successes and failures....

I've managed to completely piece the top of the redwork hat quilt. Decided to edge two of the sides with prairie points....some embroidered with patterns of the hat bands showing in the fabric. I probably shouldn't stitch those on until the top is quilted. Lots of ideas of how I want to quilt this but need to do some sampling to see if my ideas will work. The plans are to do some hand quilting and some machine quilting.....more on that at another time.

click on the images....

embroidering prairie points

I'm wondering if this will be enough.

just playing....might be an idea for tile work.

the edge....facing inward is how I plan to place them.

Continuing to weave with the Shosenshi paper on the pin loom. I did try leaf dyeing on a couple of them but that was not very successful. Maybe I'll try adding some paint or stamps on these but they will not be part of the paper blanket.

woven paper and other paper embedded with rose leaves tied between 2 tiles and placed in walnut bath.

opening the bundle

looks like it's coated in mud....not very pretty.

I did experiment with crocheting some of the woven squares together which worked out fine but I think I would like it better with a color. It looks too drab. I do have some pretty colors of this bamboo yarn so I will continue to experiment.

too drab....need to experiment with other colors.

And.... did do some more experimenting with the paper manipulation but haven't been successful ....yet... in achieving what I'm planning.

color catcher sheets fused to cardstock, pin pricked and stitched

I watched this wonderful video of an embroidery of the Magna Carta that was fascinating. Thought you might like to see it. The video is here. The link I planned on sharing was just made private so I'm hoping the link I'm providing will work for you. You might have to be signed onto facebook. The embroidery is being exhibited at the British Museum right now. Wish I was close enough to visit.

....and...
JUST A FACT: Stephen Hawking's father, Frank Hawking, was a bee keeper.
You might enjoy this little video describing why the bee's build a perfect hexagon....it's HERE.

It's still raining here in Texas on a daily basis....on and off....the ground is saturated but more rain is predicted. Have a great weekend and I'll see you next time.

bits and pieces....

Just wanted to let you know that the Austin Lacemaker's Guild has a wonderful exhibit at the Austin Bergstrom International Airport through November 22nd. So if you happen to be passing through this way, be sure to have a look. It is on the second floor near the women's restroom and the food court. It's in a secure area so you have to be flying in or out of the airport for access. I have 6 simple pieces on display.

Just some of the pieces on display.

The 5 little pouches with lace trim and the purple purse are mine.

There are some very talented lacers displaying their work. After 2 years, I'm still in the beginning stages.
Hope some of you get to see the display.

AND SOME AMAZING FACTS ABOUT BEES (having nothing to do with lace):

The bee population is reduced by 1/3, every year.
Bees only live for 40 days.
In those 40 days a bee only collects 1/12 of a teaspoon of honey.
So it takes 12 bees 40 days to collect one teaspoon of honey.

I can't believe how hard they work in their short lifetime. Bees are so essential for our food production that lots of people are becoming beekeepers these days.
This information came from an episode of Texas Country Reporter that airs here in Austin every Sunday.


AND A VERY WORTHWHILE VIDEO TO WATCH:
Michelle in NYC posted this video on her blog yesterday. Robina Courtin is a Buddhist Nun and is wise and funny and, in this video, talks about how to be your own therapist. I think you will find it enlightening.
It is an hour long but well worth your time. I sat in front of my computer with my stitching and was disappointed when it ended. You might also check out some of Michelle's other postings. You can't help but find something that will interest you.