From the Obsessed Crafter

Long time no write...

2009-12-13T21:11:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I have blogged. I have several projects going at the moment. Ive finished a couple knitted tunic sweaters. Lots still do do and not much time left. I have my 48" wide floor loom warped for a chinille blanket. Pictures to be posted.

Friendship Bracelets

2009-09-05T00:13:00.006-04:00

Funny thing happened last week. Actually it started a bit before....I got in touch with a dear friend I havent seen in decades. Sweet woman. Anyway, last week she sent me a friendship bracelet via Facebook. Well, as lovely as a virtual bracelet is, and as wonderful the thought I had to do something special for my friend that no virtual gift could do. Then I remembered.... I used to make these quick little things years ago!!! I am planning a trip to the DC area to see my pal Lori in October bringing a bag of little crafted goodies for her. She has no idea what an addiction she has started! I emailed her immediately to get her favorite colors...then set to work. Nothing fancy mind you.....I already have something special graphed out, just need to knuckle down and do it.

So here it is, the first of what has become many, many bracelets, anklets and keyring bobs! It's a craft you can sit on the couch and be comfy with. I safetypin my work to my jeans and kick back!

I can't wait Lori

I found these sites helpful for this latest addiction: http://www.friendship-bracelets.net/

http://www.geocities.com/hbernb

http://www.peacepattern.info.com/page/2/

http://www.geocities.com/hbernb

TADA!!!

2009-05-04T16:41:00.004-04:00

Drumroll please

Here it is... The result of a 12 hour round trip to Maine. What an incredible treasure and wonderful find!! In time for my birthday and mothers day to boot.

I love this loom! It's perfect for the new addition my hubby built me this year. Now to get something warped onto it. Its in great shape!

Maine was fantastic. We went to Old Orchard Beach on the way home. The weather was warm and sunny. I shot some video but can't fingure out how to get it from the cam to the puter. I've got some A/V gadgets and wires so I'll figure it out.

Do you know what I just realized??

2009-04-23T11:24:00.005-04:00

Hi!
Do you know what I just realized? This is a crafting blog and I spend most of my time talking about everything else!

So.....on to fiber news. I've been spinning alot lately. I still have to take pictures of some of my finished yarns from my wheel. I love my wheel! Single treadle, 2 speed. It spins lace weight like a dream. I've also made lots of sport and worsted. The wheel can handle every fiber I've thrown at it so far. I'm going to stain it a beautiful deep cherry.

I've amassed quite the collection of drop spindles. I have one I use for my neighbors alpaca. I plan on using it for making a lace collar for my granddaughters little dress. Meanwhile, my knitting machine has been sitting idle...poor baby.

I've been working on some fabric on the table loom. I don't know what I'm going to use it for yet, but I loved the pattern and the 3 colors I chose for warp n weft look really nice together.

Now the BIG news. My birthday is next weekend and I am driving up to Maine to pick up a new loom!!!!!!! Yes folks, I am finally getting a floor loom. I can't wait! It's a Harrisville 4 shaft 6 treadle with 36" weaving width! I love the Dorothy (above) but it's only 15" and with up to 36" I have lots of design options. I've made blankets and other large items on Dorothy, but that involves seams. I have been lusting after this loom for many years and now I'm getting it! Pictures will come next week. The best part is that it will fit in my car fully assembled and standing upright!

Something else I just realized. My liscense expires on my birthday. I hate DMV. Now I have to go.........argh

By the way, the Leclerc Dorothy 4 shaft is for sale. I am asking 300 but will consider any reasonable offer. I will not ship it, so pick up only or I can bring it to you if you are 100 miles away or less.

Spring might be here at last

2009-04-16T19:38:00.007-04:00

Im not sure, but spring might finally be here in Vermont. Hard to say for sure, since it snowed on Easter! Anyway, it's been warm all week. Warm by my standards is 45 degrees, but it's been in the 50's here! I love it.

Check out the sunset from my porch the other evening!

In fiber news..... Im busting my hiney to create woven goodies, handspun yarns, needle felted animals and other things in time for the annual Jamacia Fiber Fest in Jamacia Vermont. I am hoping to have enough to be a vendor. For more information on the fiber festival, please go to http://www.margiesmuse.com/ Margie is an extremely talented fiber artist. A wiz on a weaving loom. Her shop is perfectly charming. If you are close enough to venture to this part of vermont you really should come for the fiber festival.

Boudica!!! It's hard to believe that she is already 5 months old!!! Not only that but she is a he. Regardless of what it is, it's loved. Boudica is starting to try to mimic some sounds and words. He's going to be a chatterbox. He loves to entertain and pose for the camera. Here are the most recent pics of my perfect fully grown up studmuffin.

Giving kisses Posing

Hoodie zipper attack!!!

Exploring the "back yard"

Now the snow is gone and all the ice has melted. It's time for exploration!! As you know from previous posts Im in the beautiful green mountains of Vermont. I have one in my "back yard" (see sunset pictures above). The first warm day I could, I got up the hill and took lots of great photos of streams, waterfalls and stone ledges. Because bears are on the move now, and the back yard is also the territory of a bobcat, I took my trusty sidekick Cricket for protection. (Ha! that's funny) Because it wouldn't be fair to leave her, I also took my daughters toy poodle. Fantastic protection against bears, huh? The poodle wouldn't be a bobcat mouthfull! Anyway, I took them both. They help find trails and fun. They also know where the good water is!! Yummy fresh water. Can't buy that in a bottle!! Here's what I saw. This is Aeolus Mountain.

Imagine what this will look like in May when the trees are all leafy!!

bedtime photo and Bead-space.com

2008-12-22T01:53:00.003-05:00

I took this photo just a little bit ago during a lull in the snow storm. We shoveled out around the vehicles but.....

I belong to a social network for bead artists called Bead-Space.com and have entered a necklace I made in a contest there.

Here's my entry..... What do you think? I love beading and making beaded jewelry. It's very relaxing.

Holy Cow!!!!

2008-12-21T16:53:00.006-05:00

Okay..............ENOUGH!!!! NO MORE!!! I GIVE UP!!!!!!! WHITE FLAG!!!!!!

Sorry, that was a bit random! I am stuck in the house. Trapped by mother nature at her finest. Snow is so pretty, so clean and shiny...

And then it accumulates. And accumulates. There is over a foot of snow on my lawn. It's snowing very hard and has been for hours. They say there will be 8" more before the nights out.

The pictures that follow are truely awesome. Look carefully at the ones with clear sky and treelines. These pictures were taken from my front yard.

Look closely at the top of the trees. Do you see the grey colored area above them under the white fluffy clouds? That is the actual storm coming. I kid you not. That is the storm cloud its self. It is not a mountain or anything. That is nothing but cloud!!! Totally cool isn't it. I am placing these pics in timeline order so you can see the storm coming.

And here it is. Believe it or not, those trees are at the bottom of a mountain. The mountain has *poof* disappeared! That shows how bad the visibility is. By the way....this was taken at 2:00. It was almost dark and my automatic flash went off.

I just got 2 new spindles. Both have stone whorls made of Cherry Agate and Rosewood shafts. The one on the right is specifically for making lace weight. When they arrive I'll post results.

Fiber and Birds

2008-12-09T12:18:00.005-05:00

Well, hello again. This will be a quick post, since I have to go shovel snow. It's 20 something degrees out. The dogs think it's great. They play, I freeze.

I have renamed Dizzy, since he turned out to be a she... She's to tiny compared to the others. I have named her Boudica, in honor of the Celtic Warrior Queen. In case you don't know, a couple thousand years ago she kicked Roman army behind in an effort to save her people. She was eventually defeated but for a while there, this incredible woman led her people to fight for their rights and freedoms, for their very survial. Because of my little friends undying will to survive against all the odds, I can't think of a more fitting name for her. I mean no disrespect, but we call her Little Boudie (sounds like little booty).

This is Boudica and Stripe (he has a yellow and grey striped tail) taking a nap. Stripe is 2 days older than Boudie. Look how tiny she is compared to her brother!

Boudie wearing her breakfast.

Stripe not wearing breakfast. Did I mention Boudica is a piggy eater? All the pictures in todays post were taken yesturday. Notice the size difference?

I will be adding items to my etsy store later today!!! Check it out if you can.

New Fiber Pics

2008-11-21T14:46:00.004-05:00

Hello and happy Friday. Finally!

Let's see....todays news? Oh, I finished Ravens fibers.

Here is that fabulous Blue merino. Both this and the Maroon are from Smoky Mountain Spinnery in Gatlinburg TN. Really nice stuff. Too bad they aren't in my neck of the woods! Click here

to check out their site. Lots of ooohs and aaaahs from me.

Not bad for an ugly pvc wheel. I am still getting a wheel from kathy at woolworld. That will have to wait until tomorrow once I've been to the bank. Did I tell you I won a scratch off lottery ticket yesturday? Well I did! I don't buy the things, they are a waste of cash and I never win. I average maybe buying 2 a year. I'm serious. I saw a ticket at a convenience store that was the same color as Ravens maroon roving. I won 150.00! Yeah, "found" money that I can spend guilt free. Until the box comes and hubby sees it. I didn't tell him about the win....shhhhh. Don't tell anybody.

Look at how nice this is on the Noddy! Am putting the finishing touches on it to hold the twist forever!

Hey Rae!!!! Will be mailing it out Monday!!

AND of course, todays picture of Dizzy. For all of you that are interested, he grew alot overnight. Suddenly his toes are super long and his body is longer. birds are something else. Here he is taking a nap.

Look at those feet.

Spindolyn and Patience

2008-11-19T19:38:00.005-05:00

Okay, I'm not the most patient of people. A zap of graphite where the Spindolyn's shaft meets the quill and it spins like crazy. What do they say about gift horses?? Needless to say, it spins faster than I can draft the fiber. Is "Ask and ye shall recieve" or "Careful what you wish for the better phrase to insert here? All of the above I think!! So the Spindolyn works wonderfully. I'm still a bit awkward with the pulling straight up to draft. It's different! I'm going to shoot some video of it... it's really nice. Now I need to figure out how to put the video here on the blog.

I finished spinning Raven's Maroon merino and have started on the Blue. There is less of the Blue than the Maroon. I think she's going to make socks with it. Yummy!

Here is the maroon wrapped on my homemade Niddy Noddy. It isn't pretty, but it works! I need to finish it out so the twist is locked in and then ball it up! It is truely wonderful feeling, and a great color!

This is a close up of the maroon merino. The picture above shows the true color.

Here is the Blue, before any pre drafting or work was done to it.

On to the daily Dizzy report...

He's growing!! He actually is gaining weight. These pictures were taken Wednesday (today). I took a picture of the nestmates for comparision too.

Here are chicks 1-4 as of today. They all have their eyes open and can stand. You can see that #1 is starting to feather alot. He even has a cool little spike on top of his head. It looks like a yellow horn. The others are starting to feather a tiny bit, but not like Spike.

This is Dizzy this morning at 8 days old. He has made it through the first crucial week. Look and you can see his little eye. It isn't opened yet, but it's there. He just lays around, holding his head up enough to eat.

Here he is this afternoon. He's standing!!!! Lookie, he's STANDING ON HIS OWN!!! What a trooper.

Dizzy getting his dinner. OMG!!!

His eye is opening!! How cool! What a differnce from 3pm (pic above left) and 6pm

Two milestones in one day. I have high hopes for him.

Fiber news

2008-11-18T08:54:00.007-05:00

On the fiber end of things....

I got my new Spindolyn. It's very pretty, but I can't get it to work. Frustrating. I think it's not right. It makes scraping grinding noises while it tries to spin around. It ticks me off when I spend money for something and can't get it to do what it's meant to. More on that later.

I've started to spin Raven's Marroon merino. Very nice stuff. Here is is looking all bunched up before being predrafted.

This is it on the wheel getting loaded onto the bobbin. Once I finish the Marroon, there is a nice blue merino of Ravens I have to work on. Still no word from her as to what weight or ply she wants the yarn, so I am just doing a single. It won't be long today before I wet and hang the single to lock in the twist. I don't want to do anything else to it until I find out what she wants exactly. The single is beautiful so far and I know she'll be pleased.

I truely love spinning. It's fun, relaxing and I can listen to my ipod with out loosing count or being distracted. It sets a rithym for me to treadle by. It's funny how the beat of music can make your hands and feet work together faster or slower. I find that spinning to music makes the work flow smoothly because I don't "think" about what I am doing....it seems to just happen. Wouldn't it be nice if the Spindolyn worked that well with me?

Birdies and Spinning and my teacup

2008-11-17T19:53:00.005-05:00

Hey!!! Look what is in my Teacup!

The tiny chick that I had to pull from the nest is doing well. No objections whatsoever to a syringe and formula. It is way too tiny to sit in anything else in the brooder, so he now resides in a teacup. I dream of the day he will need to upgrade to a bowl. I took a couple of pictures of #4 and #5 together so you can see how tiny and pathetic "he" is. They are 2 days apart in age. It will be painfully obvious why I had to pull him! Take a look! Sorry the picture isn't great, but #4's eyes opened a bit today and I don't want to mess him up with a flash. It's been snowing all

day so it's cloudy out, and not great photo taking time inside.....I'll fix it later with photoshop. Notice that #5 is wicked tilted? He can't stand on his own yet. At the time of the photo, #4 was rocking and hissing at me. There are only 2 days difference here!!!

I have decided to name him Dizzy. He can't walk or stand on his own so he just scoots around and around in circles......

Since I love spinning and so does Dizzy, he is here to stay. I will not sell this baby.

Here is Dizzy and #3 early this evening...better light and no flash. I moved my hand just a tiny bit, and he fell over right as I took the picture! Cute little bird.

I have started spinning the Maroon merino that Raven needed done. Beautiful stuff.

Okay, glitch in the road

2008-11-15T10:07:00.003-05:00

Well, it's Saturday. The addition we are putting on the house actually looks like it may be a room soon. I have rafters up top and walls framed. Just waiting for hubby to close it in.

I have hit a small snag with the cockatiels. The chicks are doing well....all except for the youngest. He is so small that all the others get all the parents attention. He doesn't get much to eat, and is so tiny that everyone steps all over him and poops on him. He really isn't growing or gaining weight like he should. In the wild I am sure that he would succumb to what we know as survival of the fittest or mother natures natural selection. I won't stand for it. I can't watch the little sweetie starve and freeze. I handfeed babies all the time, but I have never fed one this young. He is only 5 days old now.

My birds have always waited until there were a few eggs laid before they start sitting. Did you know that a fertile egg can survive almost a month if it isn't sat on? Birds will lay and not sit on the eggs until they have a full or mostly full clutch laid. That way, the chicks develope at roughly the same pace. My pair, being first time parents, started to brood immediately (not uncommon) so that the oldest chick is over a week older than the last one hatched. I worried about this very thing when Ivan started to brood that first egg. If this chick survives, and I am pretty confident that it will, we'll end up keeping it. He's like the runt puppy of the litter....smallest, cutest and usually the sweetest. Dear to me because of the situation.

The brooder is set up. It's actually a tank with a heating pad underneath. According to my thermometer it's just about ready. I'll be feeding every 3 hours 24/7 for a couple of days. Once it's about 8 days old it will sleep through the night. This is gonna be fun.

On a Crafting note..........
I am waiting for lots of stuff in the mail. I ordered more handpainted roving(pictured below) from Maiysha I am waiting for a box of roving and fleece from a friend in SC....hi Raven! Waiting for my Spindolyn from Catherine at Knitting Anyway, and Carders from Webs. I can't wait for Maiyshas fiber. I have plans for it!

A new toy

2008-11-13T22:38:00.006-05:00

Hello again

I'ts me, the lazy blogger.

Lots to share. I will start with the new members of the family... The cockatiel eggs have hatched, so I have 5 little yellow fuzzballs

They get weighed regularly, this is the youngest who is only 4 days old. How adorable is that?? Now that the oldest chick is a week old, Razz and Ivan have chilled out a bit. They don't mind me cleaning out the nestbox, or quickly checking everyone. Put some pasta in the food dish for them and you can do anything you want to the chicks! Silly birds.

I have yet another new toy! It's the ugliest thing ever, but it does what it is supposed to do, and it does it well, so I can't complain. Introducing......

My new Pinkie spinning wheel, by Babe's Fiber Garden

Yes, it's made of PVC pipe. It weighs 4lbs and can be lifted by your Pinkie....get it?! It isn't pretty, but it works. It is also inexpensive. Their company motto is Function before Form. I have spun single and 2 ply yarns in various weights with it and it goes well. It's also able to fit in the front seat of my Honda Civic to easily go to classes, workshops or wherever you want to spin!

This is what I started with. I got some wonderful handpainted Roving from a talented fiber artist named Maiysha. This is called Clover and Peonies. She has an Etsy Shop, Zebisisdesigns
Not only does she make beautiful hand dyed and handpainted fibers but she also has Drop Spindles made of gorgeous stone like Tiger Eye and Malichite. You really should check out her store.

So I took this neat roving, pre drafted it and spun my little fingers off.

Nice, full bobibn of soft single. Hey Maiysha....I NEED MORE!!

Crud, the picture is sideways! This is my basic drop spindle, made by Louet. I decided that because of space restrictions, I shouldn't be flinging a spindle off my leg and through the air. I ordered a Spindolyn from Knitting Anyay I buy alot of machine knitting items from Catherine, so I went straight to her site for a new spindle. The spindolyn isn't dropped, it can be propped in your pocket or sit on your lap while kicking back watching TV. It's a quill supported spindle. It has already been mailed so I should get it before Saturday. I will of course post pictures and let you know how it goes. I'm looking forward to it because sometimes I just don't want to go into the other room and spin. It'll be fun. I'll be able to take it to appointments where I'm stuck in a waiting room or while waiting for my kids etc. It's also good for fine fibers that would break on the regular drop spindle I have now. It's for thicker use.

More soon

New shop on Etsy and other happenings!

2008-10-24T23:23:00.009-04:00

I am truely a bad blogger. It has been too long since my last post. I've been moving, dealing with teenagers and making tons of projects. I've decided to start a shop on Etsy. www.specialtyhandcrafts.etsy.com You can click the link above, or on the sidebar. It's a wonderful site to buy and sell all sorts of handmade stuff. There are such talented people out there. I don't have anything in my shop as of yet. I'm still taking pictures, working descriptions and all the other options and goodies the site has to offer. As soon as I start adding my items I'll post here first of course! Until then, you should still go to etsy.com and look/shop. There are sooooo many talented people out there who deserve to be seen and admired, so go there please!!!

On top of everything life and business is throwing at me, I've added 2 fabulously beautiful pied lutino cockatiels to my family. They are so sweet, and very tame. Wonderful additions to the family for sure. They like us too!

This is Ivan and this is Razz

It seems that even though Razz and Ivan like our family, they like each other more! The night I brought them home, Razz left me an egg on the cage floor!! Now, 1week, 1 new cage and a huge nestbox later we have 5 eggs. Only 4 were there when I took the picture. I am no stranger to handfeeding babies or anything, so we are ready! I can't wait for the babies. They'll hatch somewhere around November 5-8. I'd love to keep them all! Not to be undone, are my CFW Zebra Finches, who are sitting on 8 eggs. These guys are small and fast so these aren't the best pictures....Hatch date is in about 12 days.

More later, I promise

2008-10-06T22:12:00.001-04:00

Woven Blanket

2008-09-07T16:17:00.003-04:00

Well, it's been a while since my last post. Busy summer.

I started and finished a wonderful blanket on my Dorothy. I used 8/4 cotton in a dark brown and 2 different pinks. Because the width on the loom is so narrow, I made 4 strips (only 2 are shown) with 2 different patterns. 2 strips with the dark pink on the outside, and the center is made from 2 light pink strips together. I found some cute polka dot ribbon that I used along the seams and the border. My granddaughter's room and furnishings have a pink and brown scheme.

The blanket will fit a twin sized bed. I'm proud of my little 4 shaft Dorothy!

Lots of Crafting Updates and Pictures

2008-04-17T22:40:00.010-04:00

Wow,

I'm so bad with the blog lately. I started working "outside the home" a few weeks ago, so with that and everything else that I am trying to keep up with I haven't spent much time here at the blog.

So where to start? The weather today was fantastic! 78 whole degrees! Perfect day for yard work or opening all the windows and cleaning everything top to bottom. I wasn't feeling well, so I did neither... We keep having these wonderful days followed by cold days and nights then warm days again. Now I think the rotten spring cold is setting in.

The puppies eyes started to open Wednesday, and today they started trying to walk instead of scooting around. The big boy, who I have named the Tank is reaching up to see over the top of their box. Just like little kids, once they start to walk the trouble starts. Our little tiny runt passed away, so now we only have 4. We are selling them all. It will break my heart to see them go. So adorable!!

I've started random tablet woven bands on my Inkle Loom. I cut some cards, punched holes in them. Warped the inkle.... twisty-turny and ta-da!!! The inkle is great for those days you feel like nothing is going right. It is instant gratification. Amost immediately, you see the pattern growing, and it goes so fast!! I have only been playing with the inkle, putting out the usual projects, like collars, leashes, belts, straps and trims. I am hoping to card weave a cute trim for a little dress I'm machine knitting for the new baby. Pictures of that project tomorrow.

This is my pattern draft...just colored pencil and graph paper. Nothing fancy. I do have a couple of programs for designing both Inkle and Inkle Pickups, and then I have a couple of Tablet weave design programs. I still like to plan on paper. With the programs I have I can take what I came up with on paper and put it into the computer. I can then print it out nice and neat.

Here are the cards all threaded onto my warped Inkle loom. This is so much fun to do. I had no idea it was so easy. If I had, I'd have been doing this long ago!!

This is the band in progress. Not a great picture, sorry.

My "new" Table loom arrived. I was misled, this was not the machine I thought I was getting. It isn't even the width I was told it was and is over 20 years older than I was led to believe as well. Good thing I had only sent a partial payment for it. When I got it, I was shocked. I have no intention of paying for this thing, what I agreed to when I thought it was majorly newer (like made after 1995!!)and in wonderful condition. This is the condition it came in.....you can't see the rust, hunks of missing wood, rental check out labels, and scratches from this picture, but the thing is in hideous shape. Miraculously, it is in wonderful working order. This is the original Leclerc Dorothy 4 shaft model. A search by Leclerc for me using the serial number revealed that this is a 15" manufactured in 1973. The seller told me it was the newer 15 3/4" model. Those weren't manufactured until 1995. Misled? Ripped off is more like it. Again, however I have to say that it works wonderfully, it just needs some tweaking.

I got to work on the cosmetics and rust removal. It came pre-warped, and not very well. Nothing is centered like it is supposed to be, there are knots in the threads so they can't go through the reed, the threads are all twisted and a lot of them are broken.... it's a nightmare.

Rather than waste the cotton warp, I wound lots of bobbins using the bobbin winder the seller included and started to play. Since there was no paperwork of any kind with it, I broke out my book by Dedorah Chandler called Learning to Weave and started to play.

Here is the loom after a bit of cleaning up and lubricating the moving parts. I still need to putty up the missing chunks and use my dremmel to remove the rust where I can. Looks a lot better doesn't it? You can see the fabric I have started to weave. It's a sampler of all the combinations I've played with so far. I'm just flipping levers to raise the shafts and writing down what happens. It's a cool way to play and learn. Once the warp that came on it is used up, I'll finish doing the work that needs to be done to the loom. Then I will get down to business and do an actual project!! I'm going to make a bag on the table loom, and make the straps on the Inkle!!

A couple of the patterns I've done so far. Maybe I'll turn this sampler into a bag or something?

PUPPIES

2008-04-04T00:03:00.002-04:00

My little April Fools!
Five Toy Poodle pups born between the hours of 7 and 10 PM April 1st. Unfortunately, I was at work during the arrival of 3-5. They are my little April fools. The top picture was taken moments after #5 was born. The two at the top of the second picture are the runts. The ligher of the two who is #5, had to be freed from the sack and given CPR. This is Honey's first litter, and she was totally exausted and had a hard time tending to #4, so by the time 5 came.... My husband said that the pup was dead, but my daughter took over and saved it. I am so proud.

On a crafting note:
The Inkle loom is a blast. I have now started tablet weaving with it. I am going to use it to make a nice trim and hem on a baby project Im working on. Samples and pictures to come. I am waiting for some more hand looms to arrive. I love the Weave-its and hexagon shaped looms....I am waiting for several different shapes so there will be pictures.

I am starting a dress in the morning for my granddaughter to be. It'll be made on my knitting machine. It's a beautiful pattern that I have from one of Irene Woods LK-150 books. Irene is so talented. I'm going to have to add her addy in my links... www.clearwaterknits.com is her site. She's got tons of information, books and patterns.

The baby shower is April 26th. I have only finished a blanket and have 4 other things to design, begin and finish by then. ARGH!! I hate it when life gets in the way and makes me pressed for time. Between working out of the house, working from the house, kids and puppies I barely have time to function. Now I'm having to fit in the extra things whenever I can... I won't be able to post pics of grandbaby projects until after the shower. Mommy to be is computer savvy and I don't want her peeking!!

It's Sunday already?

2008-03-16T01:28:00.004-04:00

I have been so busy lately that I am neglecting the blog! Life and work keep sneaking in my crafting way. I haven't worked outside of my house in many years...Now I'm working full time. Don't get me wrong, I like it and I'm having fun. The paycheck isn't bad either. It's just so weird HAVING to be somewhere else and not being able to leave when I want or whip out an unfinished sock if the urge hits me. I don't handle change well!

I find myself thinking "I'd rather be working on the baby blanket" or " I'd rather be finishing up the tiny dress Im making for my granddaughter to be" constantly. Some how though, I managed to start and finish a nice basic 2 color scarf on the Rigid Heddle loom on my day off. It's 10"x 60" I'll post a picture as soon as the twisted fringe is done. I've made 4 scarves and some samples that I plan to turn into a bag.... which brings me to the newest obsession.... What to do about the straps for my bag? I-cord? Store bought straps? Warp the loom for a narrow band? (got a guess what the obsession is?) I know, I'll get an inkle loom! So now I'm waiting on it's delivery. I'll use the inkle loom a lot. I have plans for trims, hems, straps, bracelettes, dog collars, headbands and all kinds of stuff. I'll be posting about that adventure soon!

Here's an inkle loom:

On my next day off, I am warping the Rigid Heddle loom for a nice pattern with blues and a deep dark red. I'm not sure what I'll make with it, but there will be lots of pictures. I was thinking placemats or a wrap. A wrap would be nice....hmmmm

Can't wait for monday....the mailman might drop off books, yarn or even my inkle loom!! It would be great if I got every thing Im waiting for!!

A new Obsession!

2008-02-28T11:33:00.009-05:00

As you know, I get into all kinds of crafts. Now there's something new to share... Weaving! I got a hold of a nifty little gadget. Even though it was never used (all the little parts were still sealed in the original baggie) or assembled before me, it is over 30 years old so it is a very basic thing

This is an 8DPI Rigid Heddle Weaving loom. It has a weaving width of 25". It is considered a 2 harness loom. What ever the heck that is!

I have no freakin clue what I am doing! I have hand loomed with Weave-It's for a long time, so the basics aren't completely foriegn to me. Has anyone ever seen "Drafts" for weaving before? It's the chart a weaver follows for the patterning.

These are so different from anything that us knitters and crocheters are used to. Theres numbers and things everywhere. Here's a draft that I found online. I feel no copyright guilt, as I got it from a public domain site.

You need a multi harness loom for this.

This is a simple chart that is written for the RH like mine.

This is a complicated one that is done on floor and table looms. They have foot pedals to play with. That's all I know about that.

So, this will truely be an adventure. I'll post often. Since I am learning this from 2 books (and nothing else. I am taking no classes or anything more that help and advice online) this may be an amusing journey!

Sorry....It's been a while

2008-02-23T19:34:00.004-05:00

So now I've moved on to another craft.... I have discovered weaving. Many years ago I got bunches of crates of craft stuff. Tons of goodies. Anyway, I had picked through and have had everything else stored away for years. I decided to go through it a few days ago and found these little hand looms called Weave-It's and books from the 1930's. So I had to investigate and learn. And so the addiction begins....Im soaking in everything I can, makeing many, many squares with different patterns and colors. Maybe one day I'll put them all together and have a huge blanket or something. From one of the Ravelry groups I belong to, I ended up with what I see as the next step up in learning.... it's actually made as a childs toy, however it mimics a rigid heddle loom.....which is the next step.

You may recognize the Troll doing the weaving. It's one of the Trolls that I sculpt. You can also see some Jiffy hand looms behind him. They were also in one of the crates, but I don't like them. The teeth pop out a lot and I hear they break easy. I haven't broken any teeth on them yet. I'm going to modify them some how. Maybe even take out the teeth and replace them with nice finishing nails. I'm not sure what I'll do yet.

So, I mentioned rigid heddle looms. A nice new one the size, brand and stlye I want isn't cheap. I want to expand my capabilities and skills. So now there is a new goodie on it's way to me. It's in between what I have and what I want, but still more advanced than what I have now. It will enable me to have fun and learn much more so that I will be ready for the rigid heddle loom I'm drooling over. Here's a picture of it. It's never been used or assembled, and it isn't assembled in the picture either.

I can't wait to get to play with this. It is 25" wide. Im thinking that I can bead on it tooooooo. This is a bit closer to a rigid heddle loom. Think of the fabrics that can be made.... I was watching the travel channel and they were showing folks in Africa and Peru using incredible looms, changing colors and patterns so fast you couldn't see what they were doing. And the colors!! Such talent and skill. Im so excited. I just know that I can incorporate this into my many other crafts some how.

More again soon.

Finally Friday

2008-02-08T23:26:00.000-05:00

Lets see.... What's new today? Besides adding new items at the "store" not much on the crafting end of life. I took the day off. I got up this morning and knew it would be one of those days.

Every morning I take my kids to school. Great private school, internationally known...big tuition and no school busses for the kids in our town. WHAAAA? you say. That's right, no busses for us locals. Anyhooo. It's been cold and wet. These things don't go well with cars. Least of all mine. So, I get up and go to warm up the car while we all get ready. I couldn't get in the freaking car. Not only were the doors sealed by ice, but the inner workings of the doors were too. Once I broke through the outer shell with the help of a hairdryer I couldn't unlock the doors. Long story short, I was able to unlock the hatchback, crawl through the trunk and pop out of the back seat. Got the car started and warmed up but still couldn't get the doors unlocked. My teenaged diva daughter was refusing to go to school. "NO One is going to see me flop out of the trunk!!" said she. No way my children are going to miss school and intrude on my quiet time. "Don't want to crawl out of the trunk? Climb out the friggin window then cause you are going to school."I replied as I rolled down the window. We comprimised.....I dropped her off 1 block from school so she could gracefully climb out the window unseen. "That's better than out the trunk at the main door" Which after all her fussing and screaming is what I wanted to do. By the way...the locks thawed almost immediately after she got out..... The lesson here? You don't screw with Mom in the morning before coffee. Always be nice until the cobwebs are gone and the caffine has seeped into the bloodstream. There's another lesson here too. Don't lock your car doors in bad weather and buy lock de-icer

Now I don't think you should be mean to your your kids no matter how much they may deserve it....never have and never will. But there are just times where you can't help being a tad devious.

So, when my mornings start out like that I know my whole day won't be right. Sure enough...went to the bank for cash, bank closed due to employees attending an event. What bumblehead closes a bank in the middle of the week with no holiday for an excuse?? Then I went to pay my electric bill at a pay place instead of mailing a check...the lines were down and the machine wouldn't work for the cashier. Off to the post office to mail out some orders and realized that they were at home waiting to go to the post office...along with my wallet. So, since the first three items on the to do list were busts, I curled up with coffee and a baby project I'm working on. I did nothing else. Tomorrow must be better. Couldn't be much worse.

Ravelry.....Wow

2008-02-06T02:21:00.000-05:00

You really should check out this new-ish site!! Ravelry is such a wonderful place for us crafters.

There is sooooo much on this site!! I have a lot of fun there and have met lots of nice people. The features are great and I haven't seen another spot like it on the web. There is a bit of a wait to be accepted but it is well worth it. I'm putting a link in this post and on my sidebar. I can't say enough about this space.

I told you all earlier that I was setting up a new place to put all my patterns and what nots.....all business and no blog blurbs. Well, it's up and running but I have a bunch to do. I have over 148 (I stopped counting) patterns that are my own. Some have pictures and some don't. Most are scribbled pen marks on paper with a polaroid cliped to them. What a mess.

On an unrelated note....this week I had my toy poodle bred to a great little guy. They are identicle and their pups should be tiny and very smart. It's her first litter so I am a bit nervous. She'll be okay of course, but still.... Here's the happy couple. Cute and fuzzy. The one on the left is mom. I can't wait...I love puppies! I wonder how my old english bulldog will take to babies stealing the attention?

Well everyone, it's almost 3AM. guess I should get some sleep. big day with lots of orders to work on, things to ship, teenagers to deal with, and about a dozen other things I need to do that I can't think of right now.

AS always, happy crafting

New Pattern and Product link

2008-02-02T20:54:00.000-05:00

Hello again.
After much thought, I have decided that while I will still post some of my free patterns here...in the interest of saving space... I have created some pages that will contain no blogging, just links to patterns to download, pictures of sale patterns and descriptions, and all other craft items I sell. This will save space here and keep things much better organized.

Please check it out... I will be working very hard over the next few days adding all the stuff I have....typing and uploading...
http://specialtyhandcrafts.googlepages.com/home

More free patterns for you!!

2008-02-02T18:50:00.000-05:00

Hi all! I have created a zip file, and the same file in doc form for you rabid knitters. This is a sock file that includes the following 3 patterns.

1. This is a Machine knitters "formula" that will enable you to create a flat sock using any yarn
with any machine. Knit a swatch, take some measurements and away you go! You will learn
short rowing and automatic wraps to prevent those annoying little holes!

2. This is a hand knitters pattern for a Basic circular sock made with 2 needles. Fun and easy for
beginners and a great jumping point to get creative if you are more advanced.

3. This is another machine knitters formula for those who are lucky enough to have a ribber
and want to knit a circular sock. This is an easy pattern to follow. Just be sure to know the
various settings for your carriages! Many interesting possiblilites.

Click here to be taken to the zip file I have uploaded onto my new patterns pages. http://specialtyhandcrafts.googlepages.com/socks and look for Socks for Everyone.zip
I'll also be putting it up on Ravelry for all you members. There, I am known as a designer called CraftinginVT. See you there

Nasty winter night....

2008-02-01T20:46:00.000-05:00

Hello to all
It's just one of those nights when you snuggle up in one of the many afghans you've made, turn on the tube and break out the needles. Here in my part of Vermont they decided to cancel school before 6 am knowing what was coming. Since before 10 we've had nothing but sleet!! My car is a sheet of ice. And of course the dogs always want to go out during a strong bought of cold wind and stinging icy stuff. Do they notice? NO... it's playtime. They must roll, I have to toss them snowballs. When it snows, my dogs refuse tap water and bottled water. They eat the snow like they haven't drank in days. Sometimes I wonder if they can get icecream headache? Any thoughts?

I just found out that my first grandbaby will be a girl. I have a ton of baby stuff in the works now that I know what she will be. Can't wait. Unfortuneately I can't tell you or show you any of these things untill they have been gifted to the new parents. I can however say.... Wow, how adorable they will be! Keep watching. She is due the 31 st of May. I can't wait.

Has anyone read the book "Son of a Stitch n Bitch"? It's patterns for men. I am in the process of making something for my husband and son from the book. Such cute stuff. I'll be posting pictures. I love the whole Stitch n Bitch series. What fun stuff for all types of needlers.

I have had a great response to the sale of my longcoat pattern. Thanks so much to all of you. I am working on writing several more free patterns for hand and machine knit. Thanks for all the comments I've been recieving about my work.

Got any ideas for patterns?? Let me know what you're looking for or need, who knows what we can come up with!

So much to do, so little time.
Happy knitting

A Project of necessity

2008-01-13T19:55:00.000-05:00

This is the little gear shift mitten I made one day. I had posted earlier that I have a cute car I love, that has a metal gear shift knob. It would be nice except I live in cold Vermont. Now my hand doesn't freeze

New News for the New Year

2008-01-01T22:50:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year to all!

Here are some things that I have planned for the very near future

I have gotten lots of inquires about my Johnny5 Cardi pattern. Here is what I am going to do. I have decided to expand the pattern to include several sizes and variations as well as very detailed instructions for those who have completely manual machines such as the USM. I will be making this available as a pdf.
I am setting up a book of patterns specifically made on the Artisan mid-guage that are all my copywrighted material. These all include methods of adapting to any machine/yarn and much more info that is good for any machine. So, I'm asking for your help about the contents.....please take the polls I have set up. I want my books to contain what is wanted and needed.

It's gotten real cold here. Lots of snow. I bought a new car in November. I adore everything about it. It only has one flaw.....it's a major one when you live in Vermont. My gearshift knob is metal. That's right, METAL!!!!! There is nothing worse than starting up the car, letting it warm up and then going to put in in reverse and getting instant frostbite!

I solved that problem.....out came the yarn and circular needles. I made a knob cosey!!!
i am grafting it right now...I'll take pics in the morning! Its so cute.

Socks on Circs

2007-12-28T10:28:00.000-05:00

I love this yarn!! It's ModaDea Sassy Stripes.

It's my favorite for knitting socks. I just love how the stripes and patterns come out.

These were done using Cat Bordhi's methods of knitting on 2 circulars instead of 4 or 5 dpn's. I finished one....second sock syndrome is setting in. I have to start the second one before all hope is lost :)

TaDa

2007-12-27T17:10:00.000-05:00

Well, here it is!!!! The long coat was finally finished on Christmas Eve just in time to be wrapped and given. My poor daughter hates to model my finished things, especially since none of the stuff fits!! She's a trooper. This coat is way too big for her, but you get the idea!

The Long Coat

2007-12-17T23:15:00.000-05:00

As you can see, I overcame my fears of heavier yarns on my sewing machine. This is the Long Coat I have mentioned being sewn with a ziz-zag stitch.

I basted all my seams with the aran yarn, and then put it to the machine.

Oh, by the way....When sewing with lighter yarns like sport and DK, the standard sewing needle for knits is fine. When using worsted etc you must remember to change to the standard needle for Heavy weight fabrics!! The picture above is the perfect result of that particular Brainfart.

This is the coat, wrong side facing, with completed seams. I have yet to add the hood and button bands or do any end weaving. I'll do that tomorrow then post pics.

Happy Knitting to all

Ugh, the part I hate!

2007-12-16T18:58:00.000-05:00

The pieces are all knitted. They sit patiently resting while I contemplate finishing choices.

First off...do I hand or machine sew the seams? Machine is faster. I know that it works well with thinner yarns. I grafted the shoulders on my knitting machine but the side seams are just so long. I'd have to do it in sections. That could be a pain. I guess I'll hand sew the side and sleeve seams. No biggie.

Hmmm.....Buttons, Toggles or a Tie for a closure? Do I want to make my own toggles?? I can, you know. I love to make them with sculpy clay! So many options for designs and shapes since I do it myself. I once sculpted buttons of my Old English Bulldog, wrinkles and all! I embed a wire loop I make and bake em in the oven. Then I'll paint them. I make my own buttons too. I make lengths of I cord for chinese knot loops. I learned those off different internet sites.

Should I finish up the hem in some way, or leave it plain? A nice crocheted edge will tighten it up and make it look neater. Since the garment is in a plain ST stitch a nice textured edge would be nice....something not extravegant like picots or shells. I Tat.....a nice edge of tatting would be alot of work, but it would be beautiful. I'd have to use the same yarn tho....maybe crochet or knit edge would be better. Charmknits has some cute ones.

So, here I sit typing instead of finishing the thing!!!!!
I guess I'll get to it now and post pictures of all my hard choices later! :)
Happy knitting.

An so it begins....

2007-12-12T23:47:00.000-05:00

This is one front piece of the long coat I started today. Excuse the funky green stuff....that's only waste yarn!! More to come later

Another one started

2007-12-12T22:27:00.000-05:00

Well, I just started another gift....

This one will be a full length (just below the knee) hooded coat. I found a wonderful flecked Aran wool that works up great on my Artisan. I also have some wonderful wooden toggles. I'll have to make some fine cord with my Magic Corder to make faux Chinese Knots for a classier look. I started it today and already have the back and front done. Tomorrow I'll do the sleeves, bands and hood.

So far my holiday projects are right on schedule. I might even get done early enough to start some socks for myself. Since I have the ribber I can whip out circular socks like mad, but for some reason socks are the only items I truely enjoy hand knitting. I love Cat Bordhi's 2 circular method and am addicted. Does anyone have a cure for second sock syndrome?

More pictures of my latest projects Thursday or Friday

2007-12-10T17:23:00.000-05:00

Johnny 5’s little Cardi

Including pictures of finished Sewing machine seams

Regular length Straight Cardigan with Ribbing and Vertical Rib front bands

Drop shoulder with Full length Moderate Taper sleeves with Ribbing

Round (crew) front neck and Flat back neck with Simple Hood, Snaps instead of buttons

Pattern File Name: Johnny's Little Hooded Cardi

Size: Standard Baby 24 lbs.

I used TLC Baby (8660 New Mint Sparkle) which is a 64% acrylic, 36% nylon blend. Very soft for baby but warm as well. Wash warm gentle, tumble low. My gauge was (Stocking Stitch over 4 in = 10 cm): 24.0 sts by 45.0 rows: Body was knit on my Artisan 63-70D using TD4, mast set on 4 Ribbing knit by Artisan 63-70D with Ribber using TD2/2, mast set on 4

Finished size: Chest: 23.8 Armhole: 9.3 Top Neck Opening: 4.6 Hem Width: 6.3 Front Neck Width: 2.3 Front Neck Depth: 1.9 Hem Width: 23.8 Sleeve Bottom: 6.3 Sleeve Length: 7.0 Body Length: 11.2 Hem Length: 1.0 Hood Length: 8.0 Hood Depth: 7.0 Hem Length:1.5 Front Band Width: 0.7 Number of buttons/snaps: 6

NOTE: At most, 74 needles are required to make the body of this garment; but the collar/hood needs 120 needles. If you are using a manual machine sich as the Bond or LK150 you will have to relatch EON to create the ribbing. You will also need to buy No-sew Decorative snaps. I used Talon #7727 Pearl White. I also used my Sewing machine to do all the seams. For this use any stretchy stitch, I used zig zag. I recommend using invisible thread (Nylon). Please play with swatches of similar weight yarn before using this method on the actual piece. The tension and stitch size will vary from one sewing machine to another. If it’s too tight, the seams will pucker!

BACK:

1. Cast on 74 sts in MY, using TD2 and closed edge method. Work in 1x1 rib for 20 rows. COR.

2. Change to TD4, reset row counter to 0. Work 56 rows.

3. Mark this row at both ends for armhole.

4. Work 54 more rows. Total 110 rows.

5. Back neck. Cast off center 28 sts. 23 sts each side. Knit 6 rows with WY.

FRONT: Cardigan right side worked first.

1. Cast on 36 sts in MY, using TD2 and closed edge method. Work in 1x1 rib for 20 rows. COR.

2. Change to TD4, reset row counter to 0. Work 56 rows.

3. Armhole. Mark this row at right end for armhole. Work 32 rows ( 88 rows total).

4. Shape neck. COR. Work 1 row. Cast off next 6 sts for neck edge. Dec 1 st at neck edge (left end) every row 7 times, until 23 sts remain. Work 15 rows even. Total 110 rows.

5. Cut yarn, leaving a 25.0 ins end. Work 6 rows WY. Remove sts from machine.

6. Left cardigan front. Work as for right side, reversing shapings. 1. end COL;3. Mark on left end; 4. COL, neck edge(right end)

SLEEVES:

1. Cast on 40 sts in MY, using TD2 and closed edge method. Work in 1x1 rib for 14 rows. COR.

2. Change to TD4, reset row counter to 0.

3. Inc 1 st at each end of every 6th row once, then every 7th row 8 times to 58 sts (62 rows total).

4. Work even to total 68 rows. COR.

5. Cast off loosely.

SHOULDER SEAMS:

1. Graft shoulder seams on 23 sts. You can do this by hand,

2. or on the machine by rehanging the back 23 sts of each side (RS facing you) and push the sts behind the latches. Rehang the 2 front pieces (WS facing) on their corresponding 23 sts each side IN THE HOOKS. Manually pull each stitch through and use Backstitch to bind off and remove. Crochet or Latchook cast off is too bulky.

SIMPLE HOOD:

1. Cast on 120 sts in WY, using TD2 and open edge method. Work 6 rows, ending COR. Change to MY.

2. Folded front band. Work even for 16 rows, with lace holes for drawstring near the ends of row 4 (or row 12 for lace holes on outside of band). To complete the band, graft the cast-on sts to the last row worked. RC 000.

3. Change to TD4 and work 8 rows. Dec 1 st at each end of next row, then every following 5th row 11 times, until 96 sts remain. Work a further 8 rows even (total 72 rows), excluding front band. Cast off loosely.

BUTTON BAND: If you are using snaps, make 2 Button Bands

1. Using closed edge method of casting on for rib, and TD2, cast on 7 sts, Work 1x1 rib for 9.3 ins. Approx 106 Rows

2. Check that this length is sufficient, when slightly stretched, to go up cardigan front, from bottom of front hem to bottom of hood. Rib more if necessary.

3. Cast off. Sew button band to left front for girls/women, right front for boys/men.

4. Mark positions for 6 buttons, the first one 0.3 ins above the band bottom, the last one 0.3 ins below the band top. The rest should be evenly spaced between these two, approximately 1.7 ins apart.

BUTTONHOLE BAND:

1. Work buttonhole band as for button band, working buttonholes at the marked positions as follows: Make 1 stitch button holes at row 8 then every 18th row 5 times. Work 8 more rows (106 total) Follow instructions in your machine’s manual for buttonholes if using a non-manual machine.

When using a manual machine like the Bond or LK150 thread off center 1 st to a length of WY, leaving the empty needle(s) in WP with latch open each time. When converting to rib, pick up the dropped st(s) at each buttonhole .

2. Sew buttons or place snaps (as package directs) at marked positions on the button band.

3. Sew buttonhole band to cardigan front, being careful to align buttonholes with buttons.

FINISHING:

1. Either by hand or by using your sewing machine as directed above, sew sleeve top to armhole, easing to fit. Sew side and sleeve seams using invisible seam. Sew back seam(s) of hood. Placing hood bands at center front, sew bottom of hood (including bands) to neckline. Thread a drawstring if required. I make a 3stitch I-cord. You can do this on the machine or by hand with double pointed knitting needles.

2. Darn/weave/sew in all loose ends.

AMOUNT OF YARN REQUIRED TO MAKE GARMENT:

ESTIMATE ONLY Amount needed:

3.7 for body and sleeves 0.7 for ribbing and/or hems

1.8 for collar/hood (includes cardigan front bands) 6.2 Ounces TOTAL

These are photos of the finished seams after using a sewing machine with nylon thread and a zig-zag stitch. The arrows are there to show the seam and the direction I went.

Pattern designed by: Trish Evans

Specialty Handcrafts

specialtyhandcrafts@gmail.com

For the time being, this pattern is free for your personal use, but do not sell this pattern or garments made with it. All my patterns are going through the copywrighting process….

Finished object and the pattern!

2007-12-10T17:10:00.000-05:00

I finished one of my many christmas projects! This is a hoodie that I designed and made for my friends new baby for Christmas. I made it in a 24 lbs size. At the moment John is only 18 lbs, but Present day is a couple of weeks away and babies grow like weeds. I used my sewing machine for the seams, and no sew snaps instead of buttons that a teething guy can chew.

I will post the PDF file that includes more photos now. However, if I can't upload it for whatever reason, send me a message and I'll email it to you.
Trish

Wow!!

2007-12-07T20:49:00.000-05:00

Wow, I feel like it's been forever! The move started in May. We put all our stuff but the necessities into storage and started the waiting game. We moved out of the old place and into the new in September. It has taken me this long to get my crafting room in order...well, maybe not in order but at least my knitting machines and all my other craft stuff is here!! I was dying of yarn withdrawl.

I will be posting some pictures later of my latest project and a new expariment. I have started my winter present projects. I have so many to do and such little time left that I have decided to try something new for all that tedious seaming.

Why not use a sewing machine for things I can't graft on the KM? I have made cut and sew necklines so it should be the same principle right? A helpful person on the knittingtoday webboard suggested a zigzag stitch. So I have done the research. Time to decide if I should chance ruining the piece or just go with my usual invisible seams. I have been playing with swatches and so far, so good. I will take pictures of each stage as I go to post.
Keep your fingers crossed for me!

In process of moving

2007-05-19T23:44:00.000-04:00

I am starting the process of moving. Im standing here looking at my craft room, and the other room it has overflowed into....what a nightmare!!! I have many machines, tubs and containers of yarn everywhere, shelves of books, patterns and notebooks; Cabinets full of hand and machine knitting tools and accessories. That's only the beggining. I also have all kinds of lampworking equipment, boxes of glass rods and gadgets. Jewelry making supplies, beads, bead making stuff, etc. Over 25 years of collecting wires, threads and supplies for sculpting, painting, needlepoint....You name it. I don't quite know where to begin. I am totally at a loss.

Once I finally get moved and can get all my goodies set up again, I will really work hard at getting some of my original patterns up here. Right now I just don't have that kind of time.
They say Patience is a virtue. That's one virtue I'll never possess.

More later
T

2007-05-16T23:59:00.001-04:00

First post to this Blog

2007-05-16T23:27:00.000-04:00

If you are like me, you have dozens of WIP's. If you are obsessed with crafts like me then you have dozens of WIP's for each craft you crave!! I am in the process of gathering my original patterns for hand and machine knitting to create a book. The problem is that I like to design and make so many different types of items I can never seem to concentrate long enough to make more than one of anything. Socks are the worst!!! It doesn't matter if they are hand or machine knit, by the time I finish the first one I come up with so many new ideas or modifications, that the second one never matches. By the time I do a second (or am I always making one? I can never tell!) I am already plotting the new cotton tank top Im going to make with the yarn I bought in the middle of our long cold winter. At the moment, I am beading a beautiful necklace I'll wear to my sons graduation, waiting for the paint to dry on a dragon sculpture I just made so I can put a nice varnish on it; almost 4 pairs of socks finished, one pair on dpn's, another on the knitting machine, another on 2 circulars, and trying to learn 2 at once on circulars. Since the warm weather finally arrived I broke out all of my lampworking goodies so that I can make some glass beads. I also tat with both needle and shuttle. I love to make intricate and dainty trims for my knitted and crocheted garments.

I do hope that in time, my blog will contain helpful information for all kinds of crafts, patterns for hand knitting, machine knitting, tatting and crochet, and of course lots of pictures!!