Small thing for today

This is the scarf that I dyed today. I quite like the colors and am left to decide if I want to sell it or keep it. Got thoughts?
Shalom,
Suzanne

Which One, Where, Why...really? Too much?

Been thinking a good bit lately about the amount of time one could spend just promoting a product...and then which is most effective, why is it effective, what gets the most exposure, and does that exposure turn into profit or sales, why or why not? and when is too much, simply, TOO MUCH!

My current venues are:

this blog, obviously, Indiepublic, FaceBook, Hooked n Felt website, Flickr, Ravelry, Etsy, Google +, ...and probably a couple of places that are not coming to mind right off the top of my head, like Pinterest and Linkedin. When does it all just become too much? Too much time, too much energy, too much information, too much invasion of creative space? Really, are all of these necessary? Why?

Got thoughts? Would love to hear them...and what is it that brings you back to this blog? What would you like to see here?


http://www.etsy.com/listing/89303117/nuno-scarf-fabric-5mm-habotia-hand-dyed



...anyway, I've been making a goodly number of flowers for the galleries that I supply and I've been dyeing 5mm habotai silk for nuno felting. You can find the new fabrics on my etsy. I am in a good spot on the energy-meter and that feels wonderful...coming out of the holiday funk....yeah!

Good Peace to you and Shalom,
Suzanne

Finding Peace in the Midst of Choas

There are times that can trouble a soul; death, defeat, illness, separation, grief that overwhelms, depression, sadness, the great unknown. But of late, I've come to make peace with all of these thieves of joy. They are simply part of the human experience, part of makes us who we are, how we deal with it all says even more about us, I think. Embrace, embrace...and then let go.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/88346276/hand-dyed-habotai-5mm-silk-fabric

I've been dyeing a good bit, but only for myself. This is a newly listed piece of 5 mm Habotai silk that I dyed and named BREATHLESS because the colors simply left me that way. I adore this piece of silk. I've too many projects in front of my right now, so this one has to go up for sale. I do wish my old camera could capture the nuisances of the colorways. Totally YUMMY colors.

I've been making and selling a lot of hats and tams and so have not made much felt lately, but decided that I would make a few small pieces of felt jewelery pieces. This is one of them and yes I did do some hand sewing on it...but it was just a few stitches, so I don't think it really counts as sewing, does it?

About 4 years ago, I was given a huge book on needlework, embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, applique, crochet, macrame, pacthwork, rug-making, quilting and lacework. I am most interested in the embroidery stitches. Pam MacGregor, http://www.tarveycottagestudio.com/will be here this next week and I hope to have her show me a few of the stitches. She does amazing, yet very simple, stitch work. She does "elegant simple" the best of anyone I've seen. I am very much looking forward to the time with her. We will also be doing some experimentation with the Feltscraft.com Rolling Machine during her three day stay. Should be more fun with felters!

We had our first real snow this week. Already I am looking forward to the long hours of white, gray, cold, but not the shoveling, of the lovely white stuff, so much. There is an amazing stillness in winter that is astoundingly beautiful. A full moon on newly fallen snow...what a memory, what a sight!

Off to go enjoy the rest of this day.
Happy Felting, Shalom,
Suzanne

Oh, One more thing:
http://www.lindasfund.com/
Sometimes we want to do good... but we don't know where to help.
Dear Linda is a fellow-feltmaker who could use the goodness of our hearts, our prayers, thoughts, encouragement and obviously any financial support we can give her as she struggles with the payment of specialized cancer treatment. Please think about it and help if you can.

Finding Quiet, Self Sequestered

It always seems that during this time of the year, there is a soft, sad quiet that over takes me, and honestly, sometimes I simply welcome it with open arms. Thanksgiving until the New Year, a soft sadness, nothing anyone would notice, to be sure, but just a whisper of heartache for what could be, and is not. Thanksgiving has turned into a feast day, not truly giving thanks for the abundance of blessings pour out on us. Oh, don't get me wrong, I know many do. It's just that I am old enough to remember a more collective voice of Thanksgiving, and I miss that. Christmas...oh don't even get me started on that one. Listening to the news reports this morning about people pepper spraying each other, shooting each other, shoving, pushing, looking for the best deal, all of it seems a far cry from the Bethlehem manger, the shepherds watching their flocks, the Saviors birth, and Peace on Earth, goodwill toward man. It all just makes me very, quietly, sad, and I've probably spoken more honestly about here than ever in my life, maybe more than I should ... and so I sequester myself from nearly all of it, and that I am happy about.


I've been crocheting a good bit lately. My shoulders have taken quiet a beating with so much felt-making and now it is time to simply sit and make hats of a different sort. I love theses snood, tam, rolled hats. They can be worn in many different ways all from one style. Love making them! ...and I get to watch movies while doing it. Can you tell I am having some very nice afternoons?




About my brother...he is doing better, home with his family and recovery nicely. Thanks so much for your concerns and prayers.

This is a hairy little thing made from wools that had been gifted to me. I had no idea how they would felt, and this is the vessel that came from that experience. I wish it were a bit shorter, but all in all, it was fun.

The first felt piece shown is also an experimental piece, a piece still in "process". I've not a clue as to where it is leading me, but I am going to enjoy the journey.

Good Sabbath and Shalom,
Suzanne

It's Good To Be The Queen!

This is a small next wrap, dyed in fuchsia, reds, and purples. It is very similar to the small neck scarf shown on a previous posting. The wool side is a blue red and an orange red. I think it is kind of fun to have things that are designed to keep you warm also "look warm". I hope that the color combinations here will accomplish that.

We are trying not to turn our furnace on and as the temps drop out of doors, it gets more and more difficult to find ways to keep warm without the furnace. We have three "hot spots" in the house, the bathroom and my studio/dining room/office and Jim's office. We have little space heaters in these rooms to chase away the chill, and I, of course, keep a felt hat on to stay warm. Our little "QUEEN" Frankie, the chihuahua, has found the perfect solution to keeping her skinny self warm...a full fleece of Icelandic wool. Oh yes, it is good to be the QUEEN!

My brother, Jason, remains in the hospital, is having trouble with speech, balance, has passed out or possibly another stroke. Had a rough night. Please continue your prayers on his behalf. We appreciate them and pray that God honors them all.

Shalom,

Suzanne


ps: Nice article on felting...enjoy!

http://lubbockonline.com/life/2011-11-06/felting-transforms-raw-material-art#.TsZ9qmC0xT4

Earth Bound

This is a piece of silk fabric that I'd dyed some time ago and finally got around to putting the wool in it. It is a very large piece of silk and I think it will look really nice worn over the shoulder and perhaps belted. The wool side of the nuno is in olive green, chocolate and aqua marine. I love both sides, but per usual, I like the silk side best.

I hope to get some more nuno done tomorrow, and some dyeing as well. I've not made a hat in so long, I wonder if I still can. Must try to do one sometime soon.

Just got a phone call that my brother has had a stroke. He is 14 yrs. my junior, just set a Guiness World Record for number of pull-ups in one minute (67!!!!!!!) and is in really great health. We are carriers of a genetic disorder called "sticky platelet syndrome" and stroke is very common, very early. Another brother had a stroke at 23. He survived, but is monitored very closely. This news has quite overwhelmed me. If you are a person of prayer, we would appreciate your prayers.

Gotta go for now.
Shalom,
Suzanne

Skirt Fabric...

This is a photo upload from my phone, so quality is less than usual. However, this is the fabric that was completed to day to make the skirt. I am also thinking of making a camisole to go with the skirt....and somehow, stretchy black lace appeared in the dream last night when I was dreaming about this. Will have to investigate that a bit more too...and enjoy the process.

That's it for tonight. What did you make today?

Shalom and Happy Felting!

Suzanne

PS:
yet another choice in the design process....

The First Rule of FELT CLUB....

For several years I've been talking about forming a feltmakers group, FELT CLUB, that would meet periodically throughout the year to share, encourage, teach, and help each one become better skilled at the art/skill of feltmaking. At the class that I taught in Otsego a few weeks ago, it was brought up again and this time, Dear Karin was there to really push me and help me in the process. Since I am not by nature a terribly organized person, I need help in that area. Karin is innately organized and well connected in the community, while I tend to stay mostly to myself. It looks like FELT CLUB will start in January 2012 on a Saturday. Further details will follow as Karin and I get them worked out, but for now, we need to know if you are interested in becoming a part of FELT CLUB. This is not a commitment, just need to know if you are interested. Karin and I are also looking to keep the cost very reasonable so that many can join. I'm asking that you respond to this blog post or contact me through my email: info@hookedonfelt.com

When we meet it will be from 9AM-5PM with a pot luck lunch. We will be able to work on felt projects, build community, enjoy each other. We are looking for ideas and hope that you will freely share ideas for FELT CLUB. For example, a study of differing types of wool/fibers, so that we could each make a book of felted fiber samples. What would you like to do at FELT CLUB? Don't be shy, we need all the ideas you very talented, creative women have to make this a great experience for all of us.

I hope to get the skirt done this week. I cannot stop dreaming about it. At least in my dreams, it looks wonderful. Now to bring it to fruition.

Shalom and Happy Felting!
Suzanne

Faceless Felting + New Classes Forming

Andrea Morrison, of Wonder Why Alpaca's, attended the nuno felting class I held a couple of weeks ago. She went to Your Local Yarn Shop and shared her lovely creations with the gals there. They then contacted me to have me teach there in December. I will be teaching for three days this dyeing and nuno technique. This class will be for gift giving or New Years Eve. Class dates are December 8th, 9th and 10th from 9-5 each day.
Each class is one day only, but you will have choices on which day works best for your schedule. Space is limited and it will be first come first served. For more information call Kelly at Your Local Yarn Shop, 2171 Columbia Ave W Battle Creek, MI 49015

(269) 964-1256

Do you have any idea how terrifying it is to stand in front of a group of eager workshop participants and tell them that you know absolutely NOTHING about the color wheel...and they are counting on you for dyeing techniques? Sometimes I wonder what I am doing even teaching dyeing. Am I out of my mind? Okay, let's just not go there right now... but I can teach what I know...how to dye the silk, float color, get intensity, pattern and make beautiful nuno. So far, the classes have been successful...but I am anticipating that one failure that is due to occur. Grrrrrrrrrrr!

I have a nuno skirt in mind, so much so that it is infiltrating my dreams on a nightly basis. I've simply got to get the table cleared off and get it laid out and get rolling! I've been drawing in out, thinking, planning, making samples, discovering shrinkage rate...now is the time to implement!

There are so many family things going on right now, aging and ill parents, moving them into appropriate living spaces, doctor appointments, packing up their apartments, disposing of things, selling things, oh it is all exhausting. Makes me what to get rid of everything in my home so that my children never have to do this for me. Then, I look around at just the wool in this house and know they will have to put on a fiber festival here in our yard if I die.

One of the gals whose work I took with me to Rhinebeck is Elynn Bernstein. Her web site is:
www.amanostudios.com Please go check out her clothing line, it is simply amazing. Ellyn makes amazing coats and her nuno is simply lovely! I was so honored to rep her delicious felts. Love her style!

Sorry about the faceless nuno felts. After a day of work, I looked tired and cut off the face on purpose. Some days, it just ain't that nice to look at!

If you can come to one of the classes, that would be great. If you can't, will you share the information with a friend?

Thanks for popping by!
Shalom
Suzanne

Home

Whirlwind of events lately, have taken their toll on my energy. Rhinebeck, NY was a wonderful event, then off to Ann Arbor, MI for Fiber Expo, set up, tear down, drive 14 hours here, sleep best you can then off to the next place, again, another 14+ hour drive, total exhaustion. Finally, I am home, back where the food is outstanding, the arms are warm, the eyes soft on mine, the bed is mine. Home, my favorite place to be.

I taught a nuno felt workshop this past Saturday, and I've just got to say that it was the hardest class I've ever taught, the most rewarding, the most honest, and I gave the most I've ever given in a class; so much so that I was unable to get out of bed on Sunday from the total fatigue of it all. From now on, I will always teach this way.

Thirteen wonderful women showed up for this dyeing and nuno felting workshop. I was so honored by their presence and absolutely in love with the works they produced. Each one was unique, totally beautiful, well executed, simply spectacular. I expect to see so many wonderful things in nuno coming from these gals. The whole room had great anticipation as we all monitored what the outcome of the wraps. I'll be quiet for now and let the pictures do the talking. Ladies, do take a bow. Your handiwork is lovely!

Shalom,
Suzanne

Class announcement one more time...and supplies you'll need.

I've set up a nuno felting class for Saturday, October 29th, at the Otsego Historic Society building, 218 North Farmer Street from 9AM-5PM in Otsego Michigan. We will dye the silk and then nuno the silk, like what I've shown in the photos above. Space is limited, it will be first come first serve so do let me know as soon as possible. You can let me know on Face Book or via my website email which is: info@hookedonfelt.com Cost is 125.00 for the day. I will supply silks, dyes, mordant, and wools. Will have a complete list of supplies later. Remember, space is limited, first come first served.

Please bring with you:
lunch and water to drink
LARGE glass bowl that will never be used for food again
3 old towels
pool noodle if you have one
iron
apron, if desired
we will be working in dyes so wear old clothes in case an accident happens or a plastic apron.
The class is now filled.
See you all then!
Shalom,
Suzanne

Rhinebeck, NY, I'm nearly on my way!

In a few short hours I leave for the New York Sheep and Wool Festival. I hope that if you are in the area you'll stop by. I have so many wonderful pieces of felt this year, some are mine, some from other friends spectacular felt works. I'll have a large number of hats, and some are really special. I will also have some wonderful works by Pam MacGregor, Jone Rakoski and Ellyn Bernstein and Barb Lambrecht. It's my favorite show all year, the folks are wonderful there. We are supposed to have rain, sadly but there are worse things...like snow storms, which we had one year.
I'll tell you all about it when I get back. I am really looking forward to the travel (14 hours) and seeing everyone. I hope one of the folks I see is you!
Shalom,
Suzanne

Sweet, sweet story about my felts!

If you click on the photo, you can read the story. Sorry, don't have a link.

Just some stuff I've been working on...

Not much to tell you. I'm enjoying the cooler days and the rainy days here, am getting ready for the upcoming shows, dyeing lots of silk, making nuno and felt hats. Life is so good when the heart and the hand work together. I love making felt.












Shalom,
Suzanne

Fabulously Fun FELT UNITED

Again this year, Barb and Gene Marr have invited Sue Pufpaff, me and YOU to join them on October 1st from 12-4 for the international day of feltmaking. Sue and I will both be doing demos and Barb will have the shop open for sales of their fine, farm grown yarns and fibers. All of the details and the "how to get there" are on the link. I hope that you will join us. It's great fun and very educational.

http://marrhaven.com/feltunited.html

The colors for this years FELT UNITED event are red, blue and purple. It should be exciting to see what we all come up with. Please do come and join us if you can. It won't be the same without you.

See you there!
Shalom,
Suzanne