Summer's End

Well, the plan to update once a week went out the window when I started my second job. Oh well, I guess better late than never right?

July is coming to a close (already!?) and I figured that meant it was time to fill you all in on what I have been up to. Oddly enough, it's actually quite a bit considering how busy I've been with my jobs. But it's also been a month since my last post, and a lot can happen in a month.

Remember the shoes I dyed in my last post? I finally got around to doodling on them, and what better design to add then knit stitches? After all, they frequently get worn with hand knit socks, so it just seems fitting.

I also finally finished my Blue Diamonds Tee. It wasn't a hard knit by any means, but it was a slow one. Not really being able to try it on as I went was a bit insane also, but the end result is still something I love. It's very over sized, which is nice because it flatters me well.  And I had just enough yarn to finish it up (phew...I was a bit worried!). The yarn is Tahki Yarns Prism (a ribbony cotton) and I really enjoyed knitting with it. 

With my tee done, I jumped right in and started another project. My boss at the Salina Art Center is expecting a baby boy in about six weeks. I knew I wanted to knit her a gift at the end of the summer, and although I originally planned on doing my "Bags n' Bread", I decided a baby gift was more fitting. I've had Elijah in my library for awhile now, and knew he'd be the perfect present.  Why people think he's so hard is a mystery, because I finished this little guy in a week (and that's WITH two jobs!) and had no problems at all (besides the awkwardness of my dpns - anyone else think the world needs flexible DPNS? ). He's so cute, I almost hate to give him up - even my dad likes him, and that's hard to do. 

A few weeks ago I was feeling really down because I was so busy and had no time to sit down and make "real art". I knew I needed a change, so I invested in a few good india ink pens and a pad of paper and got busy. The end result was the below drawings - zoomed in ink stitch studies.  I am absolutely in love with these and the process and have been working on them pretty much every night before bed. It's a really zen process that helps clear my head and also allows me to examine the details of the stitches in a way I can't in my paintings. 

Want to see more? Check out my website! or Facebook page (and "like" it while you are there)

Weekly Inspirations:

Knitting: I think my next project is going to be a simple pair of socks for my mom in some pretty yellow yarn.  Oddly enough, there really isn't anything significant on my needles right now. I have a couple of hibernating projects, but nothing major. And so socks it is!

Art:  This summer I've had the pleasure of working with some amazing artists/teachers at the Salina Art Center. Some are actually professional artists even! Such as Shin-hee Chin (who gave me some amazing advice), Allison Langston (and very good illustrator) and then there's Jordan, who makes drawing You-tube videos....
Cooking: My two most favorite things to make right now are homemade burritos - whole wheat tortilla, re-fried black beans, cheddar cheese, tomato and spinach - and pesta pasta/veggies - homemade pesto, various sauteed veggies and tri-color pasta. Both are super delish. 

Life: Well, none of my job applications have been successful yet, no one seems to be in a hurry. But I think my plan is to move on to Kansas City in about a month or so. One of my good friends even wants to come along. That'd make life easier, for sure!

I hope that you are all enjoying the end of your summer and are having a wonderful weekend. Don't forget to stop by and say hi! I love hearing from everyone. :) 

~Lisa