One Knit One Purl

Elephant Hat

2012-01-30T18:26:00.012-05:00

My friend at work asked me if I could knit an elephant hat for her 2 and 1/2 year old son. After searching for a pattern, I noticed that most of the patterns online had a type of "carrot nose" trunk and ears that looked like a monkey or bear.

First I knit a basic child's hat using bulky superwash merino yarn. Then in deciding how to make the trunk, I bunched the hat in the center, stitched and stuffed it with pillow stuffing.

For the ears, I looked at elephant photos and cut them from a boiled wool sweater that I had felted. I then sewed them by hand onto the hat using grey yarn. They are stiffer and more "elephant-like."

The tusks and eyes were crocheted and sewn onto the hat, the tail is wrapped with yarn, and the tuft of hair on top is a few yarn pieces tied in the center.

The hat fits the little boy and he was very happy. He's a bit taller than the average 2 and 1/2 year old, so even though it is a longer hat from top to bottom, my friend folded the ribbing and it fits perfectly. He can probably wear it next year too.

Thank you for visiting.

Extended Christmas

2011-12-25T21:57:00.018-05:00

Dear All,

Christmas came so quickly this year! I decided to add some photos of my ornaments and decorations to extend it a bit longer.

Some antique Christmas ornaments (above and below). The next one rocks like a rocking horse.

Another Swedish/Norwegian ornament. It bends and can be shaped anyway you like! It also has little clay clogs. So cute. I've been displaying him for 28 years!

Norwegian woven wheat star ornament.

A Swiss angel on a chocolate base.

Window display in my small town.

Merry Christmas!

Frohlich Weinachten!

Joyeux Noel!

Holly Berry Red Stretch Lace Infinity Scarf

2011-12-03T23:17:00.005-05:00

I found this nice Holly Berry red stretch lace fabric on sale, so I serged this infinity scarf/shawl.

It's light, comfortable to wear, and surprisingly warm as well!

The edging is serged with black thread for a bit of contrast.

It will look nice worn with a white or black turtleneck too.

Visit Global Knits on Etsy to see more information about this infinity scarf and my other knitted accessories.

Holly Berry red is perfect to wear during the Christmas season.

Frohe Weinachten!

Fingerless Gloves are Everywhere!

2011-11-26T13:19:00.011-05:00

You've probably noticed how popular fingerless gloves are this season! Actually, they are perfect for dialing your cell phone, typing blog posts outdoors on location, or shopping at open air markets and craftshows.

Here are a few more photos showing the styles that I recently designed and knit.

These were knit with Noro Kureyon 100% wool, hand-dyed in Japan. Each skein produces 1 pair of gloves, but each glove will look completely different because of the color sequence.

My little Fiona Xena loves to sit next to the fingerless gloves.
Here are more photos to see the variations of yarn colors.
Please visit Global Knits on Etsy to see more of my hand-made accessories.

Infinity Scarf

2011-11-05T13:08:00.005-04:00

This is a new type of infinity scarf, handknit with a super bulky yarn. A crocheted choker flower is included.

It can be worn single-stranded or doubled as a neckwarmer.

It reminds me of Princeton University.

Au Revoir.

Bulky Knit Capelet

2011-11-04T12:22:00.005-04:00

This is a very warm, bulky knit, capelet cowl. I knit it with a bulky fuschia yarn with bits of purple tweed. It's super warm and cozy.

It can be worn as a capelet, cowl neck, neckwarmer, or scarf. You can stretch it to fit as a cozy wrap too!
Here's a closeup of the yarn.

Please visit Global Knits on Etsy to see this item and my other knits.

Au Revoir!

New Etsy Banner - Global Knits

2011-10-23T11:30:00.005-04:00

Dear All,

As promised in my last post, this is my new Etsy Shop Banner for Global Knits!

Please visit my shop to see the new appearance by clicking on the banner.

Au Revoir!

Announcing Global Knits

2011-10-22T20:39:00.008-04:00

Well, after thinking it over again and again, I decided it was time to go global, so I changed my Etsy shop name from PA Fiberartist to Global Knits. It was time to change the name to something new and current -- and Global Knits kept popping into my head.

There will be a new shop banner ordered today from a photographer on Etsy based in Poland named Bialakura and it will be uploaded to the shop hopefully in the next few days. I hope you like the new name, banner, and continue to visit my Etsy shop!

Here is my latest felted scarf. It was nunofelted combining a Thai silk blue scarf, blue and purple fleece, and silk pieces onto a black, very soft, prefelted background. I then needlepunched the entire scarf with my Babylock Embellisher. There is an added kilt pin with strips of hand-dyed silk ribbon and scrim (hand-dyed in England).

It's very soft and comfortable. Definitely, wearable art!
Global Knits

Creating Warmth Around the World

Animal Print Neckwarmer

2011-10-16T23:20:00.003-04:00

Faux fur seems to be everywhere, so I decided to design my own collar/neckwarmer. It's very soft and comfortable to wear. I have this one listed on my Etsy shop - PA Fiberartist.

I will probably make more of these neckwarmers very soon.

Ooo La La Paris Neckwear

2011-09-28T17:49:00.009-04:00

Okay - this neckwarmer definitely makes a statement!

I knit it with a muli-purple bulky yarn and added the purple ribbon yarn for a few rows. The ribbon yarn is very interesting to work with!

It can be worn on the shoulders as a mini capelet.

Or worn as a neckwarmer by wrapping it twice around the neck.

Here's a closeup of the ribbon yarn - it feels like butter!

The piece can be worn as a scarf/necklace as well.

It reminds me of Paris! See you on Rue Royale!

Au Revoir!

Infinity Scarf

2011-09-24T19:11:00.009-04:00

Infinity scarves are very popular. They are called infinity because they are connected at each end to form a circle. Usually they are made out of a fabric with a stretch, so you can double and triple strand them around the neck comfortably.

I have knit these type of scarves in the past, but I've decided to sew some using my serger. The edging I am using is called a napkin edge.

Infinity scarves can be worn double stranded for a cowl or necklace effect.

Or, you can wrap them around the neck three times for a neckwarmer!

Another nice look is to wear an infinity scarf single stranded, so you can cover the shoulders for a shawl effect.

Please visit my Etsy Shop - PA Fiberartist to see more of my handmade accessories.

New Handknits by PA Fiberartist

2011-09-10T11:19:00.006-04:00

Here are two of my latest handknit items. The first is a "phlox" purple slouchy hat - very in- style this Winter.

The 2nd is a handknit headband, made with Madeline Tosh hand-dyed merino yarn. The color is called "Stovepipe." Madeline Tosh yarns are absolutely gorgeous!

You will find these and more handknits in my Etsy Shop -- PA Fiberartist.

Thank you for looking!

Alpaca Dream Scarf

2011-08-23T20:52:00.004-04:00

This is my latest scarf that I knit out of Araucania alpaca yarn. It is very soft with a nice drape. The yarn is a hand-dyed multi color blue, the color of blue topaz.

Please visit my Etsy shop PAfiberartist to see more information.

View from the back...

Tie it French style...

Bonjour!

Ruffle Cowl

2011-08-19T12:57:00.003-04:00

New neckwarmer knit with Taria Tweed by Plymouth Yarns.

This yarn consists of 40% merino wool, 30% llama and 30% silk. It's soft and light. The ruffle is a Katia yarn (from Spain) called Ondas. It's a ribbon netting that curls as you knit.

Visit my Etsy shop to see more information about this neckwarmer.

I love knitting these because they are easy to wear under your coat and less bulky than a regular scarf too!

Also, this is one of the Fall 2011 Pantone colors -- Nougat -- from the new season color palette!

Dark Teal Neckwarmer

2011-08-17T17:20:00.007-04:00

The summer is almost over so that means the knitting is really starting! This is my latest neckwarmer/capelet. The neckwarmer is knit and the bottom is crocheted. A large purple button finishes it off. Following the Pantone Fall 2011 color palette, this is the dark teal that will be very popular this Fall.

Here's a closeup.

Followed by another closeup of the button.

Neckwarmers are very easy to wear and fit nicely under your coat.

This one is listed in my Etsy shop - PA Fiber Artist.

Au Revoir!

Keep knitting!

Encouragement

2011-07-31T21:00:00.004-04:00

Dear All,

Here is one of my morning glory flower photos. There was a sale a few years ago at K-Mart and I bought the group of 4 plants - Martha Stewart brand! It took another year or so for the flowers to bloom and now they are hearty and climb along our fence. This photo was altered in the "cut-out" mode on my computer program. The colors are vibrant! A nice scriptural reminder was added as well.

Take care.

Painting Again

2011-07-03T12:04:00.006-04:00

Hi Everyone,

I started painting again and I'm interesed in pen and wash techniques. Normally in the past, I would get too caught up in the details, so now I want to be a bit more "washy."

This second painting is my impression of an Irish farmhouse. I never really cared for perspective drawing, however my art teacher in college liked my technique - go figure!

I hope to paint more and more!

See ya!

Virginia Beach

2011-06-14T20:15:00.021-04:00

We went to Virginia Beach and stayed at a "pet-friendly " hotel! It was during the pre-season, so it was chilly, but good to be near the ocean!

Fiona was very comfortable watching everything from the balcony, as you can see.

There were Pelicans flying in a row!

This is the Board Walk. It's not really made of boards, but it's still nice to explore.

Fiona is a serious little doggie! She loves being with our family too. Being part Terrier, of course she is very protective of us! She loves to bark at the UPS man, the mailman, and the Fedex man! She's a Scottie-pooh -- part Scottish Terrier and part Poodle.

Here's Fiona watching the volleyball players from the balcony.

We had a nice time and Fiona enjoyed the beach!

Felted Mermaid

2011-05-01T19:06:00.007-04:00

This is a felted mermaid from my felt collection. I made her about two years ago and wanted to finally post her on my blog.

The inspiration to make a mermaid came from making felt with yellow, blue, and green hand-dyed fleece. One of the pieces looked like a mermaid tail, so I started needle felting a body, face and finally added the curly sheep fleece for her hair.

She sits on my art supply shelf, next to collages and cards that my sister Karen made. Please visit her blog - Scrapbook of Inspiration.

You never know what can be created from some dyed sheep fleece!

Happy Easter

2011-04-24T13:51:00.012-04:00

Happy Easter! Let's celebrate our Risen Lord Jesus!

I found these excellent jellybeans made by Gimbal's Fine Candies of San Francisco. They put 41 flavors in one jar!

Have a Happy Easter and remember that Jesus was crucified and died for our sins. Three days later He rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven to the right hand of the Father. He has gone to prepare an eternal home for those who believe in Him ... and will return very soon to gather the believers! Be ready!

Amen.

Baby Hats

2011-03-21T23:16:00.004-04:00

I've been making baby hats lately. Here are two for the newest addition to our family!

The first hat was knit with undyed, soft, merino sock yarn on circular needles. It has a rolled brim and I'm finishing baby bootie-socks to match.

The next hat was knit with a verigated pastel green yarn. I crocheted a flower (my first) embellishment and plan on making matching booties.

Thank you for looking!

Swiss Alps

2011-02-22T22:35:00.006-05:00

This is the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps.

Okay - this is where the gondola arrives on this skinny cable! It holds up to 80 people!

It was pretty high up. Hello!

Yes, this is above the clouds!

The view was amazing!

Touring in the Swiss Alps.

Thank you for stopping by!

Zurich Walking Tour

2011-01-25T19:31:00.039-05:00

I finally made it to Zurich, Switzerland and went on a private walking tour through the city. This is basically a shot of the giant clock (largest in Europe!) from the center of the Bahnhoffstrasse.

This is a famous rathskeller, Zeughauskeller, where the bankers go for lunch.

Here's another famous restaurant - Bindella - with it's pretty pink paint.

Zeughauskellar has cute cannons on each side of the entryway. The pigeons were posing.

This store is like Macy's! I had it on my to-do list, because I had read on another blog that they sold yarn on the 4th floor. It's true!

I bought a 2-pair-of-socks kit, with 4 skeins of very soft superwash wool (2 gray and 2 multi). It included a pattern (in German, French, and Italian of course) and 5 sock needles! I was surprised at the good price too, of 12.00 Swiss Francs, which is about the same in US dollars.

They had other really nice yarn in that department. They also carried art supplies, sewing notions and felting stuff. What a riot! I went to the top floor and had Swiss coffee and pound cake in their excellent restaurant. It's like a smorgasbord of anything and everything Swiss. It was very crowded.

I highly recommend that you visit Manor when you go to Zurich.

This photo is over a doorway of the rathskeller restaurant.

Some trolly cars in the banking district.

More Zeughhauskeller images:

I just had to take a photo of this boutique - It's named Bob!

Some Swiss flags.

Apparently, the seagull found a resting place on this statue's head.

This little Cairn Terrier was so interested in my camera. In my broken German I said: "Mein photoapparat ist nicht einen Hundekuchen." I was trying to say: My camera is not a dog bisquit. I believe the owners said his name was Manny. He was very curious. Maybe I looked familiar to him?

More clock tower.

I am not sure what this is, but it was pretty.

This is embedded on the sides of the bridge openings. You can see them below.

There are many nice roof gardens all over the city. They have hedges and nice terrace gardens.

Another clock closeup.

This is an interior design store.

Old world shutters and windows:

This is a picture of the Bellevue, which is right near Lake Zurich.

I loved the tiny white lights next to the blue shutters.

Altstadt - Antiquariat (Antique Books)

I found this really nice antique bookstore and asked if they had any fashion design books. The owner, Rita Schnellmann, brought me a stack of books that were 3 feet high! She was very nice, helpful, and speaks English. The books were in mint condition too.

These outdoor cafe tables were a nice shade of blue against the maroon stucco background.

There are cool iron entryway signs:

This is a nice greenhouse window:

More old world:

Here's a few more very narrow streets:

A very nice entryway with a gate:

Built-in stairs - very smart!

Pinwheels!

They even have swans swimming along the city lake:

The seagulls are tiny.

A very cool bicycle.

This is a boat house, which is normally open in the Summer.

Here is Lake Zurich. The main Lindt chocolate factory is somewhere in the distance on the upper left.

Here is the Lindt Chocolate company main headquaters.

Another shot of Zurich:

Gross Munsterplatz - I went to the "almost" top of one of the towers, which is 187 steps up. The stairs were a bit dangerous! The cathedral had very nice stained glass, but I didn't know if I could take pictures inside.

Near the "women's only" boathouse.

The clouds were rolling in, but it was still only 50 degrees and not too chilly for January.

The top floor of this building overlooking Lake Zurich is for rent for only 20,000 Swiss Francs per month!

When you buy a train ticket in Zurich, it is good for 24 hours on any of the forms of transportation - bus, train, tram and trolley.

Flower shop Primroses and pretty yellow flowers.

Another steep staircase. No wonder the Swiss are in good shape.

Das ist alles!

Bis bald!

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-25T14:03:00.007-05:00

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Here's my Christmas centerpiece.

My sister made bee hive cookies from her bakery - Bee Happy Bakeshop!

A wintery ornament in my window.

Pinecone birdy ornaments.

A happy Christmas Thomas Kinkade house.

My other Christmas house, which is over 12 years old. It has a light and I usually put the Christmas tree candles on either side.

Here's little Fiona Xena - my Scottie Poodle mix. She is very soft and fluffy.

Have a nice Christmas!

Frohe Weihnacten!

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

2010-11-28T20:05:00.010-05:00

Hi Everyone!

I've posted some photos from last Christmas to get into the Christmas Spirit. This nativity set is hand-carved from Israel. It's very nice!

This photo was not planned! Look at the light stream over the Baby Jesus!

I really like red candles and red glass at Christmas.

Here are some of my decorations. The taller Santa in the background is made out of paper mache and real sheep fleece for his hair and beard.

The angel in front of the Santa was purchased at the Salvation Army. She was only 25 cents!

This is another photo of the angel in the center background. She looks so peaceful!

Here's my hand-carved Noah and an elephant.

My sister sent me this Santa ornament when she lived in Hong Kong.

Here's a couple of my hand-made, cranky Santas.

They are made with paper mache, real sheep fleece, and hand painted.

Take care!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T20:17:00.005-05:00

Hi Everyone! Happy Thanksgiving! We have a lot to be thankful for!

I finally finished an infinity scarf that I designed using verigated sock yarn.

Here are a few photos of the different ways to wear it.

Take care!

Trains in Pennsylvania

2010-10-15T19:46:00.008-04:00

We went to the town of Jim Thorpe in Pennsylvania this summer and took the train ride through a gorge. It was fun!

Images of Summer in Burlington, VT

2010-08-02T12:54:00.010-04:00

Burlington, Vermont is a very unique place and especially in the Summer near Lake Champlain.

You can see the Adirondack Mountains on the other side of the lake.

Of course you will see Ben and Jerry's logo somewhere around Vermont!

Here's a Dahlia getting ready to bloom and some other flowers near the lake.

There was a nice sailboat in the distance.

More crew boat team shots:

Watching the sail boats again...

Some shots from the Boathouse, a popular spot near the ferry to New York State.

Images of the bike path near the lake.

More stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains.

It was one of those gorgeous Vermont Summer days and I am glad I had my camera!

Cowboy Mini Collage Fiber Pack

2010-06-15T19:57:00.008-04:00

Have you ever wanted to hand-sew an expressive mini collage? This is a vintage collection of creamy fibers, fabric, and buttons. It will make you joyful!

Here's one of my vintage mini-collage fiber packs. The little cowboy image was actually printed onto cotton fabric, so you can sew it with ease.

There's a felt backing, vintage hand made doily, vintage ribbon and buttons, vintage French vanilla cotton hand towel fabric, walnut oil dyed cheesecloth, unbleached gauze, brass charms and vintage spool of silk thread.

Visit my etsy shop for more details: The Emotional Outlet.

Express yourself with fibers - it's life transforming!

Wristlet Sewing Class

2010-06-14T19:59:00.011-04:00

Hello,

I just took a sewing class on Saturday, 6/12/10 about sewing wristlet pouches. The class was held at Hayes Sewing in Delaware.

Three fat quarters is enough fabric to make a few of these zipper pouches. It is lined with the pink polka dot fabric and there is heavy weight fusable interfacing added for sturdiness.

The fabric theme was based on this fun phone fabric - it has phone images everywhere!

There's a gusset or dart added to the bottom of the pouch for added poofiness!

I tried a little decorative stitching on the wristlet handle.

There's also buttons, ric-rac, and a zipper!

We learned how to add the zipper!

Here's that fabric again! Isn't it cool?

Thank you for looking! Take care!

See ya!

Fiberart Cuff and New Fiber Art Etsy Shop

2010-06-08T20:45:00.010-04:00

Visit my new Etsy Shop: The Emotional Outlet. I will be adding more fiber packs and embellishments very soon - so please be patient!

Here's my new cuff on PA Fiber Artist:

See Ya!

Handmade Journal

2010-05-03T21:05:00.007-04:00

This is my first attempt to make a handmade book. The cover was needlepunched using my Baby Lock Embellisher. I decided to make it into a handmade journal. This is the front cover with a matching flower with tiny peach pearls. I used tea dyed scrim, netting, silk, a nice sheer fabric and bits of peach dyed fleece.

The book has 8 watercolor pages - using Arches (pronounced "Arsh) made in France. It's the best watercolor paper to use if you are a painter. You could use this book as a watercolor journal. I was also thinking it would be perfect for a garden party as a guest book. Maybe add a paint set to the table for your guests to "paint in" instead of sign in!

The font and back covers have a 300 lb Arches watercolor paper too - just to add a bit of sturdiness to the outer fabric.

Here's a close up of the cheesecloth that I dyed in raspberry tea.

Here is a close-up of the tiny peach pearls sewn onto hand-dyed silk from England.

The spine of the journal is tied with green silk.

A shot of the inside back cover. I added some of the original fabric to cushion and soften the inside.

Thank you for looking.

Auf Wiedersehen! Danke!

Felted Violets in a Clay Pot Pin Cushion

2010-04-24T11:16:00.008-04:00

Here's a subtle pin cushion, perfect for your sewing table.

I kept thinking about making this pin cushion, so this morning I finally finished it. The tiny pot is a standard 1.5" size.

There's two yellow head pins in the center of the violet as a realistic accent.

It's tiny, but subtle. Perfect for your craft table.

You can find it listed on my Etsy shop - PA Fiber Artist.

Happy creating!

Become a Fiber Artist

2010-04-22T21:43:00.004-04:00

I've been experimenting using my Baby Lock Embellisher.

This piece is mossy green wool felt with a sheer silk scarf needle punched onto it. The piece measures 18" by 12".

It's perfect for someone who wants to try embellishing it further by adding decorative stitching, fabric bits, ribbon, buttons, beads, yarn pieces or other creative bits.

This prefelted piece is for sale in my Etsy Shop - PA Fiber Artist - stop by a take a look.

Become a fiber artist - it's life transforming and very enjoyable!

Take care.

Baby Lock Embellisher for Fiber Art

2010-04-11T22:28:00.008-04:00

Here's my first landscape using the Baby Lock Embellisher. It is very easy to use and fun as well.

The purple and blue flowers are from circles cut from Kaffe Fasset fabric. There are French knots, handstitching, and other texturizing.

There's some added scrim (a gauzy fabric) that I bought from The Rainbow Girl on Etsy. Her items are very nice and she ships quickly from England!

The brownish wispy fibers are from a strap from a silk camisole! There are also bits of silk waste pieces felted throughout for more organic texture.

Thank you for visiting. Please visit my Etsy shop for more of my fiber art.

Mermaid Jewelry

2010-03-25T20:06:00.005-04:00

Resin pendants are so popular now, so I started experimenting with my felting techniques. Voila! Mermaid Jewelry! The colors and style remind me of mermaid jewelry. This is so comfortable to wear too!

This pendant tray is made of lead-free pewter. The back has etched swirls with a black undertone. I made the chain using silver-plated chain, finished with a sterling silver lobster claw clasp.

The needle felt is mostly wool fleece, needle punched with bits of hand-dyed silk from Oliver's Twists, and embellished with aqua Miyuki seed beads.

The necklace is a standard size 16" chain, which fits comfortably on most people.

This is another pendant - round - and filled with needle punched felt, embellished with seed beads.

From far away, it looks like a tiny painting of an organic landscape.

This will be listed on my etsy shop soon!

Felt and Pewter Jewelry

2010-03-21T14:26:00.005-04:00

Resin pendants are in style, but these are filled with wool felt! Silver-plated, lead free pewter pendant trays are filled with felt that I made and then embellished with beads.

This one looks very organic -- to the colors of the ocean. Coordinating Czech glass faceted beads were added to compliment the piece.

I decided to make this pendant to the colors of Faith, which I think should be purples and blues. The pewter charm was added to the needle felt and then surrounded with Miyuki seed beads.

Please visit my Etsy Shop - PA Fiber Artist to see more of my fiber pieces.

Felted Bunnies

2010-03-07T16:00:00.006-05:00

Here is my latest needle felted Easter bunny. She is cute and squishy.

She is made from 100% wool fleece. The basket is needle felted too and the grass is cotton "Sea Grass," which I found at a local needlepoint store. It's stiff and feels like real grass!

I tried to make the ears to look like real rabbit ears and it was a bit tricky.

Of course she has a fluffy white bunny tail!

Spring is almost here!

A Hat Becomes A Bowl

2010-02-22T19:47:00.005-05:00

Knitting Update on Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T15:30:00.016-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

With all of this snow, I've been knitting, knitting, and knitting! Here's some of my latest knitting projects. I've been working on a sweater vest using Noro Kureyon wool yarn. The colors are always so interesting. When you knit a sweater or vest with this yarn, it's a good idea to try and match the verigations of the colors. It's not mandatory for a short vest like I'm working on, but definitely if you are working on sleeves, for example, and you want to make sure they match.

Here's the pattern from Noro Mini Knits:

I'm knitting socks for my mother and she likes white. These are knit with soft super wash Merino wool.

The ankle cuff is knit 2 purl 2 ribbing.

It's an Ann Norling basic sock pattern.

Here's another neckwarmer that I'm working on. It's a fair isle pattern stitch with chocolate brown and winter sky blue yarn, fingering weight. I'm getting back into the multi-color knitting from my Norwegian sweater knitting days.

Don't eat too much chocolate today!

Blizzard Part Two!

2010-02-12T19:35:00.011-05:00

Okay, here are some pictures from the SECOND storm in one week! All total, we got 4 feet....in the Philadelphia area!

It was like powdered sugar falling from the sky!

This is an old barn wall on the property, with the snow piled high on my planter!

The Japanese Maple was a good hiding place for birds!

This was a huge storm and many roads were not plowed. We couldn't go to work on Wednesday because conditions worsened. I'm glad it's over!

Thank God we did not lose our electricity!

Blizzard in PA

2010-02-06T15:24:00.006-05:00

Southern PA got a lot of snow last night and today! Here are some photos from this morning. We had over 2 feet!

Personally I can't wait for the next snowstorm!

Scottie-Pooh

2010-02-03T19:52:00.006-05:00

This is Fiona and she is a mix of a Scottish Terrier and a Poodle. Her fur is as soft as cashmere!

Sometimes her fur looks like she is wearing curly pants!

One of her dog toys is a racoon baby and it actually looks like her!

Fiona is very mellow and gentle.

She has her moments of being very funny!

Hi, I am Fiona Xena and I am a super model.

Donate to help the Orphans in Haiti

2010-01-23T12:45:00.005-05:00

Please visit the following link to donate to help the orphans in Haiti!

http://www.forhisgloryoutreach.org/home

For His Glory Outreach is a Christian ministry in Texas. They provide help to the orphans in Haiti and need your donations.

Upcycled Extra Long Wool Scarf

2010-01-20T19:51:00.007-05:00

This scarf was formerly a sweater!

I purchased it from the Salvation Army, washed and felted it, cut it up, and serged it together to make a long, soft scarf!

You can wear it tied French style, wrapped around a few times for a nice look, or totally wrapped into a neck warmer.

It's was a fair isle style, soft merino wool, chocolate brown with natural landscape colors knit throughout.

Thank you for looking!

Christmas Vignettes

2009-12-23T20:52:00.013-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Each Christmas, I love to create little "vignettes" around the house.

The center angel in this next photo was purchased at the Salvation Army store. I just had to take her with me because she needed a home. She is very calming and sweet.

My sister sent the next three angels to me from Hong Kong back in the 1990s. They are hand carved and very nice!

I made this Santa - he's made of paper mache with real sheep fleece for his hair and beard.

Here's some other favorites:

I didn't plan this next photo, but the light over the baby Jesus is profound, isn't it?

This hand carved nativity is from Israel.

Noah and the Ark!

More of my paper mache Santas!

Here's a mixed media of the 3 Wise Men worshipping the Baby Jesus. It's made with printed fabric, paper, and ribbon.

Merry Christmas to all!

Needle Felted Santa

2009-12-06T21:13:00.003-05:00

Announcing Nicholas. He's a needle felted santa and a little grumpy!

He measures 3" tall and 2" wide.

Nicholas will be featured on my Etsy shop starting on 12/7/09.

Please visit http://pafiberartist.etsy.com
Thank you!

Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T17:22:00.002-05:00

Dear All,

I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Best,
Susan

Free Knitted Cuff Pattern

2009-11-25T13:32:00.011-05:00

Cuffs and wrist warmers are in style right now, so I decided to design and knit a few pairs.

This yarn is wool and acrylic made in Spain. It has verigations of wines and browns, with nubbies of orange, purple, and green. It's hard to believe that this pair came from the same yarn and dye lot!

Here's a pair from a verigated yarn made in Italy. It's wool and acrylic and reminds me of the colors of a mountain lake.

This yarn is Merino wool and very soft and warm. There is a crocheted purple edging and matching decorative button. These totally remind me of Marie Antoinette!

Free pattern:

Needles: (4) size 10 double pointed needles

Yarn: Worsted or chunky yarn - it's up to you

Cast on 8 stitches on each of the 3 needles = 24 stitches total

Knit 24 to 26 rows - or to whatever length you prefer

(Note: You can knit other stitches like the moss or seed stitch or add a cable, etc.)

When you reach desired length, bind off loosely

Decorative top:

Crochet 2 rows. (I crocheted one row of single, then one row of double crochet.)

Add embellishments - buttons or beads

You are done!

If you are not a knitter and would like to purchase a pair, please visit my Etsy Shop - http://pafiberartist.etsy.com

Au Revoir!

Swedish Cuff Pattern

2009-11-11T21:46:00.012-05:00

Fingerless gloves are very popular right now! They are very convenient to wear while blogging too! It's great to be able to wear gloves and type!

The cuff pattern is a warm olive green yarn knit with taupe and mocha brown yarn. The stripe design is from a Swedish mitten book from the 1850s!

Fingerless gloves are quicker to knit than regular mittens. They are perfect to make when you want to use up your stash of yarns too!

Here are some freshly made earrings, with peach color faceted briolettes and copper findings.

The background in the photos match the earrings. It is from a greeting card my sister (Karen Harvey Cox) made. The colors of the papers and the earrings match perfectly!

When you think you can't create, keep creating!

2009-11-01T18:51:00.002-05:00

Abiding

I am abiding in God today. He is my Rock. He is my Fortress. I will sit under His Wings today and rest. I will drink in His Love and Grace. I do not need to worry when I am alone, for He is with me all of the time. My thoughts are continually Praising Him. He shows me the way through all that I encounter.I am abiding this day so that I will not fail. God will strengthen me to get through all that concerns me this day. He will allow me to grow and be creative this day. He is sufficient. I will abide in His Branches.

John 15:5: I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (KJV)

Earthy Neckwarmer Capelet

2009-10-27T19:37:00.003-04:00

Capelets are fun to knit, crochet and wear. Here's my latest.

This yarn has so many colors in it - rootbeers, coffees, browns, steel gray, black, and maroon. It will probably match many coats and jackets.

The neck part is handknit and the capelet part is crocheted. It fits comfortably on the shoulders and will definitely block the wind from getting into your coat!

You can see the verigations in this yarn - there are so many colors! It reminds me of Paris or NYC!

Please visit my Etsy Shop - PA Fiberartist to see more of my handknits!

Merci!

I Love Turquoise!

2009-10-24T11:22:00.006-04:00

Turquoise is everywhere in the Western U.S. It's so organic and feels good to the touch.

I made some earrings for my Etsy jewelry shop - Boutique de Bijou.

Here are some closeup photos. These are hand made with copper rings and ear wires.

Thank you for looking!

Nunofelting Again

2009-10-11T21:31:00.009-04:00

This scarf is called Monet's Garden. It's made with silk chiffon and dyed merino sheep fleece.

Here's a mocha, cocoa, creme brulee, toffee with hints of root beer silk wide scarf with similar merino fleece pieces felted into the silk threads.

This is a mauve sheer silk chiffon scarf with aubergine and moss green fleece meandering throughout. It's light and warm!

I will be posting other pieces from my collection very soon.

Please stop by again.

Au Revoir!

Creativity Prayer

2009-10-04T10:51:00.004-04:00

Dear Lord,

Today, I want to create through You, Please inspire me to create something that pleases You, I give my creative talents over to You, Lord. Bless me that I may be a blessing back unto You. Thank You, Lord, for giving me creative talents. Help me to get in touch with my creativity. Help me to uncover my artist within. Help me to make art for You and dedicated to You. Inspire me to inspire others, Lord.

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Fall Knits - Lots of Purple!

2009-09-17T20:16:00.013-04:00

You've probably noticed that purple is totally in-style for this Fall's fashion!

Here's my latest design - a capelet handknit with super bulky, soft, warm, purple yarn. The knitted stitch throughout the capelet is called the Brioche Stitch.

It's fun to design a pattern as you knit. This one is easy to wear and very warm, without being too bulky and heavy.

You can see it listed in my Etsy Shop - PAfiberartist.

Start knitting! It's life transforming!

Au revoir!

Purple Cone Flowers - provide beauty and health!

2009-09-12T22:47:00.015-04:00

God certainly is a great Artist!

These purple cone flowers are not only pretty to look at, but they also have medicinal healing properties in their roots. God certainly created them as a "win-win" flower - with beauty and healing attributes!

Also called Echinacea, which is the dried root of this plant. It's a natural remedy for colds.

The following was excerpted from the Safe Alternative Medicine website in the UK:

Fighting Infection

When taken orally, echinacea enhances the movement of white blood cells into areas of infection to destroy foreign particles, bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms. Echinacea can raise white blood cell activity when necessary to fight infection and lower it when the body's condition has improved. It also inhibits the growth of bacteria such as staph (Staphylococcus aureus) and increases general immune system function.

Soothing Skin

Used topically, echinacea speeds up wound healing and also prevents dry skin. It has also been sown to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis, eczema and inflammatory skin conditions. In one study of 4500 patients with inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis, 85% were cured with topical applications of echinacea salve.

The colors are very fibrant!

These flowers always remind me of badminton birdies!

Looks like a sea urchin! Amazing what God has created!

The Gold Finches love to eat the tiny seeds in the center.

Thank you for looking.

2009-09-06T22:21:00.006-04:00

I uploaded two new items to PAfiberartist, my Etsy shop. One is a neckwarmer and the other a nunofelted scarf. I hope you like them!

Click here to see it --> Youtube .

Thank you for looking!

God and Wool

2009-08-30T19:57:00.005-04:00

Working with wool helps me to feel connected to God. When you wash sheep fleece for spinning yarn - it turns pure white as soon as you dip it in the warm soapy water. When I would prepare the fleece for spinning, it would make me think about the profoundness of God's Word in Psalm 51:7 - because the fleece would turn whiter than snow!

"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me,

and I shall be whiter than snow."

It's not only one of the most perfect fibers to work with too, but it's also warm and protects us from the elements - just like God! When you work with the wool, it brings a sense of connectedness to Him. Working with wool can also help to bring you toward healing and wholeness. My friend had cancer and she started needle felting and working with fleece at that time. She mentioned that it was therapeutic for her to work with the wool and made her feel connected to Him.

Blind people can learn to spin yarn. Isn't this profound? Maybe not having to see as the yarn is spun can teach us something about faith!

Working with wool also gives you a sense of accomplishment, that you made something that has a purpose. Maybe God wants us to realize that He created us with a purpose too.

As a knitter, I feel it is a privilege to work with wool and I thank God that I learned how to knit, especially since it is the reason why I quit smoking cigarettes just about 25 years ago!

Stay Inspired! Don't be stressed; be blessed!

Purple Mountains Majesty

2009-08-23T10:49:00.009-04:00

God's beauty is shown in His mountains.

This is a 10" x 7" watercolor done with a glazing technique and ink.

It looks good diplayed on this metal easel. It would like nice in a mat or framed between glass.

It shows a reflection of the mountains too. When I am worried, the mountains seem to give me a sense of security and protection.

Whenever you feel worried or upset, just look at this painting and remember that God is in charge! Go to higher ground!

Thank you for looking!

Point of View

2009-08-15T11:35:00.009-04:00

Here are some of my paintings, altered photos, and collage quilts I thought I would share.

These altered photos are of flowers called Indian Blankets:

This watercolor is one of my favorites - from a photo I took on a rainy day in Paris.

Watercolor of One of the many Names of God:

Oil painting - one of my sunflowers I grew a few years ago.

Acrylic done from a photo I took at the beach in Cape May, NJ

My favorite Pepper Painting watercolor:

Oil painting: 2 pears and a pepper

Pansy quilt collage:

Majestic Glory - another one of the many names of God. This is embroidered and quilted:

Fulled Purse - knitted and then felted:

Take a peek at the following link: "From the High North." This is Eline's nice blog from Oslo, Norway. I learned how to knit from a Norwegian woman years ago and her blog reminds me of her. They are great knitters!

Thank you for looking at my favorite art and be sure to visit my Etsy Shop - PA Fiber Artist!

Au revoir!

PA Fiber Artist Favorites

2009-08-06T21:17:00.014-04:00

Here are some of my favorite books and music. Yes, they are linked to Amazon, but you will get the best price and it's a very convenient way to shop.

Darlene Zschech is from Australia and you have probably heard her famous song "Shout to the Lord." She usually sings at the Hillsong Church during their worship services. She has been part of the Hillsong Music series for a long time and she also sings at some of the Joyce Meyer Conventions.

Darlene wrote a book/CD combination - Kiss of Heaven. Here are two other CD favorites featuring her music: Extravagant Worship and Change Your World.

My Favorite Devotional!

My sister gave me my first Hearing God in 1988. Lory Basham Jones is married to Dean Jones (Babyboomers - you probably remember him from the Disney Movies in the 1960s and 1970s). He was in the "original" Luv Bug movie (Sorry Lindsay Lohan #:-0 )

Anyway - his wife - Lory - wrote this amazing devotional. A MUST HAVE and a GREAT GIFT!

Organic Garden Update

2009-08-05T22:14:00.010-04:00

Here's an update on Stone Wall Organic Garden:

There are a million tomatoes and I've been blanching and freezing just about everything. I feel like I am playing "Twister" while I pick the tomatoes. We have 70 tomato plants - my new name is "Farmer Girl!"

We also bought a "FoodSaver" - see link on side bar for more information. It takes the air out of the bag as your food is sealed. That way your food can last much, much longer in your freezer. Years even!

We have some mega zucchinis like this one:

The cucumbers are excellent! Here's one:

Wax beans are like bananas - look how big!

This is oregano. The watermelon is spreading, however, so I had to put bricks around the oregano to protect it. It's very mild oregano and tastes good in salads too! Drying it will bring out the true oregano flavor for seasoning.

Here's one of the baby watermelons starting. This was last week (7/26/09), but as of today -8/5/09 - it's the size of a bowling ball!

Oy vey! - we are going to have many watermelons!

Here's a turnip - I blanched, cut and froze most of the turnips using the FoodSaver.

Here's some beets - I boiled them, cooled them off (following the Barefoot Contessa's recipe), removed the skins (wearing rubber gloves of course - or else I would have purple hands!), cut them into small sections, marinated them in Julia Child's vinegrette recipe, and sliced fresh onion like my Grandmother used to do. Very good food!

Here are some carrots. I will have a separate post showing more photos. I also made a video of the carrots and will post it on YouTube. They are rainbow carrots and we harvested about 50 lbs!

The broccoli is starting - not too bad for the first planting.

This tomato looks like a turtle with a smile:

Here's our basil. I am going to make pesto, providing I can find REAL pine nuts that are NOT FROM CHINA! Do you believe it? I am going to look in an Italian market for pine nuts FROM ITALY!

Here are some onions and leeks:

The parsley is holding up and it's very flavorful:

Every time I look at the cabbages, I am reminded of Peter Rabbit:

The potatoes are almost ready too. We've harvested some. There are red potatoes and Yukon gold.

That's it for now.

Au revoir!

On Higher Ground Original Water Color

2009-07-31T22:05:00.011-04:00

Painting again! I usually go through dormant stages, but eventually end up picking up the brushes and getting out the paints!

This painting is from a recurring "mountain image" in my mind from all of the years that I lived in Vermont. I grew up on Long Island, but loved to ski - not very well, mind you! I decided to be a ski bum one season in Vermont, but didn't realize -- back then -- that I would stay there for the next 17 years!

"Ah - Yup," as they say.

Vermont is where I learned most of my fiber arts like knitting, felting, and spinning yarn. It was there that I learned how to paint watercolors as well.

There is a Christian worship song, with the chorus: "Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." This chorus became engrained in my mind, from listening to it over and over when I went running. For this painting, I decided to add this chorus for encouragement and inspiration. There are many people who need encouragement right now.

The painting measures 10" x 7" on Windsor & Newton "Cotman," 140 1b watercolor paper.

Please visit my Etsy Shop for more details --> PAfiberartist.etsy.com

"...Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

(Psalm 61:2).

Le Petit Chat

2009-07-26T15:30:00.009-04:00

Here is Le Petit Chat - he's a small plush toy that I just completed. He measures approximately 8" tall by 3" wide. He has an embroidered eyes, nose, and mouth, and is wearing a sky blue crushed velvet ribbon as a cat collar.

The crushed velvet ribbon was purchased in NYC at a shop in the Garment District called: "The Store Across the Street." The Store Across the Street was originally launched by Tinsel Trading Company years ago (formerly called The French Tinsel Company). However, due to the economic crunch, The Store Across The Street has merged with The Tinsel Trading Company. If you are ever in NYC, please be sure to visit them! You'll feel like a kid in a candy store!

Le Petit Chat is stuffed with toy stuffing and his soft fabric body is made from polyester soft fleece fabric.

I will be posting him in my Esty stop soon. Please stop by: (PA Fiber Artist).

Merci Beaucoup!
Au revoir!

Organic Garlic Collage

2009-07-14T21:19:00.001-04:00

This is a collage of the organic garlic that we grew for the first time last Fall. They were harvested in June and my husband dried them. We will have fresh garlic until the end of the year!

Bon Appetit!

PAFiberartist.etsy.com

2009-07-13T23:45:00.006-04:00

I made a new Youtube video. It contains my latest PA Fiberartist creations.

Here you will see some of my new knits featured on Etsy.

Here are some closeups:

The garden is really growing now! Here are some updated photos of Stone Wall Organic Garden:

Lettuce:

Garlic - very pretty when dried:

Lettuce, squash, cabbage, onions, etc.

Carrots sticking right out of the ground:

Peas -- of course! Only God could create something so perfect!

The tomatoes are abundant!

Baby squash:

Wax beans:

See ya! Eat organic food!

Stone Wall Organic Garden

2009-06-30T20:18:00.015-04:00

This is Stone Wall Organic Garden - all of our seeds are organic and most of them were purchased from an Israeli company. We started the seedlings in our 3-season porch. The garden is 30' by 80' and my husband rototilled the entire thing!

These are two types of potato plants:

Here are the rows of potato plants:

This is a squash plant:

Tomato plants: We planted 70 plants of different varieties and plan on selling them at the local farm market, plus canning.

Panaramic view of the garden and the old, stone, barn wall on our property - made of Pennsylvania field stone from the 1950s!

Our garden is named Stone Wall Organic Garden.

Photo on left: parsley. Photo on right: left side- garlic, then peas (front left), and the rest are rainbow carrots!

All organic, we also planted basil, watermelon, chives, turnips, beets, Swiss chard, green beans, wax beans, and two types of lettuce.

Here's a link to the garden Youtube video of the entire garden.

I made a salad last weekend of whatever was ready to pick.

I added my own twist on Julia Child's vinegrette: (Organic extra virgin olive oil, organic white wine vinegar, organic horseradish mustard, a dash of organic honey, salt and pepper) wisk and voila!

Remember, eat organic food whenever possible! Bon appetit!

Serger Crochet - Something New and Fun

2009-06-13T21:46:00.013-04:00

Here it is - my first attempt at "Serger Crochet" using my Babylock Image Wave Serger! You can actually sew on threads! It ends up looking like a ruffle as you shorten the stitch length.

I made two scarves from stretch knit fabric -- and lots of thread -- for the wavy fringe edging - called "Serger Crochet."

It's light and fun to wear - please visit my etsy shop PA Fiber Artist to see more details.

I folded this scarf in half (lengthwise) and rolled it into this flower. It also stands by itself and looks like an icecream cone!

Wear it as a scarf or a neckwarmer:

Here are some serger crochet closeups:

Go to my Etsy shop - PA Fiber Artist - to see more!

Au revoir!