Something about trees

Driving through west Texas today I was reminded again that I think trees look cool. There were quite a few that didn't have this year's leaves yet, and the branches with their twists and turns and interesting shapes just catch my interest. Sometimes is the light of the sun on the tops of the branches and sometimes its the dark wood. Sometimes its the way several trees close together can create one canopy, and sometimes - eventually - even one tree. And of course none of them are the same. I think that is a part of the interest. None of them are the same, and there is no such thing as a "mistake." It always seems that it is the leafless trees that are the most interesting as well. As soon as the leaves are on the tree, they make that big green blob. It is the intricacy of the branches that fascinates me.

I always think that there would be a market for pictures of these trees. I would definately make a collection of them. I think that it would be something you could do a decent job of with freestyle embroidery as well, once you got good at the embroidery.

taste impaired

I make stuff, and I enjoy doing it. I've learned (the hard way, sigh) to match thread to the background color of the fabric when sewing, or to lay thread across the fabric and pick the one that disappears. I've made afghans, and when I got near the end, had looked at them so long that I couldn't tell any more whether they would look good or not. I've put together a pattern and fabric and trim and later wondered how in the world I could have thought that they went together. Not every time (thank goodness) but it happens.

None of those things have to do with technical prowess, or how the item was structurally made. It has to do with taste, or at least I think that has a lot to do with it. Sometimes I think all my taste is in my mouth. Now, I would like to take a moment here to differentiate fashion from style for this discussion. Fashion changes, and changes fast. I don't really care about fashion (could you tell that just by looking?). Style, however, lasts. It is style that I would like to get a handle on. It is style that I would like to include in my creations.

So, here's my first thought on learning more about taste and style. Color wheel. I mean, I understand what a color wheel is and how to use it, at least basically. But I think if I can read up on them some, and find a good one, that I could use it to make sure colors did together what I intended them to do. That would be a big crafting learning step.

Creatlivity

This is my first post for this new blog, dedicated to crafting, learning more about and practicing various crafts, and sharing my experiences with other crafters. I hope to share their experiences as well, and generate - or become a part of - a crafting community.

I love crafting, whether it is knit, crochet, sewing, cross stitch, or beading. There are other crafts that I have not had as much experience with, yet, but it will come in time. I hope to share my process, my learning and my love of making things and in turn be shared with, as well. I don't pretend to be a grand master crafter, but I know I am on the curve of learning more all the time.

Recently, I've been working on my knitting skills, by making socks. The first pair I made was a tube sock, and they turned out well, for a learning activity. I can actually wear them, and everything, although - since they are wool - I don't wear them very often, here in New Mexico, even in the winter.

Currently, I began a pair of heeled socks. They are ostensibly, a size that my daughter can wear, although they, too, are a learning project. I've been using this book to help me with the pattern, and the thread is an acrylic. I'm working the toes, now, and soon will cast on the second of the pair.

The next pair, however, I would like to make with some really nice yarn, maybe a silk and bamboo blend. Something soft, and durable yet not too hot. I also don't want a yarn that has to have special care. I mean, they are socks, after all, they WILL need to be washed.