Slowly back in the groove

 Wow, this has been a really busy week.  My DH had back surgery on Wednesday, everything went well.  He went into the surgery thinking that he would have to have a fusion, thankfully he didn't have to have a fusion.  Overall he is doing well.  I took three days off to help him out, and he really hasn't needed that much help which meant that I could get a few things done that I wanted to.  I did some wool dyeing.  Love the reds that I came up with.  I also had time to get  my etsy shop up and running, I only have a couple of items on it, but check it out, Pig in a Blanket Wools.

Also did some mustards, or golds.  Love the plaid one!!

I have also started working on a penny rug, this is my first penny rug.  I was inspired by seeing the one that Sarah was making last week at Thimbles and I thought I can do that.  I have plenty of little wool pieces and I really like doing this.  I think I might make some coasters like this later.  I really just like putting all of the wool together and seeing what color combinations I can come up with.  This is a Primitive Gatherings pattern, don't remember the name of it but you could find it on their website. 

Wooly pocket finish



Pocket Full of Posies



While in Ellijay for Pat's retreat one of our projects was this cute wool bag,  when I first saw the pattern I knew I would definitely make it.  This would be the perfect pattern to use some of my hand dyed wools.  The applique flowers worked up really quickly, but I couldn't finish it at the retreat because I didn't take the right kind of interfacing with me.  Of course when I came back I put it to the side with the intention of finishing it the next week, well that didn't happen.  I finally finished mine last night.

Here is my version of the Pocket Full of Posies bag.  There is also a needle keep included in the pattern, haven't made it yet.  I plan on using this for some of my smaller sewing projects.  If you are interested in the pattern you can get it from Silver Thimble Quilt Co.or from Fat Quarter Shop.  You can also check out my etsy shop for a kit to make the bag.  You can purchase it in different color ways. 

New wools

I have been at it again and having a great time doing so.  This wool dyeing is a lot of fun!  I have  a  new logo that is much improved over my old one. (you can see my Pig in a blanket to the left)  After some trial and error with different types of fabric I have determined what dyes best and what to stay away from.  I have listed lots of new wools  on my etsy shop.  I hope to have some more spring colors available after Christmas. 

Country blues 4 9x12 pieces

Iris, 4 9 x 12 pieces

Mint, 4 9x12 pieces

Sunshine yellow textures 4 9x 12 pieces. 

Chilly, my first wool project

I don't know why I am just now discovering the joys of working with wool applique.  I have friends that have done this for years, I always thought it was beautiful just had no desire to do any.  Until now!!  I am so getting into this, even dyeing my own wool.  ( and selling some too!!).  While in Houston a couple of weeks ago, I found this wonderful book that had some great projects, both wool and other.  I really want to make the quilt shown on the front, but decided to start with a wool project.  I decided on the door hanger, called Chilly. 

Here is the background with my basic snowman.

Here is the finished product.  I did make a couple of changes, the pattern has the year on the tree to the left and black dots instead of buttons for ornaments.  I decided that I didn't want the year, and to use purple buttons to match the band on his hat.  Can't wait to ge this sewn up and on the door.  If you are interested in a kit for this project check out my etsy store.  Here is the link:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/114307069/wool-applique-kit-for-chilly    (The  kit  has the wool to make the pattern as it is in the book.) 






The back has a snowman too!!

Here is the pattern from the book.

New Project

New Project???  Like a I really need one.  I haven't been doing much sewing recently for lots of reasons, work, visiting my mom, having my MIL visit me, sinus infection, and my new project.  A couple of months ago, I decided that dyeing wool would probably be a lot of fun.  Big Mistake, it is too much fun.  I started out  buying skirts at the Salvation Army, I always go on Wednesday since that is 1/2 price day for clothes.  It is amazing the wool skirts I have found, one skirt had over a yard in one piece, all you have to do is be willing to cut them apart and felt them.  Then I decided to branch out and actually buy a piece of off white wool at JoAnn's with a coupon. 

My next stop was Big Lots to buy some canning jars, yes canning jars.  ( The first batch I dyed was with Koolaide, I have now moved on to "real dye".  When you use the canning jars you are able to dye a range of colors. 

I felt like a mad scientist.  I had already dyed some yellows with Koolaide, but wanted to try real dye.  I really like the way they turned out.  The only thing I will do differently with the next batch is try to make the colors vary a little more.  Some of the yellows were very similar.  I am getting so into this that I am setting up my own etsy shop.  Watch for more details.