A Trio of Runners

Hi Everyone,

Today's project, besides a bit of shoe shopping, was to finish the first of three table runners I hope to have finished for the show December 3.  This first one is a fall/Thanksgiving theme.  I have laid two layers of merino and then a piece of silk.  I had already made a couple of prefelts the other day.  Today I cut them into leaves and acorns for my surface design.  So my next layers were a papier ribbon (a ribbon yarn made with 75% paper) and my leaves and acorns.  Its looking pretty good!  Tomorrow I will begin my second runner...

So stay tuned...And for those of you that are headed out to shop tomorrow don't forget your small home grown merchants like Blue Flag Handweaving Studio in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Janet

The other day I got all bundled up in my wonderful Alpaca scarf and hat, boots, winter coat and mittens and headed out with the dog for a walk.  On returning I noticed how the snow on our roof had been sculpted by the winds from the night before and marveled at my luck on not having it all drop on me as I went out.  It was a lovely morning and the snow was beginning to fall again so I ran in to get my husband to take a snap or two of me in the snow!

But, oh how quickly the snow can go!  We have had a Chinook wind for the past couple of days and all the lovely white blissful snow has now been melted away.  On the positive side of things though, we might be able to squeeze in a bit more yard clean-up and some holiday decorating before the next snowfall begins!

I remember a year long ago when a Chinook wind came in February and caused great damage to things because of the super fast snow melt.  Rivers and streams flooded all over the area.  And of course we hadn't seen the last of Mr. Winter so after all the snow melted - of course confusing the plants and animals of which season it was - why here came a giant of a snowstorm to blast us back into the reality of winters in Montana.  Weird what things you remember sometimes! 

Anyway...thinking of those long ago days and my family seems appropriate with the biggest 'family gathering' day just a few hours away.  We will be joining my older sister, her husband and his family, plus our Mom for dinner tomorrow...more memories to make...and here's hoping you and your loved ones have happy memories from tomorrow as well!

Janet

Olde America Antiques Quilt/Art Blocks

Hello!

The handbags I am going to show you tonight are not felt work of mine, but rather some sewing I did before I even knew how to felt.  I have been sorting out my stock in order to prepare for our Holiday Farmer's Market on December 3rd.  I came across these and it was just so satisfying to see them!  They are very well done...even if it me saying so.  I have a non-Christmas one in this design that I use as my knitting bag.  I often get asked about the print I used on that one.  I have used it daily for nearly two years and it has held up very well!

The prints used on these two bags are vintage (1910) postcard reproductions created by a company out of my hometown, Bozeman, Montana.  I didn't learn this fact until I had already purchased from them and had my bags made.  They have their office down the street from my sister's old place!  Anyway they helped pioneer the process of using Giclee (zhee-CLAY) on cotton.  In fact, I think they worked hand-in-hand with Epson to develop the printer used for this process.  It is a great place to browse as all the vintage prints are wonderful...Check them out at:

http://oldeamericaantiques.com/catalog/index.php

My holiday bags will be available at the December market but you get a sneak preview!

Enjoy!

Janet

Wrist Cuffs - Fashion or Function?

Good Morning! 

Well almost...I neglected to get this post done last night...so sorry.  I have been very busy so I have lots of new things to post for you over the next couple days.  First off many of you may have been noticing women and young ladies wearing an item on their wrist that is unfamiliar to you.  It probably wasn't a glove, even a fingerless version...so what was it?  This newest craze is called wrist cuff or wrist warmer.  And they are just that!  A great way to keep your wrists warm, but for many it is all about making a fashion statement.  I have seen many a young lady sporting a fashionable wrist cuff - most often it was peeking out from under her sweatshirt or sweater.  I have made some myself.  Some are felted with silk as an accent.  Some are sewn with velvet, lace and other embellishments.  And one is a fingerless glove out of wool (many varieties), tussah silk, viscose and silk noil.  Some of these come as a pair though I am only posting one.  However, keep in mind that many use only one cuff - especially when it is done for fashion.

I think that many more women would benefit from a pair of cuffs.  Many of my friends complain about stiff hands and wrists, especially during the winter.  Those that knit and crochet are really bothered by it so I think that a pair of cuffs could help them out so they can continue to enjoy their hobby!  Patterns can be found on the Internet at http://www.ravelry.com/ and http://www.lionbrand.com/ and your can look at the types others are creating at http://www.etsy.com/

Enjoy!

Janet