tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18822668797916223822024-03-13T13:27:33.297-04:00Color Energy Designs™Color Inspired~Hand Dyed~HandcraftedEvihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-67389703341050409662017-01-09T14:00:00.001-05:002017-01-09T14:00:28.594-05:00New creativity!
I just want to spend my day making stuff!
I love creating! New yarns, new fabrics, new designs - if it's makeable without requiring a whole manufacturing plant on stand-by then I probably want to try it; at least once.
I've been enjoying new color dyes and new (to me) methods of hand painting. Twisting, turning, and coiling the fiber prior to dyeing is way more fun than I thought it would Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-77401004749032549652016-11-15T21:40:00.000-05:002017-01-09T14:03:25.418-05:00Tis the season for RSI'sChances are you're probably in that holiday craft twilight time - the mad dash to get all those projects finished that you have in mind for your handmade gifting this season. I feel your pain, I have a list myself. I am also fortunate in that I get to knit and crochet as a source of income - so that's a lot of time spent with my hands and wrists in repetitive motion which could lead to repetitiveEvihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-60844154357601781742016-09-22T15:04:00.004-04:002016-11-13T21:48:02.570-05:00What's trending for Fall?As a crafter you are also part fashionista so it helps to keep up on the latest trends. We have some amazing colors and textures coming up for the Fall/Winter 2016 season.
Some colors to keep your eye on:
New hand dyed colors for the shop!
Colors for the Fall/Winter season range anywhere from the traditional deep pumpkin and mulled wine to soft prism kissed pinks, purples and blues. Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-24420641378425085952016-08-04T17:58:00.001-04:002016-08-11T19:09:12.092-04:00Yarn never gets boring
Finally getting organized!
This post contains ad links
There are so many things I enjoy about knitting - the patterns, the shapes, the history, the yarn, the community. And it never gets boring which is a huge bonus for me. I know it seems like I get bored for the amount of WIPS I currently have but the truth is I get so excited when a new yarn or a new pattern crosses my sights that I have Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-62395703825896558352016-07-30T12:54:00.000-04:002016-08-13T05:14:27.930-04:00Getting a handle on your creative biz planning
They tell you when you're a small business owner that you are now the wearer of many hats. You're the creative genius, the controller of everything. And sometimes it's really easy to get so bogged down in the details that other areas get sidelined for 'later'.
That's what I've been going through - a mad juggling act. Spending a lot of time putting out fires, not enough time preventing them. IEvihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-25855059722661739112015-10-16T08:57:00.000-04:002016-08-04T16:25:20.484-04:00Spinzilla 2015!
Spinzilla 2015 - already planning for 2016!
This year I finally joined the Spinzilla event as a rogue spinner. For those that don't know, it's an annual global event to see how much yarn you can spin in one week. I thought about it in previous years but never did it - always with the excuse "I'm not good enough" or "I'll wait until I'm good enough". But then I read one of those Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-27212532121152064592015-09-21T13:50:00.001-04:002015-09-21T17:47:09.560-04:00Where you spend your money matters
The Holiday season will soon be upon us so it’s a good idea
to start your craft projects soon. Chances are you’re the crafty type who
enjoys making a heartfelt gift for the special people in your life. And if you’re
not particularly crafty then you probably either know someone who is or have
local crafty people that operate a small business. Where you spend your money
matters. If you are Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-2518388505252386692015-07-07T14:22:00.000-04:002015-09-08T05:06:56.579-04:00Felting wool really is easy!
Gather your supplies......check
And fun, and versatile. It also takes very little in terms of supplies and equipment. You know it's true - just think about that last favorite sweater that was totally ruined in the washer. No effort, right? The only things needed to felt wool are hot water, soap and agitation. Easy peas-y. To get started you'll need some combed wool, plastic wrap, rolling pin, Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-77656212117830128412015-07-01T09:22:00.000-04:002016-08-04T16:26:47.081-04:00Color Energy
What is color energy? A quick internet search and you'll find everything from auras and chakras to light refraction and frequency wavelengths. But what does it all really mean? The quick answer, and the only one of importance, is what does it mean for you!
Color plays an amazing role in our lives - it's literally everywhere and think about how it impacts you. Can you think of a strawberry in Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-78653063507386843132015-05-18T19:00:00.002-04:002015-07-01T08:29:38.307-04:00Are crochet terms universal? Short answer? NoHas this ever happened to you? You have great yarn and you're looking for the perfect pattern. You finally find it, start crocheting your little heart out and it looks nothing like the photo. You rip it out, start over and still, it's not even close! You start to think that maybe there's a typo but the whole pattern? It may be a matter of the crochet terms that you're used to - they aren't Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-587518108939343772015-05-02T09:15:00.000-04:002016-10-23T17:11:14.793-04:00Finding the right size yarn
Fingering weight, hand dyed yarn from Color Energy Designs
Finding the right yarn for your next project can be tricky; especially if you've decided that you want to use a yarn that's different from the one listed in your chosen project. Much of the yarn industry is standardized in terms of labelling but every once in a while you come across an absolutely stunning yarn without all the easy Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-50912677859614261082015-01-09T10:54:00.000-05:002015-07-01T08:30:58.420-04:00Finishing Starts at the Beginning
I like a nice straight edge when knitting up a new flat piece such as a scarf or blanket. There is nothing more disappointing then getting that last stitch bound off, laying your piece out flat and seeing a wobbly edge. More than once I’ve had the thought “no amount of blocking is going to fix that”! And just as many times a piece would be completely frogged and reworkedEvihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-47798362840614713752014-11-08T11:24:00.001-05:002015-03-23T19:51:38.317-04:00Pardon the long break!I can't believe how long it's been since my last post! It doesn't feel like months but I guess that's what happens when you immerse yourself in this wonderful world of learning opportunities.
Anyone that knows me already knows I have a yarn obsession (I say healthy interest - potAYto, potAHto). I love all the textures, the colors - I love to shop for it, knit with it and even just look at it all Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-72087665676433282242014-07-19T14:23:00.002-04:002015-03-23T19:52:50.141-04:00Fiber fanatics rarely come up for airHas it really been weeks since my last post? And did I really miss a couple of Monday sweet tooth challenges? I would feel bad but I do have a really good reason...well, okay excuse....well, an answer. I'm blaming it on a now dwindling yarn stash, the neighborhood annual street fair and the autumn edition of Crochet! magazine.
This year was the 5th annual Delaware Ave Street Fair and the perfectEvihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-10122461679741807202014-06-23T19:34:00.003-04:002015-07-17T17:18:11.605-04:00Lime in the Coconut Pudding
Lime in the Coconut Pudding
Another Monday, another dessert challenge. Today's challenge ingredient was caramel and to be honest I did not have a clue what I wanted to make. I knew I wanted to make a cute little garnish out of caramel but what to garnish?
Luckily I still had coconut flake from last week's challenge, that went on the counter. I spy with my little eye the rum bottle, also on Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-78436468737512989292014-06-16T13:32:00.000-04:002015-07-17T17:18:41.625-04:00Piña Colada Parfait
Today is Monday - yay! And why am I happy? Because it's Sweet Tooth challenge day for me and my sisters. This week's common ingredient was pineapple and what's pineapple without coconut and rum? No seriously, what is it - I might have to try it.
You can leave the rum out of this recipe for a kid friendly summer treat.
Ingredients
1 - 14 oz. can of coconut milk
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup shreddedEvihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-43813692457132082432014-06-03T19:56:00.001-04:002016-08-13T22:20:14.585-04:00Peanut Butter & Chocolate Cheesecake
I love cheesecake. In fact, I think it's safe to say I've never had one I didn't like. And my favorite one? All.
Recently my sister and I decided to have a little sweet tooth challenge. It was a Monday and why not? If you're making dessert on a Monday how bad can your day be?
Ingredients
1 ready made chocolate cookie pie crust
2 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened
1 egg
3/4 c. Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-78930639891770281202014-05-10T20:32:00.000-04:002014-05-10T20:32:54.233-04:00Albany's Tulip Fest!
Tulips on display at the 66th Annual Albany Tulip Fest
Today was the first day of the Albany Tulip Festival in Washington Park and my first visit to the Fest. The Festival did not disappoint.
The crowds were not overwhelming, music on two stages, a great mix of food and craft vendors and tulips everywhere! It was a great time and an excellent way to see some of the local vendors.
Our first Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-41011678195968992372014-05-07T15:07:00.001-04:002014-05-07T15:07:24.612-04:00Summer Sweet Slaw
Summer Sweet Slaw
The weather is finally starting to warm up here in the Northeast and you know what that means. Summer salads! But in my opinion, some salads are good year round. I was experimenting in the kitchen again - enjoy!
Ingredients
1/2 of a cabbage, course chopped
1 large carrot, grated
6 oz. grape tomatoes, halved
2/3 c. balsamic mayonnaise (I used Hellmann's)
1 1/2 tbsp honey
1/4Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-52450309998030485852014-05-06T19:00:00.001-04:002014-05-06T19:00:32.173-04:00Teacup Teddy
Teacup Teddy
Latest project...done.Well actually, the latest of 35 projects done. I really need to stop flipping through magazines because as soon as I see the next "IT" project I have needles out and the cast-on has begun.
This latest IT project is from the May 2014 issue of Craftseller magazine. You can check out the current issue here: http://www.craft-seller.com/magazine/Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-9472751868962224662014-04-24T20:07:00.001-04:002014-04-24T21:17:46.036-04:00Not your every day Red Velvet cupcake
Red Velvet cupcakes
I love experimenting with recipes - especially desserts. I really like replacing traditional ingredients with new (to me) discoveries. Recently, I've been on a huge coconut kick. Coconut milk, coconut oil, coconut water - it's all good and good for you.
If you'd like to learn more about this wonderful functional food visit the Coconut Research Center. You might just Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-32648577692305483672014-04-22T18:24:00.001-04:002016-08-04T16:28:45.096-04:00Navajo Ply
Navajo Plied spun single
I have a confession - I love to spin but I hate to ply. Well, hate is such a strong word. It would be more accurate to say traditional plying is a source of frustration for me - the coordination required for a beautifully balanced handspun plied yarn is beyond me. I've tried (not often I admit) but I usually end up with one bobbin spinning a little too freely and Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-56984300411924108022014-04-07T17:43:00.000-04:002014-04-07T17:44:33.620-04:00Announcing new Youtube channel!"You need to start a Youtube channel". My sister has been after me for ages to start one to share some "how-to" crafting techniques. I didn't really mind the thought of one except for the whole being on camera thing. I am probably the first human in history to have the most documented cases of 'non-photogenicus'. (Well maybe not the most documented - thanks to the delete function on every digitalEvihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-49694390221498463302014-03-10T13:25:00.001-04:002014-04-07T17:45:30.932-04:00The Color Cure for the Winter BluesRecently I have been from one extreme to the other - painting,
knitting, spinning, dyeing, wire-wrapping - I'm suffering from a lack of
focus. At least I felt that way until I started looking at my
individual projects: coral baby booties, lime-green snuggly socks,
turquoise mesh bag, copper and brass pretty dangly things (to name a
few).
I'm not suffering from a lack of focus - I'm Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1882266879791622382.post-15397079023070348262014-01-21T09:52:00.000-05:002014-01-21T09:53:47.883-05:00Wool...the Winter Blues Cure!I'll admit it...I am not a fan of winter and the recent polar vortex did not improve my view of the season. Luckily, I am a yarn enthusiast (or addict - you say pool, I say pond - either would be nice). I like to focus on something colorful, soft and warm instead of the white, cold, frozen water piling up outside.
The nasty weather does have one upside - it gives me the opportunity to work on Evihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05916615979082112681noreply@blogger.com