The Blizzard of '08

That's what they're calling it anyway. All 16 inches of snow has given me an excuse to stay in this weekend and work on an embroidery project inspired by 18th Century pieces from the book 18th Century Embroidery Techniques by Gail Marsh. I love the delicate pieces in this book. Samples of whitework, crewel work, tambour have given me plenty of inspiration to start on the project below (the beginnings of a quilt).

The direct inspiration came from this clothing article:

Another example that caught my eye:

Crocheted rug update:

It now measures approximately 2'W x 4'H. I haven't touched the rug since the last time I featured it on a post. It's very slow going, but moving more quickly now that I'm using my new rotary cutter to create the 2" strips. I'm not sure how wide the final product will be -- I'm thinking 4 feet in the end.

Also, I wanted to share a picture of my red amaryllis that's flourishing in my dining room. I love these flowers and they're so simple to grow and care for.

It's been too long...

So, if there is anyone out there that actually reads my blog I'd like to apologize for the two-month lapse in posting. I have wanted to get artsy, but due to my new job I really haven't had the time. I will try to make an effort from here on out.

Below I am showing a picture of my little art project from earlier today: another rose drawing. Inspired by the magazine photos and book you see here, I wanted to fulfill the request my mom made for a drawing. I pledge to try new florals or entirely new subjects for my next drawings --> I've been getting a little bored with the roses.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!

Cabled Hoodie update

It's coming along slowly but surely:

Cabled Hoodie

I started to work on a new sweater project yesterday: the Cabled Hoodie from Patons Street Smart (pictured below). I'm using Patons Classic Merino Wool in Grey Mix. I really like the little bobbles and tapered waistline on the sweater.

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Highlights from the Renaissance Festival

Yesterday I fulfilled a family tradition: the Ohio Renaissance Festival. Each time I go I say it's the last, but I always end up going back. The heat was sort of unbearable for early October, but overall I had a good time. They've added a new attraction since the last time I went -- they now have a "Starstruck Cafe," which serves gourmet coffees, teas and muffins...the sign for the cafe looks a lot like Starbucks...Hmm. It's not enough that there are two Starbucks on every block and in every airport terminal, they're essentially at the RenFest too! I do like coffee though.

I took the opportunity to snap a few shots (waxed rose, various incense and oils) :

Tree embroidery

The summer-fall transition has definitely encouraged me to start on this new embroidery project. I decided to try a tree this time. I printed off a couple of inspiring line drawing trees from Google images and am trying to create something similar with thread. You can see the start of this project here:

Things that have recently caught my eye...

My fall wishlist includes these items from Anthropologie:

Knitted scarves...

I recently finished the rugby scarf, seen below. It was a quick way to use up projectless yarn I had lying around.




Also in the works is a lavender mohair scarf in garter stitch. This will probably be gifted this Christmas to a family member.

Fabulous food...

I had to post pictures of these "knit night cupcakes." VeganYumYum made them; the site includes a marzipan-making tutorial. I wish I had more friends that knit -- I'd whip up a batch of these pronto.

Rugby scarf...and zinnias.

I started knitting this rugby scarf (I call it that b/c of the stripes) a couple of days ago. It naturally rolls up on the sides to create a thin tube-like scarf. The colors: chocolate brown and rose/lavender heather. It's going to be very long when finished. I'll update with the finished product later on. Below -- A beautiful zinnia plucked from my mom's garden.

My Tuesday morning.

I think I need to renew my AMSA membership so I can continue to get New Physician magazine, it's pretty decent. Also, Vogue came in. It's supposedly the "Biggest Issue Ever." We'll see....

I do this thing where I rip out all the advertisements in magazines that don't have articles/magazine material on the opposite side. I usually exclude perfume ads and any that I think are fun or attractive. Below I show a before (w/ads) and after (w/out ads) picture of the magazine. The once phonebook-sized magazine is now hollowed out with loose binding. How much do we pay for advertisements? I'm never going to wear Oscar de la Renta or Gucci anything...that's not me. I still love the magazine though.

BEFORE AFTER

Some antique dishes

I've been collecting for a couple years now. I just love the look and wear of these mix-matched dishes. I particularly love plates and teacups with gold and silver guilting, roses and rich colors.

Flower drawing....again.

I think I've drawn one too many floral pictures. I need some new drawing subjects. Any suggestions?

Completed quilt...

I finished the quilt last night. It was difficult to get a good picture of it, but here it is:

On the reverse side I added my sister and brother-in-law's monogram in the corner. I'm not very good at satin stitch embroidery, but I'll keep trying.

Marble magnets

I was running out of magnets on my refrigerator, so I made these:

Not Martha has a good tutorial on how to make them. I chose to use the blue/green magazine pages of the latest Anthropologie catalog. I've made some for my friends/family to match their kitchen decor....It's something to do when you're bored.

More knitting needles:

I've recently received several inquiries about/requests for the handmade knitting needles. I've made several more pairs, so please take a look here.

Cat and quilt

I'd like to introduce my cat, Marty. She's a 13 year-old, content, raven beauty. Her favorite pastime is laying in sunny spots and teasing the dog. I'm sure you'll see more of Marty in future posts.

I would also like to offer a a first look at my latest project: a quilt for my newly-married sister and brother-in-law. I've been using old sheets and pajama pants for the material. I am off to the store to pick-up some more thread, batting and fabric. I will post pictures of the finished project later.

Wedding flowers

Yesterday was a thrill...FedEx delivered over 3,000 stems of flowers for my sister's wedding. Many of the names I can't remember, but some of my favorites include: English roses, peonies, hydrangeas, eucalyptus, wax flower, ranunculas, spray roses and stock. I had a field day preparing her table arrangements and bouquets. Good times ahead tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to the Cheesecake Factory cheesecakes she's serving for dessert. :)

Crocheted Rag Rug Part I

Vintage Chica implanted the idea of rugs in my head a few days back. This blog shows a wonderful tutorial on how to crochet rugs out of old fabric scraps. I've been using old sheets (washed) from the thrift store. You can't tell in the picture, but the rug measures approximately 4'6'' in length. I plan to continue crocheting in the round until it is about 3-4' in width. My hands and arms have gotten a workout from this one...I have to put the scissors and hook down frequently to prevent cramping up. I should be on an Aleve commercial. I think it will be worth it though.