Cell Phone Cases

Cell phones are ubiquitous these days - as is the need for a carrier for them. Most of the cases I have seen are downright boring - if not relatively ineffectual as well. That holds true especially for flip phones - nothing really works functionally for those. I started making felted cell phone covers last year - about the same time that I was bitten by the needle felting bug. The cover in the photo above is the first one I made - it fits my handy Motorola flip phone very well. I used the very first lamp worked bead I ever made for this one. Two firsts in one cell cover package!
Making lamp worked beads is about the most legal fun a person can have - and I dream of I time when I will be able to make some more - which equates into a dream of having time - and the considerable money it would take to set up !

The next two photos are of a couple of relatively recent cases - one I made for myself - the summer fashion version for my Motorola (yes, with another lamp worked bead !)- and the other was for a friend who has a larger, non-flip style Nokia.... hummm I don't think I have seen her use it yet .. or maybe I am just not in her office enough to notice ! I added some Angelina to hers. I love making these bags! They are fun to make, quite functional, and they add a little bit of style to an everyday object. I am thinking of making some of these to sell, but wonder if there is a market. Anyone have any thoughts ? Would you use one?

A Gift From The Land of Oz

My friends, Jim & Louise Lane, spent some time with family in Australia earlier this year. Before they left they asked me what I would like from the Land of Oz and, of course, I replied "textiles"! They very generously brought back this absolutely stunning pillow for me! It's an amazing piece of hand work ! Aren't the colors just amazing? I love to just look at it and don't know if I will ever be able to use it as a pillow. I am thinking of framing it instead.

Apparently each design is 'owned' by the maker. I love the tags that are included with the work.
I also got this wonderful kangaroo card. It definitely has 'quilt' potential ! The card also came with a wonderful little tag - I think the graphic is an art piece in itself ! I am truly blessed to have such good friends - and the treasures they bring back from their travels are priceless to me ! What a lucky gal I am !

Spirit Dolls

Thanks to a class with Robin Atkins (www.robinatkins.com & beadlust.blogspot.com) quite some time ago I started making these little beady dolls. Dolls are not really my thing - but I enjoy these. None of them are really finished yet.

The one in the middle was made from the very first fabric I ever dyed. I can see how tentative I was ! I wanted it to be a chakra doll - hence the crystals on the front. It was also the first one I ever beaded - so the edging is also very restrained. I did get a bit wild on the hair - feeling my beady way to a comfort level. I added some charms that had meaning. A shark's tooth that I found on a Florida beach during my last visit with my father, ditto a piece of abalone that I had found on another beach - and a heart to symbolize --- well to symbolize my feelings.

The orange doll is also from my hand dyed - and my beading was making strides - a lovely ruffled edge and a polymer clay face. Lots more to do on this one. The white is on linen - a truly lovely fabric. It's the youngest of this trio and is most definitely a WIP work in progress). The two below may remain orphans - they have not clicked for me and I am not sure I want to continue working on them ... but somehow it seems wrong to throw them out too .. that must be the "spirit" part of making a spirit doll ! One thing is certain though - I won't start making any more of these (I have a new shape I want to use) until these are ALL finished !

"In The American Tradition" at IQF 2007

As I mentioned in a previous post - I have had a couple of challengeing moments recently.

Last night, however, I received an email notification from Quilts, Inc. that my entry for the IQF Special Exhibit entitled "In the American Tradition" was accepted. I was SO happily surprised!

Since I am not sure what the protocol is for posting photos of accepted quilts prior to the show I will err on the side of caution and not post a photo. The photo above is a card that I made for a friend's birthday - but it expresses the way I feel !This is one of my favorite quilts , albeit a very traditional queen sized one. It's in a bold, graphic color scheme of red & white. I was panicking about entering it because I had no really good quality photos of the quilt and the weather was not being cooperative for outdoor photography - too much rain, not enough sun, no money for a professional shoot and time was running out. So - I took a chance and sent in what I had.

IQF sends out their acceptances right around my birthday - so it was an especially happy notification. Thank you IQF and Quilts, Inc ! Thanks as well to my wonderful friends who encourage me & and nudge me to "get myself out there" ! It's a glorius , sunny day here too- I think I will just try to enjoy the good feelings while they are with me !

Spinning Success

I am pleased to announce that I have had a successful day of spinning ...the memory cells have been jogged and I am, once again, in love with spinning. Here is a photo of the spun yarn. My first in over 25 years ! Of course, I just had to try it on knitting needles right off the bobbin. I grabbed the nearest pair of needles - US5's - and this is what a got. A nice thick and thin with slubs that I think will look awesome. I still have lots to learn that's for sure !

I'm going to experiment with this on a small felted case when I have another bobbing filled. Jeeze - now I'll need a nifty niddy noddy too...oh and some hand cards. Uh oh ! More stuff!

Spinning Up Memory Function

I have not touched a spinning wheel for more than 25 years. For some reason I got a wild hair to try it again but soon realized that spinning wheels were costly little items - and out of my pence pocket league for the time being. My friend Janet graciously lent me hers - and it is a beauty. It was hand made in 1978 (she bought it in 1980) by a man named Gunnar Lindberg who came to the United States from Sweden. Janet gave me the clipping she had about Mr. Lindberg - a newspaper article from the Seattle Times Magazine of May 4th 1980.

Mr. Lindberg came to the US in 1922 where he met and later married a woman from Chicago (also of Scandinavian descent). After fleeing Sweden during WWII they settled in Chicago, later moved to Minnesota and finally moved to the Seattle area in 1970. It was at that point that Gunnar, who had always been a craftsman with wood, made his first spinning wheel. The wheels are made of birch - and Janet's wheel has mellowed to a warm ,deep honey color. I love just having it to look at...and sometimes I just lazily treadle the wheel to hear it 'sing'.

The shawl that is so artlessly thrown over the wheel is an ultra simple one I am making for myself - I just wanted a 'color wrap' - my favorite colors for a chilled evening - or to combat the sometimes over zealous air conditioning at work. After that , my plan is to to try Koigu's shawl pattern called "Charlotte's Web". I need to be prepared for that though !

My first efforts to jog my spinning memory cells was not terribly successful - but I think I know what the problem is - so I have borrowed every book I could from the library (yes, we are blessed with a stellar library here) .. and am prepared to persevere until I prove that I can put my memory into action and spin some yarn. My favorite uncle once reminded that "der spinner" in German means something like nutty , crazy or madcap - and he was always happy and amused at my creative meanderings - so I took that as a complement. I expect he is watching me from his perch in heaven with a twinkle in his eye - egging me on no doubt! Who would have thought that I would discover knitting at such an 'advanced age' and then that I would want to resurrect another craft blast from my past ?! It's another circle in my life that's coming back around....and it sure feels good ! Thank's for the loaner Janet - I'm going to try and do something good with it !

Every Situation is a Passing Memory

When I began writing a blog I decided that nothing terribly personal would be put into it, but this was not an easy week for me and I have realized that there is no way to keep all feelings out of this cyber scribble. When I am upset I tend to shut down . There would be no blog, no art, no conversation. There would be nothing but a void - at least until my inner sun shone again !

My good friend Lauren suggested making a quilt of the feelings I was experiencing. A good idea but I was not up to making anything TOO large and ambitious. I did, however, take out some of my most favorite fabric and some Shiva paint sticks yesterday. Playing is always a good thing ! When I looked at the pieces this morning I realized that they were a perfect expression of what I feeling ! Crossroads, detours, circles, stops and starts. I am adding colors and texture to the small piece on the top. There is, if you look hard enough, the image of a tree with green limbs and grounded roots.

I get tired of people telling me that I am " too sensitive". I have been this way all of my life .I pick up under currents and I know unspoken thoughts. I don't know that I can change this part of me at this age - nor am I particularly sure that I want to change. I feel things. Period. My challenge is to find a strong center that can flex with my emotions - I need to learn to shrug off energy that is not mine and I need to stop accepting blame for things that are not mine to accept. I find that the teachings of Pema Chodrun, a Buddhist nun, are particularly suited to me. I always find her imagery soothing and so I spent part of this week listening to my first ever audio book - one of hers. Generally I don't do well with "canned" teaching - but this week it helped. I have found the value of audio books ! Another GOOD thing that happened this week !

When I make a list of thoughts that occurred to me this week - I was able to have more positives than negatives. That is a good thing. As Pema Chodrun says "... every situation is a passing memory...." Thank you Pema for reminding me of the wonders of the dream we call life.

One More Round of MeMe

This is one of four quart sized hummingbird feeders that we have out. All of the feeders are very busy. We are now going through 6-8 quarts of food a day.Hummingbirds are great 'teachers' ! They are small yet feisty ; fragile yet strong; resilient; joyful and just plain amazing !

Once again my bud Sarah has tagged me.
Once again, I will be at a loss to know who to tag in return - this could, conceivably, go on forever....perhaps that is the idea !

1. My favorite colors are "ick" greens and orange.
As an aside to this:
Last week I had bought a few beads at the local bead store on Friday. On Saturday I realized that I did not have the bag ! I called the store and they had found the bag . They put my name on it and held it for me. When I went in the following Tuesday to retrieve it one of the clerks with who I am friendly said "...are these your beads? They were not with the bag but they were YOUR colors so I figured they were yours!..." Molly's a peach and I just had to chuckle to myself that I known by "my" colors !

2. When I got my pilot's license 25 years ago my father's comment was "...yeah - you're a pilot and I'm Abe Lincoln!..." He liked it though when I took him flying !

3. I taught basic meteorology to an air force class. I think I have since forgotten the material!

4. I was once a runner - taking first place the "masters" (read that as older!) category for 10K at age 45.

5. I went to Woodstock (yes, technically I was too young) - my parents thought I was visiting a friend! I only lasted 1.5 days though - it was too dirty for me and I had to go to a hotel (my fathers used to be a VP of a large chain) for a hot bath and room service !

6. I used to hang out at the Fillmore East in New York City - at the time Bob Dylan was still playing on smaller clubs .

7. I am glad to have survived numbers 2 thru 6!

That's IT for me - I am now happily enjoying a quiet life and actively try to avoid drama!
NOW - IF YOU READ THIS - CONSIDER YOURSELF TAGGED BY ME FOR MeMe !!!

Passion for Applique

Some time ago I started making a Baltimore Album Styled Quilt. I am sure that the original "Baltimore Ladies" would cringe at my color choices ! I have used all batiks for my version of 'their' quilt. I love hand applique and this project seemed like it would be a good follow up to a Dear Jane Quilt that I had finished (see bottom photo). I taught myself how to applique while I worked on the Dear Jane which I called "Garden of 'A'" (for applique). It was a particularly good learning exercise.

The Baltimore blocks are intense - lots of tiny pieces - but I really enjoyed working on them . Problem was I got burned out and wondered if I would ever manage to finish TWENTY of them .... hummmmm. I have left this project alone for a long time but I am, once again, feeling the urge to move forward on it. I have, I THINK, figured out a design that would look good with 4 to 6 of these 16" blocks. I am almost done with block 4 (no photo of this one yet). That gave me new hope. Now I have to see if my plan will work. Of course the 'plan' will require more applique - but not quite as intense perhaps! Stand by for updates, but perhaps you ought not hold your breath !


Here is a part of my "Garden of 'A'". This project took several years to complete - and is king sized quilt - larger probably, than my Baltimore adventure will be. Then again, who knows !

Saint Dymphna Day is May 15

My "patron" is the Buddha - but my mothers patron was Saint Dymphna. I had never heard of her but I rather like the little story that goes with honoring her. I think I appreciate the fact that Dymphna sprang from an Irish Pagan Cheiftain ! As I mentioned previously, my family was wonderfully imperfect - so I honor my mother's chosen Patron as mine - and hope that they both will protect me from the dark days that occasionally descend. Thanks Mom - for choosing an Irish patron !

St. Dymphna
Feastday: May 15
Patron of those suffering from nervous and mental afflictions.

St. Dymphna
Daughter of a pagan Irish chieftain named Damon. Dymphna was fourteen when her mother died. Damon is said to have been afflicted with a mental illness, brought on by his grief. He sent messengers throughout his town and other lands to find some woman of noble birth, resembling his wife, who would be willing to marry him. When none could be found, his evil advisers told him to marry his own daughter. Dymphna fled from her castle together with St. Gerebran, her confessor and two other friends. Damon found them in Belgium. He gave orders that the priest's head be cut off. Then Damon tried to persuade his daughter to return to Ireland with him. When she refused, he drew his sword and struck off her head. She was then only fifteen years of age. Dymphna received the crown of martyrdom in defense of her purity about the year 620. She is the patron of those suffering from nervous and mental afflictions. Many miracles have taken place at her shrine, built on the spot where she was buried in Gheel, Belgium.
P.S: The picture is a photo derivative by me .. hopefully Saint Dymohna would approve !

7 things MeMe

Mother's Day flowers from my four footed 'children' - their request translated by 'Dad' !

My first tagging ever from JenClair of bayouquilts.blogspot.com. I like her list a lot ! Believe it or not I had no clue what this is - so I had to "Google" it. I'm game to try but wonder if I know 7 others to tag! I am new to this blogging thing and don't really know 7 people personally who both blog and have not been tagged several times over. I guess I can try Sarah - she probably would not shoot me for tagging her again !

Here are the rules: Each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves. People who are tagged need to write on their own blog about their seven things, as well as these rules. You need to choose 7 people to get tagged and list their names. Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have been tagged and to read your blog!.

1. I used to sky dive.... and loved it !
2. I used to shoot tournament skeet.
3. I am Gemini - Pisces rising and Aries moon
4. I prefer to eat most vegetables raw or very undercooked.
5. I am phobic in my dislike of snakes and spiders (thankfully I prefer Jung to Freud!!)
6. I am blessed with some of the best friends anyone could hope to have in life.
7. I love a day when I can choose to do what I want - even if that means I choose to do nothing.

Now the hard part... 7 other folks to tag......
Kathy at zeeartstudio.blogspot.com
Sarah at sarahannsmith.blogspot.com
and.......
How about YOU - the next one to read this ! Help me out and meme !

Maternal Irish Bloodlines

I was always very close to my mother's side of the family. They were not only my blood line - they were my life line too. I suppose some would say our family is quirky - but they are the finest people in my world . I am very proud to have their blood in me - and proud of the lives they lived. Simple lives filled with family - tragedy as well as triumphs. Good as well as bad. We always manage to get through. The wonderful photo at the top is is my maternal grandmother. Her name was Thea Elizabeth Kavanaugh Ellery. Her mother's maiden name was Boyd, and Great Grandmother Boyd was an O'Malley. My grandmother was about 16 when this photo was taken in 1914. I think she is a knock out ! She had the long red hair that seems to be prolific in our heritage. My mother and her three brothers had it too - as I do. Thea was always my hero. We used to spend lazy Saturday nights together eating tuna sandwiches and Entenmens cake - and watching the Saturday night fights !! She was always there for me, always supportive of me and I miss her every single day day.

Below are a couple of other very early photos. On the right is my great grandmother Boyd - the photo taken in the late 1880's. My mother is below her as a little girl - such a little cutie ! My Grandmother and my Great Aunt Ellen (for whom my mother was named) are the babies in the middle photo. Thea is in the hat. That photo was taken circa 1899. The other photo is Thea about 1912 . Her look seemed so happy and carefree - and I suspect she was then!


The last photo below is my mom - a few years before she died. Yes, she is probably responsible for my feline fixation ! She had three in a New York City apartment ! The cat in the photo was named 'Haska' (after an artist friend of theirs named Ray Prohaska) and he was a marmalade kitty..another red head.

I don't think that that there are many perfect families - except in TV Land. We all get handed our shares of sorrows and issues to grapple with. None of us gets a free pass here in this life. We all, I believe, try to do the best we can at any given moment. Sometimes outsiders looking in might think that our 'best' is not good enough - but it is - for that moment - just right. We all share love and suffer loss. I would not be the person I am today without the love and strength imparted to me via the bloodlines of these remarkable women. I look forward to seeing them again one day - and hope they will still be there to show me the way home.

Mother was also one of my heros. She died at 46 when I was 21. I wish I had gotten to know her more as an adult, but am grateful for the years we did have. She was a best friend and the best mother she could be,

Spring Finally Arrives

I think Spring has finally arrived here in the Pacific Northwest. We are on our fourth day of sunshine. I think a lot of us are feeling giidy from the intake of vitiman D we are synthesizing !

Seriously, I hope it lasts for awhile ... it's glorious! The bees & the ants are busy enjoying the flowers that are finally making an appearance. I brought in my first fragrant vase of lilacs yesterday.

This is one of a pair of eagles who wait anxioulsy for their daily feast. They swoop & swing over the house when it's near feeding time. Their singing is sibilant ! A joy to hear. There is a flock of raucous crows that join them - I think they are amazing birds - brillant, dark feathers glisten in the sun . They can become quite strident with their demands. We also have two pairs of red tailed hawks who wait more patiently that the rest. They are my personal favorites - such a majesty about them. I like watching the pattern in their outstretched wings as they fly - reminds me of egyptian tomb paintings. I am dreaming of the cherries that will come from this blossoming tree too .... it's such a wonderful time of year ! Filled with the promise of Summer bounty. Meanwhile, Cleo too (last photo) is dreaming - her next adventure in catnip land!

Bowled Over : A Passion For Rounded Objects

I have a passion for rounded objects. Old bowls excite me and baskets can send me 'over the moon'. I like to make functional items - things to use and enjoy. Things to hold other things. After paging through the book "Textile Coil Pots And Baskets: Easy Ways With Fabric And Cord" by Helen Deighan - I knew I had to try making some. Of course that set me off on a tangent and I ended up making a series of beaded bowls. In the photo above, the one on the left was made from commercial fabric and the one on the right is hand painted with dye. Both have beaded rims and fused glass embellishments. I made a series of these wonderful, useful bowls.

Felted, knitted baskets are another fine obsession for me - and I tend to work in series - changing the pattern as I go. I don't think I would have started to knit either had it not been for Sarah's felted booties and for a book called "Pursenalities" by Eve Wiechmann. For some reason I had ordered the book from one or another book club and when I opened it the first thing I saw was a 'bubble' bag. Love at first sight! I made about 25 of these babies in all shapes and sizes and colors. I am especially fond of the odd boat shape . It's got
"character" !

My latest little series started with a pattern from www.justonemorerow.com. It's for a 'Victorian Pence Pouch' How could I resist?! The first photo below is from some ribbon yarn - and I follwed the instructions - well mostly. The photos after that one are of my derivatives. I seem to be unable to just let well enough alone ! By now you probably get the idea - I'm hunting for the next pattern that will feed my basket & bowl fetish !

Spindolyn: What a Cool Tool !

What is this odd looking thing? ! It is one cool little spinning tool ! I have not spun for more years than I care to admit. .. and that means 20 + years !! I decided that I wanted to give it a try again. We have a Samoyed and I wanted to see how his hair would spin. I looked for a used spinning wheel on line and I soon found that I could not afford one - even a used one was pricey ! I wish I had kept the one I had !

I borrowed this book from the library called , "Spin to Knit" . It has a chapter on Catherine Goodwin and her Spindolyn. It seemed like a good alternative to a drop spindle and I decided to order one.

It arrived today - and it's a little treasure. Easy to use - even for an "almost have never spun anything before" person like me. Yes, it will take some practice to perfect the yarn - but most anything worthwhile does I think. The web site has a great little video on how to use the 'Spindolyn' ..and it comes in a choice of finishes. Shipping was fast and the quality is great. If you have wondered about spinning but haven't known how to make a "baby step" in that direction this would be a great option -- IMHO.

If you are interested the website is:
www.knittinganyway.com
I have no affiliation - I just love cool tools that work ! Plus, I really am a gadget gal !