Sunday, August 30, 2015

New fall



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...

14 comments:

  1. sandra20:06

    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.

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  2. I do remember the dogs :)
    Last 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)?

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  3. Onpa taas kivan näköisiä! Ja tuosta ideastahan saisit vaikka kirjan aikaiseksi... :)

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  4. Anonymous21:24

    Happy 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 :)

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  5. Fabulous dogs and I do remember them. Nice to see you blogging again.

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  6. Oh my! The expression on that second dog's face. You can tell he just got away with something!

    So good to see you back again. Your work is so full of fun...whimsical and serious at the same time.

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  7. Anonymous15:47

    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!

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  8. bettyfromtexas19:25

    Well we are so glad you are still here. Your art work brings such joy to my day.

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  9. I love your slippers! Please publish on Ravelry. They look quick to knit and cozy to wear.

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    Replies
    1. Also, the dogs are very cute!

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  10. For years I visit your blog. Admirable! I love to see all the delightful things, you made. It's so inspiring, charming and fascinating :)

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  11. Lene, 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!

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  12. Beautiful work!!

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