Knitspiration – Page 12 – Universal Yarn Creative Network

February 9, 2015February 9, 2015

Knitspiration – Happy Birthday Miss Jones

How about a special birthday Knitspiration?

Rockwell Happy Birthday Miss Jones colors — Happy Birthday Miss Jones – Norman Rockwell 1956 – with Deluxe Worsted Superwash

What I love about this picture – and about all of Norman Rockwell’s work – is that it tells a story. The eraser on the floor shows that her students wrote on her board in a rush and then had to scramble back to their seats. The eraser on the student’s head shows that maybe they’re not always little angels. And the fact that Miss Jones isn’t bothered that they’ve ruined all her multiplication problems shows that she’s the kind of teacher who values her children’s high spirits and appreciates their thoughtful intent.

Heather birthday tiara — You may address me as “Your Majesty.”

Today is my birthday, and like Miss Jones, I recognize this as an opportunity to reflect on generosity and intention. I am truly fortunate to have the kind of co-workers here at Universal who will bomb my office with streamers and present me with the traditional Universal Yarn Birthday Tiara.

This is a time to be thoughtful and ask: what opportunities can I seize in my life to show un-asked for care to others? Am I showing generosity to myself as well as to others?

Twist Collective – Aphelion in Good Earth

Today I will practice gratitude for the abilities that I have – to think, to craft, and to love. And I will be grateful, too, for those who appreciate those gifts.

knitwear Fall Winter 2013 kite-cardigan Deluxe Chunky — Interweave Knits – Kite Cardigan in Deluxe Chunky

What will you do today to bring joy to yourself or someone else? Whether you create a garment or a moment, know that what you do has value.

Twist Collective - Scribe Mittens in Deluxe Worsted — Twist Collective – Scribe Mittens in Deluxe Worsted

Happy knitting.

February 2, 2015

Knitspiration – Frozen Waterfall

If the groundhog is right, we’re in for six more weeks of winter. As lovers of yarn, we are undaunted!

We’re going to embrace our inner Elsa and love those cool tones.

We’re going to pull out the needles and hooks and savor every moment!

Skyscraper Shawl in Classic Shades Big Time

How about you? What will you make with your six weeks?

January 26, 2015

Knitspiration – Comestibles

Blizzard coming your way? Let’s warm up.

Comestibles Dorothy Dell Dennison 1952 with swatches_blog — Comestibles by Dorothy Dell Dennison (1952)

Not scorching, perhaps, but warm enough to want to stay in the shade. The open, inviting doorway is a connection rather than a divider between the two women. Although both are occupied with the tasks of day-to-day life, you can almost hear the conversation. Is the seated woman knitting? I’d like to think so.

Llamalini Comestibles — Fibra Natura Llamalini

This reminds me of the warm tones in Llamalini, a blend of royal alpaca, linen, and silk bourette spun in Argentina. There are some additional jeweltones rounding out the palette that you can see on our website.

What do these colors inspire you to make?

If you’re in the storm’s path, stay in. Pick up a project. Think thoughts of sunnier days.

Happy knitting.

January 19, 2015January 19, 2015

Knitspiration – Novella d’Andrea

Shall we have a little Monday knitspiration? Will you indulge me for a brief history lesson?

marie-eleonore-godefroid1778-1849 with palette_B — Novella d’Andrea by Marie-Éléonore Godefroid

I love those rich tones, warm and deep.

Deluxe Chunky Novella 96 — Deluxe Chunky

What would you make?

Shaves of Wheat Reversible Scarf in Deluxe Chunky

Inspired Dolman in Cotton Gold and Garden 5

Our inspirational painting speaks to me because it’s something rarely acknowledged in history: a portrait of a woman whose story was told by a woman and who was painted by a woman. All were notable figures in their day, but all have been largely ignored by history. It’s vital to remember the forgotten past.

The subject of the painting is Novella d’Andrea, a legal scholar in the early 1300s. She was educated by her father, a professor of law. When he fell ill, she is said to have taken over his lectures, teaching from behind a curtain lest her beauty distract the students.

Her story is known because of Christine de Pisan, a medieval author who lived around 1400. The portrait was painted by Marie-Éléonore Godefroid, a French artist active in the early 1800s. All three of these ladies did not fit the traditional mold of an artist. All three still gained success during their lifetimes. All three were left by the wayside after their deaths. In the last few decades, they’ve been discovered again.

The Seventh Book of Hows — The Seventh Book of “Hows” – 1911

As a crafter, it is satisfying to see the contributions of artists, authors, and teachers outside the mainstream recognized. Many of us do not fit the stereotypical picture of needlecrafters or perhaps have come to our craft through non-traditional means. Most of us do not have the recognition of the industry. However, we all have an important part to play in keeping the art and story of our craft alive. Each new pattern or technique you share, no matter how complex or simple, enriches us all.

Let’s all welcome others into the craft. Spread the word. Keep our art and history alive.

Craft on, friends.

December 29, 2014December 29, 2014