Variations on a theme ... or two

I have spent a few happy hours hooking pictures this month. 

 

 

 

I think patchwork pictures are my personal favourite.  I really enjoy this activity.  Images of hearts, hens and sheep are also fun to play with.   

 

This idea of a vase of flowers has been popular.  I think cats might be my next subject.

You may have noticed that I have modified the way I mount the pictures on to the canvas.  I have decided to cut the hessian large enough that it can be wrapped round the board.  This means that there is more picture and I no longer need the calico. 

I have also added a new style to my hand knitted with hand spun wool hat collection.  This is the point where I find out slouch hats are a bit yesterday. 

 

This style is great to knit.  As well as incorporating some sari silk I have also decided to introduce the odd bit of extra texture by randomly varying the stitch. I aim to do a bit more of this in the next hat. 

Talking about hats - I have modified the props I use to display my hats.  I was very pleased with the idea of placing polystyrene balls on candle sticks.  This approach works well, however, when you sell a hat you are left with a rather unsightly ball.  I decided to cover the balls in paper mache. 

Once dried I gave the balls two coats of watered down PVA which has given  a smoother, harder surface. They should survive being transported to and from various events and occasionally rolling around on the floor. 

 



All in all it has been a successful month.  April is going to be no less busy.  The pictures are destined for Casteaway Crafts, Dounby so I will need to make some more.  I put two woven scarves into Peedie Hansel, Kirkwall and spent some time weaving a scarf as a donation to the silent auction for Orkney Creative Hub www.orkneycreativehub.co.uk  The auction runs till Monday April 6th.  Instructions for bidding are on the website so please go and have a look and bid if you see something you fancy.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained and all that jazz.

 

Cheerio till next time.

 



 

Complements from Seattle

I received a positive response from Ian in Seattle.

'Wow! I love the new scarf and hat, you have my complete trust and respect. Your work is original and amazing, you make ordinary daily items special. I have had many compliments on my blue beanie hat, from LA to Tokyo, but the compliments are for you. People respond to the weaving and colors, me too'

Pleased and relieved that the scarf and hat went down well.  You sort of know when someone buys something from your stall that they are happy with their purchase.

I have made some brooches, hanging felt hearts and small key rings for a new shop opening in Kirkwall. The shop is called Peedie Hansel, which translates into Small Gift, and can be found at 45 Albert Street. This adventure is being undertaken by Jean Ross - so good luck Jean.
  

I have a new line in scarves for the summer craft fairs.  All comments welcome.

 

I have cut the ends to make a fringe...



 

and added a bit of needle felting which I then sewed round the edge.

 









Talking about needle felting, I made this wall hanging while spending an enjoyable crafting afternoon in a local artist bothy.  My efforts now hang on the kitchen wall.

And finally, a new main for an old(ish) horse.  I spent a fun afternoon with my eldest granddaughter renewing the mane of the rocking horse her Mum and Uncle used to play on.  We used ribbons of sari silk and pieces of woollen jumpers. The mane may be developed on their next visit. I was thinking about some button along the edge of the mane on the 1st image below.  Any comments welcome.

 

The bells make a lovely noise. 

 



I'm full of the cold so off to enjoy a mug of warm honey and lemon - yummy.