Cats and rabbits

After moaning yesterday I thought I'd share some of the good stuff.

I loved making these two, even though the black mohair was extraordinarily difficult to grapple with.Much easier when I changed tactic but too black to use more than occasionally.I have masses of solid dyed fibres, no doubt they'll get used eventually.

I became quite enamoured with the shade of blue of the above fabric.One of my pieces from Donna, I've decided it's French Navy and it looks perfect with red.

I'm drawing breath at the minute, a little in limbo as I wait to see how the work is recieved.

I'm sure I'll feel the urge to begin again soon but for now it's nice just to be busy doing nothing.

My knitting has been restarted though unfortunately after knitting the back of Wicker (then leaving it for eight months )the wool has been discontinued.At some point I need to track it down and finish it or unravel it.As it was to be my first knitted garment that I actually wore I am loathe to give up so for the time being I am enjoying my lovely FIL sock.

And I went to the library today and chose books to read instead of research material.

Feeling chirpier by the moment.

Grateful

Oh my word. (please click on pic to see detail better)

Today I sent off four boxloads of work to three galleries.
To say I was relieved was an understatement.I have learnt SO much about what is important to me, about commitment and in general, the elusive work/life balance.
I made, what is probably the classic mistake of not viewing it as 'work'.
It was something I loved doing, right?
So, even though I was doing a regular day job, I was still putting in hours most evenings, all weekends etc etc.I have neglected my family and home, it hasn't been a great experience to be honest.And I feel really bad for even thinking that, but overall that is how I feel.

I don't know where that leaves me, to be honest.
I had a massive crisis of confidence a few weeks ago, when one of those'life shifts' occured and things clicked and dropped into place .I still have more questions than answers, Unfortunately reality bites and blogland can cushion you from the facts.Support is wonderful and essential but we are all chasing the same elusive dream.
And I'm not sure it's out there.
This, however, is not all doom and gloom.
Like the scene in Sex and the City when Miranda realises that guys don't ring, because they're 'just not that into you' it can be empowering.It's just a thought.There are other things going on, in all our lives.
I took 203 photo's today.
That should feed the blog for a while.
I've made some work I definately want to pursue.
I don't want to see anything that resembles a fairy for a long time.

Anyway, all is good.
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts, I'm sure I'm not alone in this earth shattering realisation.
Just a bit behind the door.

the last hurrah

In a last minute flurry of activity I have been making figures non stop.

Or, at least that's what it feels like, give or take the chunks of time spent on the day job.Trying to dry them quicker figures are festooned on door handles and balanced precariously on radiators.In good weather this isn't required, half a day on a sunny window sill is more than enough to get the drying process established.Unfortunately, the season being true to form the figures can languish, never getting dryer than a sodden lump if the initial layer isn't dried properly and fairly rapidly.

So they're currently balanced on cotton reels and button jars, these in turn atop a toasty radiator or lay using their wings as a buffer.

As a little incentive I've bought myself some sock wool which is sat on a pile of knitting books, placed in a strategic place on the floor so that every time I go into the kitchen I can glance across at it and think, 'soon, very soon'.

I'm an angel!

I've hinted enough at this event in the last few months.
It's taken a long time, with lots of phone calls, emails and discussions but the day has arrived.
I've finally joined their illustrious ranks and am now an Earth Angel.
I'm very proud and happy to be represented by the lovely Jen, a New York lady who works tirelessly to promote her artists.
You can read my 'introduction' here at earthangeltoys .I'm going to try to add the link to my sidebar too.
Off to do a spot of sewing now.

Christmas is coming

Or at least it is in our house.

These guys are toys for toys and are about two inches high.They're all based on original antique bears and each one has their source hand painted on their back.I'm going to do some solo ones too, little stocking fillers for the exhibitions.

I must dash, soon time will be my friend again!

A hard day's night

I wanted this image to be much bigger, to show the detail of the face but it calls for more photos and it's too late now.

I love all these new girls ( I know you're not supposed to say it yourself) but they have been around me for a while now and I do like their quiet charm.

I made their faces slightly differently and included noses on them, which certainly helped whilst painting and, also helped define their individual characters.

When things are calmer I'm looking forward to exploring these further and taking them into my imagined direction.

As it stands, I may have to compromise as I haven't the time to make their hand knitted/hand sewn garments quite how I'd like.

The smocking on the cardigan turned into more of a gathering arrangement but served the purpose of making a better fit.Sewing the lining in was relatively easy and enjoyable, I did want to knit her a matching beret but the ears will have to do, much easier.

I've had a clash of commitments this last week or so, what with the job search,making new work and some considerable home improvents on the go my time management has been stretched.

After this is over (in the nicest possible way!) I'm promising myself some nice creative treats.Something more lighthearted and hopefully involving some new projects just for me.Finishing my second FIL sock, my Wicker cardigan and maybe starting my Kaffe Fasset throw as well fingerless mitts and arm warmers to be knitted, books to be read...........

The list goes on.

Do you have a 'wish list' of things to make for yourself?

Have a lovely, productive weekend.