Purple Sage Designz Hippie Patchwork & Tams

Patches --- Hippie Treasury on Etsy

2012-01-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

Somehow the last row of products got cut off on the screenshot, so here is the link to the complete collection.
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NjM1MzI0MHwxOTM1MTU5ODgy/patches-play-it-forward

New premade Hemp and Patchwork hippie tam hats are here!

2012-01-23T22:31:00.000-08:00

I hope you will enjoy unique One of a Kind head gear.
Apologies: international shipping rates and yarn prices
have gone up again, as always I strive to keep my creations affordable.
Check out some of the newest additions below.

larger crazy patchwork hat

gender neutral hemp tam in earthy green brown
Cuban orange hemp tam with sari silk

The Earthy Church...or spirituality within us and around us

2012-01-16T21:03:00.000-08:00

Today a friend posted this Black Elk quote on Facebook and its straightforwardness hit home with me. In our time when religion is either over-used for political or social agendas, wars are fought in the name of god, the thought of living a spiritual life without searching out a specific church building for worship, is a soothing idea.We can walk into the woods, sit on the bare earth or just look up into the sky. Whatever we are seeking is right there, we just need to look, listen and feel. And walk our path through life accordingly.

"THE FIRST PEACE, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize that at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that this center is really everywhere, it is within each of us."

~ Black Elk
Black Elk Speaks
--------------------------------------------------------------
(Thank you Vanessa for your inspiring post:)

Update on my website with smaller slouchy beanies, hand knitted and crochet

2012-01-07T21:11:00.000-08:00

Happy January
I hope your new year started on a positive note...
I updated the category of smaller beanies, now incl. handknitted slouchy beanies
Check out the newest additions:)

wool blend in happy colors

mini tam in the smaller beanies section
hand knitted olive slouchy beanie

Browsing "Free people" crochet fashion

2012-01-06T18:56:00.000-08:00

I came across these great crochet fashions...I really need to pick up making clothes again:)
There remains a lot of 1970s influence in these Free people products. Some seem to come straight out of a vintage crochet magazine, with updated yarn and color choices. I also enjoyed looking at their flared pants. And don't miss to peek at the last picture of the plateau crochet shoes:)...so crazy!

Crocheter's New Tool...The Boye Electric Yarn Ball Winder...my review

2012-01-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

My goal for 2012 is not to work longer or harder, but to achieve more with less effort.

So I splurged on this electric yarn ball winder by Boye (don't you love these gift cards for large craft stores?)

I often buy big cones of yarns and it's rather annoying trying to crochet with a smooth supply of yarn coming from the large cones without pulling off yarn in between after every 5th stitch. The electric yarn winder does ok with these cones, as long as you can eliminate any kind of resistance, feeding the winder smoothly with yarn by hand. It stops as soon as the yarn resists to be fed through the little hooks. The plastic body looks a bit flimsy and the motor is quite noisy. But so far, so good, I love center-pull yarn skeins, too bad that mine don't come out as tightly wound like a manual winder would create. But I am enjoying the help of this little electric tool, I just hope it will last a while to free up my hands from all the winding tasks.

Would I buy this specific winder again? Probably not...I was expecting a better made product for the steep in-store price. Gladly I had a 40% off coupon.

Happy New Year wishes

2011-12-31T12:02:00.000-08:00

Owls, the symbols of wisdom, may they watch over us this coming year.

Ending 2011 with new green hippie patchwork tams

2011-12-29T20:55:00.000-08:00

Ending the year on a green note
with these new ecclectic tams...
One of a Kind, for all climates and tastes.
New ones coming next week!!!

Peace and love! Angelika

moss tam with some sparkle

a "hike through the forest" tam
soy wool tam, vibrant like a promise of spring

Stores are back open

2011-12-25T21:42:00.000-08:00

Back in the groove

I have made tons of new hats, it was nice without mailing and pc tasks, just the hook, yarn and me:)
Listing will start on Monday if the weather permits nice pictures.

Fun time

2011-12-22T08:24:00.000-08:00

Finally a few days for myself...
We danced the night away at the Commodores and Kool & The Gang Concert last Saturday night in the Newkirk First Council Casino Event center. Commodores were my faves of the night

Can't believe I have lived in a fog so long...I sooo love my new glasses:)

Topped it off with a winter solstice sweatlodge ceremony last night before heading into the quiet time of the Christmas weekend.
The shops will open again on December 26th.
Blessed holidays to you and yours!

Crochet...the coolest craft and here is why

2011-12-13T11:38:00.000-08:00

I found these inspirational designs while browsing the web...

Crocheting marathon and new hemp yarns for 2012

2011-12-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

It has been busy, busy to the extent that my blogging fell flat and so did my personal life.
But I was able to secure some great 100% hemp yarns for my tam hats in 2012:)

Cuban orange

Kiwi green

Mallard

I also snatched up bonnet light gray and briar green. And some silver lurex for that 70s additional sparkle.

So glad you are not at the mall...

2011-11-26T16:51:00.000-08:00

Today I have new tams for you.

Straight from my crochet hook to your doorsteps (or mailbox) if you want.
3 ready to ship tams for all climates and tastes.

black cotton/hemp snood tam

another crazy patchwork crochet tam
wool tam in 3 wide band colors

Impression from my work place

2011-11-21T15:29:00.000-08:00

I am so grateful that I can determine the look and feeling of my work place. Even though practicality demands a certain restraint on decorations: a must is the white wall for pictures, especially when I photograph wearables modelled by my mannequins.
Love this little baroque hippie vest and matching wool beret tam.
(Listings on Etsy soon:)

Inspirational patterns...color boost needed

2011-11-17T15:32:00.000-08:00

Today I feel November. And it's not even gray outside, actually a sunny cool day, but I need a color boost. Anything to get my creative spirits working. November is a busy month and I crochet a lot of classic black, brown and gray hats, with not so much time for patchworking in bright colors.
So for me and for you I have collected some hippie art, mainstream designer prints (Missoni, but he did a great job reviving the ripple pattern) and some authentic vintage ripple crochets.

Customer pictures, wearing their tam hats

2011-11-11T13:21:00.000-08:00

Big thank you to everyone who sent a customer appreciation picture, you all look great.

Finally the studio space comes to life

2011-11-04T18:40:00.000-07:00

I admit at first it was awkward to work strictly in the studio space and not in the living room anymore. And my sewing corner had been set up for 2 months but I felt I didn't have time for bigger projects. And I just couldn't decide what to do first, crochet, knit, sew, loom knit. The abundance of choices was a hurdle for my creativity.
Today I made a plan: cut a commercial sewing pattern, iron the fabrics, cut the pattern pieces on the grain line, serge everything, sew, press seams open, use baste stitches. Do it by the book and see if the pattern and size will work...before customizing, and "free-lance" sewing. Amazingly the pattern worked well, the fabric cut on the bias drapes nicely. Can't wait to make more patchy skirts in the near future.

I won something beautiful the other day

2011-11-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

and ended up with a fellow winner in the local newspaper:)

What's New in the Purple Sage Designz Web Shop?

2011-10-29T16:27:00.000-07:00

Favorites added: hemp, recycled sari silk, wool
4 ready to ship tams for end of fall:). Classic black longer tam# 397.

organic cotton/hemp with rec. sari silk snood tam

mat your dreads wool tam
patchwork delight wool blend tam hat

Female view of fashion prevails again on Project Runway, yeah

2011-10-29T12:13:00.000-07:00

All right, this is one of my tv passions; project runway, a reality design show where the finalists show their collections at Mercedes Benz fashion week in NYC and L'Oreal will fund big prizes for future career and design lines.
This is the 2nd time in a row that a female designer has won, with a collection that is easy, has BoHo or Caribbean influences and, NO mini skirts or all these goofy little tight cocktail dresses that men want to dress us in. (Can I say hooker alert when I look at some of the male designers and how they envision women's fashion?)
Anyway, I love Anya's finale collection, and she makes me dream of an island vacation.

Mohawk hat -- inspired by a friend's request

2011-10-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

These hats are not live in the shops, yet, but may appear soon. A friend asked me if I could do a mohawk style hat and I worked up 2 samples, with the 2nd one actually to my satisfaction. I don't know yet if I want to sell these on a regular basis as the fringes are very time consuming, but I like the concept and style.

Work Studio pictures

2011-10-23T19:08:00.000-07:00

my little crochet sit-down corner is coming along nicely with all 2nd hand furniture and "feel good decor". As hoarders of vintage stuff we still have an old brown tv set from the 80s(?)...but heck, it works for background noise...in the work place.

Hemp yarn dread tams beyond the beige

2011-10-15T15:48:00.000-07:00

We all love natural hemp, but look at all these different colors and blends that hemp yarn comes in nowadays: in pure, blended with wool, cotton, bamboo, modal (plant cellulose)

These dread hemp tams are sold, but I will make similar ones per request:)

Diversity free life hippie tams added to the web shop

2011-10-12T16:35:00.001-07:00

What's New? (updated Oct 12, 2011)
Celebrating life's diversity with Rainbow Crochet
3 ready to ship tams added:)

great for women and men in bright stripes

retro crochet striped tam
smaller slouchy beanie rainbow hat

Sophisticated Seventies come back...

2011-10-10T18:20:00.001-07:00

Time to get my vintage knit, crochet and sewing mags back out....because I love the Seventies. I have worn all the craziness of mini skirts, hot pants, maxi skirts, trumpet pants, plateau shoes....even though I have never really been too "sophisticated" and always more on the BoHo or even early grunge side of the fashion scene I am thrilled to see the colors, some shapes and stylings come back.
I was a bit shocked by the retail prices for above items (it takes you to the source, polyvore, if you click on the image), because some of them are steep...and wasn't what I remember my clothes budget ever had been back then. In order to complete my wardrobe I already did a lot of re-constructing, upcycling and diy as a teenager, too. Something my grandma did on a regular basis and she supplied almost all the women in our family with altered couture.
I am still grateful that an early sense of handcrafting clothing and accessories were instilled, even though at my young age would have preferred store-bought back then.

Oh my, been silent so long

2011-09-27T18:47:00.000-07:00

but have been crocheting like a mad woman.

Update on my website Purple Sage Designz

with these goodies.

great for women and men in black

random hemp wool striped tam
India inspired cotton and ribbon+recycled sari silk tam

The beautiful autumn is coming soon

2011-09-12T20:58:00.000-07:00

recycled wool sweater and crochet tamthese hats are listed on my website

New ecclectic patchwork hippie tams in the shop

2011-09-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

I have added these to my etsy shop

What we've been up to ...

2011-09-03T19:46:00.000-07:00

I have been away this weekend to accompany Sid to an artshow and contest hosted by the Cherokee Nation in Tahlequah, OK. It was another hot day in late summer, the town was buzzing with visitors for the powwow, art events and Cherokee festivities.
We made a short stop downtown for much needed coffee after a long drive down South.

We weren't allowed to take pictures in the gallery. Sid had 2 entries. The Abstract Fancy Dance won 3rd place which is the honorable mention and came with a ribbon and a bit of price money.

http://www.redeartharts.com

Besides redefining myself and going back to my roots with long darker hair like in my youth (after years of being a blondie in short cut:) I am anticipating more online presence in the future. I have plans to expand Purple Sage Designz beyond hippie tam hats and beanies, just need to work on time management and let my ideas mature into action.

Moccasins are favorite footwear at Purple Sage Designz

2011-08-31T16:21:00.000-07:00

Especially these 2 pairs of handcrafted mocs:

Cherokee handmade thunderbird beaded light brown mocs, a classic.

Golden brown suede leather fringed mocs with beads, not sure which tribe has produced them, but were purchased as "handmade" here in Oklahoma, a great pair for special occasions.
I also love Minnetonka moccasins for all day wear, and have ordered a few pairs in ankle height with fringes in brown and black.
I don't know what's in fashion for fall 2011 when it comes to shoes, comfort and individuality is No. 1 in my book;)

Heading into fall with lots of new hippie crochet

2011-08-24T20:22:00.000-07:00

It's redundant to talk about my absence since my last post, I have just been lame and working and not blogging or networking, but I vow to better myself.
I have just listed this dashiki tunic, hand crocheted and a brand new item in my Etsy shop.
Design credit goes to Afya Ibomu "Get Your Crochet On! Fly Tops and Funky Flavas"
I rarely use patterns but I totally fell in love with her approach of funky garments and accessories.

End of July 2011, finally:)...& Smokey Robinson Concert

2011-07-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

This month was a PITA, hot as July can be with no end in sight yet. The days just become one big blurr.
The Otoe Missouria Tribe had their yearly encampment (powwow) and this is the first year I didn't go at all. I was swamped with orders, but also recovering from a long period of headache caused by heat and general stress. Stress as in "Finishing the studio". I had arranged a big part of my yarns in one of the shelves when we realized that the wood was still releasing chemical fumes, so all work had been done in vein and the yarn went back into my sealed totes. As we learned on google a green way to get rid of these residues is:
bowls of vinegar
ventilation
rub shelves with baby oil
Now we are waiting:)...1 whole week should do the trick.
Highlight of last weekend:
Smokey Robinson concert, with us in the 2nd front rows and centered. A great concert and I attempted a little video with my cheap camera.
http://youtu.be/PgWuu49Z5go

Hippie tams, berets, sock tams, dread hats and everything else, free shipping coupon for my Etsy shop

2011-07-22T12:06:00.000-07:00

FREE SHIPPING USA & Canada, use coupon Shipfree07 when checking out (Canadians will have the shipping refunded when they send me a quick message about the coupon, coupons with immediate free shipping will only work for domestic orders, no other international destinations at this point, sorry:)...Expires July 29th, midnight Central time.)
I will not honor expired coupon codes...just for this limited time only:)

My tams look good on PPP models:)

2011-07-20T11:18:00.001-07:00

Lovely Shauna of Poor Pitiful Pearl on Etsy had incorporated one of my smaller retro tams into her photoshoot of her fantastic recycled clothing. Thanks girl!

Good things are happening in the "work shop"

2011-07-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

I can finally use my mannequins to the full potential. I know that most buyers love to see the products on real people, but not every one has a beautiful model at hand. So my two girls do serve me well.
This shrug consists mainly of recycled yarns: cotton blend, sari silk, banana plant fiber.

Patchwork hippie dread tam, similar to shrug, but not matchy-matchy

More tam hats from the Bohemian streetwear collection:

Still in transition...pictures of the studio

2011-07-09T15:10:00.000-07:00

I am not quite there yet...shelving, a seating area and my sewing tables will complete the work space. It's like moving into a new house, with boxes and bags every where. And the going is slow in hot 100F plus Oklahoma.
The mannequins had to get dressed quickly...pardon the style, or lack of such:)

west wall....

South wall, left door leads to the front property and is an entrance from the street, right door leads to the storage area (or man cave with power tools as my hubby proclaimed:)...white shelf will have coffeemaker on it.

North East corner...make shift sitting area and more boxes

door from the back yard, on the left is the bathroom which still needs to be finished with sink and stool, salvaged old sewing table under the cooling/heating unit

I tried to capture the big space in the middle of the room where the work tables will go...

I do love this industrial fan and 3 rows of lighting will brighten the room on even the darkest days.

The commute: from patio along our little garden to work:)

More transition: from short blond back to long haired brunette, I am hanging in there and just let the locks grow:)

Never stand still...more Fall 2011 novelties in the Etsy shop

2011-07-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

...so much going on, so little time to blog about it.

So I will leave it at sharing new additions to the Fall/Winter 2011 hat collection;

handknit crazy fair isle tams

More shell stitching for the BoHo tams

urban ribbed tam

Once Sid and I will be moved into our new work space I will have so much more time and room to create. I am already looking forward to fall, who wouldn't in 100F plus every day:)

Quick snapshots of a Sunday

2011-06-26T19:38:00.000-07:00

at home.
Did I say mini-vacation from the shops and organizing?
Well, it was over 100F and I skipped on physical labor of moving boxes around. I did crochet though, just whatever I was inspired to do.
Started my day with a little meditation & burning cedar on my mini charcoals in a soap stone holder.

New way to dry hand washed hats in hemp and other fibers that won't stretch out: stuffed with a towel inside they dry quickly in the warm wind, like cool little wind sockets.

I stayed in my kaftan all day long...so comfy and free.

Altered Couture, can't wait to get into my sewing studio

2011-06-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

I am antsy to move my sewing machines, tables and yarn boxes into the studio, right next to our home.
I have been drooling over "Altered Couture"magazines and want to sew so bad. While crocheting can be done anywhere (living room, patio, travel:) sewing requires room, and the more cramped a work space is, the more the stress level rises and perspective gets narrowed down. There is nothing better than draping ideas on the dress form and stepping back for a different view.
Homepage of Altered Couture

Summer solstice went by, and half of 2011 has already passed. Is time on high speed or is it just my lifestyle of working 7 days a week that makes a week just browse by in no time?
It sure seemed a long work week from Mondays to Friday while I was still employed at a day job. Does time fly by faster when you actually have fun working? Must be a strong YES:)

I'll close my Etsy shop and Artfire shop for this weekend to catch a bit of creative freedom and organize my crocheting and sewing inventory for the upcoming move.
But I will update my own website Purple Sage Designz with some new goodies that I had stitched up over the last week and never got around to list.
Hemp wool tams...so watch out if you love this particular hat material as much as I enjoy working with it. A sneak peak below

Old home country Regalia...history and inspiration from the Oberpfalz, Bavaria, Germany

2011-06-14T16:35:00.000-07:00

(Source of regalia pictures)

I love embroidery, patterns and coin embellishments on outfits, and did a little google research of authentic Oberpfaelzer Trachten (traditional clothing). Even though I like the contemporary Trachten sold in specialty stores, the originals are truly fascinating. These online picture finds are a true inspiration and my own interpretation will definitely find a way into my handmade clothing in one way or another.
The Oberplaelzer forest was once considered part of the Bohemian forest before the borders between the Czech Republic and Bavaria (Germany) were divided by the Iron curtain, Bavaria and Bohemia are said to have had common tribal heritage way back in history when migrations and wars redefined the tribal lands on a regular basis.
I love the Bohemianism as it had become a free-thinking lifestyle and fashion trend all throughout the world. The Oberpfalz has a very distinct dialect and landscape, a fairytale land of hills, forests, rough edges and rich history. One of Bohemia's larger cities Cheb (in German Eger) is perhaps an hour drive away and the charm of their former spa and healing water resort architecture is still a sight to see. Even though Czecia had been a socialistic country for many years, the Kaffeehaus charm (coffee houses, cafes, restaurants) had survived with their typical ornate and artful design and I was fascinated to visit the country in the early Nineties when the Iron curtain had been removed, but the country still had not opened yet completely to Western modernization and capitalism which will always change the face of towns and villages.

above:
Festtagsmieder, um 1850, vermutl. Regensburg...special occasions bustier, approx. 1850, most likely Regensburg area (capital of Oberpfalz region, located at the Danube, Northeast Bavaria)

Festlicher Seidenschalk/Ärmelmieder, um 1850/60, vermutlich Regensburg...wow, this has to be one of my favorites, a silken sleeve-top in shrug style, cut like a bustier with sleeves added, approx. 1850/60 and possibly worn in Regensburg.

Festliches Miederleibchen, um 1820/30;

Fundort Beratzhausen

Special occasion bustier shirt, found in Beratzhausen, approx. from 1820/30

Going to continue with

http://www.br-online.de/bayerisches-fernsehen/abendschau/kult-ums-gwand-DID1195677546437179/index.xml

Okay, I gave in to buy a smart phone

2011-06-13T19:37:00.000-07:00

I traded my little pink "buy minutes pay as you go" trackfone mobile phone for an evo htc 4G.
Still learning the ropes. I decided to go with the flow of innovation and upgrade to a better device including all the internet possibilities while on the go. I am still not convinced it's a must, but I'll find out soon if it will make life and biz easier. Since I am very protective of my offline time, I am still a bit skeptical, but I am trying to have an open mind:)

2011-06-07T17:09:00.001-07:00

The Heat Is On!

Did you know that you can wear
hemp and even wool all year around?
In that sense 2 new tams and 1 skullcap:
all ready to ship:)
Click on the titles under the pictures to see the listings.
When items sell out they won't show up anymore on the sales page
but are still visible here.
Peace and love!
Angelika
One more message to new buyers:
I monitor my website daily, so you can order with confidence:)

beekeeper wool tam

siouxsie purple hemp tam
organic yarn in hemp and silk blend

Self Empowerment

2011-06-02T12:59:00.000-07:00

(picture borrowed from here)

If you followed my blog lately, then you probably got a sense of many happenings surrounding my normal full-time routine of running a small handmade business without any additional helping hands.
It has been frustrating at times to work around appointments and other obligations. One of the theories of depression is based on helplessness in the face of foreign-administered measurements and their outcome. I am not depressed but have felt a certain amount of frustration and overwhelmed sensations lately.
Today I paused and this thought hit me:
Create your own day life/week/business/...fill in the blanks), don't let someone else, their actions, or non-actions, ..... (fill in the blanks) effect your happiness. Your thoughts will be mirrors of what you will receive from the universe and the Creator.
Easy folk wisdom, no rocket science, even when it comes in a big word like "self empowerment" these days.

I love space...building is finished

2011-05-29T14:03:00.000-07:00

The structure itself that is, no interior finishing, water or electricity yet.
After burning sage, sweeping the floor, I took ownership of it by hauling in a few tote boxes and my 2 life sized mannequins.
We cleaned our house thoroughly today to welcome dinner guests and feel good about our yard which we worked on yesterday. The promise of so much work space makes me happy, gone will be the days when my work utensils and materials were strewn all over the house or stored away (like now) and not ready to be used.

Retro crochet fashion finally coming to the shop on Etsy

2011-05-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Another 70s inspired piece: the Mesh crochet tunic top

Sample sale price includes the purple head band/wrap:

For the Etsy listing I chose less head shots:), but since you are here to get to know the maker of PSD, it's ok to post some of the goofier captures.

Same ole in Oklahoma...One of a Kind hippie dread hats, too

2011-05-24T18:10:00.000-07:00

Tornado threat has passed us by and we are safe. The mere anticipation of dangerous storms is very stressful, and draining energy. Some days more than on others. Today I was not very zen-like and probably would have grown a few more gray hair had I not covered my mane with brown hair color this evening. I said good-bye to my weird blond artificially colored growing locks and went back to my brunette roots, with some gray in the mean while.

I still love to do One Of A Kind items, and needless to say, these patchwork tams are best sellers, but not the money-makers for my little business, their completion takes too much time to really be profitable, but it still makes me happy and feeling creative to crochet these funky tam hats. Great for us hippie people, with or without dreads.

I also listed these, not so ecclectic, but will be OOAK nevertheless as I only had limited amounts of yarn.

1970s style skullcap.

Made with one of my favorite synthetic vegan yarns: LB Homespun in grape purple.

LB off-white baby spun and apple green homespun.

Many happenings

2011-05-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

Sid had celebrated his birthday, and his 21st sobriety anniversary. After spending the actual birthday with breakfast out, baking a cake and cooking a Cajun dinner, the following day was dedicated to a sweat lodge in honor of his coming off age as a sober 21 year old adult (not actual physical age:) with proceeding dinner at the cultural center.
On Sunday I had organized a large dinner for the whole family and friends at the park, with tons of food and his friend Bobby provided some life guitar and country songs entertainment. The weather was not really very accommodating, too chilly for the time of the year, and we did not have the expected large crowd, but a good turn out anyway.
I have played catch-up with the shop ever since then:)
http:www.purplesagedesignz.com
Today I finally managed to list a few new hats on my website

Purple Sage Designz

One-woman enterprise and her weekends

2011-05-10T17:11:00.000-07:00

If nothing special is planned for a Saturday afternoon or Sunday my idea of an ideal weekend is portrayed in this picture. As a former urban apartment dweller I cherish property outside of city limits where the space is plenty and a HOUSE provides a certain sense of independence and autonomy.
I never seem to get tired off "being at home".

This is especially true in the light of a construction sight right next to this cozy patio corner during week days. I stopped taking pictures of sand trucks coming in and plumbing ditches, too frustrating to post reminders of flying dust and noise, even though all these activities mean fast progress towards our designated out-of-the-home studio work area.

Finally finished...my psychedelic hippie shrug

2011-05-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

just had to share

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73598862/psychedelic-hippie-shrug-bolero-sweater

Hippie Dippie includes my blues patchwork skirt

2011-05-06T09:03:00.000-07:00

Patchwork sewing mamas all on one page in this awesome treasury
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4dc2d581ebe28eef504977dc/hippie-dippie

I couldn't resist...the Molly Weasley sweater in Harry Potter

2011-05-01T09:55:00.000-07:00

Etsy seller shelleden gives permission to recreate and sell the finished items and wrote a pattern for a very similar coat. normally I design myself, but couldn't pass up this one.

Happy Saturday

2011-04-30T20:07:00.000-07:00

Spring in Oklahoma so far has not been as nice as expected. Too windy, too cold, too turbulent.
Today was an exception. A calm sunny warm day to plant, run shopping errands and hang out on the patio.
Construction work on the studio project progressed nicely with our contractors coming out even on a Saturday.
A well-rounded harmonious day.
I did put my crochet work on the back burner to enjoy and work in the garden and get lavender, ornamental oregano, Russian sage, May Night salvia (a sage plant) and Dusty Miller shrubs into the soil.

preparation for concrete pouring

Ode to the old tree trunk

fragrant sage and dusty miller join the NM yuccas

vegetable garden in progress...owls watching over it

tomatoes got big cages to fill

patio action...dogs roll over for a biscuit

these snapshots make it obvious that our outdoor space is shabby (not) chic...another project for another day:)

African Kutu dress styles in crochet

2011-04-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

I am planning on adding retro vintage designs to my shops in 2011. I am in love with ethnic styled clothing, and the 70s vibe makes them even more special.

Our work studio will become reality now

2011-04-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

We have been talking about a studio building for years, and today the ground work began.
I hope things will shape up quickly and our work related items can finally move out of the house, except the office equipment.

I hadn't posted so long. Time runs and most days I just retreat to bed with a Chintz & China (Yasemine Golenarn) book. My online time has been mainly limited to business and customer service.

Yesterday I re-invented myself back into a natural brunette after over 10 years of straight blond. The longer my hair grew the less fitting light blond seemed to me. (Even though it's hiding gray roots so nicely), but the barbie doll look is not what I had in mind when I decided to let my locks just grow out, without a professional hair cut for 1,5 years.

I have ordered a lot of 1970s mags on Ebay, with the most outrageous crochet fashion, food for inspiration for sure. And along with my desire for nostalgia awoke my wish to buy a vintage VW bug in running condition. So far no luck, many sellers offer partially assembled volkswagen which had been on their pastures for 4 or 5 years, last time they started them (huh, 5 years ago?), the motor was running...I need to crochet too many hats in order to leisurely throw that kind of money towards a lazy seller who cannot pull out the car from the pasture before putting it on craig's list. But, I keep on hunting, before they all vanish.

Boho Tie bolero top...mixing up my hippie tams with clothing this summer

2011-04-16T20:11:00.000-07:00

I always wanted to add a larger variety to my shops, but as with a lot of things, it was pushed onto the backburner due to busy times.
Finally I manage to add a few different pieces, starting with this simple but yet modern shrug bolero style.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/72309227/boho-tie-shrug-simple-modern-bolero

It's been hectic...and my new love for crochet shrugs

2011-04-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

The first spring storms caused quite some damage in our little Oklahoma town, we encountered a wild fire in our yard (well, actually not truly wild, our neighbor boy should not have attempted to burn weeds on the pasture, dry bermuda grass will catch fire in an instant and soon you'll have the fire trucks rushing in with sirenes).

Today I will post a few follow up pictures about shrugs, I wish I had more time to design clothing and sweaters.
I had made this twilight saga inspired shrug bolero and it sold within a few days.
And, it's me "modeling".

Sometimes you just have to step in, and "woman" up to show off how a garment will fit on a real person...arghhh:)

new postings this week

2011-03-27T15:23:00.000-07:00

More headbands are coming

these hemp/virgin wool dreadbands are reserved for Angel

I also have a great twilight shrug finished, a funky bright hippie fringe shrug, more cotton tams on my website, too.
I'll update during the week when listings will go live.

my philosophy

2011-03-20T11:44:00.001-07:00

"You are a living magnet. What you
attract into your life is in harmony
with your dominant thoughts."
- Brian Tracy

purple haze treasury

2011-03-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

Purple Haze

Jimi Hendrix Purple Haze s...
tatty7
$9.00 USD
Purple Daisy - guitar pick...
FlowersThatR...
$9.99 USD
Purple Feather Earrings
Bohindia
$16.13 USD
Vintage 1980s Purple Leath...
vintageshop1...
$23.00 USD
Vintage Purple Polyester T...
SFBsushi
$7.50 USD
60s Retro MOD Psychedelic ...
englishrosev...
$29.99 USD
Psychedelic Purple 1970s s...
lyndell
$25.00 USD
Stylish Crystal Blue Viole...
Crystaleye
$21.99 USD
Vintage 1970s Purple Suede...
mistyorcutt
Sold
Leather Bracelet purple ...
chgallery
$7.00 USD
Purple Pace Ottoman
rogallery
$350.00 USD
Purple Sage hippie dreadlo...
purplesagede...
$15.00 USD
Vintage 80s Paul Reed Smit...
LoveStreetVi...
$26.00 USD
Bold, Purple Floral Scarf
Eekmaus
$5.00 USD
vintage HIPPIE purple frin...
madgirlvinta...
$128.00 USD
Lavender Mandala Record Cl...
EyePopArt
$55.00 USD

just for inspiration

2011-03-16T19:13:00.000-07:00

"When life's problems seem
overwhelming, look around and see
what other people are coping with.
You may consider yourself fortunate."
- Ann Landers

What can we do?

2011-03-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

when disaster strikes and a whole country is suffering from death waves, quakes and nuclear poisoning threat?
Feeling helpless, becoming anxious, or shutting our eyes and ears when yet a new catastrophe is broadcasted on tv. Yes, we can react overwhelmed but strive for empowerment at the same time. The human thing is to help.
We can pray, and ask for safety and relief for the Japanese people in the coming days and weeks.
Reminding ourselves that our own safety on Mother Earth is far from being guaranteed.
http://www.japanprayernetwork.com/

We can help with money, the smallest amount will make a difference. We can sell things and give to help organizations or buy charity listings, or just open our wallet and donate.
We are the people, the nation, not relying on our government to lend the hand, but put our money where our mouth is.
Many handmade items are available on www.etsy.com where most sellers will donate the full amount of proceeds to organizations like the Red Cross and others.
Search terms like Japan, relief, earthquake will show a lot of pretty items.

Among others I purchased this print. In our human helplessness the word hope sounds like a promise of a better future.

Bringing back shrugs

2011-03-12T13:28:00.000-08:00

I came across these old pictures today, they must be like 5 years old, when I first tried shrugs in crochet, and it became the latest craze.
I can't remember what these bolero style shoulderette shrugs sold for on Ebay, probably at a ridiculously low bid or BIN price.
I have more simplistic styled but yet colorful shrugs in the works as I am typing this nostalgia post.

PC upgrade will bring you more handmade treasures faster

2011-03-10T19:49:00.000-08:00

My PC desktop with xp operation system just didn't cut in anymore. I struggled to work online for many months now. Using my equipment and making the most of it for a long time is one of my prime goals, if it's a car, a sewing machine, vac cleaner etc. There comes a point when you have to upgrade and retire your old machine as back-up only.
I had installed this zen wall paper to enhance my patience and serenity while waiting on programs to load, but eventually my even temper ran out. You can't run a good business without good vibes.

Today my new Acer Aspire Laptop arrived, and for the first time I am working completely wireless. What a difference a day makes.

There have been handmade sellers operating their Ebay and Etsy stores from public library computers, what an admirable way to save and live. Hats off to you. I could not do it.
Listing and updating Purple Sage Designz business matters should run more efficient and smoother in the future, especially since i will have the freedom to work online on my patio, my favorite place to be.

The possibility of work space and what it does for happiness

2011-03-07T14:10:00.000-08:00

(Found this pic on the web, and using it as an inspirational photo. I love this look)
We are planning an industrial addition of studio/storage space for hubby and I. The plans are still on paper, but most likely the construction will go up this spring.
Here is the Purple Sage Designz HQ reality after a major clean-up. A drab little bedroom used as work/storage area.
I do have an old ornate American sewing machine with sewing table that needs a good restoration and will be displayed in our new coming studio.

A little artistic expression around the work desk would be nice, like this colorful cheery industrial look here.

My blah desk work space below, random stuff, practical but boring.

A yarn addict's dream would be this shelf and display system

My old workshop heavy duty shelf, stuffed and not appealing.

An example of dream organization below

About a third of my yarn inventory is sadly stacked up in bins and boxes.

Our beautiful daughter...

2011-03-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

and I had a great time despite the flu season bringing us down for a few days.
She's back on her way to Germany while I am typing this little update. I miss her already.
It was fun doing all the "girl" stuff like shopping, thrifting, attempting our first handmade jewelry, loom knitting, going to a sweat lodge together, or just hanging out.
I wish I could have taken better pictures, but it's hard to "style" for photo memories with watery eyes and the "anything goes" mentality when a head cold strikes. Sid who took these pics and our son were sick, too.
Since I use the past tense, we are all much better now.
My online shops will open back on Sunday.

Living in the sticks

2011-02-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

Big moon rising in the east of Highway 60, outside of Ponca City city limits, Osage County.
I realized I can create my little world anywhere. Even here. I do love country life. I never get bored.

News:

Listed for sale at my virtual store front : Purple Sage Designz

For Angela

2011-02-19T09:42:00.000-08:00

A little sunshine goes a long way...and brings out creativity and love for life

2011-02-13T17:47:00.000-08:00

Currently

55.0 °F

Clear

Humidity:

39%

Wind:

2.0 mph from the SE

Visibility:

10.0 miles

Dew Point:

30 °F

Precipitation:

0% Chance of Rain

Pressure:

30.02 in

Yeahhhhhhhhhh!

New women and men open crown visor tam/dreadband, hair band with bill

This head muffler/dreadband was designed when we were locked into our homes during the last snow storm...but, it still will work for spring time chills.

These head scarves designs were born out of a necessity for myself, I SO NEEDED A HAIR WRANGLER FOR MY GROWING LOCKS.

These tam beanies made with wool and acrylic combine the best of both worlds in the yarn universe, warm and carefree at the same time. Another design inspired by fresh spring colors like peach orange.

Blizzard, cabin fever, new slouchy hat and dread band listings

2011-02-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

This was yesterday, view from our living room, taking a snapshot through the window. If I cannot go outside I feel deprived, cut off from mother earth.

While looking outside from our dining room window, my cabin fever was rising.

After the blizzard had significantly died down I bundled up in parka and boots and ventured outside with our dogs. They needed encouragement to run all the way down to the fence for their dogly business:)
And I welcomed the fresh air, even though for just a few minutes. In retrospect these pictures actually look harmless, the snowdrifts and knee high snow piles don't show, neither does the gusting icy wind making our bones chill.

Changing the subject to crafting:
When I am working on these head bands I dream about spring. I wear these type of bands myself to tame my unruly wild hair which I have been growing out for over a year new, without a single hair cut. I have started offering them online now and working my way through different colors.

I have ordered lots and lots of dark wool yarns. There is always a big demand for natural materials in classic colors and I will steer clear from buying little quantities here and there. Love my internet suppliers who make life so much easier.
(hat and band listed in my Etsy shop)

Are you getting caught in the...

2011-01-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

The Bermuda Triangle of Productivity - where does all the time go?
(source: http://phewsha.tumblr.com/#2084775636 )

I try to stay away...as much as I can. Still love to blog, and found these blogging tips very useful:

Up and coming blog list from Liz Stanley
"If you don’t find something inspirational, or come up with a great idea you shouldn’t force a post." - Design Milk
First benchmark for ad sales: do you WANT ads on your site? Second benchmark: do you have 5 passionate readers - Federated Media
"Art is the ultimate renewable resource." - DJ Spooky
"Life is too short not to surround yourself with beautiful things." - Swiss Miss
Blog with the right intentions (don't blog just to make money) - Swiss Miss
Rules of blogging from Swiss Miss:

Always credit your sources.
Respect the reader - too many ads, too busy, music on site, insincere content are no nos.
Keep it light "I want to be a happy place."
Blog with the right intentions. Focus on what's important.
Respect your readers with beautiful images.
Find your place and own it.
There is such a thing as blogging too much. Don't make your readers feel like they can't keep up.
Be personal.
Know what not to post about.

(Source: http://www.mintedcondition.com/ )

impressed by...FRANCIS CHAN _ BALANCE BEAM

2011-01-25T13:59:00.001-08:00

Spring Colors 2011...a happy outlook...HONEY SUCKLE MAKES ME LIKE PINK ALL OVER AGAIN

2011-01-25T12:37:00.000-08:00

A Color for All Seasons
Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.

	Spring 2011 – An Exotic Journey



	Citing exotic destinations like Africa, India, Peru and Turkey as inspiration for spring 2011, designers continue to satisfy consumers’ need to escape everyday challenges with intriguing color combinations that transport them to foreign lands. "The colors designers have chosen for the spring season present an interesting marriage of unexpected warm and cool tones," said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "By cleverly combining complementary colors, those that are opposites on the color wheel, they have created a striking intensity to the palette. These unique color combinations make it possible for consumers to pair existing pieces in colors traditionally associated with fall, with new favorites to punch up springtime wardrobes." Flirtatious Honeysuckle is a feel-good hue that brings a festive sense of playfulness to this season’s palette. This vibrant pinkish-red for both apparel and cosmetics makes consumers feel alive, and is a perfect post-winter pick-me-up. Spicy, gregarious and persuasive describe Coral Rose, a sophisticated orange that, much like Beeswax, a warm, honeyed yellow, conjures up feelings of faraway lands and locales. Pair either of these piquant hues with a cool, refreshing color-wheel opposite like Regatta for a vibrant color combination that will add zest to any wardrobe. Romantic, fanciful Lavender implies sensuality with its subtle hint of red undertone. Combine it with Beeswax or Coral Rose for a unique counterpoint. Alluring Blue Curacao evokes thoughts of tropical destinations and pays homage to the 2010 Color of the Year, Turquoise. Practical consumers can continue to incorporate enticing Caribbean blues into spring by pairing Blue Curacao with warm, complementary colors like Honeysuckle or Coral Rose. Peapod, a fresh yellow-green, brings an organic element to the palette and is reminiscent of the green shoots that signify change and new beginnings traditionally found in spring. Trans-seasonal neutrals ground this season’s palette and provide a stable backdrop for all the other colors. The so-called "nude hues" are represented in the range of ethereal Silver Peony to dramatically deep Russet. Another dependable background color, Silver Cloud, is the quintessential neutral that consumers can rely on to coordinate with everything in their closet. For 17 years, Pantone, the global authority on color, has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week and beyond to bring you the season’s most important color trends. This report previews the most prominent hues for spring 2011.

Cool stuff...even though it's store bought

2011-01-16T13:12:00.000-08:00

There are things you can't make by hand:) But they rock my (vintage loving and book worm) world :)
My kindle:

vintage sweaters on Ebay (I used to own almost similar knit wears in the 70s)

My listing goal of 5 dread tam slouchy beanie hats per day...

2011-01-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

cannot always be met, even though I do have a whole tub of finished tam hats ready for photographing.

The icy snow days usually come with house problems, it never fails that we have to call a plumber or repair person after the holidays.
This time it was frozen water lines...and phew, they didn't bust, but caused me more stress than desired.

Oscar and Masha are not too crazy about the winter weather either, but they are troopers and keep themselves busy with playing, running and guarding the fence line.

Newly listed on Etsy:

Pulling out the retro look again

2011-01-06T18:45:00.000-08:00

with this style:

(retro doily tam listed on my website Purple Sage Designz)

Slowly getting into the groove of 2011...with new tam hats

2011-01-04T16:07:00.000-08:00

After my short hiatus it's hard to have a long online presence again, I was most happy enjoying my time offline at the end of last year.
I am crocheting like a mad woman but I am slow taking pictures and listing my dread tams and slouchy beanies for sale.
here are a few new designs to show off today:

What to write a day before Christmas?

2010-12-23T17:13:00.000-08:00

Hold on, you will say, Christmas is not on Dec 24th, but for me it is.
Christmas Eve has always been Christmas for my family. The day of opening presents and anticipation to share time with the kids, small or all grown up now.
Christmas Day is the official dinner day, it's all about food and visiting with relatives in a wider sense.
We did put up a little cedar tree today, just an itty bitty thing from our own land. A slightly pitiful version, very low key like everything else this year. Totally fine with us. We will strip the cedar needles later this year and use them for sweatlodge ceremonies.
I am so through with taking product pictures or trying to sound interesting or social-network-worthy, I have chosen to keep silent for the most part of December and focus on getting all the hats and scarves shipped in time for the holiday shipping deadlines.

When everything was finally said and done business-wise I tended to my personal little pleasures:
Ebay shopping, cleaning my closet (and regain space), sleeping in, watching the lunar eclipse, it basically has been a very enjoyable mini vacation at home.

Holiday wishes to you and yours from Purple Sage Designz aka Angelika

1970s styles...my kind of eye candy

2010-12-07T18:26:00.000-08:00

Love these random pictures of this era, before cellulars and pcs in our ever faster moving life.

THESE PRINTS AND THE HAIR ROCK!

Veruschka, the model legend who dared to be different and a true amazon woman.

Hair culture icon: Marsha Hunt

Living the future in the past

Seventies sophistication

I wanted a Karman Ghia convertable, like this

These 3 women seemed incredible beautiful on the tv screen

The Gift of Time, German St Nick and 2 candles burning on the advent wreath

2010-12-05T13:16:00.000-08:00

If I had more hours in each day I would post thoughts, wishes and events.
Retail season is brutal and does not leave enough room for contemplation or rest.
I have come to realize that by giving myself the gift of some "free' time I give myself (and loved ones) the best gift ever. Blogging has to move to the backburner, same for facebook or any other social networking.

2nd Advent Sunday...

2 candles burning
and traditonally it will be St. Nikolaus Day in Germany on Dec 6th.
http://german.about.com/library/blnikolaus.htm

Take a stroll through German traditions with pictures and related links.
(A huge pile of almost finished tams will be listed in January...been busy like an elf:)

ADVENT NOSTALGIA

2010-11-28T14:53:00.000-08:00

Bringing back some long lost traditions for the advent time...with handmade decoration for our table, essential myrrhe oil (alternating with sage) and real candle lightning.
I am taking control of Christmas again, which seemed to have vanished with gift commercials, big spending and plastic trees. Instead of running from it (we just reconsidered and not fly to Jamaica over the holidays) I will embrace it in a new and yet old way, guided by childhood memories when advent and Christmas were the most magical times of the year for me.

(cedar tree branches, pine cones, potatoes sliced in half as base for the small branches, insert about half of an inch, keeps them moist, simple red scented candle, container or platter from around the house, protect bottom with scraps of bubble wrap etc)

Every year my mother handmade advent wreaths, they were traditional, natural and (compared to 2010) rather plain, but smelled of pine and bees wax. One candle was lit on the 1st advent Sunday, and every day during the first week, then 2 candles burned on the 2nd advent Sunday...until all 4 candles were lit on the last Sunday before Christmas Eve and Day.

More information about Advent here

Preview of new scarves...

2010-11-26T14:29:00.000-08:00

Pistacchio green woven & crochet scarf

...will be listed AFTER Black Friday (no sales pitches on black Friday from me)

My first model sold within a day and I am so happy about the design idea

Happy Thanksgiving, Meister Eckhart quote and new dread tam hats

2010-11-21T18:04:00.000-08:00

In honor of Thanksgiving I have added tams in beautiful calm fall colors.
Scroll past my Thanksgiving greeting
to get a first glimpse, they are listed in the pre-made section on my website Purple Sage Designz
Be safe, have a great grateful time with family & friends.
Peace and love!

One more note to new buyers:
I monitor my website daily, so you can order with confidence:)

pure cotton long dread tam
for green lovers patchwork tam
neutral plus soft tam

Crazy busy

2010-11-16T19:23:00.000-08:00

I haven't shown much blog love lately, time just passes by in a blink and highlight of my days are the pick up of my daily mail to customers.
Updates with pictures of new hats coming soon:)

Harmony

2010-11-06T10:18:00.000-07:00

Oscar and Masha are best buddies now, what a lovely site.
2 peas in a pod, we are very happy that they are so compatible and have found their match. 2 dogs are happier than one, just like we humans.
Happy weekend!

Finally a 70s hippie inspired Project Runway Design Winner --- Gretchen Jones

2010-11-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

Love her collection and her styling. Green organic feel with a touch of retro and hippy vibe.
I am glad that the IMO punk influenced and more juvenile collection by Mondo did not take the spotlight of the winning show, even though he appeared to be great as a person and designer per se.
Gretchen may have not been everyone's darling but she evolved into a very talented true-to-herself designer with self-reflection who actually takes us women into account. Her tops, pants and skirts have such a beautiful ease. I am tired of seeing sexy bare little cocktail dresses coming down the runway...but that's just me:)

The fab music is "Icarus" by White Hinterland.

Tam Hat news...NEWSBOY HIPPIE AND DREAD HAT DESIGNS LISTED

2010-10-30T18:13:00.000-07:00

Back in the groove with new yummy hats. All listed on Etsy.

Masha and Oscar...and why I love Australian Kelpie dogs

2010-10-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

I have posted many times about Oscar, our almost 6 year old KELPIE, a neutered male.
Yesterday we added Masha to complete the Kelpie pack. A female that was found by the Muscogee Animal control and put up for adoption by the humane society.
She is the most calm and laid back dog I have ever met.
Don't they just look like twins?

And this is our Oscar:

On the Oklahoman map... LittleCrow Trading Post in Tonkawa

2010-10-16T19:09:00.000-07:00

Meet local handmade artists and crafts people in our North Central Oklahoma neighborhood.
I especially love this new store which also serves in community support and shows positivity in hard economical times.

(In Historic Downtown 119 E. Grand Ave Tonkawa, OK 74653
20 miles S of KS State Line, 2 miles E of I-35 on Hwy 60, S 1 mile on Hwy 77 to stoplight, Left 1 block)

Littlecrow Tradingpost is the newest addition to the shopping scene of Tonkawa, a friendly small town where the clocks seem to go a bit slower and the historic down town area has preserved a 1950s/60s vibe.
Janet and Sonny LittleCrow had their grand opening today and we enjoyed their hospitality during their open house. It was a wonderful October morning with a classic car show downtown which really set a nice retro tone for locals and visitors who strolled on Grand Avenue, the main street.

Their store has been newly renovated and it has been stocked with mainly Native American regalia, but you can also find art, jewelry, leather work and gifts for every taste and budget. They specialize in custom made clothing for powwows and are very professional leather and fabric artists but yet very friendly and down to earth. They have a wealth of knowledge about authenticity of styles and traditional wearables.
Go stop in Tonkawa on your roadtrip and enjoy awesome "handmadeness" in Oklahoma.

Picture of store and inventory copied from their official website

Random things that may inspire you

2010-10-15T17:09:00.000-07:00

like they inspire me, revive me, when fatigue or a certain "seen it all" feeling creeps in.
My #1:

Traditionally, Earl Grey is a blend of black China teas treated with natural oils of the Bergamot citrus fruit, which gives the tea a distinctive perfumed aroma and flavor.
More about this wonderful tea mixture here

Even later in life we still can experience many Firsts, it's never too late to try something new or give something a chance that may have never intrigued before:
today I went to my first estate sale. I have been to hundreds of flea markets and thrift stores, but the special structure of an estate sale was something new and I loved it, as it was a very "people oriented" event with lots of chats with strangers waiting in line to be let in. As banal as it may sound, a first can be the first step into a new direction of interest or understanding.

Booooooooooooooooks....
I still consider them a pleasure to hold in my hand, sniff its old scent when it's a second hand paperback or cherish the beautiful artwork of a hardcover book's sleeve. Books let you take your time, and reread a passage that may have a special message, or just make you pause after a paragraph of deja-vu or sudden understanding.

There are wonderful spiritual books out there that don't necessarily have to be religious or orthodox lore.
Amazon is my favorite source for finding books on topics off the beaten path.

Sleep is a wonder drug. Once we realize our body's demand for a certain amount of rest we should respect the message our physique is sending us. I run best on 8 to 10 hours of sleep and if life permits I'll sleep until I wake up on my own. One of my favorite German proverbs says "While you sleep you cannot sin":)

Salvadore Dali...Sleep

HAPPY Friday!

Out of the box knit, crochet and woven scarves

2010-10-13T15:44:00.000-07:00

I don't want to sound like an advertisement spokeswoman, but I got to show off these 2 latest scarves, as I had a ton of fun making them.
And the concept had not been clear until I finally sat down to finish them. Little additions usually set the tone for the final look and feel.
Listed on Etsy.

Golden October dread tams & slouchy beanie hats

2010-10-09T18:27:00.000-07:00

In Germany we call a sunny and warm October the "golden October", similar to an Indian summer here.
This slouch beanie was inspired by all the bright leaves colors soon to fall.

I love to start new projects ... and I dislike finishing them. These tams could have been listed weeks ago, but better late than never:)

I don't get tired of making these patchwork tams, they turn out differently each time and I won't know the overall look until the rim has been finished. Predictable can be boring, and I love surprises.

A different version with a wool blend as 2nd strand.

This improvised star tam is a prime example of procrastinating. Finally listed on Etsy.

Extreme bulky yarn, but wonderfully soft and casual. A tam of my "blue hat period".

X-ing the malls, checking the fleamarkets and crafters' booths

2010-10-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a fantastic fleamarket at the Ponca City Art Center where the proceeds go back to the art society, I had a blast this afternoon.
This picnic basket is filled with several goodies, wood beads, craft book, fabric, yarn. And picnic dishes:)

New additions to my mid century to 1970s dinner ware and ceramic collection.

Restoration project for Sid: old little side table with colored glass table piece and stained glass candle holder.

Little beaded medicine bags, purchased from a craft booth at the Standing Bear powwow, Ponca City.

Handmade wall pocket made out of clay by an Oklahoman artist from Tipton, bought at the "Laughing Lizzard" at Medicine Park".

I hope you enjoyed this little tour through home decor and things that make me happy.
Re-use, make it by hand, keepsake the old and this world will be a tiny bit better place.

A gem in the handmade shopping scene of Oklahoma: Medicine Park

2010-10-04T16:15:00.000-07:00

Many days go by when I think about posting about a little event, a trip, a new hippie tam hat design, and I simply don't have the time to put it into a well written little blurb or upload an accompanying picture.

I have reconsidered trying to make the perfect posts, but just share...in unrefined words and phrases and pictures not highly edited, an honest glimpse into the life of the PSD people, hubby and me.

Last Saturday we spent a very interesting day in the Southeastern region of OK, close to Lawton where we visited Mount Scott in the Wichita mountain wildlife refuge, Medicine Park, the cutest little town with river walk, handmade shops, unique cafes and just a great vibe.

To top off a busy day we headed to the Comanche Fair where we visited with relatives, looked around, had dinner and overall had a pretty good work-out walking all over the large fair grounds by the Comanche headquarters.
And finally, I have a picture of myself posing in front of a genuine tipi.

Escaping the routine of working at home often is rewarded with a renewed feeling of inspiration and satisfaction.

Artfire is all grown up now aka out of BETA, a beautiful red collection including my hemp wool hippie tam hat

2010-10-03T08:53:00.000-07:00

and I have been so lucky to be included:)

A busy crocheter's life is....

2010-09-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

for the most part non-spectacular.
Not boring for me, but not easy to create a blog buzz about it either.
A busy crocheter has many zen moments, sitting outside, listening to the birds early in the morning while starting the first hat of the day.
A busy crocheter lives a good part of her day in "her head", thinking up new creations or reflecting on all day events.
A busy crocheter lives in a world of her own, often scouting the internet for new techniques and book releases about her favorite subject.

(like this, and since I am from Bavaria, I am very curious because I have never heard of Bavarian crochet)

A busy crocheter is not always a great photographer, but sometimes gets lucky to capture a nature shots like this

when she wonders why on earth she happened to live in a small town in Oklahoma.
But then again, a busy crocheter can live anywhere, as long as she has a yarn store or internet access at her reach.
Happy weekend!

A different flavor of music ... for the days when mainstream just doesn't cut it

2010-09-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

Wolfsheim videos in German, different, poetic, deep and zen. A bit of synchpop, a bit of classic songs.

(Ueber's Jahr...across the year)

(Kuenstliche Welten...artificial worlds)

Trends continued...Purple Sage Designz updated

2010-09-10T13:09:00.000-07:00

Finally I updated my website with some of the wool tams I had posted earlier. I am especially in love with my last visor tam creation, crocheted with "paint box wool" by Knit One Crochet Too. If I wasn't scouting Ebay auctions (and winning with some luck at a good price) for unusual and high end wool yarns I wouldn't be able to offer wool dread hippie tams and slouchy beanies at my very reasonable prices.

Listed for sale at www.purplesagedesignz.com

PSD slouchy beanie tam trends...color choices this week

2010-09-07T17:52:00.000-07:00

As a follow up post to yesterdays color trends, here is the first batch of my fall designs.

Color Trends...no blues on the horizon

2010-09-06T19:04:00.000-07:00

So I reached for blue and teal during the last few days, nice chunky yarns, to start on warm winter hats in wool and blends.
The idea occurred to me that I may not be very trendy with my color choices, and the thought provoking question about trends in general kept me wondering about who, how and when a trend becomes a mainstream fashion.

The yarn colors that "speak to me" will be part of my winter collection. Either pure personal choices or trend colors if I like them. Locally I am forced into certain color trends by the yarn stores anyway.
As a vivid buyer on Ebay I am not restricted to the available colors in the yarn stores, basically anything and everything can be ordered on Ebay (of course only if you win).

Here a bit of color info I gathered from a popular trend setting/documenting website.
(www.pantone.com)

At first glance I like gold, orchid, dark brown, lagoon and woodbine (not really a novelty as I have worked with similar shades for a while now). The palette reminds me a bit of Vanna's Choice (Lion Brand yarn line) where all colors work nicely together and regardless of what yarns are used for a striped pattern, the outcome is always looking great. The above palette reminds of this color mix and match concept, perhaps that's why trends take off in the first place, a certain new combination of traditional colors appears new and fresh, even though it has been around since the beginning of mankind dying their fabrics and yarns. Oh, and the fancy names for the colors, they are definitely appealing to our senses, too.
Dark brown cannot stand up to chocolate truffle, especially in the age of naming everything after food and luxury items.

Day in Tahlequah

2010-09-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

("When Grandma went to town" by Sid Armstrong)

Above one of the entries that my husband Sid has exhibited at the Cherokee National Holiday art show this weekend, just one of the events happening in the head quarters of the Cherokee nation in Southeastern Oklahoma.

His "Abstract Warrior" won the 3rd place in the category of Graphics, drawings & photography which had the most entries this year, even before fine arts (paintings).

It was a beautiful Indian Summer Day, and finally a chance to wear our hat and poncho. It did get quite chilly during and after the reception and hors d'oeuvre hour which is a nice touch when I accompany Sid to these events.

Before the gallery was opened we had low maintenance fun in the city park with a little creek after a cup of coffee and pastry at the downtown bakery & cafe. I hope one of these days we'll have a chance to eat at the Cherokee restaurant (closed after the reception) and have a tour through the ancient village. I love this little town, which is bustling with activities, small private enterprises and little non-chain shops along the downtown walk ways. (This alone will warm a European's heart:)