the emotional life of sølje

Yah! It’s now longer than it is wide I am either a slow knitter +or+ a knitter with an attention disorder. I started this baby blanket months ago (April), but didn’t like the way I was knitting so ripped it, and reknitted (adding a fringe at the bottom even!). I was knitting the “correct” way according to a knitting guide… the edges were not consistant and wavy. So I went back to my “incorrect” way, and now the knitting is even and no wavy edges. Currently it’s 35×39″. I am not sure when I will call it quits on the length, maybe 46-50″ish.

The pooling of colors is not exactly what I wanted, but I suppose that is the possibility when buying hand dyed yarns.

Super soft!!

Tags: Knitting by Solje
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Quilted postcard inscription:
“The world is my stage,
The people are my adorers.”

Crystal collar, edge wrapped with black to grey varigated ribbon.

Tags: Quilting by Solje
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I have finished the top! Yah! I have had this fabric for soooo long, but on one of my discussion lists, a pattern discussion came up about a technique where the blocks start off as a nine patch that is cut in half twice, making four quarters (then turning the quarters around for a different design). I knew the fabric would be great for this technique.

I wish I had more green for the large cornerstones, but as it was, I had either blue, orange or yellows to choose from. I started with an orange that is the same print as the blue squares, but when I put it together, it was not a good combination. So, I switched to yellow. The quilt top measures about 43×61”.

Daniel is very excited to have a new quilt (top) in process. I also have some other fabric that I will use to make a new Bob the Builder pillowcase too.

Tags: Quilting by Solje
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First, I want to brag that one of my postcards I donated to the FFAC booth that will be at the Houston show this year is posted up on Virginia’s preview page. I was very excited when she let me know. I get a real complex over my work (not feeling good enough, etc), but I am working my way out little by little. I think I get too obsessed with the construction, to the point of feeling less than. Slap my face, snap out of it! This is the first time someone other than myself has posted my work.

Next… I am sad that my Women for Women sister has changed (women are sponsored for a year, then the sponsor receives a new sister for sponsoring). I couldn’t remember the time of year that I joined (July or August), so I knew it was coming.

In Nazlije’s exit interview/graduation report, I was very proud that it was reported that she made improvements of self confidence; and gaining a new support group. Also, her economic situation has improved and knowledge of her rights. Nothing in her report shows situations having gotten worse. She also stated she would like her sponsor (me) to be given her address for writing. Might I need a crash course in Albanian? (anyone out there know Albanian to translate for me?)

My new sister is nearly 20 years older than I am, and the mother of 8 children. Two of which are still school age, 14 total living in her household. She is also in Kosovo. She is a widow, and because of a checked box, I am assuming she lost her husband during the war.

While I sit in my cozy home (typing on my laptop, while the TV is on, and a fan is blowing because I am having a hotflash, with some fresh and filtered flavored water beside me), and read the profile on my new sister, I am simply humbled at my luck of the draw to have been born in the USA. When I think about how lucky I am, and how I take so much of it for granted, it really makes me feel ashamed.

To my new sister Hava, I would like to say welcome as my sister and I look forward to our correspondence this year. You are already in my prayers.

Tags: Quilting, Thinkings and Thoughts, Women For Women writings by Solje
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