Brooches and Pins - First Coat of Paint

I tried something that I thought would probably not work and that is to apply all the paint in one session; see muddy example below. I will be patient with the remainder, applying one color per session and allow them to dry - like the instructions state. Though the stamp pads called for in the instructions would not be as messy, I think anything would work. The paints I am using are various and sundry including Neopaque, Lumiere and I will try some inexpensive craft paint I have on hand. Thus far, I have used only an old toothbrush and a cosmetic sponge.

Brooches and Pins

Sometimes, a store-bought button or pin will not work for a handmade item such as the vest I knitted recently. This afternoon, I had some fun working with air-dry polymer and a project guide from Sherrill Kahn's site. When they dry, I will paint them and decide if any two of them will coordinate well with the vest.

Little Fishies Sample

This is a swatch of one of my "just for fun" projects, a Little Fishies Scarf for a teenager's birthday. This is the neck panel from which the fishies will hang. It's not quite as wide or high as it's supposed to be so, I may have to add rows or use a wider tape. Silk fabric is on its way that I will dye and perhaps some will go in this project.

Latest fun project

This is a vest I just knitted that was inspired by Jane Thornley's Ripenings Vest. I am finished with it except for a few details. The left shoulder needs blocking or expanding just a little more. It doesn't show on the mannequin but over an arm dips in a little. I am considering an edging around the front, lapels and armholes to give stability but don't want to take away from the organic look of the vest. Also, I want to find a to-die-for closure. I really enjoyed knitting this vest. It is one of the few things that I have knit by the seat of my pants; thanks to Jane's suggestions in her Ripenings Shrug pattern.

Afternoon Visitor to the Studio

I've been preparing a warp in the studio this afternoon and came in shortly to mail an order and take a watermelon break. Sitting at the kitchen table, I saw a visitor on the studio step. He is a wee little bunny; no mama in sight. I wonder if he likes watermelon.

One Year After the Tornado

This has been a trying but good year. The Lord has been faithful to bring us through the loss of several friends and family and reconstruction after the tornado. The heavily canopied skyline in our neighborhood will not look the same in our lifetime but we are happy to welcome neighbors back. These pictures were taken from the studio patio. The first picture is Ken and Marilyn's; they have been neighbors since 1970. (I think I said 1972 or 1974 before but clarified the date with Ken.) The second picture is Tony and Sheila's. They have been neighbors for over 10 years. Welcome home!


Ken and Marilyn's


Tony and Sheila's

Shallow Tri Shawl for Easter?

I'm moving right along with HeartStrings Shallow Tri Shawl in hopes of having it finished and blocked for Easter. Fortunately, I'm putting in a lifeline every fourth row as my wonderful needle separated at the cable and needle a few nights ago. The yarn is my hand painted Summer Haze 8/2 tencel. The beads are a 6 mm iridescent that picks up all the colors in Summer Haze.