serendipity

Free Crochet E-Book

Looking for some fun crochet projects?  Favecrafts has published a free book of patterns
for those of us who are yarn-obsessed.  I've downloaded several of their previous publications
and they are always fun and full of great patterns.  Besides, how can you go wrong with free?

Free Pattern :: Crochet Twist Necklace

"Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles."  --  Sonja Henie

Spring weather is fickle.  I am ready to pull out the t-shirts, but there is still a chill in the air.
I'm bored with scarves, so I made this twisted, crocheted choker. It adds a warm dash of color.

video love :: on handwork and why we need it

 

"Quiet the mind, and the soul will speak."  -- Ma Jaya Sati Bhagavati

A former student recently reconnected and sent me this lovely video.  I had to share it with you.

New Baby Hats!

"Babies are such a nice way to start people." -- Don Herrold

My recent photo shoot included new baby hats!  I started this line late last fall and sold them all.  I am now deep in production making more for the summer and fall craft fair season in a wider color range.  Each is hand knit and needle felted by me in luxurious wools, silks and cottons.  

The Snow Queen: a study in yarn and paper

Springtime is the land awakening.  The March winds are the morning yawn. 
-- Lewis Grizzard 

Last summer during a blistering heat wave, I made a garment inspired by Hans Christian Anderson's story "The Snow Queen."  The top is knit from Lion Brand's Vanna's Glamour®.  It's a lovely yarn to work and adds this gorgeous shimmer that shifts with the light - perfect for my Snow Queen Dress. Having recently invested in a large die cutter, I decided to put it to the test.  I cut a 100+ cardboard snowflakes which I then embellished.  Naturally, no two snowflakes are the same.  I painted, rubber stamped and colored with pencil and pen. I glued on sequins, wrapped threads and added small sparkling stickers.  The dress became an experiment in how far I could push a mixed media approach.  

Designer Crafts Connection Blog Hop :: My Favorite Craft

"Necessity is the mother of invention." -- English Proverb

This month's theme for the Designers Craft Connection is "my favorite craft."  I've been agonizing
over this one.  I love all the crafts!   I mean really - how does one pick?!  By default of
deadline and my niece's upcoming birthday, I settled on a cute crocheted collar for her to wear
with t-shirt and jeans.  Even at 6, Margo loves to be the fashionista!  

Yarn bombing with a charitable twist!

“The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor.”  -- Hubert H. Humphrey

The scarves from the yarn bombing of the Addison St. Bridge have all been washed and donated to Murphy Elementary School.  The scarves that were in poor condition due to the rain, high velocity winds and one uncharitable vandal were also washed and then unraveled for the school’s knitting club.  The photo features the principal modeling one of the donated scarves.

As featured on LIVE at CHA Winter 2013 - Knitted Shell and Ombré Skirt

 

 

Mary Lawrie and I created one of the garments Elena Lai Etcheverry wore for Charity Wings' LIVE at CHA.  During the event, Elena interviews designers and companies about their new projects and products live online. Viewers get sneak peeks and can purchase raffle tickets for fantastic giveaways.  All money earned goes to charity.  It is really an amazing win-win for all involved.  

Lion Brand Yarn Fashion Show 2013 at CHA

"Unique and different is the next generation of beautiful." -- Taylor Swift

Much to my delight I was invited to the 2013 Lion Brand Yarn fashion show at CHA (the Craft and Hobby Association).  I love their yarns, so I was excited to see what fashion design students from around the world would do with them.  

MY FIRST VIDEO!! Bombs Away! Yarn Bombings 2012

Squweeeee!  Jumping up and down excited about making my first video.  Animoto makes it super easy to create them. As you may imagine, I'm already scheming about my next one.