Sunday, June 30, 2013

Beautiful Day

What an awesome day we had today in West Michigan.
 
I started the day off with spinning for the second day of the Tour de Fleece.  Tour de Fleece, what in the world is that?  Spinners all over the world join their favorite teams to challenge themselves to spin every day along with the Tour de France. 
 
I filled a bobbin of this beautiful roving I purchased on our trip to Vermont last October.  I was able to attend the Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival for the first time and purchased this roving on that visit.



I already had a full bobbin of this fiber spun up and my plan for the day was to ply the two together to complete my yarn.....
 
but, it was so beautiful I decided to spend the day outside working on painting some furniture pieces I've been collecting.  This is what some of them looked like before I started.....

 One coat done on the plant stand, square table and the mirror....
I was able to complete the green magazine table that the mirror is laying on, as well as the desk organizer pictured in the right hand corner.  I was so excited about being able to get outside and paint, I forgot to take before pics of these two items.
 
My last project for the day was to make some quiche for our breakfast this week.
Yum, yum, we just love these mini mushroom sausage quiche.  Now to watch some TV and do some knitting and my day will be complete!
 
 
 

Friday, June 28, 2013

Traveller aka Viajante

Wow, can't believe how long it's been since I've done a post.   Decided it was time to get back at it.

My goal was to get this project complete to wear at Stitches this year.  Last year the air conditioning was turned so high I couldn't believe how cold it was....my hair was actually moving at times. 

So without further ado, here I am.....


                                            
I looked through almost all of the individual photos on the Viajante projects page and found that several people made changes.  Some added beads and some changed up the lace at the end.  Beads.....did I actually see beads!  Well once seen, I certainly had to add some to mine.  Their hard to see in the photos but in the 1st one you can see a hint of glisten around my shoulder.  Seen in person, they show right up.

Must say I just LOVE how this turned out.  It's knit in the round but it was still a lot of knitting.  It was my mindless knit and sooooo worth it.  I've worn it several time already and have gotten positive reviews.   

There's several ways this shawl can be worn so you might want to check it out for yourselves.

I'm currently working on two knitting projects....yup, two.  Those who know me well, know this is way out of my comfort zone.  I'm usually a one project person.....knitting, painting, sewing, mixed media, spinning but only 1 in each category.  I'm living on the edge......I'm out of control!!!!

Started the Camas Bolero by Maggie Jackson, of course using yarn by Maggiknits.  This is a pic of the back. 
It's moving along nicely and pretty mindless at this stage so I also started working on my Wisdom Wrap.  Another pretty mindless knit.
Along the fiber theme, I decided to make some throw pillows since I found our local JoAnn's Fabrics was selling a bunch of their custom order material samples for 50 cents a piece.  Now who could pass that up.

Hubby was with me when I was shopping and the next thing I knew he and found 2 panels and asked if I would make him a couple for his "man cave" camper.  Here's what he picked out.
This one's done except the sewing up where I had to leave it open to stuff.  I have tons of stuffing but didn't like the way it was turning out kind of lumpy bumpy.  Hmmmm, what did I have on hand I could use to line the inside before stuffing?  Searched around my messy studio but couldn't find any quilt batting.   Glanced over and saw a felt batt that I had made at a mill using our alpaca seconds.  So I thought, "why not", after all they are for my hubby. Tee he, it was the warmest pillow I've ever stuffed......my arm was sweating before I got it finished.

 Here's the second one waiting for it stuffing.
I think he did a great job picking out his material.  He thought they looked kind of Hawaiian and would go nicely with the red cushions already in his camper and blend in with his ukulele obsession. 

"I" think they look great with my new chairs that sit between my dining room and kitchen.   It's certainly really nice material for something called "the man cave"!

Here's a few photos of other project that have been taking up my time....
Mixed media; background texture using fiber paste, spackle, onion bag and layered with paint and items from my stash
a friend gave me this sprinkler head thinking I might be able to use it.  Couldn't pass up that challenge.  Background textures; lace, drywall tape, fiber paste and used dryer sheets

canvas using different textures; gesso, egg shells, spackle, string
fern canvas; spackle with fern impression
 
My son and his girlfriend mixed media canvas; background textures wood filler and fiber paste. Computer parts, nuts, old tools, and flowers

 
I've been a slave to my studio lately! 

Happy Fiber Arts Friday!!














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