Grateful for good friends ...

My GF Sue sent me a text.    Said she had a stack of

Piecework Magazines, back issues.    Did I want them .... and she noticed

a couple of articles on Buttons.

Article on Dorset Buttons, Article on Death's Head Buttons, Article on Crochet Buttons.

Thx Sue - - 

Also, found some tatting patterns for buttons,

c 2013 Jennifer Williams

(Revised 2020).    I think there are 7 patterns.

Link here to Cariad Tatting , free tatting patterns and technique tutorials.

One pattern motif uses Daisy Picot -- which I just learned how to do ...

stay tuned. 

 

knitting .... toys .... practice .... etc.

While I was doing some house sitting - and kitty watching .... I brought along knitting.

I'm 1/2 way thru this pattern.   It is Ilwaco Shawlette, Kelli Slack Designs pattern.   c.2015.  I am using Lilliput Yarn, Sasha.  80% Superwash Merino / 20% Nylon.  

I had a new row counter - was very useful for practicing a new pattern.   And, I lost track of where I was in the pattern.   Had to pull off the knitting and start over.

Then, I noticed the littermates - they were circling and playing, and chasing their kitty toy from one room to the next.

 Yep - my row counter.   Row 16.  

London wants to know if I need that back.

She watched me knit for a long time and eventually nodded off.

My first try in the back -- I did make it thru 2 'leaf' motifs in the pattern.   I think, once done with the current shawlette, I can launch into this one.   It is Leafy Lisa Shawlette by Kelli Slack Designs.  yes - have the pattern and the yarn!

 Above: knitting spool found at a local antique mall.   Too charming to leave it behind.   Below:  wooden knitting spool made in Canada.  Bought it at Stitches Midwest, day 2 -- it is spectacular, a lot of fun using chunky yarns.     The other spools I own are for medium sized yarns.

Below:  My GF gifted me this awesome Vera Bradley tin.   It has a tray inside, and GF added a magnetic strip.   Eventually, will load it with needlework tools / notions.

 Meanwhile, tossed in my crochet hooks so you could see the size.  Probably had been a tin for pencils,  pens, or something like that.

 Speaking of crochet - I picked up the (above) kitchen pot holder at the antique mall.   I would really like to make one - some day.   It is in good shape & hanging in my sewing room.   I suppose it could be used in the kitchen .... naw .... too pretty ....

Lastly, found this lovely book at Mitsuwa's book store.   The patterns are diagrammed well and the step by step photos a bonus.   maybe I'll figure it out, maybe not!

Enjoy the day.

crochet

I admit, I don't have crochet skills (beyond basics).   GF, Denise, made this beautiful blue doily for an Easter Hello Kitty toy (gift).

 And, she made this lovely hummingbird - which is currently on my wall.  (other snowflakes are packed away in the cedar chest)  I wish she had a blog, FB page, or photo album ... she tats, she knits, and she crochets beautiful pieces!   When I open up her e-mails, I'm gobsmacked by her current projects - either in the works, or finished.   Beautiful, delicate pieces.

Recently, while doing some sorting, spring cleaning, I pulled out a few doilies that I have (given to me).

 Above - looks so much like the one photographed on the cover of this magazine (notice how crochet magazines have tatting, too?)

 Here are a few photos of the pineapple / patterened ones I have:

... and others, with thicker fiber:

Do you enjoy vintage patterns, magazines?  I think they are charming ...

If you are in the "doily free zone" ... this post is not for you!!!

knitting lesson one, pin loom

After spending a day at the AIC last week, got together with GFs and made a couple squares on my pin loom - zoom loom.  Weaving a perfect thing to do at the end of the day!  Found the pretty pastel yarn fun to weave.

Look at this little Hallmark dish.   Marjolein Bastin products are so pretty.   My MIL was cleaning out a closet and thought I might like it and find use for it.    It actually holds a ball of crochet cotton well.  Guessing it is for rings and bracelets - but, kind of pretty on the desk with all my crafty items out.

Interesting to pick up knitting needles and fumbling with them to create the stitches.   DD & I have signed up for lessons.   Our instructor, Heidi, said she has been knitting since age 8 - and the sweater she wore was awesome!!!!    Gave it a good try.

After a couple hours, they seemed more comfortable in hand - tension pretty awful and there are those twisted stitches.   

We have some homework to complete before the next lesson.   DD had pink yarn and had a nice sample tonight,    and,     really -- is it cold enough???   Could use a break from winter right about now.

news ...

Facebook seems to be easier / quicker; however, the blog space is GREAT for photos and ingredients ... helps keep me organized.

Some progress on Mary Hannah Gipson [sampler researched and charted by Ruth Ann Russell]
SAN-Q Magazine, Winter 2010.  

Everytime I pull this out, I am irritated and frustrated.  Tho, some progress made.  I have silks from my stash pulled out.  I think the rest is over-one, so will do just a little at a time.     ~ Mini Flower Basket Sampler ~  .... A Reproduction from the EGA.   

 The Thimble Purse is ready for finishing - as is the Just Nan's Christmas Secret (insert for needle slide). 

Birds + Berries Thimble Purse, designed by Brenda Gervais:   Chart/design calls for 40-ct parchment linen.   I'm not sure what this linen is - must be from my stash.   I used GAST Pebble [flowers], Mulberry [berries], Apple Cider [Bird], and nutmeg [Bird beak, legs, floral centers].  Valdani #P2 Olive Green for the leaves/vine.   Week's Cinnabar for bird necklace.  

Stitched over one on 32 ct Opalesc Belfast W/Simply Shaker Geranium #7036.   Pattern and needle slide come with finishing instructions, red overdye wool + fusible interfacing.  

 So, how do you like my new bag???   Thx GF Kay, w/o blog!    It is a great tote with matching water bottle holder.   Please note the card - with buttons + stitching ; )     it is clipped to my calendar + cheers up the whole desk area.    Back to the bag - has outside fabric pockets - and is done over blue mesh.  

 let me tell you, the mesh is wonderful for hot/humid days.   All my travel gear went with me in style during recent trip.   The water bottle keeps the water COLD and is marvelous in the holder w/pocket and adjustable strap.   Thank you Kay.  I adore it!!!

Lastly, new stash from House of Stitches.   Which was ON SALE - and I was delighted to get my hands on it.   Strawberries by Hollis Sullivan.   I wanted the small motif for needlebook front - but may [ over-one ] stitch the larger pattern without border instead.   

Before moving along to the next project ....

how about finishing one?  Needlework/stitching is completed.   I changed it a little bit from the pattern.   And added color to the project.   Photo from pattern on the left of the actual stitched rollup.   I put the scissors charm on the scissors keeper.   The pre-finished pieces are really fun to embellish.     I've been using the pieces while they were in progress for needles, scissors, fibers, thread winders, etc.  

 Almost -- I have a few tatting patterns out.   I'd like to edge the brown felt piece with some tatting.   The needlework is probably completed.   When I sew the tatted edge on, I will also sew the bottom of the stitched part - to create a pocket.  

 The Scissors pocket - fits inside the lowest pocket on the roll.   The back has a nice magnet for a book of needles, a needle rest - or just to keep the scissors inside.   The fancy pins were a gift from   Vickie    , who blogs at A Stitcher's Story.  

This set is STITCHED - just not finished.   I need to sew the bottom of the front panels [to form a pockets] and sew the small piece into a pincushion.   I may use some tatted trim.   Not sure how I'll embellish the pincushion - it seems so small.      

The stitched initials are from BBD A Stitcher's Journey.   The patterns, by Sandra Sullivan Homespun Elegance, Ltd.,  are pictured below.    I used Week's Baked Apple on the roll.   Simply Shaker Cidermill Brown for scissors, couple initials.   Also used Simply Shaker Heirloom Gold for the initial on the roll.   Dried Thyme [GAST] for all the green.   Crescent Colours Used Brick on scissor pocket, fold over + soon to be pincushion.   All the Blue from skein of Needle Necessities, Inc. #1342.   Amber Pearl Buttons, Scissors Charm, safety pins.   And, will add tatting this or next week.   

While hunting down my amber pearl buttons ... I found my HE ABC ornament/fob pattern + supplies AND my Bent Creek snapper project.  They had been hiding from me -- I knew I put them someplace, and at last unearthed them.  I pulled out some fibers for the BBD Her Sampler.   

 I have mixed a few silk and cotton fibers.   I have linen, too.   It is hiding!   I want to finished the Homespun Elegance pieces first - then will pick up the alphabet sampler.   If you have not seen the sampler - visit the Blackbird Design blog and follow the link to the free pattern.