Former Occupations

Believe it or not, I haven't always been a knitter. Gasp! I know! Growing up, I used to enjoy all sorts of different arts and crafts. Some of my favorites included beading, jewelry making, bookbinding and drawing.

In an attempt to revive my former creative times, I dug a few of my beaded jewelry pieces out of my jewelry box to share.

My favorite piece is the washer bracelet with red Swarovski crystals which I probably made about 15 years ago. The hardware store was one of my favorite places to go for jewelry components. While my Dad was looking for something important, I would keep myself busy in the nuts and bolts aisle. I think what interested me the most about hardware components was the combination of something so hard, but pairing it with delicate crystals and beads - combining the unexpected. Although at the time, I probably just thought it was neat.

Yay for Long Weekends!

While most people in the NY/NJ area could probably be found at the beach this weekend, the hubster and I don't really enjoy the crowds, preferring a quiet setting instead. When I hopped off the train on Saturday, we decided to take a short drive over to DB's old stomping grounds - Princeton, NJ.

First we had a nice picnic lunch in a quiet park with tons of shade and beautiful landscaping.

Then we drove down the road a little bit to Princeton University. DB went to Princeton for a year or two during his college years, so he took me on a little tour of the campus. Most of the students were already gone for the summer with a few still moving out, so it was a great opportunity to get some photographs.

The architecture was just absolutely boggles the mind beautiful. I could not imagine being in such an environment everyday for school. Beats the crappy dorms at FIT hands down, but I guess you get what you pay for.

Rest of the weekend was spent watching a marathon of the Dukes of Hazzard (gotta love those Duke boys and the car stunts) and cooking and baking up a storm. Probably not the most conventional Memorial Day weekend, but for me, it fit the bill!

Slowly, Slowly

Do you know when you air a problem to the wind, how much it helps to just get it off your chest and move on? That's how I feel today, like I can finally start fresh and begin again. While I'm certainly not back up to speed overnight, I think I'm making progress.

Photo credit: Alvesgaspar Umbela of a wild carrot (Daucus carota)

I saw this picture today on wikipedia and it got the pencil moving. I am also going to possibly look into taking a digital photography class. Can anyone in the NYC area recommend a good one that isn't going to cost me an arm and a leg?

Looking forward to a long weekend of relaxation and knitting. Also going to bring the camera along and see if it helps inspire a little.

And as always, thank you for your comments. You have no idea how much your encouragement and suggestions help at times like these. Thank You!
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Seven Years Ago Today

Seven years ago today, I graduated from FIT with my BA in Fashion Design, and I can't believe how fast the time has gone by.

I've been doing a little bit of reflecting back on my experiences this week. Thinking about the things I've accomplished, the things I would love to accomplish, and the things that have fallen by the wayside - or should have anyway. Even though I've been in a creative environment for seven years, sometimes the well just runs dry. I've found that creativity isn't something that you can take for granted. You need to nourish it, stimulate it, and constantly renew it. And when you have a bit of burnout, it's so hard to just take a step back and be patient while the well replenishes itself.

Sigh. Burnout. I think I've been experiencing this for the past few months since I haven't been very productive, but I was pretending the reason was to rest my wrist and hands. Slowly, ever so slowly I'm realizing that might not be the case.

I'm trying my best to turn it around, take a step back, and look at things in a new light. What I really need is a nice, long, really long vacation but this whole work for money thing kinda sinks that idea! Instead, I can do things like drag out my old portfolio, snap tons of pictures and collect tear sheets until I'm bitten by the bug again.

Speaking of my old portfolio, just for fun, here are some shots of the stuff I used to do. After looking back at my idea book and portfolio, it makes me miss school a little....

Round and Round and Round

Just wound up my final skein of Double Sea Silk for the secret project. I'm soooooo close to being finished I can taste it! The hand has even behaved well for most of it, so I'm more than happy/relieved about that. Sorry I can't post an updated photo, but can't give away the secret! The rules are the rules.

As this project winds down, I need to start thinking what I want to do next. So many options! My yarns of choice will be either Sheep Shop 3 or Be Sweet Bamboo. Anyone out there have a preference? Both yarns are so pretty, it's so hard to choose! I guess whichever one inspires first gets the nod.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

With all of the rainy, dark, dismal days in NYC lately it's hard to believe that it's May. Isn't the old saying "April Showers bring May flowers"? The flowers are here, but I think this clearly states that the rain is for April only. Right?

Yesterday was a pretty good weather day though, and not only that, but I received my Spring Cleaning Swap package from one of my knitting buddies, dobarah from JH! The package came all the way from Montana and had a nice local theme going. I felt like a little piece of Montana arrived at my door in NYC.

Again, the package was chock full of all things Montana: Mountain colors yarn, goat milk soap, local candy and tea, magnets from a local artist, and a wee little sock knit by dobarah herself out of Castlefiber's Give Em' Hill sock yarn.

Thanks again secret buddy! I'm looking forward to digging into the chocolate and tea tonight!