Blooming Posy Bags

I've started making my little over the shoulder hooked bags again.  I really enjoy the process of design, color, and texture.  I would sort of like to start hooking something large, but haven't felt pulled that way, and frankly, don't have room in my home for another large piece.  Of course, I shouldn't say that because new becomes old, and old usually finds it's place over chairs on the porch, or home on my studio floor covering spots on the carpet I can't seem to remove.  And anyway, it's about the process....right?

So here's a quick look at a couple of bags I created last month that were exciting and fun to make.

First, I have what I like to call my "Dazzling Dahlias" bag.  I used some of my "sexy jersey" wool that I purchased from Deanne Fitzpatrick.  Great fun to hook with!  Nice and soft, and lends itself to clipping and twisting.  The background doesn't show up very well here, but it's a gorgeous slate/eggplant blue with a tiny gold thread runny through.  Really works well with the jersey pastels.

This little bag is currently for sale at our library gift shop, "Between Friends".

I was so in love with the background color (because, for me, it's always about the color) that I did another.  I like to call it "Gorgeous Gerbers".

Lots of pretty proddy on this one.  It's also at the same shop.

A happy pair!

 Weaving happening too.  Shawls in shop that I failed to photograph, and a gorgeous pink on the loom.

All is well and in color!

xo
dulcy

Bits and Pieces

It's been a dull grey week here in the Ozarks, but always little delights to perk up the days.  One of my UK blog pals, Charlotte,  does the MOST AMAZING artwork.  Actually, she does lots of different things as well as being a teacher (and I know, finding time to do art and teach can be a challenge).  I have been adoring her hand painted and felted creatures for some time now.  I found this so so sweet little mousey in Charlotte's Etsy shop, Hills of Nottingham.

Isn't she just the cutest!  I named her Posey.  The story goes that she stowed away on an plane heading to the US and straight to my town.  Charlotte notified me of this, so I snatched her up and brought her home to live in various spots in my house that meet our fancy on a particular day.  Since she is soooo small (and can you believe that painting and handwork?) Posey can reside just about anywhere.  Right now she is sitting on the fireplace mantle where she can be admired easily by myself, hubby, and visitors dropping by.  Please check out Charlotte's blog Chest of Delights.

I spent part of one day this week finishing up this little mat.  It's something I started last winter using various scraps of wool and some needle felting.  This design is very loosely based on a corner of my living room.  I drew it off during a yucky and lengthy foot surgery recuperation.  I spent many days on the couch staring at this spot (and watching ALL the episodes of Mad Men on my iPad.... I love you John Hamm!).

Yesterday afternoon was spent on the beginnings of another hooking project inspired by the on-line class I'm currently taking from Deanne Fitzpatrick.  She encouraged us to work on squares experimenting with different materials.  I used lots of wool, yarn, and a new favorite.... twine!  I've decided to turn this piece into a large pillow.  I love hooking just color, and not thinking about the design quite so much.  Very therapeutic! 

Another perk to my week was a visit by my creative and gorgeous girlfriend, Jessy.  She spoils me with smashing little gifts of the most vintage kind.  She showed up with this fab Singer sewing supply box.

She knew this was one of my "go to" colors.  Plus it looks soooo perfect next to my 1964 Singer out in the studio.  But.... Oh.... the best part are the treats inside!

There's this darling little vintage full body mirror.  It's inside this wonderful box that it originally came in.  Also, this vibrant beautiful color of heavy thread for my new hooking project,  and...... these absolutely darling little turquoise and gold heart earrings.  I was thrilled!!  Please visit Jessy over at LuvvlyJubbly.

Have a happy weekend!
xo
dulcy

And I Hook

I hook and I hook.... this is mostly all 4 cut, and I'm loving it.  The detail can be tedious, but I get into  it.  The smallest loop seems important.  Maybe because it's my house and the design is based on my husbands photography.  Maybe it's because I began this rug in Maine taking a class with my step daughter, Lily.  Maybe it's because I feel like I'm painting.  It doesn't matter to me.  I simply love rug hooking, and the repetitive process that ends up with such texture and design.  If you hook, you know what I mean.

Today I was running errands and listening to my IPod.  I have Deanne Fitzpatrick's new cd loaded, and I'm listening to her essays on art and life in general.  She was telling about how sometimes she might go someplace, get to talking, and maybe say more than she had intended.  Then worry about it later.  I know exactly what she means, as I imagine most of us probably do.  Deanne then went on to say that it happens and we're just saying what we most likely needed to.  Maybe it's best not to worry about it and just let it go.  I had the most wonderful mind cleanse as I listened to this essay.  I had written a letter a year ago to a couple of friends.  It was very nice.... nothing weird or mean.  I just needed to get some stuff off my chest.  The letter was four pages!  I talked about a lot.  I probably said more than was necessary.  I was on a roll.  This letter has bugged me.... but as I listened to my IPod, I just let it go!  I felt like a dust ball in the corner of my brain had finally been swept free.  I expressed myself in that letter honestly and real.  I wrote much about my life and passions.... I said things that are important to me.  I'm glad I wrote it.  Thanks for your words Deanne.

Deanne Fitzpatrick Blog Giveway!

I received my package from Deanne Fitzpatrick's blog giveaway.  If you read a previous post, you may remember that this particular giveaway required you to respond to one or more of Deanne's diary entries.  I have so enjoyed following her diary and the thoughtful entries and responses by other bloggers.  Well....when I first opened the package, I thought "Wow, Deanne sent me a karaoke machine!".  Well, of course I knew that wasn't really the goods, so I started to dig.

To my delight.....I found a basket packed full of treasures!  I'll just show you a few of the items....

Blank cards with talented hookers designs as playing cards.

Books to read during my convalescences.

A hoodie with a Deanne Fitzpatrick design on the back.

Wool......oh goody!!!!!

I received many more items from Deanne's stash, and have displayed them here before you.  What a great blog giveaway, not to mention a thoughtful and creative way to encourage bloggers to write their thoughts and connect with others.