Dobby is Free

 The famous house elf that we met in the Harry Potter stories is my most recent crochet project. I decided that my house needed a house elf and that I would crochet one and give him clothes, freeing him from any obligations with any unsavory types. Meet Dobby. If you are not familiar with his endearing behaviors, watch these videos from the movie. First, Dobby meets Harry. Then below, Harry sets Dobby free from Lucius Malfoy's control. The outfit was made from a pair of slipper socks, including the leather sandals. He is snapping the fingers in his right hand, which he does to magically make things happen, good or bad. (hopefully only good in my house!)This was a very fun project and when Kyla finishes hers, you will get to see yet another crocheted Dobby, the House Elf.The pattern used was purchased on Etsy.com. However, the head was designed and created by me.

Practice Pillow

This pillow is made from the practice weaving on my rigid heddle loom. Lots of mistakes, but then there is much learning that goes with it. My neighbor, Norma, made the cover for an extra pillow I had. It is just the perfect color for our vehicle that has a worn out passenger seat.

Weaving is Done

The day finally came when I could remove the 6 yards of warp. Some of it was just practice. I did manage to make a table runner and 3 mats. 

Stand up Weaving

The best idea I have had recently was to remove the stand from my rigid heddle loom so that I can weave standing up. Most crafts that I do keep me seated and I prefer to not spend so much time sitting down. The loom had to be raised with shims so that I can move the heddle into the down position. Notice the blue grip clamps in the corners. The piece I am working on is will be a table runner. I had lost interest in the warp, plain white cotton, until I decided to work with rags again. I have sliced up yards of fabric and I now I am ready for this piece. Rags work so well and look very good with the white warp. So I am pleased to say that I have rekindled my interest in weaving again and look forward to the day I can unwind the warp to discover so many little projects that I started/finished and rolled away. 

Embroidery Project Complete

After many months and hours, my embroidery project is finally completed! It will soon be on it's way to California and it's home at St. Christina's Orthodox Church. This project has been a big part of my life these past months so it's bittersweet to see it go, but it's a joy and an honor to be able to serve the Church in this way.

Embroidery Project Update

The major portion of my embroidery project is now finished, so now it's on to the next phase, which is to embroider the letters which will go around the border. My next update should be of the completed project!

Kyla's Birdhouses Reach The Artful Eye

Kyla's Country Crafts barn board birdhouses and Carolyn's Fiber Crafts crochet over jute pieces are now both on display at The Artful Eye in St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Carolyn now has a rug, place mats and mug rugs. Kyla has several birdhouses and a little bench. This lovely store is open seven days a week. The owner will be making the space next door available for a flea market every saturday  starting March 24. Watch the website for more details. 

go to The Artful Eye

Placemats for the Seasons

 SPRING: Iris and Daffodils

WINTER: Snow Shine

FALL:  Red Maple

SUMMER: Azaleas and Water :Lilies

The four season place mats are done in crochet over jute. They show an interpretive design that came from the rug done in this technique earlier. These take much less time and look very nice on the table. They may be a bit busy, so I have planned to do more placemats with 2 colors in a frame, or perhaps 3 blocks. Less time and more flexibility with match napkins or dishes, etc. These will be available at The Artful Eye in St. Johnsbury, Vermont during the week of Feb 27.   Check out this great new shop at       www.theartfuleye.com

Embroidery Project

I have been spending much of my time working on a large embroidery commission. When it is finished, it will have an inscripted border and will measure approximately 36 X 30 inches. It is for an Orthodox Church in California and will be used in their Good Friday worship service. My goal is to have it completed by April 1st. It is a very time consuming task, but fortunately, I love embroidery! I will post another photo when it is finished.

The Artful Eye

The day I met Lisa McDonough at her new shop, The Artful Eye in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, was a very special day. I showed her my crochet over jute work,  (see pics) a rug and mug rugs. She was impressed enough to take them for the store. I am out there and so excited! The mug rugs have hearts on them for this month's holiday, others will be plain, striped or have blocks of colors.  I have started sets of 4 place mats using the colors and design in the rug.  Check out the gallery on her website, or stop into the shop if you are in ST J. It is wonderful place, full of rustic country furniture, country style decorations, artwork....all hand made by artists and craftspeople from the local area. I guess that means ME!