Welcome to Kaw and Crow...

Good girl - Bad girl

2012-01-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

Good girl - Bad girl

Hard choices...

My big sister stitched this for me -

oh, about a hundred years ago...

hmmmm

Halloween!

2011-10-27T10:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween!

These fellow have lived at my house for

a few months.

They've been happy here.

I've enjoyed their visit...

Time for them all to - move along.

Happy Halloween!

A Dolly!

2011-05-27T14:02:00.000-07:00

I don't know how it happened

but....

This dolly

inspired

this dolly

Which is definitely

a work in progress.

I have no idea how I got from the original dolly

to the next....

My imagination works in mysterious ways...

My lucky day...

2011-05-21T06:41:00.000-07:00

First I found this!

and then....

found these

Something good is

going to happen with the trinkets.

I wonder what it will be.

Hot diggity Dog - Felted style....

2011-05-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

Hot diggity dog on a pillow...or a quilt square...

I love Susan Hill's

Hot Diggity Dog quilt pattern.

Fun and easy.

You can purchase the pattern here

I also love wool roving and pillows...

So, in the natural course of things

I've finally put them together

Hot Diggity Dog Pattern + wool roving + wool fabric = Pillow

Cute little floppy eared doggie!

Whooters!

2011-04-15T13:34:00.000-07:00

Whoot!

Whooters!

Aren't they cute?

I've heard that

Tangled Threads in Lynden, Wa.

has a wonderful version of this piece.

I think I need to see it - in person...

Field trip!

Spring!

2011-04-12T14:43:00.000-07:00

It feels like Spring today!

Warm air - sunshine

Quick!

Go outside and breathe

Look at the little buds on the trees

and check out the flowers.

Wow!

Sure was a long time coming...

Oh, Sweet!

Easter color wool roving.

Wonder what is waiting to be created from these sweet colors.

In response to Kissing Tommy...

2011-04-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

Childhood memories...

Aren't they fun?

My special friend at age 4

was Robbie...

Isn't he cute?

I sure thought so.

Look at his cowboy shirt and the little metal doo-dads on his pants.

Wow!

Wonderful!

Circa 1955

Kitty! Kitty! Kitty!

2011-03-12T08:55:00.000-08:00

My cat is so independent...

Most folks don't know I have one.

She's the indoor variety.

As she's aged she's mellowed a bit.

But, still not a snuggler

unless

it's night time.

Then, she curls up next to me and snores.

My craft/sewing/hobby room is almost workable.

To prove it -

I made this kitty named

Denny

Made with bits and pieces found in the clean-up process.

No! Denny is not kid-friendly because of the

vintage button eyes...

Not everything has to be about children.

Although, my life does seem to revolve around them.

Ahhhh...

That room is getting where it needs to be and

in the process of de-stashing

I'm clearing my head and creating too!

Life is good.

Me

2011-03-01T20:28:00.000-08:00

She looks how I feel...

And for no particular reason!

De-stash

2011-02-28T06:46:00.000-08:00

De-stash

ahhhhhh....

It feels so good.

To let go...

Let go of books and crafts

that I have loved...

but for one reason or

another

I'm not going to do

"that"

anymore...

I know how to do or make

"that"

now and don't

need the paper instructions that go with the process.

Lovely.

Crochet is this week's de-stash...

Amazingly old crochet instruction books

and maybe some tatting

Someone is going to love

making some of these old potholders

and reinventing uses

for

Crinoline Ladies.

I'm sure of it.

Just holding the old paper makes

me think twice and maybe thrice

about letting these go

but....

I know these hands have crocheted

enough....

Pouf!

2011-02-19T07:25:00.000-08:00

Pouf!

I was directed to this site

Pouf!

While perusing this site

Fabric of Meditation

I think I'm in love...

I'm going to kick my way into my hobby room and

apply some creativity to the mountains of fabric,

ribbons, beads and baubles,

and wool roving I have stacked in there.

Come join me....

Competition is not the journey or the goal...

Creativity is.

These women just sparked my creativity.

I hope...

I'll let you know with a post of a new creation.

Wow!

That sounds like a bit of a commitment.

Happy creating to you!

Meet Pauline...

2011-02-16T18:40:00.000-08:00

Pauline

What a sweetie...

She came to me thru a friend of a friend....

She has her original sales receipt from 1937!

Yes!

1937

Serial number begins with AE for those who might want to know.

Her owner Mrs. Pauline, lived in Chicago and went by train to

New York to trade an old treadle machine

toward the purchase of

this sweet baby....

Then, Mrs.Pauline paid

$4.00

a month til the purchase price was paid off.

Wowza!

Mrs. Pauline did a whole lot of sewing...

Yes, she did.

This sweet machine has sewn enough thread to wrap around the world and to the moon...

I'm sure of that.

Yet!

She hums like she's singing a song.

Sweet Pauline the machine will go home to someone with

her original receipt,

original manual, attachments, oil can and

more history and secrets

than one can imagine.

Oh, her case is in excellent condition too.

Can't beat that!

Oh, how she came to me...

Mrs. Pauline heard through the grapevine that

I collected Featherweights and sent her son,

who had to be 80 years old,

to see if I would purchase the machine.

Well, of course!

She, the machine, has a wonderful sound and a wonderful feel.

She spoke to me.

She's been used and has some scratches by the light, where

Mrs. Pauline attached a pincushion.

The story is too long already...

Anyway...She's a wonderful machine

and

I've loved her dearly.

Now, it's time for someone else to fall in love with her.

Baby shoes...

2011-02-13T19:59:00.000-08:00

More shoes...

and socks...

These little baby shoes

are just too, too cute.

My friend made a pattern from them.

Can't wait to try it out.

I'm going to make mine of paper.

Just because...

These shoes are made from very old felt...

feels like wool felt...

Guess I could burn a tiny bit and see but

is it that important?

Nah....

I think this little baby wore them...

Back in the 1920's

This sweet little boy had a nurse? ! ? ! ? ! ?

Lucky Mom

and lucky baby....

These old photos from estate sales

just make me smile...

Waiting....

2011-02-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

I'm waiting for something...

Well, several things...actually...

I'm not a good waiter.

Then I found this little page of silliness...

Ok, I feel better...

I'm still not a good waiter but

I know for sure

I'm not the only one.

Featherweights....

2011-02-03T06:49:00.000-08:00

UPDATE!
Sweet Eleanor has been adopted!
Oh, she was so happy to meet her new
sewing buddy...
I could tell by the way she hummed.
Happy Day!

A few years ago...

I became obsessive about

owning

Singer Featherweight

sewing machines.

Act surprised!

This particular machine is Eleanor...

I purchased Eleanor from her original Seattle owner, Eleanor the first.

Eleanor has a delightful personality and she

hum's as she works.

She's been gently used and is a willing and eager sewer -

She is looking for a new home.

So, if you've always wanted a

Singer Featherweight...

Now just might be your perfect opportunity.

Send me a message and I'll send you more info.

Choosing shoes...

2011-01-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite poems

growing up

was

Choosing Shoes

by Ffrida Wolfe

Now, was that really her name

F f r i d a

or was that a typo in the book?

hmmmm

Anyway...

Choosing shoes

New shoes, new shoes

Red and pink and blue shoes,

Tell me, what would you choose

If they'd let us buy?

Buckle shoes, bow shoes,

Pretty pointy-toe shoes,

Strappy, cappy low shoes;

Let's have some to try.

Bright shoes, white shoes

Dandy dance-by-night shoes,

Perhaps-a-little-tight shoes;

Like some? So would I.

BUT

Flat shoes, fat shoes,

Stump-along-like-that-shoes,

Wipe-them-on-the-mat shoes,

O that's the sort they'll buy.

I think I developed a shoe fetish

by chanting that poem for so many years....

I learned to make shoes...
from paper.

When I'm making them
it makes me happy.

Can't wear 'em...
but I can loose my imagination about where
these shoes might go...

I know, I know...
I've got to get a life....!

Estate Sale! Wow...that was fun...

2011-01-29T12:21:00.000-08:00

What a great weekend...

An estate sale

I've been to a couple recently

that made me quite happy.

Each sale has it's own

personality

or culture...
I picked up vintage photos and vintage letters at this...
Wow!
I'll share...

I love that even back in the early 1900's
Women loved to play dress-up
and have their photo taken.
Can you image getting your girl cousins together
for a photo shoot like this?
How can they keep those straight faces?
I'd be howling with laughter....

Sisters, Maude, Ester (in front)
Millie (behind Ester)
1911
I want to know them.
They look nice and friendly.
I learned quite a bit about Maude
from reading letters written to her from
her friend then fiance then husband...
Herman.
Sweet letters written from 1913 to 1919.
Even a proposal letter...
Wowza!

Herman and Eugene...
Maude's husband and son...
Note the date 1927.
Herman was a Brakeman on
the Great Northern Rail Road.
Eugene grew up to be a bomber pilot.
He flew in WWII
and was honored with the
Flying Cross Medal for a mission he flew.

These sisters are from a different family.
I'd like to know them too...
Late 1800's...
guess I missed my chance to meet and greet.

Betty Lou Blue bird

2010-11-23T19:59:00.000-08:00

Is it OK to post something like this?

It's really, really old...

from a

1917

Fleisher's Knitting and Crochet Manual

I haven't seen this label on threads...

hmmmm.

So, if it's not OK

Tell me - Please.

My Mom says her nick-name was

Betty Lou Blue bird, when she was little.

She was also called

Betty Lou Red bird -

wonder if it was the same person who

used those nick names?

Mom's day tomorrow is huge

and she

is ever present in my mind.

My hands can't make this

even to honor Mom.

But - someone might want to take on the project

for their own special little bird.

10 or 11 skeins of snow white

1 ball or skein of 233

and

1 ball or skein of 235

Fleisher's Germantown Zephyr, 4-fold

Amber hook 3 1/2.

4 stitches = 1 inch

5 rows = 1 inch

Chain 123.

Work even for 190 rows

using a single crochet catching both threads

With blue - copy the Blue Bird design in cross stitch

Placing the birds as shown in illustration.

a sweet blanket

crocheted with love.

Deep breaths - but not too many at once.

Penguins - can't get them out of my mind...Why?

2010-11-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

Penguins...

What is it with the penguins in

my head...

Maybe the weather...

wet and cool,

really, really wet -

but nice to breathe

the air.

If you're looking for some felting inspiration....

These penguins, Santa's and trees are -

EASY!

Yes, easy.

And -

QUICK!

Well, quick is relative...

If I have an hour in bits and pieces,

I can get one of these little creatures

made and maybe start another.

Bits and pieces-

that's how I work.

Needle felting can be hauled around

without much effort.

I use an old lunch box

or one of those

cool, cute, stiff plastic-y bags

with a handle.

A few chunks of wool-

a piece of foam-

Felting tool and some extra needles-

and my imagination.

Then,

one idea leads to

Then I have a collection or an obsession.

It's hard to determine which.

If you're not tired of penguins, yet...

Here are a couple more...

Happy

felting - needle punching - quilting

whatever!

Solder art - here we come....

2010-11-10T22:08:00.000-08:00

Can you say

"Obsessive - compulsive"

I can, and I am...

I get that way about every new artsy crafty thingy

I learn...

Solder art is no exception.

I am having a blast

and

teaching other folks along the way...

This is a kit we carry...

Everything to get you started - soldering

Super cool extra hands

for which I have already found

many, many more uses
including threading a needle -
Yes, it's true.

Wavy copper foil that looks so cool

on the winter-y ornaments

2" x 3" glass that makes perfect sized ornaments

Use images from cards you've received

Cut images from calendars,

postcards,

old books.

art books

oh, my gosh the list is endless....

The back of this one says -

These are a few of the pieces

my friend and I made one day.

Oh, my goodness!

We had so much fun.

Lots more fun in store for everyone.

You can do this...

Yes, you can!

Kaw! Kaw! said Crow

2010-11-02T06:44:00.000-07:00

I love, love, love sparkles.

Doesn't everyone?

Scored these at an estate sale.

Sweet success...

Oh, Happy day!

Make Believer

2010-10-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

That isn't a typo...

I'm a Make Believer...

I'm officially out of the closet

Make Believer's Unite!

Of course if I'm going to Make Believe

then I have to have a tiara...

And not any old tiara but

a special

Handmade

Special-for-the-character tiara.

This tiara is for the

Princess of Change.

Not pocket change

Change - change

Like change in the weather

seasons change.

I'm always changing - well in my mind, at least.

Adventure gurl made the second tiara...

She is also a

Make Believer

These little wonders are so easy to build.

I kid you NOT!

Easy!

In a few days...

I'll have a little video thingy posted

so you can see how easy it is.

AND

we are going to carry solder art supplies and kits so you can make your own

tiara.

In my opinion...

We should wear a tiara every day.

Yep!
Everyday Tiaras

For sure.

Been busy...

2010-10-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

Wow!

I have been really busy.

Good stuff...

all of it.

Added a bundle of wool roving colors to

eBay called

Halloween Party

Playing with solder - an expert I'm not but I am having fun

Everyone needs a little luck every now and then...
The 5 leaf clover was a gift to a friend who
needed something to break the spell of
silly weirdness that was happening in her life.
I think it worked!

We're going to be adding supplies to make
soldered art - soon...
Just jumping through some hoops -
like
building a different web site.

On the personal side....
I've been -
Exercising - more than a walk around the block

Working with an estate sale service - way too much fun for words!

Working for a great company merchandising greeting cards...

See!
I've been busy.
Happy Day!

Possibility...

2010-09-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

in my most humble opinion...
I am most nearly always
open to
possibility.
Am I?
Hmmmm....
I'm thinking that it's possible that I
have time to make one of the many

Halloween patterns we carry
before Halloween.
Will I make it in the manner of the original intent
Or
Put a spin on in?

hmmmmm.

Love these
Many faces of Jack - Pots and Pins

Possibility 1

Individual needle felted pumpkins on wool or
sculpted pumpkins

Possibility 2

Jacks - made in wool felt
and made into a pillow or two
well, while I'm at it...
go for the third one, everything
is better in 3's.

Possibility 3

(see 3's)
Cut backgrounds pumpkins and face shapes
from fabric with fusible web on the back.
Let the kids, card group, study group,
charitable group (you get the picture)
Put their favorite Jack face together and iron it.
I'd be half way done and have

memories

already tied to the quilt.

I just love this fellow.
Happy Hollowbones - Su-Sun Designs
he appears to have a pleasant nature.
I'd like to make him just the way he is...
different fabric - of course.
Or maybe, have the pattern enlarged and make him
Really, really, really

Big

Like to fit on my King size bed.
Oh, yeah - sleeping with a skeleton.
Bet my spousal unit would frown on that.

Happy Owl-o-ween - Su-Sun Designs
Silly, silly owls...
Dressed up like the trick-or-treaters they see each year.
Hmmmm.....
Ok!
This may be the ONE

Cats n Jacks - Pots and Pins
Enough with the possibilities -
It's time to pick one and
do it!
Happy creating!

Meet cher tea cher...

2010-08-30T07:27:00.000-07:00

Well, that's how the

"littles"

say it...!

Today is Meet your Teacher day.

That means summer is officially over in this neck of the woods.

We've been very busy and now we're all ready

to get in the routine of school days.

Yes!

Really.

We played school this summer to practice some skills.

Pretended we were in this little school house in the forest...

Around the schoolhouse - Nancy Olsen Spornitz

learning our

ABC's

ABC's for Max - Pots and Pins

Oh, summer days...

It was nice to have you for a visit.

Summer Brights

Now, we're ready to rock and roll into Fall

and all the

glorious

Fall colors!!!!

9 for Fall

Forest

Happy creating!

What ever it is that you are working on

or have completed...

let us know - send a picture

we'll post it on our blog - or not.

Depending on your wishes....

and the livin' is busy....

2010-08-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

How many sports camps can a child go to in a summer?

We're about to find out!

We've had

volleyball

soccer

and

baseball...

The "Littles" are enjoying

Meeting new friends

Seeing old friends

Learning new skills

Polishing old skills

Playing outside

Packing lunch in the morning

being exhausted in the afternoon

just for a few minutes

and then....

hopping on a bike

going for a hike

a swim in the lake.

Add in my activities:

helping a friend prepare for an estate sale

soldering everything I can get my hands on

keeping up with packaging

and

shipping

wool roving and patterns

Wow!

And...

We're all having fun!

Lots of it!~

Pictures when I have time to breathe!

Learning something new!

2010-07-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

Perhaps, from the title you are expecting

something profound....?
Like learning a new language
or
patience
or
calculus.

Well, maybe.
Someday...
but not today...
Today!
I'm learning how to solder.
Yep.
It's so darned fun -
maybe addictive!
Go ahead -
act surprised -

I'm not the best solder-er
but I'm certainly having the most fun
since
I learned to needle felt...

Wonder what I'm going to
do with all my little creations?

Me too!

Right now, I'm wearing them.
One at a time, of course.

And sometimes...
Sharing them...
but it has to be true love.
Oh! Happy Day!

Celebration!

2010-07-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

I'm developing a habit.

Yep!

I think it's a good one...

is there such a thing as a good habit?

Well, this one is...

I'm finding something to

Celebrate

every

day!

Little

Big

Simple

Complex

It doesn't matter.

Last weekend, we celebrated

being together.

We walked on a beach near Seattle.

Squeezed thru the crowds at Pikes Market

BB'Qued fresh veggies and the last of

this season's Sockeye.

Yum...

Finished Adventurgurl's pre-travel errands...

Then off to Tolt River for a hike and some seriously

cold swimming.

Sunday evening was fun...
A gathering of
Adventurgurl's friends -
laughing,

playing,

eating,
hugging,

no crying!
We all know this is where this child needs to go -
on a
trip around the world!

Trip around a Star - Nancy Olsen Spornitz

She's leaving,,,

2010-07-27T05:00:00.000-07:00

on a jet plane...

Don't know when she'll be back again...

Adventuregurl is on her way...

Touring the world with her travel buddy.

If you should see them out there

in the big wide world...

please be nice

and please be gentle.

I'll return the favor.

<3 <3 <3

Going home...

2010-07-09T06:00:00.000-07:00

Home is where my momma lives.

It wasn't really my home
I slept there but never really
lived there...

home is where my momma lives.

On the prairie
where Momma grew up
on land Grandpa bought in 1928

Momma lives
in a red brick house

with windows on all sides

when the curtains are open

you can see straight through

the wind blows

and it's hot in the summer

and really cold in the winter...

there are always interesting critters
and
bugs

Skunks,

racoons,

possums,

armadillo,
scorpions,

spiders and tarantulas

snakes and lizards

and turtles

blue jays and cardinals

mocking birds

donkeys in the field next door
where the hollyhocks
reach for the sky...

Neighbors who knew me before I was born

neighbors I know only through my momma's stories

neighbors who mow her prairie grass

and bring her mail

and lunch and dinner

and clean her house
and take her to the store

or to town

just for the neighborly friendliness of

time together.

Yep! I'm going there -

Home.

Where my momma lives.

How does your garden grow!

2010-07-07T05:00:00.000-07:00

My poor garden...

She did not know what to do with all the rain

and cool temps...

So, she sat and waited, and waited, and waited
for a sunny day or three or four.

Spinach bolted - right away...

I'm thinking I'll try a different variety.

Could'a sewn rows and rows of Romaine...and leaf lettuce...

But, didn't.

Woops!

I do have edible Violas!

Adventuregurl and I had a lovely salad with violas as an embellishment.

Quite nice.

Did you know Bachelor Buttons are edible?

I read that they are

- so -

I planted some

Isn't this pea blossom lovely...?

Can't wait to taste those peas...
I have no idea what kind they are.
I planted so many seeds
that didn't sprout
or
the birds ate them
or
they were laying in the dirt
waiting....
to feel the warm sun

Lots of seeds were sprouted, had lovely first and sometimes second leaves.

Then, they were

devoured

by
the
slugs.

Great.

I'm a slug farmer.

No slugs or rabbits eating these gardens -

Annabelle's Garden - Nancy Olsen Spornitz

Nancy's Hearts and Flowers - Nancy Olsen Spornitz

Mom's Tulips - Alyn Designs
(you'll need to email about this one)

Butterfly wishes - Su-Sun Designs
(email about this pattern it's available just not posted anywhere)

Poppy Love - Su-Sun Designs
email about this pattern - it is also available just not listed

Well, there you go -
don't want to mess about with
slugs
bunnies
raccoons
opossum
or
other creatures
eating your
veggies....
Make a garden on a quilt!

Hurray for the 4th of July!

2010-07-05T15:10:00.000-07:00

Wow!

What a 4th.....!
Just before the fireworks started....

the rain came

buckets!

I do like good fireworks and our town

does put on a doozy of a show...

But you're going to have to see pictures from last year

cause this girl and her camera did not brave the

rain to see this year's.

Heard them though... :0)

Ok, that's enough....

What's up with all of the bunnies hopping

around in our yard this year!?

Our bunny population has exploded.

They're cute and look endearing...

They are guerillas in garden warfare...

Little devils.

I prefer bunnies who don't eat my lettuce.

Like these...

Top Hat and tails - Su-Sun Design

Running Bunny - beach Glass designs

Fuzzy Bunnies - beach Glass designs

Maxwell Bunny's Eggstravaganza - Olallie Lane

Carousel Rabbit - Su-Sun Designs...
(you'll need to email about this one)

Just a few of the bunnies who live in our store

or in our eBay store

Hope your 5th of July has been relaxing and sunny.

Kitty cat!

2010-06-30T16:10:00.000-07:00

Kiki was a "freeby"

Don't ever fall for that - a free cat...

She is delightful - I'm glad we have her

but "Free" she is not.

These cats are a lot less expensive.

Your can still pet them and snuggle with them.

Nine Lives - Nancy Olsen Spornitz

Cats 'n Jacks - Pots and Pins

Maneki Neko - Su-Sun Designs

Happy Hollowbones - Su-Sun Designs

My Lucky Cat - Alyn Designs

(punchneedle)

And these kitties don't need a litter box...

:0)

Summer day - kid style....

2010-06-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

This is what a summer day looks like - kid style

Can you see what they are doing?

Can you remember when you could hang

Upside

Down

on a

swing

for hours and hours...?

If I did that,

my head

would

explode.

Estate sale finds!

2010-06-27T06:46:00.000-07:00

Oh, I'm a happy girl...

Found treasures at an estate sale.

My impression is that this woman is/was

truly

artist!

Yep! a real one.

She also dabbled.

Therefore - there is hope for me,

"the dabbler".

If you're not interested in this kind of "thing"

then

the rest of this post might not be your

cup of tea...

Cause I'm going to show you close-ups!

Notions...

Oh, how I love old seam tape

and lace and ribbon

Do you see that little bundle of pipe cleaners.

The best colors I've ever seen...

The body-less bunny head

will get a new felt body - soon

I promise, Sweet Bunny Head

I'll make a nice woolie body for you.

The little music box plays

"How much is that doggie in the window"

Yes! it does!

I love music boxes - mostly, just the music part.

The token in the middle of the beads is

an old "tax" token.

Got a bit carried away with these pictures...

Just love these flower stamens.

I'm going to trade some flower stamens for some

eyeballs - yep!

You read that right.

Eyeballs...

The kind that are in stuffed animals.

Foil leaves - for cake decorating.

I'm going to use them for "other" decorating tho.

Cause, I don't make fancy cakes....

So, why did I buy this next bunch of trinkets?

Because my "Little" friend K8 will spend hours and hours

building wedding cakes with these.

Then I'll use some when I make "shoes"

Yes, "shoes"

Remind me and I'll post about "shoes" in a day or two.

I love these old books about nature.

I have one titled Birds that has followed me

since I was about 9.

That's a long, long, long, long, long, time.

The "Littles" will enjoy them, too.

Beads - yum, yum, yum...

Eye candy

Ice tea spoons and a couple of soup spoons.

I do love spoons -

not all of them but

the rounded soup spoons for sure and

Ice teas spoons just seemed right

on a sunny summer day.

I'm sure this is just the tool you've always wanted!

Me too!

It's a hot wire for cutting styrofoam...?

Why would I want to do that?

Hot styrofoam stinks!

I'm hoping the wire becomes hot enough to cut

nylon fabric...

We'll see.....

Another find was

Three dozen smalll size canning jars, with lids,

perfect for jams and jellies

and pickled okra.

(yes, you read that right).

Oh, and the best, best, best find of the whole sale

was 6 yards of white silk.

Oh, yeah baby -

Nuno felted silk scarves.

Here I come.

That's it for this shopping spree...

Here's the absolute, I swear, best part...

I get to go back today and help

organize another room for the sale.

Oh, wonder of wonders....

I wonder what I'll bring home next.

If you're reading this on Sunday and

you live on the east side of Seattle

and you want to come to this sale...

Call me.

You know my number.

Hot Diggity Dog!

2010-06-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

It's officially summer! Yep!...

Can't tell it by our weather.

Grey skies....

cool temps.

Except this morning.

This morning - the sun is shining in full glory.

Hurray, hurray!

That makes today a Hot Diggity Dog! Day.

My friend Susan has a little daschund named Belle.

Susan designed this quilt in Belle's honor.

Then, I took the quilt to promote the pattern.

Poor Belle has never even been allowed

to lay on her quilt....

There is another version of this quilt hanging in

a store named Fabric Depot in Portland, OR

It's made of Maywood Fabric - Woolies

A customer made a quilt from this pattern using

conversation fabrics for each doggie.

Wish I still had a picture of the quilt.

It was so fun....

If you have a picture of a quilt you made from one of our patterns.

We'd love to see the picture and we'll post it

on our web site and on this blog...

With your permission, of course.

Oh, Hot diggity dog! a sunny day!

YeeHaw!

Here's look'n at 'cha!

2010-06-08T05:00:00.000-07:00

Do you ever think about who lives outside your front or back door?

We live in a fairly rural area.

Couldn't tell by the number of neighbors we have.

Some of our neighbors drive Maxie nuts!

They hike through our yard

and

peek in our windows,

the little bandits

have been known to harvest

good eats from our garden.
Without an invitation!!!

So, Maxie chases them up a tree...

Susan Hill of Su-Sun Designs

captured images of her neighbors and made them

into a quilt!

Here's lookin' at 'cha!

Paths...

2010-06-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

All day,

everyday,

paths to take...

choices to make...

mental

creative

spiritual

physical...

I've found a really cool new path!

A reflexology path.

There's one at our library that's shaped like a flower.

People think it's a rock sculpture.
Well, it is!
But it's meant to be walked on-
barefoot!

Yes, in the rain...
This is Seattle - everything we do is in the rain.
I've walked the walk several times.
It's pretty amazing.

I think that part of the "balance" that comes
from walking the walk

is the people who share the walking.

Some of the people - I know - cause I've invited them
to walk with me.
Some of the people I've invited because they
walked by and looked interested.
So, now I know them too...
I like this kind of path

I want one!
So, my spousal unit says he'll make one for me!
Hurray!

When it's done...
let's all go walking.

Sun Shine come out and play with me...

2010-06-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

Sunshine come out and play with me

And bring your dollies three,

climb up my apple tree,

splash in my rain barrel,

slide down my cellar door

and we'll be

best of friends

forever more...

Mom sang that song to me when I was little.

She was grew up in Oklahoma.

Where there is plenty of sunshine.

Here in Seattle - we are in need of some sun.

It's been so wet -

a duck made a home in our front yard.

Which reminds me of another song

Mom sang to me...

Six little ducks that I once knew...

wibble, wobble

too and fru.

But, the funny little duck

with the feathers on his back

He ruled the others with a

Quack - Quack - Quack!

Down by the river

they would go

wibble, wobble

to and fro.

But, the funny little duck

with the feathers on his back

He ruled the others with a

Quack - Quack - Quack!

Maybe our new duck friend will

bring his ducklings for a visit.

That duck - He will not hold still for a picture.
geeze.....

Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T08:18:00.000-07:00

My sister was quick to the cemetery(s)

on Saturday to decorate our

family plots.

She chose yellow mums- because yellow shows so nicely

against green grass, red dirt and headstones.

Our Dad, and Uncle Butch are there -

WW II Vets

Our grandparents and Aunt Helen.

Rows and rows of cousins, aunts and uncles.

Our family has lived in that area a long time.

Mom can tell story after story about each person.

She carries so many memories.

Well, that's what the day is about...

Memories.

Remembering those who walked before us.

Honoring those who fought for us.

In war-

In the hard scrabble life of the dust bowl days-

In everyday life-

Folks who paved the way...

This year it was too difficult for Mom to

sit at the cemetery to greet and direct visitors.

She was disappointed.

Mom loves a conversation and loves the surprise

of meeting someone she hasn't seen for a while.

She loves fitting relationship puzzles together for

those of us who stumble with our geneaology.

We had our own Memorial Day on the telephone.

She telling stories of Memorial Day's past.

Me trying to follow the maze of relationships.

Who was married to whom and bore which children

who in turn married and bore their own children.

Family events, amusing ancedotes...

Every minute of the conversation honoring the lives

of those we love.

Memorial Day!

Trees! we've got some...

2010-05-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

I have a "thing" for trees.

Yep, I do.

Tall trees,

small trees...

trees with needles,

trees with leaves,

imitation trees.

trees in big pots,

trees in small pots,

thought it was dead! trees,

trees on shelves,

Trees on quilts,

(Nancy Olsen Spornitz's "Around the Schoolhouse")

In case you haven't figured it out...

I have obsessionS, with a capital "S",

and trees are one of them.

Empty nest

2010-05-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

We don't have an empty nest, yet!

That time is coming...soon.

Homeboy has found a new nest and is
living without his parents:
influence,
questions,
suggestions. etc...

Adventure-gurl is - and I quote
"in a relationship with a European Vacation"
She's living in the nest til her grand adventure
starts this summer.

the nest piece is ATC size.
2 1/2" x 3 1/2"
Natural corriedale wool rovings
dried grass and teeny-tiny twigs.

Well, ok - so maybe I'm not sad about the impending
"Empty nest"
Because, I work out my frustration, angst, whatever...
by poking wool roving - a lot of times - with a sharp needle.
:0)

I made these!?!

2010-05-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

Well, yeah...

The hands and the mittens!

Hands belong to "Adventure-gurl", mittens do too...

The mitts were so much fun to knit and fast!

My Etsy friend Fraydknot is the spinner of that

lovely wool -

Yum, yum, yummy...

The Forgiving Mittens pattern is Fraydknot's as well.

Oh, my gosh!

That pattern really is forgiving...

you just knit and knit and knit and if there are

any holes from stretched out stitches

you just patch them with a bit of extra wool.

Felt the heck out of them and

There you are!

Finished!

Now, don't you go to Fraydknot and buy the

yarn I want...

I'm going to make a hat next.

Yes, I am.

Community

2010-05-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

I joined two communities recently.

Ever think about that?

Becoming a member of a virtual community?

Kinda - out-there.

So, I'm going to meet folks online who create
using fiber of one sort or another.

AND

I'm going to participate in "challenges" and "exchanges"

Oh, my....!

This is my embroidery exchange piece - themed - Spring

This little piece is ATC size - so 3.5" x 2.5"
Ok, I said I was intermediate- hmmmm
gonna need to retract that...
For those who want to know - the background is felted wool.
Needle felted by hand and machine.
The roving background color is Lagoon
with a smittering (which is a little less than a smattering)
of moss, lavender, natural white and smoke roving
to make the background behind the flowers.
Flowers and stems and leaves are stitched using
The Gentle Arts Simply Shaker Sampler Threads
Pomegranate, Ohio Lemon Pie, Picket Fence,
Tin Bucket, Baby Spinach and Shutter Green.

Here is a line drawing of a Lily of the Valley
for you to copy and paste into a word document...
That way you can change the size for your project.

My friend Ms. beach Glass designs made this version

Ms. bGd used hand dyed wool for the background and buttons for flowers.
The roving used is moss, fir, and lima bean.
You can find a kit for this project -
the kit has instructions, drawn image,
wool roving and a felting needle.
You're going to have to use your own background...

After many, many, many years of watching me make "things"
with fiber of one sort or another

my Spousal Unit no longer tries to identify what I'm doing...

crocheting, knitting, embroidering, felting, punch needle,

weaving, tatting, quilting, needlepoint,

paper projects, wood...

My S.U. calls all of it "twitting".

Should I be reading something into that term?

hmmmm.

He's nice, so probably not.

Signing off to do some "twitting".
Happy creating!

Thrifting

2010-05-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

Simple pleasures from the thrift store...

My favorite thrift store is a 3 bus trip.

The ride is part of the fun...

Talking with people who want to talk.

Nodding heads with those who don't.

The destination area has really fun shops:

Beads, thrift, yarn, do-dads, cupcakes, picture books,

and a naturopathic shop with oh-so-wonderful teas.

Wow! a lot to do and see in one trip.

I use the fingertip towels in our guest loo.

A short stack of them on the counter - basket for disposal in the corner.

The beads are just nice neutral colors that feel nice.

The dress clip - Oh-la-la...

Maybe hammered aluminum...?

I don't care what it is - I love it!

Opening day!

2010-04-30T09:55:00.000-07:00

Fishing!

What are you fishing for?

Around here...we are actually fishing for -

Fish!

At the river's edge

(trout)

Grey Ghost

(trout - Yellowstone cutthroat, Brown, Pacific rainbow)

General Practitioner

(Steelhead)

Hunt for the October Redd

(Sockeye Salmon)

After School Snack

(Large Mouth Bass)

Large Mouth Essentials

(Bass)

Pike in Pursuit

(Northern Pike)

Eye to Eye

(Walleye)

Roberta Andresen - of Snoqualmie Sunset Designs

Knows her fish...and makes it incredibly easy

for the rest of us to follow her directions in these patterns.

So, next time the fishing person in your life

asks for a fish quilt...

You'll be able to deliver!

Kiki likes fish.

She has a pet fish named

Fish Head

and she has a plethora of stuffed fish to play with...

stuffed with catnip...

CatFish are really easy to make using wool roving and

a felting needle.

The trouble comes when the catnip is incorporated...

Its hard to keep the cat away til the felting is done.

You can find the patterns for all of the fish at

Lavender-Rabbit.com

Lavender Rabbit Patterns (eBay store)

Whatever you are fishing for - Hope you catch it!

Earth Day Surprise!

2010-04-26T13:35:00.000-07:00

Now, I admit...

I don't do everything I ought to do everyday of the year to help keep

Good ol' Mother Earth green and healthy...
We have made some choices that make sense for us...

My spousal-unit and I share a car.

We plan our trips so we aren't driving willy-nilly using fuel.

We use washable cloth where we can instead of always grabbing a paper-towel.

We recycle.

I love thrift stores and re-purposing.

We have a lovely worm bin.

We garden and use the grass clippings to make composted mulch...

Doing what we can and adding to the list.

On Earth Day...

I was merrily planting little veggie plants that had been started indoors...

(yes, those are egg shells in a used egg carton)
and thinking about other healthy things we could be doing for
Momma E...

When my spousal-unit remarked about a lovely plant growing

in a newly cleaned-up section of our yard...

"Look at this! It's a trillium, isn't it?"

Well, I'll be darned - it is!

I thought he'd planted it as a surprise,

cause I've been wanting trillium but didn't want to dig up the plants

I find on nature walks.

Nope! He wouldn't take credit...

It was an Earth Day Surprise from good ol' Mother E.

Oh, Happy Day!
It's like getting a sticker or stamp on our good choices calendar...

I made a wet felted trillium in honor of the new plant.

It's a bit "cheesy".

I'm going to have to practice this technique until I master it.

What does your Mother E. look like?

"You can see it from here" a quilt designed and made by beach Glass designs

is a good indicator of our local Mother E influence.

Mountains, blue sky, trees in abundance...

Look at all the blocks in this beauty,

Maple leaf, snails trail, Hole in the barn door, flying geese, bears paw,

fish ladder, pigeons in the coop, log cabin,

Toad in a puddle, pinwheels, and delectable mountains as the border...

Wowza!

Now, I'll bet you're thinking this is a really hard quilt...

Nope!

It's so simple it can be worked as a sampler.

Alter the barn to suit a building in your life or history,

change the colors to your local "Mother E" colors.

You can even replace a block or two with something local and appropriate.

Maybe you'll use this quilt as inspiration for your next masterpiece.

Oh, Happy Earth Day!
Every Day!

Fire in the sky...

2010-04-21T07:00:00.000-07:00

Fire in the sky...

On April 14th a good portion of the

Midwest experienced an incredible

view of a meteor that entered our atmosphere, broke apart and

bits of meteorite hit the earth!

Wow!

How science fiction is that?

If you saw the bright sky and you're thinking you might want to commemorate the event...

Here's a quick and easy pattern by

Nancy Olsen Spornitz

called

"Trip around a Star"

You can purchase the pattern on our web site here

or on eBay here

I caught a star in my needle felted hand - I did!

Here's proof.

Silly huh!?

I like silly.
Want to learn more about stars and "celestial happenings"
Check out this site - Astro Bob
I'm impressed.

Kiki and Ralph

2010-04-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

Kiki and Ralph are buddies...

They are having a lovely conversation...

Well, don't look if you don't like mice...

Felted mice, that is...

This conversation lasted quite a while then -

Ralph was sent sailing across the room and

the chase was on.

Lucky for Ralph - he's needle felted and used to being poked with sharp objects.

Ralph likes to hide in J's pocket.

You wouldn't think that would be much of an adventure but to a felted mouse -

it's a wild ride in the washing machine and

the snuggly warm tumble in the dryer.

Simple pleasures.

Thimbles to crow about...

2010-04-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

Thimbles - thimbles

Oh, my!...Oh, my!

I love 'em.

Especially plastic thimbles...

Barely useable but oh, so colorful.

My friend, Ms. Snoqualmie Sunset

found a basket full of

spools of thread

and was inspired to make

this lovely piece...

Brilliant!

Wouldn't you say!?

The pattern to use for your inspiration can be purchased

here

Who Who Whooters!

2010-04-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

Ann R of Santa Cruz, Ca.

Made this piece using our Whooters pattern as inspiration.

We are honored!

Ann entered her quilt in Pajaro Valley Quilt Assoc. Quilt Show

in Feb 2010

Ann was honored too - with a ribbon

in the Challenge category -

"Best use of scraps"

Way to go, Ann!

So very cool and fun!

This is the image on the pattern cover.

Made by Susan Hill of Su-Sun designs.

If you have a good picture of a project you made using one of our patterns as inspiration...

Send it to me at Rabbit@Lavender-Rabbit.com.

We'll post it on our web site and blog site for all to see.

Fun!

Happy Creating!

2010-03-26T14:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Felting!

When I look at the next four pictures -

that's what I think - "Happy Felting"

You can tell Lucia is having a whole lot of fun

and has fantastic ideas!

I'd love to be welcomed to a friend's house with a wreath like this.

It says "someone fun and creative lives here"

Hello! come in!

Don't you want to stop and chat!?

and maybe touch the spiky hair

and rub that round belly!?

Colorful flowers for all year long...

Oh, Happy Day with these bright flowers.

Simps...right?

Lucia said she used a cookie cutter as a mold.

Love them - gonna go make some -

Now!

Well right after I post the cute birds...

All right - that's it!

I'm walking away from the screen and keyboard.

Time for fiber and a needle.

Some of the fiber used in these ultra cool creations is

from us

Lavender Rabbit

Happy Day!

Thanks for the picture show and inspiration, Lucia!

Shop til you Melt....

2010-03-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

I was thinking of other parts of the country where folks are

still getting lots and lots of snow and

- Shop til you melt -

popped into my mind.

This isn't the best picture.

Doesn't show the stitching very well that outlines the bodies.

Susan of Su-Sun Designs did a brilliant job of creating this pattern.

I heard that a version of this quilt was in a quilt show this past week in Milwaukee.

That is so great!

The maker of the quilt show piece gave credit to Susan Hill as the designer.

Thank you!

How very appropriate.

Last Fall a version of "Shop til you Melt" was in a show in

South Carolina.

That quilter also gave Susan credit.

Nice.

It's a fun piece to make - don't let it fool you though...

There are miles and miles of applique in this baby.

Worth every stitch when it's finished and hanging.

You'll revel in all the ooooohhh's and aaaahhhh's....

Happy day!

Snow bound folks - I'm thinking of you and sending warm thoughts

What is wool roving? Kitten Mittens and mothers

2010-03-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

I must borrow a phrase from my friend at PotsandPins -
I only know what I know -

This is what I know (so far) about the
Corriedale wool roving (sliver) that Lavender Rabbit carries: here and here

This wool felts (shrinks) when wet felted and needle felts beautifully.

It comes from Corriedale sheep.

The sheep are sheered.

The wool is washed and dried.

I don't know when in the process the wool is dyed.

At some point the wool is combed (carded).

The hand combs look like dog brushes.

A drumcarder is a machine that cards the wool faster.

The green roving(sliver) in the picture is dyed and carded
into a long "bat" or "batting"
(I think that's the correct term):

Not all wool "felts".

In my limited felting experience, I have successfully felted with

Corriedale

Merino

Camel down

Alpaca

Llama

They have all needle felted just fine with definite differences in the finished product.

Some wool felts easier than others.

Some wool compacts tight faster than others.

Some wool won't felt!

Knitters and crochet-ers like superwashed wool for projects because it won't shrink (felt).
That's it!
That's what I know - so far.
Now, check out these Kitten Mittens they were needlefelted using Corriedale wool
Chocolate
Lime
candy
cherub

Together the mittens weigh .3 or 3 tenths of an ounce or 9 grams of wool roving.
They fit a 21" doll.
Soulsister made an adult size pair for Art-girl.
yummy- soft - chocolate kitties to wear on her hands to
keep her fingers warm and soft when the cold wind blows.
Ahhh...mothers.
Always, thinking of you.

Pink Ellie

2010-03-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I picked up a felting needle - "what's this"?

I ignored my friend's admonishment that the needle tip was extremely sharp.

Promptly stabbing myself in the finger -

I was "hooked".

I have a "thing" for pink elephants

that dates to childhood and a silly song my dad sang about

pink elephants on the ceiling

pink elephants on the wall

lavender alligators running around in the hall...

Pink Ellie was made in the L.A. airport while Adventure-girl and I were

waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting

for a flight home.

We'd been to the homeland for a visit.

The return trip was not going so well and our luck was in-the-tank.

Poor Pink Ellie - born of angst...

What day of the week is that?

I'm a Thursday's child and a middle child to-boot.

That combination makes for super wishing powers -

like wishing for the perfect parking place

and having it appear...

Oh! back to topic -

*Pink Ellie*

We'd seen some donkeys in the field next to the homeland so -

donkey's were in my head

and I thought that one would appear at the end of my felting needle.

(I like to start sculpting felted creatures - behind first)

but(t) no!

No matter how the needle tried to adjust the wool roving into the shape of a donkey behind...

an elephant behind would appear!

Folks in that crowded airport let me have my space as I
stabbed
that long needle

over
and over
and over
into the wad of pink wool.

Adults adjusted their curious children so a shoulder or backpack was between us.

Even Adventure-girl moved across the waiting area from me to separate herself from the

frenzied

stabbing

motion.

Whew!

4 hours from start to finish

Amazing what one can accomplish - when one must accomplish "something".

roving, felting needles and tools can be found here

www.Lavender-Rabbit.com

and

http://stores.ebay.com/Lavender-Rabbit-Patterns

2009-09-29T20:26:00.000-07:00

Nancy's Interlocking Bargello Heart

in gold, silver and white RJR fabrics.

Maywood creams and whites

More Interlocking bargello hearts

Working on a Red Brick House...

2009-09-07T18:03:00.001-07:00

I am, really!

Course, someone else designed the house and put it together...Miss Lori at Olallie Lane.

I'm just touching up instructions and taking pictures.

This is a picture before it was quilted

Watch for an updated image - when you see a quilted house...

you'll know it's in the store - ready to purchase at

www.Lavender-Rabbit.com

on eBay in the Lavender Rabbit Patterns store.

Making Fairies doll pattern

2009-09-06T16:50:00.000-07:00

Making Fairies

A really great pattern to jump start your creativity.

Find this pattern and more at Lavender Rabbit Patterns