BirdBrain Designs

Archives for January 2012

new beginning

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I have a new SLR camera–and I am learning slowly how to use it–and this photo demonstrates just how much I have to learn–first lesson this Thursday. I still couldn’t resist sharing this amazing downy just outside my window.

Below is a pillow I hooked a few years ago. It is called Mindshot and reflects the colour and shape of the things that were on my mind as I hooked it. As I am nearing the end of two years at Fireworks, I am beginning to think about a new project, probably a new rug. I begin with a rudimentary drawing usually, but the piece takes over once I begin to hook and I just follow along. It’s always a interesting journey.

 

progress

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I have been hooking on Fireworks this week and I am almost finished the second long side. I am enjoying this hooking because I am striving for only the most general continuity in the borders. I have the overall colour palette but each paddle is unique, reflecting the day it was hooked and the internal and external weather.

Today’s, as I look at it now, seems to have more colour. Must be the sunshine and the warm weather we are having here in Ontario. I went for a long bike ride yesterday, most unusual for January, and am about to go again. Glorious.

moving on

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I have my new Moleskine out of the package but have not drawn a single thing! Once I have finished this last tote–and it is close–I have promised myself to get drawing. I am inspired by Nina’s xmas day drawing and may try out orchids. They are so beautiful right now. I will be in Kenya for three weeks in February and hope to document my visit in drawings as well as photographs.  So, in three weeks I will be shutting down the sewing machines and putting away the hook and frame until March. However, I should be able to blog on the weekends, if all goes well, so you may hear from me.

In the meantime, a new project. My sister has a great eye and fashion sense. She found this beautiful vintage buckle for me and has challenged me to come up with a use for it. She suggested a belt or closure for a bag. Hmmm. I love a challenge. I’ll tuck it away for now–but who knows where it will reappear. I saved the Bally strap in the previous post for 20 years before I found the perfect spot for it!

getting caught up

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I have finished two bags which were ordered a while ago (one still to make). Both are unusual colour choices for me–but now that they are done I like them very much. The top bag is a two-tone Carissa–the black leather is from a pair of pants and the tan from an upholstery remnant with a tiny piece of caramel trim, left from a previous bag. The strap is an extra from a Bally bag I have loved for years. The tote is a happy one–cobalt blue with red accents. It has a zipper interior pocket and a large outer pocket on the back for a water bottle. I am now ‘scotchguarding’ these totes for additional wearability after I had mine in the rain next to my black suede coat. The slight gray tinge gives my bag character, but others might want to postpone the time when their tote has the ‘lived-with’ look.

Below is a scarf I found in my favourite second-hand store. It is 100% wool, made in the Orkney Islands. This scarf is a good example of why I love shopping second hand. I am enjoying trying those bright colours around my neck these cold afternoons–and maybe next year it will make a couple of pairs of great mittens!