February Quiet

My days are so quiet right now, and I'm really enjoying the pre-spring peace of it all.  Crazy weather from sunny 60 degrees, to ice and snow in the teens.  Right before our last icy snow day, or wintry weather mix as the weather people call it, it went outside and took a few photos of new growth.

Snowdrops about ready to bloom.

And my lovely hellebores will be showing their color soon.

 There should be a nice full bloom from both our dogwoods out front.  White and pink.

I've had flowers on my mind and spent the last week making a new pillow.  I just sort of free hooked with no particular pattern mind.  My only plan had been to leave a nice bit of natural linen showing.

It looks sweet next to my old snowdrop pillow I made several years ago.

I also made a batch of posy pins.

These are really fun and fast to make.  I will be teaching two classes on various ways to make these later in March.

Yesterday I decided that I wanted to clean out my bookcase and dedicate a couple of shelves to my textiles and fiber art.  This is the case in the spare bedroom.

I took bags and totes I had made and stored away and put them out to see...I also have a few textiles out I purchased when in Guatemala last year.  I have a nice little library of textile books and publications that were scattered throughout the house and studio.  I grouped my favorites together on the shelf, and will donate rest to the library.  This sort of job is great when I'm between projects.  Perusing through my books keeps me inspired and dreaming about what comes next.  Well.... actually now that I look at this white bookcase, which is really quite large and painted with white chalk paint, wouldn't it be interesting to paint it multicolored with some stenciling?  I'll probably be out buying paint tomorrow.  No kidding......

A little February heart rock laying on a needle point piece I did at least 20 years ago.

Enjoying the quiet while it lasts.
xo
dulcy

Winter Means Make Something!

Brrrrrrr..... cold wet snowy icy.  We've had it all, but not nearly as bad as many other parts of the country.  Actually pretty typical January, one extreme to the other!  Perfect days to get in the studio and create.  

One project I've been working on is some triloom weaving.  I've been weaving a pretty melon cotton shawl for spring.

I think it will be just the right touch with a white tee shirt. Triloom weaving is so relaxing..... I love listening to podcasts or books while weaving.  Sometimes even a movie on Netflix!  

I've also been having fun with flowers.  I purchased the Raggedy Flower pattern from Primitive Spirit and spent an afternoon hooking pretty posies.  

It's fun to make them into little pins.  Directions for all of this comes with the pattern.
Here I have it pinned to my navy pea coat.  You can see a peek of a bag I needlepointed at least 20 years ago.  The pattern is from an old folk art needle point book by Mary Norden.  I've needlepointed several of her patterns..... not doing needlepoint these days, but who knows, may decide to give it a go again.

 I will soon be teaching a rug hooking class at Pheonas's.  Pheonas's is a CHARMING historical home turned into a shop and studio in Billings, Missouri.

Over the course of two classes we will hook and assemble this pretty pansy pillow.

We will meet Saturday February the 9th from 1:00-4:00 for hooking, and Saturday March 2nd at the same time for assembling.  All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary.  Great time of year to learn a new skill, or add some additional techniques to your rug hooking repertoire.

Hope you're warm and cozy.
xo
dulcy