Afghan preview

I'm working on a nice afghan with bulky yarn in a basketweave stitch. Here's a glimpse. 

Crochet, my latest obsession

Who knew crocheting was so much fun! I come from a family of knitters, and while I've tried on and off since I was a teenager (very long ago) I've never been able to knit anything other than a grand piano shape. Just can't get the tension thing down.  My sister Susan can knit anything! And my niece Lauren knits really well too.  But not me. But crocheting I can do! I don't seem to have the tension problems, maybe its the one hook as opposed to the two needles.

So without further introduction, here's my two baskets!

Looks nice with the lemons.

This basket is made out of nylon cording.  It was a bit slippy slidey, but it turned out great.  

My next basket I crocheted the same nylon cord around a clothes line.  

I'm happy with this one too.

Not sure what to keep in the rope basket.  But I'll figure it out.  What to make next? I guess I should learn more than just single crochet. :-)

Have a good one!

Kitchen Storage

You know how you never have enough cabinet space in your kitchen? I love kitchen stuff, I love appliances, dishes, mason jars, cookbooks, mixing bowls...... but I digress. I decided that I needed more storage big time, so I purchased a steel shelving unit with my Christmas money (thanks Mom).

Here it is, totally industrial and useful.

I decided I could soften it up. Add some fabric, I can sew!

So much better.  Just have to get some more nice containers for the jars.

 I even have leftover fabric to make matching curtains for my window. Nice!

New Basket Underway

Here's a teaser pick of my next basket. 

New Year Giveaway!

Hi Folks, I'll get right to it.  The first 10 followers to comment "Yes" or some such affirmation I'll send a little something handmade.  This is for existing followers and new.  So come on and give me some love!  :-)

I've dubbed 2014 the year of the great cleanout.  Not only did I tackle my hoarders delight of a studio room, I cleaned out my dresser drawers and donated three bags of clothes to the thrift store. Feels good to be able to put all my clothes away. Next week, the closet.

In my time away from all this cleaning out, I crocheted a basket to keep my dish towels.

 All my towels fit quite nicely.

A couple detail shots are always nice. 

Someday I will do something in yarn, but for the meantime this scrappy rag crochet is the bomb! 

Crochet Fever

I just discovered crocheting with fabric scraps. Oh boy! Here's my first rug.

Its great fun and so fast! This took me about 4 hours total.
I'm totally cleaning out my linen closet for more sheets to rip up!










Here's a shot with the original rag yarn ball.

Detail.

I love it, but Swissy is skeptical.

Take care everyone!

New Year Mandalas

It was my privilege to participate in the New Year Mandala Facebook Group created by Judy Shintani. An eclectic, talented group of artists created mandalas everyday for the first 12 days of the year. Thanks to my friend Caryl Henry Alexander for the invite to this inspiring group. 

And so without further ado, my 12 Mandalas.

Mandala #1 - Garden Green

Mandala #2 - Holiday Glow

Mandala #3 - Birthday

Mandala #4 - Breeze

Mandala #6 - Chicken Broth




















Mandala #7 - Flamingo

Mandala #8 - Sewing

Mandala #9 - Goodbye Christmas onto the Year!

Mandala #10 - Windows to the Soul

Mandala #11 - Quilt

Mandala #12 - Sky

January 1, A New Start!