Monday, April 07, 2008

HOW DOES ONE KNIT A BEACH?

Lenita's Nova Scotian Expression ...

One warmAugust while the sea breezes blew a cooling balm across our faces, my first Knit A Beach took place on the southern shores of Nova Scotia. Lenita Rich came all the way from Montana to experience a bit of salty inspiration at my side. We had never met prior to this though had exchanged phone calls and emails across the miles in preparation for her first trip to my little province. After a couple of days exploring Halifax we launched ourselves along the coast poking into tea shops and yarn stores, foraging, talking and enjoying everything my oceanside home offers and...bonding. We became very good friends during this experience and she even came to Knitaly the following October. Though she may kindly cite me as her inspiration, you can see from her photos that Lenita is herself an artist. Here is Knit A Beach through Lenita's eyes with her most astounding Nova Scotian vest the result of her Knit A Beach experience.

Mostly Fleece Artist yarns await the inspiration

Cross currents and fluid shores arise under the needles

In knitting as in life, always follow your star

Lenita's Nova Scotian inspired vest unfolded from the merging of sea and shore she experienced during Knit a Beach last August. It is amazing what can be created from a mix of simple stitches, gorgeous yarns, and an observant eye. This year Ilga Leja and I will guide beachside knitters on another themed excursion at White Point Beach resort for the second annual Knit a Beach. Join us for soulful, creative and mindful knitting by the sea. Be prepared to be amazed what you can create!  Details here: http://www.janethornley.com/blog/index.php/site/KnitaBeach/

Of freckles and new friends

By the way, Lenita (and Ilga and Patricia Werner) inspires me as much as I do her. I've asked her to join me as a co-teacher in Santa Fe this coming July for the Knitted Desert excursion where she will guide knitters in her free-range knitting explorations as well as on inspiration journaling. What is inspiration journaling, you ask? It's the fuel from which springs design and is a perfect tool for both experienced and beginning knitters. With pens, paint, and the journal we'll provide, we'll quide you through the process of collecting free form knitting ideas from the surrounding landscape and translating them into your own piece of art. It's process Lenita uses to design her amazing results. Another guest designer on the Santa Fe trail will be Patricia Werner who will be leading us on an excursion into color. What a teaching dynamo combination!  

More on inspiration journaling to follow. In the meantime, you have two summer knitting excursions from which to choose. Why not join me and my designer friends on at least one?