TA-DA, Jami's Bag is done!

Okay, these are the final photos of the bag for my niece. The leather straps were custom made for the bag. I think they are the "saving grace" on the bag. Tomorrow, it gets sent to Jami. I hope she likes it.
There, one less thing that "has to be done". Yeah, I love it when that list gets smaller.

I'd like to have you go take a peek at another blog I've come to enjoy more and more. Her work is feminine, delicate and lovely. Let me know what you think, okay?
http://bolichoniespi.blogspot.com/
What are your favorite blogs and why?
Shalom,
Suzanne

The Start of Jami's Bag

Happy Thanksgiving! So much to be thankful for! Could we ever count the blessings we receive daily? I could not.

Tuesday, I thought I'd get started on the rather large bag my niece has requested. I cut the pattern/resist. Got the wool, the silk fabrics, the do-dads I was going to add, started the handle and then promptly felt overwhelming, crushing fatigue. Took a 4 hour nap! What's up with that?

After the a fore mentioned nap, I did get the handle finished. The lay out completed on Wednesday. It is 6 layers of fine merino wool with silk fabric and tussah silk and little wool blebs of turquoise. I must confess I have no clear vision of what this bag will look like when it is completed. I'm flying by the seat of my pants and hoping for the best. (so what's new about that?) I'll work on it a bit today as time allows.

We (Jim and I) are having a very low-key Thanksgiving dinner this evening. I'll be working at the Plainwell Community Center serving dinner to our community if they need me. Love doing that. It is just the coolest thing to see folks from all different walks and stages of life, sitting together, enjoying the foods, and each others company. On any other day, their paths might never cross, but on this day, they are neighbors sharing in a moment. It is amazing to see and to be a part of the celebration.

May your day be over-flowing with things that remind you of the gifts that surround you.
Shalom,
Suzanne

FELT UNITED event October 3, 2009

Fellow Felters everywhere!

My dear friend, Barb Marr, is hosting a very special event on October 3rd, 2009 to go along with Felt United and the UN's International year of Natural Fibers.

Hope you can join us, the information is listed below. Michigan Felters, I hope you'll make a special effort to make it there. Should be a great day!

Marr Haven information is on my side bar if you'd like to join us for the day. Please do let Barb know as soon as possible.

Shalom,

Suzanne

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"Marr Haven Wool Farm of Allegan, MI will host a FELT UNITED event October 3, 2009 from noon until 4 :00 pm.

A large tent will be placed in front of the farm shop for felt makers to exhibit (and sell if you have a Michigan sales tax license). Suzanne Higgs of Hooked On Felt will demonstrate simple felt making for the public and will have several of her stunning felt hats available.

We are inviting all felt makers in our area to participate by making a felt item in the Felt United color theme of red, orange and yellow. A combination of the 3 colors or one of the 3 colors may be used according to the Felt United guidelines with no more than 3% added colors. Photos will be submitted to Felt United for their online exhibit as well as in a multimedia presentation. More information regarding the felt pieces are on the Felt United website.

Please contact me as soon as possible if you are interested in participating so I can include you in the news releases which I would like to send out by next Monday Sept. 7."

Barb

Another hat, really?

Ok, I admit, I love making hats and this is just another in a series I am trying to get done for the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. I am hoping to get about 40 hats completed before then and I can honestly say I am running way behind. I decided to do some yarn work while we were enjoying some incredible weather for mid-March. Hurt my shoulders, back and felt muscles. I'm on felting hold for right now, but hope to get back at it by Monday. Ice and Tylenol on my shoulders for now.

This hat is 100% merino in black and brown combination with metallic fabric inlay. There is no wrong or right way to wear this hat. Just give it a quarter turn and the look changes entirely. Very cool, very versatile.

Felt Bracelet, Felt Cuff

Ok, did the book markers and then felt guilty about not doing the bracelet, so here one is. I used gold colored prefelt wool, then added the metallic fabrics and silk pieces, then added an overlay of silk from a hand dyed silk hankie, then felted the piece. I'm sewing the snaps into place right after I add this entry.
I think I'll be doing more of these as well as showing my Best Buddy Dawn the technique on Friday.
Friday is my birthday and Dawn and I always spend a good portion of that day together, felting and laughing and felting some more. She is just the BEST!

I cannot belive I get to go!

I am sooooo thrilled to be asked by Susan McFarland to go with her and her incredible friends to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival. We'll work our self hard, we'll feed ourself well and we will sleep soundly, I am sure! I am so looking forward to this great adventure. Susan called and asked me to work her booth with her. What an honor! I'll be having a great time, promise!

In the meantime, I am dyeing fibers to spin or work into my felts. Some may also be for sale after I get back from Maryland Sheep and Wool. I am working primarily with merino/silk 50/50 blends, silk laps, silk fabrics and locks from various sheep, mostly long wools. Photos here are of the merino silks in 4 ounce braids. Could really get lost in the dye pots far too easily. There is magical stuff that happens in a dye pot!