…papa played with the little babe a game of ‘where’s Liam’ and laughed at the sounds of the little giggles his boy gave off in delight…

…as the holidays draw to a close we should remember that we can all be happy if we continue enjoying the simple and quiet moments that come with family.

On behalf of Milton and Gracie, happy holidays and a safe new year.

So as gloomy as the world has been, I believe knitters have fought just as hard to share some light humour and care with everyone. Penguins and yarn bombs come to mind.

I realize that most persons see penguins to be cute as a button. But, these friendlies, came under threat this October with an oil spill off the coast of New Zealand. Knitters of the world were called upon to knit sweaters for the penguins. These little sweaters prevented the oil-soaked birds from poisoning themselves by preening their feathers and to keep them warm until their turn was up for a bath given by the cleanup workers. Luckily, this call to action was heard and the penguins were helped. Give yourselves a pat on the back because as of November, once they had been cleaned up and their habitat was cleaned too, these little fellows were released. Over three hundred penguins were saved and released and this is no shy feat. Thank you!

Yarn bombs! Yes, these are harmless! The essence of this phenomena is to take the hard, cold, urban life we are surrounded by and render it soft, warm, and bright. From buses, cars, light poles, statues, trees to benches and bridges knitters are changing the landscape. This ‘art’ is decidedly a form of street art or graffiti that started as early as 2004, but really seemed to take the forward plunge this year with the establishment of International Yarn Bombing Day. An initiative led by Canadian, Joann Matvichuk, June 11^th is now the day for the collective of knitters and crocheters to join forces and globally put up pieces of art. In these hard times, it is nice to take a moment to appreciate how the ugly can be made beautiful.

How much did I love what I did I cannot express. Will I do this again? Absolutely. Does it make want ‘it’ even more?Absolutely.

After taking in the entire experience and reviewing my notes of the commentary, I have already begun preparing myself for the next show.

I would like to give a shout out to the women of  The Organic Quilt Company . They shared  a lot of  information with me about other events. There are many events like this every year. Where will Milton and Gracie find themselves next?

Day One of the fair! A few words to summarize the evening….nerve-racking, intimidating, eye-opening, enjoyable, satisfying….

Day Two set to start at 11 until 6. 

As a vendor, I am allocated a 10×5 space. I am not given a table because each vendor is to create a mini-boutique. My mind has been springing up new ideas at the most random of times! I love how the creative mind works!

The artisan fair is the first weekend of December. I will post further information next week because I will receive the press package on Monday.

I believe most persons are scared of a jury denying their application to participate. I, on the other hand, was scared they would said yes!

The question is where have I been and what have I been up to?

My husband and I welcomed our son to the world. Born at 5:01PM and weighed in eight pounds three ounces, this precious bundle of joy has changed our lives.  Seven weeks have passed by. I watch him every day. Now he has his eyes wide open as he takes in the view! My baby blues! That’s what I call them while he stares out.

Obviously, I disappeared from everything for the last while! No drawing, reading, writing, and very little knitting. Sure I am tired, but that isn’t why.  Lost of motivation? Nope.

I simply took a time out. These last weeks have been filled with patience, love, and laughter. And, now, I’m back!

I did spend time on Etsy. If ever I need inspiration, I can find it there. Yes there are etsians who succeed and then there are those who excel. I asked myself what distinguishes one from the other and what must I do to not only succeed but to excel.

Granted I haven’t focused as nearly as much energy as I should. This is problem number one. I haven’t expanded my selection in the least. This is problem number two. And, I feel my offerings are too serious for children. It is as though, I’m dressing little adults, when all the while I am dressing newbies and little ones! This is problem number three.

Therefore, today, I am making a solemn promise. I am taking an oath that every day, I will devote time to crafting. Drawing, planning, writing, photography, promoting, you name I’ll be doing it! Once, I begin to succeed, then I’ll focus on the next level! To excel.

Their post is helpful, especially for entrepreneurs, because it highlights how many small things can go wrong but that it is the little things, like new elastic thread, that can make the week seem that much better.

But, also for the entrepreneur, they offer some very keen advice: don’t be afraid to ask for help; believe in feedback; try something new even if you don’t know what you’re doing; and a few other points which are just as valuable.  These first few points are the ones we all seem to quickly forget because of…what? Ego, feeling silly….? I may not be sure why, but, I know I don’t always practice these values…Thanks for the reminder!

The other interesting thing is this image….

Amazingly, this piece, created by a local Montreal artist, Meghan Price, creates an urge to some how knit a newborn’s blanket exactly like this but with loads of color…..would this be too out there for even the most modern, contemporary parent? I’m not sure!

I have a love-hate relationship with technology. I spent the majority of my morning going back and forth while I listed only four of the hand knit sweaters I have available for sale. Even at that, these four sweaters are not listed with size or color options. A never-ending process that once I master will be easy, but until then……

In light of the trials and tribulations of the morning, I decided to reward my perseverance with a relaxing afternoon.  Knitting swatches, journalizing, and having fresh juice and blueberries! All while smelling the lilac and enjoying my flowers.