Project Leprechaun?

Brie: Who wants a green flower anyway?

Me: You don't know, maybe it's for St. Patty's Day.

Brie: You should make a four leaf clover then.

Me: Your mom should make a four leaf clover.

I actually cut out so many felt flower templates for barrettes that I now have a blister on my finger and can't use scissors for a day or two.

And no, they were not just for green flowers, I did all different colors.

With a little help from my friends

As usual, my helpful cockatiels Edy and Tiny decided to lend their assistance to my craft projects today.

 Edy enjoyed running around and picking up the felt squares I was cutting for barrettes. 

And Tiny had a good time getting into mischief while I was weaving ribbons into a table runner.

She likes to climb on top of the stacks of ribbon, but hates walking on the tape.

Craft fair yesterday!

Here are some pictures from my booth at the South Silver Spring Block Party on Saturday. I was lucky to have two vendors with tents next to me so I had plenty of shade! Good traffic and nice people at the fair. It was a gorgeous day and Myers and Eric also came out to keep me company. Kate even sold something while she was sitting there!

My scarves lined up all in a row :)

Lots of barrettes & pins! 

Bookmarks, purses, coasters, etc. 

 That trash can behind the table ended up being a giant bee magnet :(

All in all, a good day!

And coming soon...

My new project will be winding the warp for the next three scarves! Here's a peek at the colors/yarns:

I love how they look like ice cream here!

An excellent idea

I just finished this set of coasters as a custom order through my etsy shop...I love the way the colors look together!

Some weaving resources

Last night I was up with a bit of insomnia so I spent the time browsing weaving stuff. I thought I'd share just a few of my old favorites and new finds for weaving resources, particularly for the rigid heddle loom, which is what I use.

Books


Hands on Rigid Heddle Weaving

This is by far the most comprehensive resource for rigid heddle weaving I've found so far--it's what I used to teach myself how to weave about 15 years ago. It covers the basics, has clear instructions and diagrams, gives well-designed projects, and offers variations techniques for those wishing to expand. An outstanding book overall.


Weaving Made Easy: 17 Projects Using a Simple Loom

Good coverage of the basics, great pictures, and interesting projects. Once I get through enough of my stash to justify buying new yarns, I want to try the Bamboo Obi project--so cool!

And here are the two books at the top of my wish list right now...



Much as I enjoy plain weave, I really want to learn weaving with two heddles...it looks like it can make some very interesting variations.

Websites

Interweave.com Resources not just for weaving, but for other crafts too.
Ravelry.com I just joined this one and the forums are awesome...and you can trade/buy yarns from other folks' stashes...which is nice if you're looking for a particular yarn (like I was).
Weavolution.com Great groups & forums!
Halcyonyarn.com Supplies, yarns, looms, books, etc.
Woolery.com Another site for supplies, yarns, and stuff.
Weavezine.com Articles, projects, tips.
Ruthe's Collection of Weaving Resources Huge list of handy links!
The Mannings Handweaving School and Supply Center In PA--trying to find a good time to take a class there so I can finally learn to use a 4-shaft loom!

Happy weaving!

Baby collage

Can't sleep so thought I would post something...here's the full picture of the baby collage I made for Melissa. Little Liam was born earlier this week--congrats to Maloo & family!

I love how it came out...adorable, and with lots of texture. I'm going to make some more as samples and put them up on etsy (thanks Krista for that idea) :)

Scarf or dishcloth? You decide.

So I finished the blue & white windowpane scarf and it looks pretty good:

Once I got started, it was a pretty easy weave, for the most part. I would definitely do something similar again. I have in mind a brown/rust/peach version with smaller stripes...but that will depend on what yarns I actually have enough of for the warp.

Today's been pretty strange:

1) I've got three birds at my house instead of 2...I'm bird-sitting for a friend so one birdy is keeping me company in the living room, and the other two are hanging out in my room. It's not as insane as I thought it would be, though.

2) Just heard from an old friend I haven't talked to in YEARS and her life sounds like a movie. World travels, interesting boyfriends, belly dancing classes...how unexpected!

3) Got a call to set up a job interview this morning!

4) It is too beautiful outside to be believed. I might have to take a walk to enjoy before it gets dark. After such a freakishly hot summer, nice weather seems kind of unreal.