Back in the Saddle

I have decided to dust off the cyber-cobwebs on this blog and continue posting my crocheted creations. I've given away countless little baubles and bibelots without bothering to take any photographic evidence, so bear with me while I post a few similar photos as a proxy. In 2010, I transferred out of the minor leagues by making a few articles of clothing. I started with this sweater (using brown lamb's wool) as part of my mother's Christmas present. The antique mall near my apartment had some cheap grab bags of vintage buttons that I couldn't pass up, so I bought enough buttons to adorn at least 10 sweaters. Such is the norm when I walk through antiques shops unattended. I ended up using a matching set of white/gold buttons that reminded me of pinwheels -- I'll take a picture of them one day, I will! They added an element of individuality and charm that made the sweater rather endearing.

After I finished the sweater, I asked myself, "now what should I do with the leftover yarn?" I was riding the garment-creation high and figured that a vest would use up the last skein without having to worry about sleeves and such. Here's a picture from the pattern I chose, though I'll probably replace it with my own picture shortly. I can't remember the last time I wore a vest, but this one has me thinking that they might not be a bad trend to bring back (quite unlike leggings and any derivative thereof). I actually saw a pair of corduroy leggings in a store not too long ago...corggings? I may hate on leggings now, but I did wear them constantly from about ages 4-10. That's 2190 solid days of cotton/spandex, folks.

What inspires you, craft-wise? What is the ratio of crafts you keep to the crafts you give away to others? I'd say that my inspiration comes from equal parts of family suggestions, boredom, and a general sort of whimsy that I'd say fuels a lot of what I do. Even when I follow patterns (this applies to recipes too, actually), I always change something up to see what happens. I'd say that my keep-to-give ratio is about 1:99 at this point. As my relatives grow tired of receiving random items, I'll have to expand the recipient circle a bit.