Needle Night

There was punching, hooking and stitching going on tonight.  Trish shared her sunflowers, the needle punch piece and applique were done as a sampler to feature the new wool threads I'm carrying, and Kathy was looking for background wool for her awesome flowers in a case and working on her Workt by Hand piece from 2012.

Welcome Cats

Bonnie stopped by to share her current rug hooking project.  It's one of Maria's patterns (Star Rug Co).  A reproduction of an old rug.

Beyond the Basics

Had a couple ladies in today for a rug hooking class where I teach a variety of techniques to use with rug hooking.  Everyone works up a sampler to use for reference later on.

Rug Punch

Trish stopped by for more yarn to use on her latest rug.  The design was taken from an old newspaper (1889) that she found at the flea market.  The chicken is going to have a button for the eye.

Workt by Hand, 2013

This year's workshop was a celebration of sorts as this was our 10th annual get together to express and promote creativity with fabric, fiber and stitching.  Sue, Sally, Melissa and I conceived of this idea probably 12 years ago, and it took us awhile to actually put the pieces together.  It has taken it's twists and turns, ups and downs but has been most successful mainly in part because of the great participants.  Many return year after year (one from New Zealand, another from England) and the others are from all over the states.  One of the more interesting aspects is that we have several sisters and mother/daughter groups that come to share this creative endeavor together.  The rest renew friendships and form new ones with those attending for the first time.  Tipp City, OH continues to be a great destination because of the wonderful facility, fun shopping and good food.

We started the week with a one day class on texture followed by a wine & cheese meet and greet.  Many of the techniques shared were carried over into some of the projects started in the main workshop.

This years main workshop (Thursday - Saturday) was a study in circles. Each of the instructors presenting their piece and then sharing and teaching through out the weekend the techniques they used.

This is my piece, where I covered an existing ottoman.  Zentangling with fabric and fiber.

Melissa did a pillow with applique circles.

 Sue did a circle sampler with different fabrics and stitching techniques

Sally did this great butterfly mounted on canvas, a mix of wool and cottons

The following photos are the ladies getting started and some of the great sewing accouterments they bring along to get the job done.

These photos are one of my favorite parts of the weekend, show and tell.  There is some amazing talent out there and it's always fun to see past Workt by Hand projects return finished.

The remaining photos show the progression of the projects started, to later become wall hangings, pillows, jacket panels, a jewelry roll-up and stool covers.  I hope some return next year as part of show and tell.

If you have not attended Workt by Hand before, and want to explore your creativity and make some lasting friendships with ladies of like mind, may I suggest you consider coming next year.  If you were here, thanks for another successful Workt by Hand!