new cases

Just finished an order for one of the galleries- new eyeglass cases. I have been playing with different threads, more variegated silk perle weight ones like the small blue flower in the case on the far left. They work up beautifully in crochet.Next time I am at the thread store I will stock up! By the way, the Hardanger piece I use for the background in the photos is a piece I did years ago. I don't know if my eyes can take that intricate work anymore! I am on to pincushions now, also working on a small quilt project I will share soon.

new etsy items

Just a quick post showing a few new items listed on etsy. These mini pincushions measure slightly smaller than my standard pincushions- 3"x1 1/2" as opposed to 4"x2".
I think this size is perfect for tucking into a sewing basket or even for a travel size sewing kit.
I am also listing another felted tile. This has been crocheted and then felted, measures 4" square.
I have embellished it with hand crocheted flowers and embroidery. I have left the threads as little tassels on the edges. This can be used as a mug mat, trivet, or just for decoration. Well, that's it for now. Hope everyone has a happy holiday!!

custom order

I just finished this handbag for a custom order and am really pleased with the results. The customer requested the deep eggplant color and specified that she likes the rust, apricot, buttery yellow, and purple colors for the flowers. What luck! My favorite colors to work with!
She also requested a velcro closure-which I don't usually do- but still wanted the corozo nut button as an accent. I love these buttons especially when I can layer them in the different colors. This one got a plum colored one topped with a sliver shaped one in orange.
Since the front was so heavily decorated I went a little sparser on the back.
It gives the purse two different looks.

Very time consuming, but very satisfying to work on. I have listed it in my etsy shop as a reserve-when my customer gets back she can purchase it there. If she decides against it I will remove the reserve and leave it in the shop. On to other projects!

holiday orders

Just a quick post today-I'm using this blog to help keep track of things I am making. This is part of an order I am working on to stock some of the shops and galleries for the upcoming Holiday sales.
These are lavender filled sachets all neatly packaged and ready to go. I have been buying the lavender from an organic source and the scent is heady and long lasting.
If I have time I plan on putting these up on etsy, too.
These are so much fun to make, work up quickly and can look so different with just a change of color.
A sweet smelling array of blooms!
Back to work- so much more to make!

Fiber Art Almanac 2012

It has been quite a gap in blog posts, but things have been busy around here. We did the Tangletown garden tour which was great. A bit of rain in the morning but lovely the rest of the day. Beautiful gardens- I wish we could have toured the rest of them! Since then the Fiber Art Almanac for next year has come out and I am very pleased to be included.
We met with Jenny for the photo shoot back in March at a local coffee shop/bakery. She did such a great job on the photos!
I love the way she displayed the pincushions like little cakes on the cake plate. My pillows and eyeglass cases were also included.
This Saturday there is a show at the Textile Center in Minneapolis showcasing the work in the almanac. I will be there for 3 hours in the morning for a 'meet and greet'. Should be fun!
In addition to that we have been very busy with long overdue household remodeling and repairs- 2 bathrooms remodeled, family room makeover, roof repairs and exterior painting. We are in the final week and I am so relieved! Workmen in and out can get so tiring. A lot of the work we were able to do ourselves and I am glad to get it done.
Next post will feature items I am working on getting ready to stock the galleries and shops for the holidays (already)!

applique towels

I am still busy working on things for the upcoming Tangletown Garden tour. Since we will be
sitting in someone's beautiful garden I am making lots of floral items. I love working with flour sack towels- the texture is so wonderful.
Most of the fabrics for the applique are hand dyed cottons and purchased batiks.
As usual, one of my inspirations is Clarice Cliff pottery- so colorful!
Now on to pincushions, sachets, and eyeglass cases. Only 3 weeks left!

busy

I can't believe I have not posted for over a month! We have such a short gardening season here that most of my time has been spent in the yard. The slow start to spring pushed everything back, but I did manage to get the window boxes done.
The back yard is mostly in maintenance mode; we have a few areas to work on but generally feel this shady area is complete. The front yard is our new project- we can add lots of sun loving perennials there. We started with lots of shrubs; I'll post pics later.
The two pots on the front steps are looking really good- thanks, Colette for the cannas!

About 15 years ago I laid a blue stone walk up to the front door. I meticulously cut the sod around each stone and fit it together like a puzzle leaving grass between each stone. Over the years it got mowed over but never trimmed and the stones started getting grown over. Well, we reclaimed the walk! I had forgotten how many stones there actually were. We thought we might plant some creeping thyme between the stones but I like the way it looks now so may have to give it some more time like this before I commit to anything.
I have also been busy with indoor projects- here's the new rug in the living room- my favorite rusts and greens.
We also removed the old victorian sofa( nice, but not very practical) from the sun room and got new rattan chairs and a new rug.
Also, I have lots to make for an upcoming show we are participating in on July 23rd- The Tangletown Garden tour in the Tangletown area of Minneapolis. Sponsored by the Tangletown Garden Center and about 3 art galleries each private garden on the tour will have two to three artists set up selling their art. Since it is a 'garden' environment I will have lots of floral items to sell, starting with my pillows:
Lots of my appliqued towels:
lavender filled sachets:
of course, my pincushions:
and the eyeglass cases. I can also include some handbags and the felted tiles/mug mats. Jim will have all of his leather bags, cases, and cuff bracelets. Should be lots of fun! Here's hoping for good weather and I better get busy!