3 knitting sisters

Woven Rag Rugs - I Cut Strips out of A Piece of Upholstry Fabric

2014-02-05T08:41:00.002-05:00

I saw this fabric in a box and decided to cut a strip of it and try weaving it on my rug loom. It looked fantastic.

So I cut a few more strips, wove them in and soon I was cutting 10 or 12 strips at a time, walking to the loom, weaving them in. It took no time to make this 24" x 44" rug. Of course the time consuming process of dressing (warping) my loom is not mentioned here.

The colors on these photos changes because of lighting in my loom room.

So I'd call the colors beige, light coral and gray.

My starter weft threads are toilet paper strips, that's the white in the foreground (bottom) of picture.

Great side view of item still on the loom.

A work in progress, once I complete the fringe process I'll get a photo of the finished project.

I do Crochet. Baby Christening Gown from YouTube Video.

2012-11-12T20:36:00.000-05:00

It was a Christening. I was asked to make her gown and hat. There will be better pictures. Here's the dress. It was 34" long, and size 9 months to 12 months.

Crochet Christening Dress for Baby Girl

I made the entire dress from a YouTube video.

Here's my finished piece.

And here's our sweet granddaughter in her dress and hat.

The hat can be gathered by a ribbon and has the slightest brim in front. The dress has a ribbon around the bodice, and can be gathered if needed. I'll post other pictures as they are received. She was perplexed by all the excitement at church. She's almost 7 months here.

My Union Loom 36 and My First Rug

2012-10-20T09:54:00.002-04:00

When I was given this Union Loom 36 I had no idea I would be able to leave the warp on the loom and weave more than one rug. I was used to dressing the loom for one specific piece and having to start the dressing process again after that piece was removed.

Strands of warp thread moving through the heddles (needles) and then through the reed are each individually warped to a board at the back. I warped 20 yards for this project, and proabably used 2 MAX!! The finished rug is 26" by 50" about a 2' by 4' rug with short fringe.

I couldn't for the life of me figure out what these loops of fabric were made from, until I did a ton of research on rag rugs online. Finally I realized that it is mostly socks, cut in strips making loops. Maybe some shirts and some robe sleeves, because there seems to be a lot of chenille wrapped into this ball of scraps.

Below is a picture of the finished rug that I gifted the people who gave me the loom.

Frankie and Rebekah's rug by the door.

You can see the warp threads in the rug and going through the reed and behind that the heddles in this photo

Boo the Min Pin Puppy

2012-09-30T22:44:00.000-04:00

Boo, our 45th wedding anniversary gift to ourselves. She has on a "felted" cashmere sweater sleeve, with little holes cut on the sides for her legs. She is so cold in the mornings, she lays in the sun in her sweater, on her blanket. Too funny how many little habits she has already.

To the left is a picture of her the first week we had her, that is a 12" tile in a back yard.

And below is a picture of her with another felted wool sweater sleeve, the rounded section down her back is the upper sleeve where it sets in at the shoulders. I just hold it up to her tummy to determine where to cut holes for the sleeves. A felted wool sweater cuts without fraying. She practically climbs into her sweater in the mornings, she's shaking so bad on her first AM outings.

A Collection of Free On-Line Knitting Patterns

2012-09-22T09:24:00.002-04:00

I've collected several FREE on-line knitting patterns and written about the results with lots of pictures in this article.

Read a review of patterns I've used.
View pictures of many items I've made.
Find resources for FREE patterns.
Discover step-by-step YouTube videos
Bonus pattern included

When you go to the article, please click on LIKE if you like it, as I'm rated for the quality of the article by the number of LIKES I get and a half-dozen other reasons.

You can write original content on Squidoo, too.

I got started writing on Squidoo in April 2011. I have 77 articles that are published. I started with a "bucket-list" of topics that I hoped to complete in my lifetime, I've accomplished many. My goal is to have 100 articles by the end of 2012. Several have a knitting theme, but most are about life and experiences along the journey.

2012-09-05T20:28:00.002-04:00

I recent took this picture of an older home in Indianapolis. It reminded me so much of my childhood home, I got carried away with thoughts, memories, and tons of nostalgia. So, I took several pictures on the block of homes that age, remodeled. Beautiful city block.

I'm currently writing an article about these homes on Squidoo.

Purse Straps - Handles for Knit Felt Purses

2012-09-04T16:32:00.001-04:00

Today I had an inquiry on options to attach straps to purses. I guess I didn't realize how many methods I've used in my purse designs. I've listed several here with pictures. Let me know if you have any questions.

This is the most common way to add an i-cord to a purse. After the base is knit and felt, punching holes in the fabric and adding an i-cord strap. See my video of making an i-cord here.

In the Coral stripe bag, the strap is attached by sewing belt buckles to each side attaching the middle bar of the belt buckle to the purse anchoring it, then running the handle through each belt buckle and poking a hole in the flat felted knit/purl strap, made from the same yarn as the bag. I believe this was a 9 stitch, knit 2 - knit RS and purl WS - Knit 2 pattern for the strap, to avoid curling.

I called this bag Camo because of the distinct browns and tans I used in the design. The strap was sewn directly to the purse just folding over the ends and attaching to the outside edges. It was handwoven on a loom using the same yarns as in the bag itself. But this strap was not felted after woven. When you enlarge the picture you can see detail better.

I used macrame to tie half knots in leather strapping for this shell shape bag. Then I punched holes in either side of the opening and slipped the strap through, a larger knot on the inside holds it in place.

Another handwoven strap added after the piece was felted. The closure strap is also handwoven and added later, I sewed it to the back and let it hang as a closure to the front. The straps are attached with closed rings. I designed a larger flap on either side of the felted bag to attach at the bottom of each ring by folding over from outside - in, then sewing in place with matching yarn. The handwoven strap was sewn by wrapping it around the top of each ring in the same manner as the tabs on the sides.

This has a similar strap to the one above only I left a fringe on the handwoven strap, so I threaded the strap through rings on both sides and sewed the straps in place so that the fringe decorated the sides of the bag, matching the closure.

Last but not least, I've designed a pattern for this bag which has the strap built-in, when the piece is felted the bag is finished!! Here's another view, and a link to the pattern.

THE KNIT PATTERN FOR THIS PURSE

Embellish your purse. That's the topic of this published article on-line.

I read this the other day and decided I'd like to quote it: Earth without ART is just "eh." Get creative!!

Furoshiki 1 Basic knot & Wrapping

2012-08-27T13:06:00.001-04:00

Furoshiki - Purse

2012-08-27T12:54:00.001-04:00

Posting from my iPhone.

2012-04-02T19:39:00.001-04:00

I started making furoshiki purses. Here are a few photos.

Knit felt baby booties from Baby Drops.

2012-02-26T17:04:00.001-05:00

I found the cutest pattern for baby booties. I was on a hunt for some "simple" baby booties I could knit or crochet, because for some reason my fingers rebel when I start making tiny pieces. Oh my goodness, I found a pattern to knit and felt these. (Yes Jenn, a boy or girl 0-6 months could wear these.)

Enjoy the progression from knit to felt in photos:

I placed the finished piece on a magazine so you could see the size of the item before felting.

Here's the link to the FREE online pattern.

This is what I call "shrinking on purpose." Too fun. The soles are 3.25" long. That's baby shoe size 0 to 1.5 (yeah!) 0 to 3 months - but getting them wet and stretching them they may go as big as 4". So cute.

Buy the knit felt handbag pattern at 80% off on Etsy.

2012-02-26T14:59:00.000-05:00

I'm so honored to be the 1st ever Spotlight interview at Squidoo, for their So Crafty on-line magazine.

A few years ago, I set a goal to get published.

Yes, I was published once in a weekly magazine, called the Pentecostal Evangel. A copy of that article can be found here.

So, today, because I not only have several articles published on Squidoo, but also because the article that launched me into the "spotlight" is about knitting and felting purses, I have offered my $4.99 pattern for these purses on Etsy for $.99, when you mention Squidoo in the comments at checkout.

That's an 80% savings!

This pattern is for sale on Etsy for $4.99. Step-by-step knit and felt handbag.

Get 80% off the Etsy price by mentioning Squidoo in your order.

I you would like to receive this .pdf pattern for $.99 to print and keep, order below. When you checkout, there is a comment section. Tell me you found it on Squidoo and I'll refund $4.00 when I email the pattern for your use.

PATTERN for the Glistening Starry Sling Knit Felt Bag | Price: $5

This is a pattern. I will email the .pdf file to you once I receive your payment. I'll send a test email to make sure your email does not reject... ORDER HERE

Remember the code for your $4.00 refund is SQUIDOO. Just say you found me on Squidoo in the comment when you checkout.

I'll email your pattern once I see the payment. I'll refund you which happens as soon as I see the order, then the .pdf is yours.

If you can knit you can make these purses. Step-by-Step how to knit and felt a purse

If you cannot knit, there are amazing online videos at knithelp.com and on YouTube that teach you to knit.

Social media and me, a plain ordinary knitting grandma.

2012-02-23T11:50:00.000-05:00

Funny, strange, weird, normal, I don't know how to categorize myself.

I have gotten so enmeshed with social media and search engines. I actually have earned nearly $100 recently just from Amazon sales and Ads that run on my articles.

It is exciting to know that out of millions of blogs and online articles, spouting their expertise on everything from homemade doggie treats to how to grow Kentucky blue grass, I've made a small mark.

It all started with this blog here on Blogspot. I learned how to write online, learned some HTML, experimented with adding modules, included interested readers inviting them to "follow" my posts, and have met a lot of interesting people that I now follow. This blog is "connected" or backlinked to several web pages.

A LIST OF SOME OF THE PLACES YOU'LL FIND ME ONLINE:

Pinterest: Judy Cockrum

Zazzle: bikerministry

Etsy: BigSis2

Amazon

iTunes

Squidoo: bikerministry

Blogspot: 3 knitting sisters

Facebook: Judy Cockrum

Twitter: Bikerministry

Linkedin: Judy Cockrum

Zulilly

Ravelry: jcockrum

A year ago I discovered Squidoo, the place to write articles online, each article, called a lens, is a stand alone blog. I now have 66 of them.

Many of the lenses I write are related to my knitting and felting, but other topics include my faith, my life story, our travels and various assorted interesting topics.

Please feel free to go to this link and see where I've been since April 2011. And if you choose to join me on Squidoo, I'd so appreciate it if you would use this link to join. It's free, and you have a personal coach that steps you through the entire process, writing online.

Click here to see some of my great articles I've created over the last 10 months.

USE THIS LINK TO START WRITING ON SQUIDOO

My latest lens has many photos or watercolors I've painted with scripture quotes. Here are a few samples just in time for Easter.

"Designer Handbags - Accessories for Winter" is in a contest.

2011-12-31T10:29:00.002-05:00

I write on Squidoo quite frequently. I wrote this article, "Designer Handbags - Accessories for Winter." in 2011 and now it's up for top 11 of 2011 on Squidoo.

Last year I wrote and published 62 articles on Squidoo. It is a free platform for writing honest content, and building an on-line presence. I have had a blast with this fine group of writers.

TODAY ONLY Saturday, December 31, 2011 until Midnight Eastern Time, my article (called a lens) is up for nomination to be one of the TOP 11 Lenses of 2011. Right now, 10:12 AM Saturday, 12/31/2011, it is #1.

VOTE HERE

If you go to this link you can vote too: The voting has been going on a few days, so the page is quite cluttered with comments. Here's a picture of what you're looking for.

At the top of the page is a display of photos of the 100 top contenders. 20 rows of 5 each. My article is represented in the photo of a handbag on the 2nd row, 4th from right.

Under all these pictures is the list of 100 contenders to vote for, Mine is "Designer Handbags ... Accessories for Winter," the 9th one down on the list.

Below the list of contenders is a collection of comments from readers.

If you're up to voting for my article I'd sure appreciate it. I enjoy writing, and hopefully others enjoy reading what I write.

Thank you readers.

Had to add a picture of a purse I made before felting, then a picture after the felting process. Too fun. The finished product always surprises me. This one is still on sale on Etsy.

Sold my Pattern on Etsy.

2011-12-23T17:47:00.000-05:00

Peggy Giza bought my knit felt pattern on Etsy, and here is a picture of her finished project.

This makes me pretty proud. 4 years of knitting, felting and now documenting the process, and I published a few of my patterns. This one is for sale on my Etsy store, and Peggy of FELT GARDEN scooped up my pattern, knit then felted her own version and sent me this picture. She modified the bag (to her own liking) and sent me these modifications:

The only modification was to the handle tabs put handle stitches on a stitch holder and first row knit one and then SSK and then to last three stitches K2tog and knit last stitch, Purl next row and repeat row 1 and 2 until 6 stitches ...next row Knit 2 and K2tog and then Knit 2. for 5 stitches...then knitted stockinet for a few rows...maybe six or so...then bind off and when felted add handle and sew to inside.

I also use a sew in snap that I get here or Etsy too...the acorns and leaves are my pattern...the bee is something I try to add to all of my bags if appropriate...also inside my bags I sew in a button that says Felt Garden(also ordered from a vendor here on etsy as my bag signature.

I make a purse bottom from prestofelt and plastic needlepoint backing...invented by my hubby... and it works great as a purse. bottom...I have learned a lot but have made hundreds of bags well maybe only 2 or 3 hundred... L I am going to check out your blog I am not as computer tuned in as you...if someone wants to buy a bag...let me know ... email her at feltgarden@gmail.com

Thank you miss Peggy. I'm so honored,

Judy

Here's a photo of the bag I made. Click on the link to see the article about making these purses.

Here's a link to my Etsy store, for purses or the pattern.

Kntting baby items.

2011-12-01T19:53:00.002-05:00

I found patterns for those cute little baby props being used for newborn photos. There are sweet little cocoons, hammocks, oversized hats, knit diaper covers, etc. I'm thinking I need to make several of each, in pastels and naturals for the ladies I know who love to take baby photos.

The store where I purchased these patterns on Etsy has some of the best photos to go along with the patterns, so here's the link to her page and a few sample items:

Cocoon

PeaPod

Hammock

Long Tail Hat

I have Angie, the designer's, permission to use her photos. Go see her work at http://www.etsy.com/shop/4asong.

Here I go a new adventure, and a new Grandbaby on the way ... life is full of blessings.

My Etsy store had a sale!

2011-11-24T08:24:00.001-05:00

Today is Thanksgiving 2011. I'm so thankful for family. I hope to spend time with them today. I glad we have the opportunity to pause and catch up on a day like today each year.

I re-opened my Etsy shop a few weeks ago and have already sold an item.

Well, I sold a neck gator. It was an alpaca knit neck gator that was made in one long piece, then knotted, then seamed. So the knot is always there, but there are several ways to tie it, and wear it.

It can be a neck gator for warmth, the knot loosened up against your neck or tightened very snug and worn as a fiber necklace, or again loosened somewhat and worn as an ear warmer. It is also great for kids, because it's adjustable.

Here's a pic of the one I sold. I have more listed out there.

You'll see tags with photos hanging on some of my items, I use my Mini-Moo business cards for price tags at sales that I attend when I display my items. The mini business cards are from Moo.com

Get your own Mini-Moos here: MINI-MOOS

Today is a Memorial for our friend and Pastor, Herb Hull

2011-11-18T07:59:00.001-05:00

A Tribute to Pastor Herb Hull

Before we wandered into Bloomington First Assembly July 1978, Russ knew him as “the preacher who told corny jokes.” Pastor Herb regularly brought church ads to the local newspaper,where Russ was a photographer.

When we attended the church the first time Pastor Herb and Norma were on vacation. Our next visit Russ and Pastor Herb saw each other in the church basement before service and both said to each other, at the same time, “What are you doing here.” Oh I see that giant smile with his head tipped back as I remember this meeting in the hall.

He had known Russ as the shaggy hippie photographer at the newspaper. Before this encounter, Russ had come home and told me on occasion, “If I ever get the urge to go to church, I’d like to look up that pastor that tells the corny jokes.”

Our first Sunday night in that church, we dropped to our knees at the altar. God placed a godly man and his wife in our lives at a time when our marriage had all but dissolved. Hung-over and addicted, still extremely rough around the edges, we were accepted as family with no condemnation.

HE MENTORED US AND LOVED US LIKE FAMILY

Unconditional love was demonstrated continually. Conviction tugged on us as we were embraced by the sincere teachings, 3 point sermons with illustrations that make you shake your head, roll your eyes, nod or laugh out loud.

With Pastor Herb Hull at the helm, Sunday nights were packed with worship, ministry and altar time, but the after church event, back at the Hull household, was ice cream and a ballgame on T.V. Don, David and Dale adopted our two sons, Jim and Ken as if they were younger brothers. Off they went to the basement or outside to the basketball goal, while we sat at the kitchen table and soaked up every possible nugget of wisdom from Pastor Herb and Norma, all wrapped around a snack and a lot of jokes.

I believe Russ stopped by the church almost daily after our salvation, offering to help around the church and gleaning from Pastor’s wisdom by asking questions about the scriptures. Pastor Herb trusted him as usher, encouraged him to help with the nursing home Sunday school class, let him assist with the youth, and had him play his guitar and sing from the platform on the night of praise.

We lived about 14 miles from the church, out in the country. Our first winter, about 4 months after we came to the church, we had a very bad snow. We arrived at church on time, but no one was there. The church had been cancelled. There was a lot of teasing over this. Pastor said he’d never cancel again.

Pastor loved “dinners of 8.” We had the distinct honor of having Pastor and Norma in our group in our new home. He never stopped talking about the egg rolls I made, I don’t really think they were that good, but he was impressed.

PASTOR RESIGNS

I remember most Sunday evenings ending with “Victory in Jesus.” I smile anytime I think of that sweet smile on my Pastor’s face, as he was belting out each word, with a confidence that captured believer’s hearts and convinced sinners. “And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the Victory.”

14 months later, when they announced from the pulpit that they were taking a church in Oklahoma, I cannot remember ever crying that hard in a public place. I’ll admit, I got selfish and angry.

I made an appointment with Norma for one day that next week, with full intention of convincing her and Pastor Herb to stay. She had me come over to the house. When I arrived she led me straight upstairs where she was in the middle of packing boxes in one of the boy’s bedrooms. She got down on her hands and knees crawling around the bed, feeling under it for a shoe, missing from a pair, and gave me a living illustration of life in a pastor’s home.

Then she sat on the bed and looked at me and said something like, “We love these people here and they love us, but Pastor Herb knows he’s supposed to go to this new church, and I made a commitment a long time ago that I would go where he is called, he doesn’t need a wife that holds back and gives him grief.”

Enough said. Norma isn’t quick to hug and show emotion, so when we got a little weepy together that day, and I got a hug from her, I knew the move was inevitable and knew what I had to do.

I purposely used Norma and Pastor Herb as my example, made a new commitment to follow Russ’s calling where ever that would lead. We sold our house and left 2 months later for Bible College stepping into our first ministry 18 months after meeting Pastor Herb and Norma. They led us to Jesus, taught us the love of the Father, and demonstrated a Spirit filled life. They have been friends and mentors 33 years.

EVERY DECISION AND MILESTONE FILTERED THROUGH HERB

Through the years, every milestone, and every ministry decision has been made with their council, recommendations and full support. Pastor Herb is closer than a brother.

He considered His faith serious business, but walked it out demonstrating his belief that life was meant to be fun. He loved to tell stories to make a point. He was a joy in the pulpit and on a personal level. We knew we had an open invitation at the Hull-i-day Inn and stopping through has always been a highlight of our trip.

This tribute wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the pain he endured through the years. None of us know why he suffered so, but I’m certain he found a way to make peace with His Lord and his suffering. Pastor Herb was like that.

Pastor Herb, we love you and hope you know that without you, your sweet family, and your godly example, we truly don’t want to imagine where our family could be today.

Norma, we love you and your sweet family and hope to be support and encouragement in your time of loss and readjustment with out this wonderful man in you daily life. You have our prayers.

My knitting and handbags are finally back on Etsy.

2011-11-15T20:52:00.000-05:00

It's been several months since my shop's been opened. Now I have several items listed. I continue to make purses, and I've started making "frinji" scarves. After this weekend's craft fair I'll be listing many arm warmers, fingerless gloves, and scarves. I'm also about to fire up my hubby's Etsy page, http://www.etsy.com/thestonescryout which will have his jewelry, sterling silver and semi-precious gemstones.

Here are a few pictures of some items I'll be listing when I open his shop.

I'm so proud of his work. Can't wait to get them sized and listed. He has a new design for opal rings that it incredible. You'll be amazed. It's stylish, it's sterling silver, it's adjustable.

Sell-a-Bration Report

2011-11-08T21:21:00.002-05:00

I've never sold that much at any given sale.

I sold purses, several. I sold fringe scarves, made from stash yarns. Arm warmers, wristers and recycled sweaters made into a variety of gloves, sleeves and boot toppers. On top of all that the hubby sold a ring, two giant safety pins and a copper bracelet - all his design.

What a great sale. Made enough money to support my knit - felt habit. This little item is for sale on my Etsy store: etsy.com my store BIGSIS2

The Sell-a-Bration was the Women's Conference for Indiana District Assemblies of God and my sister and I set up our creations for sale during the 2 day event. Met some great new friends.

Pink and Gray, Celery and Grape, and a muted Teal and Gray

2011-10-25T16:03:00.000-04:00

All three of these purses were made with the same pattern, just embellished differently or finished differently, i.e., shorter bag, taller bag, longer strap, wider stripe, wider base, more colors mixed, etc.

THE NAME THE BAG CONTEST ENDS IN 5 DAYS!!!!

You can make one of these bags if you have wool yarn and know how to knit. Trust me the pattern is very details. Win a free kit by naming the bag and winning the most votes on the link above.

NAME THIS BAG CONTEST - named Glistening Starry Sling

2011-09-14T20:04:00.003-04:00

I've written the pattern (free form) in this article.

See pictures, step-by-step instructions and the contest on this link.

I'm currently finishing the 4th bag testing my pattern. It's nearly ready for publication. Bookmark this page if you'd like to follow the progress of the contest.

Knit and Felt this Bag

2011-09-05T21:35:00.002-04:00

This knit felt bag is my design.

I've knit and felted bags for a few years now. I'm always trying to do the handles in a unique way.

Below is a picture of the bag before felting.

The basic design is:

Knit a rectangle, pick up stitches in the two short sides and the cast on side, then knit in the round working bottom up to shape the bag.

Decrease the front and back evenly, 2 or 3 times to bring the shape in on the sides. (Don't decrease the stitches preserved for the straps.

The strap is knit from one side full length the sewn with Kitchener stitch to the reserved stitches on the other side of the bag. The flap is knit on right side, purl on the wrong side and decreased on edges for the rounded effect.

See full pattern here

This is the brown and tan bag before felting.

I knit a Gray and Pink bag using the same pattern to make sure I'm able to repeat the process.

Gray and Pink before felting.

This link is all about my knitting in a published article. Please LIKE it at the top left if you "like" it.

Where have I been?

2011-07-28T19:44:00.000-04:00

The last year was a whirlwind. I can't believe it's the end of July already. In June of 2010 I accepted the HUGE honor of Chairman of the Board for Run For The Wall, a motorcycle ride from Los Angeles to Washington D.C.

It was only after serving as Secretary for 4 years, and riding the event 8 years, that I would have been considered as the first lady Chairperson. It was pretty routine for me really, but we had 3 new Board Members (out of 7) and 2 others who were new the year before. So with the President called away much of the year with his job, I mean out of the country called away, I was stand in President, trainer, historian, research and development, blah, blah, blah. Huge honor, tons of work.

Spending some of nearly every day working on the web page, the newsletter, correspondence or phone calls, I was covered up - learned so much about the Run, people's expectations, and my respect for the men and women who volunteer for this organization increased.

Now at the end of June I've stepped down, completing my term(s). I can knit again while riding in the truck or camping at motorcycle events, I can write again, evenings once we're settled in, I can think about something besides RFTW. I miss it - don't get me wrong, but I feel a great sense of creativity coming on!! The same scarf is on my weaving loom since January ... it will be completed next month. I've packed enough wool yarn to make at least 6 purses while we're on the road the next 3 weeks.

I'm fired up about something new I'm doing also.

I'm writing on SQUIDOO. It's a free web page that allows you to add features called "modules" to your topics, giving people the opportunity to comment, purchase items of interest - it's kind of a glorified blog. I've written 38 topics and have achieved several levels, and earned awards. It's' very fulfilling. Writing is definitely one of my passions, and I've already got a great start.

If you're interested, here's the link to my knitting Squidoo "Lens" DESIGNER BAGS KNIT & FELT

From there you can read my bio or visit my other "Lenses"

On Squidoo people design web-pages called LENSES or articles looking into specific topics.

Enjoy!

It is seriously time to get serious

2011-07-28T07:48:00.000-04:00

If I'm going to have anything to put on the display tables at this fall's art and craft, fiber art fairs, I'm going to have to get over this "creative slump" and start knitting and felting.

I cannot sell "works-in-progress."

So, as I pack for a 3 week trip - I include a basket full of wool yarns, and embellishing yarns - don't know what colors I'll need, because I cannot be inspired ahead of time ... who can?

Here I go - I'm going to try to make at least 6 purses this next 3 weeks.

Only delay - using my wrist - I was stung by a wasp yesterday and have a stiff left wrist. Ibuprofen and ice on the ready!

I have a few large bags ready for sale, one needs to be lined, one needs handles and lining, one and about 5 small bags ready - Large bags will go for $125.00 and smaller for $80.00 this year. No more Mrs. nice lady, cause, these things are a lot of work and love!!