Thursday, May 26, 2011
Free-Ranging in Oklahoma
Sue, Jane and Lee in Gutherie, Oka
Teaching workshops always connects me with so many kindred spirits wherever I go. I suppose something about the way I knit echos for those who are drawn to my style. The freedom to knit without mistakes is also an approach to life. And, really, haven't we all spent years and years of 'getting it right' to be just great the way we are?
My style is colorful, explorative, and always an adventure and those who embrace it, often don't return to traditional styles. There are those like me who love lace patterns, for instance, but inevitably make errors in the process until the design ends up looking like something else anyway. May as well let it flow from the begining. With simple stitches and a collection of beautiful yarns, anyone can create something magnificent. That's my message and it works. I have evidence.
At Sealed with a Kiss, an annual knitting fest in Gutherie, Oklahoma, I taught four workshops, including one about keeping an inspiration journal as seen below. Here I'm showing off all the fabulous creations that have emerged from my Ravelry knitalongs this year, explaining how inspiration can launch so much beauty and creativity.
Oh, and yes, I did just miss those tornadoes ripping through Oklahoma—by about two hours— and spent a nail-biting night as the storms whirled around us the night before.
Fellow worksop leader, Fiona Ellis, and I share a glass of wine