Is it Spring yet?

Happy Sunday and many blessing to you!

 

I hope this finds all well and maybe somewhere there is spring happening! It's not happening here, and at writing we have a heavy snow coming this way, yet again! Everyone here is dragging themselves around fornlornly, and it also looks like many areas in my province will be hit with flooding as well.  I just want the snow GONE!

 

I have been planting seeds with an eye for spring. I wish now that I had delayed planting as I am not sure when I will be able to plant them. I wasn't sure how many seeds would germinate because I haven't done this before but look what happened...I estimated about 40 plants? Hilarious! Check this out - what am I going to do with 140 tomato plants hmm?

 

 

It has been fun to watch everything grow, and I wont have to buy annuals, as I also planted marigolds

and some other ones. By the time these little guys are ready to put in the garden, our house will be overflowing with plants! Are you looking forward to spring? Planning a garden or starting seeds? I would love to hear from fellow gardeners!!

 

As I mentioned last time, I am working on art quilts! I want a quilted wall hanging for our kitchen and planned this project out for pears and grapes. At first, I wasn't happy with my background, thinking it looked like the American flag? Well maybe a little bit?

 

 

 

So, this was what I started with, using Bali pops in various green colours, and just playing with a look I liked. I drew some pears and leaves, which I will add onto my background by applique. The grapes will be in the upper right corner. Just have to get cutting out now!

 

I managed to do some reorganizing in my studio and found that I had three unfinished sweaters that I started for myself! I have committed not to knit another thing until I finish at least one of them! Does this happen to you? I am very good as a starter, but its often the finishing that kills me. Why is that? I get bored easily and like to have different wool in my hands but ....no excuse really. I think it might be the curse of being creative...sound like a good excuse??

 

Are any readers active on Etsy? I am not sure how profitable this will be - there are sooooo many people all selling the same thing? How do you make your crafts stand out? I am trying to develop an avatar for my blog which will link readers to my shop. I am not sure how difficult this is, but will keep trying.

 

Does anyone take courses on Craftsy? (http://www.craftsy.com/) I just love their classes! They often have sales on their courses and the best thing is, your classes never disappear so you can go back whenever you get the chance! My favourite right now is Ragga's "Top down Icelandic Sweater". For the first time I can watch someone knit the same way I do! I don't know what style of knitting this comes from....some refer to it as Norwegian? I just know it's how my mother and grandmother knit. My grandmother was raised in Iceland and came here when she would have been in her twenties, I think. It is very difficult to find someone to teach you if you happen to forget. I want my daughter to learn so this gets passed on and not forgotten. Thanks to Ragga for keeping it going and not switching over to English style!! I am grateful.

 

Take care everyone and we'll be praying for spring soon,with little or no flooding!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dear Readers,

Yes, I know its been awhile! I am going to give this one more try and if I can't keep it up, then I will close my blog, as there will be no point!! I ask your patience dear reader... well if anyone is reading!! Hah! Alot has happened this past year and alot has not happened, if you know what I mean. I have been struggling with some health issues and have been in alot of pain. Some health issues were resolved through minor surgery last August, and others are currently being relieved through a technique called "myo-facial release". It's an amazingly weird technique and you have to experience it first hand I think to fully realize. I have a new appreciation for folks who struggle with chronic pain. A picnic its not!

My beloved 14 year old kitty was also quite ill last summer from pancreatitis and IBD issues. Thankfully he is still with us, although he still has kidney issues and needs a special diet. I have not blogged due to all this making me feel rather "down" on many days, especially if I am lacking sleep. I don't want to pass these feelings onto the blog world, no matter who is reading!!

 

I did alot of knitting while sitting with my kitty when he was sick, and as a result I made many felted bags/purses. I also made some tote bags while at the cabin, with hand cut and layered applique flowers, with  beading on them. My friend and I entered a fall craft show, but that turned out to be a bust!! Probably was the wrong craft show for us, but you have to learn by doing! Although we did get our name out there and had some follow up sales. However, I don't think I am up to that level of work at this point in my life, so I have finally put all my bags on Etsy! Please take a look!! My shop is called "mimianuit".  I will have to read more about selling on Etsy because it seems like a hard thing to keep your items posted up front where people will see them and not buried on page 100! I am wondering if there is a link from Etsy that I can put on my blog?

 

This past year I picked up a sketch book and watercolour paints. Wow, lots of fun!! It's like being a kid again!! I think it will help me doing art quilting, which is what I really want to do. I have made a promise to get up every morning and ONLY do art quilting! Everything else can wait! Take that laundry and vacuuming! Maybe blogging will keep me accountable.

I also started being active on my twitter account to deal with my maddening feelings about the world. I can now openly admit to being conservative and all that this entails. Some issues really worry me and we need to act on them or be forever sorry. My concerns right now are mostly for our southern neighbours in the USA who are facing an incredibly challenging and frightening time with their long held values being chucked out the window at an alarming rate! You can follow me of course (@screamimimi)  if you are interested, but beware my lefty leanings are gone for good. These disappeared when I had my 'conversion experience' as our priest called it, in 09.

I have managed to start a collection of  indoor seeds this year, all heirloom, open pollinated for our garden this summer. My seeds have all germinated so far which really surprised me!! If they all grow, I will have about 40 tomato plants. Yikes!!! What will I do  with them all??

So in short, I am back! Hopefully I can get into a natural rhythm here, along with my art quilting! I have started a wall hanging for our kitchen wall with  a group of pears and grapes. I have done the background and am starting on the fruit. Pics next time on my progress perhaps!

Please leave a comment for me if you like. I would love to hear from you, from anyone!. I am not sure if my comments section is even set up right. So a comment tester of sorts would be most welcome!!

Here is a picture worth a thousand words and might be the cause of many people's depression at this point in time during our never ending winter!! This is our front street sidewalk  and the other is of the path beside our house. As I write, it is snowing again!!! God Bless and have a wonderful day!

 

Thinking day by day....

I have been doing alot of thinking. Thinking about service to others, as a woman, a mother, a wife, sister and daughter. Whether it's service to your family, other people, or at work. Does anyone else think about service and what it means to them? What does it mean to you and what do you think it means? I wonder if service is an outdated concept today. I worry that we have become so focused on our own immediate needs and wants that we perceive any demand on our time as an unwelcome intrusion. I am quite aware that current society places unreasonable and relentless demands on our time and that we become swept up in trying to do what is expected of us as parents, children and adults. We live on the edge of time, pursuing personal goals, meeting deadlines and paying bills.  I am just as guilty as the rest of the world. But I do know that as a mother, I have found the greatest satisfaction in service to my family. An outdated concept perhaps and not one we talk about in general conversation. For many years, I gave of my time, patience and knowledge through my work and it drained me of every cell in my body. Trying to assist people within impossible situations is a relentless and unfulfilled task that is doomed to suck you dry. Folks certainly don't appreciate your time, nor "wisdom", and are quick to cut off a slice of your soul if their own needs are not met during an interaction. Regardless, many many of us continue to do this work day in and day out. For sure, service to one's family can sometimes have the same effect, but when given freely, knowing that the return on your investment won't be quick, we perform a basic service to the one's we love by telling them our love and time is unconditional. I don't mean service that leads us to be a doormat, nor that our needs aren't important. My own self care is critically important, but not in the same way nor meaning that it carries today.

When I was growing up, my uncles were farmers and they cared for their animals first, before themselves. The milking, feeding and care  all happened before breakfast. After this task  was done, coffee was made and a full breakfast was eaten in leisure time. I think we've lost sight of this concept and what it means to sacrifice for the greater good of family or our livelihood. We have flipped our concept of service upside down, so that what "I need" or what "I think I need" comes first and others are last. If we think about it, this must be so, because how could it be that thousands of children spend more time in someone else's care than their own parents? Yes, yes I know that parents both need to work to support their families, so don't blast me too badly. I know that some would say they are sacrificing by putting kids in daycare so they can afford to buy them all the tools and gifts necessary to function in current society. But it's a viscous circle, non?  I worked for decades with families, and perhaps because of that I've gained a rather sceptical view, but I've met people every single day who disrupt their family and children because of unmet needs. We don't understand anymore that our needs can go unmet for awhile and that's okay! Anyway, I am aware that I am  drastically over simplifying this enormously, and life isn't that simple any more! Just provoking some thoughts and  playing  a bit of devil's advocate. Maybe we should think more often of service to others, and by that I include young children. Shovel your neighbours walk or cut their grass, get groceries for a shut-in, or sleep on the floor with your very sick child.

What do others think?

Here we are Thursday already! How about some pictures of my favourite boy? His name is Scruggs and he will soon be turning 13 years old. He's in pretty good health, except for his kidneys, which are not very happy and eventually will, well you know....shorten his life. We have him on an intense diet with loads of water and exercise and so far that seems to be keeping him fairly healthy. I adopted him and his sister. Cleo, along with his mother, when they were only one day old. His Momma eventually had to go to a farm, as she had many nasty behavioural issues. I tried everything to help, but she attacked everyone who came to visit. Needless to say, the kittens imprinted on me and we are very attached! Sadly, his sister died in 2009 from a mysterious illness, which he thankfully recovered from. He had a very hard time getting over her loss, but today he is pretty happy with life in general and loves being the centre of our universe. At times I feel Cleo and Scruggs have kept me sane and been a major source of grounding me to this earth. I had a very hard time when Cleo was so sick and then when she passed, I wanted to run away! I think at that time, I realized that it was time to retire sooner, rather than later!!  Here's a picture of beautiful Cleo.

We started taking Scruggs outside for walks last year. Being an indoor cat his whole life, I just didn't think he would like being on a harness. But what do I know? He loves it. He sits so patiently by the door while you hook him up. He had a great time walking around at our cabin and he has continued to walk outside at home. He even met all the neighbours! At his last check up, his kidneys were functioning much better! SJust goes to show you how exercise benefits everyone! Anyway here he is...so handsome in his sweater! His coat is a sleeve from an old wool sweater of mine. The neck is the rib of the sleeve! I cut the sleeve open and lined it with a light knit and added a band with Velcro, so I could wrap it around him. I put a buttonhole in the back where his harness comes out. And voila!! Sorry about the bottom Santa picture, as its a bit blurry. He was in a hurry to get out exploring!!

Do you have any pets that are the love of your life? Do they have health issues? Have you sewn clothing for them or bedding and toys? I think pets are really angels on earth.

Talk you later and have a great day! Happy Friday tomorrow!!

Peace be with all of you,

Mimi

Other stuff.....

I guess like all things in my life post retirement, I need to schedule times to blog. I have been pretty consistent with my new routine for sewing every morning no matter what, and not being swayed by laundry or grocery shopping or other menial tasks that can suck away your day. And then in the evening I work on my knitting. So far, this has worked very well, but I do want to commit to blogging more regularly, and so I will have to think of a good time. I go to the gym, house clean, grocery shop and attend church at the pretty much the same times each week, otherwise it just doesn't get done and we get so behind!  I am thinking blogging will have to be the same. Who knew my life would become so regimented in retirement! But am I the only one? Maybe this is the only way we can exist and accomplish anything? I know that I have a keen sense of limited time left in my life and certainly don't want to spend my days wandering aimlessly, accomplishing little, just thinking about doing! Does anyone have any thoughts to share with me about their own challenges with retirement??

For sure, I think retirement is an adjustment on many levels. Emotionally, I know I am healing from years of stress and dealing with people in pain. People in pain take a toll on one's spirit and health. They cannot really be helped in the true sense of the word, only guided and listened to, and even that is no small task. Often, I think folks just need to hammer through things and pray that they come out the other side without too much damage to their souls and those around them.  Today, I can barely stand knowing that I have one additional appointment during the week. But wow, give me three in a week and my stress level goes waaaaay up there! Today, I see an empty space beside Tuesday and my heart sings - I can do NOTHING but sew! I can hibernate! I can dream, plan and fantasize.

I have become obsessed with Swedish/Icelandic mystery writers: Camilla Lackberg, Arnaldur Indridason, Henning Mankell and Mons Kallentoft. I am on my fourth Camilla Lackberg, with only one book left, translated into English. I hope there are more soon, because I love her characters! I love how she builds the plot and keeps us guessing. She has a lovely side theme in her books from her two main characters, that give glimpses of light and hope in their own lives. Henning Mankell can be very dark - sometimes disturbingly so. I don't really want affirmation that these type of horrid things happen in the world, altho' simply from my prior work, I do know more than I should. So, if you want something different to read, I recommend any of these authors! I think when I am done my last Lackberg novel, I will have to turn to some kind of romance books as a counter to the darkness.

Is the darkness where my mind is these days? Perhaps its part of my healing process, reading about it, rather than being in it, knowing that I have left this all behind me. In that sense then, it is perhaps where I need to be. I just hope I don't stay there!!

I spent most of last week cutting out 2 tops, a simple dress, another pair of pants and a simple jacket. I was able to put most everything together, except the jacket. I am going to challenge myself by utilizing  my serger's coverstitch. I don't often use it because it is so much bother to get it fixed up and working. But I have the time now and want to have a more professional finish to my clothes because this latest batch are all knits. I spent some time going through my stash last night. And confession - I can't tell which is what in terms of  some purchases. When I order from Gorgeous Fabrics, I always print each fabric's page, with the picture and description on it, for my records. But honestly, some of those black/grey wool/RPL's look so alike!! I don't know why I didn't cut a small swatch to put on each page to help me remember!! I will certainly be doing so in the future!!

Okay folks, that's all for now. I hope to post some pictures on Wednesday - next blogging day!! And please, if anyone is out there, I would love to hear from you!

Peace be with you,
Naomi (aka Mimi)

Weekend Sewing

Well I am on fire!! I finished my knit top from Nancy Erickson and it turned out great, although I think I am ready to make a size 12 because I did have to take it in quite a bit. I originally started with a sz 16 two years ago, but have finally lost enough weight to go down two sizes (yaaaah!). The fabric is an awesome wool knit purchased from Gorgeous Fabrics a few months ago. It has a wonderful drape and is firm enough to cover those unsightly"bumps".

[ http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com/shop/index.php ].

I also made pants (view D) and a dress (view C) from the same fabric! I used an OOP pattern, V8138. The pants were soooo easy to put together and fit great. I'm between an 18 and 16 so adjusted for that.  The dress came together quickly and I only have to do the bottom hem later today.

http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8138-products-5353.phppage_id=951&search_control=display&list=search

So attached is picture for you, but not with me in it - I'm not ready for that yet! I wore the belt hanging loosely at the hips and with a strong coloured scarf to brighten it up. (I think that spot on the top isn't really there! I hope it's the camera) I have started on a pair of Burda trousers, but more of that tomorrow!

One of my goals, post-retirement, is to concentrate on my spiritual, mental and physical health. I have been going to the gym with a trainer twice a week for over a year now, and he has been invaluable for me "sticking to it". I have lost weight slowly, but surely, and am gaining muscle and endurance. It certainly has challenged me physically and at times causes me some real pain. But I feel that it is important to work through it and not give in after those tough days. Some days I am certain that I am the only woman my age "pumping iron" with all the young testosterone fueled guys. But at this stage of my life, I am happy to say it doesn't bother me at all. HA! Who thought I would ever get to that point! My challenge now is to lose those last 20 or so pounds. I have been stuck for some time. My lovely, healthy, fit, daughter turned me on to Calorie Count and I think this will make the difference for my diet. http://caloriecount.about.com/. This site is amazing! It analyzes your intake from a holistic perspective....meaning it tells you how much fat, carbohydrates, protein and sodium etc you consumed for the day. Rather shocking!!

Spiritually, I have been attending church every week and saying the odd rosary. This helps keep me focused and centred on an authentic path. I am still working on my mental health....'burn out' takes time to recover from. Maybe more on that later......

I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend and sewing/knitting or whatever else brings you inspiration!

Peace to all,

Mimi

                                           

I'm Baaaaack!

Sorry for the long time away! I'm certainly not off to a good start blogging! We were felled by 'the plague' over the holidays and well into January. I always end up with bronchitis, so am just now feeling normal again!! I know so many folks were, and still are, sick with the same flu. Yes, it's that time of year....as if winter weren't challenging enough on its own. Although, we have had strange weather this winter! For the prairies, it has been very very mild, that is until until last week, when we dropped down into -30ish.

Anyway enough about winter and flu! I ordered three sewing books over the holidays. First, The Colette Sewing Handbook, by Sarai Mitnick;

 

The Burda Style Sewing Handbook, by the folks from Burda;

 and finally, Norwegian Handknits, by Sue Flanders and Janine Kosel.

Of the three, my preferences are toward The Burda Style and Norwegian Handknits. Burda Style includes 15 projects and a section profiling other sewists and how they interpret the patterns. Always inspiring! I can see myself making some of the outfits using my own ideas, as suitable for my age, personality and lifestyle. The Colette includes four patterns and detailed instructions on "how to". This would be a beautiful gift for someone learning to sew. I think the Colette Patterns may suit younger women more so than myself. It is a lovely book though with lots of instructions and wonderful clear pictures to guide you. And well, Norwegian Handknits is simply pure pleasure reading! Many, many patterns are included, with historical information about the patterns and pictures. Lovely reading on a winter afternoon!

I have ventured into my sewing room this week and lined up all my UFO's. I managed to finish a black knit top I had laying around since forever. The pattern is  #1960, from Nancy Erickson, of The Fashion Sewing Group [http://www.fashionsewing.com/home.htm]. This pattern is one of my favourites and goes together easily and quickly. I have made the sweater many times as well. Another UFO waiting is a red sweater knit, cut out, and just waiting to be put together. But first, I have to finish a sweater jacket which is soooo close to being finished - just have to do the buttonholes and bottom hem. Can you imagine - what is stopping me?? I will try to post pictures shortly. You may be interested to know that Nancy puts out a superb newsletter five times a year. A wonderful source of sewing ideas and methods, fashion news and  fabric! Loooove it! When I get my newsletter the first thing I do is staple all the samples so I don't lose them, then make a cup of tea or save it till bedtime  to read every square inch!

On the knitting front, I confess to doing not much at all. My friend and I have committed to a large craft show in October, for which I am making felted bags. As I will need at least fifty, I need to get motivated! I have a made few already, that just need to be lined.

I purchased several (okay, 50) balls of wool from Elann at a very reasonable price. They have a great selection and being located in Canada, I receive my order very quickly.

[http://www.elann.com/Commerce.Web/default.aspx]

Are you getting the impression I do alot of online shopping? Haha that may be so! We have a very limited selection of stores in the small rural city where I chose to reside. There is no knitting store here, only one chain of fabric store, and only one small shop that calls itself a bookstore, but I beg to differ! So online shopping has opened the door to many products that I normally wouldn't have access to. And just as a footnote, any businesses I mention here are for information purposes only. My palms are not being greased, nor am I connected to, any of those mentioned. I just like them and want to share!

 

I hope to blog at least every other day, if not more often. I would love to hear from anyone who has time to leave a comment or just to say "hi".


Peace be with you,

Mimi