tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51316436906663307102024-03-05T14:36:55.058-08:00*anastasia.handmadeanastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.comBlogger442125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-8840286557767382312013-10-29T16:11:00.001-07:002013-10-29T16:16:56.040-07:00a simple wedding partywhen i was asked if i would do some decorations for my friend jen's wedding, i instantly said 'yes', with the next step being putting together an inspiration board on pinterest. jen's pretty relaxed about this sort of thing, and the mood was delicate and simple. we wanted pastel colors and some brights, as well as a tie in with her yarn shop. it was held outside at old fort jackson, on the savannah river.<br />
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i recreated the washi bunting from her <a href="http://anastasiahandmade.blogspot.com/2012/05/miniatures-outside-dollhouse.html">cactus store opening gift</a>. the twigs were collected from my backyard, then wound with bits of colorful wool roving.<br />
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recycled paper was laid down to cover the picnic tabletops; giant binder clips work amazingly well to secure it. going for a good mix of delicate and large flowers, along with cotton still on the stem, each table was set with a mason jar of blooms. it was fun to arrange the flowers; we picked up a couple of bunches of flowers and one bouquet, which i separated, then arranged into ten jars.<br />
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it was just right for jen and connor's wedding festivities. </div>
anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-58859791891425628852013-09-12T11:08:00.000-07:002013-09-12T11:08:07.179-07:00tweaking the same old, same oldwhen not at my 9-5, my time has been spent on some projects i've been working on to bring a little transformation to my living space. mostly small details to things i already own. recently, i was finally able to acquire a set of linen sheets; which beyond the expected visual treat, makes going to sleep at night a delightful pleasure.<br />
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but then i needed to spruce up the sadly worn yellow striped bolster cover. with a linen one (of course), made of an antique flour sack i came across years ago and which has been languishing in my closet. it's soft to the touch, almost like flannel, but very thickly spun and woven. i had just enough material, with some creative patchwork and different linen endcaps, to recover the entire length.<br />
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which led to replacing the simple nightstand lamp with a cheeky edison steampunk concoction i was inspired to make after obsessing over an <i>anthropologie</i> <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/515028907357292593/">version</a> on <i>pinterest</i>. a bit of legwork to hardware, antique stores, and hobby shops combined with things i already had, and i was able to create something of the feel of the original. it's very nifty, and the delicate bits are safe from the kitties and dust.<br />
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after a little rearranging of the pictures above the lamp, i'm quite content with the feel of the space; still mine, just renewed.<br />
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anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-27978978228987389842013-08-23T13:40:00.001-07:002013-08-23T13:40:25.615-07:00what's in a name?i came across a name while reading a book last night, and it's stuck in my head as a most interesting name. <i>serafina nightingale</i>. if ever i have need of a pseudonym, it would be that.anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-66810580862671797322013-08-18T17:52:00.000-07:002013-08-18T17:54:12.291-07:00the coming end of summeri've collected together all the various bits and pieces of natural ephemera which i've picked up over the years and put them on display. delicate and fragile, they don't do well to be handled overly much; forget dusting. i should get a small bell jar. strange seed pods, feathers, silk bits, seashells, insects, and a skeleton tree frog.<br />
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for this year's <i>ga national fair</i>, i've decided to submit some of the handspun i've kept. i've been parting with the majority of what i spin to sell on consignment at the lys. it would be encouraging to win some ribbons, and funds for further purchases. the deadline for submission is coming nigh and i've only two ounces of a dusty stone cashmere remaining to be plied.<br />
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i've been busy, but not necessarily creative these last months. however, i managed to sew a new cosy for my porcelain japanese tea pot. using australian merino blanket remnants, natural linen remnants, and wool fiber for stuffing, i created a subtle and tactile two-pot cosy accented with a cognac velvet ribbon and dyed shell buttons. i think it matches the aesthetic of the tea pot beautifully. it's pure pleasure to use them both in my morning tea time routine.<br />
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anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-43662718353397447562013-06-29T15:55:00.000-07:002013-06-29T15:55:17.729-07:00time makes swift progressi've been productive, just not blogging. the local tea room commissioned 35 service tea cozies, made from a variety of fabric, reversible, and for 2-cup and 6-cup brown betty teapots, which they sell in the gift shop. i'm just finishing up the last 10. it's interesting making something that's you but not; i.e. the material isn't of my choosing, but i paired the combinations together and sewed them all. i find that i'm not at all bereft from parting with them, and though i can mentally acknowledge them, there isn't a thrill of excitement or burst of thoughts going through me when someone buys one and when i see them in the shop. perhaps there isn't the connection with them that i usually have when i create something from conception to finish. or perhaps it's because i knew from the start that they weren't "mine". hmm.<br />
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well, summer is well and truly here, with hot, humid, buggy weather and ac blasting in every building. my baby cactus has certainly grown since last <a href="http://anastasiahandmade.blogspot.com/2012/06/leaps-and-bounds.html">featured</a> on the blog; it's a year older and an inch taller. currently residing amongst my orchids in the window. a bit like a cuckoo bird, but strangely doing well amongst it's moisture loving fellows.anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-81177504260834659972013-05-05T12:47:00.001-07:002013-05-05T12:47:41.607-07:00here is my handle, here is my spout...i'm on a bit of a kick. after working out the kinks in the first knitted tea cozy, i decided to finesse the idea and created two more. both with a crocheted bottom and open top to slip the teapot into spout first. also, an excuse to use pom poms in something other than a hat.<br />
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i've had this super metallic looking teapot for awhile now. there's never been any tea in it, as it just always seemed like a showpiece, rather than a working teapot. it picks up the blues in the pom pom and is accented by the ribbon.<br />
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the other one is in yellow hues, and for a larger teapot. both were knit from an alpaca/wool blend bulky yarn and are super soft and squishy.<br />
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anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-19914144602825936322013-04-28T10:32:00.000-07:002013-04-28T10:32:06.611-07:00tea cozy competitionplease vote for my "milk & honeybees" tea cozy! follow this <a href="http://www.larkintea.com/Tea-Cozy-Competition-2013.html">link</a> to the larkin tea website. many thanks and gratitude!anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-19151502589811737512013-04-25T20:51:00.000-07:002013-04-25T20:51:05.096-07:00spring means flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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it also means a renewal of creative energy. between spinning yarn, sewing, knitting a tunic, and planning, i managed to knit a tea cozy for a competition. usually i'm not a terribly big fan of knitting. i think it's because i need to rely on a pattern and even with a swatch i'm not always certain of the finished size; and it's not like you can rip out seams and cut down the fabric to resize, or sew on another trim to make it larger, or that you can make a muslin mockup first. as well, it becomes disconcerting ripping out rows of yarn and restitching several times. so when i say that this cozy was an effort and that i'm glad teapots come in various sizes, you can take it to mean that to get exactly what i had envisioned was a trial. i'm just merry that it is as cute as it is!<br />
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not everything is focused on textiles this month; orchids are another thing which interests me. i have eight which i've recently repotted and am looking for signs of growth every time i water them. this past weekend there was an orchid show at the local mall. seeing all the varieties of shape and species is amazing! they're so exotic, but familiar, garish and humble, dazzling and so alive. i snapped many photos, but don't want to become too "family photos from our recent vacation" like, and so will share only some random favorites.<br />
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anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-73988542885920009612013-04-22T20:34:00.000-07:002013-04-22T20:34:12.664-07:00the inequalities that gall methere were two major explosions in america this week that took lives. so why were the culprits of only one of them pursued with laser-like focus and charged with manslaughter? why are businesses that take human life through carelessness and greed treated differently than those that take human life with guns and bombs? though the weapon is different the intent is not. when you do something that you know will bring destruction and the lose of life, is it not inherently "murder"? when will we punish those that hide behind the shield of "business" like we punish individuals who take the life of another?anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-88068670405604937692013-03-11T15:01:00.002-07:002013-03-11T15:01:49.988-07:00making in response to needingi've been enjoying a spurt of creativity; setting a goal for the day and finishing it. being out of work has really encouraged me to focus my hours on making things which i could sell. "if you don't have work, make work to sell" is my new motto. in the past i worked on pin cushions, which went over okay, then i created boudoir cushions, which i only sold one of, and now i'm onto tea cosies. this last is probably a reflection of creating something with utilitarian uses and the amount of tea i find myself drinking. i've become something of a teaholic these last months (okay, last two years).<br />
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being in japan gave me a great respect for their green teas, as well as an appreciation for the umami and astringency which is a major aspect of <i>ocha</i>. it's a tea which i find myself drinking several cups of during the day, and because of the low caffeine, not suffering from jitters, nerves, and insomnia as a result. i love the roasted <i>hojicha</i>, the refreshing cold barley tea, the sweet <i>uji-shimizu</i> with almond milk, and the green freshness of <i>sencha</i>. although, i do enjoy a good black tea, fruity more often than not, with sweet things. luckily, the second cup brews caffeine free.<br />
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a major influence on the tea cosy front, is the work of<i> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tarabadcock/">tara badcock</a></i>, a fantastic and prolific textile artist in australia. i've enjoyed seeing her pieces for years now, and happen to own an exquisite pincushion and change purse (which i use every day) she created. i've borrowed the ruched edge binding she does for my own cosies, as it adds an element of strong color, and a certain timeless grace. plus, who doesn't love something which is almost heedless rococo? as well, it reminds me of the costumes from <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0422720/">marie antoinette</a></i>, and gowns from that period.<br />
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all in all, i figure it's about time to live up to expectations and find my artistic footing. too often i find my creations driven from a certain selfishness; i want what i create, i create in response to things i want. it's hard for me to part from my brood of artistic expressions. thereby making it hard to earn any money. well, as it was once said, "onwards and upwards".anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-29633807125269331102013-02-26T19:59:00.000-08:002013-02-26T19:59:04.087-08:00light and spacei have a tendency to pick up bits of nature when i walk around; a fluffy feather, a piece of coral, fuzzy seed pods, driftwood, a twisted twig, really anything that grabs my attention and is small. as a result of this i have a bowl of seashells, a jar of feathers, and a vase of twigs and pods. i compiled the things i found in california in a plastic case i had, little things that refresh memories.<br />
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making the bed is always a playful time in my home; the kitties oftentimes become sandwiched between the sheets. it makes me think it could be a place of peace and awareness for them.<br />
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anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-72536355315492361612013-02-20T15:30:00.001-08:002013-02-26T20:02:20.786-08:00diy tools<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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i've been seeing a lot of mentions about a "blending board" on <i>ravelry</i> and in spinning magazines. it's a bit of a free hand fiber blending tool, allowing you to "paint" with fibers. i have a set of hand carders, but find that when i want to blend a variety of fibers and colors that it blends too thoroughly and in tiny batches. apparently, this board tool gives you a large surface and more colorblocking capabilities.<br />
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so, after a little research, i decided to make one rather than buy a finished product. it's basically a cutting board and a foot of drum carding cloth. hammer in a couple of nails, and it couldn't be any easier to start throwing bits of fiber on, tapping them down with a nail brush, and pulling them off with two dowel rods. the pulling action blends the fibers a tiny bit, and you end up with several rolags, ready to spin. i have to finesse the pulling bit, but overall, i'm really pleased with this tool when i want to make colorful spinning fiber. here's a photo of my second attempt, which i've decided to name <i>unicorn barf</i>:<br />
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anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-16808213351375830092013-02-17T07:26:00.000-08:002013-02-17T07:43:29.680-08:00refresh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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i decided to add some color to my iphone case; mostly because it was a clear case starting to turn yellow. and it was inexpensive. and for the myriad uses of washi tape. i made a paper insert to fit in the case, and added washi triangles, cut out the camera opening, popped it in, et voila!anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-68629994430234214692013-02-14T10:10:00.001-08:002013-02-17T07:38:32.737-08:00happy valentine's dayi did a little bit of nail bling for today; nothing too big. it's 24kt gold flecks and a pink heart. i noticed that the 24kt thing was popular in the nail circuit, and remembered i had some flakes left over in a jar from when i was in college and focusing on illuminated manuscripts.<br />
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i've got a couple of things i'm messing around with right now, one being spinning on my tulipwood jay spindle. it's bombyx silk and camel. it drafts smoothly and spins with a subtle tawny stripe. the other thing is i traded my violin for a ukulele; just waiting on some better strings, then i'll start to learn how to play it.<br />
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for dinner tonight i made vegetarian pot pie filled with asparagus, mushrooms, peas, onion, carrots, and beans, topped with filo dough, and served with rose wine. for dessert i baked white chocolate and cherry scones with strawberry rose champagne tea. the theme was hearts and pink. i used things i found around the house that fit into those subjects. it's really enjoyable setting the table for a special event, i should do it more often.</div>
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anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-33555311334766074022013-02-03T11:28:00.002-08:002013-02-03T11:28:58.571-08:00mud is just fine<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">i don't know anyone who doesn't have a favorite movie from their younger years; that movie which you saw so often, parts of it are permanently ingrained in your memory banks. there are plenty of movies which i can spend an enjoyable bit of time watching again, which i either own on dvd or will stop channel surfing when i come across. but, i'm pretty sure that there are one or two movies which stand out the most. in my case, it has to be a quirky musical, starring the rascal lee marvin and a really good looking, pre-chair incident, clint eastwood. the movie, <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064782/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1">paint your wagon</a></i>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">well, as it happens, i picked it up on dvd last week and decided to watch it with some musical loving friends. it's been quite a few years since last viewing; as i had it only on vhs, and like the dinosaurs, technology changes and viewing devices die. it's strange what one gets out of something so familiar. i've become more eco-conscious over the years, and since moving to and away from california these last few months, i saw something new in an old favorite. for the most part, it had to be the song lee marvin sings early on in the film, "<i>the first thing you know</i>". it goes like this:</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>God made the mountains</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">God made the sky</span></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">God made the people</span></i></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">God knows why</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">He fixed up the planet</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">As best as He could</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Then in come the people</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">And gum it up good</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">The first thing you know</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">They civilized the foothills</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">And everywhere He put hills</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">The mountains and valley below</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">They come along and take 'em</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">And civilize and make 'em</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">A place where no civilized</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Person would go</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">The first thing you know</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">The first thing you know</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">They civilize what's pretty</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">By puttin' up a city</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Where nothin' that's</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Pretty can grow</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">They muddy up the winter</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">And civilize it into </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">A place too uncivilized</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Even for snow</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">The first thing you know</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">They civilize left</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">They civilize right</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Till nothing is left</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Till nothing is right</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">They civilize freedom</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">Till no one is free</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">No one except</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">By coincidence, me</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">The first thing you know</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">The boozer's in prison</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">And the criminally isn't</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">And only the rascals have dough</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">When I see a parson</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">I gotta put my arse in</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">A wagon that follows the tail of a crow</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">The first thing you know</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">I pick up a blow!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;">The first thing you know</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">it just speaks to the environmental warrior in me. and makes me wonder about how far we haven't progressed in the years since it was recorded. <i>paint your wagon</i> was made in 1969. 43 years have come and gone, and i could wish for a better understanding of our planet, and our society's acceptance that we need to preserve it. all the things nature does for us can't easily be reinvented by mankind, and the functions that we will be forced to recreate won't work as seamlessly and balanced as the original.</span></div>
anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-19124760219970624352013-02-01T14:45:00.000-08:002013-02-01T14:45:28.481-08:00very cool!at the january meeting of the <i>carmel crafts guild</i> i gave a presentation about my trip to japan in 2010. as a result, i was given the opportunity by <i>kate larson</i> to write a little bit about it for her<i> interweave</i> blog, <i>spinning daily</i>. it's been very exciting! <a href="http://www.spinningdaily.com/blogs/connection/default.aspx">here</a> is a link to it.anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-62579916681015927582013-01-28T11:59:00.000-08:002013-01-28T11:59:43.628-08:00pom pom!while wandering around the local yarn store, i happened upon a set of pom pom makers. usually i'm not all that interested in such tools, but this time was different. maybe it was the pastel colors, or a blog <a href="http://katedaviesdesigns.com/2012/12/18/sometimes/">post</a> i recently read, or maybe that they were made by clover. whatever it was, i picked them up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tBzaE2rC0gSfjRdRzoVYsKldLzMCzEVgOO7Ednl7jkTO3Q2sMxAqVwV2hxQe8ufCyuS9ADwN__49tubPggQyis3M1DWi3X0CriN6MvmFnVbjEt8jFvJJS6nTFNoGQyGU4s7fNpkdPw/s1600/pom+pom+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tBzaE2rC0gSfjRdRzoVYsKldLzMCzEVgOO7Ednl7jkTO3Q2sMxAqVwV2hxQe8ufCyuS9ADwN__49tubPggQyis3M1DWi3X0CriN6MvmFnVbjEt8jFvJJS6nTFNoGQyGU4s7fNpkdPw/s320/pom+pom+01.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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when i got home i grabbed a bag of thrums i'd been saving (leftover warp ends from weaving), and started wrapping. this little doodad is really easy to use, and fun actually. i made a big one in old gold, then a little one in yellows, then inspiration struck! i could make pom poms for the tips of my spindle cosies! a couple of pom poms later, and i'm still fascinated. i see a future collection budding. pom poms, who knew?<br />
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anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-8260002037044097462013-01-21T09:32:00.000-08:002013-01-21T09:32:22.554-08:00winter slowdowni've not been particularly active in the creation area lately. however, i skeined the cream cashmere i'd been working on these last few months. comparing it to others i've spun, it's the finest in size. which is why it probably took so long to spin. the results are so soft and pretty though, so it was worth it. happily, i've got some warm grey cashmere fiber to spin up in my hoard. because these fibers are so fine, i feel as if i should only spin them up laceweight.<br />
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following in jean's footsteps, i went through all of my handspun and labeled each skein with the fiber type, yardage, and year created. i'm glad i decided to do that, as i had trouble remembering when and what for a couple of them. luckily, i've been fairly good at documenting my spinning on this blog.anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-42594699568629848702012-12-27T21:19:00.002-08:002012-12-27T21:19:36.421-08:00a whole lot of bah humbug with a smattering of warm tidingschristmas is an unusual time for me, both horror at it's suddenness and irritation at the all consuming nature it has taken on. both feelings could be traced to several factors: too many years working retail to be thoroughly disgusted by the time december finally arrives; the small selection of thematic songs which are repeatedly played in every store, tv commercial, radio station, and supermarket, year after year; the constant reminder of being surrounded by family (painful if you're not able to be); the fact that work in my industry is slow and paychecks small during these months; and the driven consumerism that the holidays entail. one weeks celebration is fine, if each holiday stays in it's own month i would have zero issues with this one in particular. all of which combines to make one want to hide out in a part of the world where christmas doesn't exist (until the craziness subsides).<br />
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but, come the week of christmas, i am happy to be cheery and bright, put up small decorations, and cherish gift wrapped packages under a tree (however unusual). happily, though i was far from family, i had a lovely day and received even lovelier gifts!<br />
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anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-90622277794346143592012-12-23T21:07:00.001-08:002012-12-23T21:07:43.149-08:00blues on a monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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while waiting for some work to be done on my car, i walked down to the <i>monterey bay aquarium</i>. it was just at opening, so the crowds were small, and i was able to safely move into the child friendly "splash zone" without risk to self or hearing. i find it interesting that no matter how often i visit, i find something new to gaze at. on this day it was these two blue and purple hued tanks, above and below:<br />
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apparently it was feeding time at the large tank, and i was able to witness a school of sardines eating krill. they're fast. like, piranha fast. and can eat massive amounts in a swirl of light and motion which darts here and there like a moving wave of quicksilver. it was utterly fascinating! makes me wonder what it would look like when it's bluefin tuna feeding time...anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-75992916580326680412012-12-13T18:01:00.002-08:002012-12-14T19:30:06.943-08:00san francisco<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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i wandered over to san francisco yesterday; the weather reports all said rain, it was clear and sunny when i got there. mostly it was to visit japantown and chinatown. i also wanted to check out some hopefully yummy french tea which was to be found at a french tea and macaron shop, <i>chantal guillon</i>. the tea was lovely, <i>marco polo</i> black tea by <i>mariage freres</i>, and i always take delight in a macaron.<br />
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i found this nifty little palm grass scrubby which is so tactile and a great color at an interesting hardware/kitchenware/paper store on post street; i'm not sure if i'll use it to actually scrub anything. it's one of those things that make large cities so interesting; shops don't just specialize in one area. chinatown was like being immersed in another country, and i oohed and ahhed over the 24kt gold figurines found in the window displays of jewelry stores. i often find myself at a loss as to what else to do when one is in chinatown, other than eat, and look at what is being sold as food.<br />
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one of my favorite things is this little baby owl incense holder from <i>shoyeido</i>, which i came across in a lovely scent filled store in japantown. i've had my eye on it for some time now, and was glad it was just as cute in person as it is on their website. you lift the little <i>chouette</i> off it's leaf and there's a small ceramic holder for stick or cone incense; the smoke comes out it's ears and tail area.<br />
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anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-57582705952779629842012-12-09T20:49:00.000-08:002012-12-09T20:50:16.217-08:00fluidity of motion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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i've been spinning some cream cashmere, and progressing slowly, having only started it back in october. but, a few days ago i completed the singles, weighing in at a little under an ounce. plying is usually more alluring for me, as you get to see your work as it will look when finished. it goes quicker too; only two days.<br />
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spinning is something i do when waiting, while having a slow time at work, when i need to give my emotions a rest, and something to set time aside to do. i can't say for sure how many hours it takes to create a skein of yarn, there's no log book i record time in; it's more fluent than that.<br />
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as well, it takes longer to create a finer thread. i had the dropsies several times; and had to, at the end, freeze my spindle to get the shaft unstuck from the whorl. for now this yarn will remain a lovely dumpling, as i am far away from my skein winder. although it is easier to use it in this form to knit with, i like seeing the skein; it brings truth to the way the fiber rests, and is how i full the yarn.<br />
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anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-33250526905788746032012-12-02T21:30:00.001-08:002012-12-02T21:31:14.955-08:00go yoga gowell, i've been practicing yoga on a regular basis for the last 50 days, trying to go at least three times a week. i'm proud to have been able to dedicate time to my physical welfare, as it has been only too easy to let exercise fall by the wayside of life. mostly, it's because i find the majority of physical pursuits mentally boring. but, rowing, that i could get interested in. alas, a rowing machine won't fit in my room. so, instead, there's yoga! i'm going to try for three months of steady yoga dedication; i read somewhere that it takes three months to create a habit. here's a photo of my class card, which i snapped as a bit of a memorial of time and effort.<br />
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anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-17614684321849211192012-11-22T13:07:00.002-08:002012-11-22T13:08:18.920-08:00pie day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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happy thanksgiving!</div>
anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5131643690666330710.post-78976684954363238022012-11-20T22:14:00.003-08:002012-11-20T22:14:59.172-08:00sheldonismsas i watch <i>the big bang theory</i>, i can truthfully say that i find myself using the phrases "sticky wicket", "bazinga", and randomly humming "soft kitty, warm kitty...". i love this show; the last two episodes have been incredibly, deliciously, funny.anastasiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08293672410131916800noreply@blogger.com0