Knitting progress + treasures

 Lucky, lucky me!!!   The winner of Wendy's giveaway!  The pearl bracelet fits purr-fectly --- Each time I've worn it, I've received compliments!     http://umintsuru.blogspot.com/2018/07/cream-pearl-bracelet.html

Vintage finds while shopping with my sister.      Spool knitters are my weakness.   I think they are fun to own.   And fun to find in vintage stores.   

The vintage sewing ruler.   The older ruler is already in use!

My sister came for a visit (in August) and she brought her vintage beaded necklaces with her!   This is one I chose, from quite an assortment!  A turtle, hearts and crystals!   She enjoys going out to 2nd hand stores and picking up vintage necklaces.  The washes the beads + findings, then puts them back together with a creative twist!

 I've had this kit (from Stitches Midwest) and decided I should finish it!   I think I'm 75-80% done.   The lace knitting slows me down - the results are beautiful!  Angela's Dream Scarf by Jeanette Estee Famulari

This was a class - taken at the Local Knitting Store.

I started my 2nd Mosaic knitted bag.   The first one I knitted came out so nice -- and I had extra yarn for a 2nd one.   Colors will be similar.   Pattern is Mosaic Bag by Cindy Walker.   Yarn I am using is Erika Knight British Blue Wool.   

The last two knitting classes I've taken, at the local knitting store, were taught by Laura Ricketts.  The subject:  Twined Knitting.   

   Such a treat to have Laura's twined knitted pieces in hand.  It is a beautiful technique.   Awesome color and texture.  We learned to use z-spun yarn and create braids and the crook stitch. 

  Maybe one day I'll have cuffs --- I am so glad I know this technique.   I doubt I could have figured it out by videos and tutorials on line!!!   Laura also brought a couple books for us to look thru -- this one caught my eye + I was able to find it on line.   Out of print, and not very expensive. 

The "F" word --- yes, finished.   Woolenberry's Hearald wrap.  

This one took awhile.   I would do a few rows, set it aside.  Knit a few rows, set it aside.  The store in Bloomington, Indiana closed - I'm not sure where to find more of this yarn.   It is a dream to knit with.

 

 I've continued the lace edge from Piecework Magazine.   it is called Lace No. 10 -- from Mary Elizabeth's 1935 book.   I submitted a photo & it was published in the April issue!  

  Imagine that!     

Our DD's kitty enjoys the KnitPicks bag from

Stitches Midwest.   This cat cannot ignore a tote!

 These stitch markers were a 'win' from the Stitches Midwest Scavenger Hunt.   I enjoy going + seeing all the new patterns and yarns.  And toys!!!   It is great to find a bargain here-n-there.   

 This past Spring, I made a few dish dresses for girlfriends.   A fun addition to most kitchens during spring cleaning!    

 I may give up on cup cozy -- not sure I'm crazy about the final knitted results.

Beautiful craft books

I have been delighted with recent publications.  First, Crochet w/Beads - which includes a DVD - is by GF Candice Sexton.  How much fun!

This book, Floral Blocks to Crochet was a giveaway via Goodreads by SMP Craft.   

 
 Look at the fun blocks!    oodles of ideas - colors, shapes.    Fun crochet.   I find their web site and facebook page full of ideas!

This lovely book, from the Japanese Book store combines crochet AND tatting ....

and, this publication embellishes dolls +doll clothing.   this volume with tatting, needlework, etc.   Such a fun publication.

inspiration for a winter night.

It is a HE kind of stitching

Pin Pokes I

Designed by Sandra Sullivan

Homespun Elegance, Ltd.

I chose different fibers.    I used GAST Dried Thyme, Week's Baked Apple; Needle Necessities 1342; Week's Onyx; and Simply Shaker Sampler Threads Cidermill Brown.    There is another motif in the pattern folder that I'd like to stitch ... and change the colors ; )    The HE patterns are wonderful to stitch while gathering with good friends.    

 And new bead stash ... to string or tat ... meanwhile, 

they decorate the desk!

Gifts ....

Beautiful beaded necklace and earrings made by GF Candy S.   They are dazzling!   Too pretty for a box - have them hanging on the wall near my desk.  Thx Candy!  Check out her etsy, Beads + Crochet,  oodles of lovely patterns, kits + treasures to see!

  

Have you visited Marcia DeCoster's Blog?    The earring pattern can be found there -   Link HERE.   With a lot of help from Candy, I was able to get a pair of earrings started.   The beading is like puzzle building!

And, GF Debbie L enhanced my stitchy stash,  from The Sweetheart Tree:  Baby Bluebells Fob.   So pretty!   And, I do have unadorned scissors which could use an embellished fob!     This is wonderful to have with me in my bag.    Thx Deb ; )

A few more stitches added to Homespun Elegance pattern:  Pin Pokes I

Sewing + Laundry day ....

After a half hour yanking on the Vera Bradley apron tie --- Jasper decided to ignore it and nap!

Guess I'll post pone sewing until today's laundry loads are completed.

Maybe time to play with memory wire and beads ... 

stay tuned.

week-end went too quickly ....

Jasper keeping my sewing machine seat warm ....

I won a giveaway & the box of goodies arrived [photos to follow in another post].

Last night, DH and I went into Chicago, listening to the hockey game

on the radio ..... went to the

[tee shirt -- gotta have one!]

City Winery [couple blocks from Harpo Studio].

We went to the 2nd, 10pm show

for Margo Timmins, Cowboy Junkies.

I could listen to their music all night!   Anyhow, got so

swept up in her voice, the band, their

sound - and forgot to snap a photo while they were performing.  First song --- Sweet Jane.

They performed a couple songs from Kennedy Suite, their Nomad series,

and song, West of Rome [I think that was the title], song from their

first album, song name escapes me [the album before Trinity Session], and of course

Trinty Session album songs.   Walking after Midnight just rocked.   

Nice venue, great sound, perfect seats.

Wine, rose, was ok [I'm spoiled by Oliver Winery].   

Didn't have much traffic to deal with.

Finally a sunny/windy day --- took Tori's stuffed toys

OK, my toys, too --- outside.

Once back inside - all fresh!!! Now to arrange in the

doll beds and top of wardrobe.   Such a fun task to

end the week-end.

Lafayette Lacemakers is having a Carrickmacross Lace Class

following their next meeting.

So, I obtained a couple second hand books - which arrived - and I enjoyed going thru ...

Nellie O Cleirigh

Doris Campbell Preston

Think I'll do better with some hands-on instruction.   

Keeping my fingers crossed Mother Nature cooperates.  Looking forward to the class.

I had made a few bracelets & of course my Mom's broke.

Guess I need more beading instruction!!!!   This time I added double jump rings.

Fixed my Mom's bracelet - and mailed it ... what a week-end.

Time goes quickly.   

randoms .....

I had some freshwater pearls, purchased from AIC and Michael's.    Strug them with seed beads and completed five bracelets.    A lot of fun!

Probably should have used jump rings .... maybe I'll remember next time.

Isn't this neat???

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Thx GF!!!!   So Charming!!!!!