The Big Adventures of Mama -E

I've Moved!!!

Here is my new, improved blog!!!!

www.mamaespot.com/blog

There is a contest on over there... right now!

there is a subscribe button for Bloglines on the sidebar

I will be there from now on!!!

See you at the new place!!! Margaritas on me!

Lost Your MOJO? Knit a SQUARE!

I have been reading about the knitting blahs... the loss of the knitting mojo. I, myself, have felt the non-mojoesque like feelings as of late. I have whined... I have *sigh* ed... and now... I am enamoured. I knit a square. Mind you not just any square... a log cabin square from the Mason Dixon Book.

There is something so soothing about the patterns in the book. I am doing a log cabin baby blanket for a friend who is due any minute.
Here it is:

I am using cotton fleece by Brown Sheep. It is soooo loveley. Lolly just finished a tank in cotton fleece and inspired me to run over to my LYS and pick some up.
I love the way the back looks so neat... not a seam to be found! I like the simplicity of this. It allows me to work out some gauge issues that I have, yet it allows me to watch tv while doing so. Ann and Kay have really brought some things to light for me.

I have also been feeling my mojo may lie in the principles of this book:

The patterns are so inspired. I am going to try my hand at some natural dyeing for the patterns in this book. I am so needing to further combine my art with my knitting. That is why I love color so much.

Once upon a time, Mama-E dreamed of being an artist. I studied art pretty seriously through high school I even went to art school afterwards. I lost my mojo at school.. and took an extended hiatus in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nope, the mojo was not there.

I went back east and kicked around the tri-state area... working in or on the fringe of the art world. I have many, really talented friends that are still working actively in the arts. I considered myself an artist once..and then... the thing with the mojo happened. I abandoned the search and moved to Charm City. (That link is for my soapy friend Laura...go check her out and ask her why!)

Now, Charm City has given me so much. For a city that I chose by throwing a virtual dart at a map, I am in love with her. I have found a career that I care about and can be passionate about (depending on my stress level). I have my D and my COWBOY. Enough said. I have a city that is just southern enough for my New York/New Jersey sensibilities ( you can take the girl outta Jersey...but .... ). I have been home for 10 years and think I may be finding the mojo.

I found the mojo in the knitting. The act and craft of taking a linear piece of spun fiber and making into a 3 dimensional object (I was a sculptor at heart in school). Now, I throw color into the picture. The act of dyeing and the art of color theory combined with the sculpture of the garment/object have been just what I have been searching for. How do I describe the complete joy I have for this without sounding as if I am a complete whack? Well... I know I am a whack. Enough said.

I also find that the act of knitting and spinning have drawn me closer to this feeling of something that has existed since the first person in history created and donned a loincloth or something. Well, maybe not the loincloth. I hope you know what I am trying to get at. It is a connection to history. (OK, I can't help myself.. HERSTORY). It is a loving connection to my Grammy Irene. Who is now gone but lives in the act of my knitting. It is a smooth connection to my mother that exists even when our interactions aren't so smooth. It is the common thread (I couldn't resist!) that ties me (still, couldn't resist!) to my new friends the sucky knitters. Or Marie.... or Julia....or Ginga

So friends, that is why I dye yarn and sell it. I am coming to realize that it is my mojo. It is a constant form of art that is expressed and shared. I get such joy from your emails and your kind words on how much you like it. I love your suggestions for colorways....
I love the challenge of trying to bring your vision to fruition. I also get a kick (still can't help myself!) that you are wearing my art on your feet.

So again, thank you to my village. I know that I am a sap... just roll with it. It's not every day when a girl gets to find her MOJO again!

June Bug is HERE!!!

Hey PS Participants!!!!

Here is your June yarn... she is in the dyepot as we speak!!!!

I am custom dyeing her for non-PS Sock Club folks. So.....

Email me here if you want a single skein of June-Bug

20.00/skein handwash

24.00/skein superwash

Feeling Less Wonky

I saw my knitting sisters tonight... yes... those sucky knitters. (Minus Eunny and Lolly ...missed you!)

And I had a fantastic time. A refresher spinning course from RoseByAny. (Tourmaline went to live at her house tonight. ) It was a sight (and may be a real vision over at LightingChickKnits ... she took a picture!) to see Amy and I spinning in the middle of the Panera Breads. I brought yarns to fondle... new faces were there... and I felt better. Even better after a "come to Jesus" meeting with Coleen and Laura. Well.... just a good ol'fashioned girls and margarita bonding session. I feel that these two are almost my long lost sisters... almost like I have known them forever!

Oh! and about the soap turtle..... she makes the best and almost medicinal hand salve ever. And the kicker is... every jar is lovingly crafted for the user. Each ingredient is specifically chosen to meet the needs of the consumer. Go check her out here. Tell her what you need.... she will make you some magic.

So... thanks friends. I am feeling less and less wonky.

Feeling Wonky...

I was so excited for Maryland Sheep and Wool... and now...*sigh*.... it's gone. I have been reading that a lot of folks are loosing their knitting MOJO...and...alas.... I may be joining the posse.

I have my dyeing... that always makes me happy. June's colorway is fun!

And... I have my new turkish drop spindle. And the sucky knitters.... but... still feeling wonky....
Maybe some good knitting mojo will come back with the sunshine. Maryland has been kinda grey and cold lately.
Off to knit on the log cabin baby blanket....
*edit* WANNA SEE THE WEATHER FORECAST???
AGGGGGHHHHHHH!

Currently at 2:30 PM		[More Details]
	mostly cloudy	Temp: 65° F	RealFeel®: 62° F
Monday, May 15		[Details/AccuPOP]
	Mostly cloudy with a shower or thunderstorm in spots. Winds from the NE at 9 mph.	High: 67° F	RealFeel®: 66° F
	Monday Night: Mostly cloudy with a shower. Winds from the N at 1 mph.	Low: 49° F	RealFeel: 52° F
Tuesday, May 16		[Details/AccuPOP]
	Intervals of clouds and sunshine with a shower or thunderstorm in the afternoon. Winds from the WSW at 8 mph.	High: 68° F	RealFeel: 69° F
	Tuesday Night: A passing shower in the evening; otherwise, partly cloudy. Winds from the WSW at 4 mph.	Low: 51° F	RealFeel: 51° F
Wednesday, May 17		[Details/AccuPOP]
	Intervals of clouds and sunshine; breezy in the afternoon with a shower or thunderstorm possible. Winds from the W at 8 mph.	High: 74° F	RealFeel: 74° F
	Wednesday Night: Partly cloudy. Winds from the W at 9 mph.	Low: 51° F	RealFeel: 47° F
Thursday, May 18		[Details/AccuPOP]
	A blend of sun and clouds with a shower or thunderstorm possible; breezy in the afternoon. Winds from the WSW at 13 mph.	High: 72° F	RealFeel: 68° F
	Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy with a couple of showers and a thunderstorm. Winds from the W at 10 mph.	Low: 51° F	RealFeel: 48° F
Friday, May 19		[Details/AccuPOP]
	Variably cloudy with a shower possible. Winds from the WNW at 13 mph.	High: 70° F	RealFeel: 67° F
	Friday Night: Mostly cloudy with a shower possible. Winds from the SSW at 10 mph.	Low: 53° F	RealFeel: 49° F