Foxy G's Den of i-KNIT-quity

Autism and a Family’s Love

foxygknits — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 05:00:26 +0000

[Editor's Note: This article was originally run on April 4, 2010. With Betty's permission, it is being re-posted as a tribute to Rose and all the other individuals with autism, as well as to all the loving family members who share in their struggles.]

Betty Refour is an artist and a fellow member of the EtsyTwitter Team and Unique Women in Business Team. Her sister, Rose, has autism and Betty is her caregiver. Together, they use art to advocate for causes that are important to them, including autism awareness. Here is their story in their own words:

Rose is 44. I want to say that she was about three – four years old when diagnosed. Our parents had separated while my mom was pregnant with her and divorced shortly after she was born. At that time, very little was known about autism, and I imagine it was overwhelming for our mom. We were living in Chicago, and although she was a nurse and absolutely wonderful, she decided to move back to Oklahoma City to be closer to her parents. Our grandparents were wonderful with Rose. She would have meltdowns in the middle of the grocery store, and my grandmother would sit on the floor with her and hug her until she calmed down. Our grandfather would sit with her on his lap on a rocking chair and rock her for hours which calmed her down.

Rose Refour

Rose was one of those children on the spectrum that initially communicated, but then, at a certain point, withdrew into herself. We didn’t understand, and we wanted our Rose back. Everywhere our mother took her for help, they suggested she institutionalize her, but she wouldn’t have it.

Ovals Abstract Art Note Card - Artist with Autism

I am six years older than Rose, and she would draw and write on my homework, on my books, on my bedroom walls and on every wall in the house. At first, it upset me, but then I realized she had something to say. She was doing it through art. And by the way, her spelling was better than mine! I gave her some blank notebooks that I had, and she started to write and draw. The rest is pretty much history. Where I spent hours on one drawing hers were effortless. She had her own style, and it was beautiful. I would have to type some of my homework assignments (remember, this was years ago before computers!), and if I left them in or near the typewriter, Rose would type on them. So, I gave her my typewriter. I wanted a new one, so it was a ploy, but typing, writing and drawing helped her. It gave her an outlet to express herself.

Backed into a Corner Note Card - Artist with Autism

Rose went to a school for people with disabilities where they did a lot of crafts. Our mom eventually stopped taking her to those awful therapists who kept encouraging her to institutionalize Rose, and I am so happy that she did. We would sit for hours and talk to her; sometimes she responded, and sometimes she didn’t, but we never gave up. We encouraged her to write the answers if she didn’t want to speak to us, and sometimes she would. It was not easy for any of us, but we hung in there.

Abstract Art Glass Tile Pendant - Artist with Autism

At that time, mothers were considered to be the blame for autism. They were labeled “bad mothers,” and all sorts of crazy notions surrounded autism. Because some of the people that were my friends were no longer allowed to come over to our house once their parents found out that Rose had autism, I didn’t have a lot of friends. The irony is that when I moved home four years ago while our mom was battling cancer, I got much the same response. People who I thought were my friends shocked me when they suggested that I leave Rose somewhere and never look back. Not only did I not know them, but they didn not know me either! Our mom died three months after I moved here; it will be four years in June.

Rose goes to a program during the day, but when we’re at home, we paint and craft. She loves all types of music and can play the piano, although she has never had a lesson. She loves Barbie dolls, stuffed animals, shopping, jewelry, press-on nails, nail polish, wigs – although she doesn’t wear them, she likes to style them – and traveling. She loves to stay in hotels; I think it makes her feel like a princess. And she still carries around a note book – just in case she has something so say.

Easter Card

The advice I would give to anyone with a loved one on the spectrum is never give up. Somewhere inside, there is a beautiful person trying to figure out how to communicate with you. Figure out a way to help them.

April is National Autism Month. According to the Autism Society of America, autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person’s ability to communicate and interact with others. Autism is defined by a certain set of behaviors and is a “spectrum disorder” that affects individuals differently and to varying degrees. There is no known single cause for autism, but increased awareness and funding can help families today. For information on the autism community, life with autism or research and programs, visit the Autism Society of America website.

Knitting with the Colors of Spring

foxygknits — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 00:00:53 +0000

And Spring arose on the garden fair,
Like the Spirit of Love felt everywhere;
And each flower and herb on Earth’s dark breast
rose from the dreams of its wintry rest.
~Percy Bysshe Shelley, “The Sensitive Plant”

Spring is such a marvelous time to get color inspirations from nature.

It is said that April showers bring May flowers. Raindrops glisten, and the sun bounces off brilliant shades of teal, magenta and green in After the Rain, this one-of-a-kind, lightweight shawl wrap.

After the Rain Goddess Shawl/Wrap

Multiple gardens are filled with lush plants and flowers in every color of the rainbow at the Festival of Flowers at Biltmore Estates in Asheville, North Carolina. It was the inspiration for this vibrant, richly-textured, one-of-a-kind, lightweight shawl wrap.

Festival of Flowers Goddess Shawl/Wrap

Growing up, I remember the beautiful lilac bushes in our backyard, and loving to bring bunches of them to my favorite teachers. That was the inspiration for this lightweight, flirty, feminine, ribbon ruffle scarf.

Pink Lilacs Ribbon Ruffle Scarf

Please check out the blogs of my Unique Women in Business colleagues below. They will delight and entice you with their interpretations of spring.

Rita Wetzel – http://RitasCreativeNest.com

Jenn Nolda – http://brynnsbeautifulbows.blogspot.com

Ann Rinkenberger – http://harvestmoonbyhand.blogspot.com

Robin Koehler – http://www.nestlingsbyrobin.blogspot.com

Linda Reynolds – http://bellalindadesigns.net

Audrey Fetterhoff – http://AudreyGardenLady.blogspot.com

Birgitte Hendricks – http://SewDanish.blogspot.com

Wendy Kelly – http://blog.vintageday.com

Janet Bocciardi – http://www.honeyfromthebee.com

Linda Stranger – http://capecodjewel.blogspot.com

Karen Terry/McDuffie – http://jmjcreations.blogspot.com

Judy Woodley – http://wellspringcreations.blogspot.com

Trudy Miller – http://mommagoddesstreasures.blogspot.com

Cory Trusty – http://aquarianbath.blogspot.com

Nancy Pace – http://nancyswildwirejewelry.blogspot.com

Jenn Brockman – http://alexshares.com

Now Available: KNITTING WITH COLOR! and a touch of texture

foxygknits — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 05:12:43 +0000

I am so excited to announce that I have been working with Marjorie J. Mc Donald, a local knitwear designer, to create KNITTING WITH COLOR! and a touch of texture. This video is geared toward both knitters who may not know exactly how to combine colors and textures, as well as to experienced knitters who may want to enhance their color/texture coordination skills.

So, without further ado, drum roll please…KNITTING WITH COLOR and a touch of texture. While the content of both of the videos below is the same, you can choose the video cover that most appeals to your fabulous senses! By clicking on the photo of your preferred cover, you will be taken to an order page where you can purchase the video, as well as calculate shipping charges.

There will be an accompanying eBook soon to follow, along with a website where you will be able to order future videos and eBooks in this knitting with color/texture series. So, please check back soon.

We welcome your suggestions and feedback about colors and/or textures information about which you might be interested in learning. Please leave a comment below letting us know what will help you achieve maximum satisfaction in combining colors and textures into individual, one-of-a-kind projects. Happy Knitting!

February Jewels from some Jewelry Geniuses

foxygknits — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 07:13:45 +0000

The February born shall find
Sincerity and peace of mind,
Freedom from passion and from care,
If they, the amethyst will wear.

Lara Necklace - Lavender Silk Knotted with Pearls and Amethyst by camarilladesigns

Amethyst Crystal Sterling and Fine Silver Wire Wrapped Pendant by WellspringCreations

Handmade Star of India Ammonite and Amethyst by HoneyfromtheBee

Amethyst Healing Silver Wire Wrapped Pendant by lindab142

Amethyst Ear Pins by MommaGoddess

What is Love?

foxygknits — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 06:48:47 +0000

Poets and philosophers have been trying to explain it for years. Enter the EtsyBloggers Team with their own answers:

“One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is love.” – Sophocles

Love is in the Air Plush Heart by madebymelissa

“To be in love is merely to be in a state of perceptual anesthesia.” – H.L. Mencken

Aqua and White Glass Heart Necklace with Ribbon by mysticwynd

“Love doesn’t make the world go round, love is what makes the ride worthwhile.” – Elizabeth Browning

Love Vintage Postcard Journal by CREATEaTHOUGHT

“Love is the master key that opens the gates of happiness.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

Love Circle Hand Stamped Personalized Sterling Silver Necklace by PunkyJane

“Where love is, no room is too small.” – Talmud

SWEETHEART Bubble Top Retro Pink and Black by joeyandaleethea

“Love is the irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.” – Mark Twain

HandmadeF loral Ocean Jasper Heart and Pearl Necklace by HoneyfromTheBee

And finally, a little ditty by Dorothy Parker. No one could say it better:

“Oh, life is a glorious cycle of song,
A medley of extemporanea;
And love is a thing that can never go wrong;
And I am Marie of Roumania.”
- Dorothy Parker

Love in the Kitchen Cotton Potholder by RaggamuffinDesign

Introducing: Snow Storm 2011 Collection

foxygknits — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 02:47:26 +0000

Madame Defarge has nothing on me. She may have knit through the Revolution, but I have clicked my sticks four four solid days and nights through the snow storm of 2011 here in sunny, funny Atlanta.

While Atlanta may have good restaurants and shopping, folks here have not the foggiest idea how to 1) design an airport; 2) design effective traffic patterns; and 3) deal with a snow or ice event. Anywhere else it might have only been a snow storm; here it is a pay-for-view event if you like to watch Demolition Derby or Bumper Cars. And who needs the mail to be delivered more than once a week anyway?

But I digress. In lieu of eating too much or taking out my frustrations shopping on ebay, I have knit, knit and then knit some more. So, without further adieu, I am pleased to present my Snow Storm 2011 Collection:

Hand Knit Black Cowl

Hand Knit Fashion Sassy Wrap/Scarf - Cinnamon

Hand Knit Fashion Sassy Wrap/Scarf - Nougat

Hand Knit Fashion Sassy Wrap/Scarf - Nutmeg

Hand Knit Fashion Sassy Wrap/Scarf - My Funny Valentine

All of these creations will soon be listed in Foxy G. Knits. Should you have any questions before then, please let me know. You can reach me through Foxy G. Knits, through twitter or facebook.

Well, I feel better already – even though I am pretty certain that Chamber of Commerce will not be calling me anytime soon.

Periwinkle Days – Sapphire Nights…

foxygknits — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:16:54 +0000

‘Treasure Lover Team’ by cjBlue

Navy Blue Roses Han… BizimSupplies $10.00	Electric Blue Fuzzl… FoxyGknits $45.00	Blue Love Word Char… charmeddesign1… $22.00	BLUE TEARDROP – En… efratjewelry $47.00
Silk midnight blue … Lbtoyos $10.90	Sterling silver stu… SigalitAlcalai $40.00	Handmade Dark Blue … ILoveYoYo $3.00	Lot of 3 DMC Perle … NAKPUNAR $7.49
12 Lilac Periwinkle… priya123 $10.00	Sapphire Nights – … CicaleTdesigns $39.00	Crisp White Carnati… priya123 $20.00	Diva Drops – Soft S… jmjcreations $14.59
Vintage Stamp Posta… naturallymepho… $5.00	Chickadee Coasters … petitehermine $9.00	Blue Agate Earrings… AngelPearls $18.00	Bing and Grondahl M… NevermorePrimi… $5.00

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Ready for New Year! by HoneyFromTheBee

foxygknits — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 02:35:52 +0000

Hand Knit Ravishing… FoxyGknits $75.00	Domino Pendant – Ru… inmyheadstudio… $18.00	Cherry Red Seaglas… willowblacklab $100.00	Valentine Phrase Ta… TheCheckerdRab… $3.25
Little Red Bird Woo… misseskwittys $8.95	The Sparkling Ruby … Mikiye $105.00	Butterfly Passion -… mysassyglass $30.00	ON SALE Crocheted E… HandmadeBySand… $4.97
Rose Geranium Natur… AquarianBath $8.50	Ruby Mine shrug …… Ayca $75.00	Candy Stripes II Ha… MindyG $25.00	the bloom – Gerber … Mandizzle $21.00
Ear Warmer Headband… beautifulbridg… $20.00	My Name hand stampe… PunkyJane $31.00	Cherry RED Extraord… yarncoture $32.00	Red Coral Handcraft… WellspringCrea… $92.00

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These Treasures are Hot, Hot, Hot!

foxygknits — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 19:40:56 +0000

‘Can’t get warm?’ by HoneyFromTheBee

EtsyBloggers Team to the rescue!

Ponytail Set Brown … TheReFORMatory $10.00	Orange and Red – Ha… RainyDayArt $17.00	Hey honey wire wrap… SunshineDaydre… $10.00	Tropical Shower Cro… jnoriginals $14.00
MONSTERLICIOUS SWIR… joeyandaleethe… $152.00	Rainbow Hammered Co… SilverSmack $20.00	Lemon Orange Croche… jnoriginals $15.00	Beaded Bangle Brace… randomcreative $35.00
Rainbow Crystal Cha… mysticwynd $12.50	Orange Energy Glyce… spottedcowsoap… $6.00	SALE Harvest Moon -… BeadedTail $14.00	Hand Knit Red and B… FoxyGknits $75.00
Plaid Lace Nature G… bijouxrouge $13.00	Brilliant Red Flowe… nwwonders $7.00	Gil Elvgren pin-up … sexyhandmade $25.00	CLEARANCE. Blue Dis… ArtsyTartsyJew… $12.75

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Fit for a Queen

foxygknits — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 07:16:45 +0000

She is mature with a young spirit – fashionable without being trendy. She likes nice things, but shuns excess. And above all, she appreciates independent artists and artisans. All items in this treasury are handmade and between $75 and $100.

Ruby Red Bottle Sto… willowblacklab $100.00	They Buy Shoes Numb… heartsandlaser… $100.00	The Enchanted Garde… yarncoture $75.00	Lessons Learned – O… brefour $75.00
Turquoise Bone and … SweetwaterGift… $98.00	Keychain – Mark You… PunkyJane $85.00	Red Coral Handcraft… WellspringCrea… $92.00	Vintage Golden Leav… whimsyfish $95.00
Crocheted Lace Butt… crochetgal $100.00	African Drums Neckl… MommaGoddess $75.00	Captive Mobi Sterli… TheChainmaille… $93.00	Lavender and Blue B… HoneyFromTheBe… $75.00
Magical Circles Bib… knittingguru $98.00	Simple Elegance 6×9… purplelemondes… $80.00	Bridal Hair Flower … Mikiye $90.00	Violet, Blue and Or… FoxyGknits $85.00

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