Summer's End

I can't believe it's already been three months since I posted here. I guess that is what happens when you go back to work full time and your life turns into a crazy but wonderful juggling act.

I felt inspired to post again to chronicle my experience in this amazing dollmaking course I am taking online. I have been patiently waiting for a spot in an e-dollmaking class taught by a lovely woman who makes the most amazing little dolls I have ever laid eyes upon. I found out in September that I had a spot in a course beginning October 3, and received a large woolly bundle of dollmaking supplies from Europe about a week ago. I am very inspired by the teacher's work, her photographs and her lovely blog and am so excited for the opportunity to study with her, virtual though it is. There are about a dozen of us in the class from all over the world, mainly Europe, North America and Australia.

But since it is all online, I am able to work on creating my doll in the wee hours of the night/morning, which is typically when I have my creative time, anyway. So far I have made the woolen core of the head and am nearly finished with it. The class is set up so that you make your way through one step at a time with video tutorials to illustrate the various techniques needed for that step. Then you take photos of what you have and wait for feedback from the teacher before proceeding. This doll is going to be a Christmas present for Annie and she will have Scandinavian white-blonde hair and green/amber eyes like Annie does.

Here is a picture of what my desk is looking like during this process -- kind of like I just sheared a sheep there! Ha. This wool will becoming the stuffing of the doll's body.

Welcome to Paradise

(someone having a little fun with their garden plot!)

(Our plot, as it appeared recently)

(the first ripening fruit/veggie I have seen!)

(Annie, age 2, walking among the garden plots)

I was finally able to put in some significant time over the past two weeks, finishing putting up the chicken wire, digging rows, building a wigwam for the beans and peas, and of course planting seeds and plants. I know it's silly to be planting seeds in early June but I'm really in experimental mode as this is my first vegetable garden EVER. The kids were sick for about 2 weeks straight and I was getting frustrated at not being able to get to the garden...then I decided we'd just have to do the best we could.

We went to the Flower Bin in Longmont today and bought some strong and healthy vegetable plants to fill up the empty space in our garden. Part of the "deal" in participating in the garden is that I will donate a portion of my produce to community food banks, and I want to make sure we have lots to share! So we got some sweet peppers, broccoli, butternut squash, lettuce and cucumbers, and that should fill up the last few empty rows we have. If not, we still have pumpkin seeds to plant. ;) We're in the midst of three solid days of storms (with heavy winds and hail, at times) so I'm anxious to get out to the garden once the sun returns and see where we stand. Right now it feels like it will be wonderful to get to the point where we just have to water and weed, as it's pretty darn tough to plant with two children (ages 2 and 4) in tow. :)

I'll just share a few things I've finished up in the past few weeks. I have been pretty productive lately. :)

1. Very Hungry Caterpillar Dress and Tshirts -- I am a guest for the June 18th Grand Reopening of Nacho Dipes on Hyena Cart.



2. Newborn Booties for the shop:


3. Silk and merino shawl for myself!

Walking down the trail, picking up pearls of wisdom.

I feel like writing kind of an introspective post here, more like a journal entry than my typical blog posts, maybe. The last eight months have been an exceptional period of change in my life. As this period comes to a close, I guess I feel more reflective than usual. During this time I have been taking a leave of absence from my job as a university librarian, and staying home full time with the kids. I knew I would love it, so that was no surprise. I just never knew that it would be such a remarkable period of learning and growth.

This blog essentially represents the two things that are now major components of my life, that were not before my leave started. The first is the Etsy shop. I had the urge to open it in late 2009 and did so on Valentine's Day, 2010. The second is Flatirons Church. I can't even put into words right now what a positive impact this has had on our entire family. I want to say a bit more about each.

First, the shop, Revolutionary Woolens, represents my (relatively) new-found passion for creating. I've only been knitting for a year and a half now and didn't really do anything "crafty" before that. I dabbled in knitting, painting, etc. from time to time but never with such a passion. Around the time I opened the shop, I also started teaching myself how to use the sewing machine and do some hand sewing. So one thing has led to another, and now I am enjoying trying all different types of crafts, most recently doll making. It is such a thrill to look at something and have no idea how it is made (in the case of the Waldorf doll) and then do it! This is so personally rewarding. And, as for the shop...this is certainly something I never saw myself doing, and I am quite proud of how far Nona and I have come in the 4 months since we've opened shop. We have learned so much, and our skills have really progressed significantly. We're both really looking forward to this winter, when we can finally go full-blast knitting cute baby hats and sweaters for the shop.

And now on to Flatirons Church. At the beginning of 2010, my husband and I did our annual list of aspirations for the year, something we really enjoy doing. Kind of like new years resolutions but broader, maybe more like a Bucket List for the year. One thing I put on the list is that I wanted to find a church that would preach the same type of positive messages that we had been enjoying from books such as "The Secret" and Wayne Dyer's books (which especially resonate with me). It really seemed like a pipe dream at the time. I had never been in a church even remotely like that, in my entire life. I was raised in the Catholic religion, even attended Catholic school for a few years. My husband and I were married in the Catholic church, by a priest we both had a special relationship with. A few years later that priest transferred to another parish and we drifted from church to church, never feeling anything that compelled us to return. We started talking about trying a non-denominational church to see if it would be more energetic -- we knew there were churches out there with live bands and dynamic messages but were hesitant to go outside the Catholic church. It kind of felt like a betrayal. Chuck mentioned Flatirons Church, which he had heard about somewhere, and we went to check out their website. We thought it looked pretty cool and so Chuck went on to a service on his own. And we haven't missed a single week since. Around Thursday of each week I start anticipating Saturday because that's the day I go. It thoroughly energizes me, and it gives me fantastic spiritual food for thought. I am deeply inspired by the musicians, the energy I feel there, and most of all, the richness of the messages. The messages are wholly applicable to my LIFE, which is something that, sadly, was rarely true in all of my former church-going experience. Needless to say, I have found the church of my dreams and it has totally blown my mind. Due largely in part to finding Flatirons, I feel like I am well on the road to understanding fully, why I am here and what I was meant to do with my life. That is pretty wonderful, isn't it?!?

It's pretty amazing to realize that during this leave of absence I have found myself, on a whole new level. And it's not just about me, it's about me reaching out to the world, living beyond myself. Contributing to my community, being a positive presence and most of all, being supremely grateful for all of the little blessings that are part of each and every day.

Big Changes...

Here are a few shots of the Flatirons Community Garden as it looked this past weekend, on May 22-23, 2010. The first photo is on Saturday, and the second on Sunday. The garden has been plowed, and the plots are quickly coming to life! We are getting a late start due to a very unpredictable, and at times harsh, spring. My husband tilled the plot for me so we're all set to go now. This week, the kids and I will be doing our planting, mostly seeds but some plants. They had a fun time at the garden and are (perhaps?) learning patience as we get the plot to the point where they can really help. Below, they are pictured "helping" and then the plot is shown being tilled, and then as we left it. There IS some nice soil under there! I planned out a potager style garden plot with a bean/pea/nasturtium "wigwam" in the center, which is why there is a circle. The cross is the walking path.




I've been continuing to take a break from the shop to work on personal projects (Annie's Waldorf doll and the silk scarf) but that break will soon be coming to an end due to lots of fun opportunities coming my way! First, I was invited to do a collaboration with Amanda of Nacho Dipes on Hyena Cart, as part of her shop's grand re-opening in early June. This will involve doing three appliqued t-shirts and a knit/fabric dress, all using or inspired by the Very Hungry Caterpillar fabric line. That will be so fun, and I expect to do some duplicates for Annie's wardrobe! Next, I've been asked by two different local yarn store owners to knit some samples for them, to showcase their yarns. So, I have the opportunity to knit items of my choice using top quality yarns that are new to me. I plan to do some baby hats and something else...I need to browse patterns and make a decision! Lastly, I will be making a size 3-6 mos knit/fabric dress and matching knit booties for a custom request, so I will be doing that in the next week, as well. Must.be.disciplined!

I am preparing to go back to work full-time as of July 1, which will obviously be a huge shift for our family. It looks like the final weeks of my leave are going to be quite busy indeed. :) I am so grateful though for the abundance of opportunities that have come my way...thus the title of this post. Being grateful for all these positive things in my life creates a feeling of abundance and "fills my cup," something I need on a regular basis.

A New (Waldorf) Friend

Over the past several months, I've fallen in love with Waldorf dolls. I love their fresh, pure look and the fact that they are made out of natural materials -- the skin is cotton tricot, the stuffing is clean, carded sheep's wool and the features are all done with cotton thread. I have been contemplating making one for my 2 year old daughter, Annie, for a couple of months now (ever since I saw how much they sell for!). I gathered all the materials I needed, found a pattern I liked, figured out what hair color Annie would like, and then I just couldn't start. I tend to have a hard time starting on new projects that are outside my comfort zone. Once I get started I always get thoroughly absorbed in them, but it's getting over the hump that's the problem. So my materials sat on the shelf for about a month and I started to feel more and more guilty for neglecting them.

Then, this past Tuesday, the children and I ended up in a toy store in Boulder called Ginger & Pickles, which carries Kathe Kruse Waldorf dolls of all types and sizes. Annie immediately spotted them and wanted to see them up close (they were high up on shelves behind the counter). The sales ladies were very kind and invited us behind the counter. Annie found one that she adored and did not want to let go of it! She was pretty sad when we had to put it back. So...seeing the dolls up close and witnessing Annie's enthusiasm for them was all the motivation I needed to scale that hump and dig in.

It's been a really engaging project. I am following the Dancing Rain Dolls pattern, with a few added tips I have gotten from the Waldorf Dolls group on Ravelry.com (you will need an account to use Ravelry). I love how you do a little of this using these tools, then something else using these tools...lots of variety and opportunities to learn new skills. Already, I have learned some great new skills that I'll use elsewhere, like tying square knots and machine sewing circles (yeah!). The perfectionist in me doesn't like the flaws I see, but it's all part of the learning process. I do hope to have a good excuse to make more of these! It's a good lesson for me -- that I need to jump in and do things outside my comfort zone in order to keep learning and growing.

So after a few days of working on the doll, I just need to put on her hair (golden yellow and pink wool yarn), stuff and attach her arms, sew a little fabric "heart" on her chest, and give her cheeks a bit of "blush" (with tinted beeswax). Annie loves that she has a belly button, so I may spend some extra time adding some more little details like that to her body. And of course I will give her some cute clothes that Annie will enjoy putting on and taking off (mostly taking off!). Annie will ultimately choose her name. It is so amazing to watch her come to life, she already has such a personality. I've never created anything quite like this and it's pretty special. <3

Needless to say, I've been taking a bit of a break from the shop to work on this. ;) I was starting to get a bit burned out and after all, it's spring, almost summer. Time for having a little fun, every now and then.

More Dresses, and Sprouts!

Nona and I have been very busy lately knitting and sewing for the shop. Nona designed a handknit dress inspired by vintage sailor dresses, and I think it turned out beautifully! Her daughter Cecile is pictured modeling it, above. She just listed it in the shop this morning. I have been enjoying working on my own creation, which is a babydoll dress with a knit bodice and fabric skirt. It's been fun to dream up yarn and fabric combinations, and then see them come together into a unique and cute little dress! Very satisfying. I also had the pleasure of doing a couple of custom dresses, which are pictured below (second and third pictures).

So, it's been a very productive month or so, and I am ready for a bit of a break. I'm going to knit a little something for myself, so I can have a colorful new garment to enjoy all summer long. I'm thinking of knitting a small shawl with some beautiful merino/silk blend yarn that's been tucked away in the yarn box for far too long (pictured below, hand dyed by Selah).

In garden news, our seeds are all sprouting! We are starting to think that our bean sprouts are going to take over our house while we're sleeping. Check this guy out:

We went out to the garden last weekend to meet Deb, one of the women who oversees the community garden project (Thank You Deb -- I now have an inkling of how much work that must be!), and see how the garden was progressing. The frog/mosquito pond was looking quite fertile (must remember to keep bug spray in the car!) and the children's garden was looking fantastic. Ian and Annie did a little hoeing/raking, and Chuck helped plant a couple of raspberry bushes before the rain came and it was time to go. We're looking forward to the "grand opening" and plowing this coming Saturday -- pictures are sure to follow!

Dresses!

Nona and I have been having a great time recently, making spring and summer dresses for the shop! Nona was inspired to crochet a beautiful pinafore dress from a pattern from the 1940's. I have been enjoying creating different versions of the Kaia Babydoll dress. A customer gave me the idea to try one with a fabric skirt and I was really thrilled with the result. A soft, stretchy handknit bodice meets fun, colorful fabric...I already have a half dozen different dresses designed in my head! I am also working on an entirely knit custom Kaia Babydoll in gorgeous, rich colors that make me think of a sunrise. It will have a drawstring through the eyelet holes in the bodice, that ties in the back.


We're well into spring now, in Colorado...which means sun one moment, wind and rain the next...followed by snow the very next day! This past Thursday was a great example of that. We had thunderstorms in the morning and suddenly, the clouds cleared and the sun emerged. The children and I took the opportunity to go for a walk on a beautiful nearby hiking trail called the Coal Creek Trail. It's a dirt trail that winds along a creek. The air had that wonderful humid smell of dirt mixed with rain. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and got a good walk in before the skies clouded up, and the storms resumed.

I hope you are enjoying spring wherever you are!

Starting our seeds

Yesterday the children and I took a trip into Boulder to pick up some seeds and a seed starter tray at McGuckin's Hardware. I had to make some quick decisions as Annie was intent on pulling as many seed packets as possible off the racks, and then trying to peel them open. :)




Today we got our wet soil into the tray and planted the seeds that we want to start indoors, for our garden. The children were surprised to see all the different sizes and shapes of seeds, from the tiny herb seeds to the giant sunflower and bean seeds. We're really looking forward to seeing our first little green sprouts!

Things have been quiet with the shop this week. I'm working on a little pink shrug sweater in a 6-12 month size that I should have finished by mid-week or so. It will be something easy and versatile to put on over a sleeveless or short sleeved top or dress to keep little shoulders and arms warm. Then, I'm excited to try something new for spring and summer -- a Kaia Babydoll dress that has a hand knit cotton bodice, and a matching light cotton (fabric, not knit) skirt, in a fun print. I'm hoping it will turn out well and will be something that I can offer on a regular basis, in a variety of sizes. We will see! I also have plans to do more booties, in both newborn and 3-6 month sizes, and in new colors.

The winner is...

Heather. :) Please contact me at revolutionarywoolens at gmail.com and let me know which shirt you would like. Thanks so much everyone for entering; it was fun!

And thank you all for your lovely comments; I sincerely appreciate your kindness.

Spring is really here!

First things first - I'd like to offer up a little giveaway! I currently have five embellished tshirts in stock in the shop and will give away one (your choice) this coming Saturday, April 17, at noon MST. All you have to do is leave a comment after this post. I will use a random number generator to select the winner and post his/her name here. Good luck!

Well, spring is really here in Colorado (finally)! The kids and I have been working on planning our garden plot (D3!) in the Flatirons Community Garden. At this point the short list looks something like this: carrots, beets, potatoes, tomatoes, green beans, peas, parsley, basil and arugula. Maybe a little ambitious...but that is what plans are all about, right? :) Spring seems to be all about possibilities. We can't wait to get our hands in the dirt.

As for Revolutionary Woolens, both Nona and I just finished up some custom items and listed them today (pictures below!). It's always a great feeling to finish a project, big or small! We also listed some pretty spring/summer dresses in the last week and are starting to figure out where to put our energy in the warmer months. I have decided to stop offering embellished t-shirts, and instead to focus on my knitting, so I have reduced the prices on them. Along these lines, I am *always* open to feedback regarding what you'd like to see in my shop, or what you think might do well! One advantage to creating one of a kind items is that I am very nimble. ;)




Hope you are enjoying your spring! Thanks for reading. :)

Traveling down new roads

Well, I finally have a really good reason to start a blog. Or two, actually. So, here we go!

First, this is the Flatirons Community Garden as it looked on April 6, 2010. This community garden is an initiative of the Flatirons Community Church in Lafayette, Colorado, which we started attending this past year. Our family has a plot in this garden and we're so excited to participate in this project. It will be such a fun road to travel down, learning more about gardening and getting to know our fellow gardeners. I love looking at this picture and imagining the transformation this land will experience over the next several months. I will be posting updates and stories regularly, so check back here to experience this transformation with us! We will be donating a portion of our produce to the Sister Carmen Community Center food bank.

The process of opening an Etsy shop, Revolutionary Woolens , has also felt like venturing down a new road. My dear friend Nona and I opened this shop on Valentines Day this year. We have loved knitting, sewing and crocheting things for our children and decided to open up shop and share our products with the world! It's been a great learning process so far -- sometimes wonderful, sometimes disappointing. It's a journey that's just beginning though, and I'm excited to see where it leads me.

I'm currently working on a lightweight knit spring/summer dress in the perfect rosy shade of pink. I'm knitting this dress from the top down with no seams using the Kaia Babydoll pattern (for which I am a licensed knitter). Here is a picture of my work in progress. It is approximately a 6-12 month size and I will be listing it in the Etsy shop sometime on Friday the 9th. I'm still trying to figure out where to focus my energy in terms of the right products to offer, and hope this one will be popular.