The Trials and Tribulations of the Little Black Bag

I have finally finished the bag.  It took a little bit but then it allowed me some rest time, so the issues that came up were well worth it.  I'm pleased with the outcome of the bag.  With it being freeform, it was an interesting project, but caused slowdowns as I was deciding what to do next.  This did cause a lack of interest at times, so it is doubtful I will be doing that too often.  I chose to make a strap for the bag out of black wool on a spool knitter.  I was rusty, so that took a little time, but I soon got into the swing of things.  It also had nails in the top and all I have to say to that is - OUCH!  My fingertips are a little sore and raw.  I'm sure that won't be an issue if I keep at it and build up some calluses.

This was a serious glutton of time, but a good use of up-cycled resources from my collections of many things. I have decided at this time, to make some much smaller bags, more like little make-up bags, with the rest of the material.

The one thing I was glad about, was since I was home, I was there for my son when he found he needed to go to the dentist.  He had bad toothache and needed to see someone about the pain, which kept him up all night for the last few nights.  He was in no fit state and being able to help him, made me feel good and reignited my passion in the bag again.

Slowly but Surely

I keep hitting obstacles, little things that make me stop and smell the roses, or attend to real life in general.  I was not happy about having my day split up today.  I'm heading out today with a friend.  I need this and new it was coming.  Getting away and spending time with someone out in the country rejuvenates me and sparks my creative endeavors.  However, I did not take into consideration just how bad my son's tooth was, and so in the wee small hours of the monrning his pain was no longer a dull ache, but a delluge of pain, agony and suffering.   His face puffed up around the infection and he was in obvious need of assistance.  So as soon as it was open it was off to find a doctor and get that face dealt with.  The dentist is not available until the 27th of April, and that is not an option for him to wait that long to get help.  So we spent the entire morning waiting for Lloyd to get his meds and he's a happier camper now and resting.

I on the other hand will be heading out the door in an hour or so to go do some more stuff.  I had wanted to just relax this morning, but today is one of those days, much like the migraine day I had a couple of days ago.  I'm putting my foot down.  No more internet until after I've got the things I want completed.  I did have an interesting day with working on this yesterday:

The thread is gold, metallic gold, not the color, but actually looks like gold.  There are some small amethyst beads and the heart is red velvet, and the bag is lined with the same red velvet.  I did the little squiggles just free form, and am looking for more to add, I think I have something in my jewelry box.  I'm getting out into the country today... I'm going to get inspired and then I"m holing up in my hidey hole and working really hard on getting things ready for the CHLY Spring Event on the 28th of April.  I'm very excited about this.

I'm not going to let anything more get in the way. :D

Take a break when you're Sick

So, I've been ill, so sick I couldn't do a thing. I did try to knit... no dice, and spinning was not working either.  I tried reading and everything was gobbledy gook, TV was just plain nonsense, and all I wanted to do was sleep.  In fact, my body would not allow me up.  So I've had some sleep, I've had toast and soup and pasta for meals.  I've realized that most of the last week is a complete blur and I'm still too sick to care, but not so sick that I finally can't pick up a simple knitting project.  Not quite up to the kick spindle yet, but when I am, I'm going to be trying a fingerling weight for socks.  I figure I need to get it nice and fine and then ply it together.  Ahh but that is too much for my head to dwell on right now.

I have always believed that you put what you are feeling into your work.  So I try to be happy or just plain clear my mind and get into the zen of the art.  Not always so easy, but I work on it.  I often get invited to knitting gabfests, and I usually bring something that never gets worked on.  I don't want gossip and snide comments and hatefulness in the creations.  It's not fair to put that kind of negativity into the items, considering they are to be worn.  I usually watch something gentle on TV or put on something instrumental and positive or happy, or just basic simple music when I'm working and I also try to have alone time with the textiles.  However I found something interesting and I'm thinking I might weave some mythology into my work.  I have discovered this show called Once Upon A Time http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhvwthzmd_I  I love this show and hopefully can find a copy of the pilot that can be played in Canada.  I have only found episodes 15 and 16 on CTV available in Canada and all that does is pique my interest.  I'm thinking watching mythological works will definitely be interesting while I"m spinning and knitting.

It will still be a few more days until I'm fully up and about, but at least I'm at the point where I can knit a little and look for ideas... Once I'm better enough I'm going to be doing some dyeing of my fleece and yarn.  That should be fun. :D