John C Campbell Folk School

I just got home after spending a week at John C Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC. It was an absolutely fabulous time. I had the pleasure of learning from Joann Hall of Glimarka fame as well as from my incredibly creative and talented classmates, Myrna, Sue, Deb, Erla, Jess, Pat, Marti, Melanie and my buddy Marcia. Christie got me out of my many 'crisis'. Thanks guys.

It took two days to warp the loom with a new-to-me technique. The rag rugs woven were as varied and special as each women in the class.

I'm too tired to write more right now but will share pictures soon.

UFO completed

This is a bag I started on two years ago.

Today, I finished it.

What a great feeling!

Mini bag Explosion

Second Mini-Bag. I love it.

Ta-Da! Mini-bag Completed

INSIDE

Isn't it cute?

A FUN WAY TO USE UP BITS AND PIECES OF FABRIC

The pattern is from Tracy Brookshier.

The pattern is "BB Bags".

I made the Traveler size.

Find it at:

http://www.traceybrookshier.com/index.html

Mini bag Project

Making progress

Putting in Zipper

Cutting out bias binding

Spring, New Beginnings

During my current allergy induced home captivity, I enjoy the beautiful weather from inside my house. The pollen counts are off the charts this year. My inability to get outside and garden has the side benefit of allowing me to work on some neglected projects.

Yesterday, I began a mini-purse project. I found the pattern recently on my travels to Alaska. There is nothing Alaskan about the pattern. I found it in a great quilt store in Anchorage. It is just what I was looking for, small size and lots of pockets.

Who doesn't love pocket-books? I prefer to carry only the essentials in as small a container as possible. Large handbags tend to accumulate stuff. Digging around to find my wallet in a sea of left-over receipts, hairbrushes and computer cords is a nuisance.

I am using some left over fabric given to me by my sister in law Amy. She is an incredible quilter and artist. I wish I had a quarter of her talent and skill. The fabric is from Mark Lipinski's fabric line. Here are the pieces cut out and backed with interfacing.

Happy Valentines Day

I'm back from Alaska. The trip was awe inspiring. If I were a few decades younger, I would love to raise a family there. It has retain small town pleasantries and hospitality. Not to mention the countryside is beautiful. We were in and near Anchorage so the temperature was very moderate.

Back in North Carolina, we are having the most snow of any winter I've experience since I was a child. Big snow storms arrived in December and January. Last week, ice and sleet. . . today snow again. Everything looks magical with it white blanket of snow tonight.

I'm venturing out a bit by weaving something more complex. I'm using an 8/2 cotton as warp and weft to try out a dishtowel pattern. The tie-up in not a straight draw. That is completely new to me. I'm struggling a bit. It feels good though to stretch my knowledge base and skills. It may take me many days to this one 'warped up.'