Last Minute Halloween Miracles Can Happen!

Today was spent frantically trying to find just the right Halloween costume for our little London. A casual outing turned into a fiasco. I was so frustrated with myself that we went at the last minute. (it was on last week's To Do List by the way!) What a ridiculous flurry of frantic people running around Party City trying to find just the right $30 rubber mask, only to wear it once and toss in the garage.

As Jay and I desperately searched for the perfect costume, we were totally at a loss- nothing but baby bumble bee buntings, wigs made of dreadlocks and head-to-toe outfits that would make our poor little baby sweat like the dickens.

We finally left Party City feeling defeated, and headed over to Toys R' Us. Mind you, we had no great expectations, but from the moment we walked in, there was London's costume pulling us to it like a magnet. It was the most perfect, cutest dinosaur costume ever! Woo hoo, and we were outa there in 5 minutes flat.

Little last-minute costume shopping perk: Going last minute isn't always advisable, but the getting 50% off ain't too shabby baby!

Lessons From The Past

As I sit here getting ready to "hunker down" and tackle the mountain of work ahead of me, I think back to my junior and senior years at Parsons, when I was so passionately focused on creating my "visual journal" each day. Everyday without fail, I collected whatever I came across in a given day- a receipt, a napkin with name on it, a matchbook, a bank receipt, whatever. At the end of each day, I would sit down with my black, hard-cover sketch book , and arrange all of my treasures upon the table and proceed to create my daily collage. In conjunction with the collage, I would incorporate random words or notes about my day, turning it into a visual imprint that I would never forget. Every day, without fail, became a celebration.

Even if my day was ordinary or drab, and found it a challenge to create something worthwhile, I always found a way to make my day special. Little did I realize at the time that this was my way of expressing gratitude for my day, and boy it was an easy and fun way to do it.

I do realize that going to college in New York City was exciting and a bit romantic in many ways. I could spend my days focusing solely on myself and all of the exiting things I wanted to do in a given day. So creating my books was a bit idealistic, but was it really? This was such an authentic part of my life that kept me connected to the moment....something we tend to lose when we get caught up in the minutia of each day.

Even though these books got lost along the way, most-likely tucked away in some remote corner of my parents' New Jersey attic, they are still teaching me memories from 1,100 miles away . The lesson is pretty darn simple: it's time to find what's important today, right now in the moment. It's ok to take a breath from work, realizing that those little moments to reflect, do exist, and to finally get those pictures of London into those photo albums that are collecting a little bit of dust!

It's time to reinvent my "visual journal," and figure out what I need to do NOW to bring that excitement and wonder back to each day. Mixed with a little creativity and passion, it won't be so hard to do. Hmmm....maybe a little daily "knitted tribute" is in order?

What's Happening

A little update- since I last wrote, my computer died a very untimely death. It's taken me a few weeks just to get back up to speed. It amazes and scares the heck out of me that our entire existence can reside on a computer. I'm one of the guilty ones that has allowed that to happen. As I said to my husband- "it's like turning on the water faucet." You just assume it will be there. It's just so darn easy, but crying at the Geek Squad counter is not a pretty sight.

Now that I'm up to speed, I'm unwinding from a nice productive Friday. I'm trying to keep all my ducks in a row and juggle lots of different projects: 2 DRG multi-designer books in the works, with yet again another beginning around mid-summer. To think, I'm embarking on having edited 4 books to date! Also, I'm starting to get in gear for my very own book. It's still under wraps, but let's just say my son London is the inspiration behind this book. The book will consist of about 7-12 patterns. I'm thinking of keeping the number of patterns on the lower-end, so I can really showcase some irresistible designs. I've got to have all of the samples ready by early Fall, and it will be here before I know it. Time to get cracking on this! Oh, and I forgot to mention, I'm also working on the illustrations for an exciting new Lily Chin book to be published by Potter Craft. I can't wait to see this one in print. From what I can tell so far-very cool book, and a must-have for every knitter. Hmmm...what else- oh yeah, and I'll be editing more pattern books too. I'm looking for designers who love to make doll clothes and slippers. So if you're out there, we need to talk!

That's if for now....looking forward to kicking back with a nice glass of Chianti and enjoying a relaxing evening with Jay and London.

Life is good.

Photo credit: Jose Thomas Moran

I'm So Much More Than My Knitting

Over the past several years of blogging about knitting, I believed that if I was not talking "shop," then this was not truly a knitting blog, but I'm so much more than just knitting, and I think that concept has kept me from writing what's really meant to be written. With that being said, I've decided to "merge"sheknitsintheloop with my two other blogs justbeingherenow and londonanthony.

If you're like me, you are a multi-faceted person, craving good information. So I've decided that it's time to share all this other stuff! londonanthony is dedicated to all things about my eight month old son London, and my "meditation" blog, justbeingherenow, has become much more than that- it's about a great yoga class I found online, a great mediation podcast, a great book, or just how nice it is to just be still sometimes!

Today was a slow-going Monday, but I kept plowing ahead. I'm starting up with large Potter Craft knitting illustration project. I always feel a little overwhelmed at the beginning of a new project, but once I get "my groove on," I can really crank it out.

Jay stays home at least one day per week so I can catch up on work. He's absolutely amazing with London. When I wake up at my usual 5 am, I get a bunch of work done before the baby wakes up at about 7:30 am. As soon as he's up, Jay is on it- he changes him, feeds him, plays with him, and then puts him down for a nap around 10 am. This helps me out tremendously! I can continue to work sometimes straight through until London wakes around 12:30.

I had really hoped to spend some time designing today, already after 5 pm, and I didn't meet my "quota." Oh well, there's always tomorrow. I can't believe TNNA is around the corner- Again! This time though, I'm being smart and trying to K.I.S.S. (Keep it simple stupid) Because last season I produced six new designs all in the midst of being pregnant and giving birth! I have to admit it was a little much, and if I designed only two or three new designs that were kick-butt that would have still been ok.

So fast forward to today- I was a good girl working with steel focus on my illustrations, and I requested that Jay please allow the Golf Channel to have a rest because I really want to watch Oprah at 4 pm! To my surprise, it was the show I had been waiting for. It was all about moms being totally candid about how hard being a mom is, and that it's not always happy shiny faces. Why didn't someone tell me this sooner? I was getting worried, because I thought- hey I should be happy and content 24/7 about being a mom, 'cause that's the way everyone else is, right? The authors of I'd Trade My Husband For a Housekeeper, Trisha Ashworth and Amy Nobile "take an honest, humorous approach to the obstacles and benefits of marriage — targeting everything from balancing housework to trying to keeping the romance alive."

Don't get me wrong, being a mom has transformed my life-- for the better, no question. But as it was quoted by a fellow mom on Oprah- Being a mom is great, it's just doing the "mom stuff" that can be hard to deal with. Totally true. If we were honest about having a down day, instead of trying so hard to hide it, it would be much better for our well-being. Where did we get this notion that being a mom means we're supposed to be perfect? We weren't before, so no reason to start now!

So here I go again saying- I don't believe in coincidences. I think we always get messages and information just when we need it, presented exactly at the right moment. Over the past several weeks, I've been searching for mom groups in my geographical area, but just not having luck. Online however, I'm finding a vast network of moms like me--Crafty moms, working moms, not-so-perfect moms, and blogging moms! The founder of dooce.com - probably the most popular of all mom blogs was also on Oprah today too. Can you believe she makes 40k per month in revenue on her blog? She stared writing after she had kids, as an outlet to express the trials and tribulations of motherhood, and the mamas came out of the woodwork! I've been finding so many other exciting artsy mom blogs too, featured in Mothering Magazine this month: soulemama, shimandsons and angrychicken. I've been looking for a mom community locally, but there's already one available with a few strokes of my keypad.

The bottom line is- I may not knit as much as I would like to these days, but when I do it's the sweetest reward! I get the most important things done and the rest can wait until tomorrow. Sometimes I have a hard time practicing what I preach, but I know I'm not alone. As women and mothers we think we can do it all, and if we don't check everything off the "to do list" we feel like a failure. But here's a little secret- we can turn that all upside down by not putting so much on that darned list!

Skirt Mag

Oh how I love Skirt Magazine! It finally made its debut here in the Tampa Bay area this summer. Finally, a local magazine that is creative, smart and inspirational. I found some time tonight in between making the tofu-veggie stir fry and tending to London to read a bit of the November issue. It was a real feat though, because it seems that finding time to "just sit" doesn't come easily these days. My magazines are starting to pile up now, and of course today I purchased the latest Martha Stewart Living Magazine. I'm so mesmerized by the magazines just calling out to me while waiting to check out at the supermarket. I couldn't help myself, because this month's Martha is jam-packed full with cookie recipes! I have some sort of fantasy that I'll be happily baking cookies while listening to Harry Connick holiday tunes in the background. It's a nice fantasy.

When Old Becomes New

I recently read an inspiring article in the current issue of Yoga Journal, called: "Second Looks." This article focuses on recycling old clothes into one-of-a-kind creations. I was instantly inspired! I've been working on some new design ideas that mix fabric with yarns and other various findings. My idea is still in its primitive stages, but having read this article gave me a sense of purpose!

There is so much excess in this world, and the constant need for something "new" is terribly disturbing to me. The fact that my own baby diapers are still in a landfill somewhere is horrifying. But that's a story for another day....

Don't get me wrong, I love the thrill of working with new and exciting yarns, but the idea of walking into a thrift store can be a great way to stir the creative juices. There's something wonderful about seeing the beauty in something sitting in a dusty corner and turning it into a beautiful new creation. The low overhead costs don't hurt either.

In my travels, I also came across an old sewing machine. I decided, that if I'm going "green," I'm going all the way and purchase a used machine as well. As I studied the machine, I noticed the exact model of my the Singer my mother had sewn with when I was a child. Then, I glanced down and looked at the desk that it was sitting on-the SAME desk that I had as a girl! It was a strange and bittersweet experience. At that moment, I thought, "maybe this is a sign to buy?" However, I noticed way too many things wrong for even a $10.00 purchase. The bobbin cover would not close, the top thread holders were bent, and there was no case cover. I tried to haggle down to $8.00, but they wouldn't go for it.....Guess it wasn't a sign.

Next...I lost myself under a heap of old fabrics. The sales girl said: "fill up the bag...even stuff it if you want, and it's all yours for $3.50." Yippie! I lucked out with some fabulous new findings. Then, around the corner was a little alcove of handbags.....a plethora of handbags, all for $1.00! As my girlfriend once said to me before moving to Florida, in her proper southern accent: "everything's for sale in Florida."

I'm so excited about my new adventure, and I'm trying to put some time in each week to start my first "prototype." But so far, I will admit I've had a tough time fitting things in. The first step is to buy that machine and start playing around, but my biggest tasks at hand consist of marketing my knitting patterns and designing a new fall collection. First things first as they say, but I feel that I'm on the cusp of something new and exciting as a designer. I love knitwear design, but there's that little part of me that wants more individuality as a designer and explore new ideas. I don't want to classify myself strictly as a knitwear designer that follows all of the proposed rules that go along with being one. In my life I've always gone to the beat of my own drum. Since I started working on my design business full time, I've been afraid to break the rules an take some creative chances. Maybe it's high time.

Thanksgiving on Independence Day

As knitters, it's amazing that we can find just about anything to celebrate through our knitting. So with this in mind, I decided to take an online "road trip" on this Independence Day to see what's happening out in Cyberspace.

So here's what I encountered on my trip....never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined a John Deere could knit. Check it out: One Row At Time. Seeing this made me feel so full of glee that I decided to make my own little flag. (well, sort of) I don't have a John Deere, but my own little needles will do. Here's my "on the fly" way of trying to be patriotic. It's the thought that counts, considering I knitted this during stop lights on my way to the gym this morning!

Along my journey, I also wanted to see what other knitters are doing, and now more then ever, there are so many causes out there. You can find everything from Green Knitting, to Knitting for Peace.



Since I made the decision two months ago to set out on my own as a full time knitwear designer, I also became inspired to find a cause that really means something to me. I've been searching within my own community trying to figure out how I can be more giving, and offer my talents and time. As a result, I feel that I've come back full circle to the knitting world. What a wonderful and precious gift to have the ability to offer myself in this way. As a knitter, there are so many ways to give and it to too hard to find some incredible causes.


My fellow knitter friend Sean (aka Knitting Boyfriend) sent me the following link regarding a fundraiser for Knitwear Designer Annie Modesitt. Sadly, her husband has been diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma and is to undergo extensive treatment. You can go here to offer a donation and support to her family.


Knitty.com is also a great resource for charities. Go here to check them out. Another charity that really touches my heart is Rwanda Knits. Cari Clement of Caron International heads up this charity, and it helps people in Rwanda to make living through knitting. I have also been reading an incredibly inspiring story: Left To Tell, by Immaculee Ilibagiza, a story about her survival through the Rwandan Holocaust. This is one of those books that has touched my life in a profound way. It has made me realize what really matters in life, and feel gratitude for each precious day. You offer a donation to the LEFT TO TELL Charitable Fund, which helps the children of Africa build better lives.

Say a Little Prayer for My V-Dub

Here's the damage. Not too bad, but part of my rear fender is hanging off by about 2" as you can see. My hot car doesn't look so hot right now. I was on my way home from the gym last night, hoping to quickly shower, change and get over to my knitting group, then...bang! Got a little whiplash and had a mini headache, but that's about it. Stuff happens.

I couldn't possibly be in a bad mood over this because my excitement about a new baby dress design far outweighs this little moment in time. When I finally arrived at my LYS, the yarn that was "made" for this project was calling my name. Here's a little preview of what's to come:

Life is good.......I can't wait to get swatching! Stay tuned for my next post.....

It All Works Out In The End

This morning I woke up still thinking about my sweater dilemma. Instead of ruminating over this, I decided to perform my new daily ritual of going down to the beach to read. When I first got to "my bench" a runner was stretching and getting sand all over it! How dare he do that to my beloved spot! I waited patiently until he left, and sauntered on over to my little place. There must be something magical about this bench, because as soon as I sit down, I feel at peace.

Of course, once again I toted along my knitting. I don't know why I bother. I have math and other details to work out, so what's the point. The act of knitting and purling just for the sake of doing that is like a guilty pleasure in itself it seems at times. It's as if I need my "fix" for the motion of my hands, the feel of a good yarn, and a really nice set of bamboo needles. This almost sounds like a dirty novel!

Instead of dealing with "what to knit" I decided to keep things simple and continue reading Left To Tell. I just started reading the chapter where Imaculee goes into hiding and has to send her brothers away to certain death. I could think about was my own brother, and I felt like such a profound feeling of sadness of what she must have gone through having to tell her 2 younger brothers that they could not stay with her. Tears just started to roll down my cheeks, and again I looked out to the beautiful waves and I said to myself: "I got it so damn good....I can't believe that I'm anguishing over what yarn to use on a baby sweater." It's amazing how we get so caught up with things that really don't matter.

Everything has a way of working out on its own. If we feel confusion, I believe that's sign to walk away because the answer has not been given to us yet.

The Lonliest Girl in The World

Not really.......

More on the "going solo" thing. It's an interesting paradox really. I am home all day, I can wear my yoga pants, and not even a bra....pretty cool. Up at 6am, working all the day long. I just can't seem to stop, when I do I feel kinda guilty almost. Then, I can hear the dirty dishes calling me. Oh...and then I see the crumbs on the floor. What's a girl to do?

Here I am, it's Friday night. I'm trying REALLY hard to say the work day is done. Tonight going downtown to help save the shuffle board courts.........don't know why really. It matters to those hard core shuffle boarders, so it's all for a good cause, so I'm going to do my part. It's getting this girl "out and about."

I know the work day is supposed to be over, but--- what have I really said lately about knitting 24/7? Not much, I realize. Designing seems to be more basic math these days then actual tactile hands on knitting. When I do get to "knit" it is truly icing on the cake! I've been very focused these days on editing my current pattern line. My goal is to have a total of 12 edited patterns by June 1st. I'm thinking maybe this is a bit of a lofty goal, but I'm going to do my best to make it happen!

Between yesterday and today, I've learned a valuable lesson about being a disorganized write-on-stickynote-designer. I try very hard to write all my notes on a large format pad, and keep keep all of my detailed notes about that project (sticky notes included!) inside a plastic sleeve protector so everything cane be found in one place. Well...on my latest design which is a very simple wrist purse. It took me 2 days, and reworking the entire design to figure out what the heck I did! I get a little cocky as I make each piece, and I say to myself: "Oh this one's easy, I'll remember what I did." Yeah sure..... So there you go. 2 days, and lots of time wasted. In retrospect, at least I know that I learned something valuable by spending the extra time: Spend the time taking detailed notes, even if it takes more time to do it, because it will save even MORE time later!