Creativ Festival

Mmmmm.  Yarny fibery goodness.

Last year I became aware of the Creativ Festival.  This is a show meant for crafters and is a great place to check out crafting materials for sewing, quilting, beading, needlework and knit and crochet.   

I saw it online last year but wasn't sure whether it would be worth my time to travel into Toronto and attend the show.  It seemed there was some yarn involved but could primarily be sewing and quilting.  Sewing is something I also enjoy, but not enough to make going to the show worthwhile.  I also didn't have anyone to go with (insert sad Laura).  I am not against going to these types of shows alone.  Let's face it, it's more fun to go with someone.

Lovin' the fabric!

This year it worked out perfectly.  My friend and fellow crafter Aimee was available to go to the show.  She sews up headbands, belts and other cool accessories.  In the end I was very glad I went.  While we didn't take part in any of the classes or talks, we did enjoy walking through the exhibits checking out ideas and materials.  Aimee picked up a selection of cool fabrics.  While I was primarily out for the yarn, I also found some fabric for myself.  This little piece of yumminess will become an overlay for my table at craft shows.

There were a few booths selling the uber bulky weight yarn I had first come across on Pinterest.  There was Alpaca and Merino wool available.  Unfortunately, it will still way out of my budget.  As I wiped the drool away (and the tears) I left the yarn behind.  Check out this super comfy looking blanket made from this yarn.  Maybe someday it will be mine.

Super awesome blanket.  I wish we had
touch-o-vision so you could feel how soft it was!

Sorry dear wool - you can't come home with me today (sniff)

I also found some creative and unusual uses for yarn.

Check out this creation by the Crochet Crowd

Yarn bombed bike!

While I was worried about how many choices of yarn there would be, I didn't need to be.  There were all kinds of yarns available.  It ranged from the very expensive yarn I just mentioned above to acrylic yarns that were more reasonably priced.  

Love the colours! This is not your acrylic yarn :)

Some yarn bling

When I attend shows like this, I'm usually looking for something that I wouldn't normally buy or find in my typical yarn shopping venues.  It is like a treat for me.  I managed to find a few that I picked up.  I don't have any particular projects planned but am thinking a hat, scarf, shawl.  They could all work.  

Ta Da!  My new yarn for the stash!  Again, I wish you could feel the softness.

I didn't attend the KW knitter show this year as I was volunteering at an early morning race and my parents were then in town.  This is another great place to find new and amazing yarn.  I was so happy to be able to attend the show today.  It was totally worth it and I would suggest this show to any person who enjoys crafting with any kind of fiber.

The show is on all weekend so if you're interested in going, follow the link at the top and check out the show.  

Cheers!

Laura

Thoughts on yesterday's events in Ottawa

Yesterday was indeed a shocking day for Canada.  A young solider standing guard at the War Memorial was shot from a very close distance.  This was followed by shots ringing out in the halls of Parliament only a few minutes later.  Watching the video shot in the centre block and hearing the shots ring through the halls was eerie.  Seeing photos of the solider on the ground being given CPR takes a part of your heart and just rings it.  In the end, the shooter was shot himself by the Sargeant at Arms in Parliament but the situation continues to hit home for me.

Touching editorial cartoon posted in The Herald depicting the soliders that went before him assisting Cpl. Nathan Cirillo (http://thechronicleherald.ca/editorial-cartoon/2014-10-23-editorial-cartoon)

I have heard "In Canada, we aren't used to this" and I would say we aren't.  In my opinion, no one should be 'used to' that kind of act and in the end I don't think anyone is.  I'm a social media nut and my Twitter and Facebook were plastered with thoughts, photos, etc. related to this incident.  There were photos and stories that brought sadness and shock (like those mentioned above or the photo of Cpl. Nathan Frank Cirrilo who was the solider shot) shortly followed by photos of solidarity and strength for Canada.  

Cpl. Nathan Cirillo - More than just a solider.

Now as Canadians, as a world, we are left with "What do we do?"  For me, it is a question of balancing the need/want to acknowledge what happened but also not allow this to change me or my behaviour so much that I begin to change how I live.  I feel that the people who do these acts are aiming for that - us to change our lives and live differently.  I feel that knowing they have had that impact on the lives of people in the country is what gives these extremists power.  

I also keep in mind a part of a psychology lecture I taught just a week ago on heuristics.  Heuristics are mental short cuts we use in making decisions and one of them is the the availability heuristic which says that how easily we can think of an event impacts our perception of how likely it is for that type of event to happen.  For this situation, it means that because this has happened and received so much attention, we are likely to 'assume' that these events are quite likely to happen.  It isn't the most accurate way to make decisions but it is what we have a tendency towards and I think, for me, knowing this helps.  It helps me keep in mind that as horrific as this event was, the likelihood of it happening again, while not impossible, is quite unlikely.  For myself, I need this information to help focus on moving forward and focus on all the good in this world.

These are my own thoughts and others can certainly feel differently.  From here, I will certainly think of Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, his family and friends.  My thoughts are with all those who serve us (military, police, and other first responders).  And I will focus on all the good in the world.  There are so many people doing such fantastic things each and every day.  Unfortunately, even when they do get media time it is usually quite quick in relation to events such as this.  I need to keep this in mind.  

I am impressed by the response of people around the world to this event.  Canadians of course are coming together and showing support by flying flags half mast in their communities, posting photos of remembrance for Nathan Cirillo, creating hastags such as #Canadastrong, and photos meant to help us move forward.  One act I heard about last night especially stands out in my mind.  At the Pittsburgh Penguins home game, they sang the Canadian national anthem.  There were two US teams playing so this was done to show support for Canada only.  Very classy if you ask me.  To see this sign of solidarity, you can find the story here. 

Col. Chris Hadfield posted something on his Facebook page yesterday that really reasonated with me.

Well said Col. Hadfield!  Let's all pay tribute to those who keep us safe, those who were affected yesterday, and continue to be the Canada that makes us who we are.  Toques, poutine, friendliness, and support (especially for those closer to the situation).  Do what you need to pay tribute.  Take the time that you need to process all this.  And do what you need to move past it.  

Apple. Butter. Cheese.

I've awoken from my slumber. At least that is how it feels.  After a few weeks of holding down two jobs, completing renos, and keeping a family running I now have less on my plate.  Yippee!  More time for creating!

A couple of weeks ago, I was invited by a friend of mine to join her at a local festival.  I'm almost embarrassed to say that despite living in the area for 10+ years I have never been to the Wellesley Apple Butter and Cheese festival.  This year was my first and I got to be a vendor!  I still didn't have as much product as I would have liked (Do you ever?) but managed a fairly good display.  By the time I took this photo, the Olaf hat had already sold.

Display including new screen

Despite being held on the last Saturday of September it was hot.  The temperature hit 30 degrees celsius and it was super sunny.  Most craft vendors were in the arena but we were outdoors which was nice actually.  No matter where you went, it was hot.  It was nice to be out in the sun enjoying all those who were visiting the festival.

If you read my post about the show in Elmira, you'll know that I also had wanted to improve my display for the next show.  Thanks to some time on Pinterest, I was able to do so.  Thanks Pinterest!  I built myself a screen to hang items on (instructions to come in later post), sewed a green chevron accent table cloth, and made use of my vintage suitcases. Due to limited space, I pushed the screen into the corner behind the table.  All in all, I'm happy with the look.  I'd love to hear what you think.  

What an amazing day!  I realized that doing this craft shows is really what I love to do.  It doesn't feel like work.  I really enjoy sitting and working on projects (since knitting in portable :), talking to people visiting the show, and meeting other vendors.  

Some of my items including quilts for sale by Aimee MIchelle Designs