has it really been one week....

seems like this week just whizzed by. almost 2 whole days were spent clearing out my bookshelves of old books that will be given away...probably donated to the library.
CLICK ON THE IMAGES FOR CLOSE-UPS.

such a good feeling to know that new books coming in will have a spot on the shelf

some more shift work on this cloth to create gears. it's just tacked in place ready for some more bullion knots to form the sprockets. i do love sitting and doing that stitch. it's very meditative. something to do in front of the tv.

this cloth is moving along but not really sure what i'll do next.

remember that mango from a few weeks ago....that shell that looked like a boat. it's here. i just couldn't resist doing something with it, so it's now a little basket. covered it with some free motion stitching i did on cheesecloth, added a handle and filled it with 2 funky puffs.

it measures 3"x2". it might make a good gift tag.

i did work on the white cloth and a pretty long piece is ready to be attached to the large piece with the toile fabric.

added cross stitch, ric-rac, spider web roses and french knots.

must try to find the time to start putting these granny squares together. i really don't know how many more i need.

for a small blanket that will be gifted

we reach close to 100 degrees every day and there hasn't been any rain. hoping for some tomorrow, if the weatherman is correct. have a good week.

more korak and a variety of lace

i was so taken with the Korak Patchwork technique that i did a small piece in pink and white cotton. it will probably wind up being another small pouch. click on the images for close-ups.

Korak in pink and white cotton and lace

i'm learning how to knit a lace shawl through craftsy.com. quite a different feel than the knitting i've done in the past and doesn't look like much yet but it will hopefully be a beautiful shawl when blocked and finished (that's what the teacher tells us).

a lace weight yarn on a circular needle...adding stitches as it grows

i've also been experimenting with free motion quilting on a purchased linen weave shawl using the techniques learned in Karen Ruane's classes.

free motion quilting on a linen weave shawl with added lace and embroidery

and lastly...i just couldn't resist 2 new books.

over 100 beautiful motifs to play with

this was one of my favorite motifs

beautiful filet lace done with a netted cloth and needle and thread

love this particular pattern

you can read more about these books on amazon.com, if you're interested. here are the links:
CONNECT THE SHAPES CROCHET MOTIFS
FILET LACE
the crochet book is quite reasonably priced but lace books are always a bit pricey.
wishing you all a pleasant, productive week.

lace collar is finished and...

I can't often say that a project is finished. I've been working on this bobbin lace collar since October, 2011. I just work on it in class which is 4 hours, so it's not surprising that it took me this long. It just needs a clasp which will be stitched on today.

bobbin lace collar with beads...linen thread

And I know you're probably tired of seeing these cloths from the dye pot, but this is how I keep track of them. I'd never remember when I did what, if it wasn't for this blog. These 2 pieces were originally done shibori method with colorhue dyes. They didn't turn out great, so I decided to overdye using the tin can method I just love. I used onion skins and some eucalyptus leaves and some pennies hidden between the cloth and the can.

this was originally blue done with the colorhue dyes. the pin holes are still visible from the shibori stitching. it's a habotai silk.

this is a heavier silk and i did lots of folding so some of the original green color would remain.

And, of course, I've started Karen Ruane's class this week so lots of playing and experimenting going on.

stitching on scrim...a new experience

a scrim ruffle and grid...and some stitching started.

Finally, here is a delightful video that Michelle posted this morning: The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore.