Tuesday, March 22, 2011

yellow




















there has been a lot of experimenting going on around here. i've made some changes to my blog, thank you to a friend for giving me some tips (i'm sure i would not have figured it out on my own!) . i don't know why it makes me feel so uncomfortable to do this, but i had to walk away from my computer twice before committing to click 'apply'. i hope i know what i'm doing!

every afternoon as soon as i get home from work, i've been outside birdwatching and trying for photos. my favorite of all is the tiny little yellow one, i still am not quite sure, but i think its the lesser goldfinch. the top photo shows it like i saw it yesterday (a million miles away) and the other two photos are film taken a few years ago, but i think its the same bird. i am going to keep trying for better photos. i love this little bird.

so i tried to make it, in cross stitch. i used to love to do this. but then i used to be able to see better. oh my gosh it was challenging to do. i want to do more, but next time i think using a bigger counted fabric would be a better idea. the bag was made out of an old dress and blouse i found at our local thrift shop on saturday morning. i really lucked out finding a large linen dress, that was in disrepair. it even had beautiful mother of pearl buttons i can reuse. i like my new bag very much, but so does someone else, and her birthday is friday. maybe i will surprise her.

my sweater graduated from the tiny size 1 needle to a size 3, so it's really moving along now! as long as i don't touch any other sizes (projects) this is beginning to feel perfectly normal (and not like i'm knitting in miniature).

before i leave (late for work, again!) i wanted to share a few links with you:

if you are in the u.s. don't forget to enter to win this contest (there are only 10 days left!)
and this one is open to almost the entire world ( i have three entered! oh the prizes!)
and there is a very good thing happening here


i hope you have a great day,
xo lori

31 comments:

  1. aaahhh what a precious little birdy!
    Change is good Lori (besides it's one of the few certainties in life too)

    Lots of yellow around Joburg at the mo - leaves, grass all turning colour as autumn settles over SA

    :o)

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  2. Hi Lori,
    just his morning when I looked out of our front window, there at the bird feeder were 3 goldfinches! The first I've seen this year! Yellow must be in the air and the yellow witch hazel is blooming while yellow snow crocuses are peeking through a thin layer of snow.
    I love your little bird bag! Enjoy your bird watching!

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  3. Oh your bag is so beautiful & your shelf is full of such lovely treasures.

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  4. I was just showing my daughter your photos of gorgeous american birdies! I love how bright they can be!

    I am really loving that yellow right now too and that bag is LOVELY! As are you. ☺

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  5. Lori , What a great streamlined look for your blog, everything looks wider, and the pictures larger. Really gorgeous photos and that bag is Charming. Capital C, did you notice?
    xx

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  6. Your blog is just spectacular! I didn't think it could be better ... photos all amazing. I entered the Africa sweepstakes.

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  7. Well done on the change Lori... I know how nerve racking that can be.
    After my last effort I have decided to let it rest for a while.

    It is a real treat to see your photos large.
    I'm loving your yellow.

    No yellow here as yet... even the sunshine is bright white.

    Have good week
    xx Robyn

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  8. The Bird is so sweet!
    And your likeness is spot on in the cross-stitch. I too use to love cross stitch many years ago. I love how clever you are in re-purposing things! You are so cool Lori!
    Love to you :)

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  9. I love how you made the pictures bigger on your blog-how did you do that? Also I love the cross stitch, one of my favorite past times but I had to give it up because of my eyes. I loved this yellow post.

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  10. Nice changes Lori. Looks like you did spring cleaning on your blog. The yellow is sunny and springlike and your photos are spectacular.Perked me right up!

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  11. how lucky to have that little golden guy outside your window! these days i get a treat when i see a bright red cardinal perched on the tree outside my office ;-)

    i love the new look of your blog - it is very classy and elegant, just like you!

    xxx

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  12. Love the little bird bag! And the sweater.
    I want bigger photos on my blog too, how did you do it?
    xoxo

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  13. Lori I like the photo that you chose to enter in the competition.

    New Zealand is magical and your photo is too. x

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  14. Beautiful pictures as ever!

    I got back from my time away to find your parcel! Thank you SO much. I will e-mail you pictures of Lara in her beautiful hat! xxxx

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  15. the new blog look is great - clean and simple as a background to your awesome photos and creative skills! Lori - there is no end to your talents - I am in awe xx

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  16. Your blog is always beautiful and oh those yellows! Makes me feel like there is hope for spring as we get ready for more snow. You are brave to do size 3's...thayer make me nervous

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  17. Grinning Lori, two different parts of the world, two different seasons, two women watching little yellow birds. Yellow smiles to you*!*

    Very cute bag by the way :)

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  18. ooooh! beautiful - everything! love the second bird shot. your sweater is coming along nicely. i have to get that pippi book! i like your bits and bots in your craft space. it's so fun to get to take a peek into your world. : )

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  19. Lori - I love goldfinches, too. My favorite birds this week are the little chickadees. They are simply adorable to watch. Love your new bag! I found a damaged silk blouse thrifting the other day, and I did a happy dance. The person in the shop pointed out the tear and I was "Yes, I know, thank you." I think she thought I was a little off. LOL! It will make a lovely doll dress or two. Happy birding! I just looked out my window and I see my feathered friend is back. xox! Pam

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  20. oh Lori, everything looks wonderful!! I think you're the most talented, versatile person I know. That bag is precious! Every single one of the goldfinch photos would sell out on cards right away! And what painting inspiration they are.
    My jaw drops and I say ooh and aah on this blog more than any other!

    I just love coming here. It's a soft place to fall ;)


    Lo♥

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  21. hi lori...LOVE everything here...all darling...love all your yarn too...
    teddy is so funny...he loves to sneek up and grab the yarn and RUN... those dish cloths have ALOT of mistakes...Teddy mistakes .... i guess that's what makes them special :-)

    loving the SPRING rains....

    Happy Spring, my friend
    sending love,
    kary and teddy
    xxx

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  22. Lori! The bag is phenomenal! Oh goodness, your cross stitching is gorgeous. Lucky, lucky birthday girl. And the sweater is coming along wonderfully!

    I love the redesign of your blog. :D

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  23. Ode to "Yellow"....oh, little yellow bird....you shine like a ray of burnished sunshine! Your image resonates on a tree branch, on a woven bag...in all of our hearts..you are the harbinger of warmth, of joy of hope! Oh, Golden Bird!"

    HAve a WONDERFUL, WONDERFUL WEEKEND with "you know who"!!!!

    Hugs and love to you both!

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  24. you are a total amazing tweet.

    love
    kj

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  25. janet, i'd love to see some photos of johanesburg in the fall!

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    nan, i forgot to take photos of our freesia! i love the color yellow. i hope all your snow melts soon!

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    genevieve, thank you, i just noticed my little alpaca has fallen between some wool. can you see yours? :)

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    michele, i think i'll show the little red house finch next! did i tell you i bought a gorgeous bird book when i was in n.z.? you have some beauties too!

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    julie, Thank You (with capitals too) :) i really appreciate your words!

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  26. helen, oh thank you! i am crossing my fingers here for you!

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    robyn, indeed. some changes are easier than others, and for some reason (maybe because people are watching)blog fiddling makes anxiety (in me)!

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    janis, thank you! i think if i'm going to continue with cross stitch i'd better get one of those magnifying lamps! my poor eyes!

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    lilylovekin, i hope my directions were clear, i wrote in your comments, and i am going to need a magnifying lamp if i want to continue cross stitching. it is so hard to see those tiny stiches now!

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    lyn, that's a great way of putting it, yes, it is spring cleaning! now my house and garden need attention! thank you

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  27. amanda, thank you for such kind words. omg i would love to see a cardinal. we have a house finch with a bit of red on it and i love to see that, but a cardinal, wow!

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    annie, thanks! here's what i was told: you have to choose a template from the design blog place. and you have to post in draft (at the bottom of the dashboard). i also drug that slider bar thing over to make more room in the actual blog area and less on the sidebar. i hope this helps! oh, and when you upload your photos you just click on each one and choose the size you like!

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    robyn, thank you ♥ i loved new zealand. i hope to go back to the south island next.

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    miranda, aw thanks! yay! i'm really glad to hear that. and now i'm really looking forward to photos of lara, thank you!

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    val, gosh thank you. xxx

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    mim, i am with you, it makes me nervous too. i don't know that i'll do it all the time, i just wanted to see if i could. i really hope your snow stops falling and spring starts springing soon!

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  28. annie, it's great isn't it? i'd love to go birdwatching with you. and thank you!

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    anushka, i love to peek into photos too! i named that little bird in the second photo lucy. she loved my yard and never minded me taking her photo!

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    pam, i love your repurposing story, it is the most fun thing to do.i know you'll make something brilliant with your find! and a chickadee! LOVE those little guys!

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    lo, gosh. thank you lo. i can imagine your paintings of the little yellow bird. they would be beautiful, surely.

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    kary, i'm loving these spring rains too and picturing teddy doing the grab and dash! so funny!

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  29. bella, thank you so much for all the love, i am deeply appreciative. and encouraged to make more bags. :)

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    robin, that was so charming! i love your ode to yellow! and you know we are going to have fun times 10!!

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    kj, *tweet* (thanks!)
    xoxo

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  30. loving the new blog style :) its awesome.

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  31. Dear Lori, I love the new look. Your pictures stand out even nicer! I am so amazed by your bird pictures and your talent for knitting and sewing!
    Thank you for the bit of spring!
    Tulsa

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xoxo lori