Tuesday, September 20, 2011

woolgathering
















the opportunity for late afternoon light in my space is almost gone now. by the time i get home from work, there are only minutes before it's too dark for photos. and tonight it was uncommonly foggy too, making it even darker. luckily owen, my puppy, waited patiently (sort of) to play catch, while i hurried to get these.

i also need to apologize for what i wrote in my last post, saying i don't use photo shop or any photo manipulation. i've been feeling guilty and i want to explain. i really don't use p.s., but i have it. i use it for resizing photos to a larger dpi when an editor requests it. and i didn't buy it, it's photo shop elements, and the software came with my leica camera when i bought it. i'm grateful for it because i can't do this resizing in picasa, which i also use. sometimes i use the tuning button to bring more light to a photo (i don't like flash), and sometimes i use the writing tool to add words to a photo. i've been told (by editors) that this doesn't qualify as a shopped photo and is accepted even where manipulated photos are not allowed. when i said that, i wanted to tell you that the orange of the sky was true. and i didn't add that. it's my goal and hope to try to achieve natural photos always. plus to be honest. always. this was really bothering me. i'm sorry. i guess the truth is i do and i don't. (that would be the gemini in me! aggg).

okay! it's been a busy week! everyday, flags flags and more flags! the candy corn banner was dreamed of on the long drive home from my mom's on saturday. stopping at michael's, i found the right color wool, it's 'full o' sheep' and 'washable ewe' stitch nation by debbie stoller. the orange is clementine, the yellow: duckling, and the off white : little lamb (such cute names!). ravelry notes here. and in etsy here.

the fall banner was a request, and even though it was hard to get a good photo, the colors are pretty and autumny, i hope she thinks so too! the wool for this one is from loops & threads - luxury sock - super fine. in the colorways 'redwoods' and 'canyon'. in ravelry here.

i'm reading 'mollie makes' and 'cloth magazines', LOVE these, so colorful and inspiring! and did you see the little pencil pouch? i found it at michael's on the dollar aisle. it holds double points perfectly! i was so happy with this find i bought two extra, to give away. if you'd like one let me know, there's the tiny flower one and the red squiggly one. i love that my dpn's have a nice safe place to be when my knitting leaves the house. i'll choose a name at next week's yarn along (wednesday sept. 28). non knitters, you can still use it as a pencil pouch, cute!

and on my needles in the basket, a new sweater for a favorite little girl. thank you for the birthday wishes for my son and for coming here, i almost don't want to mention this, but its because of you, i have four hundred and ninety nine followers since this week, welcome new friends. there are so very many exciting things happening around here these days.
linking with small things weekly yarnalong. and natural suburbia's creative friday.

xo lori

41 comments:

  1. I haven't seen knitted banners before . I've seen crochet ones but these are super! I've mean meaning to order Mollie makes too. Lots of loveliness as always xxx

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  2. my goodness...dare I say it yet (okay I'll whisper it) your post today is almost looking a little bit festive! Which is fine by me because I can't wait to make some bunting gifts inspired by you, and this reassures me that knitted bunting will look sufficiently Christmassy for my friends to "get it"! I've got to get this shawl finished because my palms are itching for bunting!!!

    And thank you for your sweet comment on my post today x

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  3. I will do most anything to avoid DP's - I find them slippely and slidey and ruthless! I make hats on circulars and then switch to two circulars to decrease!

    but I love your banners!

    And I totally got what you were saying about photoshop etc. I use the Mac software to resize and it's easy but I don't consider that manipulating the photo.

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  4. To me, the things you do in photoshop don't count as "photoshopping" but the clarification is appreciated ;) I love your photos, they're stunning and the composition is perfect (which implies that you know perfectly well how to take an excellent picture without the need for extreme touch-ups!)

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  5. Lori, now I have to make a trip to Michael's and it's all because of you {Ha}! I love, love the candy corn banner! There is a little wee one here who loves it too so we are going to be casting one on for her room. I am always amazed at all you accomplish each week. Everything is so beautiful and you know I love your photos. How sweet of you to host another giveaway and you're right, the pencil bags are perfect for dpn's. I hope you Wednesday is a happy one. I woke up to rain which we need so badly so we are off to a good start here.xx

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  6. ah lori, can i just say... i love yoU! i love every little corner of your home, the lights and the white, the knitting, its all so relaxing to me. i appreciate the time it takes for you to share these tidbits of your day with us all. the banners are gorgeous, i love them.
    cant wait to see more of this fuzzy sweater..
    love,angela

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  7. Love the flags, love the pouches, love the photos. I'm lucky 500! x

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  8. Such a cute banner and I love candy corn! I do not buy it because I will eat it..... I might just have to create a banner to look at instead :)

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  9. I just love your knitted banners, they are so warm and beautiful! Such gorgeous photos as always, I love to visit this space. You are so generous to be giving away these perfect needle holders, thank you for the opportunity:)
    Have a wonderful day,
    Warmly
    Linda

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  10. Love the bunting, it always makes for a special atmosphere. We have a bit of bunting in almost each of our rooms! :)

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  11. Oh Lori, you never cease to amaze me with your knitting and your photographs. The candy corn banner is pure genius! And I love the pencil cases. We have a newly-opened Michael's in our town, and I will be heading over there soon to pick some of these up. What a great idea! Might make little great Christmas gifts for my library knitting circle.

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  12. lori, i love the candy corn and fall banners you dreamed up! i think i have to make one now.. for sure!!! especially since i've now been to our local (30 minutes away) michaels and need to go back for more kroy. you've been a busy knitter my dear!

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  13. Oh so lovely ... everything you do! My sister crocheted a beautiful coming home outfit for a co-worker's new born. I will post a photo on Living Boldly ... when she gets around to snapping a pic.

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  14. Lori, the banners are wonderful.
    You made me smile, I do not think resizing and adding words counts as it does not change how the photo looks! Now I would be lost without photo shop and use it on almost every photo I take, but I use it to make the photo look like the thing I took really looks, not to make it look different.
    Happy wool gathering! xoxo

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  15. I won one of the banners you gave away once and it is my daughters' room.

    I love your creations and I am in love with the embroidered table cover that is in all your pictures. I used to be able to embroider - maybe I need to embroider me a table cover :)

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  16. I shouldn't stress about the photoshop thing, you don't add layers or do anything to the actual image you've taken so you don't "photoshop" your photos. At least in the way I would consider it to count as being photoshopped.... ah!

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  17. Hi Lori
    Your candy corn banner idea is adorable!
    I have a Michael's within walking distance from my home :-D ...will have to have a look and see if ours carries the pencil pouches ~ such a great idea for holding needles.
    Deb

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  18. uh oh. We are going to Trader Joes today and there is a Michael's right around the corner.
    I like knowing your photos are true. It gives me hope for making better pictures with natural light.
    xx
    julie

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  19. Love, love, love the post...

    I'll be back - you're very inspiring!!

    Enjoy your day you clever lil'l gal

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  20. A candy corn banner! Adorable. Those banners are just too cute.

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  21. So glad to have found your blog via the Yarn Along. I love the candy corn banner -- so cute!

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  22. I love the candy corn banner. I buy a bag of that candy every fall, it doesn't seem like the fall without it.

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  23. boy oh boy you can set up a scene! by your example you push me to do better and be better every time i snap a photo or put my hand to paper.

    hello wee olive! you look great!

    and as for photoshop: hahaheee. you goofball. you are an honest persontimefive.

    love
    kj

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  24. Your knitted items and those cute little bags (for needles) are wonderful. I agree with another poster - very festive. I find that I have to take photographs earlier in the day since the time is changing and the lighting is more difficult to hold onto.

    Just an question off topic - how did you get to become a photographer professionally? (I'm asking because my daughter loves photography and wonders what to do with it.)

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  25. Oh Lori, I wouldn't be worrying about your 'dark' photo's - they are simply stunning anyway!! The more I see of your knitted banners the more I think I might just work up the courage to try one...... crocheting comes easy to me but I love the knitted look. You seem to whip then up so effortlessly.....!!

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  26. Hi Olive! That candy corn banner is almost edible it is so cute. xox!

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  27. Hi Lori! Yor banners are so really cute and all the decoration bring a beautiful feeling of welcoming Autumn.Now we are excited waiting for Spring!
    Oh, and thank you for the "non knitters" !! I am one of them!

    Have a wonderful knitting day!

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  28. love that candy corn banner... i think i might actually be able to make one... it is just charming....

    happy to stop by and sending love down the coast to you and owen

    kary and teddy
    xx

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  29. Hi Lori
    I'm back blogging again, yay !
    I love your bunting..great colours,and that Mollie Makes Mag is so good.
    xxxx

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  30. i LOVE the handknit bunting! so darling and especially those colors...looks like candy corn :)

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  31. love the wool decorations and don't worry about the p.s. stuff. your photography is so beautiful, serene and amazing!

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  32. What a beautiful blog lori. You have a lovely family and take fantastic photos.

    I love the bunting...wonder if I can make some in time for the trick-or-treaters...


    You asked if a knitting pattern for a little jacket on that I posted for 'yarn along' was on ravelry. Unfortunately it isn't. It's a copyright pattern. I've finished with it now so if you'd like it I'd be happy to post it to you.

    Nice to meet you :o)

    Have a great weekend,
    Deb

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  33. love your banners again!! And I think you're a superfast knitter, aren't you?

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  34. I could almost smell mulled cider while looking at this series of photos :)

    I love the candy-corn banner. it would be great hanging from a mantel bedecked in Fall trimmings!

    Lori, I use Picasa to crop, resize, straighten horizon lines, etc. And every once in a while I adjust the color to be more true to when I viewed it. It's all okay ;)
    Your photos will always be special (and pure) to me.♥

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  35. You are so sweet explaining the whole photoshop thing..but I can understand why you wanted to clarify.
    I cannot express how much I am loving your banners...these are so wonderful Lori..the candy corn makes me hungry though..heehhee!!Big hugs friend,Cat

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  36. Thanks for stopping by. I really like your colors and the bunting. The pencil case is a great idea....and I didn't know Molly Makes but tonight it's the second time I see it....sign of destiny!!!

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  37. I love your banner. So festive, but in a very classy, understated way. I think it's the wool. And I love the sequence of your photos...it tells the story of the banners and your quest for light perfectly.

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  38. Hi Lori! Your photos are beautiful and very cosy! That yarn for the sweater looks so delicious!
    Days are shorter also here and shadows deeper!
    Wishes from Greece! Teje

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  39. Lori... I love your knitted flags... they're inspiring me to make more. Truly beautiful and I like the way you string them with yarn too.

    I don't have photoshop... but it doesn't mean I wouldn't like it. As you know I use picnic the free website whenever I fancy a play.
    Like I said before the integrity of your images shine through and photoshop or anything along those lines are just a tool like a paintbrush and it is the artist that makes them come alive.
    Ten people can have the same camera, but it's highly unlikely their images will all be fantastic 'cause of the camera... it's the artist who brings them to life.

    love ya Lori... sorry for the ramble, but I hope you get my drift. I think you are a true artist.
    x R

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  40. I love the candy corn banner. I knit birthday banners just like that for each of my grandchildren. Once the flags were completed I cut the letters of their names and their age out of felt and sewed them on, each individual flag. I am now very excited to make the candy corn banner too. Your blog is very nice!

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  41. Gosh, there is really much useful information above!
    zoo de granby

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xoxo lori