Gray - apricot ombre is complete

Scarf, linen stitch aka woven stitch 24in. cable needle size 5

On one side the color changes are horizontal along the rows and on the other side the color changes are vertical - every other stitch.

This is the two balls of yarn in the same colorway.  I used each yarn by changing the ball after every row. They are wound into the ball in opposite color order.

Quilting with linen and silk thread

This is the first in a set of experimental placemats. I'm using linen remnants and figuring out all the technical aspects as I go along, using traditional hand stitching for the seams and for the quilting.

I am using a 3.5 x 3.5 in template to cut the base squares, then making 1/4 in seam allowances. I'm planning on doing 4 x 5 squares to get a nice placemat size.

Each block is lined with a very light cotton batting.

The blocks are sewn together with a tight whip stitch. Each block has a line of quilting  that goes around the block 1/4 in from the edge.

The edging is a bias strip. The medium weight linen and batting make a nice heavy mat.

 

Reds! Sunset and hot tropics - the continuing story

 I will finish this within the next few weeks - it won't go back into a "work in progress" bag or bin.

It is the first work I'll complete in my new studio space. I've relocated to Greenfield, in western Massachusetts and hope to concentrate solely on my textiles and paper arts.

This small set of notes is what I used to develop the pattern. It is written on the back of the yarn label.

My working point of view - it's a glorious riot of color.

For an earlier post on this shawl: https://thatknittingblog.blogspot.com/2016/08/reds-sunset-and-hot-tropics.html

Little Hands Studio News - The Studio is Moving

Yes, Little Hands Studio is changing location, so it'll be topsy-turvey while boxes are getting packed and unpacked.  But it is altogether wonderful to handle all the lovely materials in the process of packing.

This embroidery is an old work in progress and worthy of some time and attention.

I've been mending these old black jeans for years, so this session I got out the bright silks for some dramatic applique and colorful stituches.

An old pal asked me for a favor and so I finished the yoke and neck. It was nice not to have to get through all that gray first!! I really enjoyed working with the bulky lopi.

 

Little Hands Studio News ; Drawing with pens and ink

Pens and ink are news in the studio. This drawing is made with gel pens and felt tip fine liner pens. 

 It seems like time to hunker down and put hours into learning how various mediums behave and how appropriate they are for my ideas.

In the mean time I'm packing materials for an upcoming move, so I'm going to pack the looms, yarns and other bulky materials and try to keep a slimmed down group of working stuff.

Although I have used a cross, I purposely want to set it off center and give it a bit more abstracted position and also add an asymmetrical setting.

It takes a lot of effort to keep the drawing relatively consistent so that the colors don't drift from shades into tints, and so that the color combinations remain vibrant.