The World

Ocean

Beaver Pond

The crocheted world, became Ellie's World recently. Once she understood the different habitats, the world became populated with a variety of creatures and things. From the beavor pond, downstream to the cranberry bog, Christmas tree plantation, wheat field, flower garden with beehives, veggie garden, and finally to the rocky shore and sandy beach of the ocean, creatures, aliens, and miscellaneous objects filled the world and became a play stage for all sorts of activities, including the Teddy Bears picnic, sung by me.

Crochet cotton facial pads

As I mentioned in my last post, I have been enjoying making little crocheted drawstring bags and then I found a nice scalloped pattern for these little facial pads that fit perfectly in the bags, so I made a set of 6 in coordinating colors.  Rather than being thrown away like disposables, these eco-friendly facial pads can be placed in a washer and used over and over again.  They are made from 100% American grown cotton and are so soft and absorbant!  They are available for purchase at RebasPrints.etsy.com or on the etsy link on the sidebar of this blog.

Crocheted Lobster Buoys

The weather turned on us during our vacation on Grand Manan Island this week. With so many lobster buoys to look at here, I had to crochet a few. I don't think that crochet is done here, just knitting, so many people came up to look at them in the cafe today. These are very easy, make use of left over scraps of yarn, and look best with pieces of bamboo skewers. They are about 5-6 in long and the base is somewhere around 14 SC in circumference. Would be good xmas ornaments, too. 

Crocheting pouches

I've been enjoying making these little pouches with leftover balls of cotton yarn,

They make ideal gift containers for round facial scrubbies, but could also contain

various other small items.  It's fun experimenting with different colors of yarn for 

the trim and ties.  I'd like to look for some large wooden beads that could be used

to fasten the ties.  The pattern was free on a ball of Coats and Clark's, "Creme de la 

Creme" cotton yarn.

Table Weavings

The weaving that I did on the rigid heddle loom, see earlier post, was finished and used on the table tonight. 2 placemats and a table runner, turned sideways on the end of the table. That way I can still keep the lazy susan. It is very satisfying to weave something and then actually use it in the house. I suppose "real " weavers that I know do this all the time, but for me, brand new to this, I find it extremely satisfying. So much so that I am going to get another loom, one the folds and can travel, only 24 in wide, but perfect for table runners and placemats. I plan to take it on vacation with me, sit and weave looking out over the ocean, etc. glass of wine...etc. So this weaving thing is just about the best craft that I have discovered, thanks to good friends who encourage me. 

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.