Full Circle

When I started to crochet, I began this circle rug. I never knew crochet hooks could be so huge. Finishing up projects of old, I have only a bit more on the last round to do and am looking for black fabric. Deets the cat found that is it very, very soft to walk on and work his claws on. Hey, so what, it is all old fabric strips anyway, he can't really hurt it. And yes it is soft to walk on, I had not realized this. I think that is another reason to make rugs like this, using fabric that has no further purpose and perhaps has some memories attached. In this rug I can see the curtains, skirts and jumpers that I used to wear, or fabric that was donated from friends. So I call this rug, "Diary".

Summer Jute and String Bag

Using sisal, twine from the hardware store, colored nylon string and beads, this summer bag was made quickly on large crochet hooks. The pattern came from a book by Sally Harding, Quick Crochet Huge Hooks. It is about 13 in tall by 11 in diameter. It seems quite rugged. It was however, a bit tough on the hands. Sally's book of ideas for big needle knitting is arriving this week. These projects go fast and are easier for me to hold on to and SEE! What I like about all this is that the products are coming out faster and faster as I get better.

Crochet Action Toy

Meet TINA TURTLE, created for a 6 year old in my family. She won't understand the significance of the name, do you? The turtle with her eggs inside, broken shells and baby turles outside, will provide a good story for her and brother, David. Sorry the pics are a bit fuzzy, done in haste.The orginal amigurumi design did not include the pouch, so I added that on.The pattern is in Amigurumi Two by Ana Paula Rimoli. Quite easy, just takes time sewing all the pieces together, legs, heads, etc. I can't wait to see how she likes it. She selected it from the book for me to crochet. Two little girls, 9 and 8 years old, have already passed their blessing on to it, they both loved it dearly. That is a good sign.

Sweet Pea Onesie by RebasPrints

Sweet peas are rippening in my garden and gave me the idea for this sweet little print. It's just the thing for the "sweet little pea" in your life!

This print is made from a handcarved potato with non-toxic fabric paints and is completely washable.

It has been washed both before and after printing and is available at RebasPrints.etsy.com

First Craft Show

Crooked Wood Designs and Kyla's Country Crafts teamed up over Memorial Day weekend at the Open House of Steffi Heuss, silver and crafts maker in Irasburg, Vermont. Her are a few shots of our crafts such as Terra Looms, RootTrees, Sock Monkeys, and planters and bird houses. We plan to have another go at this in July when the Irasburg Church Fair is on, across the street from Steffi's house! We did sell a loom, several sock monkeys and other wooden crafts. Steffi did well selling her wonderful jewelry.

Beach Gems

After tumbling, here are a variety of stones from the beach. Some beautiful blacks, grays and greens here as well as reddish brown. I'm sorting right now to make some earring sets. They make very elegant earrings. The solid color ones are nice, as are some of the speckled varieties. I'll post some finished jewelry in a few weeks.

Seashells

I have just finished an order for a set of cards and a shirt featuring seashell motifs, and thought I'd share some photos before sending them off in the mail. Thinking the carved potatoes might be of interest, I've included them too!

NEK Sock Monkey is HERE!

Some say, why did you do this? It had to be done, I say. After a instructional session with crochet sculptor and fiber artist, Nancy Lewis, www.medusahats.com, at the new fiber arts gallery in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, I knew the secret to making moose antlers for Jocko. Here he is wearing his proud moose antler and NEK hat. He is ready to meet the public, don't you think? In the future, there will be other monkeys in the NEK series, wearing festive northwoodsy colors. He can be seen May 29-30 in Irasburg at the Open House of Steffi Heuss, silver and crafts maker. Other crocheted pieces will be on display along with the debut of the Terra Looms and Root Trees. We are "in production mode" from now until then.

Terra Loom Weaving

I had so much fun weaving some fabric scraps, ferns and dandelions on a finished table top Terra Loom. I can change out the flowers, and add other things, like feathers, fleece, dried grasses, anything that you can hook into it, and then I can take it off and hang it up.Kyla and I are working hard to prepare for the state of Vermont Open Studio Weekend, May 29 and 30. We will have Terra Looms and RootTrees on display in Irasburg at the studio/home of Steffi Heuss, a fine artist and silvercrafter. Find out more about the Open Studio Weekend at
http://www.vermontcrafts.com/links/open.html .

Sock Monkey II - Jocko

Jocko has joined our growing collection of sock monkeys. I prefer the rag sock style and will add the sock heel pattern under the tail for a more authentic look. This one will change when I redo the arms in the rag sock colors. They are so endearing and soft, the appeal is obvious. We have other monkeys in soft pastel, solid colors. Leftover yarns somehow make it into these monkeys with predictable consequences....running out! Always, always have enough yarn or know where you can get more. Jocko will make some child happy, I know.