My Knitted Life, and cats

Attention lace knitters: 

Every one of Dee O’Keefe’s amazing lace shawl patterns are buy one get one free on Ravelry this week! And since they’re usually about US$6, this is a sale that’s worth your time. To take advantage of the deal, go to her design page here, choose the patterns you want and add them to your cart (the ‘add to cart’ button is in the right column of each pattern page). The cheaper one should be automatically discounted.

I’m often asked how to come up with ideas, so I thought I’d give you a few ways to hopefully jump-start ideas on your end. Putting yourself in certain situations can get you in a more creative mindset, so be aware of your surroundings and what’s happening around you whenever possible.

Here are a few ways to come up with creative ideas on daily basis:

Listen to the people around you

There’s no better way to generate ideas than to listen to the people around you. People say some interesting things if you stay open to it. Ideas are guaranteed to formulate if you listen to what’s happening around you.

Tune into talk radio

Talk radio will help give you some ideas regarding how people communicate with each other and how people argue about things. Think about how people would talk about things in your world and what forums would be available for discussions.

Watch your favorite movie

Try to focus on why your favorite movie is your favorite. What gets you excited about it? Once you figure out those things, you should be able to realize what you want your book to be like. Harness what motivates you.

Write a scene between two characters

Consider writing a scene between two characters you like. Use your own characters or your favorite fictional characters. Put them in a situation they wouldn’t normally be in.

Take a walk

Allowing yourself some fresh air sometimes helps you get creative. If you’re stuck in one place all day, try to get out for a little while. Changing your environment can help generate ideas.

Use Google Maps

If locations tend to inspire you, use Google Maps to zoom in on places you’re interested in. Being able to see a place you intend to write about can make a huge difference. It will also help you see things in a different way.

Search for new music

Music often helps inspire writers, so take some time to download something new. Turn on Pandora or Spotify and keep your ears open for something that inspires you.

List your favorite characters

Pinpointing exactly what makes a character interesting to you can help you build your own characters. Take some time to list a few of your favorite characters and see what they have in common. Use these ideas to structure a character of your own.

I love lace knitting. I’ve said it before and I will probably say it many times over, but lace knitting is awesome. So many different types of lace and with just a few ssk and k2 stitches, and can’t forget the yo, you have a wonderful shawl or hat or scarf. The possibilities are ENDLESS. Sigh. 

“Higher temperatures result in riper grapes with elevated sugar concentrations, higher potential alcohol levels, and lower acidity.”

How will climate change and adjusting weather patterns affect the wine industry?

A NEW WAY TO KNIT – TAPESTRY KNITTING by skeinoblog

Knitting in wartime: something everyone can get into. 

Have you guys checked out Botanical Knits 2 by Alana Dakos yet?  It’s full of so many pretty patterns!  Pictured above:

Verdure fingerless mitts

Twigs and Willows mitts

Sunlit Autumn sweater

Ivy Trellis hat

Flourish sweater

Forest Foliage wrap

Sprig Sweater

Ferns hat

Hanging Leaves wrap

Found via the blog So I Make Stuff, this is called Fox Paws a new flame stitch pattern.  For the intermediate knitter, you can find this pattern on ravelry, or buy it here. 

Today’s regional visit should excite everyone.  It’s time for Estonia, known in the knitting world as the land of lace. 

Sofia Shawl 

Arum Shawl  

Laminaria 

Miraldas Triangular Shawl  

Regenerate