New commission begun - first 3 blocks -- yes they are dresses.

Commission - finished.

As promised....I might say it's like Visiting Holly Go Lightly! and it's commission number 2 done. Delivery tomorrow!

Happy New Year!

2010 is here and I think I blinked 2009 away! The holidays bring lots of extra busy this year as my new husband and I blend our holiday plans and obligations, making it extraordinarily crazy and booked. We covered two states driving through rain, snow and ice. Ah the midwest, wouldn't you love to live here?

I have managed to get three scarves finished (photos posted tomorrow) and one more doll wallhanging almost finished and will be done by Monday for delivery. Photos coming on that one too. I promise.

2009 was a wonderful, blessed year with the culmination in our wedding in April and joining two families. Twisted Fiber Studios has become so much more integral to our daily lives. I know Sue and I work on some aspect of it every day and for that we are very grateful. It brings us joy and satisfaction. For those of you that are following us, thank you and a joyous 2010 is our wish for you.

The holidays are here!

Well, I don't know about any of you but I'm just now getting into the holiday spirit. I can't believe it is the 15th of December already. But I guess getting the head cold crud slowed me down. I do have a couple commissions. Some due by Christmas (yes Mom I'll make it) and some due by Valentine's Day. So busy is a relative term. I'm so glad that I am busy at home and at work.

Happy Holidays!

New photos posted!

Check out the slide show - I finally added photos of the pillows and some of the wallhangings - Sue inspired me to get them done! I'm in the midst of crocheting the scarves I mentioned now. But this nasty head cold is slowing me down! I promise, more photos to come.

Where is the time going?

It's early December, the first snow fall has happened and it's 30 degrees. Wow! The Thanksgiving holidays are past and a whirlwind it was. But I was constantly seeing ideas for new quilts. One was about concentric circles -- it was a photo of wood paneling with raised circular molding in a grid pattern. Hmmm how to replicate? I'll figure it out. Maybe buttons, maybe unravelling silk, maybe steel washers, or maybe a combination of those items.

In the meantime, I've gotten a couple requests for items. Another doll quilt a la Barbie was commissioned. My mother asked for three scarves for gifts. A good friend asked for some wall hangings - she has the materials but some arrangements and logistics (mounting plans). There may be one other larger commission but I won't talk about it any further until it's confirmed.

With the holidays approaching, hours to create are scarce but I'll find the time. Yes I'll take photos. Stay tuned. Please?

Finally!

I finally got some of my handbags, scarves and key chains added to the slide show. No small feat mind you! Some of them have been sold :( but I have others and will continue to create one of kind items since there is no lack of ideas rambling around in my brain.

Actually I met a young woman outside of the Rotary Building on Friday that had the coolest shoes, it sparked a design idea for a handbag so I dragged her into the Craft Show and had Shari take a picture of her shoes so that I could create a handbag to match her shoes. Watch this site for a preview of the process and the final product. I will post a picture of her shoes and my bag; I am sure someone will let me know if they thought my interpretation was correct.

What a Day!

Well here is part of my private collection which consists of handbags, beaded key chains and hand knitted scarves. Some of my handbags are knitted, some are felted wool with needle felted designs and others are old purses salvaged and re purposed. I had an opportunity yesterday, 11/20, to share my private collection at a Craft Fair at Rotary Intl in Evanston, Il.

You can say I can't leave well enough alone. I love to take an existing bag, paint it, add fur trim, embellish it with some bobble, like a vintage pin, feathers even a magazine advertisement or try using unusual yarns and combining them to make a unique scarf or knitting with fabric.

Each one is one of a kind and I have names for most of them. Like the Black and White knitted fabric bag, I call it 'The Third Rail', pictured here. Most of my knitting takes place on the CTA's Purple Line. One day I was waiting for the train at Wabash and Randolph, knitting my purse, when the ball of fabric fell down and rolled off the platform. There I was trying to pull up the fabric as it unrolled in mid air; eventually finding its way onto Wabash. I feared it would break and I would lose the remaining ball of fabric yarn. I was almost done with the handbag and had just enough fabric left to finish it. Plus the spool it was wound on was heavy and could hurt someone if it hit them in the head. I don't know what happened to the spool, I did look for it, but I was able to save the fabric. Of course, I missed my train but I think it was worth it.

Thank you all!

The craft fair at my place of employment was today and we were ready (I took the day off). Being both excited and anxious, we couldn't wait to get there.

We appreciate everyone stopping by and ooohing and aaahing. We love sharing with others the tangible aspects of our creativity!

For those who chose to take one of our favorite things home with you a HUGE and sincere thank you to you all!

We had a blast today!

P.S. for those that we said we'd touch base next week -- we will!

Progress (at least I think it is)

We're both fast and furiously preparing things for this Friday's craft fair. It should be a blast! Neither of us can talk fast enough to communicate all that we are trying to express. Sue's sister took a ton of photos yesterday and we hope to get them posted soon. Great stuff! I'm off to continue the labor of love and creativity. And the depletion of my stash. That's the best!