Make & Meaning

I haven't blogged in over a week because every time I opened up the blog I wanted to vent or rant or whine. Very Literally. And that's not cool. Its fine for people to occasionally talk about things that are going wrong but that's not the place I was in so I didn't feel it fair to those who read the blog to listen to that. I can't really say that I am in a much better place but I really want to write a little post to share some goodness I stumbled on to.

I can often be found perusing my Twitter feed on any given day. The other day whilst I was perusing a link was put up by the fabulous Kim Werker or perhaps the equally fabulous, Diane Gilleland I honestly can't remember. It doesn't really matter which 140 character twitter turned me on to this site. What does matter is the content that is being produced on the site. It is absolutely fabulous. (I need a new word... lets say Wonderful!)

Obviously I have you hanging by a thread because I haven't told you what site I am talking about yet. (Oh No! don't look at the title, I forgot I wrote it there.... just stay with me.) The site is called Make & Meaning and is jam packed with great conversational articles about making things and the meanings behind it. There are probably ten million conversation that can be had on any topic. You certainly could have a million conversations on the meaning behind being able to create.

So I RSS'd this into my Google reader immediately and I will tell you why. There is a genuine feeling of openness to this site. There is no feeling of the many assumptions rampant in crafting nowadays. It's not about how to make a million dollars selling your craft. Its about how being and crafting and making affects people.

At least that's what I see in it.
I could be wrong.
I suggest you take a look for yourself.
Make and Meaning: Creative Community in Conversation

Productive?

Well, I feel productive.

I changed the blog to a 3 column layout using this guide. (I could use help centering the header though...) Then I created a label based on the header up there. Also, I fixed my resume to be up to date. This is all since the whole layoff thing and no, I haven't actually applied for a job. I am in no means wanting the job I had or anything similar to that again. I just don't know what option that leaves me to look for. Everybody says we should be so happy to have a job in this economy, but at what cost? That's what's really bothering me at the moment. Why should I be mentally and sometimes physically stressed over my work. Psst, don't think so!

On a different note I need to work on updating the blog more often. I'm on Twitter several times a day but it's still a week or more between posts. Plus, I'm at home. Can't ask for more than that can I?

My next post will touch on the Sales to Shipping process. Until then.....

Your Friend Who Really, Really, Really Likes Knitting........

Here is a blog post for all my knitting fiber friends. My husband found this so I wanted to share.

Holiday Gift Guide for the Rest of Us 2008

Spring Cleaning

Okay, so its already well into summer and most people are well past any spring cleaning. However, I tend to browse many, many fiber related boards and a very good subject came to light. How to clean your drum carder. In reality, any equipment a fiber artist uses needs to be properly maintained. Sometimes it's easy to tell what to do for instance when your wheel has a squeak its a good chance that it needs to be oiled somewhere. Other times its not so easy like with a drum carder.

So in my fiber travelings (around the internet) this one website was mentioned several times. It had well documented processes and well it kept it simple silly! So if your wondering if you are keeping your drum carder in well maintained form you may want to visit Abby's Yarns where you can get more details on how to clean your drum carder. Remember not all drum carders will come completely clean but it should be an excellent starting point.

Knitting help... Try TECHknitting (tm)

I just discovered this neat little blog for knitters called TECHknitting(tm). Its a cute little blog that was included in the "Blogs of Note" for Blogger. It's chocked full of information written by a knitter with 25 yrs experience. Glad I happened to see it. If your a knitter you should take a peek. I'm bookmarking this one.