Sunday, June 08, 2008

Caution: Global Children at play

Jocerane's versions of my Bolero Vest pattern in Dusk and Dawn

I've always seen myself as a citizen of the world. Yes, my passport says 'Made in Canada' but that's just my starting point. I've never wanted to remain in a single location when so much world stretches beyond my doorstep. Wouldn't that be a bit like living in a big house but only occupying a single room? True, travel is growing more expensive yet I've never regreted a single penny spent on exploring the globe despite the fact that I probably could have funded multiple income properties with the money I've invested in my own person global expansion program. Maybe I'd be rich in pocket had I stayed put but far, far poorer in spirit.

Travel is a passion as is meeting people from different cultures in different countries. It helps to reassure ourselves that we are all of a kind yet amazingly unique. Since I first launched this website and began turning my passion into my new career, I've made connections with many kindred spirits from around the world, some of whom have become good friends or sisters (hi, Amal!). Fellow artists who view the world with a kindred knittery approach are now among my wider circle of friends.

And here's the thing: some of these knitters have suggested future collaborative knitting excursions to their part of the earth including Ingrid in Norway, Jocerane in France, Mardi in South Carolina (see last posting) and  Ildikó Hungary. How can I resist? So, come visit my global sandbox:

Here are pictures from the work of Jocerance in France and her interpretation of my Sunset Bolero vest pattern. Here, she's taken the basic blank canvas and evoked her garden at dusk and dawn. I just had to share. Oh, and stand by for information on an evocative knitting in France excursion possibly in 2009.

Dawn

Dusk

Crochet spiral detailing

And, you've already heard about my big sister of the heart, Amal, living in Spain and very much a citizen of the world herself. Besides Morocco coming in April and Spain in May, we two are plotting a possible knitting excursion to Istanbul! And, of course, Patricia Werner from New Mexico and I are already off to Tuscany for Knitaly08 this October (details here: http://www.janethornley.com/blog/index.php/site/Knitaly/).

Amal in Morocco

If you'd like to visit my global playmates, here's a few links:

Art Knits by Amal in Spain: http://artknitsbyamal.com/

Jocerane's in France blog:  http://pays-de-jocerane.blogspot.com/

 Ildikó 's site in Budapest :  http://www.sunbride.hu/