I haven't completely stopped sketching

sketchbook
Originally uploaded by ktes750

I decided I was too tired to knit something the other night since it was something that required more attention than the dish clothes I had been working on. I picked up my sketchbook instead figuring if I screwed that up, I'd just turn the page. That beats ripping out stitches any day.

I probably should have turned the page after screwing up the legs on the globe stand but I just kept going. My cat did not try to attack the pen as is her usual activity while I draw. I had already worn her out by playing with her so she was content to sleep beside me. It was fun to draw her but even in her sleep she changes positions too often for me. I'll just have to keep trying.

Knitting - The Project That's Filling all My Sketch Time

knitting
Originally uploaded by ktes750

Every spare second has been filled with knitting for the last two weeks, or at least that's how it feels. I have learned to knit after a 20-some year break. I'm taking a class and it's wonderful because I'm actually learning all the basics besides the actual knit and purl stitch, like how to bind off and read a pattern. Next week we are to learn how to do cable stitches. I've finished two dish clothes and am working on a third, started a scarf (pink/purple) and have a large practice piece that is a pattern similar to a rib stitch that I will probably finish soon and give to my daughter as a doll afghan.

I'm having a great time and am really hoping that the shop where I'm taking lessons will offer a sock project class soon. I really want to learn to knit socks. That was on my goal list for this year and I have purchased the supplies already.

8 mm film projector

Last night the family had an old movie night. We watched family films from the 1950's and 1960's. This projector has been working hard for almost 60 years! It was purchased in 1951, shortly after the 8mm film camera.

We had such a good time and the kids loved the "old technology" aspect. We got out the slide projector too and loved the old slides. There's nothing quite like the sound of clicking through the slides (or the inevitable muttering when they jam).

Goal for Knitting This Year

Goal for Knitting
Originally uploaded by ktes750

In one of my books I read that one way to keep yourself motivated on your goals is to invest in it. I signed up for knitting classes and start on Monday. It is a beginning class and I think it's a good place to start. The only knitting I've done was just the knit stitch and while I remember how to cast on and knit, I don't remember much else.

I put this in my sketch book because I'm excited about the class and I'm hoping by keeping my goals in front of me all the time, I'll stay motivated. Now, I just need to draw more too. That was also on the goals list.

Birdfeeder Birds

Birdfeeder Birds
Originally uploaded by ktes750

I spent a lazy Sunday morning sitting at the dining room table and sketching birds. They are difficult in that they don't often sit still. At least they kept coming back often. The great backyard bird count is coming up soon. I think I have identified most of my frequent feeder birds and am ready for the count.

My Art Space

My space is feeling more like home. I still have some organizing to do on the shelves though. It is nice to have a home for some of my fun stuff. The peacock light that was supposed to be a white elephant gift but it's still hanging around. I'm going to enjoy my $2 garage sale purchase and then, maybe, I'll give it away. It's actually quite mesmerizing to watch as it changes colors. I need to pull out my folders and fill my new bulletin boards yet. The fish mobile was made by my husband's grandmother years ago.



Below is a close up of some of my inspirational stuff.

Arty Christmas Gifts

I received several pieces of art for Christmas. This is the corner of my dining room. The picture of the blue flower with the red background is an Erin original. The coffee print on the bottom is from Aimee at Artsyville. The other coffee print is from a garage sale. The other two prints are the new ones.


Erin picked this one out from one of my favorite artists. I follow Genine's blog online and enjoy all her art. Erin and I watched a lovely video of her creating one of her pieces. That is where she hatched the idea of purchasing on for me for Christmas. Michael helped Erin to pick this out and order it for me. I love it!

And this lovely art is from my good friend Sarah. She spent almost a year creating it! First, she picked out and ordered seeds. Then she planted them and cared for them. Then she harvested and took these beautiful photos, printed them out and created this lovely collage of photos.

Unfortunately, my photos of them are not the best. I could not close the shades so my reflection appears in both of them. Getting a new dining room window shade is on the to-do list for this weekend.

I think it's beginning to work!

Pictures 128
Originally uploaded by ktes750

The scale finally moved just slightly so did the Wii fit. My perfectly flat graph line on the Wii sloped downhill this morning! Thank goodness as I was beginning to think that all the exercise was not working. This was just what I needed to make sure that I got back on the treadmill tonight after work and also did my strength training.

Phew!

I drew this on Friday after a very motivational pep talk about diet and exercise. The speaker had lost 5-6 sizes about 4 years ago and was speaking from experience. She was very encouraging. I've read that doing something creative with your goals helps engage more of your brain in the fight to reach them so I doodled what I felt I really needed to add to my routine.

Random Colors Friday Journal Page

Pictures 127
Originally uploaded by ktes750

I sit in the same place every Friday evening while Erin is in dance and I am amazed that I can always find something different to draw. I've done close up studies of the lamp post right outside the door, the senior housing just across the parking lot and now a distant house and associated buildings. If I'd waiting about 20 more minutes, there would have been a huge moon right behind those trees. It was absolutely beautiful, large and full hanging in an absolutely clear dark bright blue sky nearly the color of the WC pencil that the buildings roof tops are colored in.