Look who likes the cat bed... Mary !
Big Mare shows the way for the mini Mares( Celie and Birdee)
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Miracle On George St.
Look who likes the cat bed... Mary !
Big Mare shows the way for the mini Mares( Celie and Birdee)
What I didn't hook on today !
I did not hook today though the atmosphere was right, all stormy , snowy and cold.
I was busy, but I did hook on this last night at the Wiarton Woolies meeting( I forgot my camera to take a picture of Pam's rug, sorry.)
My fellow hookers were floored, I was hooking on burlap and a printed pattern.
The burlap wasn't too fun to hook on but I'll soon be done.
I was busy, but I did hook on this last night at the Wiarton Woolies meeting( I forgot my camera to take a picture of Pam's rug, sorry.)
My fellow hookers were floored, I was hooking on burlap and a printed pattern.
The burlap wasn't too fun to hook on but I'll soon be done.
being grateful
Over the course of a few months I might get as many as several dozen requests for info.
Here I am playing the role of the mushroom being thankful for the log, or am I the log ? ... today I feel like one.
Sometimes it is a BIG request, sometimes just an email address.
There are some people who are grateful and thank me.
Then there are some who never reply.
I'm not alone other instructors tell me the same thing.
I wonder why?
In order to aid this situation I'm going to try to be more cognizant of when I neglect to be thankful and improve.
Because it leaves the person with a bad taste in the back of their throat ie : you make them puke.... if you are not appreciative of their time and effort.
Here I am playing the role of the mushroom being thankful for the log, or am I the log ? ... today I feel like one.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
What I did today !
Today I built a new free Welcome Mat To join go to http://thewelcomemat.ning.com/
Also cat pillow prototype - angora, lambswool and quilt batting , they don't seem interested so I sprinkled it with catnip though I think wearing it for 24 hours might have done the trick a bit better. Here is Celie studiously ignoring the deluxe possibilities next door !
Dyed 3 sweaters for #1 , all were once cream or oatmeal.
Still to come , supper , the Woollies, my current read.... not to mention HBOs True Blood based on the Sookie Stackhouse mysteries by Charlaine Harris, where will the fun and frivolity end I ask you, where?
Also cat pillow prototype - angora, lambswool and quilt batting , they don't seem interested so I sprinkled it with catnip though I think wearing it for 24 hours might have done the trick a bit better. Here is Celie studiously ignoring the deluxe possibilities next door !
Dyed 3 sweaters for #1 , all were once cream or oatmeal.
Still to come , supper , the Woollies, my current read.... not to mention HBOs True Blood based on the Sookie Stackhouse mysteries by Charlaine Harris, where will the fun and frivolity end I ask you, where?
The Welcome Mat Revived on NING
This winter I decided The Welcome Mat subscription format had become too cumbersome for me to keep up with.
It's a long story !
LOL
I decided to close it down, it was a great tool and I was sad to see my wonderful connections with people go away, as were others.
So I rolled out a new Mat where you can have some personalization and post photos and videos if you wish.
I thank Heidi who sent a timely email invite that showed me a new way to go.
I believe I must invite you so if you wish to join drop me a line from my web page and send you the invite, please spread the news around as much as you can. It's FREE , FREE - thank God almighty It and I are free at last ! Everyone who creates with fibers is welcome.
http://thewelcomemat.ning.com/
It's a long story !
LOL
I decided to close it down, it was a great tool and I was sad to see my wonderful connections with people go away, as were others.
So I rolled out a new Mat where you can have some personalization and post photos and videos if you wish.
I thank Heidi who sent a timely email invite that showed me a new way to go.
I believe I must invite you so if you wish to join drop me a line from my web page and send you the invite, please spread the news around as much as you can. It's FREE , FREE - thank God almighty It and I are free at last ! Everyone who creates with fibers is welcome.
http://thewelcomemat.ning.com/
If you Act
If you act enthusiastically you will become enthusiastic.
if you act creative you will become creative.
If you act positive you will become positive.
If you act funny you'll be funny.
If you act fit you will become fit
If you act intelligent you will become intelligent ( mostly involves keeping mouth shut )
If you act you become.
If you act you are.
If you act.
Act now.
if you act creative you will become creative.
If you act positive you will become positive.
If you act funny you'll be funny.
If you act fit you will become fit
If you act intelligent you will become intelligent ( mostly involves keeping mouth shut )
If you act you become.
If you act you are.
If you act.
Act now.
Sunday Class and More
Sunday classes have started and they are a terrific way to get revved up again about hooking, the classes are limited in size and you get tons of individual attention
Here is a picture of a novel way Laurel found to hook. Bear in mind she is 16 and FLEXIBLE ! She put her legs through the chair back and seat and leaned her hoop on the chair back ! I like that kind of inventive thinking.
Thea and Larel show off their hooking !
Laurel( Honorary #3) just learned Sunday and she is finishing off a rug her mom started. Thea ( # 1 ) is revisiting hooking and is really enjoying it.
Pam was here too and she is going to make a derivative of this rug with her bits and pieces, the dark teal I dyed in December was for her. By the time I thought to take pictures it was time to go, we had some freezing rain. I'll see Pam tonight at the Wiarton Woollies meeting and I'll take a picture then.
Going to DO something now.... it my good thing.
I might be back to make a thing a day if I can't get the motor started. Pray for more snow so I might go skiing, it really is a necessity for me this time of year. I often try to learn something new at thins time of year and I think it will be machine embroidery.
What do you do to make the dark months move swiftly ?
Here is a picture of a novel way Laurel found to hook. Bear in mind she is 16 and FLEXIBLE ! She put her legs through the chair back and seat and leaned her hoop on the chair back ! I like that kind of inventive thinking.
Thea and Larel show off their hooking !
Laurel( Honorary #3) just learned Sunday and she is finishing off a rug her mom started. Thea ( # 1 ) is revisiting hooking and is really enjoying it.
Pam was here too and she is going to make a derivative of this rug with her bits and pieces, the dark teal I dyed in December was for her. By the time I thought to take pictures it was time to go, we had some freezing rain. I'll see Pam tonight at the Wiarton Woollies meeting and I'll take a picture then.
Going to DO something now.... it my good thing.
I might be back to make a thing a day if I can't get the motor started. Pray for more snow so I might go skiing, it really is a necessity for me this time of year. I often try to learn something new at thins time of year and I think it will be machine embroidery.
What do you do to make the dark months move swiftly ?
Forces should be mustered!
Oh yes indeedy the post holiday flat line has emerged.
On the good side, it is periodically sunny today.
I talked to lots of people of varying things so I have made some contact with the outside world.
I'm soaking sweaters to dye and will repurpose cashmere ones to upcycle into cat beds. These are colour co-ordinated with the cats so the extra fur won't show.
My make a thing a day a month was a great relief to finish but as time wears( drags ) on from the 31 I have come to my Studio less and less.
Two things to note about the studio right now!
It is CLEAN and bright.
And still I don't try make a point to come down.
hmmm, I do know it was very messed up when I was doing a thing a day. And when I wasn't having Thursday hook-in I devolved it into a complete spatial and palatial chaos.
It seemed to work somehow for me !
I couldn't wait to get down and dirty in here.
But I did have creating company and I think that might be the ticket! AND DAILY DEADLINES
I need creating buddies to feel really happy, no matter what we are each making I like the company !
Don't forget about finishing Fridays... have you gone through your works in progress ?
Know which one you want to tackle first ?
Don't be stopping up your other ideas either to get these things finished , keep your flow going. Keep up with the new incoming but save Fridays out for visiting the old. This way all parts of the creative spirit are answered.
Here is the studio clean and bright , look for Celie's posterior, she is my faithful studio companion these days. She just doesn't say much.
On the good side, it is periodically sunny today.
I talked to lots of people of varying things so I have made some contact with the outside world.
I'm soaking sweaters to dye and will repurpose cashmere ones to upcycle into cat beds. These are colour co-ordinated with the cats so the extra fur won't show.
My make a thing a day a month was a great relief to finish but as time wears( drags ) on from the 31 I have come to my Studio less and less.
Two things to note about the studio right now!
It is CLEAN and bright.
And still I don't try make a point to come down.
hmmm, I do know it was very messed up when I was doing a thing a day. And when I wasn't having Thursday hook-in I devolved it into a complete spatial and palatial chaos.
It seemed to work somehow for me !
I couldn't wait to get down and dirty in here.
But I did have creating company and I think that might be the ticket! AND DAILY DEADLINES
I need creating buddies to feel really happy, no matter what we are each making I like the company !
Don't forget about finishing Fridays... have you gone through your works in progress ?
Know which one you want to tackle first ?
Don't be stopping up your other ideas either to get these things finished , keep your flow going. Keep up with the new incoming but save Fridays out for visiting the old. This way all parts of the creative spirit are answered.
Here is the studio clean and bright , look for Celie's posterior, she is my faithful studio companion these days. She just doesn't say much.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Today's Happenings
Well, I was off to a slow start today,but once I got going it was good!
That was about 2 in the afternoon. I got dressed and went out to get the mail and I had three pkgs.
One contained the charms from a charm swap I joined. When I arrange them I'll post the picture.
I'm not sure whether to make a bracelet , a garland, fancy fringe on the end of a scarf ????
I also got a terrific set of presents from Christine ! Wonderful ! Thanks again.
The other parcel contained a great book ! Machine Embroidery Inspirations from Australian Artists. Kristen Dibbs
It is very cool to see the diversity and it is full of tips good for all fiber artists.
Speaking of being artists I had several requests in the last few days for various things, how did I do this or that ..... can I tell them how to do things.
This batch of requests which I can kinda answer really made me think about something I like to call the magic bullet.
Frequently we look to someone else to give us the answers. Rug hooking is certainly set up like this. But the answers we get are for their questions, not our own.
We are really the only ones who 'know" what our answers are. We are looking for the magic bullet to be shot straight for us. But aren't we the owners of our own magic, unique to us ? If we knew our questions better it would help to find the answers.
For instance I'm frequently asked to tell people how to hook a face.
This is not a topic I'm an expert in. I have only hooked about 5 faces in my life and those were of people whom I'm really familiar with. Yes, in case you were wondering Elvis is living right here with me !
It is easy to tell people what I do.
It is easy to explain what to look for.
It is easy to jot down tips for colour use and all the rest of what you might use to create a great portrait.
But what I can't do is look for you, or study your visual as you need to, or hook for you. Or rip out your work as you refine your method.
Because it is your method. Only you can discover it. Mostly by making a start and tons of mistakes. Go for it !
One of best encouragements for me as I started my hooking life was a documentary on Picasso and the creation of his painting Guernica.
He was working on it only 15 days after the attack on the town by German bombers during the Spanish Civil War.
He had his initial ideas. But watching him execute them and cast aside those that didn't fit his work as it progressed was such a relief.
Because don't we all in our minds eye set out to make the most glorious thing ever ? Then we start to bring them to fruition, and the tree sometimes bears fruit that we don't expect. The work sometimes demands a new turn. It becomes entity itself.
It might only resemble our initial idea. This is still good. This is for the best. This is what creativity is about.
Now take a gander at this: I'm living in a white world .... it is GOOD to see green !
That was about 2 in the afternoon. I got dressed and went out to get the mail and I had three pkgs.
One contained the charms from a charm swap I joined. When I arrange them I'll post the picture.
I'm not sure whether to make a bracelet , a garland, fancy fringe on the end of a scarf ????
I also got a terrific set of presents from Christine ! Wonderful ! Thanks again.
The other parcel contained a great book ! Machine Embroidery Inspirations from Australian Artists. Kristen Dibbs
It is very cool to see the diversity and it is full of tips good for all fiber artists.
Speaking of being artists I had several requests in the last few days for various things, how did I do this or that ..... can I tell them how to do things.
This batch of requests which I can kinda answer really made me think about something I like to call the magic bullet.
Frequently we look to someone else to give us the answers. Rug hooking is certainly set up like this. But the answers we get are for their questions, not our own.
We are really the only ones who 'know" what our answers are. We are looking for the magic bullet to be shot straight for us. But aren't we the owners of our own magic, unique to us ? If we knew our questions better it would help to find the answers.
For instance I'm frequently asked to tell people how to hook a face.
This is not a topic I'm an expert in. I have only hooked about 5 faces in my life and those were of people whom I'm really familiar with. Yes, in case you were wondering Elvis is living right here with me !
It is easy to tell people what I do.
It is easy to explain what to look for.
It is easy to jot down tips for colour use and all the rest of what you might use to create a great portrait.
But what I can't do is look for you, or study your visual as you need to, or hook for you. Or rip out your work as you refine your method.
Because it is your method. Only you can discover it. Mostly by making a start and tons of mistakes. Go for it !
One of best encouragements for me as I started my hooking life was a documentary on Picasso and the creation of his painting Guernica.
He was working on it only 15 days after the attack on the town by German bombers during the Spanish Civil War.
He had his initial ideas. But watching him execute them and cast aside those that didn't fit his work as it progressed was such a relief.
Because don't we all in our minds eye set out to make the most glorious thing ever ? Then we start to bring them to fruition, and the tree sometimes bears fruit that we don't expect. The work sometimes demands a new turn. It becomes entity itself.
It might only resemble our initial idea. This is still good. This is for the best. This is what creativity is about.
Now take a gander at this: I'm living in a white world .... it is GOOD to see green !
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Day 31, Mother of All invention
Yes, necessity inspired me tonight.
I usually use a piece of paper money for my book mark but Nessa (#2) commented on its decadence.
So tonight when I was pooped out from all day running about ( I saw Donna ! just back from Halley's very first movie ! )
and I thought I couldn't possibly make a thing I remembered I should get a book mark not worth stealing.
So here is my book mark with tails and beads made on the embellisher.
This last installment winds up my make a thing a day project.
I did enjoy these minutes of making each day and I confess I would have copped out many a night if I didn't have you holding my feet to the fire or rather my promise to you. So thank you for this opportunity. I will be glad not to have to make anything tomorrow , though I may do so because I'm in the discipline of doing so now.
I found frequently even though I couldn't think of a single thing to make if I came down to the fertile field of my studio and dug my hands around in the dirt and seeds so to speak , something would grow. A weed, a flower, a tree, a blade or maybe good wholesome food for some other adventure later , no matter the outcome of this digging in, it was all worthwhile toward the effort of invention.
Especially the popcorn !
Happy New Year Everyone , to health, laughter, good cheer and endless visits to The House Of Invention.
I usually use a piece of paper money for my book mark but Nessa (#2) commented on its decadence.
So tonight when I was pooped out from all day running about ( I saw Donna ! just back from Halley's very first movie ! )
and I thought I couldn't possibly make a thing I remembered I should get a book mark not worth stealing.
So here is my book mark with tails and beads made on the embellisher.
This last installment winds up my make a thing a day project.
I did enjoy these minutes of making each day and I confess I would have copped out many a night if I didn't have you holding my feet to the fire or rather my promise to you. So thank you for this opportunity. I will be glad not to have to make anything tomorrow , though I may do so because I'm in the discipline of doing so now.
I found frequently even though I couldn't think of a single thing to make if I came down to the fertile field of my studio and dug my hands around in the dirt and seeds so to speak , something would grow. A weed, a flower, a tree, a blade or maybe good wholesome food for some other adventure later , no matter the outcome of this digging in, it was all worthwhile toward the effort of invention.
Especially the popcorn !
Happy New Year Everyone , to health, laughter, good cheer and endless visits to The House Of Invention.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Day 30 , Thinking of fabric buttons
Today I was thinking I'd like soft wool decorative buttons for my shawl or bags or what ever I'm making so I started experimenting with that idea.
I had some thick felt, I upholstered it with kimono silk, added a needle punch element and did some embroidery on it.
Thea says it looks like an expensive cookie or chocolate!
Make sure to be making something on New Years eve to show the new year who 's the boss in the the creating time for Creating Dept.
Finishing Fridays... that's my resolution, using part of every Friday to finish my mile high pile of hooked rugs, they are hooked just not bound.
Just so you know Jo... I'm wearing last years Bed sweater.... that's just where I'm heading right now !
January 4th, is Sunday class day, are you coming ?
We'll be glad to see you. Cost $20. Goodies and beverages served.
I had some thick felt, I upholstered it with kimono silk, added a needle punch element and did some embroidery on it.
Thea says it looks like an expensive cookie or chocolate!
Make sure to be making something on New Years eve to show the new year who 's the boss in the the creating time for Creating Dept.
Finishing Fridays... that's my resolution, using part of every Friday to finish my mile high pile of hooked rugs, they are hooked just not bound.
Just so you know Jo... I'm wearing last years Bed sweater.... that's just where I'm heading right now !
January 4th, is Sunday class day, are you coming ?
We'll be glad to see you. Cost $20. Goodies and beverages served.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Day 29- Dye Job
The other day I was at a great recycling store for clothing called The Patch.
It was BAG day , you buy a bag for $20 and you fill it, I'm am an expert at filling the bag.
Especially with cashmere sweaters, for my " bed sweaters", I'll explain that later.
I found a sweater that looked like Christine would wear it ! It had various textures of sweater sewn in strips to make the front.
BUT the colours were not Christine.
Here it is in the dye pan.
With dye in it.
All dyed but still wet.
Christine it looks a bit like the desiree cassarole dye !
It was from the bottom up
Aljo Dark Red
Majic Carpet Red Violet twice for rich impact.
Majic Carpet Red with Majic Carpet Yellow pored over it.
Bed Sweater: cashmere or mohair or angora or merino sweater you wear over your night wear all night long because you have a wood furnace that doesn't last all night and sleep below a window. A must have for the fashionista in 2009.
It was BAG day , you buy a bag for $20 and you fill it, I'm am an expert at filling the bag.
Especially with cashmere sweaters, for my " bed sweaters", I'll explain that later.
I found a sweater that looked like Christine would wear it ! It had various textures of sweater sewn in strips to make the front.
BUT the colours were not Christine.
Here it is in the dye pan.
With dye in it.
All dyed but still wet.
Christine it looks a bit like the desiree cassarole dye !
It was from the bottom up
Aljo Dark Red
Majic Carpet Red Violet twice for rich impact.
Majic Carpet Red with Majic Carpet Yellow pored over it.
Bed Sweater: cashmere or mohair or angora or merino sweater you wear over your night wear all night long because you have a wood furnace that doesn't last all night and sleep below a window. A must have for the fashionista in 2009.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Day 28- Unusual Creation
Well, this is a bit strange.... I did create this with a little bit of help .... from her dad.
And I did show her how to hook, so I guess I did make this event in an abstract way.
Oh Yeah ! my girl's a hooker.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Posting to This Blog
Joanne asked a great question, how do you post to my blog ?
All you do is scroll down to the bottom of the letter you wish to comment on , click on the comments link ( will have a number included, 0 if no one has commented before you or the number of comments made ) and a window pops up giving you a comment box. Type what you want to say and post it.
Though you will have to wait a bit before seeing it as I have my comments set to be moderated to keep unwanted blather at bay.
If you wish to post a picture , you need only send it to me and I will post that.
Give it a whirl !
All you do is scroll down to the bottom of the letter you wish to comment on , click on the comments link ( will have a number included, 0 if no one has commented before you or the number of comments made ) and a window pops up giving you a comment box. Type what you want to say and post it.
Though you will have to wait a bit before seeing it as I have my comments set to be moderated to keep unwanted blather at bay.
If you wish to post a picture , you need only send it to me and I will post that.
Give it a whirl !
Day 27 Whole night of trying to knit !
Something in the round again tonight !
BTW did you get a load of the cool reflections in the popcorn bowl yesterday ?
Here is out trial piece of trying to do what the addi express instructions calls plain knitting but I'm calling flat knitting.... we keep dropping stitches, it is most aggravating.
I finally gave up and had Honey try it, he also had stitch hop !
I was intending to knit a shawl tonight but left my suri dream yarn and switched to turquoise cotton to better see what was happening.
That's Honey of the flat stomach you can see in the picture.
Also I have been happily giving away my decorations right off the tree as people are coming in to visit, I'm so glad I made these things !
BTW did you get a load of the cool reflections in the popcorn bowl yesterday ?
Here is out trial piece of trying to do what the addi express instructions calls plain knitting but I'm calling flat knitting.... we keep dropping stitches, it is most aggravating.
I finally gave up and had Honey try it, he also had stitch hop !
I was intending to knit a shawl tonight but left my suri dream yarn and switched to turquoise cotton to better see what was happening.
That's Honey of the flat stomach you can see in the picture.
Also I have been happily giving away my decorations right off the tree as people are coming in to visit, I'm so glad I made these things !
Friday, December 26, 2008
Day 26 - All I could muster energy to make today
Yup , all I made today was a bowl of popcorn, I hope I do better tomorrow !
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Day 25 What I made today!
I hope you all had a lovely day. It was very busy here as I'm sure it was for everyone.
Here is our tree with the created ornaments from my challenge this month.
Children have returned to their homes with bellies and hearts full.
Though not created today..... Here is a picture of the two best things I've ever made in my life!
Here is Number 1 modelling her Granny gown which was my big secret project all this week.
It practically turned into an pre civil War ball gown !
She loved it.
I received an addi king size knitting machine from Germany and had time for only a bit of fun. I knit a totally ridiculous band and made it into an impromptu hat fit for a clown !!!
Will post more exciting things in near future.
I did some remedial work on my scene from yesterday and this "photo booth " in my new computer really helps me see what's wrong.
Trees too much alike, going same direction with same height !
NO GOOD.
I thought I wanted to add a creature but I don't want one now that I fixed up the tree. BTW - it is easier to machine felt something together than it is to remove it. I think I made my sky a bit dirty with the dark threads that were hard to pull out.
To answer Lauri, this is a familiar scene in my area, where we are surrounded by marvelously blue water and lovely escarpments. You can see the escarpment from both sides of Colpoys Bay this view looking east from my side of town. Very peaceful indeed. I like to work from photos, they don't move !!!
Tomorrow is clean up day in the studio !! It is about time !
Here is our tree with the created ornaments from my challenge this month.
Children have returned to their homes with bellies and hearts full.
Though not created today..... Here is a picture of the two best things I've ever made in my life!
Here is Number 1 modelling her Granny gown which was my big secret project all this week.
It practically turned into an pre civil War ball gown !
She loved it.
I received an addi king size knitting machine from Germany and had time for only a bit of fun. I knit a totally ridiculous band and made it into an impromptu hat fit for a clown !!!
Will post more exciting things in near future.
I did some remedial work on my scene from yesterday and this "photo booth " in my new computer really helps me see what's wrong.
Trees too much alike, going same direction with same height !
NO GOOD.
I thought I wanted to add a creature but I don't want one now that I fixed up the tree. BTW - it is easier to machine felt something together than it is to remove it. I think I made my sky a bit dirty with the dark threads that were hard to pull out.
To answer Lauri, this is a familiar scene in my area, where we are surrounded by marvelously blue water and lovely escarpments. You can see the escarpment from both sides of Colpoys Bay this view looking east from my side of town. Very peaceful indeed. I like to work from photos, they don't move !!!
Tomorrow is clean up day in the studio !! It is about time !
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Day 24 What I finished today
Merry Christmas All, I wish you all the best and safe travels tomorrow if you are out on the roads.
Today I finished off many SECRET things, and in that spirit I'm showing you something I was working on quite a while ago but started to complete on my Embellisher.
I want to alter the tree in the middle and make it shorter and add a bird which I have to create when I'm not so tired, I also broke my first needle ...... will make this part of tomorrow's project and I plan to knit tomorrow also.
Something really grand about everyone being so grown up !!!
I had tried to make something out of roving and a beautifully dyed nylon, BUT IT WAS TOO UGLY FOR WORDS let alone a picture !
Look yonder at something with a sliver of potential....
Today I finished off many SECRET things, and in that spirit I'm showing you something I was working on quite a while ago but started to complete on my Embellisher.
I want to alter the tree in the middle and make it shorter and add a bird which I have to create when I'm not so tired, I also broke my first needle ...... will make this part of tomorrow's project and I plan to knit tomorrow also.
Something really grand about everyone being so grown up !!!
I had tried to make something out of roving and a beautifully dyed nylon, BUT IT WAS TOO UGLY FOR WORDS let alone a picture !
Look yonder at something with a sliver of potential....
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Day 23 Hooking !
Well, I did make some other things today, also secret....., same as yesterday.....
But I had time to hook some sky around the new moon. I love hooking, so peaceful and exciting at the same time to see the colours come alive.
A picture of the rug where you can see a bit of the overall creation.
But I had time to hook some sky around the new moon. I love hooking, so peaceful and exciting at the same time to see the colours come alive.
A picture of the rug where you can see a bit of the overall creation.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Day 22 It's a secret !
Yes, I cannot say what I'm building today but will post a picture after the holiday is over. Suffice it to say I built something.
But it does involve the things pictured . Please note, no siamese were harmed during this experiment.
But it does involve the things pictured . Please note, no siamese were harmed during this experiment.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Day 21 The shortest day of the year- what I made
Using recycled sweaters, squares and ovals I created a garland for my little christmas tree.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Day 20 What I made today !
Today was a knitting and a hooking day !
Tomorrow I'll try to take a picture of my whole rug for you.
Tomorrow I'll try to take a picture of my whole rug for you.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Day 19 Hooking day , What I made today - Greased Lightning
Today I hooked , I'm trying to get a bolt of lightning placed well in the sky, it hold all parts of my rug together both thematically, and visually !
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Day 17 Little Bird, This one's for you Christine
This bird is made of felted marbelised wool with cotton floss stitching with a knit and felted wing and beak , a stripette topknot and a beady sharp eye.
Tomorrow the hookers who come to class will be making their own fun ornament from a vast array of stuff I've put out.
I will take pictures for you to see.
People are so creative !
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Day 16 - I'll raise you two hearts
Tonight I made two puffy woolen red work hearts with melton cloth, embroidery floss and roving stuffing. Red makes me happy !
Meant for presents, I hope they like them !
Monday, December 15, 2008
Day 15 What transpired
Here is a snowman I made out of scraps of wool fabric and a bit of roving.
I only learned to miter properly on the last corner... and wish for better twiggy arms.
Next time.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Day14 More pointed things- Todays Creation
Today I built a flower decoration out of hand dyed floss , a wild recycled skirt to heavy to hook with and a nice bit of silk yarn I dyed and a shell button.
In the holiday rush, be sure to take a breather every now and then.
In the holiday rush, be sure to take a breather every now and then.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Day 13 Stars in my eyes- What I made today
I love sweaters and you can only wear so many.
So I collect them to cut up and create with and even hook.
Here is a sweater star stuffed with sweater bits and whipped with ribbon yarn with sparkly thread.
Making ornaments for your tree?
Make sure they are light in colour so they show up !
So I collect them to cut up and create with and even hook.
Here is a sweater star stuffed with sweater bits and whipped with ribbon yarn with sparkly thread.
Making ornaments for your tree?
Make sure they are light in colour so they show up !
Friday, December 12, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Beautiful Angie and Baby Seth and Creating
Aren't they lovely ?
I just wanted to talk a bit about my creations that seem paltry or that I describe as such.
I have a philosophy about making things, it is better to make anything than make NOTHING.
So I take good creations along with the bad, you learn lots more from the off the wall stuff or the things that don't work out than you will from a smooth sailing project.
If you aren't making mistakes are you really making anything ?
Mistakes =creating.
Have a great day !
I just wanted to talk a bit about my creations that seem paltry or that I describe as such.
I have a philosophy about making things, it is better to make anything than make NOTHING.
So I take good creations along with the bad, you learn lots more from the off the wall stuff or the things that don't work out than you will from a smooth sailing project.
If you aren't making mistakes are you really making anything ?
Mistakes =creating.
Have a great day !
Day 11 What a pitiful creation for today !
I'm sorely lacking in ambition, had lots of lovely people here hooking and I'm tired out though I can't say I did much.
Angie, my delightful worker bee, she restored order to me with a running commentary that keeps us both pondering and enjoying life! She is a gift from heaven and not just because she straightened out my wool not dyed yet storage room. That would take the patience of a Saint. She brought baby Seth who charms the hookers like crazy.
Here it is CRAZY bookmark #2 for The Hour I First Believed,by Wally Lamb.
You saw it here first !
I hope tomorrow is the hooking day.. we shall see.
Angie, my delightful worker bee, she restored order to me with a running commentary that keeps us both pondering and enjoying life! She is a gift from heaven and not just because she straightened out my wool not dyed yet storage room. That would take the patience of a Saint. She brought baby Seth who charms the hookers like crazy.
Here it is CRAZY bookmark #2 for The Hour I First Believed,by Wally Lamb.
You saw it here first !
I hope tomorrow is the hooking day.. we shall see.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Day 10 What was created today
Tonight I am TIRED. The snow fall has been unrelenting and I was here on my own, so driveway clearing fell to me two days in a row and it was heavy. Then this afternoon Honey asked if I wanted to go skiing.I did. It was good, and I was remarkably energetic but I bet I'll sleep like a baby. I forgot I missed the silence of the winter woods and the tiny sounds my poles and skiis make... that is if I can hear it over my grunts , groans , and heavy breathing.
So tonight I was coming down to clean up the studio for tomorrow's hook in and I spied some stuff I had out to show Erica about needle felting and I made this toggle button , or ornament, or what ever your imagination can come up with ! Looks like a colourful curling stone ( purely Canadian reference ) It is made from my hand dyed yarn and a white needle felted ball, probably meant for part of a snowman. I plan to do better tomorrow and have a before and after picture of some hooking , you all remember what that is ..... I hope I do !
So tonight I was coming down to clean up the studio for tomorrow's hook in and I spied some stuff I had out to show Erica about needle felting and I made this toggle button , or ornament, or what ever your imagination can come up with ! Looks like a colourful curling stone ( purely Canadian reference ) It is made from my hand dyed yarn and a white needle felted ball, probably meant for part of a snowman. I plan to do better tomorrow and have a before and after picture of some hooking , you all remember what that is ..... I hope I do !
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Day 9 What we made today
Tonight Erica Scott came over and we made wet felt sheets in light , medium and dark fleece.
It was a lot of fun and Erica is going to use the felt to wrap jars for an experiment on insulation factors, how much does colour affect heat retention. She will pose several experiments to help the kids visiting the Outdoor Education Center decide what would be the best way of life for them for successful survival if they came from another planet to Wiarton. Today I believe shovel hands would be helpful as it has snowed steadily for over 28 hours. It's starting to look a lot like the picturesque North pole type movies we see at this time of year.
Here is what we made with tools and various wools used:
Here is happy Erica:
One of my good creating friends Dawn donated the wool long ago to me and she will be glad to know what we are doing with it.
It was a lot of fun and Erica is going to use the felt to wrap jars for an experiment on insulation factors, how much does colour affect heat retention. She will pose several experiments to help the kids visiting the Outdoor Education Center decide what would be the best way of life for them for successful survival if they came from another planet to Wiarton. Today I believe shovel hands would be helpful as it has snowed steadily for over 28 hours. It's starting to look a lot like the picturesque North pole type movies we see at this time of year.
Here is what we made with tools and various wools used:
Here is happy Erica:
One of my good creating friends Dawn donated the wool long ago to me and she will be glad to know what we are doing with it.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Day 8 What I made today
Here is what I made today, brooch with the swirl, a piece of knitting, a dryer sheet. fancy yarns and cord.
Brooch with dark border silk fabric, dryer thread snarls from washing wool, fancy cord, wool fabric, stripette from hooking hydrangea picture.
( Double Chin made from potato chips ) LOL!
I also mastered the art of knitting and reading today, and not an audio book, a real one, I am so proud of myself. Imagine doing two things you love at the same time !!!
I hope you don't mind the brooches because I already made one but this is something I do regularly, I call them assembled treasure brooches.
Have a great creative day !
Brooch with dark border silk fabric, dryer thread snarls from washing wool, fancy cord, wool fabric, stripette from hooking hydrangea picture.
( Double Chin made from potato chips ) LOL!
I also mastered the art of knitting and reading today, and not an audio book, a real one, I am so proud of myself. Imagine doing two things you love at the same time !!!
I hope you don't mind the brooches because I already made one but this is something I do regularly, I call them assembled treasure brooches.
Have a great creative day !
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Day 7 What I almost couldn't make today
Another power outage almost prevented me from making today's project. We heated supper in the wood furnace !! I can hardly wait for my gas stove. Wonder what is going on with Ontario Hydro....
But just in time the lights came on and I could do my creating.
Here are the things I was inspired by : ( they were made by the wonderful Jeanne Langston, ( star ) and another wonderful lady who goes to Caraway rug school, if you know who it is write in ! I'd love to give her the credit for being so inventive with that heart shaped brooch.
Here is what I made
We had a terrific class today, Pam got ready to do her cats paw rug which she drew, placing circles that she will make more organic by starting in the center of the circle with a wavy shaped spot and continue to hook out from.
Debbie was preparing and finishing off several stockings to give as Christmas gifts. She made the cuffs a variety of colours of similar values, it worked up magically !!
But just in time the lights came on and I could do my creating.
Here are the things I was inspired by : ( they were made by the wonderful Jeanne Langston, ( star ) and another wonderful lady who goes to Caraway rug school, if you know who it is write in ! I'd love to give her the credit for being so inventive with that heart shaped brooch.
Here is what I made
We had a terrific class today, Pam got ready to do her cats paw rug which she drew, placing circles that she will make more organic by starting in the center of the circle with a wavy shaped spot and continue to hook out from.
Debbie was preparing and finishing off several stockings to give as Christmas gifts. She made the cuffs a variety of colours of similar values, it worked up magically !!
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Day 6 What I made today
Today was a knitting day. I love to knit things with a great yarn called Sockotta. It is not easy to find in Canada, but recently Patons came out with a similar looking product. I'm taking it for a test run by making another drop stitched shawl.
It has you knit the whole thing then drop a stitch every seven as you are casting off.
It has you knit the whole thing then drop a stitch every seven as you are casting off.Here is what it looks like when it is finished. It is marvelously comfy, this was knit with sockotta. Really it's made for sock making but I like it for "other" things, like thread for penny rugs, it looks wonderfully marled.
Here is today's Paton sample of the wonderful scarf /shawl pattern.
Day 5 improvement of colour
Here is what the colour of yesterday's wool in real life, how come it is so blue in the last post?
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