Are you a crafter?

16 years ago

If you are, what are you working on?

I have been a knitter for many years. I finished my last sweater late last year. It seems no one in the family wants heavy sweaters any more, and truth be told, I don't want to start something that takes so long to finish. I've started making my bookmarks again. They are so pretty with the part that goes in the book, being plastic canvas woven with yarn, then the part that hangs outside the book is a beaded tail with a tassel. I wish I could post a picture. About 3 years ago I sen some to my Son & DDIL in CA and they showed them to people at their church. One lady there, asked if I would make 100 of them to put into Bibles that they send all over the world. I was so thrilled that someone was that impressed with something I made. After making so many of them, I put the stuff away, but now that I'm not knitting, I really like to have something crafty to do, so started making them again. I gave some as prizes at our Senior Club, and all of a sudden people started asking for them again. Now I'll have busy, happy hands. What are you working on? Dottie

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Comments (31)

jannie
16 years ago
Nothing right now. I used to enjoy knitting a lot. I made myself an afghan and sweaters for evryone I know, including two for DH. Nobody wears sweaters anymore. Now spring is coming so they'll stay folded in a drawer. I bought yarn for a couple of projects, three baby sweaters, but haven't got started on them. Wish I had the enthusiasm to get going on these projects. The yarn I bought wasn't cheap. Oh, I did make two knitted hats this past winter that I donated to St. Baldricks, the charity that provides hats for people with cancer who lost their hair doing therapy and for the people who cut their hair and donate it for wigs for these people.
hgl_gaylemarie
16 years ago
I dabble in lots of stuff. Paper Craft, Jewelry Beading, Crochet, Painting, Mosiacs, and I've done some Stain Glass.

I've made Floral Arrangements with Friends for Fun.
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OklaMoni
16 years ago
Dottie, I would say yes. I knit, I sew, I mess around with paint and wood.

Right now I have a dishcloth going, knitted, as well as a doll.

I'll post a picture of the doll when it's finished.

The dishcloth is one of two I make monthly. There is a dishcloth knit along, a KAL, where you get two patters a month, and the pattern comes in about 10 rows daily, till it's finished. They start coming on the first and 15th.

Got some nice patterns through this, and quit knitting the old fashioned one.

Check it out, but you do need a yahoo account to join them. But those accounts are free.

Moni

PS, here is some info off their opening page:

1st of the Month KAL: These KALs have a monthly theme and usually have a picture of something pertaining to the month/season. Usually a solid color is best for pictured dishcloths.

16th of the Month KAL: These KALs are usually a repeating pattern of some type. I try to incorporate a "new" stitch. Maybe something that you havenÂt tried yet. Variegated yarns are usually good to use for these KALs. For these KALs, feel free to ask as many questions as you need to get your answer and get through the KAL. There are some wonderful knitters in our group who are more than willing to help. This is a learning experience KAL.

We have past dishcloth patterns to work on at your own pace. That leaves the rest of the month for knitting tips, help, suggestions and just chatting about knitted dishcloths. We will have fun with knitting year round.

PPS, they (I-village) won't let me link the yahoo group addy. Feel free to email me, if you want it.
alisande
16 years ago
I've been thoroughly enjoying my return to rug hooking, but I can see that it's going to be a seasonal activity for me, just like it always was. There are two reasons: One is that I dislike handling wool in hot weather, and the other is that a lot of things get put on hold during the gardening season.

Right now I'm in photographer mode, getting ready for my show in June. June seemed so far away when I agreed to do this.....

PS: Dottie, my cousin Barbara knitted me a cashmere shawl for my birthday! It's lovely.....the most delicate shade of a mauvey dusty rose.
User
16 years ago
I do all different things. When I see something new I give it a try if I'm interested in it. I did tons of corn bags a few years ago, then last year I started bookmarkers. Also Hot & cold packs, eye pillows, fabric plants, I'm always looking for new ideas, I get bored easy.
ivamae
16 years ago
I saw the most beautiful sweater yesterday. It was worn by a lady over 90 years old and she is so spry. She let me have a very close look at it. It was the nicest pattern I have ever seen. She told me that she had designed the pattern herself. I told her she should copyright it and sell it. I sure would love to have it. I doubt if she has even written it down - probably all in her head. She is the most wonderful woman. Although it appears she has been through a lot, she is so extrememly optimistic and radiates that when ever you see her. I don't even know her name but am greatly impressed by her.

ivamae
lindaohnowga
16 years ago
Yes, I am a crafter and have been for many, many years. I craft almost every day, usually making cards, but I also enjoy sewing. I just completed some Emergency Toilet Paper packets to carry in your purse for when you are in a public restroom and there is no paper. These will be for my daughter and granddaughters.
nicole__
16 years ago
I'm teaching myself upholstery. So.....I get free chairs off CL, then try to remake them...I just finished these 2 chairs...Before & After...
susie53_gw
16 years ago
I used to craft alot but now I just do it when someone asks for something. I was in a group of 15 ladies and we held a craft show each year. It was so much fun but after 10 yeras it became overwhelming and we stopped. I am getting ready to put together a garden lady for my flowerbeds. I have her head and gloves painted. She will sit on a bench with a basket of flowers..

I do sew for my 6 grandaughters. I just wish I could get in the mood more often..

Have a great day, ladies...

Susie
azzalea
16 years ago
I do all sorts of crafts--knitting, crochet, embroidery/cross stitch, locker-hooking, sewing/quilting, spoon carving, quilling, weaving, smocking--know I've forgotten many.

I don't like making things that have to fit (knitted sweaters), so I generally knit afghans--love doing complicated fisherman knit patterns.

Otherwise, I've really gotten away from the purely decorative--that seems like such a waste of time, talent and materials to me. I try to make useful items these days. I've made patchwork: tablecloths, curtains, quilts. Am working on a patchwork playmat for a baby that's going to be born in about a month. I carve wooden spoons. Make locker-hooked rugs. I design and sew my shower curtains.

My next project is going to be to make a cute clothespin bag that will look like a cute dress hanging on the hooks in my laundry room.
Zipper_TX
16 years ago
Beautiful Job Nicole!!! I only make slip covers and once in a while if I have a chair that needs a new seat cushion I do that ;0)

I craft a lot, like Joann_FL said I do a lot of different stuff, right now I'm knitting a dishcloth, and cross stitching a piece for my DM & DD's 60th anniversary coming up.
kayjones
16 years ago
I craft during the cold season - paint, crochet, a bit of sewing, propagating plants in my greenhouse. During the warm months, it's all I can do to keep up with my yard - mowing, trimming plants, digging weeds, etal.
williamsburgjane
16 years ago
Yes, I am a craftaholic and have been for years. :o) I do plastic canvas. In fact Dot, you sent me a couple of examples of your bookmarks and I still make them basically like you showed me. I do change some of the beads and hanging when I think of something that might work. I also do hand embroidery, some jewelry, a lot of Christmas ornaments from plastic canvas, woven afghans (the kind that aren't knitted or crocheted) embroidered baby quilts and pillows and woven scarfs. I still do a little painting on wood ornaments too. I have the books and materials to get into locker hooking and have a Knit wit loom that I want to use as soon as I get my latest baby quilt done. I now only do 2 craft shows a year in the fall. I used to do 5 or 6 shows but getting too old to haul all those plastic totes around. :o) So, yes I quess I am a crafter. Dot, your bookmarks are so nice to give to people and to sell, so don't give them up. I love how easy they and the yarns are to slip in a plastic bag or tote and carry with to work on.
FlamingO in AR
16 years ago
I mostly sew but occasionally paint. Right now I'm working on some things for a local shop, pincushions that look like slices of cake and also cupcakes, they're making me hungry for cake! And I'm making a hexagon quilt and I'm also working on 8 sewing organizers for my Etsy shop. I just finished a quilted placemat for a swap partner, it's all bright fabrics and very beachy.

And I recently made and mailed some pieced potholders to Norway, for a different swap. I made a wonky star and a wonky log cabin. Also covered a note card and included a few little goodies, too.
lilliepad
16 years ago
I use to but right now my hobby is enjoying and helping take care of my grandbabies!
I use to do a lot of painting,oils and acrylics.I made and painted bird houses out of gourds.I would love to get back into that but all my supplies are at home in TX.I made jewelry also and soy candles.Maybe some day before I die I'll be able to do some of that stuff again.LOL I use to sew too,many moons ago.Don't even have a machine anymore but plan to get one soon.I want to start making clothes for the twins.
Nichole-Those chairs look like a professional job.You have taught yourself well! Love the chair style and the fabric.I re-covered an early american wing back sofa one time.Quite a job!
Flamey-I love your stuff too.I remember pot holders that my grandmother use to make.Not nearly as pretty as yours but they served the purpose.She made hers out of whatever scraps or old dressesor worn out jeans she had on hand.I think I still have a couple.LOL That's something else I'd like to make if I had a sewing machine.The ones you can buy are always so flimsy.
nicole__
16 years ago
lilipad, zipper_tx, Thanks!

flamingo_in_ar- very creative!

Would love to see more pics of your crafts KitchenTable!
donna_loomis
16 years ago
Over the years I have dabbled in many crafts, but now I am strictly a "needle crafter". I sew, embroider, knit and crochet. Mostly knit and crochet. I always have too many projects going, but I eventually finish them all. I just finished a pair of socks for my 10 year old grandson (biggest feet I've ever seen!), just need to weave in the ends. I have a circular baby blanket on the needles, as well as a log cabin blanket that I'm making to use up scraps (that one's going to be on the needles for a looooong time), and a pair of socks for me. And I just picked up the yarn to make my soon-to-be 3 year old grandson a coat for next winter. I love the pattern. It's called "Biff" and is made with inside pockets than run around the entire jacket that are lightly stuffed with fiberfill, which should make it warm.
dotmom
Original Author
16 years ago
Well. this is truly a talented group.
No matter what the craft medium is, there is something satisfying to make something with our hands.
Nicole...you did a beautiful job on thise chairs. So professional looking. I love the style of those chairs.

azzalea. I too like to do either fisherman knit patterns or intarsia knitting ( pattens calling for differ ent colored yarn with bobbins) It has to be difficult or I lose interest.

Ahhh, I knew I had sent some of the bookmarks to someone a couple years ago. It was you, Williamsburgiane. After making the 100 of them in a short time, I put the bookmark supplies away for a while, now I have a yen to make some more. It sounds like your crafting talents goes in many different directions, as do the other posters, here.

Donna Loomis, I think of you as our resident knitting expert. When someone has a knitting Q, you always have an answer. I know you have helped me a time or two.
Dottie
User
16 years ago
I play around with whatever catches my attention. I tried quilting for a while, but I really like picking out the fabric and pattern best. I have several quilt tops that I never quilted. I went to Christmas ornaments from there. I did pretty good selling those in a gift shop. I took a watercolor class a while back, but I'm not very good. My next project will probably be painting some flowers for dd bedroom. That is about my skill level.
nanny98
16 years ago
Ah, yes. Some of these threads are just like me!! I have tried my hand at anything and everything. Currently I have quilt "projects" that I need to get started...but there is oftentimes other things that get in the way. Like spring cleaning, jam making, playing catch-up with all they things I haven't been able to do for so long. (Healing is wonderful!!) And travel. I need many more years added to "my calendar" to get it all accomplished. Sound familiar????? You all inspire me! Nanny
cynic
16 years ago
Dottie, I imagine it's a great feeling to have your talents appreciated. I'm not a crafty person. Not sure what would interest me. I admire people with the patience and talent to do these things. It must be relaxing. You can either think about a variety of things as you work or forget about your troubles, whichever you choose.
User
16 years ago
Nicole those chairs are beautiful. You did a great job on the cording and the buttons in the back. I took an upholstery class many years ago and those were two of the hardest things for me.

flamingo you do wonderful work.

I sew, crochet and do some very primitve craft painting. I finished a crocheted tote bag today made from plastic bags. The handles from an old straw purse.

Here is a link that might be useful:
tami_ohio
16 years ago
Yep! I have tole painted, cross stitched, and sewn. I now only sew when I have to. I mostly knit, a little crochet, and am learning to bead. Currently, I am working on socks, a sweater (yes, I wear sweaters!!!!), those are knitted. And have started a crocheted baby afghan for a gift. And when I get an idea for a bead project, usually earrings or a bracelet, I pick that up.

Tami
Tally
16 years ago
I just finished another counted cross stitch baby announcement:

And this was an earlier one:
Marilyn Sue
16 years ago
I mostly have done sewing, embroidery, punch rugs and latch hook rugs. I like sewing and embroidery the best. Yes, all of you do very nice work in what you do, so much talent.

Sue
caroline94535
16 years ago
More photos, ladies; more photos.
donna_loomis
16 years ago
I'm certainly no expert, Dottie. But I love talking about knitting and crocheting almost as much as I love DOING those things. Nobody in my small circle of friends and family knits or crochets, except Mom, so I come here to gab with other crafters.

Caroline asked for more photos, so I thought I'd share a couple with you all. Here are a couple of baby blankets that a friend requested for a dual baby shower. They wouldn't have been my choices for color, but she picked out the colors herself based on what she knew about the mommies. I'm told that they loved them. That makes all the time spent worth it.
dotmom
Original Author
16 years ago
Donna, those baby blankets are sooooo pretty and looks intricate. Beautiful Job!!! Dottie
kathi_mdgd
16 years ago
Like so many of you i do lots of crafty things.I sew,quilt,cross stitch,tole paint,wood crafts,paint rocks(havn't done those for a while now)make spinners for outside from plastic canvas etc,etc.If it catches my eye i will try it.However i never learned to knit or crochet,except for the edge of dish towels(crochet)Tried them both,just never got very good at either.
I always make my own curtains,and have done some upholstery in the past,and i always make or cover my own throw pillows.

Nicole,you did a great job on the upholstery.

Flamingo,those are very nice as usual,and colorful.

Susie i'd like to see your garden lady when she's done.I made one several years ago and someone stole it from my yard.

I also like to do garden junk and visit that forum quite often.
TFS everyone.
Kathi
trishaw
16 years ago
I cross stitch. I have been working on a really large project for my son since October. I do smaller pieces every couple of weeks just to satisfy my need to complete something. I did this a couple weeks ago for my work area.

Trish
jennmonkey
16 years ago
donna loomis, those are gorgeous!!! That's it, I need to learn how to crochet.

Nice crafts everyone! I love seeing what everyone is working on. I haven't been doing anything crafty lately. I've made a few cards, that's about it.

Are you a crafter?

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