Crafts after BC is good for the soul

thanks spar. I made that in 2007. every year after Christmas I fold it carefully and put it away. Then the next year I get it out, touch up the folds with the steam iron and hang it back up. the tassels are actual gold thread tassels that I purchased for something else and never used it for that project, I thought that they looked good on this project.

Sheila

Sheila, I read that rolling any kind of tapestry, wall hanging, etc is better than folding.   This eliminates the creases and wear points from folding.   Not that I have anything like that, but I do roll my towels... after folding them in half lengthwise.   A gift wrap tube might be good to use to guide the rolling up.   

Oh my yes, acid free paper is important.    I knew about not using plastic to store most things.   If you are like me, you have lots of extra pillow cases and if they are faded or worn, no problem.   I also read that blue tissue paper, like the kind they use to wrap wedding gowns will not cause fading or discoloration.   I think you can buy it from a dry cleaning place.   

Can I suggest making some suitcase handle "wraps".   They are fabric with velcro so you can identify your suitcase.   Luggage tags often get ripped off.  Colorful, patterned fabric is best.   I have not made them, but have seen them sell quickly at our Senior craft fair.   

After experimenting with my knifty knitter, I am making some pot holders/hot pads with double strands of yarn.   The red and green ones look very festive and it gives me something to do with my hands while watching tv.    

Sheila,  When I travel, I put the hotel or place I am going to.   This way, IF someone sees the address, it is not an invitation to go and find my apartment empty and rob me.

These tags are good for tote bags and lunch bags also.     

Spar, re-read my post, I made the necklace when I was 10 yrs old, that was - mmm - too many years ago to count. It was mainly faceted beads threaded on the gold thread and I made a series of chains with beads added into the chain at various intervals. It was a long drapey necklace that I wrapped around my neck like a long string of pearls. My mom and aunt crocheted beautiful necklaces back then (early 1970's) with pearls. Here is a site with similar rope necklaces that my mom and Aunt made. (down the page to see the rope necklaces). http://www.beadwrangler.com/tips-crochet.htm

We got 10-12 inches of snow here in NC on the 18th/19th of December and there is still some snow laying on the ground yet. I don't know what my Penelope would have done if she had to go out in that much snow. She hated it when we got 2-4 inches of snow because her poor belly would drag, and she would drag me in it. Although she did like to eat the snow as she balled it up with her nose. I was off last week again but didn't get much crafting done.

Sheila

I am soo excited. One of my DD's is sending me to take a crochet class. It starts in mid Jan. and I was so thrilled to get that as my birthday gift!! Can't wait, it is something I always wanted to do.

I am a bit of a lurker on this page. But I wanted you ladies to realize that I really love to see your incredible work.  I used to knit, crochet, needlepoint, embroider....but since chemo, my hands hurt teribly so I don't have much incentive to do those things.  I did find a rug hooking kit, that my late sister started, and I think that might be something I can try.  Sure do hope so.  But in any event, your work is wonderful

Have a happy new year.

Mandy

Kathleen, a couple of years ago, the local Goodwill store had some Tom Clark gnome statues of Santa Clause that were not painted for sale for $5.00. I have a small collection of Tom Clark gnomes and couldn't resist buying one. His gnomes all have a 'weathered' look (rustic, earthy colors - not vibrant colors) and I haven't gotten up the nerve to try painting it for fear that it wouldn't match the rest of my collection. Tom Clark lives in NC and I guess he donated the lot to Goodwill. I don't know if they were available finished in the stores but I know that my large gnome 'Salty' cost about $30 when my first hubby bought it for me at least 25 yrs ago.

One of the ladies in my quilt guild asked me Monday if I knew anyone who could do the filet crochet with name/monogram in a table runner. She knew I crochet the snowflakes with the fine thread. She had a friend several years ago make one for her niece for her wedding and wanted one for herself. I am not sure what happened to her friend, but I am looking for some patterns to do that with for her. I am going to work out a trade, she has a long-arm quilting machine and I will barter a discount for her to quilt a queen size quilt top I pieced for a name table runner. I made the quilt top in 2008 as a 'mystery' quilt challenge in our guild but don't want to take the time to hand quilt it.

Sheila

bump

I am working on a filet crochet table runner for a friend in my quilt guild. It has her name on it and she is going to display it on her antique treadle sewing machine cabinet. It is slow going and I can tell you, I didn't charge her enough for doing it . If I do any more I am going to charge $5.00 per letter.

Sheila

sherry, so glad you can walk, now. You must be so happy..I am too. Enjoy the craft store and Cracker Barrel!!

Oops Spar - I guess that was just wishful thinking!  I am looking forward to the pictures of the scarf!  I miss doing any crafts but my fingers aren't working so good and I have no energy.