New Tote, and Vacation Pics. from Nova Scotia

Above is a shot of my new fall tote.  I just love working with these colors, and I'm especially smitten with the dark teal (I prefer the term "midnight teal") for the background.  One of those wonderful finds when looking for a completely different color.

And now for assorted shots of my trip to Nova Scotia.

Tide pooling on the beach....

Knitting on the ferry...

Gilbert's Lighthouse where I bought a cute hooked mat done by someone in the NS guild.

Coastline with lighthouse (actually, this was taken in New Brunswick).

Shed with fish netting....digging those colors!

Glorious lupine everywhere!!!!!

Lobster traps abound, as does the tasty treat....

 Hastily made new friends who invited us up to watch the sunset over the ocean (there was wine involved.... yippee... great new friends!).

That's all the NS shots I'll display for now.  I don't want you to feel the need to make a hasty retreat with too many "How I spent my summer vacation" photos.  I'll post some next time of the many colorful boats and homes that grace the coastline.
xo
dulcy

Color Abounds!

Color is everywhere around here, and it's really got me psyched to hook, plant, cook, and just plain create!

We planted many hydrangeas a few years ago, and they're really starting to burst forth with color.  I love it when the colors are not set, but rather mixed.... yet they change over time.  Right now this beauty is pink, blue, and green.  Lovely after last night's rain.

It's really hard to beat white!  This is a small portion of a massive bush that's probably a good forty years old.  It's great for cutting huge bouquets.

I planted this hanging basked with just one wave petunia plant.  It was kind of spindly at first, but has filled out nicely.  I'm currently in love with old fashioned pinks and blues in the garden.

I love the lavender plant mixing in with the pink dianthus.

Jim and Graham feeding the fish among the day lilies.

Swinging in the sunshine.

And playing freeze tag.

Lastly....  the new fall bag I'm currently working on.  I couldn't get my hands on the antique black I had originally chosen as a background.  My best surprises are when I'm forced to rethink my plan.  I found this lovely dark teal/green that gives the piece a more jewel tone feel.  I will hit and miss various colors from the flowers around the edge of the dark teal.

Off to prepare my pattern for the Jane Halliwell Green class next week in Searsport, Maine.  Very excited!

xo

Sharing On Monday Morning

It's very grey and foggy out this Monday morning.  Cold too!  I love turning on the lights of our tiny Christmas tree and sipping coffee by the fire.  

I really try to stay someplace within the topic of fiber creations on my blog.  Here's a shot of a little Santa mom made about 25 years ago.  She made tiny dolls and sold them in shops located in several places around the U.S.  Someday I'll do a posting showing you all the many intricately sewn, dyed, stuffed, and glued characters she made.  Any creativity I may have now, has all been showered on to me by my lovely mother.  There's nothing she can't do! 

I'm knitting a wrap for my mom for Christmas.  I'm using the subtle rib stitch and just love the way it's turning out.  Apparently Iris finds it to be a comfortable place to snuggle up next to.

Yes, yes....it's another bag.  But it does have a home, and I really need to get it made.  I imagine you are tired of seeing hooked roses every time you check in at the "doorstep".  Although,  I do so love the image of a rug on the frame in front of a warm (although gas lit) fireplace and thought you might enjoy it too.  It makes me feel warm, cozy, and puts me in the mood to hook. But I do really need to break out of this "rose thing"....

So.......working on ideas for a new little mat.  I'm playing with the idea of "Outside My Kitchen Window".  After all these bags, I'm psyched to start something new!

Three Rosie Bags!

Here's the results of about a month's worth of hooking and sewing.  I used the same rose motif for each bag, but they were all hand drawn, so there is a variation in patterns which keep them all unique.   From left to right, I have two clutch bags, and the third has a strap.  Each bag has a contrasting plaid wool lining.  They each measure about the same, which is approximately 8"x9".  The bag with the strap is a bit deeper.  I'm on to one more rose bag, then may take a break and prod myself a kitchen rug.  Not so much to think about when prodding....

Pink Rose Garden Clutch

I've finished another rosey bag, this one a clutch.  I love the red button!  It's from my mother's can of old buttons, and is probably from a 1960's sewing project.  I think I have a couple more clutches in me before I need to move on.  I'm starting to obsess over a new rug idea.  More about that later........

Pink Rose Garden Clutch

Yes.......more roses, but I'm just on a roll with this pattern.  This one will be a clutch 8" deep, and 10" wide.  I'm excited to finish hooking because my favorite part is choosing a lining (preferably something in a pink and green plaid), and finding some sort of interesting vintage button for the clasp.  I think I have about 2 more rose color combinations in me before I simply must move on to a different design.

I will also get some hooking done and, well....yes it's the beginnings of yet, another bag.  This one will be a clutch with pink roses on a mossy green background.  Why so many bags, and so frequent you ask.  You see I'm recently retired from 23 years of teaching......LOVING RETIREMENT.....and LOVE BAGS!  Also, if I get enough done I may put them in an Etsy store.  The problem is, that by the time I finish one, I become very attached to it.  I guess I could carry it for awhile and pass it on to a new home.

Coming Up Roses Is Up And Done!

Finished this little fall/winter bag. I have enjoyed working with the color combination so much. I'm considering making the same bag in a smaller clutch......or.......using this same design with the red and brown color combo in a rug. Of course if I do all of this, I'll probably get really sick of the whole thing! Maybe best to just leave well enough alone.

Coming Up Roses Coming Along Nicely

Here's a view of the front and back of my new bag. I'm loving these red roses with the brown background! As with my last bag, I'm planning on using a complimentary plaid wool for the lining and strap.

Finished Hydrangea Bag!

It's done. I'm pleased. Starting the next one today!
Also, thanks so much for all the lovely comments on the previous post (Jan, you wouldn't want my old bag. Lots of beet stains from last grandchildren visit!) Have a fabulous weekend!

Building A Bag!

Here are three stages of my soon to be finished hydrangea tote bag. First, you see both sides of the hooked bag. I had a full day of hooking at the fair with Tammy yesterday, so was happily able to get the hooking done. The next shot is the bag showing the contrasting plaid I'm using for lining. I just hand whipped it to the edge of the hooking. I love working with wool because it holds together nicely while stitching. I added a couple of inside pockets for keys, cell phone, whatever. The last picture above is the lining shown with the straps. I'm not 100% sure how I'm going to finish it off, but I believe I will whip the sides with wool, and attach straps to inside using large buttons. My goal is to end up with an attractive, but very sturdy bag. If all goes well, I'll post the finished bag tomorrow. Thanks for checking in, and have a wonderful day!