Polka Dots and Silks

There is so much SPRING all over the place here in southwest Michigan. Our blooming tress are in full or past full bloom, tulips are up and flowering, bees and birds all over the place. It is delightful and disturbing...snow is in the forecast for next week. YIKES! Frost and freeze could be very damaging to our fruit trees statewide.

Dad is happy in his "Man Cave" and is in good humor and doing quite well. I cannot even begin to say how happy I am that he is living with us. Perhaps it is because I am from a large family, it just feels right, even the extra laundry, food, appointments, dishes, etc....it just all works for me. Thankfully, it works for him too.

On a daily basis, I am caring for a dear friend who has terminal cancer, and my beloved husband Jim is taking over the task of cooking for her and her husband. They have no children and we have, for the time being, become their children. I had thought about going back to nursing full time...I didn't know it would come to me. They asked me to be her nurse and I am honored and humbled...and very sad for my friend.

About the hat above:
I was rummaging through some of my stuffs when I came across some of the old yarn samples I'd had from when I had the shop....hmmmmmmm....could those yarn samples be polka dots? or rosettes? or some kind of interesting surface design? Well, the answer is always "YES" ( ...which loosely translates into "try it...yes it worked, or yes, you have to try another idea") So, with that I took the wee samples from several different companies and made up the little colorful polka dots and used them on the surface of the hat. I like the effect of additional texture and the colorful pops on the black hat. The pieces on the brim are also bits and pieces of left over silks, sari silks, and cheese cloth. My mind is gathering ideas for small snippets of yarn for further applications.

The other thing that I wanted to mention is THE MIDWEST FELTING SYMPOSIUM in Madison, Wisconsin . I will be teaching there for two days and am hoping to take some classes as well.

• Patricia Spark Albany, Oregon
• Pamela MacGregor McClure, Ohio
• Marlene Gruetter Scottown, Ohio
• Suzanne Higgs Plainwell, Michigan
• Anna Gunnarsdóttir Akureyri, Iceland
• Regina Doseth Klaipeda, Lithuania
• Margo Duke Mount Airy, Maryland
• Pam de Groot Blue Mountains, Australia

Some classes have already filled, but the talent that will be there is outstanding. I wish I had the time and $ to take each class. If you've not been to this event and wonder if it is worth it, I can tell you with great certainty, it is wonderful. It is filling fast so don't wait to register. I think there is a discount for registration prior to May 1st.

Blessed Easter and Happy Passover.

Shalom and Felt Happy!

Suzanne

Fused Glass Inspiration in felt

Last year at the Michigan Fiber Festival, a woman gave to me a choice of one o f her buttons in glass. The one I chose has a mustard-citrine dominate color with gold and red-orange fire in it along with flecks of black and chartreuse. I've wanted to use this button for some time in one of my felt hats, and this is where it ended up. I hope the hat does the button justice. It really is a lovely piece of glass!
The Midwest Felting Symposium site is up and running! The choices this year are wonderful and I can hardly wait to be there. It is the best 5 days of my felting year, without question. If you have any question about attending, the answer is a strong, happy "YES!". The people, the classes, the setting, the fibers, the laughter, the gallery, the talent and knowledge all make it well worth ones time, effort and money to be there. If in doubt, check out the site: www.midwestfeltingsymposium.com
I might also mention that this hat was made using the technique I learned from Bonnie Ahrens at Symposium 2 years ago. LOVE IT! She is a delight!
I've been dreaming in felt a lot lately and rather enjoy it in the design aspect of it, but I also find myself rolling in my sleep as well and I am awaking with arms that are already tired! Not so good, in my opinion. However, I am keep a small notebook bedside so that I can write the ideas in the book for reminders when I really wake for the day. I'm finding it helpful.
I'll be teaching for the next few weekends and am trying to get stuff done, as well as get a bit rested for these events. I am looking forward to both.
I hope your day ROCKS!...and that you have the chance to make good felt!
Shalom,
Suzanne

Accommodations--OPEN ARMS

I have the great pleasure of staying at the home of Ruth Walkers' parents while I am attending the Midwest Felting Symposium. Each time I am there, I am welcomed with open arms, as though we are family. Their hospitality and great kindness toward me is much appreciated Each time I leave there is sadness. I always look forward to my time with them. Ruth. oh my, I always look forward to my time with her. She is amazing, beautiful, talented, kind, open woman who plays well with others. I am just happy to be among them!

Midwest Felting Symposium, YAHOO!

It is my favorite event all year long, the Midwest Felting Symposium in Madison Wisconsin. The Alliance Center is lovely, the classes are great, the air is passionately filled with the magic of making felt. While felt making is my passion, it's the people that I'll meet, or get to know better that make it so wonderful. They really are treasures. To see all of the talents, all of the designs, all of the colors, the laughter, the foods, the joy of being around other felters...I can hardly wait! I'll be leaving in about 3 hours for Madison. It's going to be great! I'll tell you about it when I get back.

Make great felt!
Shalom,
Suzanne

Lanadeflor, Again!!! Still!!! More!!!!

I love this gals work. Just had to show off more of her talents. Isn't she amazing!?!

I think she will be at the Midwest Felting Symposium. I hope you'll get to meet her there! Be sure to check out her etsy site: www.lanadeflor.etsy.com
Simply beautiful stuff, excellent colorways!
Shalom,
Suzanne

For Midwest Felting Symposium Ottoman

Here is the ottoman for the Midwest Felting Symposium in it's early stages. The fibers have all been hand dyed and in the case of the yarn, hand spun. I've made several of these, but this is the one I am currently working on. It requires the wet felting process yet, which will be done this weekend. Come Monday, I should have the end results to share with you.
If you are thinking of taking the class with me at Symposium, it's not too early to start planning your designs, and colorways. I'll try to have as many templates as I can possibly get done. If you have ideas, please feel free to share them.
For more details on Midwest Felting Symposium, see previous posts or just type it in your browser. So many wonderful teachers there, great amount of talent!

Shalom