Dropped Dolls!

An update on the little adventurers.  They have been dropped around town and have hopefully found good homes.  I really hope that the new owner notifies me or The Toy Society because it's so much fun to hear about their find.  If not, I'm not going to get hung up on it.  It is what it is, right?

The first one was left at our local supermarket, with Snoopy.

I left the second one at the downtown mall.

I can't wait to make some more toys to drop around town.  I have a few ideas in the works and need to draft up some patterns.  See you later!  Going to eat some food and head back to work...boo!

Local Yarnbombing- Part 2!!

 So, a little more about Cast Away.  The cute, local shop behind The Pole Sweater Project I mentioned last time.  I love everything about this place.

From the friendly owner, Justine (check out the cross stitched top she's wearing- lovely)

to the window displays!  Everything, people.

Even their printed promo stuff is wonderful.  Ackkk, my favorite color green!!

Helpful, too!  The back of the business cards have a little needle chart, so you know exactly what you need.  How clever is that?!  Since I'm not a knitter, it's all Greek to me, but I still think it's great.  Us stitchy folks need something similar...hmmmm, we'll have to start brainstorming.

In addition to tons of fabulous yarn, they have lots of books and magazines.  There is also a great button selection.  I could spend hours... and hundreds picking out the perfect ones. 

But you want to know the best part?  There is a huge selection of classes and activities to participate in.  I can't wait until I have time to pick up yet another hobby.  There is even a cozy little place in the store where people can hang out and knit.  So fun.

 Local folks- there are few cool things coming up this month.  On October 28th there will be a Be Sweet Trunk show.  Don't you love to support companies that are doing good?  I know I do.  There will also be a workshop with Sonoma County artist, Rosemary Hill.  Her patterns alone are enough to make me want to learn some new skills, they're just gorgeous.

Hope you've enjoyed hearing a little bit about one of the places that helps to make my community so unique.  I also hope that you are enjoying a creative Friday, thanks for looking.  I'll be back in a while with Snapshot Friday, I need to refuel with some Spinach Lasagna...yum, yum.

p.s.  Remember- shop local!  (Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now.  It's just important, you know?)

Local Yarnbombing- Part 1

I love the subject so much, I'm going to make it a two part post.  I think it's always a good idea to double up on colorful goodness.

As an artist and all around craftastic person, I appreciate things that put creativity into the public's view.  It's one thing to discuss work with your fellow artsy friends or to share projects with your fellow craft lovers.  However, when art is created in public or displayed in a communal area, it adds a whole new dimension.  People who wouldn't normally experience that culture are forced into the middle of it.  Perhaps forced is too harsh a word but I mean it in the most positive context.  This exposure leaves people enriched and curious- curious about the materials, how it was made, it's creator.  Often people are inspired to makes something of their own and in most cases, they are left wanting more.  

I am also a person who believes that there is a fine line between Art and Craft.  There is certainly work that fits into both categories.  Knowing what you do about me, you can understand why I completely fell in love with Yarnbombing the first time I ever heard about it.

Just imagine my excitement when I heard that good ol' Santa Rosa had a bunch of yarn-filled fun happening at the moment.  I was practically beside myself with delight.  The Street Pole Sweater Project was created when Justine of Cast Away, a sweet little yarn store, teamed up with other local businesses and knitters to add a little excitement to a downtown area known as Railroad Square.

Check out their results!  Pure Awesome.

Bikes are EVERYWHERE in Sonoma County!

My favorite little bit.  I have no idea what this pattern is called, but I love it!

This last one makes me think of Little Italy.  How about you?

Doesn't it look great?  It makes me happy every time I see one.  Next part of this post I'll tell you a more about adorable Justine and her awesome shop!  Stay tuned...

Hope that you're enjoying a creative day.  When you get a chance go outside and find something inspiring.  Better yet, leave something inspiring for someone else to find!  You won't regret it.