Thank you for your kind messages and concern. Thank you for coming
back and reading. This fall (October) this blog will be 10 years old. I never
thought I would still be here after 10 years!
We almost did not have summer at all. We waited for the warm weather
all through June and July but it kept raining and raining... Then right before mid August, we had warm weather, summery warm weather for about 10 days or
so. The shortest summer ever! However, on forward, let us not dwell in the bad
weather any more, as it has been the topic of the conversation for the past
months.
Summer might come or it might not, but here is always fall. I mean there will always be cold weather,
north winds and rain, no matter what. It never fails. However, the good thing
is that wool is very good in those conditions; it can take up moisture without
feeling wet and those tiny air pockets will hold the cold outside. (Maybe the
wind is the problem here, but let us not think about it.) Thus, my thoughts
have been on my (cold) feet.
Every once in a while I need to pick up the sewing needle. Felted
surface is just perfect to sink into those tiny stitches. This pattern is my
own modification on all the slipper patterns I have seen. It is knitted with
5mm needles out of worsted weight wool and then felted in the washer. I
wanted the slipper to fit like a sock, I do not like the ones that will not
stay put and I am very happy with these. I am making another pair but something
came along and that slipper is on hold now... I am not sure just when I will
recover it from the box.
Small embroidery stitches always tempt me. I am not sure if you
still remember
the crocheted dogs I made quite a long time ago. The inspiration
came from Kirsti (Ravelry link)
and I had to try to make something similar but with my own motif.
Anyway, I made few dogs and then did not know how to continue from there. Then
another source of inspiration: Sue Spargo
and her whimsical quilts and beautiful hand stitching. She uses lots
of hand dyed wool and this has been a problem for me as I do not have softly
dyed wool felt stash to choose from (yet!). I have often wondered if I should
just knit tiny patches out of hand spun singles and felt them to get thin wool
but somehow the process feels so tiring that I have never got around doing it. Then
I remembered my dogs... Could I use them?
And I had to try. I am not sure if I
like the results, there is something there that I like very much and I am
thinking that if I focus on them for little more, I might actually develop this
idea or technique into something that I will like.
The first quote says something like "Do not judge the dog by
its hair". The expression on the face of the dog kept saying that to me
while I was making it, so I had to embroider that quote on top.
The other dog
seems much happier and mischievous somehow, and the quote refers to goat being the
guard for the cabbage patch and dog being a shoe polisher...
The shoe polisher
is not yet finished. The pictures are small, about 12" square.
I am not sure if I have seen patchwork/embroidery done like this
anywhere... So it is sort of, as if I came up with something different but
since most of everything is done somewhere, I am sure somebody somewhere has
done similar things.
What I love most about this project, is the fact that I used my own
handspun for some of the dog work and I could combine my love of wool and yarn
and fabric into the same project. I got to do little bit of everything I like.
Once I finish the second dog, I am not sure, if I call this done or
if there is something there to keep me going.
I have mixed feelings. Just have to wait and see.
Wool with you,
Lene
PS. The red cardigan hit the stall. I finished the neck and button
band, and there seems to be a problem with the other end of the button band. I
did not realize it before it was hanging... it does not hang nicely...so now I
am trying to gather energy to fix it. There is no way I could live with the way
it is now...
These doggy blocks are just lovely! I remember loving the dogs when you made them (I tried to make some & failed dismally. lol), and these are so much better! The slippers are gorgeous. I like the way you decorate even the most utilitarian objects you make.
ReplyDeleteI do remember the dogs :)
ReplyDeleteLast year I made felted slippers for the first time, and often wore them over handknit socks for the coziest feet in a snowy winter. I think someday I would like to make felted boots with soles that can go outdoors...have you done that (yet)?
Great dogs!
ReplyDeleteOnpa taas kivan näköisiä! Ja tuosta ideastahan saisit vaikka kirjan aikaiseksi... :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Fall Lene! How wonderful to see what you have been working on - I like the little dogs and their commentary. And the slippers look so warm and cozy - just ready for a winters day by the fire :)
ReplyDeleteFabulous dogs and I do remember them. Nice to see you blogging again.
ReplyDeleteOh my! The expression on that second dog's face. You can tell he just got away with something!
ReplyDeleteSo good to see you back again. Your work is so full of fun...whimsical and serious at the same time.
The dogs are so cute! It must be fun, when you are working on them, to see what personality emerges...I love shoe polisher, what a grin! And judgy looks like he needs a big hug. I have enjoyed visiting your site and seeing your projects, so unique, creative, fun, lovely!
ReplyDeleteWell we are so glad you are still here. Your art work brings such joy to my day.
ReplyDeleteI love your slippers! Please publish on Ravelry. They look quick to knit and cozy to wear.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the dogs are very cute!
DeleteFor years I visit your blog. Admirable! I love to see all the delightful things, you made. It's so inspiring, charming and fascinating :)
ReplyDeleteLene, those doggy patches are absolutely charming! I have been lured away from knitting over the last few weeks, doing cross stitch, and kept forgetting to check my favorite blogs. I'm looking forward to seeing what you end up with!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful work!!
ReplyDelete