Layers, stitches and slashing and we have a sunglass pouch

Different effects from layering, stitching and finally cutting.

Phew!  The sunglasses  fit in!  That was plain lucky ha! ha!
Actually, this makes a sturdy pouch.  Good for protecting those 'sunnies.'

I have loved creating this.  Layers of lace and fabric stitched down and machined.
Carefull cutting of fabric to reveal layers of pretty colours and patterns. 
Then more stitching  to create waves of beautiful colours going this way and that.

To learn more about these techniques you may like to watch a video on this site.

Fay Maxwell

Fay Maxwell shows us some of her beautiful work alongwith techniques.

She's also a great teacher.  Enjoy!

An Autumn Rose and Words to Think About

Christchurch Suffers More Aftershocks Today

We visited our son in Chirstchurch three weeks ago.  We were dismayed by the damage we saw.
Historic buildings were badly damaged as shown in the  photo below.  Other buildings have suffered major structural damage.  The remains of this church is not far from the C.B.D.

It is very difficult to contemplate further damage from todays aftershocks.

The paradise duck ( photographed outside the damaged church) tells me
that one way or another we  walk on.

I would love some comments please

A fabric posy takes time to assemble.  Melting fabric edges for shape and finish.
Layer upon layer of fabric pieces give a lovely fullness.
I love these colours.  I would like to know your thoughts.
What do you think?

New Zealands Dancing Grandmother Just Loves to Dance!

Melva Cummins, 82 year old Grandmother from Tauranga is more than your average Grandmother!
What a lady!  She dances the dance of a much younger lady.  Her energy and attitude would put many of us to shame.
Take a look at the link below.  It is good.


Dancing nana the next Susan Boyle? (+ video) - Music - NZ Herald News

dance       dance      dance  dance  dance  dance  dance
    dance            dance   dance  dance

                               Enjoy!

Big Knitting for Cushion Stack

The knitting from my big needles reminds me of  shearing time on our family farm away back when!  I enjoyed seeing the freshly shorn fleece falling away from  the sheep as it was shorn.  The fleece formed a soft mass of wool on the floor, ready to picked up and thrown onto the wool table.

My big stitch knitting form soft tops for these handade cushions a't 'fibrefascination' studio.

All buttoned up with a ribbon and and labelled with a label from my printer. 

The Pear

About the pear! The photo below must be misleading. Yes the pear is in front of my conservatory door but it sits on a small table there. The actual size of it is about the same as a real pear. It really could not do a good job of being a doorstop inspite of appearances. It remains as pretty to look at and also has a message for those who wish to take a look.  

Have a great weekend,

Cheers.
Joan.

While I knit, take a look at this

a message on a leaf .......

'when life goes pear shaped, be kind to yourself. '

Extreme Knitting

Time to do some knitting, but not your average knitting. 
This is one of my large wooden knitting needles along with an average
size needle one would use for normal use.
There is a big difference in size.




This work in progress on large wooden knitting needles is a different way of knitting!
Those needles are big! I used three strands of wool which has produced a soft garter stitched piece.

Here is a fascinating  link to have a look at.  extreme knitting

Some amazing knitting here!

Simplify

a tissue box cover complete with bee......





"The ability to simplify means to eliminate
the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak."
~ Hans Hofman ~

An art Quilt - My First attempt.

Although I have had a few weeks break from blogging,  I  have been pursuing  some rather interesting
handcrafts.  The quilt below is very different.  But I enjoy doing something different. 
It is a small quilt.  I guess you  might call it a lap quilt. 

 

Freeform machine stitching on patches of  hand dyed colour from the everyday onion.

I loved labeling my work, once completed.

Favourite photo.

Love the detail.  The softness, sunlight and shading and.....

the little droplet above and what about those tiny little

hairs we don't normally see on the stem of this oh so pretty poppy.

(this photo is unaltered in anyway)

Desiderata

I like these words in Desiderata. They are refreshing, especially in troubled times.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - --
                                                                     
Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.


As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.


Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.


Exercise caution in your business affairs,
the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.


Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.


Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.



Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy

.Max Ehrmann 1692



 I was amazed by this beautiful carved Oamaru stone in the Waianakarua River arched  bridge.  This is a beautiful area. There are  lovely scenic places, including beaches, hills, rivers,  native bush and birds. A great place to spend some time.  I should know, I was brought up there!  I have lots of good memories from my childhood years living in this place.

Natures Colours from my Garden

Bee Balm a red flower gowing in my garden, gives this colour. 

Margaret Merrill at Summers End

A bunch of 'Margaret Merrill' roses from my garden, gracing a vase in our conservatory.
The shape, the salmon-pink shading and the beautiful scent of these beautiful roses are a delightful gift.
An indication that summer is near its end for this season.

Naturally Dyed Fabric and Lace

Blogger has been playing up!  The above photo was originally part of my posting below. 
One of three photos.  Blogger didn't want it and tossed it aside.  So here it is.

Colouring with Nature

Over recent days I have been working on this project and enjoying different processes.
I have incorporated some different dyeing methods from India Flints book that I posted about last week. I loved the ice-flower dyes.
This is may test your patience but I found it was worth trying and worth the wait of a few days.  The colours can be rather beautiful and it is very interesting to watch as the process develops on your windowsill or other sunny spot. Cold bundled eco-prints produced some lovely clear prints from my rose leaves.
Overdyeing the lace and fabric gave a variety of colourings which you can see in the photos.
I used agapanthus flowers, onion peelings and the green colouring is from the rose leaves

This is the book where I learned about the dyeing processes typed in italics.   Eco Colour: Botanical Dyes for Beautiful Textiles

Freshly Laid Egg

One of these lovely chooks laid an egg this morning.
The hen on the left is 'Red' and the one on the right is 'Orpie.'
We hope they will both be laying shortly.

Jack loves the look of this little egg. Freshly laid, it is about the right size for him to enjoy in one mouthfull.
Sorry Jack, we're having it for lunch!

Eco Colour - Botanical Dyes for Beautiful Textiles.

Eco Colour: Botanical Dyes for Beautiful Textiles

I pulled this book off the shelf at the local Library. It is written by an Australian women called India Flint.

If you google her name you will find she has a blog and other web sites which are also full of interest.
India loves to share her vast knowledge and experiences of Natural Dyeing.

It is beautifully illustrated and is a great resource for novices like myself or more experienced dyers.
If you want to have a closer look at the book click the Eco Colour link above.

Natures Colours - Onion and Geranium

Both pieces have been dyed with onion skins.  I love the strength of colour evident in both.
The bottom sample has been steamed with geranium leaves.  The grey-black outline of the leaves  gives a lovely contrast to the onion.     Working with nature is amazing.  What do you think?