Saturday, November 24, 2007

One last item...


I found this picture of a tote bag I also made for the sale. All in all, the sale was successful. I wouldn't do it for a living, but it was fun for every-so-often making a little pocket change doing something I like with a friend. I sold most of my things. I only have a few eye pillows and stitch markers left. It was funny to see what went first. It wasn't always the things that I thought were the best. I did enjoy seeing people walk away with things that one of us had made. Maybe I'll start a little earlier next year....

Saturday, November 17, 2007

The Knitterly Crafts





So, I am posting so many times, as blogger seems to only want to do so many pictures at once....I have made knitting stitch holders with beads and some rings from SCRAP. Eight of these have already been purchased by friends. I've enjoyed making them while I watch movies. I also found in my stash of things this knitting needle holder that I started a few years ago and for some reason never completed. Here it is now, as well as two pairs of handwarmers of my design. (There are actually two of each, but I can only photograph one of my own hands if I'm taking the photo!) The yarn is from the weaving guild in N.M. so I am not sure what it is, but it looks like wool from Harrisville to me.
Spent the day yesterday with my friend Chris, visiting Michaels and wandering around Menlo Park. I came with the yarn I had been missing for the monkey blanket from the Happy Hooker. Otherwise, I was pretty good about not bringing more crafting gear home. I have much to use up.
I did use two balls of yarn for handwarmers and gave some yarn to my friend Chris for some of her holiday crocheting. I need to rearrange my yarn now--There is space in the cupboard and I can move some from the basket into the cupboard. I think my next yarn destash goal is to empty the basket!

More creations....




Here is a smattering of my other creations...
First, in the recesses of my supplies, I found onesies. I made little appliqued patches for them from my fabric and some heat-n-bond. They were quick little things and fun to make. I think my favorite is the mushroom or the pink with the Holly Hobby.
Second is a crocheted flower that I put on a pin. I guess I made it quite a while ago and I found it in a drawer, set aside to be a gift.
Lastly, I made a swarm of eye pillows. I have wanted to make these for some time and even created a pattern a couple of years ago. The pillows themselves are made of cotton, but have various washable covers in case they get dirty. The filler is organic buckwheat and lavendar. They can be warmed or cooled and placed over the eyes for relief of headaches, sore, tired eyes, or sinus discomfort. I like how they turned out. Again, everything but the filler was from things I already had. That feels good!

Crayon holders



These also were fun to make. I had three sets of 24 count crayons, so made these holders, as well.

Potholders





Here are some potholders made for my holiday giving and craft sale, which happens tomorrow. I had fun using up things I already had on hand. The backs of two sets are even made from an old pair of jeans! I think my favorite set is the the one with the Japanese fabric in it. These were so quick--I think the thing that took the longest was sifting through my fabric for good combinations!

Friday, November 2, 2007

Reporting on New Yarn from New Mexico





Every year, we travel to New Mexico for the Emergent Gathering. While there, I usually make my way to the Espanola Valley Fiber Arts Cooperative. This is a center that tries to keep local fiber arts traditions alive. They offer classes and loom rentals. It's just about the coolest place! Every year, my visit coincides with their annual sale. People donate yarn (and fabric, this year) to sell to raise money for the place. The yarn was $4 a pound this visit (at times it has been $1 per pound). I tried to be moderate by picking things up for friends as well. This is what I wound up with. Though I do intend to give some of the lace weight to some knitting friends for Christmas. Overall, I think I did fairly well in limiting my purchases. Last year Mark brought me an entire trash bag full! I again apologize for the off color on the lace weight yarn and on the blue Harrisville yarn. My camera batteries are going. Look soon for some more finished objects!