Garden Party Quilt

Posted on by Dan

Sometimes you just need to stop what you are doing, gather up your stuff and head to the cabin – the log cabin that is. Virginia got the bug two weeks ago, and what follows shows the sequence of what happened over the course of those 14 days, as she made her way through puzzling out a log cabin quilt, piecing it together (both sides) and finishing it. The name of the quilt will be self-evident.

Garden Party Quilt

Garden Party Quilt

Garden Party Quilt

Garden Party Quilt

Garden Party Quilt

Garden Party Quilt

Garden Party Quilt

And, yes, you read that correctly – both sides are log cabins.

Garden Party Quilt

It’s the perfect way to usher in the summer.

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Rainbows for All

Posted on by Dan

Wouldn’t it be great if we didn’t have to have conversations about who gets to do what and who is entitled to such and such? That the sorts of things enjoyed by some people, would be available to all people? Instead, we live in a world, though full of creative and loving people, is also full of hate and fear. Instead of embracing the differences that make us individuals, we respect only those that make people most like ourselves.

I’ve tried not to be too divisive on this blog, or have rants of any sort, but this sort of thing shouldn’t even be an issue. And, this year seems to be a good year to make a statement, especially for states that could potentially have discrimination being written into their constitutions.

The owls know what I’m talking about. They’re lightyears ahead of us humans.

Owl Couple

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Northern Magic

Posted on by Dan

We’re back from a relaxing trip up north, full of inspiration and rest. And, it might be time to revive the old blog.

Moody Lake Superior

The fun part of these trips is the time allowed to explore, both our surroundings, as well as some new crafty ideas. Partly inspired by the new spring growth, the mossy trees and the fun of finding beautifully weathered driftwood, I decided to capture some of that magic in the form of wee wizards.

Wee Wizard

Measuring a scant 4 inches tall, I’ll be giving each wizard a unique driftwood “staff.” I’m not sure how waterproof these guys are, so I wouldn’t recommend keeping them outside in your garden, but they could certainly live next to an indoor plant or on a shelf.

Wee Wizard

And, of course, with all these creations, I can never stop at just one. And, if you want one for yourself, you can find them here.

Wee Wizards

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One More Before the End (of the Year, that is)

Posted on by Dan

I feel like I should make some excuse for why I’ve neglected to post anything for the past (what has it been?) two months. Now that the holidays are winding down, I do feel like there’s a little bit more breathing room. When I haven’t been at my day job, I’ve been doing a fair amount of felting, thanks in part for a little mention in the Dec./Jan. issue of Knitting Today!, as well as the aforementioned opportunity at the Walker.

Time to Get Busy

But, that all seems like old news. The flurry of wool and needles and boxes and shipping labels has calmed. The real reason why I wanted to get back to this blog was to share this amazing knitted gift I received from Virginia.

Fair Isle Hat

It’s a hat that even the coldest, most bitter winds of winter cannot penetrate. The Fair Isle pattern is from Japanese designer Toshiyuki Shimada, in the book Northern European Knit Accessories.

Fair Isle Hat

Hidden underneath that warm flap are miles more of cool patterns:

Fair Isle Hat

Did I say miles?

Fair Isle Hat

There are so many different ways to wear this thing, that I could sport a new look every day of the week. And, in case this wasn’t warm enough as is, there’s also a cozy lining:

Fair Isle Hat

I thought this would be a fitting piece to share, as both a bit of fireworks to end out this year, and also a bit of inspiration for the one around the corner. So, here’s to a craft-filled new year, with motivating projects, exciting challenges, and plenty of good cheer.

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Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Posted on by Dan

The pursuit of flight is as much an interest to bears as it is to humans. The ability to take to the skies, leaving behind the old homestead and exploring new worlds must be an urge for all creatures.

Bear in Flight

Some are, obviously, naturally gifted with the power. Most are not. And, it took months of tireless research to find the solution – research that started with interviews, sharing of knowledge and, even, inter-species cooperation (though, not always helpful in terms of finding the ability to leave the ground).

Bear with Chicken

Finally, a breakthrough. One bear figured out the most unlikely solution to the problem – a result of using only materials readily available, will power and a lot of luck. Thus was born the Land-to-Air Navigation Apparatus (or LANA for short). A quick flight around Lake Superior revealed the true power of the device. Life may never be the same for bears.

Fun at the Lake

So, I’ve been contracted to equip those bears who are interested in leaving terra firma. Not surprisingly, many are lining up – ready to explore new places, see new lands and, of course, customize their new LANAs (jet-pack for the layperson).

Bears waiting for Jet Packs

For a limited time, I am excited to announce the Walker Art Center Shop will be facilitating this dispersal of bears into the world-at-large. Look for them in the museum store from mid-November through early February.

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