Tuesday, March 31, 2009

leftover bits


these two were made with some felted wool that I had left over from a bag.

ready to roll


I got my swap partner for the annie doll swap and the pattern so I am ready to , well, you know. I have some yellow yarn that I spun that I can use for hair, very fluffy hair, or I can think of something later. I also have some pretty fabric for a dress. Should I go for pretty or or the antique look. hmmm we'll see... Also love theses owls from Moonstitches. I want to make some-could they be pin cushions? could you possibly stick a pin in them?

Saturday, March 28, 2009

a thread



There is a theory that I am testing that if you do a thread a day that you will get the job done. Here are today's threads.
One is my jeans, which were way too long, cut to a more spring like length, and trimmed in a cheerful paisley print (who is not cheered by paisley?). Now these pants are more suited to skipping.
The other is my Pindigo (the quilt formerly known as Ping) quilt thread for today. Done. No more, no less, just done.
Now I will skip off to the fabric store to find some more lovely shabby chic prints for the Jane Austen Patchwork top.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Friday, March 20, 2009

another nice blog....

blitheandblonde
If you want to join in -it will be an all nighter! I may jump in and see what I can get done, just for fun. In any case I will print the pattern and maybe join in next time! I am tempted...maybe it wil inspire me to finish my apron... needs to be mailed tomorrow. Anybody want to join me in a doll making all nighter?
Ps I am never, almost never, up past midnight....

Thursday, March 19, 2009

knitforwardsunderstandbackwards


knitforwardsunderstandbackwards
I found this blog whilst perusing the Ravelry pattern page. Mette has published the pattern on Ravelry. MttR is her ravelry id.
Visit the blog to view Mette's beautiful wrap reproduced from a shawl dated 1897, in the Vendsyssel Museum in Denmark. I am in love with this wrap. I studied it for hours while I made up my mind to try it. Fortunately Mette published a pattern in English as well as Danish- although I was willing to try it in Danish,
My yarn in from Green Mountain Spinnery which I bought during my last visit to Pensacola. It is 20% cotton and 80% wool. It is a lovely feeling springy yarn which holds the pattern well. It will make a perfect wrap for cooler spring weather.
This will be my bigger knitting project, for times when I am able to sit at home and decipher directions. The pattern for the edging does not take too much concentration but it did take me a long time to get it right as I have never been a lace knitter. I may be a convert. The name of Mette's blog is derived from a quote from Kierkegaard~ so~ take a leap of faith a pay her a visit.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Aunt Pitty Pats

I could not resist this swap. Swaps make me happy and crazy all at the same time. I love thinking about making them and wondering what my swap recipient will. II think this doll is so cute. Go visit her blog and join in the fun. Even tho I have no little girls anymore, I am sure I will be able to find one who needs a doll.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

on the "design wall"


Not a great picture~ but progress is being made.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

pipers





Playing with wacom tablet.
Pleasant day off. I did not get much accomplished but sometimes you just need to doodle the day away.
These are the shore birds we call pipers. I do not know if that is actually what they are. They live on the shore's edge and dart in and out of the surf scouring the sand for food. They never get caught in the waves and their habit is to stay in a large group. I think they are so much fun to watch.

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Cute aprons



I am in another apron swap-o and Lucy did send me a beautiful apron that she made to satisfy the terms of the last swap. It is fabulous! I was so excited to receive it and she says she may make a pattern from it to sell. and the cookies were good too:)
The swap features sponsors who make give aways for the swaps and todays is Jcarrelloriginals who has donated an apron for a contest giveaway. Her site has some cute stuff on it so I have linked it for you to drop in and visit. Part of the allure of these swaps is getting to know other crafters and supporting them with visits and comments and even buying something if we are so inclined. I like the line of her aprons, they are flattering and feminine but not extra frilly.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

dreams from before time

I dreamed I was in the house at seven thayer street and it was devoid of any furnishing
of us
In the physical sense

I was taking pictures of the antiquities. There
was a frumpy coiffed half passed middle aged real estate lady there worriedly showing the empty house to ghostly prospects

She may have been wringing her bejeweled hands

I was taking pictures of the metal work, ancient medallions, grillwork on the heater vents, the wooden windows framing the gray new england skies, try ing to preserve the artifacts, make a record of them
Not for future generations
Not for my descendants
but for me

To preserve what was worthy and good
The creative spirit that indwelled that place
in paint and in time
that architecture that was in fact
bare of motif and medallion and to
invite that spirit back in

I visit that place in my dreams
looking for us
for traces of us

Here is where she slept under billowing lace curtains
Here is the ancient copper bath tub
Here we trod the wide planked floors

It is ever a sad search
There are no remains
and no rememberers

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

more Diamonds from Inklingo


Inspired by Cathi, I have made the leap to large! This block is made from the six inch Le Moyne Star shape collection. I love this size and shape. It makes twelve inch blocks which seem huge after all of the small sampler blocks I have done. I think I am going to go with this trend for a while. I already have some more cut out.I have stashed alot of brights and this is perfect for them. Cathi calls hers 'Tropical Punch'. I will have to come up with a name. As of this moment, I am drawing a blank.
On another front, I have joined another apron swap. Hopefully this time it will not get lost in the mail. Imagine some soul opening up my apron and keeping it for themselves. Watch out for Kharma. Or maybe they needed it. Whatever.
Any way I was just playing around in my sewing room, doing some Cinderelling, and cut up a shirt which was destined for the rag pile, or at least I thought it was, and came up with this apron, which was inspired by the magazine, ' apron+i+city'. It is more of an artistic suggestion, than a functional apron, although it can be tied on. The waist band is made with the cuffs and the ties are from the button band. The body is from the back of the shirt and the front did not make the cut. It is embellished with buttons and trim from my grandmothers collection. This one will not be swapped and it will be named 'Irreplaceable' .