Duneland Fiber Festival:

 Nice yarn purchased

this a.m. from the https://www.threemoonsfiberworks.com/pages/duneland-fiber-fest-animal2art.

Maria & Mae

Probably using for weaving or knitting -- have a couple ideas in mind.

 like a butterfly for the https://www.hoosierhillsfiberfestival.com/butterfly-archway

   https://www.hoosierhillsfiberfestival.com/

 

Sashiko? Mini Loom? Tools?

 Twisted Picot order in the mailbox.

I've been looking at the Sashiko kits + look forward to giving it a try.   And the mini loom (gift) .... cannot wait to try ; )    Button Station & Third Hand.  

This mini loom is too much fun.   Sky and prarie.

 Blast from the past ...

 Anita's Little Stitches has ball-tip needles.  I wanted to try the BOHIN ball-tip needles.   Very handy with teneriffe and nanduti.

 

Purpose of cords ... cord making ....

 

Cord making.   Left - diagonal weave, worsted wool yarn.  Right - Loop finger braid, cotton crochet fiber.

 Lucet tool + cord.

Re. question/comment, about the purpose of the finger weaving, loop braids, lucet tool ... The Lafayette Lacemakers demonstrate annually at the Feast of the Hunters' Moon.   The use of cords, straps, was essential for that time period.  Photo above, me in costume, tatting. Hand made cords are used to lace up vests, or to tie on a drinking vessel, or tie/cord for skirts, pockets (pockets were separate tear drop shaped bags tied to the waist).

The past couple of Lafayette Lacemakers meetings:     

"For the next couple of meetings, we are going to acquaint ourselves with some of the period appropriate (Feast of the Hunters' Moon) fiber activities that people would see if they came into our homes (huts or tents). 

 

Diagonal Finger Weaving ....

So, I missed the last gathering of the Lafayette Lacemakers.

The Lafayette Lacemakers meet q month.   And, as things happen, DH had a program the same day.

Meanwhile, I received a link to a you tube video.   (below)  And I tried to create a diagonal finger weaving / strap. (above).  So far, so good.   Will continue : )

  

With knitting needles, take out chopstix, clip board, binder clips, and worsted weight yarn I had on hand, I was able to get the hang of the finger weaving pattern.   Cool Beans!!!

Stitches Midwest

DD and I visited two days.   I don't know how anybody can visit for just one day.   We enjoyed spending time together and being inspired by all the wonderful things we saw!

Above:  some of the free things from vendors.  I enjoyed the Clover booth, esp when the tatting was on display.   

Below:  some of the purchased things!   

 The green Lantern Moon ort pouch was grabbed up by me in a hurry.  Was 50% off.   Below - you can see a couple of the free patterns I picked up (hat/mitten set and lace scarf), the Nirvana acrylic "lamb" box for notions (mine currently has stitch markers, tatting shuttles), the beautiful Erin Lane bag, souvenir pin (a.k.a. Stitches GEAR - I feel fortunate as there weren't many to be had), and couple Zoom Loom squares I made with yarn purchases.

The cord in the photos was made on 6-peg knitting spool.   Stitches Midwest has "extreme stash" in the hall outside the vendor area.   There are 10 - 11" cuts of yarns (I wish they were longer!!!) of a variety of fibers.   On our 2nd day - as we were leaving, I noticed so many little pieces still there -- grabbed some and made a 26" cord using 3 fibers at a time.   Enjoyed putting those pieces to use.   I think the idea is to "sample" yarns & colors - not sure how to knit or crochet with such short yarn pieces.   Below - the paper near the yarns.

 

 These are G R E A T.   half crochet hooks on a finding.   Can be hooked to your bag, your project, your tools.   Nice for tatting, knitting, beading ... the list goes on.  They have awesome accessories (incl sport theme).  Etsy store link HERE.

 On day 2, I met Galina Khmeleva + she autographed my book! More information about the author, opportunity to attend workshop, etc. on the Lafayette Lacemaker blog post - LINK HERE.

 This yarn, cord, wool/tencel blend -- link HERE, was marked down to $2 a ball - and I didn't hesitate to try it out on the Zoom Loom!   Lovely colors.   

 This yarn (Artisanal Yarn from Pennsylvania)  was $5 and again, used on the Zoom Loom (pin loom) right away.   The booth was loaded with a variety of colors - fibers - types of fibers spun into yarns.   Very unique!

 Project bag (Makers' Mercantile booth) ... never seem to own enough of them.  This charming bag already put to use.

 Hello Kitty project bag -- and came with stitch markers!    I put my Good For Ewe yarn balls inside.   I may continue making squares on the pin loom (Zoom Loom) or may knit up a blanket with pattern DD has.

 Could not resist . . . Knit baah Purl one of my fav places to visit.  

 Thank you Skacel!  The yarn, hook, instruction from the FREE Crochet class.   DD and I did okay.   We hooked, ripped out, hooked, repeat.   I think we learned a lot in an hour ; )

Already have 2017 on the calendar ....

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.

Tollway Tatters: Diane's Saori weaving

Oh my ... a delight to hold these lovely bags in hand.    These bags are woven on a saori loom by GF Diane, blogging at Lace-Lovin' Librarian.   The saori loom was a gift to her from her Mom.    She is creating fabulously interesting bags - and selling her creations.

 Here are a few photographs I took on Tuesday afternoon:

As always ... photographs do not do justice to the colorways and superb workmanship.   Some bags I took close - ups.

I may be mistaken; however, I think this one is already S O L D.    

Gotta have one ....

DH + I went to the Chesterton Art Fair this afternoon.
Hot + humid, light breeze; however, the artists were amazing!

The pouch pictured, was made by
Chris Acton
Chief Weaver
from Chesterton, INhttps://actoncreative.net/

The minute I saw her 'sample' made into a pouch,
I knew exactly what the pouch needed ....
tatting supplies!

My much neglected shuttles are screaming to be used.

I keep reminding them to be patient as the Friday's demonstration at the Lake Co fairgrounds is my current priority --- then, it will be their turn!

If you are interested in the Art Fair --- it continues thru Sunday.
(information in previous post)

-----------------------

And Congratulations to the winners of the awards at Lake Co Fair! Delighted my friends entered stunning projects + judges gave a positive nod. I had zero entries this year and hope to enter next Summer.

Pictures are on South Paw Stitcher's blog. She has post re. Porter Co Fair and Lake Co Fair.