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

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.

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!

Fair Prizes!

This was my first attempt to enter anything into the Ozark Empire Fair (well, actually, it never occurred to me to enter at all). This year I decided to give it a whirl, and low and behold, I won some ribbons! My three entries are pieces that I designed, and each has some personal significance. The "Nighttime Garden Fox" was created as the result of a family of fox pups being raised in a den right outside our home. We were just enamored with this little family of three adults and five pups. We watched as they played around the woodpile, learned to hunt squirrels, and finally left. The small mat "My Backyard" is sort of a little impressionistic piece loosely based on looking from the bedroom window over our backyard. I started it one snowy day attempting to use only scraps of wool, ribbon, and yarn. It's actually one of my favorite hooking projects so far. The girl under the arch I've called by two different names; "Connected" and "Reside". In either case, I am referring to my deep feelings of being connected with all living things equally (notice, I added the fox). I'm tickled to have won these ribbons, and am on to other hooking projects. Hooking like mad at the moment trying to get my hydrangea bag finished. Just about done with the hooking, then on to assembly. Watch for a post soon! Thanks for letting me brag a bit about my little fair ribbons.....

Frankie's Balloon

I'm really, really trying to get this one done! It's a gift for a friend who is having a little girl to be named "Frankie". The circles in the lower left are where I am planning to prod flowers, also will be adding some beading when done. I've got about three more hooking designs swimming around in my head that I must get at.....so hoping to finish Frankie this week!