formspring friday, art inspiration, and five days.

first some art: 

 

[berges de la seine à chatou, maurice de vlaminck.]

we studied fauvism in my art history class yesterday. it was then that it hit me: i am studying about a movement of art in its home country, and in its native tongue. beyond that,  in the early 20th century, a new movement was formed that combined fauvism and cubism. it was labeled "l'ecole de montparnasse", because all the artists lived in montparnasse. guess where i now live? montparnasse! i tend to forget, get wrapped up in my money troubles, but i am amazingly lucky.

well, my first week on formspring? it was much more fun than i expected, although i did feel a bit narcissistic each time i answered a question. it got to me think about things that i had been avoiding for a while now, so thank you! if you have a formspring, let me know! i want to know more about you.  

questions i have answered this week: 

whats on your needles now? and next?
well, a few weeks ago i finished my manu. sadly, i havent cast on anything since then and am starting to feel just how much i miss it. problem is, none of the patterns out there are catching my interest. i really want to make a lacy cardigan or featherweight hoodie, but nothing is striking me as interesting. i chose manu because of all the little details, which were quite interesting. manu is a wonderfully written pattern and produces an amazing garment. but even that got a little old with its miles and miles of stockinette.

i want a challenge. i think its high time i start designing.

either that, or ill just make a summery, v-necked version of this thing of beauty.

do YOU have any ideas for me??

If you could go anywhere after you leave your semester abroad, where would you go, and what would you do?

i've been thinking a lot about this, because my desire for a prolonged return to the states is not strong. dont get me wrong, i want to go home and see my family. i just dont want to stay.

in a perfect world, i would return to france with noodle in tow.

in an ideal world with no money problems, i would spend a semester teaching english or studying in greece.

in my highest hopes and dreams, i would live on a farm in south america and learn to spin wool into yarn from llamas or sheep.

Delete Your Response favorite thing you ever knit? link to pattern?

that's easy! my truffle cardigan, hands down.

project page. blog post. tutorial.

Who's the most overrated athlete?

now, you know i pay no attention to sports... so, you tell me.   

Girl, you crazy. How'd you get so CRAZY?

hahaha no clue but im definitely glad i am!

what do you miss most about the states?

it's hard to think of things like that right off the top of my head and not in the moment... um... i definitely miss my family, my dog, speaking without feeling self-conscious of an american accent, and peanut butter. oh, and everything being open on sunday.

How do you support yourself while living abroad? Did you save for a long time? Do you have help? I would love to study abroad, and I was just wondering how you do it :]

i took out an oversized loan, to be honest. i really wish i had saved up instead, but i was unable to find employment over the summer. in paris, i have a job which really really helps. in addition, im planning on getting a babyspeaking job after school ends. my parents, and especially my sister, have been a huge help, i couldnt have done this without them. if you can study abroad, do it! it is worth it, no matter how hard you have to save or how much debt you incur! 

Where do you get inspiration for your knitting?

when i was living in arizona, i would scour the internet through ravelry or various fashion blogs. thats changed since living in london and paris. i now just watch people on the streets and sometimes am even inspired by the architecture. also, the cold weather and rain really make a person want to knit! 

Do you have any plans to write your own knitting patterns?

yes, i do! i actually have two sketches drawn up already. i have a very rough draft of the one i'm most excited about, and even a few swatches. i'll be looking for test knitters once ive actually finished the garment!!


Have you broken any bones? If so, how?

surprisingly, i have never broken any bones.

Do you want to be buried or cremated?

cremated, with my ashes spread along the coast of oregon.