Sunny

The weather has finally turned to summer in our parts. It was a perfect day to sit in the shade of the lilac tree and do some crafting. I am determined to finish this rug soonish! Reading flower books for good measure, too.
The red birds keep coming to the feeder. They are really shy so we all freeze when they arrive. They have taken to feeding each other - very sweet. Hopefully we will see babies.

Some new fabric for a new project. I just can't help myself.

Into the Blue

I am on the home stretch with the Rock Rug. I have moved into the blue. My mind has been wondering through some possible finishing ideas as far as binding or backing goes. It will be nice to wind this one up and get started on the next one! I have so many ideas, my journal is busting at the seams.

We took a family trip to the blue ocean on Sunday, too. It was so nice to hear the waves. I am itching for spring, like everyone. All along our walk I kept seeing little bits of string and cloth. I am always amazed at what I can find when I am paying attention.

Despite the cold we have been trying to get outside as much as possible. Kevin's broken foot is on the mend. The snow is so dry and hardened on top Eliot can run around on top without sinking. Here he is with the snow shoes he got for Christmas.

I am trying out some new rug warp. It is a heavier linen that I have been using. I will report once I start using.

And, as I have been updating the sidebar with birds visiting our feeder, I am not sure if you noticed a more unusual visitor. A Red Tailed Hawk has been hanging out in the tall trees around our house. I was adding birdseed about two weeks ago when I noticed red spots on the snow. I though maybe a squirrel had injured itself on the wire that we have the bird feeder hanging from. I didn't think much about it until I was up in my sewing room that overlooks the backyard when all of a sudden the hawk comes diving out of the sky and nearly catches a squirrel dashing for the bushes. We have noticed a major decline in our squirrel population.

Today we saw it in the giant pine in our neighbors yard and I managed to get a few shots as it flew off and was chased by a crow.

Ease In

I am trying to ease back into my blogging habit. I have been easing back into my crafting habit. I picked back up where I left off on the rock rug (I think it will be the Crescent Beach Rug once it is done). I have my big table facing towards the back yard so I can watch the snow and birds. I am motivated to get this one done. I'm aiming for the end of February to have it completed.
I went to a fabric sale at a church a few days ago. I picked up some fantastic fabric for a steal. I think they will be used in the next quilt I have in mind.

Another project in the works. I love the boats of Ann Wood so I thought I would make one for Eliot with my own creative touches. Here is the start. I have a feeling this project will keep being pushed to the side but it is fun to think about none the less.

So - I will try not to disappear for so long again. I have lots of pictures of the past few months to catch up on.

Slow Cloth

I have been slowly working on the rock rug this week. It is coming together smoothly but slowly, piece by piece. I usually carry it around in a basket to bring here and there to work on it but it is finally outgrown it. I am happy with how the blanket has turned into 'sand' - there are some minor color variations that have given the white sections more depth. As we feel fall slowly approaching around here (some trees have already turned!) I will keep slowly working on this.

The feather project is coming along too - I worked on it a lot last weekend. I will take some pictures soon to share.

And of course - Happy Birthday to my crazy Husband.

Vacation II

More vacation pictures....

The sunsets were so beautiful they lit up even the simplest things and turned them into photographic subjects.

Crafting with the kids. It was so rewarding to pass on the rug making techniques I have been working on to an enthusiastic listener. I am putting together a little kit for her and her mom to work on.

Can't beat this location for making things.

The kids did so well over the week. This sums up the energy and excitement of it all.

Wrapping up the week with a fire on the beach and as many s'mores as you could eat.

Rocks

The only evidence we have of our trip to the beach last weekend. Another circle rock and a very sandy floor.

I have been putting the rocks for the rug out on the floor to try and find an arrangement I like. The wool blanket has been cut up and I am trying to decide how I want to piece the sand together. I certainly need a bigger craft table - I am aiming for the final size of about 4X5 feet.

Progress

This was a good day for rug progress. I found this wool blanket at the thrift store in the perfect off white color for the sand in between the beach rocks for the rug. I washed it and am going to start cutting out strips.

Throughout the process of this rug I have been going back to my first drawings of the idea. I always refer to my journals to remind me where I am going. Ideas always change during the process but I like keeping a record while I move along. The journal helps me keep my ideas all in one place. I have never been particularly good at drawing but I can always recall the image in my mind when I look at my rudimentary sketches.

Beach Rug

I am working on a new rug. I have given the other beaded wool rug a rest until I decide how I want to put it together. This new rug idea came from my attraction to rocks with rings around them. Living by the ocean, I have amassed a collection. I like how rocks become arranged at the beach between the tide and the soft sand and then slope up to the dunes. Kevin has also painted several scenes of river stones that are around our house and, no doubt, were an influence as well.

This technique is called standing wool. It allows for more free shapes and pictoral patterns. I am really enjoying the process of putting this one together.

I have also started working on an ebook about this and the beaded wool rug techniques. It will be full of pictures and detailed instructions. If anyone is interested in trading editing for a copy let me know!