Let's Talk Fibers!

Let's talk fibers--not grains or fibers that build bulk in your body but fibers that clothe your body!  We must begin with fibers before we can even think about anything else--this day was our spinners gathering for November.  I was happy to be back in the group after a long absence........spinning away, getting that touchy, feely satisfaction once again.  We met at Penny's studio Sky Loom Weavers and it was just a delightful day to be out in the country.  The skies were clear, temperature was on the fall side (for a change); our Texas fall foliage was in bright array!

About a walk around Penny's studio--hanging at her windows are hand woven panels--couldn't ask for a better view

She is threading her loom with wool for commissioned blanket.

And look at these fibers--a new way to present wool fibers--punis, used most often with cotton

and a wonderful basket of dyed mohair locks

And look at this assortment of handspun yarns, all from the hands of Penny for her sales.

Let's begin our show and tell portion of the gathering.............. 

First up is Rosemary, showing off her hand ginned colored cotton

some cotton bolls are still intact

Rosemary also bought this selection of wool punis at Michigan fiber event this summer

She has decided to ply these two fibers together for a future woven item

Some sparkle in the red one

Kate had taken a felting workshop recently and presented her book covers

She plans to make individual books for her grandkids--lucky kids!

Louise was showing off her fancy hand knit socks--although not handspun, they are definitely made of fiber!

She was spinning this luscious yummy wool blend--she likes it so much, she had to buy more from Penny's stash!

Lovely bobbins of singles

Penny had purchased this hemp product earlier in the summer--it certainly has an earthy smell

It will take a little more processing before it is spin able--all fibers are good--even if more processing is involved.

Fibers are OUR main stay of life!

Wrapped in Love!

It is time for quarterly Expatchers' birthday party! It is not just a time for us to gather and celebrate another year older, but it is also our time to celebrate our love of being together; of sharing our love for others.

A delicious cake to top off a great lunch! and then it is time to 'show-off' our undertakings

Linda presents her recently quilted (by Sandy) blue/white--

This starry quilt will be wrapping around her daughter soon

detail of Sandy's quilting skills

Karen had this delightful child's quilt to show-off

a panel for the center but look at the wonderful checkerboard borders..

and with a minki backing, Karen's grandchild will feel not only warmth but love of grandmother's hands. 

TEXAS FURNITURE MAKERS SHOW

Texas Furniture Maker Show presented their finest work in this 14th year at Kerr Arts & Cultural Center in Kerrville, Texas.  What a show!  How can you not love the art of furniture making with the most interesting of materials--natural wood!?

 

This is the headboard for bed--

 

Love, love this hutch!

 

Lots of inlay with turquoise

 

There were also some 'quirky' pieces, like this wall hanging

 

 

 

and this giant clothespin!

 

overview of the showroom

 

 

why not place this desk in your office?

 

and this bedroom chest would be wonderful

 

 

Texas designed fireplace screen

 

 

side board.............

 

 

fabulous dining table made from one single slab

 

 

 

display table

 

 

jewelry chest

 

 

 

and this whimsical coffee table--these all pieces that you like to take home with you.

 

WHY? OH, WHY?

WHY OH WHY??? Did I join Ravelry?  why oh why do I look at all those groups and patterns??  But, here I am looking at all the mysteries and other sundry knitting projects beginning in November and December.... 

First off is from Renee, who is goddess knits.  I have knit several of her previous lace shawls--always well written and free, if you get on the band wagon soon enough.  I did the summer shawl, not the fall one, so now it's time for winter knit!

And one of my favorite hat designers--Wooly worm Head--love her mysteries, which are always stylish and uses stash yarn

One dear me--a sock mystery from Melissa of Hazel Knits!  Love to knit socks and mysteries!

Erica of Fiddleknits is hosting a collection of color work shawls, featuring her birth stones color range of yarns.  First shawl will launch November 15th. 

Another mystery sock pattern--I'm in!  I have no will power!  This one is hosted in sock knitters anonymous group with Stefanie Bold as designer.