Ali Strebel

Needle Felted Bedspread

2012-01-17T07:22:00.000-05:00

Customer, Kathie Michael sent me this photo of a bedspread that she has designed and is in the process of finishing. She has needle felted the whole thing, using my hand-dyed roving. Looks fantastic!

Donna's Workshop

2012-01-11T08:23:00.001-05:00

Donna just sent this flyer to me, and I thought I'd share it with you.

For those of you who don't know her name, but know her work, she'll be teaching here March 9 - 10, check it out!

Hooking Club

2012-01-09T22:04:00.000-05:00

We've started meeting earlier (2:00p) this year for those that want to come during the day and hook longer. Bev's getting some smaller projects done from Star Rug Co., Evelyn finished her turkey mat, Carolyn is starting her family rug from this past year's Thanksgiving, Marketa is finishing up her geometric and Ginny shared her wonderful gift from this year's family Christmas exchange.

I think we're off to a great start to 2012!

Beyond the Basics Class

2012-01-07T20:00:00.000-05:00

We had a great time today, learning and sharing lots of different techniques to use in rug hooking. Great lunch and Bonnie stopped by and shared two pieces she's finished. She is all ready for this years holidays.

Happy New Year - 2012

2012-01-01T07:30:00.003-05:00

May you always enjoy the love of family and friends. May you be blessed with health and happiness.

As we enter the new year year, hope your blessings are many and your cares are few.

Happy New Year!

New Calendar

2011-12-31T09:25:00.003-05:00

Be sure to check out the website calendar for the next quarter's classes and workshops!

Needle Night Christmas

2011-12-29T13:49:00.004-05:00

It was brought to my attention by my friend, Jan in New Zealand that I did not get these photos on. I don't know how I missed it, better late than never. Some talented ladies having a great time at our Christmas party / ornament exchange.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T16:21:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

Donna's Christmas Commission

2011-12-13T14:56:00.000-05:00

Donna stopped by today to pick-up yarn so she can bind this amazing rug she just finished. It's a commission piece from one of the dog's owners to the breeder. I think anyone would be thrilled to receive this, so much talent!

Just a FYI - I'm having Donna do a 2 day workshop in Tipp City, March 9 & 10, 2012. More info to come later.

Hooking Club Christmas

2011-12-12T22:00:00.001-05:00

I love this evening! Friends gathering to eat great food and exchange our handmade ornaments. Mostly hooked, with a little felting and punch needle, but all wonderful.

See for yourself:

Workt by Hand Planning Trip : Dec 1 - 6, 2011

2011-12-09T15:56:00.002-05:00

I just returned from a fantastic trip to Philadelphia, visitng Melissa Becker and meeting with Sue Spargo and Sally Korte to finalize details for the 2012 Workt by Hand.

We spent a day working, but 3 days being inspired. Saturday we headed to downtown Philadelphia to Elfreth's Alley attending their Christmas celebration. This location is the oldest ongoing residential area in the United States, starting in the early 1700's. Several of the homes were opened to walk through, amazing architecture.

Sunday we went to Washington, D.C. to spend our day at the Textile Musuem. Sorry, no photos were allowed, but if you ever find yourself there, I highly reccomend a visit. We saw two exhibits, Weaving Abstraction - Kuba Textiles and the Woven Art of Central Africa and Second Lives - the Age-Old Art of Recycling Textiles.

With all the driving we did, I had whiplash from being an architecutiral tourist. So many beautiful old homes, the stone ones were my favorites. Monday we were off to Delaware to see the Winterthur Museum, and a few of their special exhibits. Wow, this place is unbelieveable. The collections, decorations, grounds, well enough cannot be said. This is a must see if you're ever in the area. My photos just don't do it justice.

Of course we also managed to do a little shopping, have some great meals, and just enjoyed our time together. It's great having friends that love and enjoy the same things.

Workt by Hand, 2012

2011-12-06T10:14:00.001-05:00

Workt by Hand, 2012

April 25 - 28,
Historic Tipp City, OH
Alice Strebel - Sally Korte - Sue Spargo - Melissa Becker

We are pleased and excited to announce plans for Workt By Hand 2012. This year is all about.... Change, Challenge, and Choices!
Over the years our creative journey has been clearly marked by the projects that all of you have joined with us in executing. Many of you have traveled with us for a number of years on this journey. Others have joined us more recently. Still others arrive each spring as new faces to welcome. Several of you come from significant distances. Some of you live only steps away from our gathering place in the heart of Ohio. Each of you brings a unique perspective that has come to define Workt By Hand as a creative experience...

A fellowship celebrating folk-art, fiber, and friendship. Workt By Hand 2012 marks a special place in our journey. We invite you to join us this spring!

‘Color Workt’ - April 25

Explore the topic of color through a series of guided hands-on activities. Broaden your horizons, challenge yourself in the use of color, make choices and experiment with color combinations. Each of you will take from this class a framework for the innovative use of color which will enrich countless future projects for hearth and home. This pre-workshop is being offered as an optional, add-on event for those attending our main workshop. Participant numbers are limited so register early.

‘The Main Event’ April 26-28

This year our workshop expands to become a three day event. Each of you will create an embellished wool cloth during our time together - learning and practicing many techniques. This small workable piece begins with basic wool appliqué and a selection of our favorite animal motifs and simple shapes. You will have the opportunity to see our embellished pieces incorporated into a variety of distinctive finished projects.

Registration Form

Website Error

2011-11-29T11:58:00.000-05:00

I am having some issues with orders on the website. If you would like to place an order, please contact me directly at 937.299.6388.

Thank you!

Hooking Club

2011-11-15T21:31:00.000-05:00

Carolyn brought her finished cat, bag and pillow. Ginny hurries to finish a Christmas gift, Joelyn is finishing her Santa rug, and Evelyn is binding her wonderful hall runner.

Wonder what the new year will bring? More beautiful pieces, I'm sure.

Merry Makers Folk Art & Fine Craft Show

2011-11-10T12:15:00.000-05:00

Here's a great show to add to your calendar:

Needle Night North

2011-11-09T21:20:00.001-05:00

Hooking ornaments, stitching gifts and felting snowmen bags, looks the the push is on for the holidays.

Needle Night

2011-11-08T21:14:00.001-05:00

Two more finished jack-o-lantern mixed media pieces. There were just so fun to do!

Happy Autumn

2011-10-31T07:30:00.005-04:00

Being a Christian is like being a pumpkin. God lifts you up, takes you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. He opens you up, touches you deep inside and scoops out all the yucky stuff-- including the seeds of doubt, hate, greed, etc. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside you to shine for all the world to see!

Needle Night

2011-10-28T11:52:00.000-04:00

Kathy & Susie brought their finished pieces from last weeks mixed media class, so cute. Love how different they are.

Then Susie pulled an unfinished project from her archives to finish up and Rhonda is working on a Christmas gift.

Needle Felted Santa

2011-10-25T18:38:00.001-04:00

A little one on one needle felting class for Eva, who wanted to learn to do Santa faces.

I think we got some good results.

Halloween Mixed Media

2011-10-20T07:30:00.000-04:00

With some paint, paper, glitter, pipe cleaners, trims and button spiders we covered an 8x10 canvas. Then we hooked jack-o-lanterns to be the main focus of the piece.

Lots of fun designing them to suit ourselves.

Rug Punch

2011-10-11T19:30:00.001-04:00

Friend and customer, Trish stopped by today to pick up more of my hand-dyed yarn so she can keep punching. She brought a couple of pieces she's finished lately. Love the way the yarn had added depth to her pieces (if I do say so myself!).

Hooking Club

2011-10-10T22:35:00.003-04:00

What a great group we had tonight!! Fourteen ladies, hooking away, sharing ideas and learning from each other. New rugs started, and others finishing up. Can't wait till next month.

Etsy Site

2011-10-08T14:40:00.000-04:00

After talking about it for 2 years, I finally opened my Etsy store (with the help of my good friend, Karen Kahle).

I've started with my jewelry and hope to add much more. Such as supplies and products that, up until now I have only been taking to shows and teaching engagements. Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think.

3-in-1 Creative Workshop, 2011

2011-10-02T14:57:00.001-04:00

Another exciting and creative weekend! Lots of laughs, good food (thanks, Marilyn!) and creative hooking.

This years project was the Shape of Things, where we concentrated on geometrics and patterns. Students had three different choices from Karen, Nola & myself, extra pieces brought for inspiration, or they could do their own thing. Everyone designed their own piece, and started hooking. Mini classes were taught throughout the weekend, show and tell, a journal project on Thursday evening, and a hook-in on Saturday, along with a presentation on purses and bags. Over all, a packed full, filled weekend.

Before and after - getting ready and setting up before students arrive. Plenty of wool and other goodies to entice everyone.

My rug where I combined needle felted pennies with rug hooking. The bag used Nola's patterns to do wool applique.

These are Karen's rugs & pillow. Using her unique touch to make them look antique.

Nola did 2 rugs, one inspired by an antique rug she has, the other using a wide range materials like bread bags, netting, yarn, etc - so creative!

Some of the pieces we brought along for inspiration -

Everyone gets started...

Examples to inspire Thursday evenings journal project, Nola sharing ideas,and some finished ideas -

Teaching moments and works in progress

Show and Tell - amazing! Hooking, cross-stitch, felting and on and on it goes...

Deb Wire, a happy raffle winner of Sally Watson's stoneware jack-o-lantern

Friday nights dinner held at the Hotel Gallery

Karen's wonderful bag where she knit her hand-spun yarns, then rug punched the sheep and heart with her yarns. Other bags shared in the presentation on Saturday.

Some more rugs in progress done by ladies attending the hook-in on Saturday -

The next 3-in-1 Creative Workshop will be in 2013. Love to have you there!

Hooking Club

2011-09-13T18:00:00.000-04:00

Everyone was busy tonight, hooking, binding and doing some punch needle.

Evelyn is making great headway on her beautiful runner, Marlene finishes her Welcome mat, a gift for her daughter. Barb uses leftover strips to make this great geometric, Bev is ready for the holidays with her whimsical reindeer. Genny had her punch needle sheep pouch, a gift from her sister-in-law, and Beth did an accent pillow top to match her pillow shams and is working on her rug in the same colors.

A great start to fall!

Past Perfect

2011-09-12T12:06:00.000-04:00

Halloween has arrived at Past Perfect at 126 E. Main St., in Tipp City, Ohio -

Woolgathers Hook-In, 2011

2011-09-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

Another great year in Camby, IN at the Woolgathers Hook-In. Lots to pack into one day, shopping, hooking, eating, and best of all, time with friends who all love the same things.

The vendors had wonderful things to buy, and great hooked and handcrafted samples of their work.

Then, while out for dinner this beautiful tree was in the parking lot. I couldn't get over the way the color was on the leaves. They looked as if they were painted. Had to share them.

Back to some of the rugs that were in the rug show.

Thanks Bev, and to all your helpers for a great day!!

Needle Night

2011-09-08T10:53:00.000-04:00

Fall schedules are in full swing as we try and fit everything into our busy days.

A small gathering tonight, but everyone was busy stitching, a felted bag, Rhonda's wonderful saltbox houses that she's making into a new sewing pouch, and Kathy is working away on her Workt by Hand blocks from 2010.

Packing up for the Camby Hook-In on Saturday, I'll post photos next week. It's always a great time.

Sauder Rug Show - 2011

2011-08-29T20:10:00.001-04:00

Because life happens I'm a little late getting my photos of the Sauder Rug Show on the blog. Many of you have probably already seen photos of this year's fantastic show, but I'll add mine to the mix.

Another great year of fun, talent, and meeting of friends. Thanks again to Kathy Wright, her team, and all those at Sauder who work so hard to organzie and put on this great show.

It's still one of the highlights of my year. If you've not been, get it on your calendar for next year, August 14-18, 2012. And enter your rugs, the more the better!

My booth, before....and after -

Felted bags, figures, and mats by customer, Kathy -

Wendy Miller of Red Salt Box taught this great mat using her coverlet technique. Beautiful -

Special Exhibits, demensional pieces, and just over all fabulous hooked pieces -

Patty Yoder's amazing sheep rugs, some of my favorites -

More eye candy -

An Ohio rug guild shared all their pieces from a workshop I did with them -

more of the exhibit -

One of my favorite exhibits - the Magdalena Eby rugs, Kathy Wright and Evelyn Lawrence have published a wonderful book with the rugs and the history -

A favorite pattern of Nola Heidbreder, a special gift -

more..... -

A well deserved ribbon for Donna Hrkman -

Thank You

2011-08-22T08:35:00.000-04:00

I wanted to take a moment and thank all of you for your continued thoughts and prayers for my youngest daughter, Megan. She is now home and is doing well.

I just returned from a great week at Sauder, I will have pictures posted soon!

Family

2011-08-09T16:40:00.000-04:00

Once again, I don't normally post about my personal life, but my youngest daughter, Megan was involved in a serious automobile accident on Sunday, August 7.

I just ask for your prayers for her and our family.

A New Adventure

2011-08-03T11:51:00.000-04:00

This month I took on a new project (I know, as if I need something else). I'm renting a small space in a shop in Tipp City called Past Perfect.

It's mostly antiques and collectibles, but I hope to eventually add supplies and finished goods. Mike, Jean and the others do a great job with display and repurposing all kinds of "stuff."

Tipp City is a great place to spend the day shopping, so if you come that way be sure to stop in.

Kokomo Workshop {July 20 - 21, 2011}

2011-07-25T14:21:00.006-04:00

More fun with the ladies in Indiana. I taught the class different techniques to incorporate with their rug hooking, using either the flower or bird (their choice). By the second day they were well on their way to finishing.

Of course one of my favorite parts of spending time together is show and tell. These ladies, like many of us do a little bit of everything. Hooking, applique, punch needle, etc. and they do it well.

Hooking Club

2011-07-12T10:39:00.000-04:00

These ladies get more hooking done than you can imagine.

Marlene finished her Christmas rug and is now onto pansies. Bev finished up her antique basket of flowers that she started just a few weeks ago with Barb Carroll. I love the colors and the way she did the basket. Carolyn finished her pumpklin and took my suggestion to needle felt the outline around their faces, looks great. Jo is almost done with this amazing rug, an adaptation of a Red Saltbox pattern. Joelle is working on her crabs, Evelyn was binding her Santan, and Carolyn is now working on her family Christmas rug. So, they are well on their way to being ready for the holidays.

Just a side note, if anyone in the area wants to enter a rug at the Sauder show, I will see that they get there and back. Just give me a call.

Thank You

2011-07-09T16:03:00.000-04:00

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers that were expressed in many ways this week for myself and my family after the death of my father.

Needle Night

2011-07-06T09:00:00.000-04:00

I love these ladies, not only are they talented in their needlework, but they are great friends.

Kathy finished her Workt by Hand bird sewing case, Michelle continues to perfect her stitching skills on her circle sampler and we had a visitor from Alabama, Doris who brought her first hooked rug to be "critiqued." Hands down, a great job!

Happy Fourth

2011-07-04T07:00:00.003-04:00

Land of the free because of the brave.

Thank you to all who serve, have served, and their families who sacrifice for our freedoms.

Happy 4th of July!

Tribute to Dad

2011-07-02T21:13:00.001-04:00

I don't normally post alot about my personal life, but my father died last night at the age of 93. A blessing that it was a quiet, peaceful passing which certainly was an answer to prayer, just happened sooner than expected.

He was a loving and supportive father of 4, grandfather of 15 and great-grandfather of 27 - devoted to his family. We all have great memories and Pappap stories to carry us through, but he will be sorely missed.

Love you Dad!

June 22, 1918 - July 1, 2011

Needle Night

2011-06-30T08:07:00.000-04:00

I think we spent more time tonight sharing and catching up on family news, than actually stitching. But it's all part of being together.

Both Ruthann and Bonnie shared their pieces from a previous class. Bonnie finished hers with a hooked border while we helped Ruthann pick out which fabric she should use to add a finished border.

Ruthann also shared the needle keeper her daughter Jennifer gave her as a gift.

We also had a visitor, Dawn who was in town for a rug hooking workshop with Sally Kalin. She shared 2 rugs she has in progress. Love it when people stop in to share!

Hooking Club

2011-06-14T17:35:00.000-04:00

Tonight was another great night of sharing.

Annie was binding her sampler rug. Caroline's making a few changes to her pumpkin rug and brought her Lola portrait, Marlene's finishing the changes she made to her Christmas rug and the rest of us worked on various other projects.

Never a dull moment!

Needle Night

2011-06-08T16:05:00.000-04:00

Another gathering of stitching friends.

Susan is working on her family tree, Rhonda's great little wren needle keep, and we pulled wool for Kathy to start a new hooking piece to go with her new bedroom linens.

Lots of laughs and great conversation!

Wool Sisters - Alabama {May 20 - 23, 2011}

2011-05-26T21:50:00.000-04:00

What a delightful time I had this weekend with the Wool Sisters in Alabama. Not only a talented group, but so much fun, we laughed a lot.

I taught different techniques using a small kit, then we spent the remainder of the time incorporating those techniques (and more) into their own rugs. I can honestly say I can't remember when I was surrounded by so much excitement and enthusiasm for what they were learning.

As their teacher, I too was energized creatively, not to mention gaining a couple of pounds from all the marvelous food. Thanks again ladies, for a great weekend!

Show and Tell -

Working on the Kit -

Works in progress with dimension -

One of the ladies shared these items from an estate sale where she purchased a box of wool, patterns and these photos of a Rug Retreat in Birmingham in 1961, along with the lady's journal from the weekend ~ what a find.

Hooking Club

2011-05-16T15:26:00.000-04:00

These ladies never cease to amaze. They accomplish so much, moving from one project to the next and they're all wonderful!

Western Reserve Hooking Guild

2011-05-13T15:37:00.000-04:00

This is one talented group, with lots going on. I spent my day with a small group within the group teaching a workshop on using different techniques that they will be able to add their future rug hooking projects. Lots of show and tell, a great day!

Hooked Art

2011-05-03T20:52:00.002-04:00

My friend, Donna Hrkman does it again, with another outstanding piece of hooked art!

The image of this indian boy was taken from an old photograph and done in a way that only Donna can do.

Hook In

2011-05-03T20:28:00.000-04:00

{I apologize for the delay in getting this posted. I was having a computer glitch with uploading my photos.}

This was my second year to attend the Amish County Wool Artisans all day hook-in.

Once again they did not disappoint. 100 lovely ladies in attendance, 10 vendors, great food and wonderful rugs. What a fun day!

Next year is scheduled for April 21, 2012.

Photos are of vendors, the rug show, and works in progress. Enjoy.

Workt by Hand 2011

2011-05-01T20:28:00.015-04:00

Another successful Workt by Hand with fun, fellowship and amazing creativity. Six sister groups, 2 sets of mother/daughters, 2 ladies from out of the country, and many others from all over came together to share in a great weekend.

This years project was a bolster pillow. Here are Sally's, Sue's, Melissa's and mine -

Sue brought her quilt from her newest book, 'Crimson Tweed' to inspire!

All the fun begins as the ladies start their own pillows. Lots of plotting and planning with design, color, and textures.

Of course one of the highlights of the weekend is show and tell from the ladies that attend. Some fantastic talent out there.

Needle Night

2011-04-21T22:00:00.001-04:00

A special evening together with our friend Jan, who has just arrived from New Zealand to attend Workt by Hand.

Kathy finished her tree, Bonnie her hooked bunny, and then we all did our bird journals.

A great evening with good friends!

Rug Punch

2011-04-19T20:14:00.000-04:00

Trish stopped by again to share her newest pieces that she has punched with rug yarn. I especially like the houses.

3 in 1 Creative Workshop

2011-04-12T19:52:00.000-04:00

Finally have the information and forms ready for another great weekend of rug hooking in Tipp City.

Click here to get the scoop, and sign up to join us!

Hooking Club

2011-04-11T22:30:00.001-04:00

Another great evening with these talented ladies.

Bev is working on this fabulous piece she just started with Barb Carroll at her retreat. Beth brought her pillow she finished from the 3 in 1 Creative Workshop last fall, and the piece she is currently on. Carolyn is working on a great Halloween rug. She'll be done in plenty of time for this fall!

Quilt Festival in Cincinnati

2011-04-10T08:40:00.001-04:00

This was a great weekend! I started the evening with my friends Jenny & Les, had a wonderful dinner, then an evening of catching up.

Saturday morning Jenny & I headed downtown to spend the day at the quilt festival. Eye candy and inspiration for all types of needle art. So much to see (and buy)! I have just a few quilt photos from the show, I was impressed with the amount of mixed media, and the use of words, it was a great show.

Start with a few of Jenny's hooked pieces, then on to the quilt show.

Quilt Show -

New Fibers

2011-04-06T21:45:00.001-04:00

I've spent this week dyeing and receiving new fibers for embellishing. Gearing up for the Worky by Hand weekend and spring here at the cottage. Some great new varigated yarn and roving, one of a kind handspun yarns, and much more.

Stop by and check it out!

Winter Woolen Bouquet

2011-03-29T22:30:00.001-04:00

In class tonight we worked on an applique piece all done in neutrals, something I had never done before. Although they weren't completed in class, everyone got a great start.

Bonnie brought her finished "Bittersweet" pattern from 'Primitive Spirit.' Love those little birds, a great piece for spring.

Rug Punch

2011-03-28T18:30:00.002-04:00

Trish Walton stopped by today to pick up more hand dyed yarn to worn on her rug punch landscape. This is her largest piece yet, 20 x 36. She also picked up wool to back her tulips and make it into a pillow. She's been punching away, and teaching several ladis she works with as well.

Needle Night

2011-03-24T22:00:00.004-04:00

Rhonda is busy getting her past Workt by Hand projects done before the next one the end of April. She has a little wager going with another participant. I think her tree is fabulous. Lots of textiles, and embellishment with different fabrics and fibers.
Michelle on the other hand, took apart the first tree she started because she wasn't happy with it. Now she is doing something totally different with snow and ice on the branches. She's just getting started, and I know it will be great. I love her use of beads to get the glistening ice effect.
Cara continues to work on her family home in applique, a nice memory piece when she finishes.

Workshop with Hookcrafters

2011-03-20T15:04:00.004-04:00

Started this weekend with Eileen and Lori, and seeing the snowdrops when I arrived did my heart good. Love spring! Eileen is working on a couple of butterfly rugs and shared and antique rug that a friend had brought by. Anyone know anything about this pattern?

This guild the Northwest Ohio Rug Hookcrafters was started in 1973, and though it's had it's ups and downs they are going strong now and do great work. The workshop I taught was to teach several different techniques that can be mixed with rug hooking. Everyone did a great job! I think several of these ladies will be using what they learned in future projects.

Last Blog Challenge (for now)

2011-03-20T08:30:00.001-04:00

I think I've said this every time, but I have really enjoyed doing these monthly challenges. Thinking out of the box and trying some new things. I don't think you've seen the last of this project.

This month with what was provided, it said water to me, and then I decided to add the frog and the words, an acronym for Frog - Fully Rely on God.

One thing I did for the first time was to needle felt the words, and then hook around them. I really like the look of it, and will probably try this again.

Can't wait to see what the others (Maria's, Alice's & Kris's) came up with, check it out.

March Hooking Club

2011-03-18T08:00:00.005-04:00

Everyone continues to work on ongoing projects.

Evelyn's block of the month, Barb's awesome hit or miss geometric, and Marlene's Ohio start, almost done.

The rest of us were stitching and working on smaller projects.

Spot Dying Wool

2011-03-12T20:31:00.001-05:00

Finally, some sunshine today! Spent most of the day with my friend, Donna Hrkman. We've been wanting to get together for weeks to experiment with some spot dying.
I think we got great results, only had one stinker that will go in a black dye bath. Don't you just love colors and the way they meld together. Who knows what projects these will turn up in.
And tonight we SPRING forward - yeah!!!

Needle Night North

2011-03-09T21:30:00.001-05:00

Although it was just Nan and I tonight, we stitched away. She brought 3 of her minature wool applique pieces that she's finished. When working this small, she needle felts the pieces in place so she doesn't have to use pins to hold everything in place while she stitches. A good idea!

Lecture for the Weaver's Guild

2011-03-08T21:30:00.001-05:00

I did the program for the Weaver's Guild of Miami Valley, with lecture and show and tell this evening.

But, of course my favorite part was when they did their show and tell. Several of the ladies had just taken a workshop where they wove these little baskets using linen thread and beads. Woven towels, dyeing silk, needle felting, basket weaving, and felting silk was what they shared.

A very talented group.

Needle Night

2011-03-07T22:00:00.001-05:00

Tonight was we solved the world's problems the firls shared some pieces they're working on.

Michelle's little applique house with stitched flowers and Rhonda's finishing up an old Workt by Hand project, before she starts a new one.

Quick Visit

2011-03-02T21:06:00.000-05:00

My friends Diane & Janet stopped for an overnight on their way to Dallas. Lots of talking and sharing and a look at the rug Diane is working on to use as her business banner. Can you tell what she loves?

She's also making these cute baskets from recycled sweaters.

Blog Challenge

2011-03-01T20:30:00.000-05:00

Got the last installments of goods from Alice for this months challenge. With the colors of mixed "stuff" and the little bug and fish beads, I think I have an idea.

Stay tuned for the result March 20.

Winter Woolen Weekend, Feb 25-27, 2011

2011-02-28T11:30:00.013-05:00

I attended this affair last year with this great group of ladies in Kokomo, IN. When invited back again, I didn't hesitate to say yes.

Beth Notaro and her Granny-Bee's do a great job of organizing, cooking, and seeing that everyone has a good time.

There are a variety of vendors with inticing products to sell, both finished and supplies.

Demos are on-going by the various needleart guilds in the area, lots of show and tell, and just a generous sharing of ideas.

If you want a little more in depth instruction a variety of classes are also offered. This year I did a needle felted bag. All the ladies did a great job and had good results. I have a feeling they will be doing more.

Just a little side note, the Granny Bee's lost one of their dear members, Helen Kelly on Friday. Although in her 80's, she was young at heart and an amazing woman. This little owl is a piece that I got from her last year. My sympathies to her family and friends, she will be missed.

Rescheduled Valentine Party

2011-02-23T15:23:00.000-05:00

Weather and illness canceled our party the first of the month, but no worries, we're always up for a party even if it's past the holiday.

These ladies decided they didn't want to wait until Christmas to exchange gifts. So I gave them a few items to use in a challenge of creating a Valentine to exchange. We started the evening just working on our projects, then exchanged Valentines.

Once again they out did themselves, pillows, pincushions, boxes, ornaments and mixed media. It was great!

First Timers

2011-02-21T21:30:00.001-05:00

Tonight was a lesson in wool applique and some simple stitches. These young gals (my daughters included) have been learning some new techniques each month.

I think they did great first time out with their applique.

Blog Creative Challenge

2011-02-20T08:00:00.001-05:00

This was a tough one for me. With that stick, it was either hanging something from it, or attach something too it. I chose the latter, and then there's that ball of roving. Since the other materials were green, I decided to do leaves and wire them to the stick.

I started by hooking 5 leaves using what I was sent, and adding green wool and sari ribbon. Once hooked I cut them out and glued green wool to the back, then proceeded to wire them to the stick. I felted the cream roving into a base and stuck the stick into it.

Admittedly, this is not my favorite, but it's different, and I like different.

Check out the other blogs to see their finished projects: Maria's, Alice's & Kris's

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T08:45:00.017-05:00

Our hooking group gathered again to share, laugh and of course solve the world's problems.

Gail joined us for the first time, she's not hooked in a long time so hopefully she was encouraged to keep at it again. Ginny was binding her leaves from the fall workshop and finishing off her prodded heart. She used up wool she wouldn't use in her hooking.

Jane has gone back to work on a rug of her house that was started a couple of years ago, love the flowers.

Bev finished binding this beautiful saltbox, (sorry about the blurry photo).

Marlene said she's had enough of tiny leaves. She continues to work on her Ohio star geometric that she started at Christmas, at this rate she'll be done before spring.

Barb's binding this chair pad. I love the simplicity of the design, and the colors she chose.

Evelyn is binding her beautiful butterflies.

Annie was back and is working on her block of the month rug. The colors and motif reminded me, that spring is coming!

Vegas Jewelry Class

2011-02-06T21:11:00.011-05:00

Another great class with Robin Dudley-Howes! I was fortunate to take a class with Robin last year and when the opportunity came to do it again (thanks to my friend, Jan), I was there.

We made these great free form cuff bracelets. I only used what was in my kit, was able to finish in class and I love it. I'm envious of those of you in California that can take a class from Robin on a regular basis. She's a great teacher and I highly recommend taking a class from her if you ever get a chance.

Two of Robin's cuffs -

My bracelet -

Some of the others from class:

A few more peices of Robin's jewelry -

On Saturday, Robin taught her soldered bottle class, these are a few of the results -

Vegas Pincushion Class

2011-02-05T21:40:00.006-05:00

Had a great day at the Christmas Goose with a fun bunch of ladies. Most of them had only worked with wool on a limited basis, but were accomplished quilters.

So they appliqued, felted, beaded, shirred, and ruched their pincushions with wool only.

I have a strong feeling they'll be adding more dimensions to their future wool projects.

Blog Challenge

2011-02-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

Another interesting package came from Kris for our next challenge.

What to do??

Stay tuned, our finished projects will be posted on the 20th.

Quick Trip South

2011-01-31T18:30:00.003-05:00

From this...

to this....

and back to this....

in just 4 short days.

Helping a friend put her condo back together after a major renovation in Longboat Key, FL. It was great to feel the warmth if it was only for a few days.

We discovered this most amazing store, with the largest collection of nautical stuff I've ever seen, called the Sea Hag. It was fun just looking around.

Needle Novices

2011-01-25T18:28:00.000-05:00

This is the second time this group has come together to learn some techniques that are new to them. Tonight we did dimensional felting by making hearts.

Of course, it's really more about being together and having good times!

Creative Blog Challenge

2011-01-20T08:30:00.018-05:00

I love mixed media and had so much fun doing this month's challenge. I've always mixed needlework techniques together, but this time added paper and glue. Inspired by a couple of pieces Jenny Rupp did last year and what Maria has been doing.

I used an 8x10 canvas as my base, decoupaged paper and words, then glued on the hooked heart. The hooked heart is a mixture of the sari ribbon and pink nylon we were given, then added wool and yarn to complete it. I love the random look of this! I used the beads we were given, strung them on wire, shaped them into a heart and glued them on the canvas. The lace was coffee stained and glued to the outside edge of the canvas. Then I wired the felted heart and hung it from the lace.

Without a doubt I will be doing more of this. Now, looking forward to next installment of "stuff" for February 20th. Stay tuned.

Be sure to check the other blogs to see their finished projects: Maria's, Alice's & Kris's

Hooking Club

2011-01-11T14:45:00.004-05:00

Love getting together with these ladies, they always have something going.

Evelyn is binding a chair pad for a new grandchild,

Bev has put her hooking aside and knitting hats and fingerless gloves,

Jo has finished her turkey from the 3-in-1 Create Workshop and a piece from Maggie's book

and Barb is working on "Give Thanks" from spruce ridge studio. I love her log cabin

Buckaroos

2011-01-06T22:20:00.000-05:00

My two grandsons, Zachary and Cooper love playing cowboys. So this year for Christmas I made them each vests and chaps. Just now getting the photo up since we were passing around the stomach flu during the holidays. I love that they still like to play make believe and I can help encourage it.

Winter Calendar

2011-01-05T15:38:00.001-05:00

The winter calendar has been set & posted!

Would love to have you stop by or sign up for a class!

Needle Night

2011-01-03T22:18:00.001-05:00

Since doing the blog challenge with Maria, Alice and Kris,I decided to challenge the ladies tonite by giving them a few things to make a Valentine that we will exchange next month. I'll post the results after we meet. Think about trying this with a couple of friends,or craft group. It really is fun.

Workt By Hand 2011

2011-01-01T22:53:00.000-05:00

2011 Workt By Hand

It's time again to sign up for one of the most creative and most fun workshops you'll ever be apart of!

Click here for all the information and registration forms.

Hope to see you there!

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year

Don't start the new year expecting happiness...bring it with you.

Second Blog Creative Challenge

2010-12-30T08:30:00.003-05:00

The goods have been sent out for the 2nd challenge for Maria, Kris, Alice and myself.

Watch for the finished pieces to be posted on January 20th - let the fun begin!

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T06:30:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas

Nativity Collection

2010-12-24T06:30:00.003-05:00

Nativity Collection

2010-12-23T06:30:00.001-05:00

Sheeplights

2010-12-22T08:30:00.001-05:00

One of my friends from the hooking group sent this to me and I thought it was so funny I thought I'd share it with you. How clever people are! And it is about wool,right? Enjoy! - http://www.wimp.com/sheeplight/