Is It About The Yarn?

When I origianlly thought about writing this blog post, I was planning on writing about how sometimes a respite of simplification can clear your mind to let the creativity flow.  I went up to the lake for 2 days before a crazy travel schedule that includes 2 nights in Virginia, 2 nights at home and then off to Quilt Market.  I left home with my suitcases packed for Market relieving me of that stress.

I was sitting on the dock, surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves with Bailey thinking about nothing.  That's very unusual since if I'm not thinkig about what I am working on now, I am thinking about my next 3 projeccts.  I found this to be so calming.  I could appreciate nature's bounty and my lucky lot in life.  When I clear my mind the peacefulness brings creativity.  It's a good way to break a creative block.  

And then we went to The New York State Sheep & Wool Festival, also known as Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool.

I was surrounded by thousands of knitters including my DIL and her Mom.  The night before the show we crafted our own sheep ear headbands.

They were quite a showstopper and we were stopped many times for photos! Not something that I am used to, but when in Rome!  So you may see me on IG in my sheep ears!

The colors and textures of all the different yarns and wool was mesmerizing.

I was determined not to buy any because most of my knitting projects end up getting finished by a wonderful friend of mine.  I either lose interest or mess up.  And tada! I did not buy any yarn.

So what does a quilter who deosn't knit buy at a Sheep & Wool Festival?

 Leather!  I found these beautiful leather handles that I think will look great with a quilted bag. 

 And they had a scrap bag  of leather strips for handles of all sizes fo $5.00!  I can't wait to make a bunch of wristlets.  I also bought some leather scraps for $3.00.

I loved this card with the border collie.It's a print of a paper cut.  I know someone who will really love this.

I also love all the live animals, perfect for photos - perhaps to make a new Mini Mosaic Quilt?

This llama was mesmerized by our ears!

So what does a quilter buy at Sheep & Wool?

Leather!

I bought these beautiful 30" handles that I have in mind for a quilted bag.

And they had scrap bags for $5.

These leather strips will be perfect for wristlets, lots of wristlets.

And the food - there was any kind of food you could think of.  We ate from this food truck and it was delicious.

Looking at the Festival in broad strokes, we were supporting small independent farmers who are in a business that they love and create beautiful fibers.

Is It About The Yarn?

When I origianlly thought about writing this blog post, I was planning on writing about how sometimes a respite of simplification can clear your mind to let the creativity flow.  I went up to the lake for 2 days before a crazy travel schedule that includes 2 nights in Virginia, 2 nights at home and then off to Quilt Market.  I left home with my suitcases packed for Market relieving me of that stress.

I was sitting on the dock, surrounded by beautiful autumn leaves with Bailey thinking about nothing.  That's very unusual since if I'm not thinkig about what I am working on now, I am thinking about my next 3 projeccts.  I found this to be so calming.  I could appreciate nature's bounty and my lucky lot in life.  When I clear my mind the peacefulness brings creativity.  It's a good way to break a creative block.  

And then we went to The New York State Sheep & Wool Festival, also known as Rhinebeck Sheep & Wool.

I was surrounded by thousands of knitters including my DIL and her Mom.  The night before the show we crafted our own sheep ear headbands.

They were quite a showstopper and we were stopped many times for photos! Not something that I am used to, but when in Rome!  So you may see me on IG in my sheep ears!

The colors and textures of all the different yarns and wool was mesmerizing.

I was determined not to buy any because most of my knitting projects end up getting finished by a wonderful friend of mine.  I either lose interest or mess up.  And tada! I did not buy any yarn.

So what does a quilter who deosn't knit buy at a Sheep & Wool Festival?

 Leather!  I found these beautiful leather handles that I think will look great with a quilted bag. 

 And they had a scrap bag  of leather strips for handles of all sizes fo $5.00!  I can't wait to make a bunch of wristlets.  I also bought some leather scraps for $3.00.

I loved this card with the border collie.It's a print of a paper cut.  I know someone who will really love this.

I also love all the live animals, perfect for photos - perhaps to make a new Mini Mosaic Quilt?

This llama was mesmerized by our ears!

So what does a quilter buy at Sheep & Wool?

Leather!

I bought these beautiful 30" handles that I have in mind for a quilted bag.

And they had scrap bags for $5.

These leather strips will be perfect for wristlets, lots of wristlets.

And the food - there was any kind of food you could think of.  We ate from this food truck and it was delicious.

Looking at the Festival in broad strokes, we were supporting small independent farmers who are in a business that they love and create beautiful fibers.

Need a Creativity Boost?

I'm often asked, when I run dry of excitement and interest in quilting, what do I do. I have to do something because I have shelves full of fabric, several sewing machines and so many commitments. I never run out of ideas, but it's the impetus to take those ideas and turn them into a quilt, that sometimes becomes difficult. So, what do I do? Sometimes I just wring my hands and worry. Sometimes I visit with other quilters. Sometimes I just get in the car and go some place. Sometimes the trips are well planned. Sometimes the trips are to a museum. Sometimes the trip is a spur of the moment.

This post is FULL of photos, because I want you to share my excitement. I'm still vibrating. Yesterday I took a trip to Luna Parc. It's only opened to the public several days a year. It has been on my calendar for a long time. It's an artistic wonderland filled with so much "stuff". I couldn't wait to walk up the drive. I was not disappointed.

Ricky Boscaro is the artist behind Luna Parc. He's an artist and a craftsman. He calls himself an itinerant artist. He's a jeweler. He's a potter. He's a metalworker and a welder. He's a woodworker. He's a painter. He creates mosaics and sculptures from created and found objects. He works with cement. Is there something I forgot? And, oh yeah, in addition to that he's a collector who collects everything and anything.

Bailey and I roamed the outdoor grounds along with other visitors. I'll just share photos. They speak for themselves.

There were limited tickets for the house tour. I'll post those photos another day since I 'm having trouble with them appearing in my photo gallery. But believe me, they are worth waiting for - a bathroom covered in mosaics, handcrafted wooden stairs, collections of egg slicers, eye cups, taxidermist animals and the most gorgeous stained glass windows I have ever seen plus a view of the house before Ricky started his "decorating".

This visit was such a gift. A gift that will last for a long time. Other than the photos of all these treasures and this sensory experience, I bought myself a real gift, a piece of jewelry crafted by Ricky. The pedals and the wheels move. This man is a genius. His attention to detail is so admirable.

I was fascinated and energized by everything, especially the mosaics and the mosaic sculptures. I see one in my future, whether it be made from tiles or fabric. I'm vibrating with ideas. My creative juices are flowing and I am definitely recharged.

So if you're feeling uninspired or just blah about making art or making quilts, take a little trip.

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