new year

Well, a new year will arrive in a couple of days. I think about resolutions every year and don't really make them as they never seem to work out. Trying to think of a crafting resolution  yields a list so long that I am not certain where to start. I want to bead the other foot of my pair of tap shoes in blacks and whites. So many hours, but the first shoe is sooooo much fun. Then there is the bead knitting. I want to add beads to some shawls and maybe a sweater, but in a very tasteful way. Have the books and ideas, just can't seem to get there. Ah! well!!!! I have bags to post on etsy and need photos. Now, photography is not my forte. That is my daughter's department. She is the one with the eye. The sale sign is out again at Webs, so off I go to stock up. I keep trying to find patterns I want to make and list the needed fibers, but then I walk in and it all flies out the window. We picked up an antique sock knitter and Larry is having a wonderful time trying to perfect the sock! They are interesting. Yards of tubes with heels full of holes. Today I see a pair that is pretty respectable on the machine so will finish them today for him. Wild! I wonder if I can add beads to the cuffs? Silly, of course I can......

didja ever?

Did you ever get the feeling that there is sooooo much to do that you can't seem to decide where to begin? Well, my friends. I feel that way, way too often. So many projects, I sometimes find myself wandering around and can't remember where I started. I did catch the mate to that tap shoe last week and began a set up row of beading. I'm almost afraid to begin because I will probably sit in one place for a loonngg time. The first shoe took so many hours that I am not sure when I started and if I will ever really finish it. I have been needle felting a foot; yes you heard correctly, a foot, complete with toes, toenails and perhaps even polish. A toe ring? They are all the rage. My daughter finds that a little creepy, but I can't seem to stop myself. If it ends up looking like a real foot, I may  have to keep it beside the shoe because I won't want to cover up the details. 

Needle felting is a strangely addictive activity. We took a class in March at (Webs...hooray!) and made dolls. Now you must know that I am not the drawing and sculpting type. I try and woefully fail so I tend to stay away from such things. But I found the craft to be so very forgiving that I actually finished the doll (complete with breasts and bottom I might add) and have been very pleased with her. She is in need of a tiny beaded necklace, earrings and purse, but those will come later. 

Anyway, the other night, what with it being October and all) I needed a pumpkin. So I sat down with that deadly little needle, (I use one and not a bobbin full) and started stabbing away. A short time later I had the form and then added the color and then a stem, leaf and vine and I was so happy with it. Needle felting makes me feel almost artistic. 

Today the sun is shining and the leaves are turning and it is only 37 degrees. I will be felting a bunch of things I have accumulated the last week or so; a couple of bags for halloween, (hey check out the candy corn felted pattern at lion brand; it is cute) and then a purse or two for a Christmas fair. I have a basket full of felted ornaments to embellish with beads and so it goes. I suppose fall cleaning of my home calls to me, but gosh, there is so much to do. Maybe next week.

Theresa's Wedding purse

Oh my! It is finshed. I am very happy with the gift for Theresa. She will carry it on her wedding day. The silk lining went in by hand and the tatted flowers are all different. Like snowflakes my daughter tells me. Now I turn to warmer things. A right to go with the left mitten. Finish a scarf from last winter. The other leg for the second knee sock and the second sock of a pair of lace socks. Everything on hold for this little bag. It was worth every moment. 

So long away from here. Summer is almost gone and my thoughts turn to long cold winter evenings sitting on the sofa and knitting away. A beaded evening purse in a vintage style is on the 0000 needles right now. Ivory with a vintage clasp top and chain handle; it will be a gift for a bride in October. I have it all knitted and added tatted picots around the outside edge. I am trying to decide on the additional embellishments now. Lined in dupioni. I will miss this one.