Trying Something New

For the last year or so, I've wanted to sign up for one of the basketry classes that is offered through our county. They have one each month, but I always seem to miss it. Either we're out of town, or I simply forget to sign up. This month, I decided to make it a priority. Now I finally have a basket made with my own two hands. I'm quite pleased with myself. LOL

I've done a lot of crafts in my life, but nothing quite like this. I'm used to working with materials that are soft like threads and fabric, or something completely rigid like glass. The stuff that you use for a basket is neither... and it tends to fight back just a bit. It takes some getting used to but is a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. And there is something to be said for the nearly-instant gratification. After just a few hours of work, you have an attractive and useful finished project. This is one of the best "instant gratification" crafts that I have ever found.



I made sure to pick up a complete class schedule before leaving. In addition to the classes affiliated with the county, there are others on a regular basis. The next class is in a couple of weeks. I'm pretty sure I'll be there. ;)

Some Finishes

Sometimes, not updating my blog has its advantages. In this case, I've been able to do some stitching in my "away" time. I even have some finishes to share!

My first finish is for a Christmas in July ornament exchange. The pattern is from an old JCS ornaments issue, but I can't remember which one. The 2003 edition, maybe? If I can find it again, I'll post the pattern details. At any rate, I thought this was a cute design for the occassion.



My next finish was Halloween's a Sudden Boo, a freebie by Barbara Ana. The pattern is available online at cybersttichers.com. There is supposed to be a verse at the bottom, but I decided to leave it off. It's hard to tell in this photo that the fabric is sparkly-- a limited edition from Silkweaver that I had in my stash.



Last, but not least, is another design that I found at Cyberstitchers. It's Kilim Motif, by Banu Demirel. It was a quick stitch-- started Monday evening and finished this morning. It's stitched on a 36 ct. hand-dyed fabric. I haven't decided yet whether to turn this into a needleroll, or if I'd rather have it in a frame.



I should get back to PIG, but at the moment I'm itching to start something new. I wonder what will win out?