Felt So Good Designs

Believe!

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:54:41 GMT

Today I had an interesting thing happen to me.

I have been going through some personal trying times. My sister and brother-in-law were here last week and we were sitting in a resturant eating breakfast and talking about some things that were burdonsom for me, when all of a sudden the chair next to me moved and I then felt someone grab me in a hug and tell me, all wll be all right and for me to stay strong, I will get though this.

She then told me how she arrived next to me and was compelled to hug me.

She said that she has never been in this resturant before even though she works right down the road from it. That morning, she was heading to a fast food resturant to pick up some breakfast but as she approached the resturant she pulled in thinking she would take the time today. She set several booths away from us but she could see my sister and brother-in-law talking to me. She said that she got up several times to leave, go to the bathroom, or generally get away from us but every time she stood up she was drawn to our table and especially me. She said that she knew she had to come over and tell me all will be all right and that I needed to stay strong. She had been through what I was going through now and that I would make it through and be the better for it. She offered her name phone # and told me to call her whenever I felt it was to get to overwhelming for me.

My sister and brother in law said "God sent and angel for me". I agree that God comes to all in others, we just need to be aware. So when you are in times of trial and tribulation do not be surprised when some one comes up to you to lend you comfort because it is God sending you and angel to help you get through.

Bath House Cultural call for Applications

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:57:24 GMT

The Bath House Cultural Center announces a call for applications for its 2008 Spring Art Mart. This special event will feature an eclectic variety of art, including: painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, pottery, mixed media art, jewelry, mosaics, glass and much more. Here is the link if you want to know more. http://www.bathhousecultural.com/08springsalecfe.html

Texas Call for entries

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:52:45 GMT

The Texas Museum of Fiber Arts is having a call for entries. The showing will be in Austin at the State Capital . The deadline is April 5th. Here is the link for seeing all information.

http://www.texasfiberarts.org/call_for_entries.html

Ralvery

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 02:19:29 GMT

I have joined Ralvery.

I am acrochetcatalyst

I am just getting set up so not much there now. Please let me know if you are out there by stopping and signing my guest book here or saying hi on my Ralvery.

My bag

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 21:33:40 GMT

I made this bag for myself. It is made with ivory tapestry fabric and crochet felted together. The flap is my signature crochet felted freestyle design. The strap is satin cording and has a snap closure.

There is beading through out the flap. It is very roomy and not heavy when things are put in it.

Floating flower

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 17:25:50 GMT

I have posted a new set of photos of a second series of my crochet felted flower study. Additional photos are in the "Diamond in the Wool" section.

The opening is a on an amature so it would not collapse. Petals fold inside the flower and outside. Leaves fall between the outside petals. The stand is wire.

I might embellish it more so will update if I decide I want to.

I went a little nuts

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:39:44 GMT

OK, OK, Ok! I took a moment and let spring take over me and do a little frivolity felting.

Here is the background on how I fel(t) into these little charmers.

Over the fall last year my husband found an acorn and put it in my car. Well it has brought back childhood memories all winter long. I used to paint faces on them and I even crocheted acorn Christmas ornaments. My M-I-L still hangs hers on her tree every year.

Now should I tell you the other part of this felting frivolity? OK, well here goes…as a child I liked-no loved (NO! I do not collect) the Trolls from the 60’s.

So, as most childhood things get jumbled together, here is my two childhood memories, spring, and felting merged together.

I call them “I’m a Little Nut(s)”.

Eggplant updated 04/01/07

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 14:43:14 GMT

I have a new piece that I titled "EGGPLANT". As I was walking out of a store a few weeks ago I noticed a wire piece that I presume fell off of a cars rim. I thought it would make a great opening for a purse or something.

I took it home and looked at the design I was working on and tore it all apart and started it over on the frame.

I am please with the way it turned out even though it is not a purse it is a good hanging piece. I have embellished this with beads and leaves.

The design is made with Noro Kureyon-Tarns Ewenique. Lion Brand wool-lime green. and Patons wool-purple. THe Noro did not felt as I liked but both of the other wools did just fine. (picture updated 040107)

untitled--so far

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 14:07:59 GMT

Here is another finished felted project. I called it THE BRUISE but then it started a discussion with friends about the colors of a bruise, so now it is untitled. If you have a suggestion let me know.

It is embellished with black raffia, peach satin ribbon, black plastic netting, and unfelted wool. I still need to frame it. Go to the photo section to see close ups of it.

You can see close-ups in the I-Object album to the right.

03/09/07

I finished this piece and here it shows it framed. It has a black netting backing.

VanGogh on my mind

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 17:21:47 GMT

I visited the musuem during the VanGogh "Sheaves of Wheat" showing and it inspired me to do my own vision of "Sheaves of Wheat".

It is a dimensional piece with the sheaves made from raffia. The red is, rows of poppies showing up in the fields. Sun shining is playing with the fields of color and light.

I have framed out the "Sheaves of Wheat" piece.

"Starry Night" Artist card

Sat, 13 Jan 2007 17:15:06 GMT

Well I have been inspired to try an Artist card. A fellow fiber artist is in the hospital and so I made a crochet/felted postcard for him to wish a speedy recovery.

I called it "Starry Night".

It is made in Wool threads of navy blue, dusty blue, and ivory. I felted the main piece and then puched holes around the card and stitched it down. Added a sc trim around the card to have a finished look To give it dimension I added three brass stars and brass twisted wire shooting out from the back of the stars. It gives movement to the design.

I have filled in the post card on the back but will put it into a padded envelope for delivery.

You can see other views of it in my I Object- "Diamonds in the Wool" album.

The Innovative Hook

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 04:53:51 GMT

I have looked and looked for a group where persons that crochet without patterns and are wanting to take their crocheting to a fiber art level and have not found one so I decided it was time for me to take the plunge and started a Yahoo group for the crocheter that is on the edge. It is for those of you that are wishing to take your crocheting past the pattern and trust your inner crocheting self.

This will not be a lurker place to hang out, so if that is your thing, please don't ask to join and expect to just hide in the background absorbing others energy and not giving back.

Expect to be asked probing questions about the type of work you are doing. When I started to go in a different direction with my crocheting I was asked alot of wierd questions. I had the answers inside me but could not put them into words. I have now found it very important to learn the language of my designing and convey it to others. I still have much to learn and really could use your insight and advice.

****Consider the group like a light bulb and you are the watts. I can supply the switch and electricity but YOU are how brightly the group shines.

Also I hope it becomes a place for entering call for submissions and selling of art crocheting and much more.

I do not expect to have the masses joining (but not worried if it does) so if you are the type of person that wants to push yourselfand help others to learn more and experiment in crocheting then please join. I also need to be pushed and could use some people to help me continue taking my crocheitng to a higher level.

I have begun to set up the group to have challenges and discussions to begin the crochet juices flowing. The challenges do not start until Feb. and joining you will be expected to be involved in them.

As with all groups it is necessary to stay on topic so I have the 98/2 in place. This means 98% about crochet and 2% personal. I do also have a "Off Topic Tuesday" for once a month but no spamming. You will also have to sign your messages with your real first name. It is a closed board and if you think you need to hide then you are not going to be comfortable there. I want to keep the rules simple and basic so push your inner designing self not others buttons.

Now that I have explained the group a little and think you can live with it here is the button to join. It is a moderated board.

Click to join innovative_hook

Would you be my fiber artist neighbor?

Fri, 22 Dec 2006 18:07:28 GMT

Are you a type of crocheter that looks at the world around you and say things like;

· What would that look like crocheted?

· I can make that in crochet. No matter if it is clothing, furniture, nature or animal.

· I do not need a pattern to crochet that.

Do you look at yarns and fibers and see particular animate and inanimate items crocheted with it?

Do you just pick up fiber and just start crocheting?

Are you willing to crochet a pattern that you have no idea what it is to be?

Are you challenged by crochet patterns to change them?

Do you see the type of stitches it would take to make tree bark or a mushroom or every day item like tables and chairs?

Do you think crochet self expression is a “duh!” statement?

When someone asks you “think out side the box” to do;

1. Go and crochet boxes.

2. You start rambling about crochet and how it needs to be everywhere?

Is your problem when looking at yarn; not what to make BUT what not to crochet with that?

Are you crochet hooks you paint brushes?

Is your yarn your paint?

Welcome to my world!

I am looking for others like me.

· Are you just starting out but know that pattern work is not your passion?

· Do you want to be challenged by creating without a net (pattern)?

· Do you want to do challenges that inspire and stretch you?

· Are you able to crochet something just because?

· If it is not working can you tear it out without fear?

· Can you change in the middle of the stream? Such as; your design is not working out can you take it in a different direction and make it something else?

I am considering starting an online group for others like the above. If you are interested please send me a note or add a comment to this blog.

Crochet - The New Fiber Culture

Sat, 11 Nov 2006 20:03:46 GMT

It has been whispered for several years, a slow low reverberation, of “crocheters” taking their hooks to task, to the forbidden fibers.

Challenging the yarn shop owners to “teach me” to put your fibers on hooks. Crocheters saying to yarn shop owners, “I will teach you” an art form I not only love but am obsessed with - and will spend at your emporium.

Infiltrating the fiber artist’s community with hooks, yarns, beads, and baubles believing they are doing souls work too.

Taxing the designers to unravel the knitted shroud and reconstructing it in crochet stitches.

Seek out to emulate fashion designers styles that are found in fashion magazines such as, Vogue, Elle, and W.

They are learning to use the illicit fibers and are questioning manufacturers.

Crocheters are now voicing to the yarn manufactures - do not make us change. They contend; modify the yarns to suit my hook. Articulating to them to become skilled at dying their fibers to make crochet stitches have pleasing color flow.

Crochet and color has always been a challenge because yarn manufactures have chosen not acknowledged that crochet stitches work differently and a saddening undercurrent of belief that crocheters will “just use” what is available. Local yarn shop owners can help by asking their yarn companies to bring about this change.

As crocheters educate or re-educate themselves with the crochet tools, like broomstick lace, hairpin lace, afghan hooks, amazing needles, locker hooks, and ShiRReT™ needle they are mixing and matching different crochet techniques to make wildly fabulous and fashionable garments. In addition, through the varied crochet stitch combinations now being used provide interest and dispel the “old” crochet look.

Software is now also beginning to listen to the new fiber culturists by working up computer design tools to include crocheting. Self-expression through crochet software will allow better designing.

A great fiber equalizer in crocheting is – felting (which is in fact called fulling). Making stitch definition disappear between the two forms, one has to ask; was it crocheted or knitted? Even though felting/fulling, so I have heard, from knitters is passé. Crocheters have taken it to their hearts and now knitters are reawakening their “passé” knitted felting/fulling. It seems crocheting is now thrusting knitters into an uncomfortable position. It brings to mind the singsong, “Anything you can do, and I can do better. I can do anything better than you”.

So crocheters, continue to challenge yourselves, explore your local yarn shops, educate yourself and all that want to learn, and most of all expect the best from yourself because you are; the new fiber culturists.

Crochet on!

Copyrighted. Absolutley no copying or reprinting without my written consent. 2006

Australian Haze arrives

Wed, 25 Oct 2006 12:12:13 GMT

Well, I have been waiting to post about my handbag that went to Australia. The pictures of the bag are in the "art over the shoulder" picture area of this site. I called it "Australian Haze"

As I said earlier Jenny King http://www.jennykingdesigns.com/ sent me some beautiful yarns and I could not resist make her a bag from some of it. Below is her telling me she received it.

"Hi Cher, your bag, that you sent me, is spctacular. Thank you so much. I feel very special. It took longer that you would have expected to get here as Customs had a look at it too. I wonder if it was because of the metal details.

I love the fact that you use fabric and felt together.

I love the shape, just love it."

The bag is a new design I have been working on. It is has fabric body that I crochet around and then pull up the edges, crochet them together to form the bag. Then design a flap, felt it and then add the embellishments and strap. In the "Australian Haze" it has sterling sliver embellishments. A sterling sliver chain woven through and SS tassles. A large SS bangle woven through an sewn into the flap to add interest and weight to the flap. These bags hold more than they look. I have one I use and it holds so much that I am always surprised because it looks smaller than it is.

I am glad Jenny likes her bag. Thanks Jenny for the yarns.

Portuguese and Amazing Needle crochet-knitting

Sun, 08 Oct 2006 16:12:33 GMT

I have been floating around and always like to see new ideas in the use of crochet hooks and here at this site http://stringativity.blogspot.com/ is a thing they are calling Portuguese knitting but uses crochet hooks. I find this interesting and could see its application in using the crochet on the double swivel hooks. or two afghan hooks. I think this could be taken several steps in crochet evolution by using crochet stitches between the knitting stitches. Think about it and let me know your findings. I myself will just ruminate on the subject.

If you have not heard of the "Amazing Needle" you might want to check it out. http://www.amazingyarn.com/Pages/amneedle.html it too is emulating knitting via the use of a crochet hook. I took a class on it and even though I took it, it did not become a tool that I use often HOWEVER I did buy all the hook sizes AND pull it out and brush up on the technique to ensure that if and when I am stumped on some project I can pull it out and see it is the solution to my problem.

Mini Me? Inner me! Updated

Sat, 23 Sep 2006 01:09:54 GMT

Well, I decided a few weeks ago to make an inner me or as some would call a "mini me". I started at the top of the head and worked my way down. I am currently at the waist area. No pattern just sizing as I go along. I am using Ella Rae classic wool http://www.knittingfever.com/knitpatterns.asp?manu=Ella+Rae&yarn=Ella+Rae+Classic&prodid=4967&prodtype=yarn&detail=no in a skin tone color # 23 for the body.

My hair will be Plymoth Yarns --Hot! Hot! Hot!; Italian collection. http://www.plymouthyarn.com/index.php?nav=cYarn.yarnDetail&yarnid=000193&searchcollection=000011

It is the color shown. What it does not show well is that it has shiney silver in it too. Can not wait to get the hair started.

I will felt "inner me" after I get the arms and legs done. I think the size before felting will be 36" and after felting about 25" to 28" depending on how much I decide to rid it of the stitch definition. Yes it will have woman form definition too. I will lightly stuff before felting

I will try to take pictures of it before and after felting so check my site from time to time or set it to send you a note that I have updated my site.

Whistle while I work

Mon, 18 Sep 2006 14:34:00 GMT

I went out to my mail and found a box from Australia. Jenny King designs http://www.jennykingdesigns.com/ sent me the beautiful wool I fell in love with. It is called TeAwa wools. It is an eight ply, semi worsted weight.

The sades I fell in love with are:

Fall - aquas, royal blues and violet shades
Topaz - (my birthstone and favorite) warm goldenrod, claret reds, and olive greens.
Grapevine - stomped grape shades like; dusty mauves, purple grape skin,deep rich purple blue

Now the work begins! But what fun work I get to do. My head is swirling with these colors and getting direction from them where they want me to go.

Jenny is a wonderful and inventive crochet artist. Be sure to stop by her site.

Now off to work I go! Whistling

New yarn to try

Tue, 12 Sep 2006 13:45:12 GMT

I just received a ball of yarn from Freddie at http://www.phootsy.com/index.htm telling me I need to try it for my felting. It is Loft by Zitron made in Germany. It is lovely shade of brown taupe and ice green with the addition of cream.

I am seeing an earthy or looking up to the sky through a leafy tree or through a forest just as the you are a few feet from emerging into a glen where the sun is just burning off the mist.

I also see spring, where the sun has burned off all the snow and spouts of new grass or the budding of jonquils pushing through the moist earth.

I cant wait to get started on using it. I am in the rough draft mode with it currently sketching and selecting more yarns to mix with it.

Fiddle dee deeing and t-raveling

Wed, 23 Aug 2006 21:48:19 GMT

I have been thinking about my site and that I have not been out here in a while. I have been focusing on inspiration and a dear friend of mine asked me to take a jaunt up to Mount Rushmore and onto The Brown Sheep Company. So I have been as Rita said T-Raveling. As I took my crocheting along and crocheted while she drove. I was working on "suprise" a non-felted creation. I had a dress that the skirting came apart at the seams after each washing so I cut the skirt away from the top and crocheted a new skirt on it. It is made from a Chardony colored cone cotton. It was crocheted with three different sized hooks. I first I took black Cebelia and wet through the bottom of the shirt with a steele hook. Then took my favorite double ended (different sizes on each end) Japanese hook; size 7 and 8 and did the skirting. Working in size 7 until just below the hip area and the size 8 for the rest. Just skimming below my knees. I did accomplish all but two inches before I returned and have since finished it. I can not wait to wear it. I was going to wear it at a meeting I attended but realized at the last minute that I did not have the correct color of shoes to wear. Oh well I have lots of places to wear it later on. P.S. I will get pictures of it and post even though it is not felted.

Photo Album: Art in the Bag(c)

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 21:18:17 GMT

Art in the Bag(c)

Black ivory bag

Black ivory bag close

Pretty Bird- W7xH6 Materials:wool, novelty yarns in greens/lavenders -Beads and feathers wood handle. If interested email-fsgdesigns@hotmail.com

Pretty Bird (clsup)- W7xH6 Materials:wool, novelty yarns in greens/lavenders -Beads and feathers wood handle. If interested email-fsgdesigns@hotmail.com

Branching Out- W11xH8 Materials:wool, novelty yarns in greens/browns -brass stars- Icord strap. If interested email-fsgdesigns@hotmail.com

Branching Out photo by Jason Swirchack

Branching Out (back)W11xH8 Materials:wool, novelty yarns in greens/browns -brass stars- Icord strap. If interested email-fsgdesigns@hotmail.com

Branching Out (back) Photo by Jason Swirchack

Melony Shrugs- W9xH14 Materials:wool, novelty yarns in tourquoise/burnt orange. Silk varigated ribbon -beads-silk ribbon strap. If interested email-fsgdesigns@hotmail.com

Melony Shrugs (back)W9xH14 Materials:wool, novelty yarns in tourquoise/burnt orange. Silk varigated ribbon -beads-silk ribbon strap. If interested email-fsgdesigns@hotmail.com

More Photos...

Photo Album: "Diamonds in the wool" (c)

Sun, 07 Oct 2007 17:17:51 GMT

"Diamonds in the wool" (c)

flower dipperin stand

flower dipper

flower dipperside

eggplant finished1

eggplant finished2clsup

eggplant finished3clsup

the briuse framed

in the dumps

untitled,untitled

in the dumps clsup

More Photos...

Photo Album: Wearables (c)

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:40:43 GMT

Wearables (c)

blue belt side

blue belt back

blue belt front

belt 2 close up

Photo Album: Gathering of the Wool (c)

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 14:39:36 GMT

Gathering of the Wool (c)

Ima little nut(s)

trying to connect overall

Trying to Connect taken by Jason Swirchack

trying to connect

trying to connectclsup

Chicken little

Chicken littleII

Chicken little clsup

Chicken little clsupII

Just Peachy

More Photos...

Photo Album: Head Banging Protection (c)

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 23:06:49 GMT

Head Banging Protection (c)

red riding hood side

red riding hood

purple passion

coral reef beret

coral reef beretclsup

teddy bear blues

teddy bear bluesclsup

under the autumn moon

under the autumn moonfront

under the autumn mooninside

More Photos...

Photo Album: Fraternal Twins (c)

Wed, 15 Nov 2006 23:05:49 GMT

Fraternal Twins (c)

desert pepples

Cherry cool-aid hat closeup

Cherry cool-aid purse and hat

Cherry cool-aid purse and hat2

Cherry cool-aid

Photo Album: Extra Special Projects (not for sale)

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 19:22:00 GMT

Extra Special Projects (not for sale)

jenny bag clsup

JKbag

JKbagflap

JKclsup2

iron butterflyMVC-002S

iron butterflycloseupMVC-003S

iron butterflybackMVC-0011S

Photo Album: Sold Art Pieces

Mon, 13 Nov 2006 18:19:40 GMT

Sold Art Pieces

Heaven and Earth

Heaven abd Earth

Heaven and Earth Back

Lime Fizzle

Lime Fizzle (clsup)

Leather and Lace

Leather and Lace clsup

Under the Sea

Vino

More Photos...

Photo Album: Book Covers (ones not shown below)

Sun, 12 Nov 2006 15:16:54 GMT

Book Covers (ones not shown below)

Chic Crocheted Sweaters ISBN 0870406515 softback

The Crocheted Sweater Book ISBN 0517564785 hardback

Glorious Crocheted Sweaters ISBN 0806989911 softback

Hook Knitting ISBN 0870407104 softback

Beautiful Crocheted Sweaters ISBN 0696023563 hardback

A New Look at Crochet ISBN 0517516071 hardback

Design Crochet ISBN 0801520193 hardback

Hard Crochet ISBN 0801532795 hardback

Crochet ISBN 1850512248

Crochet History and Technique ISBN 1883010098 hardback

More Photos...

Custom List: Reciprocal Sites

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:17:42 GMT

Reciprocal Sites

All Fiber Arts
A listing of all kinds of fiber arts and fiber artists
DAFA
I am proud member of Dallas Area Fiber Artist
Crochet Fiber Artist material description
A site I built talking about materials used by me
Fiber Gypsy
Scrumbling / Freeform
Crochet site that is the site for free form crochet and scrumbling.
Free style crocheting site
This is a crochet progressive site that I share the basic philosophy, not working with a pattern. I love that I would be considered a “crochet practitioner”.
Gina Renay
G. site is such an inspiration that I had to have her here as amuse, even if it is from afar. Thank you for having your internet place.
Crochet and Beads
Ok I have loved this site forever and finally got up the nerve to ask to place on my site. Her work is beautiful!! and awesome.
Jenny King Designs
Here is a wonderful crochet artist!
Fiber Deviant
Carole Fitzgerald
Wonderful woman and President/founder of H-town Crocheters in Houston.
Fiberarts.org
A place to centerally locate fibertarts around the world.
Textile Art Photo Gallery - TextileArtists.org
A free online photo gallery and community for Textile Art.
My non-felted crochet photos
This is where I have photos of my crocheting that is not felted.
My Innovative Hook
Flicker page of all my types of crocheting