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

One Hat that I'll Miss

This hat sold today and is on it's way to France, however, I will miss it a great deal. The colors were so much fun, so ethereal, and the felt was really strong. I hope the woman who purchased it will love it as much as I did.

Several weeks ago I had made another felt vessel, but when it was all said and done, it did not rock my world. So into the dye pot for good dip it went and I love the results. I first over dyed with hot fuchsia, then lilac. The colors underneath were all over the place, from greens to blues to reds and oranges. The dye pot allowed for a wonderful variation on those colors. The neon purple thingies are flattened silk pods. I love how they took the dye, wonderful color! there are also glass beads in the felt on the far left side. I think they are probably visible in an enlarged photo. I love the way they play with the light.

I am dyeing merino silks today and planning a bag for a bit later this afternoon. Again, I am struck by too many ideas, and not enough of me.

Shalom,
Suzanne

Bright Lights and Cheaters

Over the past few days I've been working on some felt vessels. I'll have more to show in the days to come. This one was created over a flat resist, using Lincoln-Teeswater cross, with some angora and merino added to the mix, along with hand dyed silk roving and silk fabric pieces (5mm) on the surface. It is so thick, so strong, it stands beautifully. I think I used 8 layers of roving to build up the strength and sturdiness and felted it really hard. In its final state, it measures 13x13.5 inches. After it was dry, out came the BRIGHT LIGHTS and CHEATERS! (Oh my, these eyes are getting old.) Doing the bead work was a challenge unto itself. It's something I usually do at night, and the lighting in our home is not great. The beading was fun, but challenging. I may still add some more things to this vessel, but for now, I'm giving my tired eyes a rest.

Everyone who has seen this piece thinks that it is a stone...exactly what I was hoping to achieve.

Lamb, Love and Hearts That Are Broken

In honor of my beautiful daughter, my darling lamb child, this vessel was made. It is merino with silk on the surface. Her heart is broken, but her spirit is strong and this is my felt prayer for her.