Lacking Focus

Staying focused is very hard for me. It's difficult to see something beautiful and not want to create it. Dear friend and fellow Bee member brought her beautiful crocheted button necklace to the meeting several weeks ago. Of course, I just had to have one.

Pictured here is the necklace that Karen made. Isn't it gorgeous! She has attached a variety of buttons and gold sewing charms. The crocheted band is made of triple crochets and forms a beautiful lace pattern.

I've finished the crocheted band and have started adding my buttons. Karen has approximately 50 buttons in addition to the gold charms on her necklace. As you can see from the attached photo, I have a number of buttons to add before mine is complete.

I'm using Finca size 16 black thread and a #10 crochet hook. You create the band first and then add the buttons and charms.

And speaking of focus.....Cathy posted some gorgeous photos of a vintage lingerie bag with the most beautiful roses. What a wonderful treasure this is. Please take some time to go to her blog and look at these photos.

After you check our Cathy's blog you will know what my next project will be. Thanks, Cathy, for the inspiration.

My Pin-Weaving Experience

Although I've been tardy with my blogging I have been busy stitching and playing. Dear friend and fellow Bee member introduced the group to pin-weaving. Karen has done some beautiful things including a wall hanging using this technique.

I was not able to attend the meeting where they got started but I copied from their work....shame on me! I took pictures and studied those very carefully and felt competent enough to do my frame. With board, T-pins and heavy thread I built my frame and created the warp.

At their meeting they had all these wonderful fibers and yarn to weave with but I did not have many of those so I made do with what I did have. I cut thin strips of silk and other lightweight fancy fabrics. In addition to those I used narrow trims and cords. I know you will recognize some of these in the photos attached.

Pin-weaving is fun and addicting! I quickly finished my piece and decided to make a purse. It's a little on the wild side but I like it. It needs a closure and a strap and it will be finished.

I used Misty Fuse to secure the weaving and also to attach the lining. It was an experiment that turned our really great. The only stitching on the entire purse was hand stitching the sides together and attaching the tab. I've used a stripe dupioni fabric for the lining.

If any of you are interested in pin-weaving be sure to check out the next issue of CQMagOnline. Julie is planning an article with lots of pictures to show you.