many rainy days compared to sunny days there are this spring. I know it's not technically spring yet but it's only 2 days away. And I think that I have only seen the sun briefly, twice in the last week.
This is not meant to depress, just gives me something to do. Oh yeah, I have lots to do, like get my business plan finished. I'll go work on that right now.........

Part of my brilliant idea.

2011-02-07T11:25:00.000-08:00

Check out my new blog.

http://girlmovestopdx.blogspot.com/

it's exciting turning point in my life.

Pop up shop

2010-12-17T09:06:00.001-08:00

Wow so things are crazy with the holidays and the pop up shop. I can't wait for JAnuary.

Meet your Maker

2010-11-22T08:36:00.000-08:00

It's that time again. come join me and a bounch of other talented people Dec 5th.

From my rambling mind

2010-10-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

my mental state has been in a bit of a blunder these past few months, well really it's been years. I have been looking for that right career, place to dwell, person to be with. You know that exact perfect fit that will make everything seems Rosy and right in the world.

But I have not found these things. I did find a someone to be with and although I love him dearly, sometimes it's really hard. I know that I'm no picnic either.

so I have been working dead end jobs that are unfulfilling, moving from place to place once I get bored with them, because what's keeping me there in the first place......? nothing.

I've now come to another cross roads. I have finally figured out what it is that I want to do with my life, what I think will make me truly happy and fulfilled. the problem is that although I have been working very hard at it for about a year now I still can't seem to get it off the ground and running. do I deliberately sabotage things???

Made indie craft boutique is definitely where my heart is. I love the handmade movement and the people involved in it. Some would say that they are "Hippsters" and not in a nice way. But I myself am a bit of a "Hippster". I am also a bit of a "Hippie" but I've learned after moving to Eugene OR that I am not the hippie I thought I was nor do I want to be. The "Hippies" or should I say the "Hippie" mindset in this town is so liberal that it makes me feel like Sarah Palin. The reason I bring all this up, is that I don't think this is the town I am supposed to build my life in, my business in.

I know what you are all thinking......... Wow, this is a lot. we want fun and light. The problem is that I don't feel fun and light. I feel like my life is in shambles. I'm 36(in Jan) and have no children(which I want) and no career, living pay check to pay check with my husband in a town we has serious issues with.

Yesterday this was all laying heavily on me and J asked me " are you writing any of this down?" and I answered "no, I haven't done that in years". so I'm going to make that part of my goal to work things out in my head to start writing all of this down. and I'll share it with all of you.

It's time to start living my authentic self, as Oprah would say. But really I just want to stop doubting and being miserable and start living the life that I picture in my head.

Thanks for listening (reading)

Summer Knitting

2010-09-01T13:00:00.001-07:00

Here is one of 4 consigment pieces that i have finished this summer.

Wow i can wait for the summer to be over so I can start working on my own projects. i think I have about 5 lined up in my Queue.

I'm knitting a brides maid sweater for my friend Lynn. she's getting married 10-10-10.

this was my progress over a 5 day vacay to Wyoming.

Julie's bridesmaide shawl

2010-06-30T08:56:00.000-07:00

THere are a ton of weddings this year as well as a ton of babies being born. so along with my normal knitting load I've had extra to do.

This shawl is for my good high school frind Julie, she is getting married in Zurich at the end of july.

Craftzine.com blog : Hello Craft's Summit of Awesome in Portland

2010-06-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Craftzine.com blog : Hello Craft's Summit of Awesome in Portland

AWESOME

2010-06-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited for this. will be great networking opportunities. make some new friends. And i'll feel like a real business owner.

Somewhere over the ...........

2010-05-24T09:13:00.000-07:00

Rainbow.

It's been raining here, and i'm over it and ready for summer to begin. Makes me miss LA. just a little. But then the rain stops and i get to see this beautiful rainbow out my sliding glass door and i'm reminded how much i love it here.

Mean while i've been working on my business plan. trying to figure out how much it's going to cost me to open this store and how much i need to make. but it's coming along.

Headed to the Mitten

2010-03-24T08:34:00.000-07:00

Flying out to Michigan tomorrow, my home state. Really looking forward to this trip. This will be the first time J and I will have gone anywhere together in over 2 years. we are excited and making a list to do and see and eat the things we MISS.

1. eat at a Coney Island

2. go to Meijer (even though wee have Fred Meyer, it's not quite the same)

3. Have GOOD Chinese food

4. Walk around Ann Arbor

5. bring home Winshulers Cheese (i know i spelled that wrong)

6. Fish Friday at JAkes

I'm sure more will get added to the list. It will be really great to see family and friends.

it's just,... i got a little distracted

2010-03-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

I'm alwys running out of time. i guess i need to learn how to manage it better. i have knitting projects coming out of my yin yang and my mind has been non stop on preparing for the store. but yet i'm no closer to opening the store. I have to sit down and get a few things done, picking a name is number one then doing reasearch on other similar stores and of course there is always my business plan that hangs over my head on a daily basis....... so here goes :)

"The Coast"

2010-02-09T09:32:00.001-08:00

Went to Florence last Saturday. had a day off with the husband. It rained but we had a good time and it was nice to roam around old town with hardly anyone there.

I didn't write yesterday, i guess i have a lot going on in my "personal" life and it takes over my brain. I should probably write about that but not sure if this is the proper outlet for it. Anyway ....... gearing up for class tonight, the session is half over.

Wow February!

2010-02-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

Well I've let my blog go once again. it's already February and spring is approaching fast. (this pic was actually taken about a month ago but it still pretty much looks this way around here)

I've been wrapped up in my business class, so haven't been creating any new projects. The Project for this year will be opeing up my store. I'm very excited about it and feel that I should write about it often to keep the excitment going.
That will be my goal to... to post once a day for the month of February and see where it gets us.
Wow alot of rambeling. there's so much going on i nmy brain this morning :)
xo

After Show Glow

2009-12-16T08:55:00.001-08:00

Meet your Maker went really well. It was the best show i have done yet. my table partner, Favoure did outstanding. I wish there was another show this weekend.

But now it's time to get these x-mas presents done and shipped out. I can't believe christmas is next week. time is going by so fast, it feels like it's slipping thru my fingers.

Interview with a Maker: Laura Long of Laura Long Designs | Meet Your Maker Indie Craft Shows

2009-12-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

Interview with a Maker: Laura Long of Laura Long Designs Meet Your Maker Indie Craft Shows

My Big interview with Meet your Maker

2009-12-13T08:16:00.000-08:00

Thanks Ladies.

http://meetyourmaker.net/node/49

looking forward to the meet your maker show today. I have a couple new things and a lot of older designs from last winter. (hopefully will get rid of them so i have have room for new designs).

Meet your Maker

2009-11-19T11:56:00.000-08:00

Indie craft show this sunday. I won't be in this one, but a good friend will. if your in the area please come by.

Pledge to give handmade

2009-11-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

This year as in many others, I love the idea to give Handmade. I'm going to do my best this year althought i'm sure it won't be 100%. every little bit helps :)

http://http://www.portlandloveslocal.com/home/2009/11/9/portland-loves-gift-giving.html

HalloWEEN

2009-11-03T08:46:00.001-08:00

me and Cook posing for the camera

our Scary pumpkins

Jay as Jack Skeleton

Could he be any cuter?

I had to work so this was my outfit. I had really cute orange spider web knee highs on, but they didn't make the photo.

Valentino Ruffle Shawl

2009-10-15T08:58:00.000-07:00

Yet another commission piece done. Isn't it beautiful? this one is made out of cahmere, but i'm thinking of making one in merino (much more afforable).

Repost

2009-10-13T23:42:00.000-07:00

so after many months i finally reposted to my etsy store.http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5174177

these are all oldies but goodies. I do have some new designs coming soon. As soon as I can finish all these comission pieces i've been doing. Don't get me wrong I love to comissions and special orders, but they take away from filling my store up.

"just keep my hands moving." that's my mantra.

Cha Cha Tilli Shawl

2009-09-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

This piece was done for a commission but i'm figuring out a more affordable way to achieve the same look. Honestly Iwasn't thrilled with the ruffles at first but then they really grew on me. This is a fun look to dress up any holiday outfit.

I Know I Know I Know

2009-08-23T08:40:00.000-07:00

I've been awful at keeping up with this lately. Nothing really is going on in my little world, just working and knitting (for others) and cooking and cleaning. My creativity is low, but i'm starting to get inspired by fall,and i really want to make some new things to put in my etsy store and sell at some craft fairs around town. I have some really good ideas just need to get going on them and use a little extra money to buy supplies.

Meanwhile i did do this Snail Hat, not loving it but i guess it's pretty cool. hopefully the person who commissioned it will LOVE it.

wow, totally off path

2009-07-28T06:27:00.000-07:00

i couldn't sleep so i got up to try to get some inspiration from etsy and my fellow bloggers.
i looked at my account on etsy and was so bummed because there are no longer any postings. m creativity has been so drained and all i've been knitting are things for other people. i really need to take stock and put things in their proper order. i need to live to work not work to live.

What a week so far

2009-07-02T07:07:00.000-07:00

Wow what a week so far and i still have 5 days before heading back to Oregon. My cousin Jennifer's wedding was beautiful. it was great to see all the family.

My brother, sister, and me

the happy couple

been able to see old friends this trip thanks to FaceBook. i never thought i would join a social networking group, but FB makes it so easy. Having dinner tonight with a couple girls i knew in High School. i'm really looking forward to it.

leaving on a jet plane

2009-06-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

so here is my prepacking. all except the ball of yarn, i was going to take it with me and work on a pair of socks but i can't find a pattern that i like. anyway i pretty much have all my outfits worked out and it's less clothing than i thought it would be. i always hate when i go on a trip and wish i would have brought a certain t-shirt or pair of pants. and the shoes of course, i always bring too many.
so i'm off to the airport in the morning, we have to drive2 hours to portland but the ticket was much cheaper than flying out of eugene.
i'm really looking forward to this trip, sad that J can't come, but i think the seperation will be good for us.
ta ta for now.

One week to go

2009-06-18T09:15:00.000-07:00

So i found not 1 but 2 dresses for the wedding. Just have to decide which one to wear, also have to find shoes.

Finishing up the wedding present and of course i'll probably be working on it the night before i get on the plane.

Very excited to have a vacation and see my family.

3 Years

2009-06-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is J and my 3 year anniversary. Can't believe we have been married that long. time flies fast. We are pooo poor so i don't know yet what plans we will be able to pull off, hopeful at least go out for a good breakfast, but at the very least spend time with this little crazy man (sometimes my dog is so cute!).
And of course i'm sure i'll be knitting, have lots of projects to finish before leaving for MI on the 26th.

Searching for the perfect summer dress

2009-06-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

I have a wedding to go to at the end of the month in Michigan. and i'm on the look out for the perfect summer dress. Trying despertly to find something on etsy, like this one http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25550163 , or at my local resale stores. i'll keep you posted on my progress.

Happy Memorial Day!

2009-05-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

So on this beautiul day we went to "Jerry's" our local hardware store and bought some lovely flowers and lettuces, hot peppers and tyme to liven up our patio.

Still Here.....

2009-05-07T10:07:00.000-07:00

So i haven't posted in quit a while. I've had writer's (or crafters) block. I would say that I'm still not yet fully recovered but my creative juices are starting to flow again. Hence the photos of my back room.

It is such a mess, and i really need to use it to it's full potential. So the goal to day is to clean and organize it as well as work on a bunch of knitting. Wish me luck.

New Lux Cowel

2009-03-25T11:20:00.000-07:00

Lux Cowel

50 alpaca, 50 wool

8" tall x 24" around

$35.00 plus shipping

So i had a women at work ask me if i could knit her a cowel. and of course i said yes. I really like how it turned out.

it has a very luxurious feel., so this is my new "Lux Cowel" . it's available now but i will really be pushing it next fall.

Made from a super yummy yarn that is 50% alpaca and 50% wool. i will also be doing 100% alpaca, and 100% cashmere.

Great Knitting Party

2009-03-21T19:44:00.000-07:00

I taught a group of 9 year old girls how to knit tonight at a birthday party sleepover. they all did such a great job, and i had a really good time.
this was my first knitting party here. It went so well, i really look forward to doing more.
thanks, Laurie and Mia for being my hostesses.

Spring has Sprung

2009-03-19T05:40:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy the weather is getting beautiful. the flowers are blooming and the trees are budding. pretty soon summer will be apon us.

I know,...... "Gag me with a spoon"

2009-02-23T17:32:00.000-08:00

I know it's so cute it's gross.

but until i have kids, you're just going to have to settle.

New Dog Park sweater

2009-02-16T14:00:00.000-08:00

Cook in his new "Dog Park" sweater.

he looks all preppy.

New scarf

2009-02-11T13:50:00.001-08:00

A bit of everthing scarf- Sea.

made from leftover bits.

7.5" wide x 65" long

$35.00 plus shipping

Fishermans Chunky Cable Cardigan

2009-02-10T12:33:00.000-08:00

Here is a new sweater design. Available at Jennifer Knits and thru me. Made out of Rowan Big Wool.

Soft Horizons

2009-02-09T10:29:00.000-08:00

this is Soft Horizons Fiber. my new LYS. this is where i work part time, while i try to get new designs out on etsy.com.
all the women who work there are so nice and helpful to a new comer like me. i know before long it's going to be like a second home to me, just like Jennifer Knits was.

Classes and Parties

2009-02-03T11:34:00.000-08:00

Prices are as follows:
one on one $15/ hr
2-5 people $18/ hr
6-10 people $20/hr
11-15 people $25/ hr

This does not include cost of materials. $10-$15 per person depending on project and quality of yarn.

Blanket finishing is $75.00. additional $10.00 for every extra square that needs to be knit to finish blanket.

One on one or small groups can consist of learning basic stitches, trouble shooting, or how to fix mistakes.
Parties for baby, bridal, birthday stc.... consist of each person learning the basic knit stitch and knitting a square. All the squares will then be made into a blanket for the guest of honor. parting gift for guests will be a set of Bamboo needles.
Or each person can learn basic knit stitch and knit a scarf for themselves.

*I am open to negotiate some prices, and marerials used*

It's a New Day

2009-02-02T11:34:00.000-08:00

So here is my blog that i hope to replace my website. And also keep you updated on the goings on in my life.